The Perfect Kauai Vacation

 We just returned from what was probably the best vacation we've ever had.  Largely in part because we planned it almost two years in advance and had lots of time to study "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" and get great advice from friends who know and love the island.  We decided to stay on the North Shore because we heard it was the most beautiful part, and it was.  Even so, we explored every part of the island.  The first picture is the view from our condo.  It overlooks Hanalei Bay and shares a beach with the St. Regis (the most expensive hotel on the island.)  Our place was a bargain and we'd totally recommend it to someone on a budget, but just wants an awesome place to rest your head.  We spent our days out playing...

Friday

The view from our hotel, The Hanalei Bay Resort

First thing we did in Hawaii, was go for a little 5 mile run

Our run took us down to Sealodge Beach, a very secluded place which we had all to ourselves.  We couldn't stop smiling.

At Tunnels Beach, the best beach for snorkeling on the island, although it was choppy the day we were there.

After visiting Tunnels, we hiked the Kuilau Ridge Trail.  It had some seriously amazing views which my pictures cannot do justice.

I love Hawaii!  It makes me jump for joy.

'Opaeka'a Falls, a waterfall off the side of the road you just drive right up to.

Dinner was at Coco Cafe where we ordered some kind of swordfish and weren't prepared for the rawness inside.  We liked this place for the ambiance.  Outdoors, lights, tiki torches, quirky music and sparkly glass chips on the ground.

Saturday

The famous Napali Coast hike

Definitely the best views on any hike I've ever been on, or ever will be on.

Hanakapi'ai Falls
We saw a lot of people start out on this hike with us, but very few made it to this point.  It is not for the faint of heart.

A little romance at the falls.  After, this we both stripped down to our suits and waded into the water about knee deep before we decided it was waaaaay too freezing and not worth it.

At the trailhead, Ke'e Beach where we relaxed our tired muscles.

On the way home, we stopped for what the guidebook considers the best shave ice on the island at Hee Fat.

Walking around our hotel swimming pool.

The beautiful spot on our hotel grounds where we ate dinner and enjoyed the view on Saturday night.

This was our first time trying Ahi Poke (from Pono Market).  We'd never eaten so much raw meat before, it made us a little nervous, but it was delicious and we'd definitely get it again.

Sunday

Attended ALL three hours of church, a real feat when the sun is shining in Hawaii.  Great meetings.  The ward in Kapa'a even makes a lei for each visitor.

After church, we drove up the Waimea Canyon.  The weather kept going from sunny to cloudy so we saw some amazing views, and some complete white-outs where there should have been amazing views.  And once again, you just cannot tell from the pictures how incredible it really is.

Sorry for all the selfies.

After all the sight-seeing in Waimea, we drove to the South-Western most beach, Polihale.  Basically, we drove around the whole island this day.  

Sunday night we ate at the Beach House in Poipu.  Terrible picture, but had to document this, the most expensive meal we have ever eaten.

Monday

On another morning jog

This run took us to Queen's Bath.  The travel channel on the TVs in Kauai tell you to skip this place because it is too dangerous; we learned after we'd visited.  Supposedly you can swim in the tide pools when the tide is low.

On Monday morning, after hiking around Queen's Bath, we drove to the East and rented a kayak from Wailua River Adventures.  Best deal on the island and you don't need a guide.  We paddled up the Wailua River, then hiked to a waterfall where we both jumped in and swam despite the freezing temperatures.  Then we got back in our kayak and paddled to the Fern Grotto.

Passing through "the Green Room"




The Fern Grotto


Paddling home

In the afternoon, we rented bikes in Kapa'a and cruised around the pathway on the East coast, passed by some beautiful and empty beaches.

Dinner on Monday night was at Duke's.  The best thing we ate on our entire trip was the Hula Pie.

Tuesday

After the rainy, cloudy day on Monday we decided to chase the sun down South.  First we stopped by for some fresh fruit where we grabbed some papaya and learned about sour sap and (our favorite) rambutans.  Then we drove to the very popular, Poipu Beach.

 a couple sea turtles climbed to shore while we were there.

This little reef had plenty of beautiful fish to see.

I am a very timid snorkeler.

Jesse is eating a rambutan.

On the drive home, we stopped to take pictures with the scenery, but our camera can't handle it. 

Taro Field near one of the many one lane bridges

Dinner at Keoki's was fabulous.

 On Tuesday evening, we went for a walk/hike from our hotel to another secluded beach called Hideaways.  We had the place to ourselves and just had so much fun hanging out with each other and being silly.  This was probably my favorite part of the trip.

Vacation Jesse > Regular Jesse.  Just sayin'.

A totally amazing sunset

I wish you could see the expression on my face in this picture.  This was potentially the worst part of the trip.  We had set my phone up, propped on my sandal in the sand, to take a timed photo.  As we were standing there waiting, I heard a louder than normal wave behind me and suddenly realized that it was going to reach my phone.  I ran as fast as I have in my life and got to my phone, just as it was knocked over by the water ... on TOP of my sandal which was floating on the water!  It got a few splashes on it, but miraculously wasn't ruined.  I couldn't stop shaking afterwards.  I was so close to losing all the photos we had taken on the trip!  I didn't care about having to buy a new phone, but if I'd lost our pictures, I'd've been devastated.  I said so many thank you prayers after that.

Something about Hawaii brings on the kissing

Later that night,  hot tubbing at the hotel.

Wednesday

On our last day in Hawaii, it rained really hard almost all day.  We were planning on more snorkeling and paddle boarding, but couldn't.  Guess we'll just have to go back!  We spent the day shopping, napping, hot tubbing, packing up, and walking along our beach at the hotel.  

At the Tahitian Nui restaurant which served us some crazy good pizza.

Good-bye Kauai!  Hope to see you soon!  We can't imagine a better place to vacation.