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

[podsnel]

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.

You're welcome!

I love your Aulani ticker- when we were in Hawaii 26 years ago, I was admittedly young and stupid at 23, and came home realizing I never made time for the sunset- I think I missed most of them. This time I made sure to fix that!

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

You missed the Shave ice???? Well, it ooks like you need to go back!

FWIW, we all were bigger fans of Hula Pie than Shave ice- so maybe you're ok! Where's your next trip?

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!

You're welcome!!

All those twine things sound....ummm....great, but we are happy with just the postcard.

And yea, on the pizza- I have no idea what the kid was thinking!

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 )

That's funny- he would have deserved a shirt for eating the whole pie- it was huge!

We visited that pier 3 times while we were there- loved it.

The ice cream was incredible- they ship to anywhere west of the rockies, I think- 6 pints for $120. Seems pretty steep, but it's a lot less than a plane ticket, I guess!

 

[podsnel]

It was Monday morning, and I was up before everyone as usual. I went outside to admire the view-

Click to play-


Can you see the geese and the rooster? They were very vocal about how much they were enjoying the day!

Princeville is home to a lot of golf courses. We had not originally planned to play while we were here, but I figured if I could squeeze it in somewhere for them, they would appreciate it (plus we were driving past all the golf everyday, so it would have been too big of a tease if they didn't go!). They offer really reasonable deals at the Woods Course which is 9 holes at the Makai Golf Club- 9 holes for $55, and kids 6-15 play free all day with a paying adult. They also offered a good junior rate for the second kid, $27.50. They did all need to rent clubs, but still, it was reasonable when you consider where you were playing. They were teeing off at 8:30, I think, so I dropped them off on my way to do other things. Once they got there, they were offered the other course if they wanted it at a slightly higher rate, but they passed and stuck with the woods. Here are some pics from their day-

See how gorgeous it is? How could they NOT golf?

I had other plans, though. First, I wanted to find a truck with some amazing food- there are a lot of food trucks in Kauai, that we never found, including this one. It is called Kauai Ono 560, in case you want to go look! Anyway, while I was looking, at least I got to enjoy a nice drive on the North Shore, over one lane bridges to deserted beaches.

I think that was Wainiha Beach. I turned around and kept looking, but ultimately went to plan b, which I had been saving for Tuesday's breakfast- Hanalei coffee Roasters, which used to be known as Java Kai. I got a sandwich to go- A surfers Breakfast sandwich, or something like that, and a Coco Mocha coffee- with whipped cream, OMG, was that coffee DELICIOUS!!!

It was all good- loved the fruit! I drove east, and ended up in Kilauea, to look at the lighthouse-

Which has apparently been having a facelift for quite some time.

There were a ton of birds down on the rocks below, so great bird watching here.

The gates up to the lighthouse didn't open until 10, so after a bit I turned around and headed back into town. On the way, a serene view enticed me to pull over-

Then I stopped to do some very rare on this trip shopping. I ended up buying a Nihau shell bracelet and some earrings (which I can't find! ) as well as wine charms here-

Also some soaps, lotions and candles here-

My plan was to pick up lunch and head back when the golf was done, so we could eat before our boat ride that afternoon to the Napali coast. I knew what I wanted, and it was just across the street-

It wouldn't be open for another half an hour though, so while I waited, I did a little more browsing. I was first in line when the doors opened though, and got two Ahi tuna wraps, a chicken teriyaki plate and a barbequed chicken plate. The Ahi wraps were AMAZING, so sorry I missed taking food porn! Where was my head? Anyway, just as my order was ready to go, Pods called to say that they were finished, so I drove back to get them passing-

When I picked them up

They were very excited to show me the pics they took on the camera-

Yea- that's right. Be aware of #8!

Up next- OMG, I hope you want to see some photos of the Napali Coast, because do I ever have some to show you!!

 

[snowmanlover]

I'm drooling here looking at the food porn AND the stunning scenery pictures you took! Glad your guys got to go golfing, it looks so beautiful!!

DH has been looking (without me even hinting) at cruises to Hawaii!! He found one in April that looks interesting. Depends on how his Mother is feeling, we may end up booking it soon! She LOVES cruising, but I might try to talk them into going on our own like you did so we can see so much more and not have to hurry back to the ship!

Looking forward to more!!

I AM looking forward to YOUR photos of the Napali Coast!!

 

[dizneeat]

All I can say .........

Your pics are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! The scenery is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! and even the shops look better than here.

Don't even want to mention the food.

Keep the photos coming! Thanks for sharing your vacation and family with us, Ellen!

 

[ACDSNY]

They must have started the lighthouse renovation after we were there in January. I enjoy watching the birds and whales out there.

I love your pic of the church and I want to stop in next time to see the inside.

 

[anewmac]

omg I love zip lining! That king kong would be amazing!

food looked great. Even the #8. Im sure one of my kids would have done that too LOL. BOYS I think they would do the same thing about the tuna "STEAK" lol

pics are just amazing how nice to get a lil time on the island alone to just snap away. ans SHOP! The pool at the resort looks so paradise like but ya a bar would make it better, and bring them more $$$ duh. lol. But glad you thought like ME lol BYOB even better and cheaper! lol

 

[MEK]

You are so right - how could they NOT golf? That golf course looks amazing, but so does the view from you room. Wow.

Oh - and the light house looks super cool. Beautiful pictures.

 

[podsnel]

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!

Sorry! I missed you on the last round!

Yes- good thing they have high metabolisms- I have a fear one day when he's not playing sports anymore he's really gonna pack it on- I hope he likes the gym (which he does).
Tim & I are afraid of heights, too- it really was worth it,tho, and you didn't feel that high except for that last one. That one woman was terrified the whole time, but I don't know that that happens alot- the usual they said is for people to get over it after the first zip. For the record, that woman had serious phobias- she was also terrified to go in the water, go out on a boat, and go on a plane. Her family said she was just as nervous about those things as the heights. But, always good to know you can do the drinks without fear! Maybe you need to do them before!

I'm drooling here looking at the food porn AND the stunning scenery pictures you took! Glad your guys got to go golfing, it looks so beautiful!!

DH has been looking (without me even hinting) at cruises to Hawaii!! He found one in April that looks interesting. Depends on how his Mother is feeling, we may end up booking it soon! She LOVES cruising, but I might try to talk them into going on our own like you did so we can see so much more and not have to hurry back to the ship!

Looking forward to more!!

I AM looking forward to YOUR photos of the Napali Coast!!

YAY!! It sounds like you are going back to Hawaii one way or the other!! I LOVE cruising, but maybe it would be nice to stick to one or two places and go more in depth. There are definitely advantages to both- good luck with your decision!!

All I can say .........

Your pics are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! The scenery is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! and even the shops look better than here.

Don't even want to mention the food.

Keep the photos coming! Thanks for sharing your vacation and family with us, Ellen!

Well....you are so welcome!!! And yea- everything there is/was awesome- it was just right for our family, we loved Kauai. And to think a couple of people tried to talk us out of going there, or staying on the North Shore! They said the kids would be BORED! Not on a vacation I plan! No boredom allowed!!

They must have started the lighthouse renovation after we were there in January. I enjoy watching the birds and whales out there.

I love your pic of the church and I want to stop in next time to see the inside.

I would LOVE to see the whales out there, too! That must have been amazing- my DH would have to retire for us to see the whales, tho- Tax season and whales in hawaii don't mix. So I'm about 15 years from the whales....

I'd like to stop in that church, too- but really, I want to GO to church at the one in Hanalei.. Next time that is on my list for sure-

 

[ACDSNY]

I would LOVE to see the whales out there, too! That must have been amazing- my DH would have to retire for us to see the whales, tho- Tax season and whales in hawaii don't mix. So I'm about 15 years from the whales....

I'd like to stop in that church, too- but really, I want to GO to church at the one in Hanalei.. Next time that is on my list for sure-

The one in Hanalei looks awesome. I want to go in and check out the stained glass windows.

The whales start hitting the islands around mid-Nov so maybe someday you can squeeze in an end of year trip before tax season.

 

[Beth D]

HI Ellen!

I'm a bad DIS groupie, I finally made it on page 12! Going back to read now!

Beth

 

[jenseib]

Just getting caught up. Those pictures are just so amazing. I keep think they can't possibly get any better...and they do.

Zipline sounds fun and scary too. I don't know if I could brave it.

Dinner looked really nice too.
I love the sunset pictures at the pier. Gorgeous!

and the lighthouse shots...I think those are my favorite. All the colors together in those is so amazing.

 

[englishrose47]

Just checkin' in Ellen !!Only 7 days to Disney!!!

 

[franandaj]

Beautiful. Just Beautiful. I really want to go!

 

[podsnel]

The one in Hanalei looks awesome. I want to go in and check out the stained glass windows.

The whales start hitting the islands around mid-Nov so maybe someday you can squeeze in an end of year trip before tax season.

i KNOW!!! I want to go soooooo badly.....the CPA says no! While we were there, I was saying that seeing those whales is a life long dream of mine- I did used to work with a sea mammal rescue in NJ as a VERY devoted volunteer- with my GF, Jane, so clearly, it IS a BIG priority for me!

HI Ellen!

I'm a bad DIS groupie, I finally made it on page 12! Going back to read now!

Beth

No bad!! Glad you're here!

Just getting caught up. Those pictures are just so amazing. I keep think they can't possibly get any better...and they do.

Zipline sounds fun and scary too. I don't know if I could brave it.

Dinner looked really nice too.
I love the sunset pictures at the pier. Gorgeous!

and the lighthouse shots...I think those are my favorite. All the colors together in those is so amazing.

Awww...thanks, Jen! I am looking forward to pics from the TX cruise, too!

The colors at the lighthouse were AMAZING.....even the scaffolding could not take away from it.....

Just checkin' in Ellen !!Only 7 days to Disney!!!

You mean SIX...nearly FIVE!!! WOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Rosie!!!

Beautiful. Just Beautiful. I really want to go!

Thanks darlin'- I KNOW!!! though- I want to go back too- it was gorgeous. Promise you two will go if you see a great airfare- you have a BIG advantage over there on that left coast!! I absolutely believe you can figure out the logistics of it, it's obvious your heart is in it- ask anything, you know I will help as much as I can!

 

[podsnel]

I am in the process of uploading my Napali Coast pics- I have to say, this is pretty challenging. I narrowed it down, but still, there are just sooooo many glorious photos- around every bend was something more beautiful than the last! We had 4 cameras going, but for the most part, I am just including my DSLR pics and the vids from the Flip. Still, it's a process....

Anyway, I didn't want you to think I had given up, I'll be back at some point today with a HUGE update worthy of the most beautiful coastline I have ever witnessed....

Ellen

 

[chepic]

I am in the process of uploading my Napali Coast pics- I have to say, this is pretty challenging. I narrowed it down, but still, there are just sooooo many glorious photos- around every bend was something more beautiful than the last! We had 4 cameras going, but for the most part, I am just including my DSLR pics and the vids from the Flip. Still, it's a process....

Anyway, I didn't want you to think I had given up, I'll be back at some point today with a HUGE update worthy of the most beautiful coastline I have ever witnessed....

Ellen

 

[podsnel]

One of the highlights of our trip to Hawaii was our afternoon spent exploring the Na Pali coast by boat. There are only 3 ways to see this famous coastline- you can hike it (which we did our last day on the Kalalau Trail, and our first day on the Pihea Trail); you can see it by airplane or helicopter (which we originally wanted to do, but the school guidance secretary made me promise we wouldn't do that! There had been a crash last year when her daughter was honeymooning on Kauai); or you can see it by boat. This is the part of Kauai which is rugged and completely undeveloped, this is past where the road ends at Kee Beach. I had pre-booked a Na Pali snorkel adventure on a boat called the UFO- they called it this because of the amount of air it catches on the trip back. Here is a link to their site- http://www.napalitours.com/tours-cruises/na-pali-snorkel-adventure

I chose this one for a few reasons- one, it left from Hanalei Bay, and that made it MUCH closer not only to us, but to the cliffs themselves. Two, it is a smaller boat, so it was able to go into a bunch of those sea caves that are along the Na Pali coast. Three, it included snorkeling at some spot we would not be able to get to otherwise. Fourth, being a smaller boat, it wouldn't be packed with 100 people- I believe there were 12 of us plus the 2 captains. All good! We were meeting in the parking lot opposite that beautiful green church in Hanalei-on the road there-

Did you notice the pine trees? They are Cook's Pines- Captain Cook brought them to Kauai because their trunks make excellent masts for sailing ships. They are abundant in the Princeville area. But we are headed to Hanalei, and the Hanalei Church- or at least the parking lot across the street-

Isn't it beautiful?

Soon we were loaded onto a van for the short drive to the Hanalei River- this was where we would board our boat-

In a minute, we were passing by-

Almost immediately we came upon a pod of dolphins, but they were resting, swimming around in circles, one half of their brains asleep, while the other half remained alert. Sounds like a very unrestful snooze to me!

Click to play-

The big white hotel behind the boys is the St Regis- that's the beach we were on yesterday. HBR is to the right of it, but harder to see.

We came upon some Kite surfers, one of whom caught air right before I grabbed the flip! Sorry!

Click to play-

Soon we were to a beach that was a part of Kauai's famous Kalalau Trail. 2 miles in on that hike you arrive at Hanakapi'ai Beach- sand is here in the summer, but this is considered a very dangerous beach for swimming- lots of rip currents and rogue waves.

No beach from the boat, tho- boats actually can't land there. But we had sooooo much more to see anyway-

Check out the color of the water!!

We came to our first sea cave-

All of us were pretty thrilled to check out the caves- what can I say? It was just a new, cool experience for us!

Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

We were headed west-

I think that sharp peak was Bali Hai, the mountain they used to look like the mysterious island of said name in South Pacific.

We entered another cave-

And back out-

Then a cave with a waterfall-

Click to play-


And then we were approaching....

click to play-


Even more majestic cliffs-

I thought that may have been the Kalalau Valley, but now looking at other pics, looks like it was just some OTHER gorgeousness.

Back with more Na Pali in the next update- thanks for reading along!

 

[chepic]

just beautiful!!!!!!

God really knew what He was doing when He created Hawaii!!!

cheryl

 

[podsnel]

just beautiful!!!!!!

God really knew what He was doing when He created Hawaii!!!

cheryl

He sure did- I had that exact thought many, many times on Kauai!