My trip to Hawaii served as a family reunion where my wife, myself and our children could be together and enjoy the most beautiful destination on the planet. Let me just write that staying in "Condo-Rama" with all its traffic, crowds of tourists, shops, restaurants and tour centers was the exact opposite of what I was looking for. I knew when I turned off Hana Highway and proceeded through the high grass lined lane that led to the Banana Plantation that I had possibly made the right choice. Pulling into the home confirmed that I had successfully found the Hawaiian home that I so much wanted to provide for my family. We are a cooking family who loves to spend the evening preparing a meal together and then enjoying the results of our efforts. The kitchen did not disappoint. Nothing will replace my own kitchen, but let me just point out that it was equipped with everything needed to pull off just about any gastronomic adventure. From the kitchen is a spacious, comfortable dining area with a huge table and awesome chairs which we enjoyed most every night of our stay. Off the kitchen/dining area is a large common area, living room that accommodated any activity we were engaged in whether it was watching movies, playing games, lively conversation or just reading a book. The bedrooms and bathrooms were well appointed and adequate. As a family, where we sleep and bath is not required to be off the charts wonderful and since they were well furnished and clean, we were happy. But let me describe something that I think is under advertised when you are considering the Banana Plantation for your next stay..... the beach, The Beach, THE BEACH! I was expecting some anorexic, rocky afterthought of a beach that you could only stand at among rocks and ocean rubbish and I guess I feel this way from other destinations I have stayed at. After checking out the house, my adult children and my wife and I walked the short, picturesque pathway in the direction of the roaring Pacific ocean and as we emerged from the boundaries that separate land from ocean, we found ourselves standing on one of the most beautiful locations in the world. A broad, Hawaiian sand beach that looked out along the stunning Northern Hawaiian coastline with a horizon filled with sun, white capped ocean waves, kite surfers and a sky that reminds you that the Earth is good and its time to forget your worries and live as a fortunate inhabitant of this blue gem of a planet. My wife Julie and I stood as heros in the eyes of our children as they looked at us in disbelief over what we had provided and the good choice we had made. Now that I am back and as I reflect on the high points of our trip I remember sitting on a beach chair (provided by the house) with my Kindle reading a great novel...