Kauai Vacation - Absolute Perfection!
Aug 18th, 2011, 04:50 PM
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Kauai Vacation - Absolute Perfection!
Finally getting around to reporting on our trip last year as we are about to go on our 2nd trip to Kauai in a few weeks!
Kauai Vacation November 2010
Family of 4, Parents in there 20s/30s and the kids, ages 5 and 1 ½.
First trip to Hawaii for all of us.
Great tips from friends/forums/guidebooks heeded: Packed brand new/never seen toys,books, and coloring books for the plane, as well as new downloaded movies on the iPad. Also packed lots of small snacks. Kids did great.
Flew Hawaiian Airlines from Seattle to Kauai, with one brief stop on Honolulu. No complaints! We checked the car-seats and skipped buying a ticket for the little one(glad we did, he only wanted to sit with dad anyway). Had a great rate, $360 PP(all included).
Rented a Cottage in Kapaa, away from the beach. We did not miss being away from the ocean at all. It was magical waking up to the sounds of the jungle – although my husband wanted to shoot the roosters. Could also not imagine staying in a hotel after that. It was so nice to have so much space. Our hosts were great too, super friendly and helpful, but gave us plenty of privacy. About $170 a night with all the taxes, cleaning fee, etc included.
Loved Kapaa as a base. Easy to get into town for supplies, and well as nearby Kealia Beach and Lydgate Beach for swimming/beach time. Of the 10 days we were there, we went to Lydgate about 7 times! Also loved how easy it was to get to the North Shore(LOVED Hanalei Bay/Town and Tunnels), as well as the South(Enjoyed Poipu Beach, Puka Dog, and Sprouting Horn) and the West(Waimea Canyon, Pu'u o Kila Lookout, and Polihale Beach).
We had no set itinerary, just links and notes on things that interested us, so we could just take it one day at a time and decide in the morning which place we wanted to see/thing we wanted to do. We would either plan to do something early so we could come “home” during my son's nap in the afternoon then have an afternoon excursion, or we would plan our longer drives during his nap-time. It worked out perfectly.
Also we packed lightly, and will pack even lighter next time. It's so easy to get what you need there. The prices are not too high that it would out-weigh the inconvenience of having to think of every single thing you need before you go. And I'm sure once you figure in baggage fees(we just took 3 carry-ons) you would still save or at least break even just buying there.
The Weather was great pretty much the whole time we were there. We live in Seattle and are used to the rain, but it seemed to rain mostly at night, so it didn't hinder any plans or tans
The water was at the perfect temperature for us!
Food: We usually bought food at Safeway or Fruit Stands and made meals at home. We had a lot of picnics(easy for us with the kids). We only ate out a few times. We also skipped trying a Luau this time, as we knew one of us would just spend the whole time chasing our son. Hopefully we will get to try that next time.
Looking forward to doing a day-by-day report with things we did, places we saw, etc very soon. I appreciate all the help I got on this forum, both by browsing the threads and posting my own questions, so I'm am trying to return the favor!
Kauai Vacation November 2010
Family of 4, Parents in there 20s/30s and the kids, ages 5 and 1 ½.
First trip to Hawaii for all of us.
Great tips from friends/forums/guidebooks heeded: Packed brand new/never seen toys,books, and coloring books for the plane, as well as new downloaded movies on the iPad. Also packed lots of small snacks. Kids did great.
Flew Hawaiian Airlines from Seattle to Kauai, with one brief stop on Honolulu. No complaints! We checked the car-seats and skipped buying a ticket for the little one(glad we did, he only wanted to sit with dad anyway). Had a great rate, $360 PP(all included).
Rented a Cottage in Kapaa, away from the beach. We did not miss being away from the ocean at all. It was magical waking up to the sounds of the jungle – although my husband wanted to shoot the roosters. Could also not imagine staying in a hotel after that. It was so nice to have so much space. Our hosts were great too, super friendly and helpful, but gave us plenty of privacy. About $170 a night with all the taxes, cleaning fee, etc included.
Loved Kapaa as a base. Easy to get into town for supplies, and well as nearby Kealia Beach and Lydgate Beach for swimming/beach time. Of the 10 days we were there, we went to Lydgate about 7 times! Also loved how easy it was to get to the North Shore(LOVED Hanalei Bay/Town and Tunnels), as well as the South(Enjoyed Poipu Beach, Puka Dog, and Sprouting Horn) and the West(Waimea Canyon, Pu'u o Kila Lookout, and Polihale Beach).
We had no set itinerary, just links and notes on things that interested us, so we could just take it one day at a time and decide in the morning which place we wanted to see/thing we wanted to do. We would either plan to do something early so we could come “home” during my son's nap in the afternoon then have an afternoon excursion, or we would plan our longer drives during his nap-time. It worked out perfectly.
Also we packed lightly, and will pack even lighter next time. It's so easy to get what you need there. The prices are not too high that it would out-weigh the inconvenience of having to think of every single thing you need before you go. And I'm sure once you figure in baggage fees(we just took 3 carry-ons) you would still save or at least break even just buying there.
The Weather was great pretty much the whole time we were there. We live in Seattle and are used to the rain, but it seemed to rain mostly at night, so it didn't hinder any plans or tans
The water was at the perfect temperature for us! Food: We usually bought food at Safeway or Fruit Stands and made meals at home. We had a lot of picnics(easy for us with the kids). We only ate out a few times. We also skipped trying a Luau this time, as we knew one of us would just spend the whole time chasing our son. Hopefully we will get to try that next time.
Looking forward to doing a day-by-day report with things we did, places we saw, etc very soon. I appreciate all the help I got on this forum, both by browsing the threads and posting my own questions, so I'm am trying to return the favor!
Aug 19th, 2011, 10:33 AM
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Day 1: Arrived around 2:30pm Kauai time. Picked up our Full-sized car from Hertz($245 for 10 days on Hotwire). No problems. They gave us some helpful directions to get out of the airport area and onto the highway. Made our way to Safeway in Kapaa to pick up supplies and some sandwiches for dinner.
Called our VRBO owner and she gave us directions to a nice beach to eat dinner at while we waited for check-in time. It was supposed to be 4pm check-in, but she asked if we could wait until 5pm. Not a problem for us since seeing the beach first was our priority.
We went to Kealia Beach. We were all just so in awe of all Kauai's beauty. The red-ish sand, the blue ocean, and the lush green hills/mountains. Our daughter decided to start swimming in her clothes.
Got to the Cottage and were simply blown away. The pictures on the site are lovely, but it just can't possibly do it justice. The owners showed us all around the property and cottage, and left us with a beautiful basket of fresh fruits/Avocados from there garden.
Although the Cottage did have AC, we didn't end up using it until our last full day there, as it got quite hot. We left the windows open and large ceiling fans on and it felt pleasant to us. We all fell asleep about 7-8pm Kauai Time.
Day 2: Loved how easy it is to wake up early with the time difference! We were all up by 5-6am. Everyone was so excited to explore! Kids ate some breakfast and husband and I had some coffee. We threw on clothes and were off!
First drive was to the North Shore. Went to the Hanalei Valley Lookout and took a few dozen pictures. I can't even tell you how many times we all would look at each other and say in disbelief how gorgeous everything was. We then made our way to Foodland(I think) in Princeville and picked up some sandwiches. We were looking for a beach and stopped along a road by the beach and got out. I'm not sure which beach it was, I think it was part of Hanalei Bay. The surf and tide were too high, so there wasn't much beach. Our daughter was anxious to go swimming, but it just wasn't safe there. We took a couple pictures and left. Went to Ke'e Beach, but there was no parking left. The surf was too crazy anyway so we decided to leave the North Shore and fine calmer waters.
Lydgate was a perfect beach for us. We spent a couple hours swimming and playing in the sand, but our son was exhausted so it was time to head back to the Cottage for nap. When he woke up my husband said he wanted to explore some more(he loves driving). So we got cleaned up and went to Poipu. Had some Puke Dog(Me and the kids loved it, husband thought it was over-rated) and watched the Free Hula Show. After that we went to Sprouting Horn and watched the sunset. It ended up being the only sunset we saw on Kauai!
Back to our cottage in Kapaa and all were asleep by 8pm! Long and wonderful first day!
Day 3: Woke up early and went to the Coconut Marketplace for the supplies. I forgot that I am allergic to cats, and there are a few cats and the property we are staying at, so I got some Benedryl! We then went to Lydgate and we all learned to snorkel(first time for our daughter, and it had been so long for me and my husband it might as well have been the first). Saw lots of fish. It was magical. It started to rain on the beach pretty hard. We didn't care, so we had the beach almost to ourselves. Then we left for our son's nap and we ended up just staying “home” the rest of the day. We were exhausted!
The next day would end up being my husband's favorite part of the Trip. Going out West!
Called our VRBO owner and she gave us directions to a nice beach to eat dinner at while we waited for check-in time. It was supposed to be 4pm check-in, but she asked if we could wait until 5pm. Not a problem for us since seeing the beach first was our priority.
We went to Kealia Beach. We were all just so in awe of all Kauai's beauty. The red-ish sand, the blue ocean, and the lush green hills/mountains. Our daughter decided to start swimming in her clothes.
Got to the Cottage and were simply blown away. The pictures on the site are lovely, but it just can't possibly do it justice. The owners showed us all around the property and cottage, and left us with a beautiful basket of fresh fruits/Avocados from there garden.
Although the Cottage did have AC, we didn't end up using it until our last full day there, as it got quite hot. We left the windows open and large ceiling fans on and it felt pleasant to us. We all fell asleep about 7-8pm Kauai Time.
Day 2: Loved how easy it is to wake up early with the time difference! We were all up by 5-6am. Everyone was so excited to explore! Kids ate some breakfast and husband and I had some coffee. We threw on clothes and were off!
First drive was to the North Shore. Went to the Hanalei Valley Lookout and took a few dozen pictures. I can't even tell you how many times we all would look at each other and say in disbelief how gorgeous everything was. We then made our way to Foodland(I think) in Princeville and picked up some sandwiches. We were looking for a beach and stopped along a road by the beach and got out. I'm not sure which beach it was, I think it was part of Hanalei Bay. The surf and tide were too high, so there wasn't much beach. Our daughter was anxious to go swimming, but it just wasn't safe there. We took a couple pictures and left. Went to Ke'e Beach, but there was no parking left. The surf was too crazy anyway so we decided to leave the North Shore and fine calmer waters.
Lydgate was a perfect beach for us. We spent a couple hours swimming and playing in the sand, but our son was exhausted so it was time to head back to the Cottage for nap. When he woke up my husband said he wanted to explore some more(he loves driving). So we got cleaned up and went to Poipu. Had some Puke Dog(Me and the kids loved it, husband thought it was over-rated) and watched the Free Hula Show. After that we went to Sprouting Horn and watched the sunset. It ended up being the only sunset we saw on Kauai!
Back to our cottage in Kapaa and all were asleep by 8pm! Long and wonderful first day!
Day 3: Woke up early and went to the Coconut Marketplace for the supplies. I forgot that I am allergic to cats, and there are a few cats and the property we are staying at, so I got some Benedryl! We then went to Lydgate and we all learned to snorkel(first time for our daughter, and it had been so long for me and my husband it might as well have been the first). Saw lots of fish. It was magical. It started to rain on the beach pretty hard. We didn't care, so we had the beach almost to ourselves. Then we left for our son's nap and we ended up just staying “home” the rest of the day. We were exhausted!
The next day would end up being my husband's favorite part of the Trip. Going out West!
Aug 19th, 2011, 04:19 PM
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Day 4: The kids and I easily got up at 5/6am every morning with the sun. Husband was starting to adjust to the new time and wanted to sleep in. Once everyone was awake we decided this would be our day to explore the West! We ate breakfast and packed our picnic bag with snacks and lunch. While I finished packing, organizing, and getting directions, my husband took the kids on a long walk around the property so they would be better behaved on a long drive(get all the energy out!). Grabbed some Starbucks in Lihue(back when you could only get the Coconut Flavor in Hawaii) and made our first stop at the Hanapepe Valley Overlook. Gorgeous! It was raining all our way through Kapaa and Lihue, but now it was dry, sunny, earthy, and dusty here. My husband was in love. I think we took a million pictures. Just the awe of going from a rainy/lush environment to desert-like topography was amazing.
We then drove up through the canyon and stopped at the top at Pu'u o Kila Lookout. It was raining and very cloudy. When we left we checked the weather and saw it was overcast, but we had been told that the weather changes so often up there that it could be clear by the time we got there. We waited a while and had no such luck, so we left. HUGE disappointment. I've heard about this view and saw many pictures and really hoped to see it for my self. Oh well, maybe next time.
Then slowly we went back down the road and stopped at Waimea Canyon Lookout. This was beautiful. I was a child when I saw the Grand Canyon, so I can't really remember it to compare. My husband felt that Waimea hands down won. Not as large(Grand) but the colors were so much prettier. Several people came up to us and offered to take some picture of the 4 of us, so FINALLY we had pictures of us all together, and with the incredible Waimea Canyon as the backdrop! As we left we bought some snacks from a young man and his father or grandpa. They had a little truck and umbrella all set up. Said everything was homemade. We got some delicious coconut candies and dried coconut! I know we got other things too, and they were good also, but I can't remember what they were!
Left the Canyon and made our way to Polihale Beach. The road was so bumpy, and no one else was on it that I was sure we were going the wrong way. But my husband is never wrong and we got there. He said it was his favorite beach of the whole trip. Something haunting and end-of-the-world feel to it. It wasn't my favorite, but it was beautiful and worth the bumpy drive. Surf was too crazy to swim in, but the kids had fun running around. Very few people there, so that was nice.
By this point though it was WAY past my son's nap and he wasn't happy, so we got back in the car. We then drove to Salt Pond Beach, since our daughter couldn't wait anymore for a swim. My husband stayed in the car so our son could stay asleep. After a brief swim I dragged my daughter(and myself) from the lovely beach and we headed to the Kauai Coffee Company. It was my turn to stay in the car with the sleeping toddler, while my husband and daughter went inside. He came back with a bag of coffee and she apparently got some free ice cream.
Everyone was hungry, and sometimes only pizza will satisfy the kids, so we drove to Brick Over Pizza in Kalaheo. I don't remember restaurants all that well, but I clearly remember this one. The service was so outstanding. So friendly. We felt so “at home”. The pizzas are expensive, but they are very good. Pretty sure we had a lot leftover too!
Drove back to Kapaa, but we briefly stopped at Lydgate so the kids could swim for a bit before it got dark. They had been cooped up in the car too much and really needed it! Also gave traffic a while to die down since it's pretty slow around 5pm.
Got back to the Cottage, gave the kids baths, and then went right to bed.
We then drove up through the canyon and stopped at the top at Pu'u o Kila Lookout. It was raining and very cloudy. When we left we checked the weather and saw it was overcast, but we had been told that the weather changes so often up there that it could be clear by the time we got there. We waited a while and had no such luck, so we left. HUGE disappointment. I've heard about this view and saw many pictures and really hoped to see it for my self. Oh well, maybe next time.
Then slowly we went back down the road and stopped at Waimea Canyon Lookout. This was beautiful. I was a child when I saw the Grand Canyon, so I can't really remember it to compare. My husband felt that Waimea hands down won. Not as large(Grand) but the colors were so much prettier. Several people came up to us and offered to take some picture of the 4 of us, so FINALLY we had pictures of us all together, and with the incredible Waimea Canyon as the backdrop! As we left we bought some snacks from a young man and his father or grandpa. They had a little truck and umbrella all set up. Said everything was homemade. We got some delicious coconut candies and dried coconut! I know we got other things too, and they were good also, but I can't remember what they were!
Left the Canyon and made our way to Polihale Beach. The road was so bumpy, and no one else was on it that I was sure we were going the wrong way. But my husband is never wrong and we got there. He said it was his favorite beach of the whole trip. Something haunting and end-of-the-world feel to it. It wasn't my favorite, but it was beautiful and worth the bumpy drive. Surf was too crazy to swim in, but the kids had fun running around. Very few people there, so that was nice.
By this point though it was WAY past my son's nap and he wasn't happy, so we got back in the car. We then drove to Salt Pond Beach, since our daughter couldn't wait anymore for a swim. My husband stayed in the car so our son could stay asleep. After a brief swim I dragged my daughter(and myself) from the lovely beach and we headed to the Kauai Coffee Company. It was my turn to stay in the car with the sleeping toddler, while my husband and daughter went inside. He came back with a bag of coffee and she apparently got some free ice cream.
Everyone was hungry, and sometimes only pizza will satisfy the kids, so we drove to Brick Over Pizza in Kalaheo. I don't remember restaurants all that well, but I clearly remember this one. The service was so outstanding. So friendly. We felt so “at home”. The pizzas are expensive, but they are very good. Pretty sure we had a lot leftover too!
Drove back to Kapaa, but we briefly stopped at Lydgate so the kids could swim for a bit before it got dark. They had been cooped up in the car too much and really needed it! Also gave traffic a while to die down since it's pretty slow around 5pm.
Got back to the Cottage, gave the kids baths, and then went right to bed.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 09:41 AM
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I'm really enjoying your report, thank you so much for taking the time to post this. Kauai is my favorite of the islands so far and cannot wait to go back next year. Hope you and your family have a wonderful second trip.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 09:42 AM
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Day 5: It was raining/overcast. Drove to Moloa'a Sunrise Fruit Stand for some amazing smoothies. I think my husband got something to eat too. Our daughter tried some cold coconut juice and said it tasted like dirty water. Then we went to Hanalei Bay and walked out on the pier. It was still raining, but there were quite a few surfers to watch. After that we went to Hanalei town and it had stopped raining, so we walked around a bit and grabbed some Shave Ice. Since we had already had smoothies we just got one and the 4 of us shared. I know it was near the Bubba Burgers, so I think it was Shave Ice Paradise. We all thought it was excellent.
My husband wanted to see Queen's Bath, so that is where we went next. It was sunny, and getting very warm. The surf was out and pretty calm. As we were about to go on the hike, some people leaving warned us it was very, very muddy and we might have a hard time. I suggested we go back, but my husband insisted. I thought this was a VERY difficult hike. Steep, narrow in places, and of course muddy. My husband with our son on his back, had a great time. My daughter and I did NOT have fun. Anyway, we got to the bottom and saw the drowning death warning so I decided not to take the kids any further, even though the waves looked calm. My husband went on, took some pictures and came back. Oh no, this means we have to hike all the way back up! What a muddy mess we all were! We all piled in the car and went back to the cottage. After showering and doing a lot of laundry, we went to Lydgate for swimming/snorkeling. We weren't there too long since everyone was tired so we made it an early day and went home to watch Lilo & Stitch.
Day 6: Drove to both 'Opaeka'a Falls and Wailua Falls. Gorgeous! Especially Wailua Waterfall, since we were able to get so close without hiking. We then drove to Costco in Lihue to get a few things and grabbed a Pizza for lunch. We then went to Poipu Beach. Lovely beach. More crowded than Lydgate, but since everywhere else it was raining, Poipu was a nice sunny escape! Called it a day and went home to our Cottage.
Day 7: Another big day! Got up early and went to church. Loved that it was out-doors in an open-air tent, since no one wanted to be indoors that day – such gorgeous, perfect weather! Love that I never adjusted to the new time so a 10am service still felt like 1pm to me. Nice being in church and not being sleepy!
After church we went to Kountry Kitchen for breakfast. The kids and I had really yummy pancakes. My husband tried something with rice/hamburger/egg. I thought it looked gross. He loved it, but got sick afterward. So back to the cottage we went. I stayed in the cottage while our son napped, while my husband took our daughter on a little hike around the property to see a little waterfall. They took a lot of pictures and had lots of fun.
Once our son was up we drove to Kilauea Road. Pretty drive. I think since it was Sunday it was closed. But we were only planning on taking some pictures anyway. Then onto Tunnels. What a perfect beach! Calm, clear, beautiful! Swam for a long time until the sun started setting. Back to the Cottage for some showers and sleep!
My husband wanted to see Queen's Bath, so that is where we went next. It was sunny, and getting very warm. The surf was out and pretty calm. As we were about to go on the hike, some people leaving warned us it was very, very muddy and we might have a hard time. I suggested we go back, but my husband insisted. I thought this was a VERY difficult hike. Steep, narrow in places, and of course muddy. My husband with our son on his back, had a great time. My daughter and I did NOT have fun. Anyway, we got to the bottom and saw the drowning death warning so I decided not to take the kids any further, even though the waves looked calm. My husband went on, took some pictures and came back. Oh no, this means we have to hike all the way back up! What a muddy mess we all were! We all piled in the car and went back to the cottage. After showering and doing a lot of laundry, we went to Lydgate for swimming/snorkeling. We weren't there too long since everyone was tired so we made it an early day and went home to watch Lilo & Stitch.
Day 6: Drove to both 'Opaeka'a Falls and Wailua Falls. Gorgeous! Especially Wailua Waterfall, since we were able to get so close without hiking. We then drove to Costco in Lihue to get a few things and grabbed a Pizza for lunch. We then went to Poipu Beach. Lovely beach. More crowded than Lydgate, but since everywhere else it was raining, Poipu was a nice sunny escape! Called it a day and went home to our Cottage.
Day 7: Another big day! Got up early and went to church. Loved that it was out-doors in an open-air tent, since no one wanted to be indoors that day – such gorgeous, perfect weather! Love that I never adjusted to the new time so a 10am service still felt like 1pm to me. Nice being in church and not being sleepy!
After church we went to Kountry Kitchen for breakfast. The kids and I had really yummy pancakes. My husband tried something with rice/hamburger/egg. I thought it looked gross. He loved it, but got sick afterward. So back to the cottage we went. I stayed in the cottage while our son napped, while my husband took our daughter on a little hike around the property to see a little waterfall. They took a lot of pictures and had lots of fun.
Once our son was up we drove to Kilauea Road. Pretty drive. I think since it was Sunday it was closed. But we were only planning on taking some pictures anyway. Then onto Tunnels. What a perfect beach! Calm, clear, beautiful! Swam for a long time until the sun started setting. Back to the Cottage for some showers and sleep!
Aug 22nd, 2011, 10:00 AM
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Hi Mom0509,
I'm enjoying this thread. Please, do keep us posted!
Our kids have a one week break from school in October and my husband and are considering going to the islands with our 12-year-old and 16-year-old boys. I think you're brave to take a toddler to Hawaii (some would say the same about teenagers) but the memories and pictures of your precious little ones in Hawaii will make it worth having to tag-team toddler naps.
Trust me, we are reading your posts and appreciate the wealth of information you have been sharing. My mom lived in Honolulu for about a year and I used to be a flight attendant and have traveled many times to Honolulu, and once to Kauai, Maui, and Kona, Hawaii and have not heard of some of the places you have mentioned or if I have, I've forgotten the names. I'm finding your posts informative and am enjoying your vacation vicariously through you.
In addition to keeping us informed won't it be nice to have a journal of your trip for you and your family to reflect on? Be sure to print it out in case the website has a glitch or something and add it to a scrap book with pictures and tickets. It will be something you will all cherish for many years to come. I always say I'm going to remember but I don't and could kick myself for all of the times I didn't keep a journal.
Hope you and your family continue to have a wonderful time!
~Deb
I'm enjoying this thread. Please, do keep us posted!
Our kids have a one week break from school in October and my husband and are considering going to the islands with our 12-year-old and 16-year-old boys. I think you're brave to take a toddler to Hawaii (some would say the same about teenagers) but the memories and pictures of your precious little ones in Hawaii will make it worth having to tag-team toddler naps.
Trust me, we are reading your posts and appreciate the wealth of information you have been sharing. My mom lived in Honolulu for about a year and I used to be a flight attendant and have traveled many times to Honolulu, and once to Kauai, Maui, and Kona, Hawaii and have not heard of some of the places you have mentioned or if I have, I've forgotten the names. I'm finding your posts informative and am enjoying your vacation vicariously through you.
In addition to keeping us informed won't it be nice to have a journal of your trip for you and your family to reflect on? Be sure to print it out in case the website has a glitch or something and add it to a scrap book with pictures and tickets. It will be something you will all cherish for many years to come. I always say I'm going to remember but I don't and could kick myself for all of the times I didn't keep a journal.
Hope you and your family continue to have a wonderful time!
~Deb
Aug 22nd, 2011, 10:14 AM
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Thank you sf7307 and jamie99!
De
dancingdg)Thank you! I am saving the report on a WordDoc. Thanks for the tip! My grandma and my father went to Kauai a few times, and she was a flight attendant too. They also have forgotten so much of their trips. Really looking forward to taking my dad in October, and wondering if being there will jog his memory
Kauai is addictive, that is why we are returning less than a year after our first trip. We want to see other places though so this might be our last trip there while the kids are small.
De
dancingdg)Thank you! I am saving the report on a WordDoc. Thanks for the tip! My grandma and my father went to Kauai a few times, and she was a flight attendant too. They also have forgotten so much of their trips. Really looking forward to taking my dad in October, and wondering if being there will jog his memory Kauai is addictive, that is why we are returning less than a year after our first trip. We want to see other places though so this might be our last trip there while the kids are small.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 10:33 AM
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Day 8: Went back to Moloa'a Sunrise for more Smoothies and got some produce for dinner. Then went to Lydgate for picnic/swimming/snorkeling. We were there just about all day! We wanted to go back to Tunnels, but the surf report warned of high surf.
Day 9: Considered a 2nd trip out West, hoping to catch that view from Pu'u o Kila Lookout of the Kalalau Valley/Na Pali Coast. But alas, we were all tired, and felt like it wouldn't be a good idea to have the kids in the car 4-6 hours before a long flight home the next day. Instead we Went back yet again to Moloa'a Sunrise Fruit Stand for more treats, then took some more pictures of the Hanalei Valley from the Overlook. We were also getting mixed opinions on whether or not we should go to Larsen's Beach, since some said that if we didn't like the muddy hike to Queen's Bath, we may not like the walk/hike down to Larsen's. We hoped to see it there since my husband's hippie brother lived(yes lived) ON this beach. We decided against this, but now regret not at least trying. We will for sure go here on the next trip. Anyway, we spent the rest of the day at Lydgate, then went home to shower/do laundry/pack. We then watched Lilo & Stitch one last time, and everyone was very sad to be leaving the next day. I told my husband the trip wasn't long enough, he told me it wouldn't matter how long it was we would always feel it wasn't long enough. Our daughter pleaded with us for her to go to school in Kauai instead. She called the Cottage “her” Kauai House, and saw no reason for us to go home.
We spent the rest of the evening with our lovely hosts. They set up a bonfire for us and we all talked and roasted marshmallows. Our son had gone to sleep, so my husband and I took turns staying with him in the cottage.
Day 10: Time to go home. My husband wanted to take the kids to Lydgate one last time, but there just wasn't enough time to take them and shower before leaving. He was bummed. Our host gave us some warm goodbyes/alohas. We felt like we were leaving our home when we left. I have never experienced this on vacation!
Kauai was so beautiful, magical. Everything we dreamed, and yet better. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I can understand how some people come there on vacation and end up staying(like our hosts).
Day 9: Considered a 2nd trip out West, hoping to catch that view from Pu'u o Kila Lookout of the Kalalau Valley/Na Pali Coast. But alas, we were all tired, and felt like it wouldn't be a good idea to have the kids in the car 4-6 hours before a long flight home the next day. Instead we Went back yet again to Moloa'a Sunrise Fruit Stand for more treats, then took some more pictures of the Hanalei Valley from the Overlook. We were also getting mixed opinions on whether or not we should go to Larsen's Beach, since some said that if we didn't like the muddy hike to Queen's Bath, we may not like the walk/hike down to Larsen's. We hoped to see it there since my husband's hippie brother lived(yes lived) ON this beach. We decided against this, but now regret not at least trying. We will for sure go here on the next trip. Anyway, we spent the rest of the day at Lydgate, then went home to shower/do laundry/pack. We then watched Lilo & Stitch one last time, and everyone was very sad to be leaving the next day. I told my husband the trip wasn't long enough, he told me it wouldn't matter how long it was we would always feel it wasn't long enough. Our daughter pleaded with us for her to go to school in Kauai instead. She called the Cottage “her” Kauai House, and saw no reason for us to go home.
We spent the rest of the evening with our lovely hosts. They set up a bonfire for us and we all talked and roasted marshmallows. Our son had gone to sleep, so my husband and I took turns staying with him in the cottage.
Day 10: Time to go home. My husband wanted to take the kids to Lydgate one last time, but there just wasn't enough time to take them and shower before leaving. He was bummed. Our host gave us some warm goodbyes/alohas. We felt like we were leaving our home when we left. I have never experienced this on vacation!
Kauai was so beautiful, magical. Everything we dreamed, and yet better. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I can understand how some people come there on vacation and end up staying(like our hosts).
Aug 22nd, 2011, 12:38 PM
#14
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You are a brave mommy taking a little one on a trip like this, but you handled it beautfully, taking turns, etc.
Kauai really does have an intoxicating hold on you. We can't wait to go back. When we were there, (2 yrs ago) tourism was down, and EVERYBODY was so friendly,grateful for the business.
Kauai really does have an intoxicating hold on you. We can't wait to go back. When we were there, (2 yrs ago) tourism was down, and EVERYBODY was so friendly,grateful for the business.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 02:06 PM
#15
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Two people have mentioned how brave this mom is for taking young children on a trip like this. I am really (honestly) curious about what makes this brave? (I took my kids to Hawaii at ages 3 months, 5 months, 2, 2-1/2, and 4. I didn't think of myself as brave at all, just ready for a tropical vacation )
)
Aug 22nd, 2011, 03:39 PM
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sf7307, I agree with you. But I'm sure to people who never tried it, or to those that tried and it didn't turn out well, it seems brave. I have flown with the 2 kids by myself, so this wasn't a problem. I know my kids like traveling(long drives don't bother them) and we come prepared, so it's not hard at all.
Thanks rncheryl and willowjane
One more thing:
http://www.gogobabyz.com/product-i14...avelmate_.aspx
It made going through the airport with a carseat a breeze! I don't know how many parents stopped and asked us about it!
Thanks rncheryl and willowjane
One more thing:
http://www.gogobabyz.com/product-i14...avelmate_.aspx
It made going through the airport with a carseat a breeze! I don't know how many parents stopped and asked us about it!
Aug 22nd, 2011, 05:04 PM
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Mom0509, no worries about the silly face. I thought it was funny.
Your closing comments are so touching, I almost cried that you had to leave.
As for the comments on being brave for traveling with a toddler, I'm one who doesn't like to miss anything and taking time out for naps is a necessary 'chore' with little ones that the big kid in me would have to buck up and not pout about. As strange as it may sound, to me, that takes courageous self discipline.
Also, we love to hike and both of our boys were (still are) very curious. Outside of your regular surroundings where you can make your home "kid friendly" there are pretty flowers and poisonous plants to try to taste and interesting looking creepy crawlies that are fun to play with (like jellyfish) and, "Oh my goodness!" MUD to play in.
Traveling with my boys when they were toddlers was a challenge because they feared nothing and have their parent's sense of adventure. Besides that, one of our boys learned to run before he could walk and he was a practical joker at 16 months so he was a fun and interesting challenge.
~*- A quick story. -*~
Once, we were camping in the Mount Pinos area of Ventura County on Mount Able where there was an outhouse with about ten stalls with locking (latch) doors built like a woman's regular public bathroom only with wooden seats. There were doors to enter/exit on both sides of this building. My husband went into the first stall and told the two-year-old to, "Wait right there."
Upon hearing the door to my husband's stall lock, the child immediately walked into the stall next to my husband's and latched the door, then ducked under all of the stalls to the very end to exit out the door on the other side giving me the "Shh" sign with an ear to ear mischievous grin. I nodded as he bounced outside and ran to the door where they had just entered on the opposite side of the building. I could see him silently busting a gut just as my husband exited his stall and said in a panic, "Where's Dillon!" He came out the door where I was standing and I shrugged as if I didn't know and said, "He was with you."
Then my poor hubby ran back into the bathroom and began systematically checking the stalls. I gave Dillon the look that said, "Okay, time to let Dad off the hook." So, Dillon walked in the door and opened his arms with a big "TA-DA!" My husband wasn't sure whether to laugh or yell but Dillon looked so cute standing there like a funny, little impish magician that we all just laughed. That child kept us on our toes.
~END~
You have to keep a constant eye on little ones which means you can't get too distracted and caught up in the awe of the place you are visiting.
Mostly the comment was made in jest but that doesn't make traveling with toddlers any less courageous.
Anyway Mom0509, I loved your vacation and I wasn't even there!
Good job.
~Deb
Your closing comments are so touching, I almost cried that you had to leave.
As for the comments on being brave for traveling with a toddler, I'm one who doesn't like to miss anything and taking time out for naps is a necessary 'chore' with little ones that the big kid in me would have to buck up and not pout about. As strange as it may sound, to me, that takes courageous self discipline.
Also, we love to hike and both of our boys were (still are) very curious. Outside of your regular surroundings where you can make your home "kid friendly" there are pretty flowers and poisonous plants to try to taste and interesting looking creepy crawlies that are fun to play with (like jellyfish) and, "Oh my goodness!" MUD to play in.
Traveling with my boys when they were toddlers was a challenge because they feared nothing and have their parent's sense of adventure. Besides that, one of our boys learned to run before he could walk and he was a practical joker at 16 months so he was a fun and interesting challenge.
~*- A quick story. -*~
Once, we were camping in the Mount Pinos area of Ventura County on Mount Able where there was an outhouse with about ten stalls with locking (latch) doors built like a woman's regular public bathroom only with wooden seats. There were doors to enter/exit on both sides of this building. My husband went into the first stall and told the two-year-old to, "Wait right there."
Upon hearing the door to my husband's stall lock, the child immediately walked into the stall next to my husband's and latched the door, then ducked under all of the stalls to the very end to exit out the door on the other side giving me the "Shh" sign with an ear to ear mischievous grin. I nodded as he bounced outside and ran to the door where they had just entered on the opposite side of the building. I could see him silently busting a gut just as my husband exited his stall and said in a panic, "Where's Dillon!" He came out the door where I was standing and I shrugged as if I didn't know and said, "He was with you."
Then my poor hubby ran back into the bathroom and began systematically checking the stalls. I gave Dillon the look that said, "Okay, time to let Dad off the hook." So, Dillon walked in the door and opened his arms with a big "TA-DA!" My husband wasn't sure whether to laugh or yell but Dillon looked so cute standing there like a funny, little impish magician that we all just laughed. That child kept us on our toes.
~END~
You have to keep a constant eye on little ones which means you can't get too distracted and caught up in the awe of the place you are visiting.
Mostly the comment was made in jest but that doesn't make traveling with toddlers any less courageous.
Anyway Mom0509, I loved your vacation and I wasn't even there!
Good job.
~Deb
Aug 22nd, 2011, 06:18 PM
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Cute story dancingdg!
My son was a different person at 18 months than he is now at 2. I have no idea what it's going to be like in Kauai this time. Last year he was more shy, just inquisitively asking "what's that" about everything, but only venturing out if someone was holding his hand. Now he is fearless. I know it will be more challenging, but this time I will not only my husband, but my dad as well. Hopefully we will be set with 3 adults vs 2 kids!!
My son was a different person at 18 months than he is now at 2. I have no idea what it's going to be like in Kauai this time. Last year he was more shy, just inquisitively asking "what's that" about everything, but only venturing out if someone was holding his hand. Now he is fearless. I know it will be more challenging, but this time I will not only my husband, but my dad as well. Hopefully we will be set with 3 adults vs 2 kids!!
