Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Kauai

Day One -  We flew to Kauai on Delta Airline (via Los Angeles).  Flights went without a hitch and we landed in Lihue about 915PM.  It took awhile to get our rental car (computer problems), but we eventually got on our way.  First hotel stay - Courtyard by Marriott.   The room rate was great and we were very pleased with our ocean view room.   The beach is nice; however, they do have a coral reef out front, so not the best for swimming.

Day Two - We moved over to the Marriott Kalapaki (located near the Lihue airport with a hotel shuttle).  We were given a room on the top floor (11th) with an oceanfront view and overlooking their beautiful pool area.  The Marriott has a very nice beach with sand volleyball, large pool and is on the boardwalk connecting it to several restaurants and shops.

Today we traveled to see the beautiful Waimea Canyon ("Grand Canyon of the Pacific"), with hopes to hike around the area.  However, the day was overcast with clouds rolling in and the trails were slippery.    Mount Wai'ale'ale is one of the rainiest spots on earth with 450" of average rainfall.

We also stopped at Poipu Beach (this is where we honeymooned 31 years ago at the Sheraton Kauai).
It has a fabulous white sand beach and the waves come rolling in, making it is a great location to boogie board.

Kauai is known as the Garden Isle, as well as "Rooster Country".  Yes, that's right - "Rooster Country".  In 1992, when Kauai suffered a hurricane, the domesticated chickens were blown around the island, thus creating "wild chickens/roosters" - they are protected and you see them everywhere (similar to our many geese that run free in Minnesota).

Day Three - Today we headed to the north side (Napali Coast) to see Princeville.   This side of the island has been used in many films including the classic, South Pacific.  As we traveled, there were many uninhabited beaches which we were surprised to see.  This seemed to be a favorite location for golfers, as well as the beautiful St. Regis Princeville Hotel that is built right in between the cliffs.




Jim had a Mai Tai (coupons were given at each of our hotels).  I enjoyed the water downed variety - smoother that way.








Day Four - Today we checked out the waterfalls of Kauai (Wailua Falls and Opaeka'a Falls).  The waterfalls were running high and were quite muddy with all of the rain they have been having.  Tueday is Taco day on the Island, so we enjoy some fish tacos at one of the local restrauants Duke's.  They were very good and we got to wash them down with a couple of Mai Tai's!


Day Five -  Last full day on the island!  We are heading over to Poipu Beach for another day in the sunshine.  A full day of leisurely hanging out on the island and then our late night flight back to the mainland! 

Mahalo to all!