Exploring the Garden Isle and All it has to Offer
Inspired by the majestic mountains, an emerald blue ocean and muddy rainforests, we set off on a 10 day adventure through the oldest high island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Almost two years to the day, my wife and I sailed away from the Hawaiian Islands on our small 37 foot boat after sailing to Mexico, the Marquesas, the Tuamotus and exploring all the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The allure and excitement of the Polynesian culture keeps us coming back for more.
Our Timeshare
Eagerly anticipating some adrenaline, we set off early the next morning after having an amazing breakfast in our own kitchen. We ventured to the small and picturesque town of Hanalei where quaint little shops dot the sleepy road and a handful of tourist saunter around with greetings of, “Aloha!”
Queens Bath
Years ago I brought my daughter to Kauai and we made a cute video for her elementary school, featuring the famed, Flat Stanley. We took the little guy on an adventure to the Queens Bath, so on this trip, my wife and I wanted to relive the previous trip. After trudging through the muddy jungle bush, we made it to the lava-rock coastline. The waves were enormous and the Queens Bath looked more like a cauldron than a tepid pool. Little did we know, that as the beachgoers left, the lifeguards closed the beach at the trailhead. Before we knew it, we were the only one’s watching the turbulent ocean show. It was amazing to have this whole stretch of splendor all to ourselves.
Awa’awaphui Trail
Kipu Ranch Adventures
Secret Beach
Craving some beach time, we explored Secret Beach the following day. The trail down, like most trails in Kauai (the rainiest place in the world – in the mountains) was slick with mud, so we wore our hiking running shoes to protect our feet. Once on the beach we headed left and found our own little nirvana. The little sandy cove was all to ourselves, and not only that, as the ocean water cascaded over the volcanic rocks, it created a perfect little pool in the sand and we had our own salty bubble bath with no one around. Oh, the bliss.
Dakine Hands Acupuncture
Capt Andy’s Sailing Adventures
Getting up before dawn once again (easy to do, since we were on California time) we headed out to Port Allen on the other side of the island to go on our anticipated Capt Andy’s Sailing Adventures. We were met with a very professional staff and boarded one of two 65’ catamarans, the Southern Star. Heading out to sea with our amazing Captain Tony, he pointed the large sailboat north for our Star Na Pali Snorkel BBQ Sail. We slowed several times to get a close up look at the spinner dolphin, the green sea turtles and the waterfalls inside caves, cascading into the deep blue waters of the Pacific. The fleet of catamarans are powered by some serious engines to make their way up the coast, however these are true sailboats and the captain and crew love to sail. At the northernmost point of the island, the Captain reversed course and hoisted the mainsail and brought the jib out to sail downwind, wing on wing. It was beautiful.






Stopping midway along the Na Pali Coast, we moored up to a hidden buoy and jumped into the warm Hawaiian waters to explore the rocky reefs. Instantly, you could hear the schools of fish munching on the coral and algae from deep below. One of the guests excitedly yelled through their snorkel, “Turtle!” and newbies and seasoned aquanauts swam over to investigate. Minutes later, the conch shell sounded and we all knew that lunch was being served. Slowly everyone withdrew from the oceanic world to indulge in some beer, wine, burgers and chicken. All of the food, even the buns, are made from scratch and the taste shines through. Dolphin, waves and
Best Hiking Trails
Rounding out the rest of our stay, we ventured off to several other beach hikes including, SeaLodge Beach Trail which was right down the street from our timeshare and Hideaway Beach Trail which offers a Swiss Family Robinson feel and some of the best snorkeling in Kauai. Some of the trails we went on may be challenging for children, so we wanted to offer a trail that we thought would be perfect for the less adventurous.
The Wai Koa Loop Trail in Kilauea is perfect for children. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking and mountain biking. You should sign the waiver at the Anaina Hou Community Park, which is being renovated and includes a putt-putt golf in a botanical garden setting.
If you have any questions about our trip, please let us know. Also, we will be releasing videos of these adventures and more on our YouTube Channel: TheAdventureTravelers