Stayed over night after our connecting flight to Maui on August 9th was cancelled. Wildfires happened fast Aug 8-9. Went to hotel fitness center and pool together as a family before getting on our connecting flight to Kauai on August 10th. Extended our stay in Kauai by three days.
Dinner first night in Kauai after checking into resort. Jet lagged and tired.
After searching and calling around extensively, we found a one night rental here. Arriving in Kauai without reservations after Maui portion of trip was cancelled. Devastating wildfires in Maui, destroying Lahaina. This was a great landing point. The unit was well appointed and comfortable (AirBnB). Kids loved the pool and water slides and beach access!
AirBnB house. Beautiful!
After the morning and early afternoon on the east shore, we drive up to north shore to check into the Hanalei house (our final destination). After we dropped our bags off, we went into town for JoJo’s shave ice and spent dusk at beach. Still a bit jet lagged. This lovely bird crossed right in front of me!
Also known locally as “Grandpa’s Beach”. Spent the morning here. Great beach for kids. Sandy bottom. Fun for wave play.
Made a run for some BBQ in town and ate it on ‘Grandpa’s Beach’
Mama had the macadamia nut, almond and banana smoothie on my way to picking up the BBQ lunch ☺️
shave ice after a day at the beach.
My favorite shave ice place in Hanalei, in parking lot with the other food trucks. They have organic flavors!
Sushi dinner. Decent. Fairly long wait for food.
Kids tried the ‘Keiki-ccino’ but didn’t like it.
The Masala Chai Latte is nice and spicy!
Started the day here. Had to head back to Lihue airport later in the day to exchange our rental car (Maui cancellation meant we needed to have two different car rentals because we couldn’t extend our existing Kauai car rental with National).
N.B. - emerald club members don’t need to check in! Just go to lot attendant and pick your vehicle!
Nice sand beach with turquoise, clear waters. Campground and bathrooms. Great place for kids to snorkel. Renzo, Lilah and Ron saw a green sea turtle, plus lots of coral and fish!
We drove ti the lookout point to see Wailua Falls. Ron bought us all leis from a woman at the roadside stand at the falls. She guided us in how to present a lei and how to care for them (spray with water and keep in brown paper bag or in fridge crisper drawer for longevity). She was gentle and kind. It’s customary to hug and kiss the person receiving the leis. Very sweet moment. So fragrant.
Local steakhouse. Renzo and Lilah split a 12 ounce NY strip. They loved it! The fresh caught fish sold out by 5:00pm when we arrived. I had the filet mignon and Ron had the teriyaki sirloin.
Had a great lesson with Nick! 8:30am. Nice swells in Hanalei Bay, unusually big for this time of year. Everyone stood up. Amazing for everyone! Lilah didn’t want to go, but said afterwards “don’t tell anybody but I love surfing!” Kids want to surf as much as possible for the remainder of the trip.
Renzo and Ron came here to snorkle while the girls shopped. Renzo was so excited about the sea turtle they last saw, but the afternoon water this outing was choppy and not as clear. They saw one big fish.
Nina, Lilah and I stopped for shave ice on a shopping expedition on at Princeville Shopping center. Not too many shops. Hanalei shopping better.
Lilah, Nina and I Purchased matching Hawaiian shirts for the family!
Met ‘Auntie Amanda’ at Swim Hanalei. She loved the girls and gave us all hugs. Her own daughter is grown and living in Oregon. Didn’t purchase anything here but Nina liked some swimsuits.
Heading out on the shuttle at 8:30am to Ha’ena State Park to hike the Na Pali trail!
Huge rain in the morning today. We stayed in the house until the skies started to clear. Wainiha River behind the house rose significantly during the rains. Happy to see that Kauai is not in a drought.
11:30am family lesson with Rick. He was super fun and awesome with Lilah who didn’t want to surf today. She hung out with Rick in the water on a board, while he pushed each of us on the waves. Waves were mellow. Renzo attempted a headstand on board and Nina switched her footing mid-wave.
Loved the kalua pork and fish tacos. Ate our food at Black Pot Beach following our late morning surf lesson.
Rented two surf boards: 9’ and 10’ to play with on our last day. Renzo’s instructor this morning said he could try a 7’ board. Heading back to Grandpa’s beach…
Finally ordered it the local way…with macadamia ice cream and haupia sauce. “local north shore” Yum!
Shopping. Original art and vintage clothing. Original JAMS!
Artists:
Wayne
JL Hakman Jones (J Hakman)
Lilah’s favorite smoothie is #2 and Renzo’s is #7. Ron liked the Hanalei Green and Power-Up bowls. Our last smoothies on the island before departing 😔
Last day at beach. Surf was low. No waves. Showered at outdoor shower here and dressed for flight.
Returned the surfboards on our way out of Hanalei.
Shave ice and souvenirs
Lovely shop. Dress design for inspiration. Nina and I bought the sea urchin earrings to share:)