I Will NEVER Vacation on Kauai Again!!!
May 8th, 2017 | 06:08 PM
#24
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,106
Likes: 0
Thank you all SO much for the nice comments. I've been trying to set up a link to share some pix. I hope to post them soon.
I just got back from eating lunch at Tiki Iniki in the Princeville Shopping Center. It's owned by Michelle and Todd Rundgren (superstar songwriter, recording artist, record producer). It was FANTASTIC.
Before that, we walked the length of Hanalei Bay and ended with a dip in the surf. Bliss!
Re: the infamous roosters ... there are a few, but they haven't been waking us. Apparently, these particular roosters like to sleep in. ;-)
We've been walking every evening to watch the sunset at Hanalei Bay, the Hanalei Wildlife Preserve, the St. Regis, or just exploring the neighborhood. I have fallen in love with a walk I never knew about. We drove to the end of Hanalei Plantation Road and parked. The parking area itself is gorgeous with spectacular views of Hanalei Bay and the river. It leads down to the beach next to the St. Regis hotel if you walk to the right. If you walk to the left the trail ends at the river at Hanalei Bay. It's a popular place for a locals to watch the sunset.
We also did one of my favorite walks--the path north from Kealia Beach.The only other things to report on this trip so far are several exciting trips to Home Depot, Walmart, Costco, K-Mart and Pier 1, as well as lots of touching up scuffed paint and organizing closets and drawers. But we've had awesome meals at Hamura's Saimin and Kountry Kitchen.
The next installment will be a GREAT bird story! Stay tuned ...
I just got back from eating lunch at Tiki Iniki in the Princeville Shopping Center. It's owned by Michelle and Todd Rundgren (superstar songwriter, recording artist, record producer). It was FANTASTIC.
Before that, we walked the length of Hanalei Bay and ended with a dip in the surf. Bliss!
Re: the infamous roosters ... there are a few, but they haven't been waking us. Apparently, these particular roosters like to sleep in. ;-)
We've been walking every evening to watch the sunset at Hanalei Bay, the Hanalei Wildlife Preserve, the St. Regis, or just exploring the neighborhood. I have fallen in love with a walk I never knew about. We drove to the end of Hanalei Plantation Road and parked. The parking area itself is gorgeous with spectacular views of Hanalei Bay and the river. It leads down to the beach next to the St. Regis hotel if you walk to the right. If you walk to the left the trail ends at the river at Hanalei Bay. It's a popular place for a locals to watch the sunset.
We also did one of my favorite walks--the path north from Kealia Beach.The only other things to report on this trip so far are several exciting trips to Home Depot, Walmart, Costco, K-Mart and Pier 1, as well as lots of touching up scuffed paint and organizing closets and drawers. But we've had awesome meals at Hamura's Saimin and Kountry Kitchen.
The next installment will be a GREAT bird story! Stay tuned ...
May 8th, 2017 | 06:22 PM
#25
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,106
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PS. The walk I described goes across the property that was formerly Club Med. Scenes from the movie "South Pacific" were filmed there. There are plans to develop VERY expensive homes there, but for now it is open to the public.
May 9th, 2017 | 08:29 PM
#29
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,106
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Hopefully, this link to my photos will work!
https://songdocsnewhome.shutterfly.com
(actually, I think you'll have to copy it into your browser)
https://songdocsnewhome.shutterfly.com
(actually, I think you'll have to copy it into your browser)
May 12th, 2017 | 05:07 PM
#33
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,250
Likes: 0
Well now that you're living the dream, you don't want to be the mainlander haole. Maybe some community work is in order to make your presence known. Just one way…..
https://kauai.surfrider.org
https://kauai.surfrider.org
May 12th, 2017 | 06:36 PM
#34
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,106
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Thanks for the nice comments about the photos -- and for the great volunteering suggestion.
I've been volunteering at the Kauai Humane Society for the past several years, but it's a long drive. I wish I had more time. I'm not retired and have been working exceptionally long days this week. But at least I get to do a lot of my work on the lanai, looking out at that beautiful view, and I make time for at least one walk a day.
I have a feeling I'm not going to get much sympathy ;-).
I've been volunteering at the Kauai Humane Society for the past several years, but it's a long drive. I wish I had more time. I'm not retired and have been working exceptionally long days this week. But at least I get to do a lot of my work on the lanai, looking out at that beautiful view, and I make time for at least one walk a day.
I have a feeling I'm not going to get much sympathy ;-).
May 13th, 2017 | 11:17 PM
#35
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,106
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I needed to take some photos of flowers for a project and decided to go to the Smith Family Tropical Gardens. Of course, since I was passing right by I had to stop at Kountry Kitchen for a banana/mac pancake--my addiction. I don’t know how anything can taste so good. I love their coffee, too. The pancake was so immense it barely fit on the plate and I couldn’t quite finish it!
In addition to the gardens, Smith’s has a luau and Fern Grotto cruise. I’ve been to the luau twice when I had visitors. They do a terrific job, but it’s not my thing. I was bored, and I think my visitors were, too.
I did the Fern Grotto boat cruise a few years ago and that was nice. It’s a gentle, relaxing ride down the Wailua River with tourist-oriented entertainment, including hokey hula lessons. IMO, not a “must-do,” but pleasant. I put the gardens in the same category. I had a really nice stroll and enjoyed the peacocks and the scenery. But it’s not “wow.” I arrived at 9 AM (they open at 8:30) and I was the only person there. As I was leaving (after 10) a few other people arrived. My favorite Kauai gardens are Allerton and N'aini Kai.
I stopped at Lydgate Beach on the way back. With the man-made rock pools it’s a perfect place for families with little kids -- and that’s primarily who was there. It’s not a favorite spot of mine and it was crowded compared to most other Kauai beaches.
After a few hours of work I blissed out on my lanai with a book. After dinner I returned to what now feels like my special “magic” spot--that Hanalei Bay overlook at the end of Hanalei Plantation Rd. I brought a chair and enjoyed the beautiful Bali Hai sunset.
A couple was in a canoe being rowed by two young men on the bay. The canoe was beautifully festooned with greenery and flowers. I’d never seen that before. It was sort of the Hawaiian version of a Venice gondola.
That ends today’s installment. Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. My mother’s dream was to see Hawaii. She died very young (when I was 17) and her dream never came true. I found myself thinking about her today and wondering if she planted the seed for my love of Hawaii. Hmmm….
In addition to the gardens, Smith’s has a luau and Fern Grotto cruise. I’ve been to the luau twice when I had visitors. They do a terrific job, but it’s not my thing. I was bored, and I think my visitors were, too.
I did the Fern Grotto boat cruise a few years ago and that was nice. It’s a gentle, relaxing ride down the Wailua River with tourist-oriented entertainment, including hokey hula lessons. IMO, not a “must-do,” but pleasant. I put the gardens in the same category. I had a really nice stroll and enjoyed the peacocks and the scenery. But it’s not “wow.” I arrived at 9 AM (they open at 8:30) and I was the only person there. As I was leaving (after 10) a few other people arrived. My favorite Kauai gardens are Allerton and N'aini Kai.
I stopped at Lydgate Beach on the way back. With the man-made rock pools it’s a perfect place for families with little kids -- and that’s primarily who was there. It’s not a favorite spot of mine and it was crowded compared to most other Kauai beaches.
After a few hours of work I blissed out on my lanai with a book. After dinner I returned to what now feels like my special “magic” spot--that Hanalei Bay overlook at the end of Hanalei Plantation Rd. I brought a chair and enjoyed the beautiful Bali Hai sunset.
A couple was in a canoe being rowed by two young men on the bay. The canoe was beautifully festooned with greenery and flowers. I’d never seen that before. It was sort of the Hawaiian version of a Venice gondola.
That ends today’s installment. Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. My mother’s dream was to see Hawaii. She died very young (when I was 17) and her dream never came true. I found myself thinking about her today and wondering if she planted the seed for my love of Hawaii. Hmmm….
Jun 5th, 2017 | 04:46 PM
#37
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 0
Just got back from Kauai which is a must for us every 18-20 months just to refresh our souls. So glad you were able to buy BUT where will you go for vacation now.....NASHVILLE?
We ate at Tiki Iniki on this trip as we stayed at the Cliffs. Loved our condo there......love that the bill at Tiki Iniki came in a spam can. We had fabulous fish tacos at Sleeping Giant in Kapa'a(?) after we did a hike on Sleeping Giant.
Looked for you but then I wouldn't know if it was you if you were standing right in front of me! Just looked for a handsome dude with another handsome dude who both had tans and there were a lot of them!
We ate at Tiki Iniki on this trip as we stayed at the Cliffs. Loved our condo there......love that the bill at Tiki Iniki came in a spam can. We had fabulous fish tacos at Sleeping Giant in Kapa'a(?) after we did a hike on Sleeping Giant.
Looked for you but then I wouldn't know if it was you if you were standing right in front of me! Just looked for a handsome dude with another handsome dude who both had tans and there were a lot of them!
Jun 6th, 2017 | 06:43 AM
#38
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,106
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Shar, I'll look forward to hearing more about your trip. FYI, on several evenings I walked over to the Cliffs to watch the sunset. As I'm sure you noticed it's a great place to watch the sun make its last hurrah. I was the one who was the George Clooney look-alike with the hunk who looked just like Brad Pitt. (Well, maybe in my mind!) But you were right about the tans!
FYI, we had considered buying a condo at The Cliffs, but the monthly maintenance fee was $1400. It's because it is almost exclusively used as vacation rentals, so you are paying for the amenities (tennis, nice pool, clubhouse, activities, etc...) that I'd never use. I also learned that part of the complex is timeshares.
We're now back in Nashville (he said, sobbing) setting up an estate sale and auction to get rid of the belongings of a 3-bedroom house (with a packed basement). We have until July 27th to vacate our Nashville home, which sold in 40 minutes.
The place we bought is beautifully furnished and so well-stocked that we don't need to bring anything but items we can't bear to leave behind because of sentimental value. Sadly, between work commitments and house stuff, I'll probably stay in Nashville for the next six weeks.
But at least I know what's waiting for me.
The grief I felt at leaving our new home was powerful evidence that we've made the right move. One of the unexpected bonuses is that while lying in bed I can see the stars. That, and the song of the waves, are bliss to me.
On one of my last days in paradise I hiked down the path that begins at the Westin hotel. It's on the steep side, but the trail was dry and I wore sneakers, so I was fine. Once you hit the bottom of the trail you can walk along the beach to Anini Beach. You have to cross a tiny stream that's just slightly too big to jump over. Knowing that, I brought a bag with a towel and flip-flops. There are a couple of places where you have to walk up to the road then return to the beach, unless you want to climb over rocks or wade into the ocean. I didn't want to do either of those things because I had my camera with me. The walk was absolutely stunning and I took some gorgeous photos.
One other thing ... our condo is directly above Turtle Cave. I'd never heard of it, but lots of people hike down there, and I heard there are even guided "adventure tours." The hike is VERY steep and strenuous (at least for my tired old bones). It's almost like rappelling in spots. There are ropes that you need to use to pull yourself up. I did see lots of turtles, but I didn't wade into the cave where most of them are. Someone told me they saw more than 100. They mentioned that they rest there and that they shouldn't be disturbed. I'm going to scope that out before I go back down.
Next installment will be about the baby albatross...
Shar (and anyone else who visits)... let's try and meet up!
PS. Is it just me? I haven't been able to make the "preview" function work.
FYI, we had considered buying a condo at The Cliffs, but the monthly maintenance fee was $1400. It's because it is almost exclusively used as vacation rentals, so you are paying for the amenities (tennis, nice pool, clubhouse, activities, etc...) that I'd never use. I also learned that part of the complex is timeshares.
We're now back in Nashville (he said, sobbing) setting up an estate sale and auction to get rid of the belongings of a 3-bedroom house (with a packed basement). We have until July 27th to vacate our Nashville home, which sold in 40 minutes.
The place we bought is beautifully furnished and so well-stocked that we don't need to bring anything but items we can't bear to leave behind because of sentimental value. Sadly, between work commitments and house stuff, I'll probably stay in Nashville for the next six weeks.
But at least I know what's waiting for me. The grief I felt at leaving our new home was powerful evidence that we've made the right move. One of the unexpected bonuses is that while lying in bed I can see the stars. That, and the song of the waves, are bliss to me.
On one of my last days in paradise I hiked down the path that begins at the Westin hotel. It's on the steep side, but the trail was dry and I wore sneakers, so I was fine. Once you hit the bottom of the trail you can walk along the beach to Anini Beach. You have to cross a tiny stream that's just slightly too big to jump over. Knowing that, I brought a bag with a towel and flip-flops. There are a couple of places where you have to walk up to the road then return to the beach, unless you want to climb over rocks or wade into the ocean. I didn't want to do either of those things because I had my camera with me. The walk was absolutely stunning and I took some gorgeous photos.
One other thing ... our condo is directly above Turtle Cave. I'd never heard of it, but lots of people hike down there, and I heard there are even guided "adventure tours." The hike is VERY steep and strenuous (at least for my tired old bones). It's almost like rappelling in spots. There are ropes that you need to use to pull yourself up. I did see lots of turtles, but I didn't wade into the cave where most of them are. Someone told me they saw more than 100. They mentioned that they rest there and that they shouldn't be disturbed. I'm going to scope that out before I go back down.
Next installment will be about the baby albatross...
Shar (and anyone else who visits)... let's try and meet up!
PS. Is it just me? I haven't been able to make the "preview" function work.
Aug 2nd, 2017 | 03:49 PM
#40
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 0
we will return to Kauai in another 12-18 months and would love to meet up with you SongDoc. I may end up knocking on everyone's door at your condo to find you. I will ask everyone if they have seen George Clooney and Brad Pitt look alikes!
