Gidget Goes Hawaiian- Kauai & Aulani 8/2012 TR- 5/24 COMPLETE!! - Page 13 - The DIS Discussion Forums

dvc4life · 10-08-2012, 07:48 AM

Gorgeous photos Ellen!

I can't even imagine how beautiful it is in person.

podsnel · 10-08-2012, 07:48 AM

Back to the beauty of Na Pali-

Click to play-

This looks like the Kalalau Valley we had hiked on the first day. Pretty impressive from this angle, too. But still, I don't see any naked off the grid hippies- do you?

We entered another cave- this one has been in a lot of films, including POC, I think 3-

click to play-

This one was different, not really a cave but an arch you went through to a big hole to the sky. It was dazzling. They told us people get married on the rocks in the center.

Cont'd next post-

rentayenta · 10-08-2012, 07:54 AM

Im in. I've been reading. It's a beautiful place.

podsnel · 10-08-2012, 08:32 AM

We left the hole, and headed towards where we would anchor for snorkeling.

My family does NOT have the best luck with snorkeling. Not at all. Usually Timmy has a hard time with his mask. Or we don't have equipment for everyone because I thought it would be waiting on the boat- and then, of course, I am snorkeling with goggles and no snorkel. Which is pretty limiting. THIS time, though, I thought I had all my bases covered- snorkel gear for all!

We jumped off and went in search of fish.

Timmy started having leaking issues almost immediately. I kept trying to work with him, but the mask was leaking and he was EXTREMELY unhappy. So, he got back on the boat. I soon followed, hoping I could convince him to try again.

But no luck. It was actually a bit rough, and i think that made it too challenging for him. So our snorkel experience was not the greatest that day. Pods and Tyler, however, swam far, far out and saw turtles and tons of fish. So at least they had something to brag about!

As Pods swam in, we threw a bunch of crackers on his head- wow, that was hilarious! Like 100 fish dive bombed him! Pretty fun for us up on the boat! Before he got back on, he took a vid-

Click to play-

Then it was back on the boat where we were served cheese and crackers and soft drinks. Followed by an exhilerating ride back to Hanalei- woohoooo!

The kids loved it, it was wet and wild!

Cont'd next post-

podsnel · 10-08-2012, 08:52 AM

In case you wanted to experience UFO for yourself, here's a couple of clips-

Click to play-

It was pretty rough, but no matter WHAt Pods says, I think we had it worse going to Tortola one year from STJ.
One of the families onboard was from CA, they come out to Kauai every couple of years (as I would if I lived out there!)- so nice to talk to! The Captain was a decent guy, he slowed it down a bit when that woman was startled. He slowed down, too, whenever he saw a turtle (which happened a few times) and when we got back to the kite surfers who were still at it.

But for the most part, it was go, go, GO!!!

Click to play-

3 1/2 hours had flown by- I would book this again in a heartbeat. We had chosen the afternoon tour because of pictures- their advice was that the light was better and there was less glare in the afternoon vs. the morning. The morning, I believe, would have been calmer and the dolphins more active, tho- so keep that all in mind if you are planning a Na Pali boat trip.

Back in Hanalei-

We caught the van back to the lot- our driver was another good guy. He was passing around some photos of a HUGE shark he caught a few years back. Ever see the movie "Soul Surfer" ? It's the movie about Bethany Hamilton, the surfer who lost her arm to a shark while surfing in Kauai. It turns out, our van driver was the guy who went out and caught the shark. He was quite a character- I honestly could have listened to him all night! But that was not to be, because we had other plans on a certain pier. Can you say, JUMP!

Up next!

podsnel · 10-08-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvc4life

Gorgeous photos Ellen!

I can't even imagine how beautiful it is in person.

It is beyond what anyone can imagine- completely surreal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Im in. I've been reading. It's a beautiful place.

Hi Jenny! Thanks for coming over!

Are you down to 5 days?

Have you been to Kauai?

kathymc · 10-08-2012, 01:29 PM

I am so enjoying your report. We just came back from the Big Island and Kauai (we stayed at the St Regis and had a similar amazing view) My husband caught a bad chest cold and all of the hiking we had planned (Pihea and Kalalau) we had to cancel. We did about 10 minutes of the Pihea Trail so I was stoked to see your pics. We also did zip and dip and while we had other guides they were a blast!

We absolutely adored Hanalie and are researching house/condo rentals for a late spring visit!

Looking forward to more as we are headed to Oahu in December. My husband won a 4 night trip to Waikiki and we are adding on 6 nights at Aulani on our points!

dizneeat · 10-08-2012, 01:30 PM

Wow! I am speechless! Those are wonderful photos. Lucky girl!

Thanks for sharing, Ellen!

englishrose47 · 10-08-2012, 01:54 PM

Gorgeous pix !!! The water is soooo vibrant and the caves are awesome !!!

saintstickets · 10-08-2012, 04:42 PM

Fantastic pics and video Ellen! I really appreciate how much effort you have made in taking all these pictures. I sometimes get so busy taking pictures that I miss things! Have you ever taken a certain pic and said to yourself, that one will definately be posted on the DISboards? I'm guilty of that!

Really loving this TR. Can't wait for more.

Misskitty3 · 10-08-2012, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvc4life

Gorgeous photos Ellen!

I can't even imagine how beautiful it is in person.

My thoughts exactly!! Amazing photos! Really looks like a trip of a lifetime!!

MEK · 10-09-2012, 07:41 AM

Wow..Wow....WOW!

I looked at your pictures this morning and they are stunning. What paradise. I especially love the pictures of the four of you posing while in the boat under the rocks (I think that's what you were doing - heck I looke at them like 3 hours ago

)

I agree, this really was a vacation of a lifetime! I want to go back and see them in more detail tonight. Gorgeous.

JKSWonder · 10-09-2012, 11:07 AM

The photos are just gorgeous, Ellen.

A the family pic of all of you in the cave is a fantastic shot.

Mysteria · 10-09-2012, 06:23 PM

I'm in awe at the beauty of it all!

ACDSNY · 10-09-2012, 10:53 PM

Wow it's great to see the Na Pali tour coming from the Hanalei side although I might be a little chicken to be on that small of a boat. We've taken the Capt. Andy's dinner tour from the Port Allen side which takes longer to get to the Na Pali area. No matter how you get there it's just beautiful!

10-08-2012, 07:48 AM	#181
dvc4life Disney is my Happy Place Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,756	Gorgeous photos Ellen! I can't even imagine how beautiful it is in person. __________________ Chris

10-08-2012, 07:48 AM	#182
podsnel just skippin' around, amusing myself... Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scotch Plains, NJ Posts: 6,114	Back to the beauty of Na Pali- Click to play- This looks like the Kalalau Valley we had hiked on the first day. Pretty impressive from this angle, too. But still, I don't see any naked off the grid hippies- do you? We entered another cave- this one has been in a lot of films, including POC, I think 3- click to play- This one was different, not really a cave but an arch you went through to a big hole to the sky. It was dazzling. They told us people get married on the rocks in the center. Cont'd next post- __________________ DISMOMS #2! 05/10 SSR Girlie TR 06/08 HHI TR, 7/08 DCL TR 11/1/08 DISMOMS TR 5/09 VB & OKW 9/09 TR 11/09 TR 9/10 AKV CL TR DCL 10/10 TR SSR 4/11 DISmoms3 5/11 RCI EOS 8/11 BCV 11/11 DISmoms 4 5/2012 HAWAII 8/12 VWL & Dream 3/13 DISmoms5

10-08-2012, 07:54 AM	#183
rentayenta Authentic Feelin' itchy I hear an infant cry and it's letdown city I would kiss their little chinchilla lips off! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Utah Posts: 21,173	Im in. I've been reading. It's a beautiful place. __________________ me DH DD16 DD14 DS11 Riley Guinness Our numbers are 1, 5, 17, 33, and 1901. A very magical day at Disney trip report http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3096743 A rabbi, a priest, and a pastor board the Wonder: a Disney Cruise pre-trip reporthttp://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3060546 Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: a DVC trip report http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3003243 Strike yer colors, you brazen wench! No need to expose yer superstructure! Nov 27-30! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2839173

10-08-2012, 08:32 AM	#184
podsnel just skippin' around, amusing myself... Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scotch Plains, NJ Posts: 6,114	We left the hole, and headed towards where we would anchor for snorkeling. My family does NOT have the best luck with snorkeling. Not at all. Usually Timmy has a hard time with his mask. Or we don't have equipment for everyone because I thought it would be waiting on the boat- and then, of course, I am snorkeling with goggles and no snorkel. Which is pretty limiting. THIS time, though, I thought I had all my bases covered- snorkel gear for all! We jumped off and went in search of fish. Timmy started having leaking issues almost immediately. I kept trying to work with him, but the mask was leaking and he was EXTREMELY unhappy. So, he got back on the boat. I soon followed, hoping I could convince him to try again. But no luck. It was actually a bit rough, and i think that made it too challenging for him. So our snorkel experience was not the greatest that day. Pods and Tyler, however, swam far, far out and saw turtles and tons of fish. So at least they had something to brag about! As Pods swam in, we threw a bunch of crackers on his head- wow, that was hilarious! Like 100 fish dive bombed him! Pretty fun for us up on the boat! Before he got back on, he took a vid- Click to play- Then it was back on the boat where we were served cheese and crackers and soft drinks. Followed by an exhilerating ride back to Hanalei- woohoooo! The kids loved it, it was wet and wild! Cont'd next post- __________________ DISMOMS #2! 05/10 SSR Girlie TR 06/08 HHI TR, 7/08 DCL TR 11/1/08 DISMOMS TR 5/09 VB & OKW 9/09 TR 11/09 TR 9/10 AKV CL TR DCL 10/10 TR SSR 4/11 DISmoms3 5/11 RCI EOS 8/11 BCV 11/11 DISmoms 4 5/2012 HAWAII 8/12 VWL & Dream 3/13 DISmoms5

10-08-2012, 08:52 AM	#185
podsnel just skippin' around, amusing myself... Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scotch Plains, NJ Posts: 6,114	In case you wanted to experience UFO for yourself, here's a couple of clips- Click to play- It was pretty rough, but no matter WHAt Pods says, I think we had it worse going to Tortola one year from STJ. One of the families onboard was from CA, they come out to Kauai every couple of years (as I would if I lived out there!)- so nice to talk to! The Captain was a decent guy, he slowed it down a bit when that woman was startled. He slowed down, too, whenever he saw a turtle (which happened a few times) and when we got back to the kite surfers who were still at it. But for the most part, it was go, go, GO!!! Click to play- 3 1/2 hours had flown by- I would book this again in a heartbeat. We had chosen the afternoon tour because of pictures- their advice was that the light was better and there was less glare in the afternoon vs. the morning. The morning, I believe, would have been calmer and the dolphins more active, tho- so keep that all in mind if you are planning a Na Pali boat trip. Back in Hanalei- We caught the van back to the lot- our driver was another good guy. He was passing around some photos of a HUGE shark he caught a few years back. Ever see the movie "Soul Surfer" ? It's the movie about Bethany Hamilton, the surfer who lost her arm to a shark while surfing in Kauai. It turns out, our van driver was the guy who went out and caught the shark. He was quite a character- I honestly could have listened to him all night! But that was not to be, because we had other plans on a certain pier. Can you say, JUMP! Up next! __________________ DISMOMS #2! 05/10 SSR Girlie TR 06/08 HHI TR, 7/08 DCL TR 11/1/08 DISMOMS TR 5/09 VB & OKW 9/09 TR 11/09 TR 9/10 AKV CL TR DCL 10/10 TR SSR 4/11 DISmoms3 5/11 RCI EOS 8/11 BCV 11/11 DISmoms 4 5/2012 HAWAII 8/12 VWL & Dream 3/13 DISmoms5

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10-08-2012, 01:29 PM	#187
kathymc Dances in the kitchen TR connosseur Misses puppy breath Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Raymond, NH, USA Posts: 2,534	I am so enjoying your report. We just came back from the Big Island and Kauai (we stayed at the St Regis and had a similar amazing view) My husband caught a bad chest cold and all of the hiking we had planned (Pihea and Kalalau) we had to cancel. We did about 10 minutes of the Pihea Trail so I was stoked to see your pics. We also did zip and dip and while we had other guides they were a blast! We absolutely adored Hanalie and are researching house/condo rentals for a late spring visit! Looking forward to more as we are headed to Oahu in December. My husband won a 4 night trip to Waikiki and we are adding on 6 nights at Aulani on our points! __________________ Welcome Samson 10/15/2011 Dec 2-9, 1998 ASM Dec 2-10, 2000 DXL Dec 13-18, 2001 Swan Sept 27, 2003 - Day trip to Disneyland Dec 7-17, 2003 BCV - 1st time home! Sep 12-19, 2004 AKL Dec 2-11, 2005 CBR + BCV May 5-12, 2007 POP + OKW Sept 27-Oct 5, 2008 Contemporary December 4-13, 2010 - BCV Next quick trip March 14-17, 2013 SSPINGS Next Trip December 7-15, 2013 - BCV

10-08-2012, 01:30 PM	#188
dizneeat DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Austria Posts: 11,465	Wow! I am speechless! Those are wonderful photos. Lucky girl! Thanks for sharing, Ellen! __________________ Players: Karin Tom Find our trips here: Magicaldisneytrips WDW, DCL: Aug 7 - Sept 08, 2013 WDW, back to back Eastern and Western Caribbean Cruises on the FANTASY, and a few more WDW days DLRP: Jan 4 - 6, 2014 to put our APs to good use WDW, DCL: Feb 15 - 22, 2014 another cruise on the Dream and a few WDW days DCL: July 26 - Aug 07, 2014 Cruising the Med on the Magic TR: If we can dream it, we can do it ...... another 30 day vacation Pre-TR: We invite you, if you dare ..... Feb TR:PLEASE, Whistle while you work ....... Visit my other TRs/dining reviews here:

10-08-2012, 01:54 PM	#189
englishrose47 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Niagara Falls N.Y. Posts: 25,548	Gorgeous pix !!! The water is soooo vibrant and the caves are awesome !!! __________________ Self Appointed Team Focker Watch Computor Whiz Lady Dole Duchess of Whippington April/May 07 Pop Feb 08 Pop May09 POP Sept 09 POP Feb 10 Pop Oct 10 PopAug 11 Pop Oct 11 A PTR: DIS NEWS FLASH ... GRANNY TRIP POSTPONED ... MEDICARE Snafu DIScovered … Stay Tuned http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3051652Where will Rosie Roam in 2013 http://www.disboards.com/showthread....7#post48102507It's 5o'clock somewhere ? http://www.disboards.com/showthread....6#post48398326 Lucy I'm Home

10-08-2012, 04:42 PM	#190
saintstickets DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Petal, MS Posts: 2,032	Fantastic pics and video Ellen! I really appreciate how much effort you have made in taking all these pictures. I sometimes get so busy taking pictures that I miss things! Have you ever taken a certain pic and said to yourself, that one will definately be posted on the DISboards? I'm guilty of that! Really loving this TR. Can't wait for more. __________________ Bill B DL - 1967 \| WDW - 1973 (Orlando) \| WDW - 1980 (Kissimmee) \| WDW - 1985 (Kissimmee) \| WDW - 1997 (Contemporary) \| WDW - 2007 (Old Key West) DVC - 2009; 2010 & 2011(twice ) addonitis \| May2010 - OKW \| Nov-Dec2010 - AKV/BWV \| May2012 - BLT/VWL \| Sep2012 - Aulani (30th anniversary) \| Dec2012 - Aulani (DD honeymoon) \| Oct2013 - BCV F&W \| Jun2014 - BWV Sharks, horses, a submarine scooter, luau & Mickey - Aulani-Sep12 Don't tell Mickey! It's NOT a bug's life! That's a dolphin's WHAT? Where's the ER? Is that a body? \| BLT/VWL; May2012-Seaworld, Discovery Cove, IoA, Space Center AKV/BWV; Nov/Dec2010; No Kids; Backstage Magic Tour; V&A; Lots of pics and video OKW; May2010; DDP cost analysis; Wishes Dessert Party; Fantasmic

10-09-2012, 07:41 AM	#192
MEK DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2005 Location: Middletown, DE Posts: 15,033	Wow..Wow....WOW! I looked at your pictures this morning and they are stunning. What paradise. I especially love the pictures of the four of you posing while in the boat under the rocks (I think that's what you were doing - heck I looke at them like 3 hours ago ) I agree, this really was a vacation of a lifetime! I want to go back and see them in more detail tonight. Gorgeous. __________________ Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting than You! Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? Remembering 9/11:MEK Original Why Not Just Queue Up Another Disney Trip? How Do You Think We Stay So Happy? Inching My Way Closer to the Castle Sept 10 TR Wheeling & Dealing at the WL May '10 TR Play'in It at Pop Sept 09 Anniversary Trip JUNE 09 TR...KICK'N IT AT KIDANI DH & I do Disney Solo! DEC 2008 June 2008 tripreport My Trips 2002-Offsite 2003-POR 2004-Royal Pacific/Daytona Bch 2005-CBR 2006-Pop, SSR 2007-ASM 2008-Pop, Vero Bch/SSR, POFQ/SSR 2009-Kidani/CSR, Pop 2010- VWL, BLT 2011-POR/BCV, Disney's HHI Resort, OKW2012-Treehouse villa/BWV, VWL/BWV

10-09-2012, 11:07 AM	#193
JKSWonder Twelve plus trips and counting Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York Posts: 1,251	The photos are just gorgeous, Ellen. A the family pic of all of you in the cave is a fantastic shot. __________________

10-09-2012, 06:23 PM	#194
Mysteria MINDFREAK! I'll release my inner felon on his butt if I get soaked by rain and bumped by pushy people Make wishes on folded up chips Here comes the poop tag Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: They couldn't fit chemical and oil refinery state on the license plates Posts: 7,936	I'm in awe at the beauty of it all! __________________ Dante at 3 weeks and 2 years

10-09-2012, 10:53 PM	#195
ACDSNY ACDSNY Boo Boo Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Elk Grove, CA Posts: 8,146	Wow it's great to see the Na Pali tour coming from the Hanalei side although I might be a little chicken to be on that small of a boat. We've taken the Capt. Andy's dinner tour from the Port Allen side which takes longer to get to the Na Pali area. No matter how you get there it's just beautiful! __________________ Disneyland - Too many to count! Last DL trip: May 2013 WDW - Nov 2011, Nov 2009, May 2007, Oct 2006, July 2006, Oct 2005, Oct 2003, Oct 2000 DCL - Mar 2012 Wonder MR, Nov 2011 Dream B2B, Jan 2011 Wonder Panama Canal, Nov 2009 Wonder Princess - Pacific Coast May 2006, Alaska Sep 2004, Mar 1999 Australia/New Zealand Big Island - May 2013 Kauai - Jan & Dec 2012, Feb 2010, Oct 2008 Maui - Jan & Nov 2012 Oahu Aulani - Jan & Dec 2012

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