Aloha Part Two

The second half of our Hawaii time took us to the east and south shore of Kauai.  We stayed at a lovely condo with great ocean views in an area known as the Royal Coconut coast.  The ocean here is called Kaui Mau meaning constant ocean.

The towns in this area feel more authentic with locally owned & operated stores and restaurants.  We had one of our best meals at Ono's Family Restaurant where breakfast options include fried rice or hash browns served along side your eggs and Portuguese sausage.

From here we set off to explore the drier side of the island including the Napali coast and Waimea Canyon.  The Napali coast sits on the remote western side.  We opted to take a dinner cruise with Blue Dolphin Charters on a Catamaran to enjoy the scenery and a beautiful sunset.  Along the way, we had the good fortune to spot Spinner Dolphins which thrilled us with their spinning acrobatics as the leapt out of the water. 
The "Cathedrals" on the Napali coast

Our next adventure was truly the highlight of our trip.  We took a 1.5 hour helicopter ride via Safari Helicopters for aerial views of waterfalls, mountains and Waimea Canyon which is Hawaii's equivalent of the Grand Canyon.  It was absolutely breath taking to see the island from this perspective and offered us views of waterfalls and canyons we could never see on foot.  Our tour included time with a land conservationist who is 78 years old and spends his time saving native plants from extinction by replanting his land with them.
Waimea Canyon

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without some beach time.  We chose to visit the ones known for great snorkeling which included Anini and Poi Pou beaches.  Both had a good variety of fishes, water clarity was reasonable and are good places for novice snorkelers.  And we can't forget the golf game.  We had so much fun on the Puakea golf course which had amazing views throughout the course.
Heather & Cheryl - Girl Power!
And just like that our time on Hawaii was over.  We wish we could share all of the pictures we've taken of this incredible place.  It is truly a unique paradise and we hope to return someday to explore another one of the islands.  Mahalo (Hawaiian for thank you) to John and Heather for a fabulous trip.  We will see you soon "Somewhere over the Rainbow"!


Stay Curious!

Cheryl & Dan  





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