We woke up really early on our first day in Kauai, because of the time difference. We decided to take short hike on top of the lithified cliffs close to our hotel to watch the sun rise over the ocean. The light and the colors were amazing! We spent the rest of the day snorkeling the sunny south shore. We had a great time exploring the length of beach stretching out in front of our hotel in Poipu.
On Monday we headed to the west shore, to Waimea Canyon. The views of the gorge from all of the lookout stops were spectacular. We went to the Koke’e Museum to ask about trail conditions. We decided to hike the 11 mile Nu’alolo Trail/ Nu’alolo Cliffs/Awa-‘awapuhi Grand Loop. Our guidebook said: “This is a great hike! It takes most of a day and is strenuous, but you’re treated to views that will stay frozen in your mind for a lifetime.” The guidebook was right! We were treated to incredible views of the Na Pali coast (that we would kayak the next day). We saw beautiful birds and black Hawaiian mountain goats, and we heard feral pigs. On the way home, we had our first taste of rainbow shave ice … with macadamia nut ice cream. Awesome!
We spent Tuesday in kayaks, paddling 17 miles across the spectacular Northwest coast. After checking-in at the guide’s headquarters in Hanalei, we were shuttled to Haena beach park / Maninilolo, the put-in spot. That’s where the fun began. National Geographic magazine selected kayaking the Na Pali Coast as one of the top adventures in the nation, and it was(!) … but … it was also a long time to paddle! We travelled along the base of 4000 foot cliffs, explored sea caves, and passed the incredible scenery of the Kalalau and Honopu valleys. At our lunch spot (after paddling a mere 4-5 hours) we saw an endangered Hawaiian monk seal sunning itself on Milolii beach. The final leg of the journey was to Polihale, the largest beach in the state. What a day!
Can you say JUNGLE HIKE? That’s how we spent the next day, one of our coolest Wednesday’s, ever! The Makaleha hike was a real thrill! The trail started at the end of Kahuna road in northern Kapa’a (on the east shore). We hiked (through) (on top of) (along side) lush, lush, lush foliage, thick bamboo, fast-flowing water, trees, branches, rain, and lots and lots of mud. We followed machete notches in the trees (Hawaiian cairns ☺) that marked the way to a confluence of three streams, laid before a stunning vista of waterfalls, cascading over a limitless green in the distance. Wednesday was a day of music. We also bought Monty his first ukulele that day. His ukulele was made completely in Hawaii, out of Koa wood (which is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands). It sounds very sweet and beautiful.
Our goal on Thursday, before heading to the airport that evening, was to see sea turtles, while we were snorkeling. And, boy, did we! Monty was sooo close to one, he could have kissed him/her! We spent our last day on the south shore, just having fun enjoying the water and the beach. We’ll really miss this place!
Here are links to the photos:
Sunrise Photos
Koke'e Hike Photos
Na Pali Kayak Photos
Jungle Hike Photos
Snorkeling Photos
