Kauai 2009 - It was the worst of times, it was the absolute best of times!
May 20th, 2009, 08:33 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kauai 2009 - It was the worst of times, it was the absolute best of times!
Kauai 2009 - It was the worst of times, it was the absolute best of times!
Arriving at LAX from three different locations, we all met up at SW baggage claim. All the girls jumped up and down and hugged. We are: Hubby and I, and the “kids”. Now, whenever I refer to “kids” you must know that that all four are all between 25 and approximately 31 years of age. They are my daughter and her husband, and my son and his girl.
The kids were so excited that they all had their suitcases packed at least one to two weeks in advance. We had taken our children for Kauai vacations several times when they were growing up and they have fond memories of Hanalei. I tried to talk them into a different location but they wanted to be able to walk to the beach or walk to the grocery store to get ice cream bars (yeah, right, the BARS ended up being the kind you must be 21 to enjoy).
We began planning our Kauai trip last spring before the economy completely went south for the winter. We thought some of the kids might lose their jobs and we would need to cancel but they said no, even if they lost jobs, the trip was paid for and they were goin! All were on tight budgets so there would be no helicopter rides, zip line excursions, Napli Coast sails or expensive dinners out this time but DARN IT they were gonna have fun!
Hubby is a AA platinum member and as a couple we could check 4 free bags. Wanting to avoid baggage fees, we checked some of the kids’ bags as our’s. My son flopped his suitcase on the scales and I was shocked when it weighed in at a hefty 49.5 pounds! To save money I knew he was bringing food items like mayo, mustard, ketchup, pasta and pesto even though I told him not to. Later I was to be amazed as he pulled out (approximately) 3 bottles of Sailor Jerry’s rum, 1 vodka, 1 white rum, 4 22oz home brewed beers, a split of champagne for Mother’s Day in addition to assorted nuts, dried fruits, crackers, cheese and salami AND his snorkel, mask and fins!
We arrived at Lihue about 7:30 p.m. but it wasn’t until 10:30 p.m. when we were finally in the house after stopping for pizza at Pizzeta’s in Kapaa, and for groceries at Safeway, and found the house in the dark with no street lamps. The house was tucked back in behind and the bushes had grown up so that the house was not visible from the street. After circling twice, the occupant from the other rental came out and flagged us down.
The house exuded Hawaiian farmhouse/vacation house charm with it‘s green paint, white trim and lanai. It was perfect for us - 2 levels with 3 bedrooms with king size beds and each with their own bath. Ceiling fans everywhere. Large windows and sliding glass doors that opened onto the lanai off the living room and dinning room to take advantage of the trade winds and with a beautiful views of the mountains. The furniture was comfy with old fashioned Hawaiian floral print throw pillows, window seats, a bar around the kitchen that could seat six, large dinning table (for poker), and outside table on the lanai where we ate most of our meals. Everything was well in Hanalei town. We had arrived safe and sound and now it was off for a good night’s sleep…..until 4:30 A.M.!
COCK-A-DOODLE-DO over and over and over! We knew they were there, expected them, had earplugs, but I was afraid my daughter would flip out because she has such a hard time sleeping but much to my surprise she gave me a hug and said “Oh, Mom; the chickens are part of the charm of Hanalei.” Whew! Much of the dinner conversation between the boys that evening was on where they could buy a pellet rifle and how they would do the deed. I reminded them that the Kauai chickens are a protected species (wink wink - actually I think they are unless they are in your yard) and we would have none of that! There was also talk on how to cook one but I reminded them there is a reason coq au van has to cook all day in a bottle of red wine and they couldn’t just BBQ a rooster!
Most mornings we started off the day with a walk on Hanalei bay beach down to the river and back. We are used to the waves at Hanalei just lapping up on the sand tickling your toes and didn’t know that surfing was even possible in the bay but, yup, there were surfers catching waves and the waves pounding on the beach.
The river was pretty quiet with a mist hanging over it. There was a small old boat moored on the river and the morning sun gave everything a sparkle - looked like a painting. On the weekend, however, the river was very different with the fishermen launching their boats and setting out for the day. Nothing like when Capt. Zodiac was there with his fleet of zodiacs and hummers. I like it without him.
I brought coffee for the first day but then bought coffee beans at Java Kai - Kauai Peaberry - the beans are smaller and even in the Mr. Coffee made a delicious and soft almost chocolate flavored coffee. An excellent way to start the day!
Day One: We were very lazy and just hung around the house or the beach or walked around town. In the afternoon the girls decided to go grocery shopping for dinner. First we stopped at Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market but didn’t see anything we particularly liked and it was kind of expensive. Headed up to Foodland and found Moonfish (Opah) at a very reasonable price - something like $6.99 a lb. Picked up lettuce and veggies, seaweed salad (yum), and didn’t find the prices that terrible. Tequila was on sale for $10, Edna Valley Chard was about $14 (saw it at Whaler’s something store for $28) so you just need to shop the specials and use your Makai card. Checking the price of mayo, we couldn’t believe how expensive it was and agreed a plastic squeeze bottle of mayo brought in the suitcase was a good idea.
We got in a regular line, not a 10 items or fewer line, people started to get in line behind us with a bottle of sunscreen or bottle of water, and then we had to pay. We split the bill 3 ways so the gal had to run two different credit cards and balance in cash and I needed a Makai card. The checker was really nice and didn’t seem at all annoyed but when I looked at the people in line, they were all glaring at us. Next time we bring calculator.
The opah was delicious - nice, light delicate flavor done on the charcoal grill. I think Dan made a sauce but I can’t remember. Served it with coconut rice, grilled asparagus, salad and, and, of course, Mai Tai’s! Appetizers were spinach dip which son and GF made with Knorr veggie dip mix pulled out of the suitcase!
We did go down to the beach for sunset but wasn’t anything spectacular until later in the week. Love dogs and stopped to talk with a gal with two - one a terrier mix. He had been naughty that day. Seems he loves chickens to death! She heard the dog barking in the yard but didn’t see him until she looked up in the tree. Dog had chased chicken up tree. She shooed the chicken off the limb and dog jumped out and caught it! She said he was very efficient. He caught 3 that day! I should have borrowed him for our yard!
Arriving at LAX from three different locations, we all met up at SW baggage claim. All the girls jumped up and down and hugged. We are: Hubby and I, and the “kids”. Now, whenever I refer to “kids” you must know that that all four are all between 25 and approximately 31 years of age. They are my daughter and her husband, and my son and his girl.
The kids were so excited that they all had their suitcases packed at least one to two weeks in advance. We had taken our children for Kauai vacations several times when they were growing up and they have fond memories of Hanalei. I tried to talk them into a different location but they wanted to be able to walk to the beach or walk to the grocery store to get ice cream bars (yeah, right, the BARS ended up being the kind you must be 21 to enjoy).
We began planning our Kauai trip last spring before the economy completely went south for the winter. We thought some of the kids might lose their jobs and we would need to cancel but they said no, even if they lost jobs, the trip was paid for and they were goin! All were on tight budgets so there would be no helicopter rides, zip line excursions, Napli Coast sails or expensive dinners out this time but DARN IT they were gonna have fun!
Hubby is a AA platinum member and as a couple we could check 4 free bags. Wanting to avoid baggage fees, we checked some of the kids’ bags as our’s. My son flopped his suitcase on the scales and I was shocked when it weighed in at a hefty 49.5 pounds! To save money I knew he was bringing food items like mayo, mustard, ketchup, pasta and pesto even though I told him not to. Later I was to be amazed as he pulled out (approximately) 3 bottles of Sailor Jerry’s rum, 1 vodka, 1 white rum, 4 22oz home brewed beers, a split of champagne for Mother’s Day in addition to assorted nuts, dried fruits, crackers, cheese and salami AND his snorkel, mask and fins!
We arrived at Lihue about 7:30 p.m. but it wasn’t until 10:30 p.m. when we were finally in the house after stopping for pizza at Pizzeta’s in Kapaa, and for groceries at Safeway, and found the house in the dark with no street lamps. The house was tucked back in behind and the bushes had grown up so that the house was not visible from the street. After circling twice, the occupant from the other rental came out and flagged us down.
The house exuded Hawaiian farmhouse/vacation house charm with it‘s green paint, white trim and lanai. It was perfect for us - 2 levels with 3 bedrooms with king size beds and each with their own bath. Ceiling fans everywhere. Large windows and sliding glass doors that opened onto the lanai off the living room and dinning room to take advantage of the trade winds and with a beautiful views of the mountains. The furniture was comfy with old fashioned Hawaiian floral print throw pillows, window seats, a bar around the kitchen that could seat six, large dinning table (for poker), and outside table on the lanai where we ate most of our meals. Everything was well in Hanalei town. We had arrived safe and sound and now it was off for a good night’s sleep…..until 4:30 A.M.!
COCK-A-DOODLE-DO over and over and over! We knew they were there, expected them, had earplugs, but I was afraid my daughter would flip out because she has such a hard time sleeping but much to my surprise she gave me a hug and said “Oh, Mom; the chickens are part of the charm of Hanalei.” Whew! Much of the dinner conversation between the boys that evening was on where they could buy a pellet rifle and how they would do the deed. I reminded them that the Kauai chickens are a protected species (wink wink - actually I think they are unless they are in your yard) and we would have none of that! There was also talk on how to cook one but I reminded them there is a reason coq au van has to cook all day in a bottle of red wine and they couldn’t just BBQ a rooster!
Most mornings we started off the day with a walk on Hanalei bay beach down to the river and back. We are used to the waves at Hanalei just lapping up on the sand tickling your toes and didn’t know that surfing was even possible in the bay but, yup, there were surfers catching waves and the waves pounding on the beach.
The river was pretty quiet with a mist hanging over it. There was a small old boat moored on the river and the morning sun gave everything a sparkle - looked like a painting. On the weekend, however, the river was very different with the fishermen launching their boats and setting out for the day. Nothing like when Capt. Zodiac was there with his fleet of zodiacs and hummers. I like it without him.
I brought coffee for the first day but then bought coffee beans at Java Kai - Kauai Peaberry - the beans are smaller and even in the Mr. Coffee made a delicious and soft almost chocolate flavored coffee. An excellent way to start the day!
Day One: We were very lazy and just hung around the house or the beach or walked around town. In the afternoon the girls decided to go grocery shopping for dinner. First we stopped at Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market but didn’t see anything we particularly liked and it was kind of expensive. Headed up to Foodland and found Moonfish (Opah) at a very reasonable price - something like $6.99 a lb. Picked up lettuce and veggies, seaweed salad (yum), and didn’t find the prices that terrible. Tequila was on sale for $10, Edna Valley Chard was about $14 (saw it at Whaler’s something store for $28) so you just need to shop the specials and use your Makai card. Checking the price of mayo, we couldn’t believe how expensive it was and agreed a plastic squeeze bottle of mayo brought in the suitcase was a good idea.
We got in a regular line, not a 10 items or fewer line, people started to get in line behind us with a bottle of sunscreen or bottle of water, and then we had to pay. We split the bill 3 ways so the gal had to run two different credit cards and balance in cash and I needed a Makai card. The checker was really nice and didn’t seem at all annoyed but when I looked at the people in line, they were all glaring at us. Next time we bring calculator.
The opah was delicious - nice, light delicate flavor done on the charcoal grill. I think Dan made a sauce but I can’t remember. Served it with coconut rice, grilled asparagus, salad and, and, of course, Mai Tai’s! Appetizers were spinach dip which son and GF made with Knorr veggie dip mix pulled out of the suitcase!
We did go down to the beach for sunset but wasn’t anything spectacular until later in the week. Love dogs and stopped to talk with a gal with two - one a terrier mix. He had been naughty that day. Seems he loves chickens to death! She heard the dog barking in the yard but didn’t see him until she looked up in the tree. Dog had chased chicken up tree. She shooed the chicken off the limb and dog jumped out and caught it! She said he was very efficient. He caught 3 that day! I should have borrowed him for our yard!
May 20th, 2009, 09:14 AM
#2
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Neat report! Wish I was going this year....
Just curious, why not have the groceries rung up separately if you need to split it - the store card could be used in each instance, if it applied. Or, figure it out later, at the house?
Just curious, why not have the groceries rung up separately if you need to split it - the store card could be used in each instance, if it applied. Or, figure it out later, at the house?
May 20th, 2009, 09:21 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
why not have the groceries rung up separately if you need to split it
Vell, you would have to be a logical thinker, not on vacation, and think of it before you get to the register.
figure it out later, at the house?
Then can no use cart-da-de-credee
Trying to figure out how to post pictures. I have them on Kodak Gallery. Can I just post a link?
Vell, you would have to be a logical thinker, not on vacation, and think of it before you get to the register.
figure it out later, at the house?
Then can no use cart-da-de-credee
Trying to figure out how to post pictures. I have them on Kodak Gallery. Can I just post a link?
May 20th, 2009, 09:34 AM
#4
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oooh you just inspired a new dish for my dream restaurant in Hanalei - Rooster Coq au Van. It would pair nicely with Paniolo Steak Frites! If you cook it they will come!
Great trip report - but wait, there's more!
Great trip report - but wait, there's more!
May 20th, 2009, 10:08 AM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Going to CO for niece's graduation. Bought nice silk sleevless dress at Hilo Hattie's in beautiful aqua blue and tan to show off my nice tan. The high in CO today is 82, tomorrow when I arrive 67, and not getting any higher than 72 the whole time I am there!
May 20th, 2009, 06:26 PM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ronda,
How fun to see your trip report! I can't wait for the rest. It sounds like you had a fun time so far....
I'm drinking some of the Turnbull Zinfandel right now. It's fabulous!
I'll send you a couple pictures tomorrow from work where my connection is faster....
How fun to see your trip report! I can't wait for the rest. It sounds like you had a fun time so far....
I'm drinking some of the Turnbull Zinfandel right now. It's fabulous!
I'll send you a couple pictures tomorrow from work where my connection is faster....
May 20th, 2009, 07:15 PM
#9
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,798
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Ronda, to post pictures on Kodak, share the album to your email address. That email will contain a link. That link is what you can post here and other places. Copy and paste it and you're in business.
Sounds like a great time!
Sounds like a great time!
May 21st, 2009, 06:48 AM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Barbara, I think you are thinking of me, since I had the thread about the house close to the beach park. I haven't gone yet....
But Ronda, I, too, am interested to know where your rental was. Can you post a link?
Sounds like an excellent trip. I'm looking forward to more report!
But Ronda, I, too, am interested to know where your rental was. Can you post a link?
Sounds like an excellent trip. I'm looking forward to more report!
May 24th, 2009, 01:17 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aloha from Colorado! I'm on my sister's computer and thoughtI would check in.
No, the house was not hear a park. It was on Malolo Ct. The Morman church and parking lot were between the house and the main road. We were within walking distance of the Chinese shopping center (I am not going to spell it and get it wrong because as you know, the spelling police are everywhere - even Kauai!) I don't have the info on the house readily available here but if you search on my name, I did ask for comments on the rental and gave the vrbo number. Or I will post it later.
Hi Dayle!! Good to hear from you. Boy have I gotten behind. When I get home, I'll send you pics too if I haven't.
Thanks imaq for the kodak tip.
No, the house was not hear a park. It was on Malolo Ct. The Morman church and parking lot were between the house and the main road. We were within walking distance of the Chinese shopping center (I am not going to spell it and get it wrong because as you know, the spelling police are everywhere - even Kauai!) I don't have the info on the house readily available here but if you search on my name, I did ask for comments on the rental and gave the vrbo number. Or I will post it later.
Hi Dayle!! Good to hear from you. Boy have I gotten behind. When I get home, I'll send you pics too if I haven't.
Thanks imaq for the kodak tip.
May 24th, 2009, 01:47 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SATURDAY we headed over to the Farmer's Market. We strolled around the craft booths waiting for the food section to open. I do love those sunrise shell necklaces - they are so beautiful but also quite expensive. I chuckled to myself as a Mother showed one to her young daughter not realizing their value, and then to be shocked at the price of a seashell necklace no understanding their value. Later that week I would watch a young woman at Annini Beach sifting through the shells and using tweezers to pick up her small prizes of almost microscopic pink and white shells to be made into strands.
Sorry, but this is it for now. My sister's computer is erasing whole sections.
Sorry, but this is it for now. My sister's computer is erasing whole sections.
May 24th, 2009, 02:20 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here are a few pictures. The album is imcomplete and I haven' added titles yet:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...localeid=en_US
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...localeid=en_US
May 24th, 2009, 10:17 PM
#17
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 49,521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ronda
your pictures are fantastic! you really captured the spirit and beauty of Kauai. Years ago we went to a wonderful saimin restaurant - Hamaura Saimin in Lihue. I still dream about their soup!
your pictures are fantastic! you really captured the spirit and beauty of Kauai. Years ago we went to a wonderful saimin restaurant - Hamaura Saimin in Lihue. I still dream about their soup!
May 24th, 2009, 10:20 PM
#18
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 49,521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Nothing like when Capt. Zodiac was there with his fleet of zodiacs and hummers. I like it without him."
My brother worked for Clancy (aka Capt Zodiac) years ago. I think he leased his boats to someone else and they may have trouble getting their boats licensed?
My brother worked for Clancy (aka Capt Zodiac) years ago. I think he leased his boats to someone else and they may have trouble getting their boats licensed?
May 25th, 2009, 09:42 AM
#20
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What an amazing gift - - - to see the hellhole thru you lens.
Mahalo for bringing some joy and aloha into my day.
So many wonderful moments captured, between the pile of carrots and capturing the spirit of the farmers market, to the bit of fog on the northshore, how blessed are you to have spent time at that beach house!,,, to the final picture, which would make a great alternative holiday card.
Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo!!!
Mahalo for bringing some joy and aloha into my day.
So many wonderful moments captured, between the pile of carrots and capturing the spirit of the farmers market, to the bit of fog on the northshore, how blessed are you to have spent time at that beach house!,,, to the final picture, which would make a great alternative holiday card.
Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo!!!
