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

[podsnel]

OOPS. I prematurely posted the cave- this is what happens when you use too many cameras on vacation. Here's just a couple more from the ride, because it really was so lovely and so completely Hawaiian-

Ok- THEN we pulled over to check out a dry cave. This is very easy to find, it is right on the street.

Hawaii just has a lot of cool stuff! We got back in the car and drove up to Ke'e beach- the parking was full, so we backtracked to another parking lot. Well, there were cars parked there, anyway. I have never been so scared in a parking lot in my life! There were HUGE boulders EVERYWHERE...I kind of think we should not have been in there, but we were, and once you were in, you could not stop- it was crazy! A good place for jeeps- a BAD BAD place for everyone else.

So....we were up here to hike the first 1/2 mile of the famous Kalalau Trail. Do you remember a movie called "A Perfect Getaway?" It was filmed there- it's about a honeymoon couple who hike this trail and meet up with serial killers. Thankfully, we were planning a much less terrifying hike! Here's a link to the movie's trailer- it has loads of gorgeous Napali Coast shots-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Mk8ZJJEYPE

We were only going as far as the Coast Viewpoint-

If we had had more time, I would have loved to go to the Hanakapiai Beach- but, that 1 mile round trip we did do was good too. This hike is rated strenuous, a 9 on a scale of 10 by the Sierra club. To do the whole hike of 11 miles, you need to camp out before you yurn around and come back- because it takes about 10 hours to get out to that beach at the end (that was at the base of the Kalalau Valley- see how it all fits together?). No worries, it's totally safe- see?

I guess the direction you take is technically west- but really, I would say the direction is straight up to the sun. SHEESH! It was STEEP! And alllll rocks-

After 1/4 mile, you see this-

Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

I'm sure we could have stopped there- alot did- but, we had Monkey Boy and #8 with us, so we kept going...UP, that is-

Did that seem a little narrow? It was- but there was only us going one way, so it was no big deal. A little different on the way back, when the trail was more crowded.

Soon, we had reached the 1/2 mile mark-

Monkey boy was hoppin around like a rabbit- he was TOTALLY freaking me out, it was SOOOOO high and SOOOOOO windy- he was completely nonplussed about the whole thing. All I could think was that someone was going to get pushed by a big gust of wind and that would be IT!

FINALLY, he sat down.

What a relief. Mom was havin heart palpitations up there.

This was ahead of us-

But for today, this was as far as we would go. Sorry boys.

Writing this, I actually have guilt- guilt that we didn't stay longer on Kauai. Guilt that we will go back, but probably not with them. BIG guilt.

I'm gonna have to work on Pods......

Ke'e beach from waaaaaaaay high up- can't even see the people from up here!

Click to play-


This was what was Mauka (toward the mountain) up there, away from the Pacific.

Ok! Time to head back down- while all the other people are heading up. THAT should be fun.....

 

[dizneeat]

Ellen, you are an update machine, today!

Okay and even if I repeat myself - AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jenseib]

Wow....just plain old wow! Beautiful. How awesome to see a rainbow.

 

[ACDSNY]

Well you have Monkey Boy and I have Mountain Goat for a DH. I better not show him the trail pics.

Your pics are beautiful and I love your updates.

 

[anewmac]

She was a very sweet floozy! And that drink x2 was DA BOMB diggity!

Hey- do you have any idea when you're arriving and departing in May? It;s time for me to contact the concierge and make ADRs....and I'm wondering about you- also need to book a flight, and trying to figure out what time we're all leaving.....

Southwest still hasnt come out with flights they are still at mid April. Im hoping to fly in late Thursday or early Frid depending on the cost of flights... if not Saturday early in time for linner (LOL) and of course DRINKS LOL. as for flights out I like the later flights so anything after 2pm where I dont have to rush LOL have a few drinks at the bar you know really enjoy my time! depending on cost. I know Im no help lol

 

[chepic]

just caught up again.

Have a niece that lived in Hawaii for 5 years....lives in Maryland now....can't understand it.

I wouldn't leave that view!!!!

Cheryl

 

[dvc4life]

What a beautiful view from your balcony. I bet it was hard to leave it.

What a waffle. Looks yummy. And just the drive pictures looks like you are in a totally other world. One that just speaks of slowing down and smelling the roses.

That climb looks, um, well, tiring. But oh so beautiful when you got to your lookout point.

Hope you make the climb down safe and sound.

 

[podsnel]

Ellen, you are an update machine, today!

Okay and even if I repeat myself - AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yea- I am trying to get to Aulani- and keep the TR moving so I'm not still writing it next summer when we go to CA! But today I REALLY have to fold some laundry...the pile is BEYOND a mountain, waiting to be folded!

Wow....just plain old wow! Beautiful. How awesome to see a rainbow.

There are so many rainbows in Hawaii- on Oahu, too. Just the ones over Hanalei Bay- well, they were my favorite.

Well you have Monkey Boy and I have Mountain Goat for a DH. I better not show him the trail pics.

Your pics are beautiful and I love your updates.

Your Mountain Goat would been HEAVEN here! I am so envious of you with 3 visits to Kauai....

Southwest still hasnt come out with flights they are still at mid April. Im hoping to fly in late Thursday or early Frid depending on the cost of flights... if not Saturday early in time for linner (LOL) and of course DRINKS LOL. as for flights out I like the later flights so anything after 2pm where I dont have to rush LOL have a few drinks at the bar you know really enjoy my time! depending on cost. I know Im no help lol

REALLY????? That makes me sooooooooo happy- I thought I wouldn't see you until Saturday night- Oh, PLEEEEEEEEZ come so you are there on Friday! I'm hoping to take a 10:30 arrival flight- No idea when Laura will arrive, but last time she came around 5, I think. Lonnie will meet me there in the morning.

just caught up again.

Have a niece that lived in Hawaii for 5 years....lives in Maryland now....can't understand it.

I wouldn't leave that view!!!!

Cheryl

Maryland's nice....but it's no Hawaii! Did she get island fever? That's what has happened to all of my friends who have lived there- they said after a while, they went a little crazy, always driving in a circle. I think I can convince Pods to do a month or two at a time in our golden years....but he would never move there.

 

[CRdisMom]

i need to get lookingt at flights. I thnk last time I flew in at 11:30 am. I love those early flights even if it means leaving at the crack of dawn...more time with you crazy ladies! I will be ther Friday. Love that it is getting close to make the adr's. I needed to hear that today

 

[podsnel]

Well, I really shouldn't be updating right now, but I have a VERY strong aversion to folding laundry it seems, so here I am AGAIN.....

What goes up, must come down, so...

Notice how I am hugging the freakin wall? That's because as the day goes on, this trail gets more crowded with peeps doing this first part- it is VERY popular, and although the trail is rated a 9 of 10 by the Sierra Club, THIS part, the first (I think) 4 miles to the falls is NOT why it is rated this highly. We saw many folks of varying ages (from kids to youngish Seniors) who were giving this first part a shot. MOST of them were in sneakers and flip flops, and they were having a VERY hard time- I would NOT suggest this. Keens or hiking shoes are the way to go, you really need traction where it's wet and slippery. I think somewhere around mile 7, the trail is like this-

click to play-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGBgGYtKC1I&feature=related

Honestly, my tummy is rolling from that vid- it is NOT for me, not EVER. Here's another one-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG5IYShD28c&feature=related

Yea, I guess after watching those, I'm feeling less guilty about cutting it at 1/2 mile.

We were standing in front of the ocean, yet somehow my DH managed to miss that fact...

And we were done! Time to visit Ke'e Beach......

Up next...after I fold 300000000 tshirts and (my personal favorite) match up 8900000 white socks of varying sizes and shapes! WOOOHOOOO!!! It's laundry party time!!

 

[podsnel]

COOL! Replies! More laundry stalling!!

What a beautiful view from your balcony. I bet it was hard to leave it.

What a waffle. Looks yummy. And just the drive pictures looks like you are in a totally other world. One that just speaks of slowing down and smelling the roses.

That climb looks, um, well, tiring. But oh so beautiful when you got to your lookout point.

Hope you make the climb down safe and sound.

Yea...you've got it- it was completely other worldly. The boys were looking out the windows, mouths agape, as we drove instead of playing some game on their itouches. SUCCESS!!!!

The hike was tiring- but so worth that tired.

i need to get lookingt at flights. I thnk last time I flew in at 11:30 am. I love those early flights even if it means leaving at the crack of dawn...more time with you crazy ladies! I will be ther Friday. Love that it is getting close to make the adr's. I needed to hear that today

That's great! When you came for DISmoms, you landed late- and left really early in the am to do it, as I recall. Glad you found a faster flight.

 

[chepic]

Maryland's nice....but it's no Hawaii! Did she get island fever? That's what has happened to all of my friends who have lived there- they said after a while, they went a little crazy, always driving in a circle. I think I can convince Pods to do a month or two at a time in our golden years....but he would never move there.

no, she and her girlfriend got married out there and came back east to finish master's in Ed. Don't know if they will go back or not.

All I can say is I can't wait for the next 5 years to go by until our trip there!! (Yes, I plan that far in advance!)

che

now get back to laundry!!

 

[saintstickets]

just one questions.. whos the Floozy near Pods? lol

She was a very sweet floozy!

What's wrong with a little "eye-candy"?

Living in LA, I didn't even bat an eye at the floozy, we see them all the time! I notice when I see people with bad teeth or not plastic surgery fixed faces!

Uh oh....I better stay out of LA!

We woke up to this-

Now that's even BETTER "eye-candy"!! Absolutely gorgeous. I bow to your photographic prowess. GREAT TR...please post more soon.

 

[rndmr2]

I was behind a few updates but I am caught up now.

Wow you really got some great shots, love the color of that water! I loved that first pic when you went to see the Light House.

Part of me really wants to try zip-lining but I don't know if I could actually do it, I don't think I could jump from that high up (that King Kong one), someone would probably have to push me!

Awesome Rainbow pics!

I think I need to have that waffle!

 

[ACDSNY]

Your Mountain Goat would been HEAVEN here! I am so envious of you with 3 visits to Kauai....

He is! I showed him the youtube vids and he's like "that's not so bad".

That trail is for animals, not humans. I'd be hugging the mountain too.

Kauai is my favorite island, when I hear there's nothing to do there I just look at them like they're crazy. We don't need the nightlife, we're too tired after spending the day running around the island.

 

[podsnel]

no, she and her girlfriend got married out there and came back east to finish master's in Ed. Don't know if they will go back or not.

All I can say is I can't wait for the next 5 years to go by until our trip there!! (Yes, I plan that far in advance!)

che

now get back to laundry!!

Well, I bet they will go back at some point- how could you not?
And I can't wait 5 years, either- my 30th anniversary is in 4 years....but we want to go back to Italy again, too (Pods brought that one up, and he very rarely suggests a vacation, so I think it will HAVE to happen! We're thinking maybe a cruise this time (for Italy-on Celebrity). But I miss Kauai on an hourly basis, soooo....who knows?

And see? You are not the only one with a 5 year plan, LOL!

What's wrong with a little "eye-candy"?




Uh oh....I better stay out of LA!




Now that's even BETTER "eye-candy"!! Absolutely gorgeous. I bow to your photographic prowess. GREAT TR...please post more soon.

Thanks - but honestly, it's kind of impossible to take a bad pic in paradise! I'll post again after I do the replies-

I was behind a few updates but I am caught up now.

Wow you really got some great shots, love the color of that water! I loved that first pic when you went to see the Light House.

I have to say, the colors at that lighthouse were really stunning. It's not my photo, it's the place.

Part of me really wants to try zip-lining but I don't know if I could actually do it, I don't think I could jump from that high up (that King Kong one), someone would probably have to push me!

Well, the alternative is to walk back down that ramp, and then- I have no idea how you would get home! So, you HAVE to jump! And really, I highly recommend it- very empowering.

Awesome Rainbow pics!

I think I need to have that waffle!

Isn't that waffle so pretty? It was really yummy. Tyler was in love with it.

He is! I showed him the youtube vids and he's like "that's not so bad".

That's pretty funny. But a mountain goat WOULD say that!

That trail is for animals, not humans. I'd be hugging the mountain too.

Kauai is my favorite island, when I hear there's nothing to do there I just look at them like they're crazy. We don't need the nightlife, we're too tired after spending the day running around the island.

I know you're referring to that other thread- I had to laugh, too. When we got married 26 years ago, I think there really was not much to do there- I remember reading about Kauai in numerous guidebooks, and they all said the same thing- super quiet, very very low key- alot of laying on the beach and nothing else....well, at 23, that didn't really appeal. But NOW...well, as you know, there is sooooooooooooo much to do if you are a daytime active type. Which, at 49, I am more of! I think it is the perfect island paradise....

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hi Ellen!

Found your TR through Bill (saintstickets), and I'm glad I did! I'm planning a Hawaii vacation for next summer and will be on Kauai as well (just booked a condo in Princeville). Your tips and pictures are great!

 

[podsnel]

It is the most awful rainy day outside....good time to go back to the beach!

Ke'e beach is literally at the end of the road on the North Shore of Kauai. It seemed to be kind of crowded, and all of our stuff was back in the car, so we stayed just a short while before moving on to Tunnels Beach.

Although that doesn't look too crowded, does it?

This was part of where we had just been-

It was very calm there, but that was close to shore and because it was summer. The lifeguards were constantly yelling at people that were too far out, or getting too close to the left, the Puku Ulua, which has strong currents that go out to sea. At one point, a boat came in through there, which they were not supposed to do, so they were yelled at too. It was good to watch for a while, but we like a more quiet beach, so we left. By the way, this beach is the site of a famous love scene- from the Thorn Birds.

The boys stopped in front of the busy lifeguard stand on the way out-

See? It's a good thing the beach is guarded-

Back at the parking "lot" from Hell, we decided Pods should drive out solo- anything to keep the car weight lighter! The rocks he had to go back across on the way out were not as bad as the massive boulders on the way in, so at least there was that!

Next time, i will visit this beautiful place, which was nearby-

Next up- my personal favorite beach of the trip, Tunnels-

 

[Beth D]

OK, made it up to page 12. It's taking so long because of all those gorgeous photos! Gotta stop too often and drool! Darn you Ellen!

Are Keens kind of a cross between a hike and water shoe? How expensive are they?

I don't know if i could do the zip line, especially the Kong. I'd be afraid to even climb the ramp!

The one shaved ice with the pineapple and colada flavors looked good to me! How's the menu options if you don't like fish/seafood over there? I'd be ordering a #8 every night!

Will catch all the way up soon! Don't go too fast!