Alohaaaa Kauai!
Kauai's 90 miles of coastline are tranquil yet dramatic. The unknown beaches and sharp mountain edges make it one of the most beautiful places we have visited in the US. The trip to Hawaii was planned almost a year ago when we lived in San Francisco which would have made the commute much simpler than flying from the East coast (we flew from Atlanta to Honolulu to Kauai). Our total travel time was over 10 hours but well worth every second, especially since we met up with Dylan's entire fam to party for his dad's big 7-0!! Here are a few of the ways we celebrated...
Visit the Nā Pali coast
In some way/shape/form, make sure to find your way to the untouched majestic cliffs of the Na Pali coast. You can sail or kayak or hike around the Na Pali coast. The family decided to sail which we highly recommend... there are many boat options, we did a half day with Captain Andy's (which included time for snorkeling, you cannot beat swimming with the sea turtles)! This is an expensive excursion but absolutely worth the time and money.
Is this real!?
Snorkle time!
Green Sea Turtle
Geoff and all of his snorkels
Lauren aka co-captain
The birthday man taking it in
Spinner dolphins raceing us
The crew
Caves amoungst the cliffs
Hidden coves
Can I live on this boat!?
Take in views of Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon is another must experience when traveling to Kauai. There are several overlooks accessible by car. If you prefer to work a little for your views, take this 3mi hike to Waipo'o Falls for amazing openings within Waimea Canyon.
Waimea Canyon
We love you!
Somehow we managed to make it look like this overlook was empty...
Starting our hike toWaipo'o Falls
We are so excited for these views!
Small waterfals that feeds intoWaipo'o Falls
Nature at its best
Ok we finally calmed down a bit
We tried to camouflage... sorta
Explore the base of Wailua Falls
Hike this short but steep trail to the base of Wailua Falls. Make sure to take your time especially after a rain because the trail will be muddy. There are a few options trails leading down to the base of the falls (use the ropes, they help)! If the trail is too muddy, you can still view the falls from above near the parking area.
Useing the ropes...
Hi Thom!
Guys... he is 7-0!!! Impossible right!?!
Bring your simsuit on a hot day, the pools are gorgeous
Yay birthdays!
HIKE THE Kalalau Coastal Trail
The Kalalau Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. For spectacular views without the distance, hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach on the coastal Kalalau Trail. Named one of the most incredible hikes in America, this one will not disappoint. The full trail is a point to point 11mi, 22mi RT hike. Great description of the entire trail here. Be prepared for mud accompanied by jaw dropping views.
Ahhhh the Na Pali coast
Can you see the mud?
Non stop views
The trail takes a slight turn into the jungle
Dylan taking more breathtaking pics
Take me to the ocean
Hanakapi’ai Beach
Family time is the best time
I should also mention that most of our week in Kauai was spent celebrating at an amazing VRBO near Koloa... this property was perfect for a birthday celebration!
Hi fam!
The pool really spolied us
Pre lunch dip
Surfers outside of our place
Evening 'do it yourself' yoga session
Our favorite smoothie place nearby.... Little Fish Coffee
We had time for a quick yoga session at Kalaheo Yoga
Viewssss to the left
Viewssss to the right
What? We can't go to Thom's birthday dinner in our bathing suites!!?!? Happy Birthday Thom!