Skip to main content

Spring Break with the Family: From Grand Canyon Trails to Hawaiian Waterfalls

 By Katelyn Mayer | PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA

When I’m not helping families buy or sell homes, I’m focused on building meaningful memories with my own. This past Spring Break 2024, my fiancé Brad and our two kids, Peyton (11) and Paisley (9), took off on an unforgettable adventure — first to Arizona for rugged beauty and snow-covered surprises, then to Hawaii for whales, waterfalls, and way too much chocolate (no regrets).

Here’s a look at our journey — what worked, what we’d skip next time, and why a solid plan (and a flexible attitude) makes all the difference.

✈️ Flight Times

  • Depart Philadelphia (PHL): March 22, 2024, 5:25 PM → Arrive Phoenix (PHX): 7:52 PM

  • Depart Phoenix (PHX): March 24, 2024, 11:06 AM → Arrive Kona (KOA): 2:44 PM

  • Depart Kona (KOA): March 29, 2024, 9:44 PM → Arrive Los Angeles (LAX): March 30, 6:06 AM

  • Depart Los Angeles (LAX): March 31, 2024, 6:50 AM → Arrive Philadelphia (PHL): 2:50 PM

🚙 Arizona Adventure: Grand Canyon & Snowfall

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Flagstaff after flying into Phoenix. On March 23, we took a half-day rental of two Polaris RZR off-road vehicles and explored the Grand Canyon with Grand Canyon Rentals Adventures — a pricey but thrilling way to see this natural wonder.

Later that night, snow surprised us in the desert town of Flagstaff! It was magical but also meant an early and careful drive to the airport the next day.

🌋 Hello Hawaii: Volcanoes, Heat Vents & Diverse Climates

After flying into Kona, we settled into our two-bedroom condo at Kings’ Land by Hilton Grand Vacations. Hawaii blew us away — not just with its beauty but with its fascinating geography.

Did you know Hawaii has 10 different climate zones? From tropical beaches to alpine deserts and rainforests, it’s incredible how varied the island is.

During our Ultimate Circle Island Explorer Tour, we saw:

  • Volcanoes and steaming heat vents, reminding us this island is still very much alive and changing.

  • Lush waterfalls tucked into green valleys.

  • A visit to Hapuna Beach State Park, one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches. Keep in mind there’s a small entrance fee to access the park, but the white sand and crystal-clear water made it worth it.

🐋 Whale Watching, Luau & Wildlife

We went whale watching on March 26 with Ocean Encounters, spotting a mother and baby whale preparing to migrate. It was one of the trip’s highlights.

Later that day, we attended the Island Breeze Luau — a fun experience, though a bit overpriced for our family’s tastes.

On the island roads, the kids spotted wild goats and weasels wandering near the roadside — a cute reminder of how much wildlife thrives here.

🏖️ More Big Island Highlights

The Ultimate Circle Island Explorer Tour also included:

  • Kona coffee tasting

  • Sampling Big Island Candies

  • Visiting the Captain Cook Memorial, located on land still technically owned by the UK

Cost: $1,333.59 for the full-day tour, which we thought was worth it for the convenience and variety.

🏠 Heading Home

After a relaxing pool day on March 29, we caught our red-eye flight from Kona to Los Angeles. Brad caught the flu in LA, so we rested up at a nearby hotel before flying back home to Philadelphia on March 31.

💡 Realtor Takeaways: Travel Tips from a Busy Mom

  • Plan for weather surprises (hello, snow in Arizona!)

  • Book tours and rentals early

  • Pack flexibility for sick days or unexpected changes

  • Explore the diverse climate zones if you visit Hawaii — it’s more than just beaches!

  • Bring a camera for wildlife — goats and weasels included!

Thanks for following along on our adventure! Whether you’re dreaming of a second home in paradise or just want travel tips from a busy mom, I’m here to help you navigate the journey.

Katelyn Mayer
📍 PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA

Contact Me
📧 katelynm359@gmail.com
🌐 kmayer.ironvalleyrealestate.com
📱 Cell: 717-446-1640 | ☎️ Office: 717-563-0008
🏢 121 Towne Square Dr. Suite 203, Hershey, PA 17033

I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this Commonwealth. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rental Options in East York & Red Lion

Discover a wide range of rental homes tailored to fit various lifestyles and budgets in East York and nearby Red Lion. Whether you're searching for a cozy one-bedroom apartment or a spacious three-bedroom townhome, there's something here for everyone. 📍 East York Springett’s Apartments 📍 50 Eisenhower Dr, York, PA 17402 1- and 2-bedroom level apartments 🔗 manorcommunities.com Suburban Park Apartments 📍 2685 Carnegie Rd, East York, PA 17402 1- and 2-bedroom apartments 🔗 liveatsuburbanpark.com Fallbrook Flats 📍 3889 E Market St, York, PA 17402 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments 🔗 jcmliving.com The Apartments at Waterford 📍 200 Governors Pl, York, PA 17402 Modern layouts with 1- to 3-bedroom options 🔗 waterford.theapartmentgallery.com Hillside Apartments 📍 1927 Queenswood Dr, York, PA 17403 1- and 2-bedroom apartments 🔗 theapartmentgallery.com/hillside-apartments East Breeze Apartments 📍 21-23 S Northern Way, York, PA 17402 1- and 2-bedroom apartments ...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Obtain a Pennsylvania Driver’s License (For Foreign Nationals)

Whether you're a resident foreign national or visiting from another country, here is the updated step-by-step process to get your PA driver’s license or legally drive in Pennsylvania. Driving in PA as a Visitor from Another Country Check if your country has a Driver License Foreign Reciprocity Agreement with Pennsylvania. If yes , you may be able to convert your foreign license without taking the knowledge or road tests . If no , you are legally permitted to drive in PA for up to 30 days using your valid foreign driver’s license before you need to get a PA license. Step 1: Study the PA Driver’s Manual Review the manual carefully to prepare for the knowledge test. Language options and a study app are available to assist you. 👉 Get a Driver's License | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Step 2: Complete Form DL-180 This form is a physician certification verifying your physical ability to drive. You must have it filled out by a licensed physician. Available ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Understanding Property Tax Disbursement From Escrow: What Every Homeowner Should Know

  By Katelyn Mayer, Realtor If you’re a homeowner—or thinking about becoming one—understanding how property taxes are paid can save you stress and help you manage your budget better. One of the most common questions I get from clients is: “How does my lender pay my property taxes, and what is this escrow thing all about?” Let’s break it down. What Is an Escrow Account? When you buy a home with a mortgage, your lender often requires an escrow account. This is basically a special savings account that holds money collected each month from you to pay for certain expenses—most commonly, property taxes and homeowners insurance. Instead of paying your tax bill in one lump sum once or twice a year, your lender collects a bit every month and pays the taxing authority on your behalf. This system can make budgeting easier, so you don’t have to worry about coming up with thousands of dollars all at once. How Does It Work? Let’s say your annual property tax bill is $6,000. Your lender wi...
Post a Comment
Read more