Kauai - wow, just WOW!!!
 

Now I understand why some people are in love with it. It's stunning. We just returned from almost 2 weeks, split between south and north shores. We were gifted air miles for our anniversary from my SIL - enough miles for two first class tickets to Honolulu. It was going to be 3 flights no matter how hard I tried. Buffalo / Charlotte / Dallas / Honolulu. The flight from Dallas was on a wide bodied plane with sleeper seats. Personal tablets were handed out where you could pick your own movies. Champagne before takeoff and lots of food and drink and hot towels offered. I could get sooooo used to this.

I was on Oahu in 1981 at the age of 19. My husband has never been. I went back and forth on whether or not to spend more than two nights there, but decided to just spend two as I really wanted to get to Kauai. My husband didn't care, as long as he got to see Pearl Harbor. We arrived around 5:30 p.m. and took a quick taxi ride to our hotel. We stayed at the Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel. I picked it because it was inexpensive, across the street from the beach, and got decent reviews. Plus I got 7,000 air miles for staying there. It was plain, small, pretty clean. It was fine for 2 nights but I don't think I could stay longer than that. We just needed a place to sleep.

We set down our bags, changed and freshened up, and started walking. There was a free hula show on the beach. Waikiki seemed so much smaller to me than it did in '81. I was sorry to see the Int'l Marketplace was closed. We had so much fun shopping and eating there. 14k gold was all the rage back then. It was everywhere in Honolulu and very cheap. Maybe I wouldn't have found the marketplace as interesting as I did at age 19, but I would have liked to see it again. Not much has changed in Waikiki except for all the high end shopping and chain restaurants. Anyhow, we walked around and went to bed early. I had a tour booked for early the next day.

We were up early. This was our only full day in Honolulu. We walked around, had a quick breakfast, and got picked up for our tour. We booked through Viator. It was the Arizona Memorial / Honolulu / Punchbowl tour. We saw the highlights of Honolulu, including the palace. There were major demonstrations going on near the palace. Something to do with a new telescope being placed on a sacred mountain top on the Big Island. Anyhow, it was a great way to see Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, etc. with a knowledgeable guide. Ours was native Hawaiian and he told many stories. We returned by 2:30. We grabbed something to eat and drink down the street at a 2nd floor outside patio at a hotel - name escapes me. Then got in our suits and went in the water at Waikiki. We walked around again at night and then to bed early.

I'm glad we stopped in Honolulu. It was fun to see again after so many years. I don't think I'd go out of my way to return unless it was a stopover to another island or if I was staying on the north shore. It seemed very run down. Well at least the parts we saw. I'm sure that like any other city it has it's beautiful sections and we just didn't see them.

The next morning, we're off to Kauai!

Love your report so far.

Did you get to the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor?

Echoing your enthusiasm for Kauai

Kauai no ka oe! (Probably spelled wrong).

Thanks, Dayenu.

Yes, it is azzure (I had to look that up).

rncheryl, yes we did get to the USS Arizona. It was part of our tour. Very moving and all tastefully done. Although he wasn't in Pearl Harbor until after the bombing, my dad was a WW2 vet and I thought of him the entire time we were there.

More to come in a bit.

On a side note - the day we took the Honolulu tour, we were walking around after breakfast. I asked a police officer on a bike something, and afterward he asked me where we were from. I told him Buffalo. He replied, "Oh, my sister lives there - about 15 minutes from Niagara Falls." I walked away wondering why anyone would move there from Hawaii. About 30 minutes later, we were picked up for our tour. Another couple got on with us and immediately struck up a conversation. Nice couple from California. They asked us where we were from. The husband replied, "Really? I was born in Buffalo and have family in Tonawanda (suburb)." I said, "Well, I lived in Buffalo until two years ago and now I live in Tonawanda." He went on to tell us his parents up and moved them to California to get away from family. Apparently his uncles were involved in the mafia in Buffalo and they were contractors and something about a body in a trunk. He told me the name and to feel free to Google it. I did. They were mobsters. You never know who you'll meet on vacation.

So, on to Kauai the next morning.

We had a 11:00 a.m. flight on Hawaiian Airlines. Love their logo on the plane - so pretty. We were there in no time. Took all of 5 minutes to get our rental car. Got it directly through Budget. Their pay upfront plan. A few days before we left I looked on Retail Me Not and found a coupon. I was able to apply it and get a better vehicle. I had looked at other sites, but directly through Budget was the best I found. We walked out and were immediately greeted by the famous chickens and roosters!

We set off to the south shore. I knew from all my planning that the south side was very dry, so no surprises there. However, I didn't expect to see cactuses! We had reservations at the Grand Hyatt. That type of hotel is usually out of my rice range (we're champagne lovers on a beer budget sort of people). But I had signed up for the Hyatt credit card and joined their passport program. They have an awesome credit card deal. If you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months, you get two free rooms, any level, any hotel. Not resort fees. No tax. I usually put all my purchases on an airline credit card, but this offer was too good to be true. So we took our 2 free nights there which saved us a LOT of money and it justified the other 3 paid nights. I got the AAA rate that included the buffet breakfast. It's usually $33.00 per person, but with the AAA rate it came out to be about $10 per person above the room rate. Coffee and toast at that hotel would have cost that much, so it was a good deal.

The arrived at the Hyatt. My husband dropped me off with the luggage while he parked. Self parking was so easy and close. They gave me the most beautiful lei. I didn't want to remove it. My husband caught up to me and we walked into the open air registration area. OMG - the view!!! I immediately knew this was going to be good. Shout out to Coreen at the front desk. When we were all registered, I asked her about upgrading if I didn't like the garden view room. I asked if there were any upgrade rooms available and what they cost. Well, it turns out she had already upgraded us. She gave us a great room (partial ocean). It overlooked the big lawn area to the right of Tidepools restaurant (right if facing the ocean). To the left was the view of the hotel's waterfall and fabulous landscaping. To the right the ocean. Straight ahead more landscaping. Close walk to the pool and ocean. She even sent up champagne for our anniversary.

This hotel was absolutely beautiful. The landscaping was out of this world gorgeous. It was exactly what I wanted. To feel like I was staying in a fabulous Hawaiian resort that felt exotic. Sigh. I want to be there right now.

The pools were very nice and the landscaping carried on over there too. The beach is beautiful (but not swimmable). Red flags were up. But people were going in anyhow. I sat down there on a towel every afternoon and watched the surfers and (what are they called - skim boards or short boards)? One local kid would sit on his board and watch. In the blind of an eye he would take off in the blink of an eye, hit a small wave, and flip in the air like a snowboarder. I could have watched him for days.

We spent the afternoon of our arrival and the entire next day just relaxing by the pools and beach. We were pooped from traveling and our rushed visit to Honolulu. We were off to a boat tour of the Napali coast the next day.

The Napali coast - OMG. And WOW!!!

I have to make lunch and get my outfit ready for work tomorrow (how I wish I didn't have to). I'll try to post during lunch time.

I'm loving your report about my favorite place. Looking forward to more. And I wholeheartedly agree that the Napali Coast is indeed OMG WOW!

Sorry for all the typos! I'm exhausted and backwards and should be going to bed, but I'm having a 2nd wind. I went from not sleeping for almost 30 hours to sleeping 16 hours. I think. I'm not sure.

Thanks, Songdoc.

What a great report so far - reminds me of our trip in Feb. Love Kauai and it's beauty!

Very good deal to use the 2 free nights at the Grand Hyatt. I will make sure to stay there the next time on Hyatt points (if only for a few nights). We used our Hyatt certificates at the Andaz Maui. The Hyatt properties in Hawaii are all really great. With the Hyatt card, you get a yearly free night at up to a Cat. 4 property. The Hyatt Place in Waikiki falls under that. We will probably use ours there sometime this year or next, maybe to stopover in Oahu on our way to another island or maybe even spend a week on Oahu as it's been a while since we've been.

Looking forward to more!

BuffaloGirl, you just made my day! I was so excited to see your report! I was thinking about you all last week... I knew we would be hearing from you. I had no doubt you would fall in love with Kauai! Can't wait to read more!

tifa2276 - yes, it's a great deal. After I signed up, my best friend got the card and we did a girls weekend in NYC at Christmas time. We stayed at the Hyatt Grand Central.

louistraveler5 - I can't stop thinking about it!

Before I go on, I just want to let you know that I won't have many restaurant reviews. We don't like to eat out 3 meals a day, or necessarily get out of our bathing suits to go to dinner, so we tend to wing things.

The next morning we were up early and off to our catamaran ride with Capt. Andy's. This was the highlight of my trip. The Napali coast is amazing. We were told that we were lucky as big swells were coming in the next day. We got all the way to that beautiful valley (the one you look down to from the top of the canyon road). We saw dolphins and even whales! Yep, some stuck around for a while. Just for me, I'm sure.

I just couldn't stop staring at that coast. What a sight to behold. Our crew was phenomenal. One of them was a native Hawaiian named Kal. Made me think of Kal from these boards who talks about Kauai. They were very nice, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable.

So the catamaran ride included a snorkeling stop. When you look at the website they stop in calm crystal clear water. But big swells were on the way the next day and we're already slowly moving in so the stopped earlier on in some choppy dark water. I was determined to try as was my husband. We listened to the instructions and geared up. Beginners were asked to go in last. No problem for me as I was very close to removing gear and staying on the boat. Then the guide said we will see fish and sea turtles and octopus. Uh oh, did he say octopus? What if I get snarled in its tentacles? Oh, and stay away from those sharp rocks. And swim with a buddy. But don't worry one of the staff goes in with you. You can see where this is going right?

They told us to keep arms at our side and kick legs and fins to move. DH went in first and did the opposite. Started swimming like a weiner dog in a bathtub. But then he straightened out and properly took off. One problem. I was sitting on the bottom step and the ton of lead in my butt kept me there. What to do? Staff telling me to go for it. My swim buddy took off and that water was dark blue with octopus. And then......he came back for me. He knew I was scared and he came back. What a wonderful, caring man. He popped his head up, removed his breathing tube, looked me in the eyes, and I said to him, "I'm sorry..I'll come in now." And that's when my DH said, "No you arent...I'm getting out. This isn't for me. And if it isn't for me then it really isn't for you!” Although I was slightly - and I do mean slightly - hurt that he wasn't coming to get me, I was thanking the Hawaiian gods and every other god I could come up with that I didn't have to go in. I'll stick to the pool.

The swells caused some up and down riding, and it was fun. I got soaked. We were pooped when we got back to the hotel. All day on a boat in the sun can wipe a person. I think we just relaxed and had a light bite to eat on the terrace while we drank wine and listened to some Hawaiian music.

Lunch is over - more later!

So we took our 2 free nights there which saved us a LOT of money and it justified the other 3 paid nights.

Here's a tip for those who haven't done this yet -- we EACH got a Hyatt credit card and got 4 consecutive nights at the Grand Hyatt Kauai!

sf7307 - it never occurred to me to do that as they sent a card to both myself and my husband. I found out afterward that we could have both applied. Live and learn.

Great report, thanks, been out with Captain Andy's before, heard he got a new boat a couple of years ago called Southern Star, supposed to be really nice and they serve hot food instead of make your own sandwiches. Waiting for more when you get a chance,, thanks.

Don't know your DH (obviously), but love him and his caring for you!

jamie99 - yes, it was the Southern Star. I had a grilled teriyaki chicken sandwich. I think they served baked beans and cole slaw with it, but I just had the sandwich. It was very good. The boat is very nice.

Thanks, rncheryl. :-)

How was the free hula show? We missed it when we were there last week.

RainyDay09 - the hula dancers were little girls. It was adorable!

The day after the boat trip looked sunny and clear, so after breakfast we headed up to Waimea Canyon via Waimea Canyon Road. You didn't have to go far to start seeing beautiful ocean and canyon vistas. We pulled over at every lookout. The higher we went the more beautiful the views. And then WOW!!! I've been to the Grand Canyon, which is appropriately named. But Waimea was grand in its' own way. The day was very clear and we had unobstructed views. Loved the colors and the waterfalls. What a special place. Then we made our way to the top to Kalalau Lookout at Koke'e State Park. (That's the valley we saw from the boat the day before). There were clouds but they broke 3 times while we were there and were awarded with THE most beautiful views. They didn't last long, but we felt so lucky to see it. It's almost impossible to explain it. I would love to be there on a clear day. I think I would stay there forever.

It was another long day, so we headed down the mountain, but we turned off onto Kokee Road and took that down to Waimea. There are some crazy curves but beautiful ocean views. We drove through town. They were setting up for a lawn fete at the church. I was thinking it would be fun to stop if it was open, but not for a few more days. Otherwise, nothing in Waimea made me want to stop. We passed the Plantation Cottages I've seen mentioned here. I'm sure they are nice, but don't think I'd care to stay there unless I was a hiker who would be spending time in the canyon.

Hanapepe and Old Koloa Town are cute little towns that we passed through a few times.

We headed toward our hotel and stopped at Spouting Horn. It spouted, but no all that high. Then we stopped at Poipu Beach. DH wanted a cold beer so we stopped at Brennecke's. I gulped a margarita or two while my husband nursed his beer. Then I left him there and walked over to Poipu Beach Park. What a lovely small, clear, swimmable beach. If I had my suit I would have jumped in. Everyone was standing on the sand and looking at the water. I asked someone why and she said a "crazy turtle lady" was running around telling everyone to get out because a turtle was swimming there and it was tired." What do I know?

Anyhow, back to our hotel for a swim. I think we had dinner at Dondero's that night. It was good! We took our wine down to the fire pit on the grassy area outside of the restaurant and sat there and star gazed. Then off to bed. Another long day, wonderful day.

:-X

Been going over every year since '89, but for the Iniki year (twice a few times just to catch up) and we STILL get a case of <i>The Wows</i> around every corner.

Friday was our last full day on the south shore. DH wanted to relax, and I wanted to do a bit of the Maha'ulepu trail. I've read about people complaining that you don't see much because you walk the trail surrounded by trees for a long time. I'm guessing they don't realize you have to go up on the bluff. If you enter from Shipwreck Beach (right from the beach where the cliff jumpers climb up) you'll end up on the bluff. Even if you start out on the tree lined trail, there are dirt trails that go up!

Anyhow, I can't believe people jump from that cliff!!! I walked the bluff all the way to the point where you see the golf course over the cliff. I wanted to go all the way to the beach, but my nylon backpack tore open and I ended up carrying my water bottle, phone, suntan lotion, tissues, and my ripped bag. Plus, I figured at some point I'd need a bathroom stop. The walk was great. I saw a monk seal sunning itself. Loved the jagged coast and blue water.

As I said it was our last full day, so I wanted to go back to the Hyatt and enjoy the grounds and pools. That night we went to Keoki's Paradise for dinner. My husband wanted steak, but we didn't want it to be a $200 night. The food was very good with reasonable prices!

We didn't go to the Luau at the hotel, but one night when we stepped off the elevator we looked out the window and the fire twirler(?) was doing his thing so we got to see that plus some hula dancing.

I hated to leave the Hyatt. But the next day we were off to our condo on the north shore!

Loving you report! I can't wait to read about your time on the north shore! 31 days for me...your report is helping me get through this last stretch!

Thanks, louistraveler5!

We checked out of the Hyatt. Coreen (who had checked us in and was no checking us out) saw that I was carrying my 6 day old lei. She gave me a new one. Yeah!! It was overcast and raining for the first time this morning (well, we had some real quick 30 second showers on and off on one or two other days).

We stopped at Walmart and stocked up on some supplies for the condo. Toilet paper, wine, detergent, wine. You get the picture. Then we stopped at Wailua Falls. Beautiful! I used to love watching "Fantasy Island." There was a real nice local guy sitting there smiling from ear to ear with many missing teeth blessing everyone and weaving a grass or palm leaf bowl of some type. Another guy stood at the top of the falls and kept pretending like he was going to dive, but he didn't. What characters!

We continued on along the east coast and through Kapaa. Honestly, that area didn't appeal to me. I'm basing this opinion on nothing more than our drive through it. We kept going until we came to a lookout along the bike trail. Then we stopped at the lighthouse. It was starting to clear up. Definitely worth a stop. On past some green fields and horses and fruit stands and before we knew it we were at the entrance of Princeville. The north shore....so excited!!!

BuffaloGirl,
I clicked on your screen name and found your Paris trip report. Let me tell you, it was hilarious! Loved the sticking your tongue out at the magazine stand guy and screaming about the rat! The best was your friend pointing at the lady so the waiter would know what meal she wanted!! Had me laughing at my desk at work!

It took me back to my first, and only, trip to Paris in October 2008. It was a whirlwind week of seeing the sights. I would love to go back and just get "lost" in the streets and eat more chocolate! There are many things we didn't do. I may have to pull myself away from Kauai to revisit Paris...;)!

I could feel your excitement for the city! Thanks for a hilarious read and for taking me back to my time there!

Now, let's get to that north shore! LOL!

I'm enjoying your report, BuffaloGirl! We spent some time on the north shore of Kauai this past thanksgiving. Looking forward to the next installment of your report!

Thanks, Florida1.

louistraveler5 - OMG I forgot about that trip report. I had fun re-reading it. Thanks for the reminder. That was a fun trip and I still have my light up Eiffel Tower.

I was so undecided on where to stay - a rental on Hanalei Bay or a condo in Princeville. It would have been nice staying right on the beach at Hanalei and within walking distance of restaurants, but in the end I wanted an immediate view, not to mention a pool. I decided on Hanalei Bay Resort.

First, let me just say this. WOWIE GAZOWIE! Hanalei Bay and the north shore are absolutely beautiful. Jaw dropping. Sigh.

So, anyhow, HBR. I knew before going that they still don't have a restaurant or bar (being rebuilt after a fire several years ago). It would have been nice to have something....anything.....on the grounds. But, again, I knew beforehand. Some people didn't and were complaining. We had an older condo in need of renovations. Because this was a cancelled and re-scheduled trip, there weren't many units to choose from. But I wanted the view of the mountains, and this unit had views!!!

I hope this link works. If it doesn't just google image unit 4205 HBR.

http://www.parrishkauai.com/wp-conte...12-949x450.jpg

The views were amazing (even if the condo wasn't. It wasn't bad, just old and tired with some issues). I'm talking "in your face, OMG" views. Just what I was looking for. It was late afternoon when we arrived due to our many stops along the way. We left our luggage and headed to the grocery store at the bottom of the hill. I knew prices would be high, but holy moly they were really high. Yikes! We stocked up on some food and got back in time to pour drinks and watch the sunset. They have a nice sunset viewing area with a fire pit. I have never, ever, seen the sun look so large! How is that possible?

Gotta run - I'll finish up soon!

Wowza - that view is stunning!

sf7307 - I though maybe it was photo shopped or they used a special lens, but no - that was really the view from my condo.

Although I was anxious to see Hanalei, I could tell my husband wanted to relax. Fine with me, as the day before was a transition day in the car with stops. Hanalei Bay Resort shares the same beach with the St. Regis. Pu'u Poa beach on Hanalei Bay. You have to walk down a somewhat steep path. The HBR has free golf cart rides down and up, so that helps. We always walked down but took the ride up because we were carrying chairs.

The Pu'u Poa section of Hanalei Bay is actually where we spent most of our down time. It’s a smaller beach, but has the best views (besides Hanalei Bay Beach) anywhere. If you face the water with your back to the St .Regis, and walk to the left, there is a line of trees (wish I knew what they are called). These trees are beautiful with unusual trunks and they form a natural umbrella. We sat there and just stared at that fabulous view. Fabulous, I tell you. The water is clear and warm and there were a lot of snorkelers. Obviously, I wasn’t one of them.  I did go in the water several times though.

Monday, we decided to visit some of the north shore beaches and Hanalei. Decided to drive to the end of the road and make stops on the way back. What a drive that was!!! Once you get through Hanalei Town everything changes. The road hugs the beach, then starts climbing, with crazy twists and turns and drop offs. They scare the crap out of me. My husband was driving and I was holding on. I once passed out on a bus in Mexico that was on a road with a deep drop off. I awoke to my husband calling my name and some ladies pouring water on me and patting my forehead with Kleenex. I really didn’t want to do that again. Soon, everything starts getting very jungle-ish. I was waiting for Brendan Fraser to swing out on a rope any minute.

I cannot imagine living out past Hanalei – any time of the year, especially during the rainy months.

We also stayed at HBR and really want to go back! The views are amazing! We looked at a mountain too and one day there was a huge rainstorm and we could see "new" waterfalls on the mountain afterward. Did you get in the rock pool hot tub? That was fabulous! Pool was a little chilly for me - maybe due to the rain? I'm from Florida and don't like chilly water :) but that hot pool was so nice!

Florida1 - yes, there were several "new" waterfalls after the rains. And, yes, the pool was a bit chilly. I woke up early every morning (around 6:00) thanks to Mr. Cockadoodledoo!!! I took my coffee out on the patio and started my day with that view. Two days in a row I was treated to double rainbows. They started/ended (you know, where the pot of gold is supposed to be?) in the field just below me. I could have walked right through it. So beautiful.

Not much more to tell....will finish up tonight!

Oh, yes, Mr. Cockadoodledoo woke us too! Will check back tonight for your final installment. So glad you had a great trip.

And yes, the hot tub was nice Florda1. I tend to stay away from hotel ones, but was drawn to that one on a particular evening. The St. Regis had a wedding on their outdoor patio one night. I couldn't figue out who was playing music so loud. I had avoided TV and radio for almost 2 weeks - only listening to Hawaiian music, when I heard Gwen Stefani and then Bruno Mars singing about how hot he was and to call the "po-lice and the firemen." Thankfully, no one had a wedding there the next night.

Getting back to where I left off.... we had driven to the end of the road and started walking Ke'e Beach. We had to park quite a distance away. As we walked past the wet cave, we stopped to look but then I saw the signs saying "Leave this area immediately - falling rocks!" So we left the area immediately, meaning we crossed the road. It felt a bit claustrophobic there. Narrow jungle road, big mountain (Bali Hai) coming right up to the beach, shady. Love those crazy trees. We walked quite a bit hoping to see a seal, but the tide was low. Yet, to the left where the sea met the cliffs, the waves were having a party. We walked quite a way, then turned away. OMG! There was that beautiful, gorgeous Napali coast.

So when we arrived we saw a wave runner and zodiac boat (?) leave from the beach in front of the lifeguard station. On our way back from our walk they returned...each with a young woman on the back with the camping gear, backpacks, etc. We talked to them on the way back to our car. Apparently they had hiked the entire trail (11 miles?) several days before and camped out on the beach. They said it was a rough hike and they were trying to work up the energy to get back. They said the lifeguards passed them several days and finally figured they should get them out of there. The women told us that the hike was really, really hard, the ride back in that surf was much more scary. It's really wild there!

We then stopped at Haena beach. The water was really beautiful, but the surf looked too tough to maneuver for a dip. I was tempted, but saw a big, strong guy struggling. So no dip for me. There was a local couple selling coconuts. Five bucks and they'd open it up, stick in a straw, and let you drink away. I did that, let my DH take the photo, then they cut it for me and bagged it. Kinda cool.

Our next stop was to be Tunnels Beach. I have several pictures of it in my office. It was soooo on my list of beaches to see. Looks absolutely beautiful. Guess what beach we missed? Tunnels. Somehow we missed it. Totally. And it's not like you can make a U-turn anywhere. Oh, well.

We found Lumahai Beach. A short hike down and, whoa! What strong surf that is. It's a beautiful beach. I read enough to know that you should stay away and view from a distance. Don't swim there. Stay off the rocks. The winter surf was calming down and I still knew to give it respect (because I did my research). A woman was in the water with her 2 kids. Another family was camped against the rocks and their 4 small kids were climbing all over the rocks. It alarmed me. How could they have not read about the dangers of that place? Should I have said something? I don't know. We got out of there as it was upsetting me. No one seemed in immediate danger - I would not have left if I thought that. But I still question it.

We made our way to Hanalei Bay. We stopped at Pine Trees, Pavillion, and Hanalei Pier. Fabulous. What a fantastic beach. Beautiful, long, sandy beach on a huge bay with magical mountains as a backdrop. I absolutely love Hanalei Bay. Sigh, again. It was lunch time, so we stopped at Pat's Taqueria food truck. I had a fish taco. Delicious.

Back to our condo and down to what would really become our favorite beach - the one below our condo - Pu'u Poa. Later in the afternoon we made our way to the pool for "MAI TAI MONDAY." HBR sponsored a local massage therapist who offered 30 minute massages for $30 under a tent by the pool while the staff handed out free mai tai's. Hmmm....why not? Turns out that Jack, the mai-tai maker, took a liking to us and our mai-tais had a darker topping of rum. I didn't know this, but my husband did.

Let me just say that after a 30 minute chair massage and free mai-tais, someone did not make it through dinner. But I won't mention any names.

:-X your TR.

Last June we did the "Haena to Hanalei 8 Mile Run/Walk" put on by the Hanalei Canoe Club.

They pick you up at Hanalei Pier then truck you out to Haena/Ke'e at OH DARK:30! (5:30am)
Pitch black at the end. All the cell phones lit up just to find the bathrooms. And, of course, the roosters!

Try walking that road when the sun is just starting to come up and some people heading to the NaPali Coast for an early start are wizzing by you.

Watching the sunrise coming up over P'ville is a BIG payoff tho. ((L))

Thanks, Kal.

No, I can't imagine doing that run/walk!!! That road was freaky in the car!

The next day it decided to rain. The "weather report" (how can you predict the weather there?) showed morning showers then sun. I decided to do some shopping in Hanalei. I needed a special gift for someone and a few souvenirs. My husband stayed back.

That curve down to Hanalei town - the one where you make a complete U-turn with the yellow spikes in the road over the cliff? My hands were glued at 10 and 2 on that ride. I didn't feel better until I got to the one lane bridge at the bottom. Anyhow, I found the perfect gift, checked out the two funky shopping centers, and finally tried a shave ice at Jo Jo's. I wish they had a small size. Their idea of small was the size of my head! I ate maybe a 1/3 of it. It was good, if not a bit overly sweet. Glad I tried it.

The rain was not going to let up, so I called my husband and told him I'd pick him up in the parking lot and we'd go have a late lunch. We ended up at Tiki Iniki (Todd Rundgren's place). My husband wanted ribs, but they were out of them. The pulled pork sandwich was good. Bought a tiki glass for a co-worker. Back to the condo and over to the pool when the rain stopped.

The next two days were beach days. Just sitting and staring at those mountains. On our last full day I drove down to Hanalei and walked the beach early in the morning. I admit to being a bit of nerd and looked for the house from "The Descendants" while I walked. I have no idea if I saw it or not. But those beachfront homes with the big lawns and water views.........one of them is mine. When I win the lottery. Not if, but when. !-)

Four flights home and almost a week later I still have jet lag!

I am so happy you fell in love with Kauai but I had no doubt...;)! I love beach days, too, just staring at those mountains! That's all I could do when swimming at Hanalei Bay.

I've got plans for my house on Kauai when I win the lottery too! ;)

I'm so happy you had an amazing trip! I really enjoyed your report!

Loved your report. On our 40th anniversary trip to Kauai, we too stayed at HBR. We arrived after dark, and settled in for the night. When we woke up next morning, we both looked out the bedroom window and did a double take, slap me, am I really seeing this thing. Same view as from your condo, but with dozens of different colored hibiscus. Will never forget it.

Returning to Kauai next April!!! and sharing with our kids.

If you stopped at Haena Beach Park, you actually did see Tunnels. It was the beach going out to the point, to your right as you were facing the water, but from where your were, you couldn't see this view: http://tripstevens.com/wp-content/up...uai_Hawaii.jpg.

"I cannot imagine living out past Hanalei..."

That's my fave part of the island, and that drive....stunning!

Thanks, louistraveler5. You were a big help during my planning process.

rncheryl...the flowers were beautiful. The colors were stunning!!! Around every corner. Color. After a very, very long winter they were so welcome. I forgot to mention the flowers. I loved the flowers. I've never seen colors like that.

FaceInTheCrowd: That's a beautiful pic. We didn't walk to the point. Just stopped, looked, and sucked down a coconut full of water. Don't get me wrong, that area past Hanalei was stunning and beautiful and...I just can't imagine living there. I'm from Buffalo. There are a lot of things I can't imagine.

And I forgot to mention the birds. Look, we have cardinals here. I have one that lives in my yard. At least he hangs out there for a few months and he sings every morning when I leave for work. I need a chiropractor, as I contort my neck to try and see him. He is beautiful, but private. At HBR, they come right up to you. Like in your face. Now I know it's because people feed them. I didn't. They ask you not to. But I saw people doing it. So I know the birds are used to it. Every morning a stunning male cardinal landed on my table, walked up to within inches of my face, turned it's head and said (well, I think he was talking to me), "What, not even a crumb?" I have become a bird whisperer. We had several conversations. I looked forward to our visits every morning. I miss him. Seriously, I do.

And those gray/white/red cardinals? I looked them up, the were introduced from S. America. Stunning. I use that word a lot, I know. I got tag teamed every morning by two of them.

Now that I'm home and spring has sprung, all I get is some attitude from the squirrels and red breasted robins. And don't get me started on the Canadian geese.

loved your report. Kauai is our favorite and we try to get there every 18 months or so if not sooner. I too am always in awe at the views around NaPali. It never gets old. When we land in Lihue, we feel like we have come home. I Need to start planning for trip next year. this year we are heading to BI for a 5 days. I cannot go to Kauai for a few days, it is 10+ days or nothing. 5 days on Kauai would be torture for me! We spent our 25th anniversary at the Hyatt on Kauai. It is stunning. We go there every time just to hear the music, enjoy the view and have cocktails sitting outdoors. I might have to think about getting one of their credit cards too but then that means that the air miles on Hawaiian would be lost...choices, choices, choices... Air fare has gone up so much I might just stick with the miles!