We had coffee and breakfast on our back porch every morning while enjoying the view of the grounds and the ocean.
Day 1 - Arrival
We picked up our rental Mustang convertible, checked in to our cottage, experienced our first $5 poke (Hawaiian sushi) at the brewpub on site, went grocery shopping, and finished the evening with a walk on the beach at sunset.
Day 2 - Waimea Canyon
After a relaxing morning on the porch with the roosters...
...we jumped in the car and headed up highway 550 along Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." It's hard to believe a small island could have such a truly grand canyon.
We finished the day with a drink on the beach at sunset.
Day 3 - Kalalau Trail
Day 3 was a long, fantastic day. Probably our favorite. We got up early and drove all the way around the island to Hanalei and had breakfast.
We then drove to the end of the road at Ke'e Beach and set out for a hike along the Kalalau Trail. This is one of the few ways to catch views of the Na Pali coast. The other options are by air or sea. We began our climb up the cliffs and were rewarded with spectacular views of the coast.
After 2 miles, we arrived at Hanakapiai Beach. In the summer months there is a beautiful white sand beach here, but in the winter the surf is violent and submerges the beach.
We then turned inland and hiked another 2 miles to Hanakapiai Falls. This is by far the most stunning waterfall I have ever seen in person. We didn't stay long since it was shady and cold by the falls, but we did hike down a few hundred feet along the river to a deep, clear swimming hole for a refreshing swim.
After the long 4 mile hike back out were were tired and famished. Sushi and beer in Hanalei really hit the spot.
Day 4 - Beach Picnic and Farmer's Market
We were tired today and took it easy around the cottage for most of the day. We did make it out for a picnic on nearby Kekaha Beach...
...and a trip to the farmer's market in Kalaheo.
Day 5 - Relaxation
By Day 5 we were still recovering from our 8 mile hike. We were also feeling quite satisfied with our experiences so far and felt rather content to hang around the cottage just relaxing. We did manage to find a great swimming beach at Salt Pond Park. We enjoyed our usual happy hour beer and poke on the back veranda (as opposed to in the bar patio) for a different view, and we took an evening drive to Poipu to explore the beaches and stroll the grounds of the Grand Hyatt hotel.
Day 6 - Still Relaxing
Ahhh this cottage, this view, this life is wonderful. Let's go to Salt Pond Beach again.
This time we explored the reef. Rick found a needle fish trapped in a tide pool and set it free.
We ended our day with yet another pretty sunset.
Day 7 - Na Pali Look-Out & Awa Awapuhi Trail
Our last full day on Kauai. Our energy returned and we set back up 550 Waimea Canyon highway. This time we went to the end of the road for some breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast.
We then hiked the Awa Awapuhi Trail 3.1 miles to a point with another great view of Na Pali.
We ended the day in Hanapepe for Art Night. Something like 18 art galleries line two blocks of a side street in this little town a few miles from our cottage. Before going to bed, I wrote this entry in the Cottage #67 journal.
Day 8 - Departure
Our evening flight allowed for one last walk on the beach before saying goodbye to our lovely cottage #67. We will see you again someday.
3 comments:
sounds and looks awesome. We'll be on the Big Island in May. we'll do some hiking and snorkeling.
i don't remember the place we're staying, but the place y'all stayed sounds very familiar.
-Ben Lopez
Glad you enjoyed my selection. I just thought it would be the perfect place for what you wanted to do.
Thanks for the plug in the beginning of the blog. It is gratefully appreciated.
Jon Haraty
I loved your cabin site instead of staying in large hotel, great way to beat the crowds.
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