Kauai 4/7/2015

White Hibiscus

Plumeria

Last day on the island.  Plane leaves at 10 PM so we spend the morning packing and getting ready to leave.  

We check out at 11:00 PM and then head to the Gaylord Rum Factory.   We take a tour of the facility and check out their rum.  They said the spiced rum is better than Captain Morgan's (my drink of choice)...wrong!  

We then head to Koloa for lunch.   Have lunch at a pizza place, it was just ok.   We then go to the Botanical  Gardens.  We take the self guided tour, had the opportunity to see local plants and flowers.  

Grass hut made of bamboo

Tree growing out of a rock

It was awesome to see all of the orchids, plumerias (they make lei's out of this flower) and of course the state flower, Yellow Hibiscus. The island also has a white Hibiscus that is only grown on Kauai.  They also have the grass hut this awesome.  The creator made it from Bamboo.  Took over 100 volunteers to help create. The tour to us about 2 1/2 hrs.  

By this time, it's 5:30, so we head to JJ Broiler for a steak dinner.   Actually Bobby had steak, Jack and Sherrill had fish and chips and I had a chicken pasta dish.



Jack & Sherrill standing in the roots

We then headed to the airport.   Here we had to go thru 3 inspections.   First one is and agriculture inspection before you enter the airport.  We passed.   Second one was the regular inspection of our carry-on luggage.  I failed, forgot about a bottle of water.   They took it away.    The third one was another agriculture inspection just before we arrive at our gate, again I fail.  I had an apple...took it away.  Not sure why the first two didn't catch it.    

Finally boarded the plane at 10 PM.   It was a very long 7 hr flight back to Las Vegas, via  short layover in Phoenix.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip, other than the flight takes 6-7 hrs.   I would certainly go back, not sure Bobby would unless I can shorten the flight somehow!




Kauai 4/6/2015

Spouting Horn

Jo having fun on Catamaran

Jack is worn out and so we rested most of the morning.   Just goofed off at the condo until we left to get a bite to eat before we head toward Port Allen for our sunset cruise.  

We have time to waste, so we make another trip to spouting horn.   Love watching the ocean come thru this hole and making a horn sound.   Of course the rough the seas, the higher the water goes.

Our sunset cruise is supposed to take 4 hrs, so we arrive approx. 45 before departure time.  We starting loading at 2:15, and set sail around 2:30.  We board the Southern Star, a 65' catamaran.   Beautiful boat.  Captain Tony and the crew give us the details, we can basically go anywhere we want.

Titanic Star

Enjoyed the trip

We pull out of port and head south towards the Military Base (last facility on the south side).   Along the way we look for dolphins and turtles.   We do spot a few dolphins, but nothing like we saw on the zodiac ride.   Captain Tony gives us another history lesson, very interesting.   Once we pass the Military base, we turn west to go towards the Na Pali Coast.   About 15 later, the Captain informs us that one of the engines is over heating and we must return to port.   Many boos from passengers.

Since we only have one engine, we putt all the way back, which took 3 hrs.   However we did see humpback whales.  I actually saw two tails!!!!!!!  So exciting!!!!

They also fed us a lovely dinner of New Steaks and screwed shrimp.   Plus two salads, veggies and potatoes.   For dessert we have strawberry cheesecake.   You also can have all the beer, wine or Mai Tai's you can drink.  

Sharing a special moment

Sunset

Seas we nice although a few got sea sick....none of us.  We had taken a Bonine (recommend by our friends Barb & Judy).   Worked like a charm!!!

When we got to port, the captain informed us that our fees would be refunded since our trip was cut short.   Now that is great customer service!!  

Headed home, as tomorrow we leave for home.    Boo Whoo!!!

Kauai 4/5/2015

Kee'e Beach

Explored the Northside of the island today.  It's Easter Sunday,  so we hoped traffic would not be as bad.  Luckily we found parking spaces at every stop.

Tunnels beach

Drove to the end of the island and worked our way back.  At the end is Kee'e Beach.   From here you have the opportunity to walk an 11 mile hike to view the Na Pali Coast.   They also have shorter hikes but we elected not to hike any portion.   It had been raining and the trail get very slick.   When we checked in the tour guide at the condo (Tiki) told us 30 people had to be helicopter rescued on this trail the day before.   That sort of scared us!!

Monk Seal

Jo & Sherril exploring the beach

We played in the ocean for a while, viewed the coast line and then moved onto our next destination.   The tunnels.   Here they have tunnels in the coral reef that make for interesting viewing of fish.   The tide was very rough and there were signs that the rip tides were bad and swimming was not recommended.  So, we just waded and looked for things.   We did see a Monk seal laying on the beach.  Once we reached the car, we realized there was a dry cave across the street, so we explored.  It was extremely deep and tall.  It was fun exploring.

Next stop was  the town of Hanalei, on the way there, we saw the Taro (that's what poi is made from) fields.   Very interesting.   Had lunch, it was excellent!   I had teriyaki beef, the others had shrimp.   We walked thru the shops, did not buy anything.  

Kilauea Lighthouse

Taro fields

It was getting late, so we headed to the lighthouse at Kilauea.  When we arrived, realized it's closed on Sunday's and Monday's.   Got to view it from the pullout ....very nice.  Wish we could have taken a tour. 

While driving back, we saw the ocean on the eastside.   It was extremely rough but some were out surfing.   We made a stop at the grocery store and then headed home.

Kauai 4/4/2015

Getting ready to Zipline

Jo hanging upside down

Today we experienced Kauai's longest zipline.  They had 8 lines, of which the longest was 2,400'. What fun.  I even went upside down several times.  Had a blast.

We were up in the trees by the old sugar cane plantation, outside of Koloa.  This is also where they filmed parts of Jurassic Park & the Alvatar films.   When you see all the African trees, you know why they chose this site.

They provided snacks and drinks but we were starving, must have been from hanging upside down,  so went to lunch in Koloa.  

Afterwards we head to Lihue so we could see the Wailua & Opaeka waterfalls, they are on the eastside of the island.

Wailea Waterall

Opaeka Waterfall

Later that evening we decided to go to Dukes and have dinner.  It was excellent.  I tried mongchong (fish).  Superb.   Duke's has locations in California along with one on the main island.  Expensive but it was worth it!

They are starting to wear down....tough following this lady around 9 hrs a day!

Kauai 4/3/2015

Na Pali Coast line

One of many caves we saw

Exploring the Na Pali coast line is the most beautiful scenery you can imagine.   Captain Shaun took us on a 2 hr zodiac boat ride (one way), telling us about the history and cultural of Hawaii.   He's an awesome guide/captain.  

We explored the coast line along with various caves/caverns along the way.  Some of the caves, were incredible.  We also saw dolphins and sea turtles.

After 2 hrs, we start to head back to port.   After 30 min, we stop to snorkel and have lunch. Snorkeling was short but saw some interesting fish. Think we got some great pics on Sherrill's underwater camera.   Finally had to start heading home.

Another cave

Spinner Dolphins

The ride home was extremely rough (that's putting it mildly).  Seas were very rough and we just had to pound our way back, there were times I thought we fall out of the raft or someone was going to get injured.  Lots of asprin to heal ache backs.

We were so tired, we came home and crashed.  Just had chicken salads at home.  Think I was in bed at 8:30 and the others were not far behind me.

I'd highly recommend Kauai Sea Tours but be aware the trip home could be rough.   But honestly, it's worth it to see the caves and Na Pali Coast line.  http://www.seatours.net/ 
 
 

Kauai 4/2/15

Kauai Coffee beans

Kayaking

Another day has come to an end. Started out kayaking the Hule'ia River.  We paddled about 1 mile to the edge of the Menehune Fish Pond where we learned about the Menhunes and how they arrived on this island.  Today the pond is unused and is for sale (5 million). Think we should buy it!

We then continued for another mile where we tied up the kayaks and took a 1 mile hike to a small waterfall.  Not much water was coming over the falls.  Had lunch and then headed to a local swimming hole.  Some of our group swung on a rope and jumped in.  We did not!

Snorkeling at Koloa

We then took a boat ride back to starting point.  They towed our kayaks back....yeah!  Next we drove to the Menehune lookout for a better look at the pond.



Dinner at Bubba's

Afterwards we headed to Port Allen to find our destination for tomorrow.   We then stopped at at Kauai Coffee plant to take a tour.  They have 3,100 acres and 4 million coffee trees.  Largest coffee plantation in the world.

Last stop was snorkeling st Koloa.  Here we got to see lots of colorful fish.  Both Sherrill & I got cut on the rocks, she cut her knee and I cut my toe.  Best part of this portion, we saw 3 sea turtles.  

We were starving, so we headed to Bubba's and had hamburgers for dinner.   Exhausted so headed home, so far I've not killed them.

4/1/2015..first full day in Kauai

We are in the Waimea Canyon

One of many waterfalls in Waimea Canyon

Our bodies say it's Havasu time.  Got up with the chickens.
Literally, they are everywhere.

It's beautiful outside but showers are expected.   Will go sightseeing today.  Post more later.

Looked around the island, found location of tomorrow adventures, played on beaches and drove up into Waimea Canyon.   They call this area the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.   When you see it, you understand why.

 

Roasted Pig

Highest point on the island

Headed back to the condo as we had a Luau at Smiths later that evening.   They are feeding us dinner!!!



Toured their gardens and learned about the tropical plants and birds on the island.  Next we learned how they cooked the Poi and roasted the pig.  They cooked four pigs for this luau.



 At dinner we sampled the pork, poi (they can keep it), plus teriyaki beef, chicken and a variety of other items.  

 

After dinner we were treated entertainment.   We were so tired, we really didn't enjoy, jet lag is getting to us!

We arrived in Kauai - 3/31/2015

Chickens are everywhere

Nawiliwili beach

We arrived around 4 PM, after having plane issues and a strong head wind.  Longest flight we've been on (7 hrs).  Not a good thing for someone who can't sit still!!

Once we got checked in at the condo, Sherrill had rented a two story, two bedroom one.  Then we went shopping at Costco & local grocery stores.   Major shock on how much fruit & veggies costs, but we stocked up for the week.  Thank goodness for Costco.    We decided that we'd eat at the condo for breakfast and then eat out for lunch and dinner if we desired.

Yellow Hibiscus is the state flower

Came home and had Costco Chicken &, salad for dinner.  We were starving!

After dinner, Sherrill & I took a walk to Nawiliwili Beach.  It was almost dark, so didn't see much. Beautiful area with lots of shops.   We'll explore another day.