Our first outing was a drive to go see Kilauea Point Lighthouse (c1913). A lovely drive that took us by the Hanakap'ai Falls (300'), way, way in the distance...
A lovely old church, Wai'oli Hui'ia Church (1834)...
And a stop at Ha'ena Beach Park, where the dry caves are...
...And finally to the breathtaking lighthouse!
One of the things that Sherrie had on her "wish list" was to go see the Fern Grotto...so we booked a boat trip to go see it! What a fun little trip! They take you on a barge down the Wailua River telling you stories and playing music, singing and doing the hula en route to the Grotto. We passed a few Kayakers along the way that seem to be enjoying the journey as well. Once at the grotto, we were disembarked, and walked a small distance. At one time people could actually get up close and touch, get married, etc against the ferns themselves, but to much damage was being caused, so now they have built a wooden deck that is about 30' from them now. It's still easy to view them, and they sure are lovely! They had a woman sing the Hawaiian Wedding song (just to add to the moment!) while you are enjoying the view too. ;-) Then a nice walk back through the woods, and to the boat again!
That evening I was able to check off a big item on my bucket list...one I had been wanting to do for many years...to go to a luau! When Jack had asked me what I wanted for my 70th Birthday (back in April) I told him I wanted to go to an "authentic luau"...well, as much as one can find these days, anyway, when we get to Hawaii. So, we researched all of them and found that Smith's Tropical Paradise in Kaua'i' to fit what I was looking for! We weren't disappointed. From the very beginning being greeted with shell leis, taking a tour of their beautiful gardens, taken to the Imu where the pig was buried, the fabulous dinner and music, to the evening's entertainment and show. It was everything I had hoped for...a wish come true!
There was only one "must see" left to do now...and that was Waimea Canyon. I had seen it once, about 23 years ago (on a bus trip), but Jack had never been to Kaua'i, so I was anxious to show him this beautiful canyon, so off we went! It was even prettier than I remembered. Being in a car helped too, because we could stop and let me take pictures! The first stop was a big surprise...this little waterfall along this deep red dirt, just outside the park...beautiful!
Then, off into the canyon we went!
Our week was coming to a close...two last waterfalls, a last drive through the Tunnel of Trees and then it would be hugs goodbye to our friends (for now)... None of us wanted to leave the beautiful sunshine, the daily crowing of the roosters, the lovely birds we tossed crumbs to, or the smell of the ocean waves...but life was waiting for each of us back on the "main land", so back we must go. Calgary and Tacoma were waiting on each of us with their cool arms, out with the shorts and in with the sweaters for awhile!
Thank you Hawaii, we'll be back!
...kicking back in Tacoma, Marie
For additional reading, check out: 100 best things to do in Hawaii. It is completely free and packed with practical tips and advice. You can find it here: https://www.your-rv-
If you wish to view the rest of the photos from this trip, you can at my Flickr account at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/74905158@N04/
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