This Geothermal Hot Spring Hides Beneath A Glowing Mineral Dome

A warm, soothing mineral pool tucked into a cave below the Earth’s surface may sound like fantasy, but at Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah, subterranean soaking is a real experience that has been attracting visitors for decades.

Just an hour from Salt Lake City, Utah, and 40 minutes from the ski town of Park City, Utah, Homestead Crater is a 65-foot-deep geothermal hot spring that is sheltered from the elements by a unique 55-foot-tall limestone dome. A hole at the top of the dome lets in just enough light and air to keep those wary of enclosed spaces comfortable, and the temperature of the spring ranges between 90 and 96 degrees. While soaking in the warm waters is undoubtedly relaxing, many believe that the high mineral content of hot spring water also relieves joint inflammation, soothes sore muscles, and improves skin health.

Homestead Crater is a geological phenomenon known as a hot pot, and, at 200 feet in diameter, it is the largest of several dozen hot pots in the Midway area. The Midway hot pots formed over the course of 10,000 years as melting snow from the nearby Wasatch Mountain Range seeped thousands of feet down into the Earth’s hot interior. The hot water then gradually rose back to the surface, gathering minerals along the way. The minerals were deposited on the Earth’s surface, and over time they built up around the springs to form the area’s mounds and crater-like depressions.

The Homestead Resort in Utah. — Homestead Resort

Homestead Crater is located within the Homestead Resort, which was established in the late 1800s by Swiss immigrants who were attracted to the Midway area because it reminded them of their home country. Until the early 1990s, the only way to access the crater was to rappel down through the hole at the top of the volcano-like rock mound that covers it, but visitors can now enter through a ground-level 110-foot tunnel built on the side of the rock. One soak or swim in the Homestead Crater per day is included in the nightly rate of guests staying at the Homestead Resort, but the crater is also open to the public.

A 40-minute soak or swim costs $13 per person on weekdays and $16 on weekends. Reservations are required. There are two small pools with benches at the edge of the crater for people who prefer to sit while enjoying the water, but many choose to float on their backs in the middle of the deep crater. Life jackets are required for everyone venturing outside of the sitting area. Homestead Crater is the only warm-water scuba-diving destination in the continental United States and is a popular place for completing open-water training.

Not everyone who visits Homestead Crater chooses to get in the water. Visitors can simply take a free self-guided tour of the crater, and there is also a bridge that spans the crater’s opening where you can look down into the crater without ever setting foot underground.

Planning a trip to the Salt Lake City area? Be sure to check out the nearby Deer Valley Resort in Park City.

The Best U.S. Cities To Visit In October

When it comes to autumn travel, there’s so much more to experience than simply fall foliage — though that is lovely too! From a different lens on old favorite destinations to special seasonal festivals and places with perfect autumn weather, read on for our list of the best U.S. cities to visit this October. You’re sure to “fall” in love with every one!

Portland Head Lighthouse in Maine. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Portland, Maine

Maine’s largest city may be the busiest in the summer, but it truly shines in the fall. Portland is home to tons of cool hidden gems and boasts a beverage scene that is second to none. And with pleasantly cool weather during the autumn season, there’s so much to see and do in the city. Nearby Bradbury Mountain State Park, one of Maine’s original five state parks, is a perfect spot to enjoy classic New England fall foliage.

Visitors to Portland should consider a trip during Harvest on the Harbor. This days-long culinary celebration of the city’s food and beverage offerings makes it easy to see why Portland was Bon Appetit magazine’s Foodie City of the Year 2018. Tickets are available for a number of different events during Harvest on the Harbor, including a chef’s dinner, cocktail tasting, an oysterfest, and a Bloody Mary brunch. Prices for Portland hotels and lodging also tend to drop in the fall, so it can be cheaper to travel to Portland in October.

Skyline of Minneapolis, Minnesota. — Krivit Photography / Meet Minneapolis

Minneapolis, Minnesota (Or The Twin Cities)

Minnesotans tend to squeeze the last drop out of fall in preparation for their typical harsh winter season. So, it’s a perfect time to visit the Twin Cities, where friendly locals abound and there’s tons to do. Thirsty travelers should stop at Northeast Minneapolis watering hole Sociable Cider Werks. Their freshly-pressed apple cider is the perfect fall concoction.

Mineapolis’s Minnehaha Falls provides a great natural backdrop for the season, with kayaking, trails, and beautiful waterfalls right in the city. For the ultimate fall dessert, s’mores, head to Butcher and the Boar in Minneapolis, where you can taste the sweetness of the season. And to try a pumpkin spice latte made with real pumpkin, check out Five Watt Coffee; this local shop has four convenient locations in both St. Paul and Minneapolis and is a must-visit on an October getaway.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico’s capital city is an artsy haven that deserves attention in the month of October. The desert temperatures are very comfortable this time of year, and there are numerous fun festivals to consider. The Santa Fe Independent Film Festival, nearby Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and Harvest Festival are just a few reasons to plan a fall trip to the area. Additionally, foliage can be experienced on the Aspen Vista trail.

Santa Fe also stuns in the fall since it’s chile harvest time and hotel room rates are usually cheaper than they are during the summertime peak. For a taste of fall, try the quaint Teahouse and their divine apple pear crisp dish or their variety of local ciders. The pumpkin posole at The Plaza Cafe, Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant, is another seasonal winner.

Downtown Chicago in the fall. — DiegoMariottini / Shutterstock

Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City’s mild fall weather beckons travelers each October. The mostly clear skies during this time of year mean that the observation deck at the Willis (formerly known as Sears) Tower is well worth a visit. Plus, you won’t have to work up a sweat as you tour Chicago’s famous rooftop bars. Additionally, miles of trails on the Chicago lakefront can be experienced without the harshness of summer rays.

For both sweet and savory pumpkin offerings in Chicago, check out the city’s famed French bistro, Chez Moi; their pumpkin brunch, The Great Pumpkin cocktail, and pumpkin ravioli make October the tastiest month of the year in Chicago. October is also warm enough to experience the city’s well-known architecture boat tours along the Chicago River or visit the zoos. There are also numerous apple picking opportunities in the Chicagoland suburbs.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Beat the ski bums by visiting Salt Lake City during the fall. Hotel room rates are lower and the city will be far less crowded than it is in summer or winter. For those interested in getting some exercise while experiencing Utah’s natural wonders, the state is home to five national parks and three national monuments ripe for exploration.

For a bite of fall, try Hatch Family Chocolate’s caramel chocolate-dipped apple. Ballet West, located in SLC, also hosts performances in October that are perfect for tourists who crave culture and the arts. For a taste of Germany right in the U.S., the Snowbird Center’s Oktoberfest — a little less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport — welcomes 60,000 people each year during its seasonal run.

Denver, Colorado

The Mile High City is a perfect fall destination in the United States. One of the nation’s largest beer festivals, the Great American Beer Festival, is held there each October. Additionally, much like Salt Lake City, winter is a busy tourist time in Denver due to the city’s proximity to nearby ski resorts. Hotel rates and flights are generally cheaper in the fall, when fewer travelers are swarming around the Colorado capital. If you’re up for venturing outside the city limits, you could catch a college football game at the university in Boulder, drink a cold one on the beer tour at Coors Brewery in Golden, or pick apples at Ya Ya Farm and Orchard in Longmont.

The French Quarter in New Orleans. — f11photo / Shutterstock

New Orleans, Louisiana

By avoiding the swampy summertime, fall travelers to New Orleans will get to enjoy this bayou city during more comfortable weather. And an autumn escape means no overlap with the craziness that is Mardi Gras in the Big Easy. In New Orleans, October means Voodoo Fest in beautiful City Park. Travelers will want to at least check out the huge green space — it’s 2.5 times the size of Central Park — whether or not they attend the festival itself.

Additionally, fall is a great time to experience the haunted history of New Orleans, which has long considered itself America’s most haunted city. Travelers should plan to go on a ghost or cemetery tour to maximize the spooky October vibes. Some residents, especially those on stately St. Charles Avenue, decorate their homes for Halloween. Ride the streetcar to view these mansions in all their creepy glory.

Forsyth Park Fountain in Savannah. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Savannah, Georgia

Another spooky Southern city that is a great October destination is Savannah. After all, their local distillery is even called Ghost Coast Spirits in honor of the town’s haunted reputation. Visitors should enjoy a rooftop beverage overlooking the pretty Savannah river at the Bohemian Hotel. Additionally, a ghost tour is a must-do while in the coastal Georgian city; try the Moon River Haunted Pub Crawl for a boozy good time. To channel a classic fall flavor, maple, head over to the Maple Street Biscuit Company where numerous menu dishes fully embrace the season. Another fun aspect of Savannah is that there are no open container laws for alcohol, so travelers can enjoy a beverage and walk around the lovely (and eerie) Forsyth Park.

Providence, Rhode Island

While neighboring Boston is swamped with tourists in the fall, Providence allows for the same New England experience at a lower cost. The largest city and capital of the country’s smallest state, Rhode Island, has a ton to offer fall visitors. From its beautiful red brick buildings to its reasonable prices, Providence is a worthwhile October destination.

There’s even a Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in town and a Corn Maze in nearby Portsmouth. Additionally, travelers can see some of that famous fall foliage and the pretty WaterFire lanterns on the river. Providence is also an unexpected foodie hub, especially for fall-flavored items like the Spiced Pumpkin Loaf at Ellie’s Bakery.

San Diego, California

This laid back Southern California city is especially fun to visit in autumn. After all, that’s when the world-famous horse racing track, Del Mar, opens. With the tagline “Where the surf meets the turf” this spot combines equestrian pomp with California cool to make the sport more approachable and enjoyable. The weather in San Diego is also legendary in the fall, while hotel rates tend to drop. All year long — but especially in October — foodies should be sure to visit Cafe 222 for chef Bobby Flay’s favorite pumpkin waffle.

It’s easy to see that October is a prime month for a quick vacation to any number of the spots on our list. With fall festivals, pleasant weather, nature-inspired activities, and more, U.S. cities truly shine in autumn.

Not sure what else to do this fall? Learn where to see the best fall foliage in the U.S. and plan your travels accordingly!

How To Spend An Amazing Weekend Getaway In Woodstock, Georgia

Venture outside Atlanta for a weekend getaway in the charming city of Woodstock, Georgia. You’ll find a walkable town with great eats, culture and the arts, boutique shopping, a community-involved brewery, plus outdoor activities like hiking, bicycling, and kayaking. You may even want to take a side trip to visit some of the areas nearby where movies and television shows including Ozark are filmed.

Woodstock ranks as one of Georgia’s best outdoor destinations with Lake Allatoona, the Greenprints trail system, and paddling and fly fishing on Little River. Woodstock’s mountain bike trail, Dwelling Loop — which is also great for hiking— is ranked fifth in the state by Singletracks.

After attending a travel writing conference in DeKalb County, Georgia, I was invited to spend a weekend exploring Woodstock. Here are some of the best things to do there.

A paddle boarder on Little River Marina. — Jill Dutton

Kayak To The Falls On The Little River

If kayaking or paddle boarding are your ideas of enjoyable getaway activities, plan an adventure from Olde Rope Mill Park. You can paddle the 1.5 miles (about 30 minutes) to the waterfalls, spend some time relaxing at the falls, then head back to Olde Rope Mill Park.

For a longer float, after you see the waterfalls, continue down toward the Little River Marina in Canton, Georgia — another 4.5 miles, or two to four hours.

Whichever journey you choose, don’t let not having a boat or board deter you from getting out on the water. Murphs Surf, a stand up paddle board and kayak rental company and guide service, can deliver paddle boards and kayaks and pick them up when you finish — or provide a guide if you’d rather not go alone.

Michael Murphy, the owner of Murphs Surf is a frequent guide. He’ll give tips if needed or is content to stay back and let you set the pace.

If you venture out with Murphs Surf equipment, someone will meet you at the Little River Marina to gather their kayaks or paddle boards while you walk across the street for lunch. J.D.’s on the Lake is a great option. After you’ve had a chance to eat, drink, and enjoy the scenery, Murphs Surf will have a shuttle waiting to take you back to your car at the park.

Best Hiking In Woodstock

The City of Woodstock, which encompasses approximately 7,170 acres adjacent to Lake Allatoona, contains a regional county park and four city parks. The Greenprints Project is an initiative to create a green infrastructure network to provide connectivity of community and outdoor recreation for the area’s visitors and residents, meaning excellent day hiking opportunities are in store during your Woodstock weekend getaway.

Noonday Creek Trail

If you’re up for a longer hike, commit to the Noonday Creek Trail past the river for a 9.1 mile hike both ways. The trail connects with the Towne Lake Pass if you’d like to extend your hike.

Olde Rope Mill Park

At Olde Rope Mill Park, enjoy one of the multi-use trails. The Rope Mill produced cotton ropes in the 1800s and the park has historical markers highlighting the history of the area.

Dwelling Loop Trail

The Dwelling Loop trail is a 4.8 mile loop through a forest setting. It’s accessible year-round and is a favorite for nature trips and birding.

A trail in Olde Rope Mill Park, Woodstock. — Ryan Huckaby / Shutterstock

Biking Trails

If bicycling is your passion, there’s something for folks of every skill level in Woodstock and its surrounding areas.

Olde Rope Mill Park

Olde Rope Mill Park has 10 bike trails ranked beginner to intermediate. The trail map outlines distance, difficulty, and the direction of cycle traffic. Note that direction changes based on the day of the week, and hikers go the opposite direction of bicycles. Bikers have the right of way at all times.

Mountain Goat Adventures

If you’re a dedicated bicyclist, you may want to try one of Mountain Goat Adventures excursions. The founder, Lisa Randall, is a competitive racer herself, having competed in hundreds of events from mountain bike races and trail runs to triathlons and adventure races. She knows what makes a great course and strives to create courses for folks of every skill level.

Part of Randall’s mission is to give back by donating to organizations that maintain some of Woodstock’s beautiful trails. This is a business you can feel good about supporting; Mountain Goat Adventures has logged hundreds of hours of trail maintenance in conjunction with their events and raised thousands of dollars to donate to trail groups. Mountain Goat Adventures partners with Sixes Pit to facilitate bicycle rentals.

Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trail System

The Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trail System, also in the area, is one of the most beloved mountain bike trails in the U.S.

Woodstock Arts

At Woodstock Arts, you can enjoy top-notch musical acts as well as community theater. The 500-seat theater presents plays, musicals, improv, and classes. Their Lantern Series showcases world-class performances that introduce new music, ideas, and cultural concepts and are designed to invoke deeper and authentic moments with audience involvement.

Blue Cat Lodge: Ozark Filming Location

If you’ve watched the Netflix series Ozark, starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, you’re familiar with the Blue Cat Lodge. The series is filmed using Lake Allatoona as the setting. While the original Blue Cat Lodge is located in Missouri, you can visit the recreated Blue Cat Lodge that was created for filming the series. Visit nearby Canton to check out the Blue Cat Lodge then walk across the street to the Little River Marina and see the dock where the Langmore men work in the Netflix show.

Georgia is known as the Hollywood of the South since so many movies and television shows are filmed here. According to a 2017 study by FilmL.A., 15 of 2017’s top 100 movies were shot in Georgia. It’s a combination of beautiful backdrops and tax incentives offered to film companies that brings them to the state. Shows like Stranger Things and The Walking Dead, and films like The Hunger Games and Spider Man were all shot nearby. With so many production sites nearby, film buffs will want to plan a visit to some of these locations when visiting Woodstock.

MadLife Stage And Studios

Experience dinner and live music at MadLife Stage and Studios. The chef at MadLife creates dinner specials to complement the guest artist and their style of music. Enjoy a tribute band, an undiscovered artist showcase, a battle of the bands, or a comedy show. Or stop by for an all-ages show at Patio Music Sundays for brunch, lunch, and supper.

You’ll find three different dining experiences at MadLife Stage and Studios. The MadLife Grill serves a full menu including pulled pork sandwiches, steaks, fresh seafood, salads and seasonal vegetables, plus breads and desserts made in house daily. There’s a casual patio for outdoor music events and the MadLife Stage, the concert venue that seats up to 230 patrons for live performances by artists of various genres. There’s even a professional recording studio on site with two large tracking rooms and a post-production mixing room.

Dixie Speedway

Watch the races at the Dixie Speedway dirt track. Laid out over 150 acres, the oval, red-clay speedway seats 5,000 race fans. Grab a corndog and enjoy the outdoor seating or rent a VIP lounge for a quieter, air-conditioned experience.

Create a custom shirt at Little River Clothing. — Jill Dutton

Eating And Drinking In Woodstock

Woodstock is home to a vibrant foodie scene. From authentic Italian dishes at Vingenzo’s and Tuscany Italian Restaurant to farm fresh options at Rootstock and Vine, Freight Kitchen and Tap, Century House Tavern, and Salt Factory Pub, you’ll find creative dining experiences throughout the city.

With a friendly, historic town to gaze upon, it’s no wonder why there seems to be a rooftop bar on every corner in Woodstock. Part of the appeal is the town’s open container law in the entertainment district, which lends itself to an innovative cocktail and music scene with frequent live music events on rooftop bars all over town.

Vintner’s Rooftop, located above the Rootstock and Vine restaurant, is primarily a wine and bourbon bar. Pure Taqueria has a small rooftop bar overlooking the train tracks and a park setting, too.

Shopping In Woodstock

Walking around downtown Woodstock you’ll find boutique shops, breweries, a thriving bookstore, spas, and unique arts and crafts for sale. At the FoxTale Book Shoppe you’ll find a bookstore owned by writers who will take you back to a time when books were cherished.

It’s not often you find a custom shop with male tastes in mind, but at Little River Clothing and Outdoors, gentlemen get the royal treatment with a free beer or refreshment while they’re shopping for custom, off-the-rack, and specialty clothing items. Step into Spirited Boutiques for bohemian clothing and a jewelry bar at the center of the store where you can create your own unique accessories using pendants and beads designed by store owners and artists, Spirit and Ed Bush.

Finally, if you’re looking for designer products at a discounted price, check out The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, located a five-minute drive from downtown Woodstock.

How To See Australia’s Incredible Bubblegum Pink Lake

Strawberry milkshakes, Pepto-Bismol, cotton candy, pink lemonade in summertime, bubble gum — whatever this lake reminds you of, it’s probably a bright shade of pink.

Lake Hillier is Australia’s lovely pink lake that tourists marvel at from up above.

We have answers to all the Lake Hillier questions you might be asking upon seeing striking photos of the natural wonder, so read on!

View from the shores of Lake Hillier. — Chloe Vid / Shutterstock

Where Is Lake Hillier?

The lake is located on Middle Island, which is the largest island in the Recherche Archipelago off the coast of Western Australia. Lake Hillier is bordered by a thick forest of eucalyptus and paperback trees, with the Pacific Ocean right nearby.

Lake Hillier is small — less than half a mile long and not even a quarter of a mile wide. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in delicate beauty.

Aerial view of Lake Hillier. — Joshua Van Staden / Shutterstock

What Is The History Of The Lake?

The first recorded discovery of the lake was in 1802 by British navigator and cartographer Mathew Flinders. He named the pink lake after William Hillier, a deceased crew member who died of dysentery shortly before.

After inspecting the lake up close, the crew realized it was chock-full of salt. Flinders and his crew were the first of many to use the lake for its salt deposits. In the early 20th century, salt was mined for the lake, but the lake is now uninhabited and only visited for tourism purposes.

The pink waters of Lake Hillier. — Chloe Vid / Shutterstock

Why Is It Pink?

There’s been a lot of controversy about why the lake is actually pink, but thanks to National Geographic, we finally have some answers.

Basically, we can thank salt.

The lake contains two salt-loving microorganisms — Dunaliella salina and halobacteria. Dunaliella salina microalgae produce carotenoids, photosynthetic compounds that have a unique pinkish hue visible to the naked eye. In addition, halobacteria “thrives in salty environments like Lake Hillier, is naturally pink, and more than capable of dying large bodies of water pink.”

Both microorganisms are believed to combine to create Lake Hillier’s pink water. From up above, the water is an intense bubblegum color, but up close, the water is actually a faint pink.

Lake Bumbunga in South Australia. — Lake Bumbunga / A Life Beneath Stars / Shutterstock

Are There Other Pink Lakes In The World?

Lake Hillier has some competition — similar cotton candy-hued lakes are more common than you might’ve guessed.

Lake Retba, situated near Senegal, has a similar pink hue during the dry season between November and June. Unlike Lake Hillier, the lake fluctuates in color — sometimes the water is a baby pink, and other times the water transforms into a rusty, almost murderous shade of red.

Believe it or not, Lake Hillier isn’t even the only pink lake in Australia. Lake Hart, Lake Bumbunga, and Hutt Lagoon all give Lake Hillier a run for its money. Lake Hillier might not be the only pink lake in the world, but it is the only pink lake with water that still looks pink even when it’s poured in a glass. That makes it the coolest one, right?

Can You Visit?

Lake Hillier’s water is perfectly safe to swim in, and because of its saltiness, you would likely float on its surface like an apple. The only problem — no one can.

Tourists can’t access the lake from the ground. The only way to view the bubblegum lake for yourself is by flight. Tours of the lake depart from Esperance, a city on the southern coast of Western Australia, and last for an hour and a half. The tickets might be pricey (they run $385 AUD per person), but the trip will give you views of the lake and Middle Island you won’t soon forget.

The world is a strange place and some of its bodies of water are even stranger. Lake Hillier is certainly not alone in its uniqueness. Meet the world’s most peculiar lakes — with colorations ranging from lime green to a lake that changes colors like a mood ring.

Finding Nemo: The World’s Most Remote Location

There’s a place on this planet where you could legitimately say you feel a thousand miles from anywhere. That place is Point Nemo, a spot in the ocean that’s literally 1,000 miles from land in any direction. It is the most remote location on earth.

Point Nemo is located equally distant from the three nearest islands — Ducie Island, part of the Pitcairn Island chain; Motu Nui, part of the Easter Islands; and Maher Island off the coast of Antarctica. For most of us, that provides little point of reference, except that we know Antarctica is a heck of a long way away.

A map of Point Nemo's location. — Wikimedia Commons

Welcome To The Oceanic Pole Of Inaccessibility

This distant point in the ocean is officially known as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, but the long name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. In favor of a more palatable name, this most remote place on the planet has been named Point Nemo in honor of Jules Verne’s famous antihero, Captain Nemo, whose name means no one in Latin. Since the place isn’t exactly a tourist hot spot, the name is pretty fitting.

Experts have talked about locating the middle of the ocean for decades — possibly centuries or millennia — but in 1992, technology finally made it possible. Survey engineer Hrvoje Lukatela managed to calculate the point’s location using specialized computer software.

Interestingly, because this point on earth is so distant from the nearest landmass, astronauts are often the nearest humans to Point Nemo. The region is known to space agencies as the South Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Area, and numerous agencies use the area as a dumping ground because the area has zero human inhabitants and quiet shipping lanes that won’t be disrupted by space junk.

There are over 100 decommissioned spacecraft in the area — ranging from satellites to cargo ships and the defunct space station Mir. In fact, Point Nemo has become known as the “spacecraft cemetery” because of the dumping.

H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu creature. — Christos Georghiou / Shutterstock

Lovers of sci-fi and fantasy may not find it surprising that science fiction author H. P. Lovecraft chose a site remarkably near Point Nemo as the home of his Cthulhu creature. This, of course, doesn’t hurt the rumors of strange creatures possibly living at the Point.

When oceanographers recorded a mysterious sound less than 1,240 miles east of Point Nemo, the sense of wonder around the lifeforms in the area’s waters rose. This “bloop,” as the sound was dubbed, was louder than a blue whale, and led some to conjecture that a sea monster was lurking below, waiting for the right moment to surface. The bloop was later confirmed to be icebergs breaking up thanks to the comparison of the sound to icequakes previously recorded elsewhere in the world.

While scientists still don’t have definite answers about what may or may not live in these strange, deep waters, professor and oceanographer Steven D’Hondt of the University of Rhode Island doesn’t believe there’s much living out there.

Point Nemo has an extreme environment because of its situation in the South Pacific Gyre, a massive swirling ocean current. So, bacteria can thrive there, but not much else. It’s no wonder D’Hondt has been quoted as saying that Point Nemo is “the least biologically active region of the world ocean.” And since the gyre steers away any nutrients that might feed critters down in the deep, that sounds like a pretty accurate assessment.

Fascinated by unusual, remote, and forgotten about locations? Meet Hoia-Baciu Forest, the Bermuda Triangle of Romania.

Bird-Watching In Hawaii: 9 Tips For Spotting The Best Birds

Hawaii is home to more than two dozen bird species unique to the Hawaiian Islands. While other regions of the U.S. boast unique species of birds, these regions can be quite spread out. In Hawaii, you’re much more likely to see the area’s unique species thanks to the relatively small square mileage of the islands.

For this reason, and for the rarity of Hawaiian birds and the utter beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, the state is regarded as a top birding location. But before you pack your bags, checklist, and binoculars, check out these 10 tips for bird-watching in Hawaii.

View of a Hawaiian island. — erikccooper / Flickr

1. Focus On A Few Of The Islands

If you’re a realist, you’re probably not planning on spotting all the endemic birds of Hawaii in one trip, but it’s still good to do some planning to ensure you’ll check a satisfactory number of species off of your list.

Most birders who visit Hawaii focus on just four of the islands, the ones known for their prime bird-watching opportunities: the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.

Give yourself plenty of time to visit each of the islands for the best opportunity to see the most unique species. A couple of days for the two smaller islands and at least three days for the larger two are a safe bet. This will allow you to cover extra ground or make up for time lost due to bad weather.

2. Check Out The National Parks And Wildlife Refuges

There are plenty of amazing places to go bird-watching in Hawaii. Three of the four main birding islands are home to national parks or wildlife refuges that are ripe for birding. The Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park is great for just about any outdoor adventure, including bird-watching. Koolau Forest Reserve in northern Maui offers two great birding trails. Oahu has some challenging terrain but also offers great opportunities for spotting a wide variety of species.

A scenic hiking trail in Hawaii. — Kevin McCarthy / Flickr

3. Make Time For The Top Birding Trails

Sometimes you just need to get out there and do some bird-watching for the best chance at a rare sighting. There are a handful of trails that are highly esteemed for the bird-sighting opportunities they offer.

The Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail runs for 7 miles on Kauai and offers plenty of other things to see and do for the non-birders in your party. The Pearl Harbor Bike Path on Oahu is a great place to spot coastal species while learning about the area’s history. The trail features high-traffic areas as well as quiet boardwalks. Another great birding trail to spot seabirds is the Kaena Point Trail on Oahu. It closes down whenever the path is damaged, so check with the Division of State Parks ahead of time to make sure it’s accessible.

4. Take Advantage Of Bad Weather

The weather on the Hawaiian Islands can change rather quickly, and so birders in the area should be prepared for anything. The area’s shifts in precipitation and temperature can be extreme. Hawaii’s Big Island alone is home to four of the five Köppen climate types, including tropical, dry, temperate, and polar.

Birds spend most of their time foraging, but they take a break whenever it storms. Once the storm has passed, birds — including the spectacular iiwi — increase their activity to make up for lost time. No one can predict the weather, so don’t plan your trip around birding after storms, but keep it in mind for a chance to spot some rare birds.

Hawaiian honeycreeper — USFWS – Pacific Region / Flickr

5. Don’t Let Bugs Cut Your Expedition Short

Sometimes the bugs can become unbearable when you’re outdoors. Hawaii doesn’t have any killer insects to be afraid of, but there are plenty of mosquitoes. For the best birding experience, wear light, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and/or long pants. Treat your skin with DEET or picaridin-based formulas for extra protection before you head outside.

6. Set Reasonable Goals

It’s nearly impossible to spot all of the bird species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands due to their rarity and constantly decreasing numbers. To avoid disappointment, set a more reasonable goal, such as spotting all of Hawaii’s most iconic birds.

One bird that should certainly make your list is the nene or Hawaiian goose, the state bird. It is endangered, so it won’t be quite as easy as spot as you might think.

The iiwi, or Hawaiian honeycreeper, is another iconic bird of the Hawaiian Islands. You’ll find the stunning red bird at high elevations on all four of the popular birding islands of Hawaii. The species used to be more common, but increasing numbers of mosquitoes in the area have spread avian diseases that harm the iiwi population.

Don’t be upset if you don’t check off every bird on your list; instead, be grateful for the experience and for the birds you did see. After all, you had the incredible opportunity to look for birds in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

The 'Akikiki bird in Hawaii. — Wikimedia Commons

7. Don’t Be Afraid To Look For The Rarest Species

Some people’s idea of adventure is taking on the toughest challenges. Norman Vincent Peale, the author of The Power of Positive Thinking, once said, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars,” and that particularly applies to birding on Hawaii.

If you’ve traveled all the way to Hawaii, you’re well positioned to spot some of the rarest birds in the world. If you visit Kauai, you’ll be sharing the island with the akikiki, a bird whose population in the wild is down to around 500. You may not find the rarest bird species, but you’ll spot plenty of other incredible species while you look, so you might as well try.

8. Consider Taking A Guided Tour

Visiting the Hawaiian Islands can feel like visiting another country. Many things are the same, but even more are different. Couple this with the fact that the beauty of the state can be wildly distracting (in a good way), and you may not end up with as much birding time as you had planned. You may find yourself staring at some incredible, otherworldly foliage while Maui creepers are flying overhead unnoticed.

One way to make the most of your time on the islands — and to make sure you’re not missing the best birds the destination has to offer — is to take a guided hike offered by the National Park Service at Haleakala National Park or a private company such as Hawaii Forest & Trail. Hawaii Forest & Trail offers several tours related to birding, and it provides custom touring options as well.

If a single-excursion birding tour won’t cut it, there are multiday birding adventures available for booking. These are perfect if you and your party are traveling to Hawaii specifically for bird-watching. Eagle-Eye Tours offers a 12-day adventure that takes you to Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island looking for honeycreepers and other rare, endangered, and endemic species.

A birdwatcher in Hawaii. — Mount Rainier NPS / Flickr

9. Attend The Hawaii Island Festival Of Birds

If a region is hosting a birding festival, odds are that it’s a great time to bird-watch in that area, and the Hawaii Island Festival of Birds is no exception. Unfortunately, this year’s event, which was slated to take place on the week of October 24, had to be cancelled due to road closures and other unforeseen events. The good news is that next year’s festival is expected to go on as planned, giving you plenty of time to schedule and make plans.

Going to a birding festival allows you to meet others who are as passionate about birds as you are. You’ll get to share your knowledge and experience of some of the most difficult-to-spot avian species on the planet. While the 2019 Hawaii Island Festival of Birds has been cancelled, guided tours are still available, so if you plan on being in Hawaii that week, they may be worth a look.

Hawaii is home to some of the most exciting and unique bird-watching in the world. If you’re a birding enthusiast or simply love the outdoors, take a week or two to visit the Hawaiian Islands for a chance to see rare, endangered, and vulnerable bird species in their natural habitats. The experience will create lifelong memories. Follow these tips to help make the most of your bird-watching trip to Hawaii.

Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out Honolulu’s best free and frugal activities, and be sure to make time for Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, and Diamond Head.