Didn't mean to post in this format, but DH mandated a Word document documentation purposes. So it seemed easier to cut and paste than to rewrite my journal. Hope you enjoy., Hey, ICEEU.

Monday 5/18

So much planning- computers, Fodors, guidebooks- and it is finally here. DS dropped us at the airport this AM. 20minute delay, then off to San Diego via Las Vegas.

DH horoscope today recommended TRAVEL!

97 degrees in Las Vegas; glad we are going to 68 degree San Diego. The seatmates on the flight were the strangest, most annoying you could imagine. She moved, fumbled and fidgeted and whined for 4 hours. Not quite Xanaxed enough. Cab to the Grand Hyatt. 22nd floor corner room with the harbor and USS Midway view. Drinks and appetizers at the Top of the Hyatt. Remarkable view of downtown, Coronado Island. No activity in Petco Park tonight.

Lots of discussion about dinner- on the waterfront vs. Gaslamp. We tried the best of both, walking thru Seaport Village, browsing, people-watching, kite-watching, etc. Then set out to find the Italian restaurant recommended in Gaslamp. We walked a LONG way and didn’t find it, but, we’re flexible, ready to try something new. But now it is 6PM (9PM stomach time), yet the restaurants were empty! The lounges and bars were filling up, but we agreed we did not want to eat alone. (PS: San Diegoans do NOT give great directions!).

Walked back to the Hotel, regrouped and walked down to Sally’s. Temperature now much cooler. There is a patio with lovely views, but too cold for us Floridians. Dinner was pleasant. DH had a lobster pot pie and I had phyllo wrapped halibut with jasmine rice and asparagus. $90 with 2 wines.

Tuesday, 5/19.

The flight to Hawaii wasn’t bad, a 767 with more leg room than I thought. A mystery “breakfast burrito” was served. I got into my book and read a great deal.

Flying into Honolulu was exciting-you see Diamond Head and Waikiki- could even see our “pink” hotel. Not so pretty is the ride into town; industrial areas. The shuttle driver was pi**ed because a handicapped person sat in the handicapped seat. Go figure!

The Royal Hawaiian is just like I imagined it to be: manicured lawns, huge old trees, fragrent flowers. When you walk into the lobby, there are no doors. Huge high ceilings- portals open so the ocean breeze everywhere. The ocean is sparkling azure.

Registration is not waiting in line at check-in desk. Oh, no, it is sitting at a private desk, chatting with the clerk who seems to really like her job. Cold towels to refresh us, a glass of cold tropical juice- and a plumeria leai for me, and a “Buckeye” (don’t know what it was exactly) lei for DH.

We were upgraded to an ocean front room on the 4th floor. Tastefully decorated room with the feeling of the old (1927) hotel. We walked on the beach- what a scene! Surfers, Boogie boards, big catamarans, outrigger canoes. Had a MaiTai at the Maitai Bar. DH liked it better than I did. ($14 each).

At the suggestion of the concierge, we had dinner at the Ocean House. Beachfront, of course, open air. Enjoyed prime rib and osso bucco. $90 with 3 wines.

Torches up and down the beach at night looked great. When we got back to the room, there was a bottle of sparkling wine chilling-but not for us tonight. Early to bed as tomorrow had an early wake up call.

. Long wait . The Wed. 5/20

Want to say that the Royal Hawaiian had wonderful toiletries, super-comfortable bed and thick oversized towels.

Now on to Wednesday:

This was a LONG day. Denny’s for a bagel and coffee and then met our E Noa Tour guide Carlos at 6:15. The drive to Pearl Harbor took about 30 minutes. They are in the process of building a new visitor center, so the current one is not so appealing. We wandered about thru the area, ship models, historical photos, artifacts, etc. Then a short movie, all authentic footage of December 7, 1941.

We were then tendered to the USS Arizona. The memorial itself straddles the ship. It is a very somber atmosphere. 900 men are entombed here. The far end of the monument is a floor to ceiling engravment of the names of those who died here.

Back on the shuttle and over to the Mighty Mo, the USS Missouri. Our guide, Carlos was a former Marine and a gave a good tour. We saw the huge guns, officers quarters, enlisted men’s bunks- 3 deep with thin mattresses, and no A/C. Saw the officer’s mess and the CIC (control room). Finally the spot on deck where the treaty was signed ending WWII. It was a hot day, and we were glad to sit down with a hot dog and drink.

Back to Waikiki, then taxied to the airportflight to Kauai just took about ½ houTher.

Beautiful orchid leis awaited us at the airport. Baggage claim is in an open air patio. No problem shuttling to the Alamo office. Our “chariot” was a box-with-wheels, white Chevy HHT.

The drive to Princeville was in the dark and went on forever, guess about 25 miles. Check in a Hanalei Bay Resort was easy- about 9PM- huge open air lobby. A golf cart took us,our luggage, and some groceries ($65 worth) to the room.he

The condo, #9222, is nice. Décor stuck in the ‘80s, but fine and clean. Fully stocked kitchen, stacked washer/dryer, living/dining area, bath and A/C bedroom with a balcony (lanai) all the way across.

I love Kauai! Looking forward to more of your trip report!

I love Kauai too - just got back a week ago and going through withdrawl so I need some Kauai fixes!

We are looking at Hawaii for our 25th wedding anniversary in Feb, 2010. Looking forward to more details . . .

In Feb. I would start planning - this is a busy time on Kauai and I would stay on the South Shore. We have already booked our trip to the Point at Poipu (our timeshare) a few months ago.

I just did a trip with my daughter in May and had a blast, best trip I ever took. Here's our pictures and we stayed at Nihi Kai unit 833

http://picasaweb.google.com/banas.po...mma/Kauai2009#

And these are from our Feb. trip:

http://picasaweb.google.com/banas.po...mma/KAUAI2008#

We were engaged in Hawaii 40 years ago and went back for our 25th and have been going back regularly since. You will love it!

Hi Cheryl! Loving your trip report already. Can't wait to hear more and to see pictures.

Wow,I didn't know you stayed at the Royal Hawaiian.

Can't wait for more!

HI GAIL AND DONNA!!

Now before this next post, you have to realize that we were Kauai Virgins. So you know what's coming next: superlatives, exclaimation points, adjectives, etc. You have been warned.

Thursday morning was the highlight of the trip. We had arrived in the dark the night before. So when we woke about 6:30 and looked outside THERE WAS PARADISE! No kidding, we both pinched each other. The air smelled like flowers. The mountains were light and shadow, multiple shades of green. The bay was sapphine blue with waves cresting. I could see at least 4 shades of bouganvilla, from peach to purple, yellow flowers, red flowers, birds of all kinds (what is that little black and white one with an orange head?)and, yes, a rooster crowing. Breakfast on the patio as we did all week. Even cereal and toast is better in Kauai.

Walked the lovely grounds of Hanalei Bay Resort - it is very well maintained. Drove to Hanalei town, window shopping. Lunch at Kalypso. Burger and veggie wrap, really pleasant, and a server who was trying very hard (too hard?) to be friendly.

Had a nap/reading session then met our new Fodor Friends! ICEEU, 2, GMAC and her DH and little one. Had drinks at the Westin pool bar. The DH's were the drink runners, and the rule is only carrying 2 at a time. Dinner was at Hanalei Dolphin, good snapper and grilled veggies. It was a blast meeting you guys. DH is still shaking his head that we got along so well with perfect strangers. I then gave him the introductory lesson that Fodor friends are not strangers, just friends you haven't met yet!

Friday 5/22

Very busy, overscheduled day, but we wanted to consolidate some driving time. (As it was, we drove 600miles in our week there). We chose Jack Harter Helicopters, their 90 minute tour. Saw everything, and it was well narrated by our pilot Chris. I have been trying to find ways to incorporate terms like "Nawiliwili" and Wai'lai'lai into my everyday conversation since! It was really breathtaking. At one time in the crater you could literally see a dozen waterfalls.

Time for a sandwich and then over to Eli'eli where we got on the Holo-Holo catamaran sunset cruise. The weather was great as we sailed past the last sugar plantation on the island. We were told the last crop would be harvested in 2010. It was really interesting to get up close to the Na Pali cliffs that we had flown over that morning. We were joined by a pod of spinner dolphins - they were amazing. We saw hikers on the Kalalu trail. Now, you know, I wanted to make plans immediately to begin that 11 mile stroll, but DH talked me out of it. (< They served a nice buffet with lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Sunset was a magenta/gold/pink celebration. We have a great picture of us grinning like little kids. The Pacific was electric blue. Long drive home.

More to come.

OOOH, it gave me goose bumps to read your description of waking up to Paradise on your first day on Kauai.

Have you started planning your next trip to Kauai yet?

I am glad that the Hanalei Bay Resort worked out so well for you. I remember when you were searching for a place.

Looking forward to reading more! I predict that you will go back within the next two years. Don't forget the icee's bikini/speedo debut in 2013. We'll be hosting a party at our Hanalei beachfront digs. GTG!

Bikini and speedo in 2013? Hmm, if I diet and exercise till then, maybe, just maybe... Nah.

On to Saturday, and now trying to condense more.

Slept late, lounged on the lanai (do you see a trend here?). Visited the Kilauea Lighthouse. Nice, but hot and sticky. Really glad we stopped at the overlook on the bluff above as it was a postcard sight. In fact, we bought that postcard! We had lunch at Lighthouse Bistro, again open air, fish tacos and mahi sandwich. Very relaxing, super nice server. I bought homemade soaps for the girls at work at that candle/soap place, and they were a big hit (Despite being somewhat deformed: more on that later).

But the purpose of the trip is to celebrate 40 years of hard times, really hard times, mind numbing hard times, and all shades of joy: we are still committed to this journey together. So our anniversary dinner was at Gaylords, the package they call Most Romantic Dinner. And it was.

Met a photographer, Hans (probably the only German on Kauai) and he posed us and preened us and flashed us, wait, you know what I mean, for 45 minutes or so. The package included an 11x14 and we had lots to choose from. The final choice was just spectacular. I might post it later on, if I can get my technical assistant (DH) to help.

Our table was on a secluded part of the patio, with torches lighting the area. A bottle of bubbly was chilling. There was a special menu printed for us with our names and the reason for our celebration. Pupu platter, salad, palate cleansing sorbet (so ME), and we both chose a seafood medley. Followed by truffles and coffee. Food was good but the overall experience was great. Very romantic evening.

Sunday 5/24.

As early a start as possible after last evening - on our way to the canyon. Our best view was from the Kalalu Lookout (or maybe from the finally found restroom there!), as we were fogged in by the time we got to Puu o kila. I will tell you that, just like the Grand Canyon, no amateur photos can match the sight.

On the way home, we stopped at Wiamea Brewing Company on the recommendation of Fodor folks. Had microbrews and nachos. Said they were closing next month due to poor economy. (>
Got great tee shirts in memorium.

Dinner cooked at home tonight. The tropical vibe got to DH and he was right there in the kitchen with me.

Maybe finsh up after dinner tonight??

Editing, I see my emoticon doesn't match my emotion. I am NOT glad that the restaurant is closing. Too technical, above my pay grade, etc., etc.

I'm DEVASTED that Waimea Brewing Co. is closing! That was my favorite meal on my last trip. Did you have the kalua pork nachos?
I did read in the Honolulu Advertiser this week that tourism was down in April for the 14th month in a row, and hotel vacancy rates were the worst they've been in the 22 years since they started keeping records. Well, I am glad that some of us are doing all we can to uphold the Hawaiian economy. Heck...I might book another trip just to help things out more!

Will try to finish up. (Too lazy to cook)

Monday, Memorial Day

This was our Beach day. Loaded up the car with umbrellas, beach chairs, and boogie boards from the condo and headed to Ke'e Beach. HAHAHA. No parking within distance a normal person would park. Almost the same at Tunnels.

So here is where I need Kauai expert advise (IAMQ, that means you!). Name that beach..... Almost deserted except for a few families and some surf fishermen. Near the road were some shady pine trees. If you were looking at the Bay, on your left was a river/stream. To the left of that were black basalt looking rocks/boulders. Some folks waded the river to walk on the boulders to where the waves crashed. The beach was clearly marked as dangerous with rip tides. Any guesses. I am hoping it was Nurses Beach, as my name IS RNCheryl, and I watched South Pacific before the trip.

We went to the Smith Family Luau tonight. Never having been to Hawaii before, this was my first luau, and we enjoyed it. The setting was nice, lagoon and gardens and lots of screecing (male, ha) peacocks. Dinner was way better than I thought, considering the volume. And the show, complete with erupting volcano and fire dancing was really enjoyable. It is nice to see a family business like this doing well. We met grandma, grandpa, son and grandson. Would certainly recommend it. Again, not much to compare to.

Tuesday

Wow, how to describe this. DH favorite; for me, so far out of my comfort zone to be off the chart! This is the day we go on the ATV rides at Kipu Ranch. Once a sugar plantation, now a cattle ranch. We suited up with bandanas, goggles and helmets and got into our "Rhino". So far, so good, riding down a tree lined lane and zipping across the pasture. But wait!! now we have to learn how to go down a steep hill, over rocks and around a ridiculous bend. Wait, should say DH has to learn to do all that. I had to learn to hold on to the "Oh Sh.t" strap and close my eyes. I did redeem myself at the end of the tour, as I was the only female to swim out the the waterfall and sit under the spray!!

Back to the condo, did some laundry to get that red Kauai dirt out of our stuff. Our best meal of the trip is to come: Postcards in Hanalei town. Plantation cottage feel, good relaxed service, breeze on the patio. I had Francesca and DH had Sorrento, both outrageous. Some kind of chocolate concoction, volcano, I think was GREAT. With good coffee.

The rest of the trip was a blur. Late flights, delays. Stayed overnight at the Hilton Harbor Island in San Diego. Would recommend this; really nice room, great bedding and an airport shuttle.

We got home on Thursday, our luggage made it home on Monday, hence the defored soaps. Way to go Hawaiian Airlines which also charge for your checked baggage.

We have been fortunate enough to do some traveling the last few years: all over the US, Alaska, Ireland, Italy, and we have been ecstatic over all of them. But the feeling was: nice, love it, but there are so many other places we haven't seen yet.

Not so with Kauai: I can totally see us going back.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps someone in the future, just as all you Fodorites have helped me.

ALOHA!

Barbara: it is the patriotic thing for you to do. Back to Hawaii, I say!

TOPPING, as I really want ICEU, GMAC and IAMQ to see this. Please forgive my audacity. It is Kauai, after all.

What a great time you guys had!

Postcards is our favorite restuarant on Kauai. I am happy that you enjoyed it too. The daily fish specials are always amazing. Service can be a little sketchy somedays, but it sounds like you there on a good day.

The beach you describe sounds like Lumahai (Lumadie) to me.

We've been to hell 5 times now and I can tell you it gets better and better with each trip.

Aloha and Mahalo!

Mini GTG with photos, (DH comes thru with 24/7 tech support!)http://www.prncomp.com/Temp/Hawaii05-23-09.pdf

Wow! Your condo had a great view!

Cheryl, now I'm going to look at your photos, but I can't keep from jumping up and down and up and down and grinning and laughing and clapping that you say you can totally see y'all going back!!!!!!!! Whooooopeeeeeeeee

And, yes, iamq is the expert, but it is Lumahai that you are describing!

What a wonderful trip report! It is a magical island, isn't it? And, I am so very happy to have met you and DH and gmac and DH and baby gmac.

Get ready for 2013! It's a very important bd celebration!