Monday, May 12, 2008

• :: Kauai (again) Part 2 ::

  Our trip back to Kauai just wouldn't have been complete without the rest of these experiences.  Yes, finally...Part 2. (See Part 1)
  
  6. Sunset at Polihale Beach: Been there, done that.  So what? We loved it the last time and we love it still.  There are few better places to watch a sunset than on this 300-ft wide beach literally at the end of the road.  Looking one way is 17-miles of sand; looking the other grants you views of the beginning of the ruggest Na Pali Coast.
  
  

  
  

  
  
  7. Hiking the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi'ai Beach: Stifling heat, mosquitoes, steep ups and downs -- it was actually all fun and worth it.  While the full trail is 11-miles long and for experienced hikers only, we managed to do the first 3 miles of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi'ai Beach.  On the way are amazing views of the ocean and ripe guavas teasing from the branches above.  Hanakapi'ai Beach is small and the currents there are dangerous.  However, it's definitely a great spot to take a break and have some lunch.
  
  For a safer way to cool off, try going snorkeling at Ke'e and Tunnels Beaches.  Both have incredible, shallow reefs (3ft.) and are abundant with wildlife.
  
  

  
  
  

  
  8. And, of course, more food: Click to enlarge.
  Hamura's Saimin: Saimin = egg noodles and hot broth with meat, dumplings, and other deliciousness.  They also have udon.  We went twice.
  Tree-ripened mangoes: Picked from the side of the road.  Sustenance for our jaunt down to Wailua Falls.
  Jackfruit: We picked this thing off of a tree a Kai's Guava Plantation.  They told us to take whatever we wanted so we ended up with this 20 pound thing.  Unfortunately, we discovered that it wasn't ripe after we hacked it open and Alvin almost permanently glued his hands together with the sap.
  Giovanni's Shrimp Truck: I'm cheating on this one.  This was actually on Oahu's North Shore.
  
  

   
  

  
  Aoki's Shave Ice: This wasn't the super-famous one it probably was just as tasty.  I got the local mix with ice cream and red bean topped with ice and li hing mui (dried salty plum).
  Garlic Shrimp: So very garlicky.
  Bubba's Burgers: I think the thing pictured was a Big Bubba.  Basically, it's like a hot dog and a burger topped with chili or something.  With rice.
  Guavas: Nothing beats guavas picked on the side of the road, especially when you have drunk locals helping you knock them out of trees.
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  9. Queens Bath:  This was one of the lesser known attractions, but one of my favorites.  Queens bath is pool carved out of a lava shelf.  During the summer, when we went, the water is calm and crystal clear.  It's a great experience to be able to swim there, especially with the wilder waves crashing just on the other side of the protecting rocks.  The shallow pool (4-7 ft.) is also the home of various rainbow colored fish.
  
  

  
  
  

  
  10. Helicopter Tours: We usually try to avoid expensive touristy things, but we couldn't resist the helicopter ride here.  With 2/3 of the island too remote and wild, Kauai is really meant to be seen from above.  The greens of Hanalei Valley -- I haven't seen anything else like it.  We took a spin around Wai Ele Ele crater, the wettest spot on earth and the birthplace of Kauai the island.  We were able to see the cliffs of the inhospitable Na Pali Coast.  It sounds cheesy, but it was the amazing, otherworldly scenery and natural formations you only see in movies...but right below you.   It's real (and it's spectacular!)
  

  
  

  
  

  
  Note that helicopters usually seat 5 passengers, with the lightest people getting the best seats (front, center).  We thought we'd have no problem until we saw our fellow passengers -- 3 Japanese girls!  I also apparently gained like 7 pounds out of nowhere (They really weigh you).  Luckily, Alvin worked a litte magic (and probably was a good counterweight for the pilot) and we ended up front and center after all.
  
  Many people have asked if I preferred Maui or Kauai.  Before this trip I would have definitely said Maui.  Now I think they're neck and neck.  It's amazing what a good guidebook and sense of adventure can do for you.  Go exploring.  I highly encourage it.  Do it while you still can walk and rock a bikini!
  
  

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