Kaua'i

We are now 8 days in to our 11 day honeymoon, having arrived in Kaua'i on Sunday. It was raining but as we drove on the weather cleared and we were shown the beauty and majesty of the North Shore Mountains. After early check-in (we couldn't go to the room because we were 3 hrs too early), we drove to Hanalei Bay and walked along the beach, then drove back and went grocery shopping. Our hearts stopped briefly upon seeing the final price at check-out. Our room is glorious, once again. We have a full kitchen, spectacular view of the mountains from our living/dining room windows and a full porch. The entire complex is open air and we have heard many a rooster crowing at all hours. I will say though, they are beautiful and thanks to some ear plugs and Mike being a heavy sleeper we have not been woken once by a 'cock-a-doodle-doo!' at 1am. (Our view)

Day 2 of Kaua'i we decided to do a hike to the Hanakapi'ai Beach and falls, 4 mi one way and the start of the Kalalau Trail (the famous Na Pali Coast hike). Thanks to Rocky Mt training, we were at the trailhead early and fortunate to get a parking spot at Ke'e Beach Park. The trail started with a steep incline, leveling out and offering a SPECTACULAR view of Ke'e beach within 1/2 mi. Eventually, we started on a decline with amazing views and unbelievable ocean blues, only to find ourselves sinking into Kaua'i's famous red mud. Our shoes were heavy with it, our legs stained from it and our muscles quivering from slipping and sliding down the slope. We met some people along the hike, Heinekens in hand and pack full of more who became our unofficial photographers. We forded a river, relieving our feet of the mud weights, and were greeted by a pleasant beach with crashing waves. A sign earlier had warned of the dangerous surf with a tally of the number of people who had been killed--it was over 20. Before and after:


We didn't linger long, but continued the next 2 mi to the falls. It was a loooong 2 mi, complete with 4 river crossing, questionable trail markings, a lot more mud and narrow paths. We were able to see the falls about a 3/4 mi away and it seemed like we'd never get there. Many people passed us and assured us it was worth it and they were true to their word. When we finally reached the falls, our breaths were taken away. A 300ft cascading fall with a glistening rock wall cool blue pool, and our beer drinking comrades were waiting for us. Mike took a dip, I did not due to reports that it was very cold.

Then the really hard part. Going back. We lost the trail and crossed the river a couple extra times before finding the trail again. Amazingly, the few hours of sunshine were enough to completely dry out the trail and we made short work of the journey back, though our feet were sore and blistered. To end the day--it was already 3:30pm--we went snorkeling at Ke'e Beach, one of the best snorkeling spots on the North Shore. It was Mike's first time and he couldn't stop talking about how much he enjoyed it--thanks Kevin for letting us borrow your snorkel gear!