Hawaii: Day 6 - Kauai

Today is our final full day on the island. We filled our bellies with yet MORE Hawaiian fare and drove an hour to get to Waimea Canyon. Often referred to as “The Grand Canyon of Hawaii”, neither Max nor I can say how it compares (yet!). We were absolutely captivated by its beauty and landscape. It goes without saying that pictures do not do her justice, but offer a slice of this beautiful Canyon that we were able to marvel in for several hours and over 2000 ft of elevation changes. We were completely beat after Kuiku Trail but with smiles on our faces!

A spot recommended from some honeymooners that came before us (thanks Jessie and Frankie!) we came down the mountains to Jojo’s Shaved Ice and were delighted by the ICE CREAM that lay underneath a mound of frost and tropical juice. 

One last final beach we trekked over to Polihale beach, along 5 miles of bumpy road (thank goodness for 4-wheel drive!). Worth the careful driving by Max, we sat on miles of sand shared only by a few others to enjoy the water and the sun setting on our last evening in Kauai. 

We rushed to the latest open restaurant in town and indulged in more cocktails and fresh fish. My sweet husband bought us leis, because did you really go to Hawaii if you didn’t don leis?! Walking back from dinner to our car, we were taken away by the amount of stars we saw. The milky way was in clear view on this cloudless night and we rushed back to our Airbnb to lay on lounge chairs on the balcony. It was truly a magical and romantic evening.

Hawaii truly impressed us with it's stunning landscape, multicultural cuisine, and beautiful people and culture. Only happy memories were made here and we can't wait to make more. 

Hawaii: Day 5 - Kauai

Bright and early, lattes and donuts definitely made getting up at the crack of dawn a bit easier. 

We rode to sea with captain Jackie & captain Mike in a huge catamaran! We saw dolphins and turtles and snorkeled! We had a chef on board who made grilled chicken sandwiches, baked beans and coleslaw. Then later warm macadamia nut cookies 💓

We sailed around the north side of Kauai, the Na Pali coast, with captain Mike explaining all the rich culture of Kauai and Waimea Canyon and of the native Hawaiians. It was so breathtaking to see the island from afar, over the rising and falling waves.

We did get to snorkel for a bit and were some of the first ones in and the last ones out. Funny to be snorkeling when we got engaged in Puerto Rico and then to snorkel as honeymooners in Hawaii! 

After 5 hours at sea we NEEDED some ice cream 🍦 

Quickly back to the hotel to change and relax. Smith’s Family Luau tonight! It was so fun, from the imu ceremony, to the Hawaiian food buffet, unlimited cocktails and open bar, then an open-air theater show! We had planned to walk there and back but were graciously saved the dark walk home on the busy bridge by none other than Mr. Smith himself! We practically fell into bed after all the eating and drinking from the evening. 

Kauai has so much natural beauty, it was wonderful to see the island from the eyes of some of the people that had grown up there. The origin of Hawaiian people and it’s multi-cultural background, we loved hearing about how Hawaiians adapted and also took on so many different cultures from all over the world to make something uniquely “Hawaii.”

Mahalo

Allie

Hawaii: Day 4 - Kauai

 We finally got some açaí bowls! Beautiful, fresh and drizzled with local honey. Then off to the airport to catch our flight to Kauai! Max planned a beach-day with nothing on itinerary except to find beautiful spots to lay in the sand.

Our first stop was Secret Beach was is not so secret but does have a steep 10 minute hike down to the ocean. The water was rough and the coast was lined with lava rocks. It was an awesome spot to take in Kauai and stretch our legs. Max was determined to find a swimming beach next, as the undertow and large waves had made it impossible to swim at the last few beaches we visited. 

Next beach stop we were able to spread our towels under a tree and jump into the calm waters that had been beckoning and teasing Max all day. 

A quick car-wardrobe change later, we arrived at Tiki Iniki for spam musubi, ahi burgers and ono-fish & chips. Oh, and a few Mai Tais and “Tiki” coladas :)

Tried to head to bed early because our catamaran leaves at 7:15am and the dock is 45 minutes away! Until tomorrow…