Gidget Goes Hawaiian- Kauai & Aulani 8/2012 TR- 5/24 COMPLETE!!

[ACDSNY]

How did you get across if you didn't zip? They have 9 lines now- maybe it was different then? That's VERY funny about the pigs- it must be a pre-requisite to have a great sense of humor to be employed there. That kayak trip looks great. Maybe I'll do that next time-

There were two lines side by side so they zipped across, then crossed a ladder bridge to the second line and zipped back to where I was waiting. Then we hiked a little further to the kayak place. The water fall and swimming hole we went to looked very different too.

From Oct 2008

I found this youtube of the tour we did.

 

[MEK]

We had a really, really great bunch of people with us that day- I LOVED those total strangers! I KNOW! You're SHOCKED!!!

Yes, for you, this REALLY is shocking.

It was a great way to cool off. Then it was time to get out and eat. DUH!! I didn't have to jump! I could have just gone in the way we got out! I am just so stupid sometimes it's a wonder I remember to breathe!

Now that's funny! And you even admitted it! I'm l;aughing because I would probably do the same thing.

Lunch was make your own sandwiches and cookies. It tasted great. See the little cat in the pic?

He lives there. Someone tried to find him a home, and moved him about 5 miles away. He ended up coming back. That cat REALLY wants to be there!

That's a cool story about the cat. He probably gets a lot of attention. Why relocate?

No lie- my knees were knockin together! It was really high up there!! Remember I said King Kong was different than the other zips? Well, that's because there is no ramp, and you just jump off. Seriously. I had heart palpitations over 8 feet, and now THIS??? OMG- not only that, but you also have to grab the brake yourself- on all the other zips, the guides stop you. So even the nice woman who was terrified was going to have to open her eyes on this one.

I was shaking so much when T&T came up the ramp I am AMAZED this pic isn't blurry-

Oh- and one other tiny detail. You'd better make sure you are going fast. Because if you don't make it all the way across, well, you are outta luck. And they have to manually drag your big ol' humiliated butt all the way in. Which is not easy and NOT good.

In case there was any doubt in my jumping off and zipping, not to worry. The only thing scarier to me than jumping off a 26 foot high platform is getting stuck in the middle of a 1200 foot zipline hanging 50 or so feet in the air over some ravine.

I balled up into a canon ball and shot right past Pods!

OMG - I was getting anxious just reading this. But woo hoo for you passing Pods and leaving him in the dust.

Fwiw, I thought this was an EXCELLENT way to spend 4 hours- it was REALLY cool, very thrilling. T&T thought so too. Pods, on the other hand, thought it was kind of tame.

I guess it takes a LOT to get a CPA's heart pumping. I've decided to arrange his next excursion soon- we're going to throw him out of an airplane with a paper napkin for a parachute. Woohoo!!! Maybe that'll get him THRILLED, lol!

What? He really said that? Did the boys love it? It really does sound so cool and I even saw all your pictures this morning.

 

[chepic]

Great photos......have to tell you I had the willies just looking at your photos. Doing a zip line is definitely on my "to do list" for some day, but man oh man that last one is a doozie!!!!


Cheryl

 

[podsnel]

There were two lines side by side so they zipped across, then crossed a ladder bridge to the second line and zipped back to where I was waiting. Then we hiked a little further to the kayak place. The water fall and swimming hole we went to looked very different too.

From Oct 2008

I found this youtube of the tour we did.

You are right! That waterfall is completely different- well, I guess it would make sense that there was more than one area. That ranch is enormous! They showed us the strawberry guava on our hike too- (I saw it on your vid). So glad we went there! And thanks for showing your pics! I LOVED seeing them!

 

[CRdisMom]

omg my knees wwould have been knocking so loudly! COngrats that looks like a ton of fun

 

[dvc4life]

Wow! What an excursion. Looks like lots of fun but my heart would be pouding like crazy too! Great job beating Pods. And your photos are awesome.

 

[podsnel]

So back to Hanalei Bay Resort, and after we grabbed the two beach chairs that were left for us by Janice the owner, we walked down to the beach. Here is a map of the resort-

We were actually in the building right next to the path, so that was nice. It was about a 5 minute or so walk down the hill, again, really gorgeous every minute you are on Kauai-

At the bottom of the walkway, there was a volleyball net on the left, the St Regis Princeville was on the right-

Both HBR and the St Regis share a beach- the difference being if you are a guest of the SR you can sit in a lounge chair and HBR guests need to bring their own. Well, that and that my room was $160 a night, and theirs was $600 or so- so, I am really good with carryin a chair! Lol!

It was so nice to sit down and relax.........

I could stare at Makana Ridge all day (Bali Hai)-that is the point kind of hiding on the right in the above photo.

It began to rain, and stop, and rain a little more, and stop- and after a bit, we decided to go check out the pool for a while. We had thought we would just walk back up, but we decided to just hop on the tram instead- it was a steep climg back up to the resort, and after 2 solid days of activity, we deserved a break!

Cont'd next post....

 

[podsnel]

The pool at HBR is very, very pretty- waterfalls, hot tubs- very nice. The only downside I can see is that there is no bar, no restaurant. This is due to a fire which occured a couple of years ago, and there is some kind of issue with the rebuilding. I had read that they had a grill set up for hot dogs and burgers, but we never saw this when we were there- although that may have been because we were not there at the right time.

The resort did have activities if you were interested. We just already had so much going on in our limited Kauai time that we did not partake. But here is what was offered, in case you are interested-

There was an area renting out snorkel gear, sand chairs, etc and handing out towels-

They also offered in room massages for $95/hour, $115/1.5 hours. We would be having massages at Aulani, so we didn't partake.

I tried to take a toe pic for all my piggies' fans-

Pods went up to the room and filled some empty water bottles with wine so we could have cocktails by the pool even if there was no bar. Yea, that's right- my idea. I'm always thinkin! After the boys threw the waboba around for a while, Timmy decided he wanted to play tennis (he only plays tennis on vacation- I have yet to see him pick up a racket and go over to the local part to hit the ball around. But at any resort, if there's a tennis court, it becomes a MUST do for him!). Lucky Pods, he was elected to be the other player, so I could continue my focus on relaxing.

The rain came again, and we decided to head back and shower up for dinner. We passed some Nene (Hawaiian Geese) on the way-

They are only found on Hawaii, and are the state bird.

Up next- Tahiti Nui for dinner BABY!

 

[dizneeat]

What an awesome pool! Just sad that there was no bar.

Thanks for posting all those pics - I REALLY enjoy this trip to Hawaii with you!

 

[MEK]

Wow - that resort is gorgeous. It's different. It feel very natural in the landscaping and the structure of the pool and waterfalls. Nice.

Oh - and love the blue toe nails!

Bummer to no bar, but I knew you would think of something.

 

[podsnel]

Yes, for you, this REALLY is shocking.

It's true- I am a bit of a wallflower...


Now that's funny! And you even admitted it! I'm l;aughing because I would probably do the same thing.

Yes, yes you would!!

That's a cool story about the cat. He probably gets a lot of attention. Why relocate?

Definitely! He was very cute, and a little guy, too.

OMG - I was getting anxious just reading this. But woo hoo for you passing Pods and leaving him in the dust.

That was the only one that gave me pause- except for the first one. The rest of the time it was just WOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

What? He really said that? Did the boys love it? It really does sound so cool and I even saw all your pictures this morning.

He said he thought it was a great day and was glad we did it, but he didn't think it was all that daredevilish. Except for the last one. There are other courses on the island (actually, there are 7 or 8, I think) and some of them are the kind where you always jump off and kind of get that little fall before you zip- I think he would have found that more heart pumping. But for all of us, this was the right choice. Especially for the first time, and it included so MANY ziplines. I would go back- it was a first rate operation. And, as I said, I miss Kay- I had a blast goofing around with her that day!

Great photos......have to tell you I had the willies just looking at your photos. Doing a zip line is definitely on my "to do list" for some day, but man oh man that last one is a doozie!!!!


Cheryl

Definitely do it!! My kids LOVED it, it was a great experience all around. I knew I was going to be afraid at first, but you really feel safe, and it is just soooooo much fun! The fear disappears. Except for that one woman- and she had a vacation of all things she was terrified of with her family, I don't know how she did it.

 

[podsnel]

omg my knees wwould have been knocking so loudly! COngrats that looks like a ton of fun

YOU could have done it!

And we are all still enjoying the ball o twine postcard....Pods said, "So- is that someone's house? I told hime YES! My friend Laura's! She has a twine obsession- it's a little much!

Wow! What an excursion. Looks like lots of fun but my heart would be pouding like crazy too! Great job beating Pods. And your photos are awesome.

Thank-you. I was looking at them last night on my ipad- they look MUCH prettier on there than they do on my Dell- score another point for apple....

What an awesome pool! Just sad that there was no bar.

Thanks for posting all those pics - I REALLY enjoy this trip to Hawaii with you!

It wasn't so sad- it was actually a $$ saver- we made up for it at Aulani- plenty of bars there! Glad you like the pics!

Wow - that resort is gorgeous. It's different. It feel very natural in the landscaping and the structure of the pool and waterfalls. Nice.

Oh - and love the blue toe nails!

Bummer to no bar, but I knew you would think of something.

Yes, I'm very resourceful that way....

 

[podsnel]

Tonight, dinner was in Hanalei. We were going to Tahiti Nui, a longstanding bar/restaurant on Kauai. I knew I was going here 2 years ago when I started my planning- George Clooney's butt on a bar stool there only sealed the deal (this is the bar where he finds his uncle, played by Beau Bridges, in the Descendents). The Nui is known for lots of local character, a decent meal, and music every night (or nearly every night). No ressies, walked in about 6:00 and were given a choice of seats- we chose inside because of the music.

I had heard they make the best MaiTai on Kauai, so I checked that out-

It was yummmmm....good enough to get a second when this one was through. Pods had a Longboard, I think. Our server was very cute and sweet, and we placed our orders pretty quickly. I guess we should have paid more attention to all of what tyler was ordering, but all I heard was Ceaser Salad for an app, and that REALLY threw me- Tyler NEVER eats salad. But he said he was "I dunno- just in the mood."

I should have paid closer attention.

Food came out fast- I was having Panko Crusted Ono Roll-

It was really ono- very, very good. Tyler got his salad, but Pods food didn't come out, so I just shared mine. And ordered number 2-

Then all the food came out together. Pods' app was fish carpaccio-

He liked it, but I couldn't bring myself to try it- something about cheese on fish makes me gag I think because in Italian cooking, that's kind of a no no, and I have great trust and faith in all those Italian cookers everywhere. so...

I had Macadamia Nut Crusted Ono with Coconut Cilantro Lime Sauce-

Again, it was ono- Pods got seared Ahi with wasabi sauce-

That was delicious. Timmy got the same thing, with the sauce on the side-

Why did Timmy get it? Because it was an ahi STEAK. And no matter how much we tried to tell him it was tuna- well, he kept on saying, "No- it's a steak!"

Of course, the new salad eater had something coming too. He had ordered pizza.

Not a slice.

An entire #8 Full House Meat Pizza.

Which required him to move to a seperate table, because he and his meal for a family of 4 but just for one couldn't fit with us.

Didn't mean to post yet, but surprise, surprise, my Dell wanted to and my Dell has more say in it than me. So....cont'd next post- Grrrrrrrrr.....

 

[Wicket's Mom]

That is so what my one son would do! He is an eating machine, thank goodness he has a high metabolism!

I want to do a zip line, but DH says no way! We are somewhat fearful of heights. Grand Canyon really freaked me out!

Love to try some of those drinks, that I can do with no problem!

 

[podsnel]

So...Tyler had a WHOLE Tiki Man #8 to himself-

Does anyone else find this funny? Because I have to say, he STILL has not lived this one down. We were ALL Timmy loved that pizza- not that he had any to eat. But, well, you know- the whole brother thing....he got a LOT of mileage out of #8!

REALLY Tyler?? REALLY??? A WHOLE pizza? What were you thinking??

"I dunno. I just felt like pizza."



"Tyler, this is one pizza you are NEVER gonna forget. Because, one day, Tyler, your wife is gonna look at you and scream, WHY DO YOU KEEP DOIN' ALL THIS STUPID STUFF? And you are going to say...."

"Well, it all began with #8."

While we waited for Tyler to make any kind of dent in Tiki Man #8 (their pizza is Tiki Man Pizza), Tim and I decided to swap shoes-

UGH. I HATE that they grow up so big so fast.

We enjoyed the entertainment- I especially loved hearing this particular song here, in this place-

click to play-


I mean, who doesn't associate that song with Hanalei? It was running through my head every minute we were there. Even more so than "The best part of wakin up, is Bacon in your cup!"

Which either you are reading the DISmom TR and know what I'm talking about, or you think I have finally gone off on a tangent I am never coming back from. Either way, I am sure I have stuck some tune in your head for the rest of the day, and for that I say, "You're welcome!".

Oh boy.

See the wahine with the white bikini top? Pretty sure she was topless and then they covered her up.

So...in case you haven't gathered, we had a GREAT time at Tahiti Nui. LOTS and LOTS of laughs- so much so, that when I brought it up yesterday, we all were crackin up laughing like we were still there. Another GREAT memory from Kauai for my family....

And oh yeah...in case you were wondering, we brought most of Tiki Man Pizza #8 home with us that night....it was like adding a 5th person to the room.

Up next- HURRY!!! We need to see the sunset!!!

 

[podsnel]

It had been raining on and off throughout our dinner, but it was clear now and I was pretty sure that meant the sunset would be really nice. We did not have far to go to the Hanalei Pier, and..oh....I was out-of-my-mind excited to get there. That pier- I don't know what it is, but it just brings tears to my eyes. I could not wait to see it.

Well, we were just a little too late. But still, this is what we saw when we got there-

JUST missed it, but that was ok, because it still took my breath away.

I took about 100 photos I think, I was completely smitten with the whole thing. This bay, and this pier, draws many people every night for sunset. Cars are all lined up on the beach, and I would say most of the cars are locals. Sunset there isn't just sunset. It is a timeless treasure to be honored and blissfully appreciated everyday. Loads of families were there- all the kids and some of the adults on the pier jumping into the water one last time before it was too late. We were in clothes today, but you can bet we were going to come back so my kids could be a part of that, too.

We took turns with the boys-

And how many fingers is Tim holding up?

Yea, we were still laughing about that one.

Heaven...just...heaven....

On our way back to Princeville, we stopped at the Princeville Shopping Center for dessert. The boys wanted some Shave ice, and they got the last two of the evening. Princeville closes up early- I think this was just before 8 pm that night.

I didn't want Shave Ice, though- I was making a beeline for Lappert's, a well known Ice cream shoppe on Kauai with some really cool flavors like •Kauai Pie - Kona coffee ice cream swirled with chocolate fudge, coconut flakes, macadamia nuts and vanilla cake crunch and •Heavenly Hana - Creamy chocolate ice cream with delicate swirls of marshmallow ribboned throughout with our handmade chunks of white chocolate covered macadamia nuts, dark chocolate almond chunks, chocolate bits & roasted almonds.

I really don't recall what I had, tho, because they were out of Kauai Pie when I was there and that was what I really wanted. Kona Coffee maybe? And maybe mac nut. Pods had mango sorbet and mac nut. Well, whatever we had, it was incredible, because even Pods was blown away by the creaminess and flavor of their ice cream. We would be back!

Princeville was ROCKIN at 8 pm! LOL!

Most all the stores were already closed. But that's ok- we wanted to get to bed, anyway. In the morning, the boys were golfing and I was heading to Kilauea for some photos....before our afternoon on the Napali Coast. See ya real soon!

 

[ACDSNY]

Don't you just love what kids order. We've had a few experiences like that with our son too.

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that races back to watch the sunset. The ticker below is from the Aulani resort last January.

Thanks for putting the song in my head the for the rest of the evening.

 

[knewton64]

1) shaved ice.
2) hire you as a photographer cuz you take pics of people's butts!!
3) Zip line (never done it).


Finally got all caught up.


From the blue waters to 'that cat,'..........


lovin yer tr as always.





T.T.F.N.

&


ALOHA

 

[CRdisMom]

I can arrange for more twine things to be sent your way. They had hats, shot glasses and all sorts of fun things to adorn an office with. Lol.

A whole pizza! Yikes.

And thank you for the best part of waking up is bacon in your cup! Eeewwwww!

 

[MEK]

When I read through your update the first time I actually thought that Tyler HAD eaten the whole pizza and I was wondering where he put it and why he didn't get a shirt as a prize (like on man vs food).

Your pictures of the "almost" sunset are so pretty. That looks like an absolutely gorgeous spot.

Oh - and that ice cream sounds amazing (so does the mai tai )