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iceeu2 Jun 2nd, 2005 11:15 AM

Icee's Kauai Trip Report
 
Wouldn't you just know it, as soon as I started to work on my trip report this nasty 4 letter word got in my way...W-O-R-K

Anyway, the photos are posted, but not edited so thought I would give you the link so you can begin to take a gander.

Hope to be able to tell you a few things about the Kauai portion of our trip real soon........photo link is

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/174343/index.html

Enjoy...

iamq Jun 2nd, 2005 11:28 AM

i2,

Work?

I love the picture of the green church in Hanalei. If I ever get married, this would be the place.

-Bill

okieinkauai Jun 2nd, 2005 11:40 AM

Loved the pix! Can't wait to see it all for myself....EIGHT DAYS FROM NOW!
We look forward to your full trip report. Okie

iceeu2 Jun 2nd, 2005 12:04 PM

Okie, you are going to luv Kauai..won't she Bill?

I will try my very best to at least post a few restaurant reviews for you. Where are you staying?

Bill, if the real icee and I decide to renew our vows in 2007, that is the church building I would love to do it in. However, the other day, the granddaughter told me..."you can't get married...you already are"!

okieinkauai Jun 2nd, 2005 12:38 PM

Icee, I already love Kauai...haven't seen it yet but I know I love it. Our kids are convinced that we are going to pack them up and move to Kauai as soon as we return. They could be right!
We are staying in Poipu at the Prince Kuhio Condos. Would love to hear your restaurant reviews. Okie

iamq Jun 2nd, 2005 12:42 PM

Okie,
If you like huge bugs, lots of rain, mean chickens and lousy restaurants you will LOVE Kaua`i. It's the perfect place for me. Have a great trip!

i2,
Don't you just love kids?

-Bill

okieinkauai Jun 2nd, 2005 12:53 PM

Lucky me...I love huge bugs, killer chickens, biblical amounts of rain and lousy restaurants. Sounds like heaven to me. Living here in the land-locked wheat farming section of the US, I am not sure how I will adjust to all that gross tropical fruit, sun-ripened and dripping....but I will adjust. Okie

iceeu2 Jun 2nd, 2005 01:10 PM

Ok, now, I will try to get this report started before I blow the whistle for today.

Our Oahu and Kauai vacation was nothing less than marvelous. I'm not sure what we did, but stayed on the go the entire time.

ADVENTURES:
Well, we did it...the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail. It was beautiful, but my short legs had a difficult time. The real icee says I spend too much time sight seeing and not watching where I am going. The day we did the trail, it was raining in Kapaa so we had decided not to hike. Drove on to the North Shore, stopped in Hanalei, went out to the pier for a while. Since it had quit raining, we headed on to the end of the road. Got there and others were going ahead and hiking so we decided to go on. At the first 1/2 mile, I had decided it would be no problem to continue. Some guy even convinced me that when you got to higher elevation there was no rain. Anyway, on we trudged in the never ending rain. It poured off my hat, into my eyes, but I was bound and determined to continue. The first time I slipped and fell was when I was looking at some other big fellow who had red dirt all over his shorts. Again, sight seeing..or people watching! I honestly want my ashes spread here. It just takes your breath away. Since it rained so hard, it took us over 5 hours for the round trip. Before we left, I had argued with DH that I didn't need my hiking shoes, but am I ever glad he made me pack them. They were so wet and so muddy..I stepped in every mud hole there was! Another thing, we had those great hiking poles. They were a lifesaver for me. I thanked hubby repeatedly for forcing the hiking boots and hiking poles on me! I could not believe the numbers of people carrying little ones on their backs, wearing flip flops or barefoot with body boards....Anyway, the coastline views were stunning. Since, it was raining, we didn't get any good photos along the way. Later in the week, I just bought a great photo taken at the first lookout.

It was wonderful, but I did end up with bruises from my 3 trip-ups! You could read people's minds as they saw me coming and going. "That poor fat short thing will have to be rescued"!

To be continued in a bit with restaurant comments...

iceeu2 Jun 2nd, 2005 02:59 PM

Continuing...oh, and something bit me and I had a big old itchy ugly red spot on my arm all week..now it's just a tiny little place...

So far my friend, Bill, you are batting a thousand...rain and bugs!

RESTAURANTS:

We ate mainly around the Kapaa area since we were staying there.

Hukilau Lanai-We both loved this restaurant. Food was excellent and service was superior! We had the cutest Argentine waitress. We went to an early dinner (arrived about 5 of 6) so we could get in on the 6 Course Food & Wine Tasting Menu. Outstanding. For the food & wine the price is $40 and for food only, the price is $28. Good deal considering the Cheesecake Tart with Mango is $6.95. This price also has a happy hour with 1/2 price pupu's and $4 wine pairing. Never got back for that but menu was appealing. We had the food&wine, naturally. Since we were staying next door at the Courtyard, we could just roll home.
Highly recommended for food and service.

Princeville Seafood Buffet-Wonderful, beautiful presentation. All of the fish dishes and chicken and salads were exceptional. Prime rib left something to be desired, but that's not why I went anyway. Desserts were equally as good as the fish dishes. We sat outside on the terrace and had a spectacular view of Bali Hai teamed with a beautiful sunset.
Recommended-Next time we would probably opt for the Sunday Brunch.

Lihue BBQ Inn-DH loves this place. Locals restaurant. Not fancy, but good food. Excellent specials..DH had ahi and I had ono...For a total of $40(before tip) we had soup, salad, entree, beverage and dessert. I had onolicious coconut cream pie and DH had macadamia nut cream pie. We went there another night and had the locals plate (ribs, chicken, and shrimp)..same soup, salad, tea and dessert for like $20 before tip. Locals plate not as good as the special fish, but still good.

Kauai Pasta-Good food, good service, generous portions. We ordered far too much food, so we actually ate 2 nights from there. Had leftovers one night from there. They do not serve wine, but you can bring your own for a $5 beverage charge. DH liked this place, but it got my vote for best food and ended up being my favorite place.

Ugh, wouldn't you know it...gotta run for a bit..be back later.

iceeu2 Jun 2nd, 2005 04:10 PM

Back again, and continuing with the food stuffs

Olympic Cafe-We like this place enough to eat there 2 times. One time I had the fish tacos and the next time the ahi burrito. Same fish, same food..burrito is put together for you and tacos are not. I preferred the tacos since I could put the amount of rice and beans on them that I wanted. Mai Tai's were terrible...a real vanilla taste and especially sweet.

Coconuts-We both liked the food at Coconuts. Service was attentive, but the waiter didn't have the aloha spirit that the majority of food servers have on Kauai. Lobster Raviolis (Kal's recommendation) and salad for me...Charlie probably had ahi. One of the few restaurants that stays open late (10 pm).

Scotty's Beachside BBQ-We went here on our last night. Having overindulged in the spirits and turned down by the AuntieMaria's and Budmen to go here, we schlepped it on down to Scotty's on our own. Surprisingly good BBQ. I had a pulled pork sandwich and Charlie had a pulled pork plate. With Charlie being from NC and me being from the Memphis area, we are pretty tough BBQ critics. The meat was good, but it just ain't like you get at home. Their vinegar sauce is not what either of us expected, so we just didn't put sauce on our meat and they are smart to not put any sauce on it before they serve it. A very nice new restaurant. You could easily pass it up for a residence if you don't see the sign.

iceeu2 Jun 2nd, 2005 04:18 PM

Hamarua's Saimin-No trip to Kauai would be complete without going here. Yuuuuuuumy.

Shrimp Staion-We shared shrimp tacos here for our last lunch on the island. Excellent. The dishes others were getting looked yummy also. We shared the tacos because I knew our next stop was..........

Jojo's Shave Ice-Wonderful wonderful wonderul. The only one I had the entire time. I think I had the tropical rainbow with macademia nut ice cream and Charlie maybe just a regular rainbow with ice cream. I wish I had one right now!!

Blue Moon Rising or Full Moon Rising Bakery-Bought some whole grain bread here..very good..you just have to holler for service! The public restrooms right behind here are spotless.

We did not go to LaPlayita Azul this time. Went in, put name on list, saw that it said cash only and decided not to use our cash. Just one of our pet peeves when a restaurant doesn't take credit cards.

iceeu2 Jun 2nd, 2005 04:55 PM

You will just not believe all of the "stuff" we bought this trip. Quite out of character for us, but we did it anyway. Had to go to UPS and send it back home. Don't have it yet.

Bought our t-shirts at the swap meet on Oahu. 10/$20. Also got bulk macademia nuts at the swap meet. Purchased dried mango in Chinatown. Junk at the ABC stores, and of, course, we can never ever go to a city with the real icee making a trip to Sam's. I think he bought us some new sunglasses there, oh and some sunglasses readers. The readers were great for me trying to read maps and guide books. Didn't have to keep switching glasses.

Farmers Market near the lighthouse in Kiluea. Bought papaya, pineapple and beautiful bouquet of flowers ($5). Had also bought tropical flowers on the roadside at one of those honor places when we first got there, but they lost their luster so I had to have more.

Found great bargain shirts at the Red Dirt Shirt Factory Store in Port Allen. Sweatshirts for $3 (a tiny hole, duh...I can sew), also go a few t shirts there for $10..

Cookies at Kauai Kookie.

Palm hat and bowls from Tony at Kalapaki Beach. He was really funny..as soon as anyone bought anything from him, he would go straight to the ABC store and buy a tall Bud.

Calendars and books at Walmart.

Sent flowers home from Flowers Forever. They didn't arrive when they were supposed to so Allen gave me my $18 shipping charge back. The airport in Lihue has really nice tropical bouquets ready to bring home and I purchased a lei for $6..Still beautiful today, or so my friend says.

Tropical Tantrum-Overdid it here! Bought a dress with a shawl and matching slippahs!! Also, a really cute capri set. Gorgeous fabrics. Oohlala!

Great Hawaiian CD's from the kiosk in Coconut Marketplace. After we got our ice cream from Lappert's we would go over and listen to the music. Super nice people and would play anything for you.

My favorite store was Aunty Lilikoi. Her store is all the passion fruit stuff. They won the grand prize in the Napa Mustard thing this year! Her jars of tasties are $4 each (compared to $5 and $6 in the stores). And, she will ship to you with no added markup. Just what it costs her. Our goodies were here when we got home and she had enclosed a sample of passion fruit jelly, a recipe card, and a handwritten note on their business card. Interesting lady to talk to and very proud of her family. Her son had developed the recipe for the teriyaki sauce she carries. Good people-pay her a visit.

Jewelry-I overdid it this time. Bought several Kahelelani(means Pathway to Heaven) Shell Creations from Lono & Linda. They hang out at Opaeka'a Falls Lookout with their wares. Check out their website at kilauea50tripod.com
If you go tell them the couple from Georgia that kept pestering them sent you! This is the same couple that used to hang out at the end of the road.

Bought more great jewelry from Juny Yadao in Kilauea. He does beautiful intricate carvings from the opihi shell. Once you see the shell and Juny's hands, you will marvel at his carvings. He has these huge hands and signs and dates every piece of jewelry.
We ended up with a whale's tail, turtle and fish hook for the boys. For the girls, we got taro leaf pendant and earrings, regular opihi shell pendants and an exquisite octupus shell pendant. Margot turned me on to this guy and he is super. He and Charlie got along splendidly. If you have a trip planned let me know and I will give you his phone #, or ask Margot for it. And by the way, his wife gave me gardenias from her garden. Heaven scent!

Hilo Hattie's - NOT - I had a coupon from the entertainment book that I thought was good for 20% off all purchases..ended up it was only good for Hilo Hattie garment purchases. I was so proud of myself when when I let her keep the overpriced CD and overpriced t shirt that I didn't need anyway. Kept the $2 coffee mugs...only to find them at Walmart for $1.77!!!!!!!!!!


iceeu2 Jun 2nd, 2005 05:06 PM

Stayed 5 nights at the Waikiki Beach Marriott in Waikiki for $125/night priceline. Upgraded to a deluxe ocean view room on the 32nd floor..our tower only had 33 floors.

Stayed 2 nights at the Courtyard in Kapaa for $111/night old folks rate and upgraded to an oceanfront room. Brand new wing opened. 1st timers in that room.

Other 7 nights were at the Pono Kai Resort (timeshare) in Kapaa. Beautiful, clean, spacious condo. The gardens at PonoKai are grand.

On Oahu, had a new Malibu for a total of $98 for 5 days. Car had 8 miles on it when we picked it up.

On Kauai got a new Malibu Maxx for a total of $158 for 10 days. This car was a bit older with 9 miles on it.

Upgrades were in our favor this trip.

Celebrity spottings:
On the flight with us from Atlanta to Los Angeles was Edgar Winter and his band. None of the old folks (DH included) knew who he was. If you don't know he is a rock star from the 70's. He and his brother Johnny Winter are albinos. He still does concerts and I pulled up his website and he still sounds good. I knew who he was because that was in the days when my mama was gonna bring my sweet wild a$$ home from school! Whew, I'm glad I outgrew it!

Craig T Nelson (Coach) was having dinner at the Princeville when we were. As a matter of fact if you see the photo of Charlie and enlarge it and look over Charlie's left shoulder you can get a good view of him.




iceeu2 Jun 2nd, 2005 05:09 PM

Thanks to all of my FFF's for such great advice. I love Hawaii. I saw a sign that said.."I got the Aloha Spirit.I caught it on Kauai".

This place really must be the pathway.

Aloha!!!!!!!!((r))((r))((r))

i2

iceeu2 Jun 2nd, 2005 05:14 PM

Wouldn't you know it....I forgot..had a grand massage from Michael. He and Paula (A Touch in Paradise Massage) are located in the Historic Seto Bldg in Kapaa. Next door to Bubba's.

I was so relaxed when I left that I walked right past Bubba's and never even wanted a burger.


Speaking of Burgers...great at Duane's Ono Char Burger..took it down to Anahola Beach to enjoy.




iamq Jun 2nd, 2005 07:05 PM

i2,

Can't wait to try Hukilau Lanai.

Where is Aunty Lilikoi's store located?

-Bill

pspercy Jun 2nd, 2005 08:36 PM

<i>..as soon as anyone bought anything from him, he would go straight to the ABC store and buy a tall Bud.</i>

Ol' Kal working two jobs now ;)


ggrtist Jun 2nd, 2005 09:15 PM

thanks for sharing iceeu2...sounds like a fabulous time! I'm just drooling at the thought of getting back to Kauai...

MelissaHI Jun 2nd, 2005 11:58 PM

HEY!! I see Kal added photos to your album. How do you add photos to another person's album?

iceeu2 Jun 3rd, 2005 04:18 AM

Bill
Aunty Lilikoi(Lori) is located in Waimea. After you pass Jojo's and kinda catty cornered across the street from the Shrimp Station. Opposite side of the street from these places. Website is auntylilikoi.com

You are also going to love love love Hukilau Lanai. Everything we had was scrumptious and everything we saw served while were were there was equally appealing.

MelissaHI...Kal whined until I added the spirits of he and the Mrs. to the album. He actually emailed the photos and I added them.

pspercy..Kal has it down pat with his weaving of the palms and then weaving in and out of the beer store!!



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