We have managed to pull together money we received from Christmas that Cyndi saved for a summer beach trip, and with the help of a friend in the travel business, the tickets are confirmed and even a car awaits us. A client of mine several years ago offered their condo and we will be staying at their place. They are being so kind. It is a good deal on the air travel and car; it is a great deal on the accommodations.
As I say, it'll be mostly about great beaches, great hikes, and great food.
The condo is in Princeville, which sits on a bluff on the north shore, next door to Hanalei, and near the end of the road. After some internet research, three guidebooks, and conversations, this is some of what I hear about the "garden island".
Princeville is the home of many condos and one very posh resort that is being renovated. Our condo sits near the edge of the cliffs, overlooking the ocean and a distant lighthouse. There's a small pool next door. There are a few beaches at the bottom of the cliffs, but we're more likely to take a car to the beach. There are several in both directions that are supposed to be spectacular, and a few are notably safe and child friendly. Many are surrounded by reefs.
Hanalei is a small village next to a valley, with a beautiful crescent beach and a river that can be kayaked. I think this may be our homeport. I hear it's mostly t-shirts, shorts and flipflops. And I imagine fresh fruit, fresh fish, shave ice, and grilling hot dogs or munching fish wraps on the beach at sunset with a thermos of maitais while the boys discover boogie boards and someone plays a slack key guitar somewhere. Maybe.
The north shore is the rainy side. There are some nature preserves around. I hear more about gardens and sacred places and trails connecting beaches or leading to some waterfall, lava pool, or overlook. Everyone raves about the food. At the very end of the road is the Na Pali coast trailhead and a beautiful beach. On the east side, more beaches and more waterfalls. The east side is notably more commercial by Kauai standards, with more attractions (luaus and hula shows, farms, plantations, and a re-created village, for example) to draw us out on rainy days. South shore may be worth a trip for sunshine. More beautiful beaches, quaint towns, more plantations, and more resorts. From there, we will go up into the interior to peer into a grand canyon and hike in the rain forest.
We're taking US Airways to Phoenix and from there a direct to Lihue, Kauai. That plane is going to feel pretty small after six-plus hours. We have to plan to take some food and lots of entertainment for the boys. I guess Cyndi and I will each have to start a beach book. (I doubt I'll ever finish the first chapter.) The boys wanted a big duffel bag to check in, but I bought them each a rolling carryon from Costco last week and Jack has been busy packing ever since. (Delicately, we will have to cut back on what he thinks he must bring.) We pick up our car at the airport, and then we can stock up on beer, wine and chocolate-milk-in-a-box at the Costco there (!) before heading north around the island.
Ariel was there last Christmas time to visit her friend Emily and then run the Honolulu marathon. We plan to see Emily while we are there. Ariel will be returning to Albuquerque from Portland during the time.
I'm pretty nervous about this trip. I'm thinking mostly about work and such, but it sure doesn't help to hear there's a nuclear missile aimed at the islands from North Korea all set to fly in the next two weeks. Still, Cyndi and the boys are very excited, and I've been immersed in reading up on where to go and what to eat when we get there.
I hear that the Selvins will be in Salinas for the 4th, along with Lisa, Sarah, Michael and someone new for all to meet. Cousin Emily takes off for South Africa some time later. Michael will be going soon to Iraq. Ariel will be leaving for NYU to start her new program there. Terra called last night to ask if Rylee can be the ring bearer for her wedding. (I don't think it's a secret.) Cyndi was so thrilled. What a wonderful thought.
