We got back from Hawaii a few days ago, and I think we are all still having withdrawals. It was a great trip, with lots of memories and lots of adventures (so sorry for the picture overload). We spent the first half of the trip with Derek's family (we missed those of you who couldn't make it!) and the second half of the trip cruising with the three of us.
This was my 4th time on Kauai, but my first staying up on the North Shore. We stayed up in Princeville at the Hanalei Bay Resort.
Unfortunately, it rained pretty much solid for the first few days. However, we were on vacation and that was not going to get in our way. Derek went paddle boarding, we played tennis during a brief sun period, and we even braved the beach in the rain. I figured this was my one chance to try long boarding since we wouldn't have anyone to watch Jack once the rest of the family was gone, so I took advantage. I hadn't been on a surfboard since I was 10 years old, but Derek was a great coach! I had a blast and am now hoping to finagle a wetsuit and long board so we can go out together. Imagine if it had been warm and sunny instead of cold and rainy....I probably would have never gotten out of the water. Now I can see why Derek's morning surf sessions can turn into all day! (but that still doesn't excuse it).
We also were able to go on a Kayak / hiking tour up the Wailua River. I had gone with my family years ago and enjoyed it much better this time around. My arms didn't get tired from rowing, and I was really interested in what the tour guide had to say. The trail was incredibly muddy from all of the rain....we were slipping and sliding all over the place!
The "secret waterfall". I swam under it years ago, so Derek and Sean went ahead and did it this time (they are on the left). Notice the scale of that thing!
We went out to dinner just a handful of times.....and that was due to our wiggle monster. We have officially become the couple that can't take their kid out to sit-down restaurants. He is just too active. Hopefully this time will pass. We did, however, enjoy the restaurants we were able to go to. Here is a shot of us at Lemongrass in Kapa'a.
Saturday the sun popped out a bit here and there, so we decided to head down to the South Shore to hang out. We had heard about some rope swing down at Kipu Falls, so after driving around in circles we finally found it. It was about a half mile hike down to the falls (muddy and tons of mosquitos) but we found it, and the boys had a blast jumping off the swing and Derek even jumped off the waterfall itself. Unfortunately, Jack was being too wiggly and there was no place for me to set him down, so we had to head back to the car.
We then found a beach to hang out at in Poipu where we all stripped down to our bathing suits in attempt to get some color. There were some chocolate labs down there, which Jack LOVED! The youngest puppy was so hyper and kept licking Jack's face and knocking him over...Jack just thought it was hilarious!
The next day was Easter Sunday, of course the sunniest and most beautiful day thus far. As mentioned in the previous post, we dyed Easter eggs, went to church, and enjoyed a delicious Easter brunch at Gaylord's down in Poipu. We went back to the hotel for a few hours and just hung out by the pool talking and enjoying the sunshine.
Everybody went home that evening, so the next few days it was just the three of us. We did a lot of exploring and hanging out at different beaches....and lucky for us the weather was a-mazing.
Exploring
Some falls and a cave right before you get to the start of the NaPali Coast hike
Beautiful rainbow over Hanalei Bay
Tunnels Beach....
we went here a few times to hang out. It was a great snorkeling spot, great beach for Jack with the reef, and a good surf break for Derek.
We had to hit up Bubba Burgers...a tradition.
It has good burgers, not so great fries, but easy with Jack.
Pine Trees...
We saw Bethany Hamilton surfing here (she's pictured as the girl on the right), Alana Blanchard, as well as Bruce Irons out in the parking lot. I guess it's the hot spot to be.
One day we went back down to Poipu to hang out. We stopped off at the Spouting Horn to stretch our legs, check a surf spot, and let Jack chase some roosters (they were EVERYWHERE!)
We then hung out at Poipu state beach for a bit. Of course Jack tried to make friends with everyone us....too bad the tourists weren't having it, but the local girls were ;)
Shipwreck's Beach....
Another stop in Poipu. This beach had cool rock jump, some good waves for Derek, and some more fun locals for Jack to play with.
We stopped off at the Lihue Marriott on our say back, where I have stayed in the past. Here's a view from a portion of a walk I loved doing.
Perhaps my favorite thing we did on the trip was hike down to this naturally beautiful 'pool' called Queens Bath. You hike past a waterfall,
then along a lava rock cliff,
and stumble upon THIS!
It is breathtaking! When the surf is small and tide is low, you can get in and swim around. Derek and I took turns going for a dip.
Derek was a little skeptical at first b/c there was tons of fish swimming around.
Notice the scale of it
My turn
Meanwhile, we held Jack and then let him play in his own little pool.
Cannons....
We went here the last day. It took was a great beach for Jack...a great reef area to look for shells, coral, and rocks. The waves finally picked up this last day so Derek couldn't be happier!
Mmmmm....tasty sand....
We went to Duke's for our last dinner, right before getting on the plane. Jack was such a trooper on both night flights....but I don't expect anything less because he is always a trooper. All in all it was a GREAT trip and am so grateful for all of the memories!
