Love it!

The beaches on St. John are nice, but there ain't nothing that can compare to Makua! ((Y))

Mount Makana gives me chicken skin.

-Bill

I can imagine how the ~:>jerky business may have them~:>~:>((P))-shy, but how did you escape all the ((R))((R))((R))((?))

Mercy sakes alive, bluefan!!!!

Splendid!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a way to start the day.

Mahalo,

i'2((r))

wow, bluefan. I'm getting to this 5 months later, but your videos are amazing!

I know your kayak trip is called "rigorous", but you are an avid kayaker? Do you think someone who's kayaked once a year casually could do it?

thanks,
dina

nope, not an avid kayaker...i wish, but only get out at most twice a year (fyi: i'm mid 30's and only in moderate physical condition--i work out as much in a year as i kayak;))

it was certainly long and exhausing (~16miles), but you do get plenty of breaks. consider doing the wailua river kayak trip as an alternative or as a pre-cursor to the napali coast

bluefan: I also am wondering if I'm up to the task of the Napali Kayak trip.

In May, my 27 yo son & I will be going to BI and Kauai. I plan to try the Cook Monument kayak trip and if all goes well, maybe I'll spring for the Napali one.

Now give your honest opinion, would a 55 yo. semi-good shape female make it alright? Would I be able to even MOVE the next day??? I DO seem to have good endurance.

DS really does want me to do this with him. (I'm thinking the catamarand trip may be the way to go, though I wish I had tried the kayak trip when I was younger).

OSB,
it'll be best to discuss your concerns with outfitters like kayakkauai.com and napalikayak.com before making a decision

but i really think you could do it, especially if your son is in good shape and is excited about it

my best suggestion is to at least take one sea kayak lesson learning proper safety procedures and paddling techniques on a sit-on-top kayak

the other key suggestions are to: (1) take motion sickness pills the night before and morning of venture, and (2) wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen

most everyone will make it, and it's usually the seasick ones who have to turn back...not the weak; and if you start to fall behind too much, they'll switch the weaker person out to say the guide's kayak

yes, you will be extremely tired that evening and the next day, but all that soreness will prove minor compared to the incredible sojourn with your son

My paddling on Kaua`i is limited to rivers, Hanalei Bay, and `Anini -- because I'm basically a coward about open-ocean paddling. X(

But lots of our friends & neighbors make a few Na Pali paddles every year, so I asked for their advice. Every one of them said "tell her to start lifting weights -- light ones to start -- to build upper body strength for the journey."

Ready, set, go -- 1, 2, 3...1, 2, 3 8-)

hey auntiemaria,
seems like you had another rotten time at a lousy GTG on that hell hole :S-

if you're throwing another one in late September, count me in!

Oh God...here I sit looking at Carmel Point and Pt. Lobos and I'm sick for Bali Hai. Those videos are amazing. Thank you, ANYWAY!

Wow! I'm going on my first trip to Kauai later this year and now I can't wait. Those videos are amazing! Thanks bluefan

Aloha Bluefan,
Mahalo for posting some great footage of Kauai. We are truley blessed to live the island life we forget to look at the true beauty around us everyday and take joy in it's simple wonder.
Mahalo as I sit at my desk at work, but at least "I stay livin' in paradise!"

Bluefan and Auntie: Thank you for the advice. I do work out, more or less - mostly less lately. I work as a PT 2-3 (10Hr.)days/wk. and care for our new grandson the other 2, so have fallen behind on the regularity of ex. (sometimes feel that lifting/hold the squiggly 13# babe should count, but I know it's not the same!

BF, please clarify again which kayak group you used?

The other hesitation I have is that I wear progressive lenses - I have a water pouch, but I guess I should just plan to leave them in the car.

OSB,
kayak kauai

bluefan,

You know, I have been feeling sorry for myself all week because this time last year we spent 2 weeks in Kauai and I am missing it!!! And you just HAD to post these links to rub it in that I am NOT there. Sigh.

We did the awa'awapuhi nu'alolo hike last time, it was so awesome. I mean, nothing like it, right?

Thanks for sharing (and rubbing salt in my wound. . . )