For those who are not following my ongoing trip report , now you can "see" it instead of reading about it ...

http://cmd.shutterfly.com/commands/p...=27&albumPath=

It seems you have a predilection to the hibiscus.

Your photos are absolutely stunning! DH and I have just booked my first ever trip to Hawaii for next February, to celebrate our tenth anniversary, with five of our days on Kauai. I am absorbing every tidbit of information you're describing so tanalizingly! Thank you for sharing so generously!

Stunning Songdoc!

You have created a beautiful slide show! I can't thank you enough (ahead of time) for all of the ideas you have given me for my first trip there with my sweet mother - we leave tomorrow!

Mahalo nui for the very kind comments.

Willowjane -- So glad my info has helped! I hope you have a wonderful flight and vacation. Don't know where you'll be or whether you have any interest, but most of the concerts at the Kauai Music Festival are open to the public. The night of Hawaiian music will be wonderful: Saturday, July 14, 2012, 7pm at the Kauai Beach Resort:

HAPA
John Cruz
Paula Fuga
Charles Michael Brotman
... and more

$25.

www.kauaimusicfestival.com

Unfortunately (not really) we are on the Big island first and then we come for week to "your" island. I wish we could have planned that a little better. We don't arrive on Kauai until the 17th.

Thank-you, Songdoc! Your photos took our breath away.

willowjane: Have a wonderful trip!

Songdoc: just one question: What/Who is a 'DP'? Dear....?

DP = Dear Partner ;-)

willowjane -- hope you & your mom have a great time.

Ohhhh! I see! Very nice.

Also, Songdoc: Did you stay at the Westin? Or a condo? We're hoping to visit Hawaii next summer and are still debating which second island to visit, (Maui or Kauai) the first being Oahu.

I always stay at Sealodge -- a condo on the North Shore. It's walking distance from the Westin.

My vote will always by Kauai -- but if you're looking for nightlife and more touristy glitz, Maui should be your choice.

We'll probably get enough glitz and nightlife in Honolulu, right? Perhaps Kauai would be the best choice. thanks again.

Loved your shots of Hanalei Bay.
How can one of the world's most amazing beaches always appear so deserted? I love it. Two blocks away people in their rental cars zoom through Hanalei on their way to "the end of the road", maybe stopping for a shaved ice and a pee break and they have no clue what they are missing.

Incredible pics, thanks so much!!

Wonderful images. I am so looking forward to my trip in September.

LOVE the pictures Songdoc! Brings back memories and I can't wait to make new ones!

Mahalo for the nice comments!

Re: Hanalei Bay ... I agree, it's crazy that it's never crowded. I spoke with someone who mentioned that he and his wife enjoyed their time in Hanalei town -- and didn't even know there was a beach there!