We had been to Kauai for our 40th anniversary, and returned with friends and family for a vow renewal (any excuse to visit Kauai). We stayed in this lovely home: https://www.vrbo.com/499432

There were a few nitpicky complaints about the property, but overridden by the ocean views, breezes, and sounds. The house is certainly large enough for 4 couples. The owner was just a delight to work with.

We explored Hanalei (again), went horseback riding at Silver Falls, went on a Jack Harter helicopter island tour, this time went to the luau at Marriott in Poipu (instead of Smiths), toured the botanical/sculpture garden at http://naainakai.org/.

The younger members of the group did snorkeling, rented bikes on the east coast, and hiked several trails.

Weather was cool and cloudy on arrival, so much so that we had to buy sweatshirts. After a couple of days, sunny with daily showers; hey, its the North Coast.

Our vow renewal ceremony was on Anini Beach at sunset. Thanks, SONGDOC for suggesting http://joyfulceremoniesandweddings.com/ Dale was wonderful. We have pictures to last a lifetime. After the ceremony, we had a catered dinner at the house; sorry, can't recommend the caterer. I paid a lot of money for the dinner, and instead of, as I expected, a buffet set up with sterno-warming pans, she dropped off the dinner in Tupperware containers. Everything was very good, but quite a let down for me.

Oh, did I mention, I JUMPED OUT OF AN AIRPLANE! Son and I jumped from http://www.skydivekauai.com/. Still can't believe I did it. The freefall was not comfortable for me; felt I could not breathe. However, when the chute opened, what a glorious feeling.

No restaurant recommendations as we cooked at the house or ate leftovers 9 of 11 nights. We made it to Kauai Kountry Kitchen for the first time; Garden Benedict was a big hit, as were the pancakes. Had Bubba Burgers, and ate at Kalypso again.

Everyone was friendly. Met several locals in our neighborhood. Watched a baby chick albatross in the next door yard. What a great lesson for kids this would be. Unfortunately, the Lighthouse is closed for renovations, but the views from the overlook are still great.

Home again, and wishing for ocean views.

Go to Kauai!

It sounds like such a wonderful trip! I'm so glad you were pleased with Dale. The house looks fabulous! Can't believe you jumped out of a plane!!!

Congratulations on renewing your vows.

I'm counting down ... 27 more days!

How'd I miss this?

Congrats and YOU JUMPED OUT OF A PERFECTLY GOOD AIRPLANE?!?!?

Jack Harter people still doing a good job?
They were our first Kauai Heli-tour people and we actually got Jack himself. A sweetheart of a man.

Headed over on June 2nd for Hanalei Canoe Club's 8 mile walk/run from Haena to Hanalei then the next day, Taste of Hawaii at Smith Family Marina.

Hoped you left some Alohaaaa for us.

Just back from Kauai - enjoyed your report .

Sounds like you had a great trip!
You sent me off on many memories of Kauai. I'm hoping to return this winter.
I somehow doubt that I will be jumping out of any planes, though.... but good for you!

"Kauai has enough chickens: Skydive Kauai"

Aloha, fellow RN Cheryl!

Have been very much missing Kauai...thus, a visit to the Hawaii Forum.
Your rental house looks great in the pix on vrbo. Thank you for the link.
I'm always on the lookout for a family vacation place.
Do you mind sharing some of the "nitpicky complaints"?
And you jumped out of an airplane???????OMG, I've been tempted...but not THAT tempted!! My nurses' cap's off to you!!

Songdoc, you're almost there!! Have a glorious Memorial Day!

Kal!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Kal. I'm counting the minutes till "Aloha!" Tick, tick, tick...

I just heard that five people were killed on Kauai today when a plane with skydivers and their instructors crashed! How horrible!!!

Songdoc, just heard that. It was Skydive Kauai, and probably the single engine Cessna we were in. Two instructors, two tandem divers and the pilot were killed. I am in shock. The instructors were so good with us, both experienced with hundreds and hundreds of jumps.

I did notice, between panic attacks before we jumped, that the plane was first licensed in 1965.

My heart is breaking for those people. The owner was a friendly guy, and my instructor took such good care of me. I can't get a handle on this...

I feel for you. I can't imagine what those families are going through.

Both of our instructors and the operation owner had families and children. Again, I am in shock. My son corrected me: instructors had THOUSANDS of jumps. Looks like something mechanical with the plane

Nonchalantly joked before the jump that I had lots of life insurance thru work. Now not so nonchalant.

Tragic. These things do happen.

rn - I recall how I felt when I heard that Gerry Charlebois from Birds in Paradise had crashed his trike into the Pali due to a failed gas line. I had flown with him a number of times and booked 4 friends to fly with him.

It was comforting to be in touch with his best friend Armin who has a trike business out of Hana Maui, whom I also flew with.

Things happen. I knew I was with very talented people who understand island conditions. I have no regrets. Save your happy memories and cherish them with the memories of lives lost.

Happy memories, I do indeed have them. Will continue to look for the names of the instructors and contribute to their families.

One of our Sand Bar friends was an instructor there until he and his wife moved off island.
Only part is they were posting vacation pix from Kauai earlier this week.

Waiting for word from our local ohana.
Wow

Sounds like a nice trip! I am in Kaanapali/Honokowai Maui at the moment and flying to Kauai tomorrow morning, staying in Kapaa. I intend to try Kountry Kitchen this time. I heard the breaking news on the car radio this morning about the plane crash. So very sad.

Just got the bad news.
Too sad...too young.

Opened this thread to see if any other "homies" were on, then read this sad news. I recall one of our visits Kauai, 1998, and a heli had crashed. Didn't know of it until the day after we went up. Cheryl, this must feel especially personal for you.
Songdoc, the above Aloha was from me. The "Kal!!!!' was to The Man!!

Alohaaaaaa Calinurse.
I hope all is well.

Someone recently sent me the video of the irrigation ditch tubing. I told them that is one of the few things I haven't done on Kauai...that and sky dive!

rncheryl has much bigger stones than I!

We are on our way over on the 2nd and hope to meet up with Enzo's wife and toast him...several times.

Kal, could you get me Enzo's wife's name and possibly address. I would like to send her something. He was my delightful diving partner

Cheryl at prncomp dot com