Podcast - Pure Life Podcast

Episode 19: Best of Kauai, Hawaii

Posted on July 14, 2019September 26, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we round out our exploration of the Hawaiian Islands with our top picks for Kauai. Also known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is the oldest and northern-most of the Hawaiian islands and has had more time exposed to the elements to develop lush green tropical landscapes that are sure to inspire any visitor to explore further!

From the rugged Waimea Canyon to the inviting waters of the Poipu or Princeville, Kauai has tons to offer. It’s laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing family get away or for couples to reconnect. In this episode, we explore some of our favorite spots – from beaches to hotels – for making the most of this beautiful island. Words don’t really do Kauai justice, so please be sure to check out our pics on the Destinations page. Aloha and enjoy!

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Episode 18: Big Island, Hawaii

Posted on July 8, 2019September 10, 2024 by admin

This episode continues our adventures in Hawaii with a focus on the island of Hawaii, otherwise known as the Big Island. Hawaii – or the Big Island – is the largest and southern-most of the Hawaiian Islands, one of the largest islands of the United States and it is still growing!

Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands tend to venture out from Oahu to Maui or Kauai as those islands are more populated, have more amenities and are lush with vegetation. The Big Island is full of lava flows and has active volcanoes giving it a much more diverse and somewhat younger landscape than the other islands. Don’t let that deter you from visiting the island – in fact there is so much diversity on the Big Island, we’re sure you’ll return again and again like we do to explore all it has to offer. If rustic adventures or ocean activities are on your list of things to do on vacation, the Big Island is a perfect destination and we break it all down here – from where to stay to what to do and all points in between. Be sure to check out some of our pictures on the Destinations page too. Aloha!

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Episode 17: Oahu’s Best Uncovered

Posted on May 20, 2019September 26, 2024 by admin

Oahu, also known as “The Gathering Place,” is the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands and full of amazing places to explore. As a destination, Oahu has it all; beaches, marine life, lush tropical mountains, rugged country side, vibrant city life and so much more. The third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is home to Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the Polynesian Cultural Center to name a few – attractions that are sure to satisfy any discerning tastes. On top of it all, there are some amazing accommodations to suite about any budget. With so many choices, it’s hard to know where to start.

In this episode, we break all down and share our experiences exploring Oahu, providing guidance for accommodations, restaurants, tourist spots and more. If Oahu is on your destination list, check out this episode to get some great tips on where to stay and what to do to maximize your time in the islands of Aloha. Be sure to check out more of the island on our Destinations page. Enjoy!

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Episode 16: Best of Maui, Hawaii

Posted on April 28, 2019September 10, 2024 by admin

Maui – the Valley Isle – is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and a perfect destination for just about everyone. The island offers just about anything you can think of; beaches, mountains, rain forest, desert, volcanic summits, hiking, scuba, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, hiking . . . and so much more! With so much to do, it’s hard to know where to begin. Well, we break it down for you in this latest podcast.

In this episode, we go over some of our favorite destinations and uncover a few gems along the way. If you are planning a visit to Maui, check this episode out to get some great tips on how to get the most out of this beautiful destination. Also, be sure to check out some of our pics for more behind the scenes in Maui on our Destinations page. Enjoy!

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Episode 15: Paradise Uncovered, Exploring the Exuma Bahamas

Posted on April 22, 2019September 10, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we return to the Bahamas for a truly amazing family vacation in the Exuma Bahamas, a district of the Bahamas consisting of over 365 islands, also called cays. With an island for every day of the year, it’s easy to find something to suit any taste – from swimming with sharks to stretching out on beaches so soft you’d swear the sand was made from powder sugar.

We stayed on Fowl Cay Resort, a private island just north of Staniel Cay that boasts only six villas spread across a private 50-acre retreat. Spectacular amenities and crystal-clear, warm turquoise water add up to one extraordinary experience. We break it all down for you in this episode – from getting there to navigating around and even the food at the Harbour Club Restaurant. If the Exuma Bahamas aren’t on your bucket list, they should be. Be sure to visit the Bahamas listing on our Destinations page for some of our pictures. Check it out!

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Episode 14: Dive Into Paradise at Atlantis Bahamas

Posted on April 9, 2019September 10, 2024 by admin

n this episode, we share our experience exploring the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. The Atlantis is located on Paradise Island, just north of Nassau Island in the heart of the Bahamas. The resort itself is HUGE!! It boasts 5 miles of beaches, 11 pools, 21 restaurants and an impressive 141-acre water park including water slides and lazy river rides. If that’s not enough, it also offers one of the largest open-air marine habitats containing nearly 50,000 marine animals in 15 exhibit lagoons. Add it all up and you get the perfect spot for some family fun, relaxation or what ever suits your tastes.

We break it all down for you – from the slides, the pools, the aquarium and beaches – and provide first-hand accounts for what’s in store when you visit the Atlantis Bahamas. Check out some of our pics in the Destinations page for more behind the scenes on our adventures at the Atlantis Bahamas. Let’s go!

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Episode 13: Fascinating Fukuoka and Saga, Japan

Posted on April 1, 2019September 17, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we wrap up our road trip through Kyushu with a couple of quick stops in the Fukuoka and Saga prefectures. Fukuoka provided a convenient port of entry and exit from Kyushu, so we stayed overnight and explored some of the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to scholar and politician Michizane Sugawara. We also spent time at the shopping and entertainment arcade Canal City Hakata where we found the truly enjoyable Ramen Stadium, a must experience for even the most discerning ramen lovers.

Next we visited Saga and spent the entire day exploring the Yoshinogari Historical Park. This incredible archaeological site takes you back to the Yayoi Period of Japan’s history to show what life was like as Japan transformed into more of an agricultural society and culture. What a way to cap off the experience! We will surely return for more outstanding adventures! Please check out our Destinations page for even more amazing views of Kyushu.

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Episode 12: Beautiful Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

Posted on March 26, 2019September 17, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we head back for a quick stop over in the Kumamoto prefecture. Kumamoto is located in the center of Kyushu along the western coast. Among the attractions of Kumamoto are Mount Aso, one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, Kumamoto Castle in the capital city of Kumamoto, and Kurokawa Onsen (or hot spring baths).

Our adventures took us through Kumamoto twice; once to visit Mt. Aso and Kurokawa, and another trip to visit Kumamoto castle. Highly recommend Kurokawa – such an amazing town with charming ryokan inns in a delightfully natural setting. Definitely a must stop to experience traditional Japanese hospitality and rejuvenate your spirit. Next we stopped over in Kumamoto city for a quick visit to the castle. Unfortunately, the castle was damaged by two powerful earthquakes in 2016 so the inner grounds were closed to the public but we were still able walk around the outside of the castle to get an idea of the sheer size of the complex as well as view the restoration in progress. In addition, the shops at the entrance to the castle offer a great spot to get some refreshments or souvenirs. And don’t forget to check out our pics as well. Enjoy!

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Episode 11: Magical Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan

Posted on March 10, 2019September 17, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we continue our adventures in Kyushu with a stop over in the Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県). Miyazaki Prefecture is located on the southeastern coast of Kyushu and offers spectacular natural attractions and serene coastal views surely to appease any discerning tastes. One of the most impressive attractions is the Takachiho Gorge. The gorge itself was formed by volcanic lava from Mount Aso and overtime the lava eroded to create dramatic cliffs up to 100 meters tall, offering spectacular views of the gorge. Above the gorge is a beautiful vista point offering views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Takachiho is a must see for anyone visiting Kyushu!

Next, we’re off to the coastal areas of Miyazaki including Umagase (馬ヶ背) cliffs, the Sea Cross (願いが叶うクルスの海) and the Udo Shrine (鵜戸神宮). Throughout it all we were trying to stay ahead of an approaching typhoon which eventually caught up to us and provided even more excitement. All in all, what a wonderful way to explore some of the most amazing sites of Japan! Check out our pics as well on Miyazaki. Enjoy!

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Episode 10: Enchanting Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan

Posted on March 3, 2019September 17, 2024 by admin

This weeks episode continues our adventures in Kyushu with a drive from Nagasaki to the Oita Prefecture. Oita prefecture is in the north-eastern part of Kyushu and is famous for it’s Jigoku (地獄) or hot spring “hells” of Beppu. Getting around in Kyushu is pretty easy and the scenery can’t be beat, but the highlights for us were the visits to cities of Hita, Yufuin and Beppu. We also dive into our experiences in some of the traditional Japanese inns, or “ryokans” (旅館) of Oita. If you are interested in exploring traditional Japanese hospitality, course meals, scenery and hot springs, do yourself a favor and plan a visit to Oita prefecture. And don’t forget a special treat for your feet at the Dr. Kiss Fish spa in Yufuin.

Pics of all this and more can be viewed on the Destinations page. Enjoy!

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