Just the Two of Us...A Kauai Tale!
Jun 9th, 2015, 09:31 AM
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Just the Two of Us...A Kauai Tale!
As you may have read, I had to share my island with my younger brother and K the last two years. DH & I haven't been to Kauai, alone, since 2012. Time to take back our island! My brother & K needed a time out and are embarking on their own adventure...I'm going to be an Aunt! Tale of Two Siblings Part III will commence in 2017 but until then...here is how D& I fared on our own!
Prequel: Friday May 30...Flight Troubles
I arrive at work on Friday May 30 with intentions of printing out my boarding passes. I sign in with my confirmation number and it says flight canceled. My heart skips a beat and my stomach flips. I try again thinking it was just an error...same results...canceled flight! Oh, no! Don't get in the way of me and Kauai! I immediately call US Airways. My original flight was AUS to LAX, leaving Austin at 7:00am but a couple of months after booking the flight was changed to leave Austin at 7:25am which left only a 30 minute layover at LAX. I checked on this, worried myself, before May 30 but the flight from AUS would land in terminal 4 and depart to LIH in terminal 4. Also, not guaranteed, but possible that the flight would land early at LAX from AUS giving us more than 30 minutes. Well, day before my flight with no other previous warning, the airline decided the layover was not sufficient enough so it canceled us on that flight. We were put on the AUS to PHX to LIH flight which is my usual flight I take. The agent was really helpful and nice and rearranged our seats together! My heart is beating normal again!
Fast forward...Friday night, home from work, finished packing, soon time for bed to get up for our flight. I decide to check my email at 10:00pm. Another heart palpitation...flight from AUS to PHX is canceled due to mechanical issues! Am I ever going to get to Kauai? I call US Airways, again, and thank goodness the guy is so helpful and does his best to get our flight back on track. There is an early flight to PHX leaving Austin at 6:00am. I'll take it! It is 10:30pm and I have to be up five hours! I didn't sleep much...anxious if something was going to happen to this flight.
Hoping for no more troubles...off to bed. I am going to Kauai tomorrow!
Prequel: Friday May 30...Flight Troubles
I arrive at work on Friday May 30 with intentions of printing out my boarding passes. I sign in with my confirmation number and it says flight canceled. My heart skips a beat and my stomach flips. I try again thinking it was just an error...same results...canceled flight! Oh, no! Don't get in the way of me and Kauai! I immediately call US Airways. My original flight was AUS to LAX, leaving Austin at 7:00am but a couple of months after booking the flight was changed to leave Austin at 7:25am which left only a 30 minute layover at LAX. I checked on this, worried myself, before May 30 but the flight from AUS would land in terminal 4 and depart to LIH in terminal 4. Also, not guaranteed, but possible that the flight would land early at LAX from AUS giving us more than 30 minutes. Well, day before my flight with no other previous warning, the airline decided the layover was not sufficient enough so it canceled us on that flight. We were put on the AUS to PHX to LIH flight which is my usual flight I take. The agent was really helpful and nice and rearranged our seats together! My heart is beating normal again!
Fast forward...Friday night, home from work, finished packing, soon time for bed to get up for our flight. I decide to check my email at 10:00pm. Another heart palpitation...flight from AUS to PHX is canceled due to mechanical issues! Am I ever going to get to Kauai? I call US Airways, again, and thank goodness the guy is so helpful and does his best to get our flight back on track. There is an early flight to PHX leaving Austin at 6:00am. I'll take it! It is 10:30pm and I have to be up five hours! I didn't sleep much...anxious if something was going to happen to this flight.
Hoping for no more troubles...off to bed. I am going to Kauai tomorrow!
Jun 9th, 2015, 11:01 AM
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Day 1: Saturday May 30...Paradise, here we come!
Up at 3:30am, it's travel day! My parents, and Louis (fur baby), dropped us off at the airport. Can't believe they got up that early for us! We checked in and no line at security! The flight gets on its way and I am finally on my way to Kauai! After the flight issues I was worried. Our flights went off without a hitch and at 2:00pm Hawaiian time we were back!
The palm trees swaying in the breeze, the warm Hawaiian air, the mountains, the ocean...my heart couldn't be any fuller! Waiting on our rental car I hear my first rooster crow that puts a big smile on my face! Got our car...the island is ours! Y'all know where we were off to...
! Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo! The pizza and chocolate cake were delicious! Off to Wal-Mart for supplies, check. Now, nothing is standing in our way of the north shore!
We arrive in Princeville and head to the Sealodge. I stay at the Sealodge every year except for last year. We stayed at Ali'i Kai last year with my brother & K. This trip I had my eye on a certain unit, E9 but it wasn't available until the next day, May 31. We stayed in another unit for one night so we didn't really unpack or settle in.
After frustrating flight issues, being up for 22 hours, and a long day of travel, we were in bed at 8:30pm. We slept soundly to the ocean waves below.
Up at 3:30am, it's travel day! My parents, and Louis (fur baby), dropped us off at the airport. Can't believe they got up that early for us! We checked in and no line at security! The flight gets on its way and I am finally on my way to Kauai! After the flight issues I was worried. Our flights went off without a hitch and at 2:00pm Hawaiian time we were back!
The palm trees swaying in the breeze, the warm Hawaiian air, the mountains, the ocean...my heart couldn't be any fuller! Waiting on our rental car I hear my first rooster crow that puts a big smile on my face! Got our car...the island is ours! Y'all know where we were off to...
! Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo! The pizza and chocolate cake were delicious! Off to Wal-Mart for supplies, check. Now, nothing is standing in our way of the north shore! We arrive in Princeville and head to the Sealodge. I stay at the Sealodge every year except for last year. We stayed at Ali'i Kai last year with my brother & K. This trip I had my eye on a certain unit, E9 but it wasn't available until the next day, May 31. We stayed in another unit for one night so we didn't really unpack or settle in.
After frustrating flight issues, being up for 22 hours, and a long day of travel, we were in bed at 8:30pm. We slept soundly to the ocean waves below.
Jun 9th, 2015, 11:19 AM
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Day 2: Sunday May 31...Birthday at the bay!
Happy birthday DH! This is his third birthday on Kauai...lucky guy! We have been for his 30th, 32nd and now his 34th bday!
We start the day with Hanalei Wake Up Cafe. We get a seat on the porch...score! Bday breakfast and a mountain view...doesn't get any better! Breakfast was delicious! Where does DH want to spend his day, you ask? Hanalei Bay, of course! It was a gorgeous, bright sunny and blue sky day! Swimming and floating all day was glorious! We could spend all day gazing at that view and we did!
Eventually, late afternoon came and we had to tear ourselves away. We needed to switch condos and get ready for DH's bday dinner at Hanalei Dolphin.
We collect our things from our one night condo and move to E9. We step in and are stunned! E9 is gorgeous! We are so lucky to have the rest of the week there!
Birthday dinner at Hanalei Dolphin was delicious! Steak for DH and shrimp for me. Topped off with a birthday sundae! It was a perfect birthday!
Happy birthday DH! This is his third birthday on Kauai...lucky guy! We have been for his 30th, 32nd and now his 34th bday!
We start the day with Hanalei Wake Up Cafe. We get a seat on the porch...score! Bday breakfast and a mountain view...doesn't get any better! Breakfast was delicious! Where does DH want to spend his day, you ask? Hanalei Bay, of course! It was a gorgeous, bright sunny and blue sky day! Swimming and floating all day was glorious! We could spend all day gazing at that view and we did!
Eventually, late afternoon came and we had to tear ourselves away. We needed to switch condos and get ready for DH's bday dinner at Hanalei Dolphin.
We collect our things from our one night condo and move to E9. We step in and are stunned! E9 is gorgeous! We are so lucky to have the rest of the week there!
Birthday dinner at Hanalei Dolphin was delicious! Steak for DH and shrimp for me. Topped off with a birthday sundae! It was a perfect birthday!
Jun 9th, 2015, 11:55 AM
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Day 3: Monday June 1...Those Lazy, Hazy Days!
After gazing at the Pacific and waiting for a normal waking hour, I wake up DH to start our day. Of course, that begins with breakfast at the Wake Up Cafe again.
After breakfast, we go into a few shops. It starts to sprinkle and we notice that a haze is forming that is not going to budge. No blue skies for us on the north shore today. Boo! Each trip, taken in May/June, we can always expect a hazy day. In 2011, it was June 3; in May 2013 it was May 29. Now, 2015, it was June 1. Our trip in July and September gave us a full week of dry and sunny skies!
We drive to the end of the road then decide to stop off at the condo to get the blue book. We plan to look for directions to Moloa'a Bay (if the blue skies extend there) or for a hike to do on the east/south shore.
We get on our way for a new adventure and that comes to a screeching halt! The traffic is at a stand still. We later learn there was an accident south of Kalihiwai Bridge that had the road closed for hours.
Back at the condo, we take the day for what it is and just relax and enjoy the view! We got back out in the late afternoon to hang around Hanalei and have Bubba's for dinner.
Back at the condo for a movie and to sleep to the sound of the ocean!
After gazing at the Pacific and waiting for a normal waking hour, I wake up DH to start our day. Of course, that begins with breakfast at the Wake Up Cafe again.
After breakfast, we go into a few shops. It starts to sprinkle and we notice that a haze is forming that is not going to budge. No blue skies for us on the north shore today. Boo! Each trip, taken in May/June, we can always expect a hazy day. In 2011, it was June 3; in May 2013 it was May 29. Now, 2015, it was June 1. Our trip in July and September gave us a full week of dry and sunny skies!
We drive to the end of the road then decide to stop off at the condo to get the blue book. We plan to look for directions to Moloa'a Bay (if the blue skies extend there) or for a hike to do on the east/south shore.
We get on our way for a new adventure and that comes to a screeching halt! The traffic is at a stand still. We later learn there was an accident south of Kalihiwai Bridge that had the road closed for hours.
Back at the condo, we take the day for what it is and just relax and enjoy the view! We got back out in the late afternoon to hang around Hanalei and have Bubba's for dinner.
Back at the condo for a movie and to sleep to the sound of the ocean!
Jun 9th, 2015, 12:21 PM
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Day 4: Tuesday June 2...That's a horse of a different color!
Today we are horseback riding at the Princeville Ranch for DH's bday gift! But first, breakfast again at the Wake Up Cafe. Bellies full...now it's time to ride! Being a country boy from Texas, DH loves horses! We did the paniolo (cowboy) ride which is just a two hour guided, but not nose to tail, walk on the ranch. It was just us two and a grandfather/grandson so it was a nice intimate ride. Our guide, forgot her name, was great with the horses and us. She was informative, very personable, and fun! DH's horse was named Blueberry and mine was Keoki (which is George in Hawaiian). I really took a liking to Keoki! The ranch was beautiful! We have been there to zipline in 2013 but I really enjoyed it on horseback!
I didn't mention, yet, that the weather was gorgeous! Bright, sunny and the blue sky is back! Great day to be on the ranch and to go back to Hanalei Bay!
After our horseback ride we went back to the condo to get beach ready. Hanalei Bay...here we come! It was an amazing lazy beach afternoon...swimming in the bay and that view! Can't get enough!
We tear ourselves away, again, to get ready for dinner. Kalypso tonight...fish and chips for me. It was so fresh and delicious!
Back at the condo...full day in the sun so early to bed!
Today we are horseback riding at the Princeville Ranch for DH's bday gift! But first, breakfast again at the Wake Up Cafe. Bellies full...now it's time to ride! Being a country boy from Texas, DH loves horses! We did the paniolo (cowboy) ride which is just a two hour guided, but not nose to tail, walk on the ranch. It was just us two and a grandfather/grandson so it was a nice intimate ride. Our guide, forgot her name, was great with the horses and us. She was informative, very personable, and fun! DH's horse was named Blueberry and mine was Keoki (which is George in Hawaiian). I really took a liking to Keoki! The ranch was beautiful! We have been there to zipline in 2013 but I really enjoyed it on horseback!
I didn't mention, yet, that the weather was gorgeous! Bright, sunny and the blue sky is back! Great day to be on the ranch and to go back to Hanalei Bay!
After our horseback ride we went back to the condo to get beach ready. Hanalei Bay...here we come! It was an amazing lazy beach afternoon...swimming in the bay and that view! Can't get enough!
We tear ourselves away, again, to get ready for dinner. Kalypso tonight...fish and chips for me. It was so fresh and delicious!
Back at the condo...full day in the sun so early to bed!
Jun 10th, 2015, 06:05 AM
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Aloha BuffaloGirl, thanks for the comment! Glad you are enjoying the report!
Samsaf, thanks for the comment!
I first found the E9 on http://www.summitpacificinc.com/ because I rented the D7 and then saw pictures of E9 and had to stay there on my next trip. E9 is rented through http://oceanfrontrealty.com/vrentdet...Code=se9&Cat=S
The extra view window was gorgeous! Can't wait to stay again!
Samsaf, thanks for the comment!
I first found the E9 on http://www.summitpacificinc.com/ because I rented the D7 and then saw pictures of E9 and had to stay there on my next trip. E9 is rented through http://oceanfrontrealty.com/vrentdet...Code=se9&Cat=S
The extra view window was gorgeous! Can't wait to stay again!
Jun 10th, 2015, 07:10 AM
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Day 5: Wednesday June 3...Okay, clouds, you win!
We decided to have a lazy condo morning and we cooked breakfast for ourselves. After a nice morning we got beach ready and headed out for the day.
Our destination...Lumahai or technically the eastern portion you hike down to. It was a bright sunny beautiful day and the water was sparkling! The water was crystal clear and calm as a swimming pool. We had a great couple of hours of swimming and picture taking then clouds returned. Boo! We held out for a little bit then decided to pack it up.
We returned to the condo; enjoyed the balcony & view; then we got ready for dinner. Second helping of Bubba's!
We decided to have a lazy condo morning and we cooked breakfast for ourselves. After a nice morning we got beach ready and headed out for the day.
Our destination...Lumahai or technically the eastern portion you hike down to. It was a bright sunny beautiful day and the water was sparkling! The water was crystal clear and calm as a swimming pool. We had a great couple of hours of swimming and picture taking then clouds returned. Boo! We held out for a little bit then decided to pack it up.
We returned to the condo; enjoyed the balcony & view; then we got ready for dinner. Second helping of Bubba's!
Jun 10th, 2015, 07:45 AM
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Day 6: Thursday June 4...Pineapples & Bicycles!
Last year we brought home a pineapple for mom so I wanted to do it again. Also, K requested a pineapple as well since she wouldn't be going on this trip.
We had breakfast at the Wake Up Cafe again, we love it, then headed south. The pineapples are boxed and already have the agriculture approval. We get the box from the Kauai Fruit and Flower. I just call it 'the pineapple store'. It is a cute yellow store near the airport. At the airport gift shop there is a freezer of boxed pineapples but I don't like to chance there will be any by the time I get there. We got the box of two pineapples, one for mom & dad and the other for my brother & K. They will be happy!
We then went into a few shops in Kapa'a. My favorite is Hee Fat. We got a few souvenirs. Next, we rented bikes. We haven't done the bike/walk path since 2013. I love riding the beach cruiser bike with pedal brakes and a basket along the path!
It was so fun and the coastline, of course, was gorgeous! We stopped a Kealia, for a bit, because several surfers caught our eye. It was exciting to watch!
After the bike ride we headed back north. We decided to get a pizza from the gas station in Princeville, North Shore General store. We had one last year, w/ my brother and K and it was good. This one was delicious!! It was so crispy and seriously delicious! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
We watched a movie; ate our pizza; and enjoyed the view of the vast Pacific from the condo! Suddenly, a rainbow appeared... it was beautiful!
Last year we brought home a pineapple for mom so I wanted to do it again. Also, K requested a pineapple as well since she wouldn't be going on this trip.
We had breakfast at the Wake Up Cafe again, we love it, then headed south. The pineapples are boxed and already have the agriculture approval. We get the box from the Kauai Fruit and Flower. I just call it 'the pineapple store'. It is a cute yellow store near the airport. At the airport gift shop there is a freezer of boxed pineapples but I don't like to chance there will be any by the time I get there. We got the box of two pineapples, one for mom & dad and the other for my brother & K. They will be happy!
We then went into a few shops in Kapa'a. My favorite is Hee Fat. We got a few souvenirs. Next, we rented bikes. We haven't done the bike/walk path since 2013. I love riding the beach cruiser bike with pedal brakes and a basket along the path!
It was so fun and the coastline, of course, was gorgeous! We stopped a Kealia, for a bit, because several surfers caught our eye. It was exciting to watch!
After the bike ride we headed back north. We decided to get a pizza from the gas station in Princeville, North Shore General store. We had one last year, w/ my brother and K and it was good. This one was delicious!! It was so crispy and seriously delicious! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
We watched a movie; ate our pizza; and enjoyed the view of the vast Pacific from the condo! Suddenly, a rainbow appeared... it was beautiful!
Jun 10th, 2015, 08:00 AM
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Kal, it's just our tradition.
We went in 2007, the first time we went to Kauai. I don't think the Kapa'a location existed yet. When we returned in 2011 or 2012 (can't remember which trip I noticed), we went to Kalaheo as soon as we landed then when driving north we saw the Kapa'a BOP.
After noticing the Kapa'a BOP we still went to Kalaheo for our 2013, 2014, and 2015 trip because like I said it just became our tradition. Mostly, I noticed that the Kapa'a location, from the road, does not have the open windows. I love how Kalaheo has the open windows with gingham curtains blowing in the breeze!
We went in 2007, the first time we went to Kauai. I don't think the Kapa'a location existed yet. When we returned in 2011 or 2012 (can't remember which trip I noticed), we went to Kalaheo as soon as we landed then when driving north we saw the Kapa'a BOP.
After noticing the Kapa'a BOP we still went to Kalaheo for our 2013, 2014, and 2015 trip because like I said it just became our tradition. Mostly, I noticed that the Kapa'a location, from the road, does not have the open windows. I love how Kalaheo has the open windows with gingham curtains blowing in the breeze!
Jun 10th, 2015, 08:22 AM
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I am one who will NEVER buck a tradition. Especially when it comes to Kauai.....and food!
If I told you what ours is on Kauai you'd laff! But we have nicknamed the bridge over Hanamaulu "The Screaming Bridge"
Scares off the prior year's bad juju.
Now...more pleaseeeeee!
If I told you what ours is on Kauai you'd laff! But we have nicknamed the bridge over Hanamaulu "The Screaming Bridge"
Scares off the prior year's bad juju.
Now...more pleaseeeeee!
Jun 10th, 2015, 10:37 AM
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Yay! You're back with another TR!! Love it! I would never think of getting pizza at a gas station on the north shore but they way you describe it...it sounds really good! (Better than BOP though?) Hehe.
Your activities and meals sound great...will have to check out the Wake Up Cafe!
Your activities and meals sound great...will have to check out the Wake Up Cafe!
Jun 10th, 2015, 10:50 AM
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tifa, I was thinking about you today! I was wondering if you found my TR yet and I was waiting for a comment to pop up from you!
I actually checked your website today and saw your Disney cruise trip. It looks so fun! I have never been to Disney. When my niece or nephew (we find out June 30) gets older we should take a family trip to Disney!
I have to say that night the gas station was better than BOP!
We just found the Wake Up Cafe last year w/ my brother & K.
I actually checked your website today and saw your Disney cruise trip. It looks so fun! I have never been to Disney. When my niece or nephew (we find out June 30) gets older we should take a family trip to Disney!
I have to say that night the gas station was better than BOP!
We just found the Wake Up Cafe last year w/ my brother & K.
Jun 10th, 2015, 01:35 PM
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We stumbled upon Wake Up Cafe a few years back. We stay in Kapaa and figured we'd eat in Hanalei before hiking. One well known local Hanalei bizz advertised it was open for breakfast so we went.
Went in and saw chairs up on table and some guy sweeping and got "attitude" and told not open for breakfast.
Saw some people in Wake Up eating and we've been going back ever since. Reliable place with good food at decent prices.
Our pre-hike go to place.
Went in and saw chairs up on table and some guy sweeping and got "attitude" and told not open for breakfast.
Saw some people in Wake Up eating and we've been going back ever since. Reliable place with good food at decent prices.
Our pre-hike go to place.
Jun 11th, 2015, 07:34 AM
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Day 7: Friday June 5...Last day to enjoy the bay!
We started the morning at the Wake Up Cafe, again! We ate there every morning but one! We were skipping lunch so we figured it even out but I guess we did go slightly overboard!
For our last, without leaving on a 10p flight, full day we wanted to spend it swimming and taking in the view at Hanalei Bay. That's just what we did! We had great sunshine for most of the day! Late afternoon the clouds, again, took over but we didn't care. We stayed and swam until it was finally time to drag ourselves away.
We had our 'it's our last night' dinner at Hanalei Dolphin. Delicious, again! Afterwards, instead of taking the one lane bridge back to Princeville, we took the road next to the taro fields. The sunlight was perfectly golden and hitting the mountains in just the right spot. I have some beautiful pictures!
Slept soundly to the ocean waves...it will be awhile until I hear them again.
We started the morning at the Wake Up Cafe, again! We ate there every morning but one! We were skipping lunch so we figured it even out but I guess we did go slightly overboard!
For our last, without leaving on a 10p flight, full day we wanted to spend it swimming and taking in the view at Hanalei Bay. That's just what we did! We had great sunshine for most of the day! Late afternoon the clouds, again, took over but we didn't care. We stayed and swam until it was finally time to drag ourselves away.
We had our 'it's our last night' dinner at Hanalei Dolphin. Delicious, again! Afterwards, instead of taking the one lane bridge back to Princeville, we took the road next to the taro fields. The sunlight was perfectly golden and hitting the mountains in just the right spot. I have some beautiful pictures!
Slept soundly to the ocean waves...it will be awhile until I hear them again.
