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The Good Stuff: A Boring Songdoc Kauai Trip Report

The Good Stuff: A Boring Songdoc Kauai Trip Report

Old Apr 20th, 2013, 07:31 PM
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The Good Stuff: A Boring Songdoc Kauai Trip Report

First, the disclaimer …

This trip will probably seem boring to most people, but the entire purpose was to R-E-L-A-X. I’d have nineteen days alone in Kauai before embarking on an exhausting, demanding (but fun!) work-related tour that will take me to thirteen cities in Australia and New Zealand. I worked like a dog prepping for the trip and I wanted to collapse in paradise first. That means no ziplines, boat rides, helicopters, luaus, fine dining, driving to Waimea Canyon, or any of the other things tourists typically do.

I’ve lost count of how many trips I’ve had to the Garden Island, so there’s no need to see the sights. (Besides, I’ll return to Kauai for five weeks after the trip down under, and will have company for three of those weeks, so we’ll do plenty of sightseeing then.)

… Arrived 8 PM April 15th. Amazingly, all three of my AA flights were on time – or early. More amazingly, after being crammed in on completely full flight to DFW and LAX, the flight to LIH was half empty. I helped myself to an entire exit row!!!

I’d usually spend the first night at the Kauai Beach Resort to avoid the drive to Princeville after fifteen hours of travel. The next day, I hit Costco and Wal-Mart then head to Sealodge. But I got a ridiculously good deal on Plantation Hale Suites—next door to the Coconut Marketplace—through Onetravel.com by combining it with my flight back from New Zealand. For $69/night it was a steal. The regular price is $140.

It’s a complex of older apartment buildings. But the one-bedroom unit itself was quite large, and had been updated with nice, modern furniture. My only complaint with the unit is that when I’m in Hawaii I prefer more island décor—not crisp, modern furnishings. But the terrific king-sized bed makes up for it. There’s the tiniest bit of traffic noise (my unit was the closest to the highway) but with the a/c running I could barely hear it unless I sat on the lanai.

There are several basic swimming pools and I love having a kitchen—and a bargain. But I’m a sucker for a view—and my lanai faced other buildings (albeit with some pretty palm trees in the distance) and I would prefer not to hear traffic going by when I lie out at the pool. For $69/night I’d grab it – if budget was a big consideration. For $140/nt … I think you can do a lot better.

Woke the first morning at 2AM, 3AM, 4AM & 5 AM. Ahh, jet lag! Finally gave up at 5. Of course my first breakfast was at Kountry Kitchen. I was there when they opened at 6 AM. But don’t faint my regular readers … I did NOT go for the banana/macadamia pancakes. Just wasn’t in the mood for anything sweet that early. Opted for the veggie omelet and corn bread. It was so enormous that I took half of it back and ate it for lunch. Yum.

It was a gorgeous morning and I strolled for two hours on my fave walking path past Kealia beach. I perched at the lifeguard stand (it wasn’t open yet) and a beautiful orange kitty jumped onto my lap and insisted I pet him while we both watched the ocean and the lone surfer. The ocean was calm.

The weather remained perfect the entire day. I picked up some books at the Kapa’a library then took the short, paved walking path from Plantation Hale Suites to a pretty beach. I joined several people who were soaking in protected natural pools, but otherwise, it’s not swimmable. The pools were only about 18" deep but it was just enough to float and soak away stress. Afterwards, it was a lovely spot to lean against a tree and let the sound of the ocean tranquilize me while I read. Bliss …

to be continued …
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Old Apr 20th, 2013, 10:29 PM
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Nice. I am not bored at all!
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Old Apr 21st, 2013, 06:26 AM
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Bore us some more!
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Old Apr 21st, 2013, 09:22 AM
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You're right. Kauai is boring.
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Old Apr 21st, 2013, 10:07 AM
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Dark , very dark, Wapner in 5. (Rainman)
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Old Apr 21st, 2013, 01:41 PM
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Kauai is very boring. Yawn and sigh. It does smell good, tho.
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Old Apr 21st, 2013, 02:32 PM
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It smells good around Pat's Taqueria, that's for sure.
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Old Apr 21st, 2013, 03:13 PM
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Love hearing about the kitty encounter and am looking forward to more of your relaxing tale as we look forward to our late summer Kauai getaway.
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Old Apr 22nd, 2013, 06:52 AM
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Songdoc, you made my Monday morning...bring on the boring! Get me through the next 32 days!!!!!!
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Old Apr 22nd, 2013, 09:20 AM
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Songdoc, I want your job!! They hiring??! Your trip sounds fantastic. I need a nice, boring trip in Paradise again soon...
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Old Apr 24th, 2013, 12:32 AM
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I had waited too long to book this trip and for the first time ever was unable to get ANY unit at Sealodge for the entire 19 days. Wound up with a 2-bedroom, oceanfront at Ali’i Kai—5201. It’s wonderful; VERY spacious; exceptionally well-equipped … but I miss Sealodge ☹. The views from this unit are great and the sound and proximity of the ocean is awesome—but for me, there’s nothing like the Sealodge views toward the lighthouse. From this unit there are no sunrise or sunset views – and I miss that. My biggest complaint is that I can’t get cell phone reception in the condo. Apparently Ali’i Kai is notorious for this problem. But there’s a landline I can use. That’s all the complaining because I’m actually quite happy here, although it wouldn’t be my first choice.

I’m turning the page on a wonderful birthday. It started out pouring; then turned dry—but very cloudy. There had been intense rain through the night. I’ve had more rain on this trip than any other that I recall—including January/February visits. April is not supposed to be this rainy, but apparently, no one told April. And FYI, it’s been rainy on “the Sunny South Shore” as well. But … there have been some gorgeous weather days, too—and partial gorgeous weather days.

Today, like many of my days, I walked along the path beside the Princeville golf course. A couple of times, I’ve walked to the beach at the St. Regis. So pretty! But today, I went in the other direction and wound up picking up some things at Foodland. More rain was predicted so I was hesitant to go to the beach, but by late afternoon the sun was shining and it was perfect at Hanalei Bay. Thanks to the storm, the waterfalls were fantastic. I counted five at Hanalei Bay. Also thanks to the storm, there was an enormous sandbar where I’d never seen one. It allowed you to walk from the Hanalei River at Black Pot beach out farther than the pier! It was a beautiful, different perspective from there—like finding a new little beach! Oh, and speaking of the pier … the restoration is almost done.

wekewoody -- Pat's Taqueria truck hasn't been there. Don't know why.

I’m really getting the relaxation I needed. Not doing much but walking on the beach, swimming, watching surfers, and reading. I took some beautiful photos at the taro fields that are at the first Hanalei bridge. That’s such a beautiful spot, and the birds were fantastic. I liked the redheaded Moorhens and there were lots of nenes.

The ocean has been calm. I especially enjoyed watching a surfing tournament for the 5 – 8 year olds. Too cute. The waves were barely ripples—but the parents said it was perfect for their first tournament.

I ended my birthday with a vegetable panceque (a Brazilian crepe) sitting outside under a full moon at Neide’s. So relaxing—and soooo tasty. My only other dining out –-other than on my lanai—has been at Hamura’s Saimin—my addiction. I have to go into Kapaa and Lihue tomorrow—so I’ll probably eat there again.

To be continued …

PS. EmilyPost: you wouldn't want my job. My boss is a slavedriver. He works me 7 days a week, and it's never enough. (I'd quit, but I'm self-employed. hehe)
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Old Apr 24th, 2013, 02:35 AM
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Sounds like my boss...You need a partner? Enjoy your down time, songdoc. Your trip sounds heavenly.

One of my daughters is gettting married in late August and she and her guy are considering a honeymoon in Hawaii. I've encouraged them to take a look at all that Kauai has to offer. They love to hike, kayak, etc. They want to be in a lush, less populated place. They'd be honeymooning in early to mid September for 2 weeks and they want to be in a hotel. Where would you suggest they stay, songdoc? They don't want to stay in a condo. (Just a quick suggestion would be greatly appreciated; I didn't intend to hijack your trip report!) Thank-you!
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Old Apr 24th, 2013, 07:55 AM
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EmilyPost, I'm sure songdoc won't mind -- if they can afford it, the two hotels "of choice" on Kauai are the St. Regis Princeville and the Grand Hyatt in Poipu. Either would make for a spectacular honeymoon.
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Old Apr 24th, 2013, 07:56 AM
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Sorry, I left one out - also on the south shore, the Koa Kea on Poipu -- a smaller, more boutiquey but very upscale place.
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Old Apr 24th, 2013, 08:00 AM
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Songdoc, happy birthday! I got to work and was so excited to read your latest post!

Your "boring" sounds perfect! Last September, DH & I were very boring because we were beach bums for an entire week and did nothing else except the bike ride, one time, along the bike path.

Can't wait to hear more...and if you aren't keeping track, like I am every waking minute, I've only got 30 days left!!! That means tomorrow...I'll be breaking into the twenties!!
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Old Apr 24th, 2013, 11:40 AM
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"wekewoody -- Pat's Taqueria truck hasn't been there. Don't know why."

SURFING
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Old Apr 24th, 2013, 04:23 PM
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thanks, sf7307!
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Old Apr 24th, 2013, 04:33 PM
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There's a mighty fine moon in boston tonight, so if the conditions are right, the roosters should be crowing by 3am on the north shore.
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Old Apr 24th, 2013, 06:39 PM
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For the honeymoon couple I'd recommend the St. Regis Princeville because it would be closer to the most luscious -- um, I mean "lush-est" area ;-). It's soooo expensive. But a honeymoon is once in a lifetime... HOPEFULLY!

<Pat's Taqueria truck hasn't been there. Don't know why."
SURFING>

Gosh, it would be hard to fit that truck on a surfboard.

lousitraveler: I feel your excitement! I wish we could meet. You'll have to stay until I return from New Zealand in June.

I'm back from Hamura's. How can a bowl of wonton soup with noodles possibly taste so good?

Ohh, I've got to hurry back to relaxing ;-). I could get used to this.
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Old Apr 26th, 2013, 12:34 PM
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I love Hamura's Saimin! I also get the Won ton min. It's very comforting and reminds me of my childhood when my mom used to make won ton soup for me and my sisters...
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