Kauai 2002-3 trip report
Jan 22nd, 2003, 05:50 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kauai 2002-3 trip report
Aloha all!
Just returned Friday a.m. from probably our best ever trip to Kauai and we want to wish a belated yet tanned (even with a #45 SPF) Happy New Year to one and all.
This probably was the best Kauai trip since it was the first time in a long time that we did not go with anyone else....just hooked up with the regular Dec/Jan returnees and locals at the Sand Bar.
The downside of not going with "newbies", all the best intentions to "DO" things were VERY unsuccessful. But we did manage hikes up the NaPali all the way to Hanakapai Falls, The Sleeping Giant, all of Lydgate and walked all the way up to the "end on the road" on Polihale Beach and then back to watch one of the biggest reddest ball o' fire set over the northern tip of Ni'ihau into the Pacific.
You could add up all the times we've seen whales and dolphins over our 1st 10 trips to Kauai and the total would not exceed the amount we saw this trip!
The 2 best shows were from the first "rest/view" area on the NaPali hike where we saw at least a dozen jumping and frolicking about 1,000 feet below and a few miles out. The other was about an hour before the Polihale sunset. It was like the whale was "fluking me off" as we counted 11 straight tail slaps during one flukin' event. Un-flukin'-believable!
While laying out at The Islander's beach on the Coco Coast, I noticed a very odd, choppy wave pattern just beyond the break...Turned out to be about 30 dolphin's dorsal fins going up and down in the water. We laffed as they started their jumping show.
TRAVEL: Flew Hawaiian Air from Sacramento to 'lulu and then on to Lihue. (No greeting committee-sniff, sniff). While it was very nice, good service and very convenient, nothing beats the non-stop United from SF to Lihue! (A big argument w/ Mrs Kal because she misses her mai tais at Stinger Ray's Int'Isl terminal when we fly non-stop!).
HOTEL: Aston's Islander on the Beach. And we'll probably go back until we wear out our welcome. Our favorite little 1.5 star hotel with a great Sand Bar. Not for everyone, tho. No more roosters either! But Kauai still has a lot of chickens. Funny.
WEATHER: 18 straight days of about 78 degrees and above weather. We had very high winds one day but you could still function-just had to get used to the sand blasting if you wanted to lay on the beach. We only got rained on the night of the "Hanapepe Friday Night Art Show" so we missed it. Next trip!
We were suprised that we had to wear long sleeve t-shirts a few nights since it was a bit "chilly" at times. Musta got down to 65 some nights.
No mosquito problems noted, even on the hikes.
CAR RENTAL: I tried to schmooze my way into a convertible at Budget but they ran out of cars! (Somehow the scene from Seinfeld's car rental "reservation" shtick entered my mind). They gave us the first car returned at the agreed price and we got lucky and got a Ford Escape...the little non 4WD SUV. Nice vehicle. We kept it. It's suprising how much more of the island we could see when you sit up high!
End part one....sorry...there's more.
Just returned Friday a.m. from probably our best ever trip to Kauai and we want to wish a belated yet tanned (even with a #45 SPF) Happy New Year to one and all.
This probably was the best Kauai trip since it was the first time in a long time that we did not go with anyone else....just hooked up with the regular Dec/Jan returnees and locals at the Sand Bar.
The downside of not going with "newbies", all the best intentions to "DO" things were VERY unsuccessful. But we did manage hikes up the NaPali all the way to Hanakapai Falls, The Sleeping Giant, all of Lydgate and walked all the way up to the "end on the road" on Polihale Beach and then back to watch one of the biggest reddest ball o' fire set over the northern tip of Ni'ihau into the Pacific.
You could add up all the times we've seen whales and dolphins over our 1st 10 trips to Kauai and the total would not exceed the amount we saw this trip!
The 2 best shows were from the first "rest/view" area on the NaPali hike where we saw at least a dozen jumping and frolicking about 1,000 feet below and a few miles out. The other was about an hour before the Polihale sunset. It was like the whale was "fluking me off" as we counted 11 straight tail slaps during one flukin' event. Un-flukin'-believable!
While laying out at The Islander's beach on the Coco Coast, I noticed a very odd, choppy wave pattern just beyond the break...Turned out to be about 30 dolphin's dorsal fins going up and down in the water. We laffed as they started their jumping show.
TRAVEL: Flew Hawaiian Air from Sacramento to 'lulu and then on to Lihue. (No greeting committee-sniff, sniff). While it was very nice, good service and very convenient, nothing beats the non-stop United from SF to Lihue! (A big argument w/ Mrs Kal because she misses her mai tais at Stinger Ray's Int'Isl terminal when we fly non-stop!).
HOTEL: Aston's Islander on the Beach. And we'll probably go back until we wear out our welcome. Our favorite little 1.5 star hotel with a great Sand Bar. Not for everyone, tho. No more roosters either! But Kauai still has a lot of chickens. Funny.
WEATHER: 18 straight days of about 78 degrees and above weather. We had very high winds one day but you could still function-just had to get used to the sand blasting if you wanted to lay on the beach. We only got rained on the night of the "Hanapepe Friday Night Art Show" so we missed it. Next trip!
We were suprised that we had to wear long sleeve t-shirts a few nights since it was a bit "chilly" at times. Musta got down to 65 some nights.
No mosquito problems noted, even on the hikes.
CAR RENTAL: I tried to schmooze my way into a convertible at Budget but they ran out of cars! (Somehow the scene from Seinfeld's car rental "reservation" shtick entered my mind). They gave us the first car returned at the agreed price and we got lucky and got a Ford Escape...the little non 4WD SUV. Nice vehicle. We kept it. It's suprising how much more of the island we could see when you sit up high!
End part one....sorry...there's more.
Jan 22nd, 2003, 05:54 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Part 2
ACTIVITIES: Other than the hikes, really not much of anything but swimming, tanning, looking at sea life and just general unwinding after a verrrry long 2002. We were feeling so good that we didn't even golf for fear of bringing back the low back probs. that were worked out by a fantastic masseuse the 4th day we were there and just the genreal frustration golf brings!
Finally made it to Glass Beach. Surreal in the early morning, I bet.
Was going to take the ATVKauai waterfall tour this trip but actually broke down and bought a Wyland ("The Turtle") pen and ink instead. Big Sale! Big Tourist!
I'd also like to try the open cockpit bi-plane ride in The Red Plane next trip. We walked by 2 para-sailers on Lydgate and that looks like a blast....for some younger people! ;-)
RESTAURANTS: We hit all the usual faves, The Brick, Pac Cafe, Lizard Lounge, Coconuts, Duke's, Rob's Good Time Grill, Eggbert's, Lemongrass, Bullshed, Waimea Brew Co, etc.
Tried some new ones:
Hukilau-Located in the Coconut Beachboy behind the Coconut Marketplace. Very good. We heard they are operated by the same people who own Gaylord's. Good wine list too. Service still needs some work but "hang loose" for a good dinner. Looks like they did a good job remodeling the Beachboy,too. Came close to sitting in on a time share presentation...Phew!
Lighthouse Bistro-Kilauea. Another nice place. Excellent fish burrito/tacos.
Ono Loa: Kapaa in the Coconut Mktplace. Took over the space formally occupied by The Taco Dude. Good Mex and Hawaiian plates. Pretty inexpensive.
The Shack: A chain but good grub, big portions and also pretty inexpensive...for now....Sports bar located in the old Kapaa Fish and Chowder House.
Tropical Burger Too-The new location is in the CocoMktplace (the other is in the Poipu Center w/ Roy's and Keoki's). Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pretty good and relatively inexpensive. Just don't get the tuna or chicken salad sandwiches. VERY small.
Olympic Cafe-Kapaa. Had a kalua pork breakfast burrito that lasted me until dinner. Big! Mrs Kal had to get a "go box" for her b'fast burrito.
Wild Bill's Cafe-Next Border's Book in Lihue. Good coffee drinks, sandwiches, wraps. Also have i'net access if you really want to look at a computer on vacation.
Aussie Tim's BBQ-Wailua, next to the Wailua Family Restaurant. Ate there last year and it was very good. Ate this year and got "The Trash Can" dinner and it was excellent! We were "passing smoke" for 3 days after the meal.
Didn't get a chance to hit some other new ones but they were getting good reviews, this one in particular
oipu Broiler...in the old House of Seafood.
Happy Talk Lounge at Bali Hai restaurant/HBR. Sunday live jazz. Good drinks and you can't beat the view.
BTW...Starting 1-1-03 Kauai Restaurants are now "No Smoking" zones. But there is some formula they use to determine if you're a bar or restaurant so non-smokers will still be taking their chances.
Sheesh..a Part 3...?
ACTIVITIES: Other than the hikes, really not much of anything but swimming, tanning, looking at sea life and just general unwinding after a verrrry long 2002. We were feeling so good that we didn't even golf for fear of bringing back the low back probs. that were worked out by a fantastic masseuse the 4th day we were there and just the genreal frustration golf brings!
Finally made it to Glass Beach. Surreal in the early morning, I bet.
Was going to take the ATVKauai waterfall tour this trip but actually broke down and bought a Wyland ("The Turtle") pen and ink instead. Big Sale! Big Tourist!
I'd also like to try the open cockpit bi-plane ride in The Red Plane next trip. We walked by 2 para-sailers on Lydgate and that looks like a blast....for some younger people! ;-)
RESTAURANTS: We hit all the usual faves, The Brick, Pac Cafe, Lizard Lounge, Coconuts, Duke's, Rob's Good Time Grill, Eggbert's, Lemongrass, Bullshed, Waimea Brew Co, etc.
Tried some new ones:
Hukilau-Located in the Coconut Beachboy behind the Coconut Marketplace. Very good. We heard they are operated by the same people who own Gaylord's. Good wine list too. Service still needs some work but "hang loose" for a good dinner. Looks like they did a good job remodeling the Beachboy,too. Came close to sitting in on a time share presentation...Phew!
Lighthouse Bistro-Kilauea. Another nice place. Excellent fish burrito/tacos.
Ono Loa: Kapaa in the Coconut Mktplace. Took over the space formally occupied by The Taco Dude. Good Mex and Hawaiian plates. Pretty inexpensive.
The Shack: A chain but good grub, big portions and also pretty inexpensive...for now....Sports bar located in the old Kapaa Fish and Chowder House.
Tropical Burger Too-The new location is in the CocoMktplace (the other is in the Poipu Center w/ Roy's and Keoki's). Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pretty good and relatively inexpensive. Just don't get the tuna or chicken salad sandwiches. VERY small.
Olympic Cafe-Kapaa. Had a kalua pork breakfast burrito that lasted me until dinner. Big! Mrs Kal had to get a "go box" for her b'fast burrito.
Wild Bill's Cafe-Next Border's Book in Lihue. Good coffee drinks, sandwiches, wraps. Also have i'net access if you really want to look at a computer on vacation.
Aussie Tim's BBQ-Wailua, next to the Wailua Family Restaurant. Ate there last year and it was very good. Ate this year and got "The Trash Can" dinner and it was excellent! We were "passing smoke" for 3 days after the meal.
Didn't get a chance to hit some other new ones but they were getting good reviews, this one in particular
oipu Broiler...in the old House of Seafood.Happy Talk Lounge at Bali Hai restaurant/HBR. Sunday live jazz. Good drinks and you can't beat the view.
BTW...Starting 1-1-03 Kauai Restaurants are now "No Smoking" zones. But there is some formula they use to determine if you're a bar or restaurant so non-smokers will still be taking their chances.
Sheesh..a Part 3...?
Jan 22nd, 2003, 05:56 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Part 3:
BAD NEWS:
Traffic! The "Golden Gate Bridge Project" (as the locals laughingly call it) tied up traffic thru Kapaa near Pono Kai/Foodland...We saw some backups that went all the way back to the Wailua River! If you get near Kintaro's and the traffic is bad, hang a left and take the bypass they built a few years ago. You come out in Old Kapaa Town by the ABC store or if you kn ow where to turn, by Bubba's Burgers.
If you're on the road from Lihue to the West End after 3:30, get ready for stop and go up to the tunnel of trees! No road work, just a lot of cars thru there, most going to Poipu. You may wish to go down by Kukui Grove and take the Kipu Road bypass.
We heard Chris the Fun Lady passed away. Sad. Very nice, helpful lady. Gave us a lot of tips on Kauai our first few trips over.
Also heard Chucks Steak House in P'Ville closed or is closing.
The Grove aka Puakea Golf Course in Lihue is closed until June,so they can finally add on the final 8 holes to make it a real golf course! ;-) Great-I can lose MORE balls now!
The Whaler Brew Pub continues to underperform. Probably one of the best locations for a Kauaian restaurant but it's still going down hill service/beer wise. I was hoping to win the lottery when I got back so I could by it.
A father and son drowned right off the beach by the Radisson a few days before we got there. Very sad. Looks like a set of rogue waves and a ripper caught them.
GOOD NEWS:
KTOH 99.9 FM radio and KONG Radio 93.5.
99.9 played a lot of Solid Gold mixed w/ some Hawaiian. KONG was the usually good stuff. Heard some music that could be classified as "Jawaiiandeco". A combo of Hawaiian, Jamaican and Zydeco. Cool.
340 or so more days to go. Will be posting some pics to the website shortly.
It's really great to be back....yeah...right...
Mucho mahalos,
Kal
-fin-
BAD NEWS:
Traffic! The "Golden Gate Bridge Project" (as the locals laughingly call it) tied up traffic thru Kapaa near Pono Kai/Foodland...We saw some backups that went all the way back to the Wailua River! If you get near Kintaro's and the traffic is bad, hang a left and take the bypass they built a few years ago. You come out in Old Kapaa Town by the ABC store or if you kn ow where to turn, by Bubba's Burgers.
If you're on the road from Lihue to the West End after 3:30, get ready for stop and go up to the tunnel of trees! No road work, just a lot of cars thru there, most going to Poipu. You may wish to go down by Kukui Grove and take the Kipu Road bypass.
We heard Chris the Fun Lady passed away. Sad. Very nice, helpful lady. Gave us a lot of tips on Kauai our first few trips over.
Also heard Chucks Steak House in P'Ville closed or is closing.
The Grove aka Puakea Golf Course in Lihue is closed until June,so they can finally add on the final 8 holes to make it a real golf course! ;-) Great-I can lose MORE balls now!
The Whaler Brew Pub continues to underperform. Probably one of the best locations for a Kauaian restaurant but it's still going down hill service/beer wise. I was hoping to win the lottery when I got back so I could by it.
A father and son drowned right off the beach by the Radisson a few days before we got there. Very sad. Looks like a set of rogue waves and a ripper caught them.
GOOD NEWS:
KTOH 99.9 FM radio and KONG Radio 93.5.
99.9 played a lot of Solid Gold mixed w/ some Hawaiian. KONG was the usually good stuff. Heard some music that could be classified as "Jawaiiandeco". A combo of Hawaiian, Jamaican and Zydeco. Cool.
340 or so more days to go. Will be posting some pics to the website shortly.
It's really great to be back....yeah...right...
Mucho mahalos,
Kal
-fin-
Jan 22nd, 2003, 06:45 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hey great trip report. Feel like I was there. Especially the part of the traffic being backed up to the tunnel trees. Evenn in a convertible on vacation that can be frustrating!!! Wow the sunset on Polihale sounds terrific! Glad you had such a great vacation -
Jan 22nd, 2003, 07:00 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Yeah I did not understand what you were saying about the fire over niihau, daah!!I guess you were talking about the setting sun? I was picturing them lowering this ball of fire. I was wondering how many fish were killed. If it changed the climate in the water 
. Why would they do a thing like that with the volcano on the big island? Was this the heau of Kauai. All that thinking before the next paragraph.
Love Polihale made it out there for the first time in a few years last August.
Funny about the sun screen. I think it would be good therapy to start counting those days again. Also remember how lucky you are to have a trip like this in this economy!!! I don't think I will make it out this year. Of course that is my usual song in January. May pops around and I can't not plan a trip.
PS There is a conservation effort going on in Maui to return some land to trust and away from development. If you are interested it is in the Honolulu Star bulletin today. I might send some money.
There is an online paper on Kauai. It is very local today it said, “no news today” which I thought was funny. There is also an effort to save some land to the right of Hyatt. The area is known as Maha ulepu. Picturesq rocks jutting off into the ocean http://www.kauaistyle.com/life/environment/malama.htm
Not to inundate you at all I am not an environmental head just a Hawaii head. Was wondering though if you saw construction in Haena? When I was there I saw a new condo complex advertisement (I thought) right near Makana point (Bali Hi) but inland a bit from the actual point. They were trying to get people to buy units before it was built. I won’t go back to the realtor I saw associated with the project even thought my rental from the past two summers comes through them. Well maybe I am becoming an environmental head. Hard not to when you see a place a wonderful as Kauai with an Oahu future in the distance.
. Why would they do a thing like that with the volcano on the big island? Was this the heau of Kauai. All that thinking before the next paragraph.Love Polihale made it out there for the first time in a few years last August.
Funny about the sun screen. I think it would be good therapy to start counting those days again. Also remember how lucky you are to have a trip like this in this economy!!! I don't think I will make it out this year. Of course that is my usual song in January. May pops around and I can't not plan a trip
.PS There is a conservation effort going on in Maui to return some land to trust and away from development. If you are interested it is in the Honolulu Star bulletin today. I might send some money.
There is an online paper on Kauai. It is very local today it said, “no news today” which I thought was funny. There is also an effort to save some land to the right of Hyatt. The area is known as Maha ulepu. Picturesq rocks jutting off into the ocean http://www.kauaistyle.com/life/environment/malama.htm
Not to inundate you at all I am not an environmental head just a Hawaii head. Was wondering though if you saw construction in Haena? When I was there I saw a new condo complex advertisement (I thought) right near Makana point (Bali Hi) but inland a bit from the actual point. They were trying to get people to buy units before it was built. I won’t go back to the realtor I saw associated with the project even thought my rental from the past two summers comes through them. Well maybe I am becoming an environmental head. Hard not to when you see a place a wonderful as Kauai with an Oahu future in the distance.
Jan 22nd, 2003, 07:20 AM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Good article. Thx.
Yep. When we were stuck in traffic a couple of times we were seriously thinking of taking beachbum's advice and trying Tahiti this year.
Didn't notice any Haena action. May not have been paying attention, tho, as we drove thru around 7:30a.m. on the way up to NaPali for our hike. A lot of parking when you get there that early!
We did notice the poop load of development on the West End. Single family housing between Kalaheo and Pt Allen.
Some of my local friends were telling me about the new subdivision called something like Kealia Bluffs that had some rather shady beginnings.
Hope they don't ruin a good thing and "Mauize" it because the traffic was killer this trip. Darn tourists!
Kal
Yep. When we were stuck in traffic a couple of times we were seriously thinking of taking beachbum's advice and trying Tahiti this year.
Didn't notice any Haena action. May not have been paying attention, tho, as we drove thru around 7:30a.m. on the way up to NaPali for our hike. A lot of parking when you get there that early!
We did notice the poop load of development on the West End. Single family housing between Kalaheo and Pt Allen.
Some of my local friends were telling me about the new subdivision called something like Kealia Bluffs that had some rather shady beginnings.
Hope they don't ruin a good thing and "Mauize" it because the traffic was killer this trip. Darn tourists!
Kal
Jan 22nd, 2003, 12:04 PM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hey, Kal, welcome back - we missed ya! Am printing out your report to refer to on our next trip to my favorite isle (unfortunately no date in sight yet, but will soon have enough FF miles to start looking again.) I'm almost afraid to go again because the first time was so perfect! You give me hope that it can get better and better...Aloha
Jan 22nd, 2003, 12:48 PM
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hey Kal, welcome back! Great trip report. What were your trip dates? I was there Dec 1-14, 2003 and didn't see one whale out there yet.
Did you get a chance to try the new restaurant that replaced "Margaritas", in Kapaa? (can't think of the new name)
The new sports bar "The Shack" had just opened while we were there. I'm heading back in March, so I'll try it then
would it be cruel to say 60 mo days??? hehe
Did you get a chance to try the new restaurant that replaced "Margaritas", in Kapaa? (can't think of the new name)
The new sports bar "The Shack" had just opened while we were there. I'm heading back in March, so I'll try it then
would it be cruel to say 60 mo days??? hehe
Jan 22nd, 2003, 02:58 PM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Alohaaaa,
Joan: You GO gal!
Maggs: Set your travel goals higher!
;-)
Still doing Vegas this year? Mrs Kal is hinting at a b'day trip to Vegas, soooo.
(Where are my "buffett pants"?)
I feel like I look like Brother Iz after this vacation! Dr Atkins hear I come.
Sena: No. They weren't PINK whales either! We were there from 12-29 thru
1-16. Our friend had said she had been seeing them off and on since the first of Dec. on her morning walks at a very cool beach that I'm sworn to secrecy about!
BTW...they still hate the "Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" over there!
"Margarita's" is now Rice Bowls w/ the Hana Pau bar. It used to be our traditional "first night dinner" there but since we got in too late, we did 2 "Pupu Towers" at Pac Cafe w/ friends.
Never did make it back to Rice Bowls.
Heard it was "ok", so....
I'm dying for lobster raviolis at Coconuts already!!!
The Shack had a rather eclectic crowd. Bikers to Ralph Lauren to surfers, etc.
The bikers sit at the back bar because they can smoke. I guess it's considered "open aired" in the back.
SIXTY!!!!!! That is VERYYYYYY CRUEL!!!
But, enjoy!!!!
Time to hit the gym.....our the video store?
Kal
Joan: You GO gal!
Maggs: Set your travel goals higher!
;-)
Still doing Vegas this year? Mrs Kal is hinting at a b'day trip to Vegas, soooo.
(Where are my "buffett pants"?)
I feel like I look like Brother Iz after this vacation! Dr Atkins hear I come.
Sena: No. They weren't PINK whales either! We were there from 12-29 thru
1-16. Our friend had said she had been seeing them off and on since the first of Dec. on her morning walks at a very cool beach that I'm sworn to secrecy about!
BTW...they still hate the "Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" over there!
"Margarita's" is now Rice Bowls w/ the Hana Pau bar. It used to be our traditional "first night dinner" there but since we got in too late, we did 2 "Pupu Towers" at Pac Cafe w/ friends.
Never did make it back to Rice Bowls.
Heard it was "ok", so....
I'm dying for lobster raviolis at Coconuts already!!!
The Shack had a rather eclectic crowd. Bikers to Ralph Lauren to surfers, etc.
The bikers sit at the back bar because they can smoke. I guess it's considered "open aired" in the back.
SIXTY!!!!!! That is VERYYYYYY CRUEL!!!
But, enjoy!!!!
Time to hit the gym.....our the video store?
Kal
Jan 22nd, 2003, 04:32 PM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi Kal -
Consider this your official Fodors aloha from me! Great trip report, as we all have come to expect from you by now. Normally, we'd be preparing to be heading out to our piece of paradise just about now, but as you know, this year we're putting it off until our big anniversary in July - I can't even begin to tell you how frustrated I am right now as we're all freezing our you-know-whats off! Anyhow, your NaPali/Kalalau hike sounded great, and we're hoping that at least we'll have mostly favorable conditions to do that hike in July (although it'll most certainly be "whaleless" by that time). I don't know if I'll ever be able to go to Aussie Tim's after your most colorful and graphic description of your digestive process, but if I do, you can sure I'll be giggling at the thought! Anyhow...mahalo for bringing a smile to this frozen wahine!
Consider this your official Fodors aloha from me! Great trip report, as we all have come to expect from you by now. Normally, we'd be preparing to be heading out to our piece of paradise just about now, but as you know, this year we're putting it off until our big anniversary in July - I can't even begin to tell you how frustrated I am right now as we're all freezing our you-know-whats off! Anyhow, your NaPali/Kalalau hike sounded great, and we're hoping that at least we'll have mostly favorable conditions to do that hike in July (although it'll most certainly be "whaleless" by that time). I don't know if I'll ever be able to go to Aussie Tim's after your most colorful and graphic description of your digestive process, but if I do, you can sure I'll be giggling at the thought! Anyhow...mahalo for bringing a smile to this frozen wahine!
Jan 22nd, 2003, 05:57 PM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kal,
Thanks for the great trip report. I head for Kauai next Thursday for the whole month of Feb, and I cannot tell you how anxious and excited I am to be "going home" to the best island in the world. Your report made it all come alive again for me.I'm chomping at the bit..........
Thanks for the great trip report. I head for Kauai next Thursday for the whole month of Feb, and I cannot tell you how anxious and excited I am to be "going home" to the best island in the world. Your report made it all come alive again for me.I'm chomping at the bit..........
Jan 23rd, 2003, 06:34 AM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Alooohaaa,
Margot:
We couldn't believe how dry the NaPali and Sleeping Giant trails were. Aside from the normal morning dew runoff on NaPali, the path was dry and the only red dirt we brought back was on our feet and Chacos. I think Mrs Kal got one big patch of red dirt on her bum but since I didn't see it, it didn't happen, yah?
In spite of my description of Aussie Tim's, it's worth the laundry bill. No beer served there so you have to bring it, or go around the corner to the
mini mart next to Mema's and bring it it. If you buy a six-pak, Tim (he is a hoot) will put it in the fridge for you. "No Beer-No BBQ"!
Speaking of Mema's, we didn't go because we heard it wasn't putting out it's normal good fare. We thought that last trip. Too bad.
A "Frozen Wahine"? That's a good name for a drink!
Brenda: I'd be really jealous if Feb had 31 days! hahahaha. The most we've ever stayed is 21 days. A full month could kill us!
VERY tuff to come home after that so we wish you luck!
Paul: We're toying with going for a week in June...maybe July?...so it may not be that loooong a countdown.
Got some good pics to send your way, bragh.
Back to the salt mine!
Kal
Margot:
We couldn't believe how dry the NaPali and Sleeping Giant trails were. Aside from the normal morning dew runoff on NaPali, the path was dry and the only red dirt we brought back was on our feet and Chacos. I think Mrs Kal got one big patch of red dirt on her bum but since I didn't see it, it didn't happen, yah?
In spite of my description of Aussie Tim's, it's worth the laundry bill. No beer served there so you have to bring it, or go around the corner to the
mini mart next to Mema's and bring it it. If you buy a six-pak, Tim (he is a hoot) will put it in the fridge for you. "No Beer-No BBQ"!
Speaking of Mema's, we didn't go because we heard it wasn't putting out it's normal good fare. We thought that last trip. Too bad.
A "Frozen Wahine"? That's a good name for a drink!
Brenda: I'd be really jealous if Feb had 31 days! hahahaha. The most we've ever stayed is 21 days. A full month could kill us!
VERY tuff to come home after that so we wish you luck!
Paul: We're toying with going for a week in June...maybe July?...so it may not be that loooong a countdown.
Got some good pics to send your way, bragh.
Back to the salt mine!
Kal
Jan 23rd, 2003, 08:53 AM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hey Kal thanks for the laugh. I'm imagining you the size of Iz on your bike. My what a sight! Possible you exaggerate?
Now we have Sena who's going in 60 days and Brenda who's going for a month! Geez, and our bosses expect us to get work done with distractions like this? Ok I'm jealous of you all. Gotta start planning something of my own......
Now we have Sena who's going in 60 days and Brenda who's going for a month! Geez, and our bosses expect us to get work done with distractions like this? Ok I'm jealous of you all. Gotta start planning something of my own......
Jan 23rd, 2003, 09:16 AM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kal, I'm curious about Aston's Islander on the Beach... Still planning/working on our first trip to Kauai, maybe next year. I see that the rates are reasonable, it looks okay... Tell me why it's "not for everyone". (We aren't expecting luxury. Clean rooms, friendly people, and if they have a cool hang out bar - a big plus. Please describe. Thanks in advance.
