Discovering America's Best Idea: A Journey Through 63 National Parks

Haleakalā National Park

In February of 2000, I boarded a plane bound for the familiar shores of Oahu, a cherished vacation spot for my family.

But this time, I yearned for something different, a new adventure. So, my mom and I broke away from the usual and booked a Polynesian Adventure to the Valley Isle. This was my first time to Maui and on that day, we faced a choice – Haleakala or the Road to Hana. The dormant volcano, called out to us, and that's the path we pursued.

The journey up the winding road to Haleakala was an absolute thrill! With each twist and turn, the landscape transformed before our eyes, unveiling stunning vistas around every corner. My mind was blown not only by the breathtaking views but also by the daring bikers who sped downhill, their exhilarating descents adding an extra layer of excitement to our adventure! It also sparked the idea for a potential future endeavor.

Finally, we reached Haleakala's summit, standing at 10,023 feet above sea level. Our guide had forewarned us about the effects of altitude, and as we stood there, my mom and I couldn't contain our laughter. Our hair whipped around in the strong wind, adding to the amusement. It was an unexpected, comical moment that truly captured our natural, goofy mother-daughter bond..

As I turned my camera toward the never-before-seen plants, capturing their vibrant colors and unique forms, being above the clouds was an experience unlike any other. It was a sensation I had previously known only through the window of an airplane. Here, we stood on solid ground, gazing at a sea of clouds that stretched to the horizon, while Haleakala's majesty surrounded us.

Our journey continued as we descended to the charming town of Lahaina on Maui's west coast. There, we had lunch at Longhi's on Front Street, and after our meal, I climbed through the sprawling branches of the iconic banyan tree to pose for a photograph. I flaunted a classic Hawaii yellow tank top, a gift from a friend back home. Its sunny colors matched the island's personality, turning me into a walking burst of tropical joy as I wandered around Maui's amazing sights.

Our final stop was Iao Needle, a towering natural wonder in a lush green valley. As we explored, the needle's sheer majesty left us in awe, a profound reminder of nature's remarkable creation.

I came to understand on that day that Maui wasn't just a trip; it was the beginning of a lifelong fascination with national parks and our planet's stunning beauty.

My world now revolves around meticulously planning vacations centered on visiting all 63 parks and crafting written stories of my experiences. I mostly enjoy capturing the beauty through photographs. Back in those days, my sole companion was a clunky film camera, and I had to limit my picture taking due to the cost of film and development. Nowadays, taking an endless amount of photos and scrolling through them is what keeps me going and brings me great joy.

As I share my experiences through words, images, and videos, I hope to inspire others to embark on their journeys of discovery. Our world is a wide canvas of natural wonders, each waiting to be explored and appreciated. I've come to realize that the true treasure lies not just in the destinations but in the memories, the people, and the stories woven along the way.