A Grand Canyon, Indeed

Waimea Canyon

May = Mei

What is the name of this multicolored canyon?

Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this canyon is located on the western side of Kauai. It is approximately 10 miles long and 3,000 feet deep.

Its name means "reddish water," a reference to the erosion of the canyon's red soil.

The canyon was created not only by erosion but by a catastrophic collapse of the volcano that created Kauai, the oldest of the large Hawaiian islands.

A state park covers 1,866 acres of the canyon and is a popular tourist destination.

Life's a Beach

Hulopo'e Beach at Manele Bay, Lanai

April = Apelila

What's the name of this beach located in Manele Bay, Lanai?

Located on Lanai's southern coast, this beach was voted America's best beach in 1997 by Dr. Stephen Leatherman ("Dr. Beach").

The beach is located in a protected marine life conservation area, so many kinds of colorful fish and unique coral formations can be found here.

Pu'u Pehe Rock, also known as Sweetheart Rock, is located nearby. Legend has it that a grief-stricken warrior leaped from its 80-foot summit following the death of his wife.

Maui

Frolicking off the coast of Maui

March = Malaki

This whale is breaching off the coast of which Hawaiian isle?

A breach is a leap out of the water in which 90% of the whale's body clears the water before coming back down on its back or side.

It is not known for certain why whales breach, but they often do it in groups, suggesting an assertion of dominance or courting. Or it could be a way of dislodging parasites from the skin. Others suggest it is a form of play.

Whatever the reason, what better place to do it than off the coast of this island. It is the second-largest of the Hawaiian islands and the 17th largest island in the United States.

My buddy Jim and I visited here in 2012. We saw the sun rise from the top of Mt. Haleakala -- the volcano that dominates the center of the island -- and then biked our way back down. We also drove the switchback-laden road to Hana, a 50-mile drive that takes several hours to complete. Our snorkeling excursion was canceled due to inclement weather; otherwise, I'm sure we would have seen a whale or two, perhaps even this same guy pictured above.

A Peninsula, Actually

Magic Island, located on Oahu near Honolulu

February = Pepeluali

Where is this magical island located, and what is its name?

Created in 1964, this manmade island was originally a resort. Later it was converted to a park.

Its actual name is Aina Moana but is generally referred to by another name.

Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Wai Yacht Harbor are adjacent to the island. Every Fourth of July, the Ala Moana Center puts on a fireworks show over the island.