Last week about this time, Christopher and I were leaving Poipou Beach in Kauai after spending a wonderful Sunday attending the Kapa'a 1st ward and driving through Waimea Canyon. It was the culmination of a wonderful week together. When people ask us how our trip was, Christopher tells them it was the best trip we've ever taken. I'd have to agree. We just really enjoyed being together and doing things we both enjoy in a relaxed setting and schedule. Here is what we did:
Hiked the Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) on the East Shore. This was our first day in Kauai and it was clouded over and raining. We had planned on this hike but weren't sure with the rain. After going to Kmart to buy some of our trip necessities (i.e. beach chairs) and saw the rain let up a bit, we decided to go for it. It started raining again about 1/4 mile into the hike. Oh well. We got wet but had the trail pretty much to ourselves.
At the top, we were supposed to see the entire Wailua Valley from Anahola to Lihu'e and our guide book promised it was view not be missed and well worth the climbing effort expended. Well, we didn't get much a view at the top, but it was a fun hike nonetheless.
It was muddy and slippery in spots and we got pretty dirty.
We did find sun that day...we just had to drive to the West side of the island to Polihale.
- The next day we woke up to sun and made it to Poipou Beach by about 9:30 a.m. Christopher enjoyed snorkeling around and I enjoyed sitting on the beach in the sun reading book after book...
By the afternoon, we decided to go check out another beach we read about on the West side...Glass Beach. Driving to the beach, you go through an industrial part of town, but the beach is made up of millions of pieces of broken glass, washed in from broken bottes and auto glass. It really was pretty. We met some people from California who just retired and she made jewelry out of glass, so she was in heaven looking for good pieces to take with her.
- Friday morning we woke up and headed North and drove as far as we could by car to the Kalalau Trail, 11 miles of switchbacks, hills, and beautiful scenery along the Na Pali Coastline. We planned on doing the first two miles that leads to Hanakapi'ai Beach. Our guide book warned us that there would be plenty of slippery and muddy sections, that the 2nd mile is steep downhill (and tough coming back up). They warn that it's tricky in spots, but that it's worth it and the views from the coast are exceptional. They were right....about it all. Beautiful views, but definitely tricky and muddy!
This is the stream you cross to get to the beach.
As hard as this hike was, it was definitely the highlight of our trip. Next time we go, we'll do the side trip to Hanakapi'ai Falls.
After being drenched in sweat, we changed into our suits and hit Tunnels (Makua) Beach, which is supposed to the one of "Kauai's snorkeling nirvanas." Christopher hit the snorkeling again and I started another book.
- Saturday we woke up and walked along a paved walking/biking path that follows the coastline. We saw a monk seal that was basking on a rocky beach. After going back and changing we hit the beach again. We also checked out Sprouting Horn Beach park...which is basically a blow hole. This particular is different from other blowhole sites, in that it has an additional hole that blows only air, causing a loud moaning and gasping sound. It was pretty cool.
After visiting it we checked out the Sheraton side of Poipou, which Christopher said had better snorkeling, but I still liked the beach part of Poipou better.
- Like I said earlier, Sunday we attended church and then drove to the West side and up Waimea Canyon. The roosters and baby chicks were in full abundance all over the island, but they seem to especially like the area in Waimea.
This is the Waimea Canyon Lookout....what a view!
We drove the farthest we could by car to the Pu'u o Kila Lookout. The book warned us that the clouds are always moving in and out of the valley, so it it was cloudy to be patient and wait awhile before giving up. This is what we saw when we first got out of the car...
Sure enough we waited and the clouds parted, just enough to give us a wonderful view of the Kalalau Valley.
We then hit the beach one last time, leaving the chairs we bought on the beach hoping someone else will enjoy them. The best thing about Kauai is there is SO much to explore and discover. We already have plans for what hikes and what beaches we want to hit next! It was a great get away!
A big THANKS to my parents who watched the kids while we were gone!
