Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Koke'e

This will be by far our longest drive on the island: 71 miles one-way around the island to the south coast, then up the Waimea Canyon to the end of the road. In the canyon, we stopped at three overlooks. At the second, we bought fresh pineapple slices, roasted coconut, and dried mangoes from a little stand. At Koke'e we visited the museum and a great bookstore, where Jack and I bought a book on the geological history of Kauai. Then at the end of the road, we took the Pihea Trail from the trailhead. We went for a mile, until it got very muddy and slippery, just before the swamp. Along the trail, there were marvelous views of the Kalalau Valley down to the Na Pali Coast, over 4,000 feet below. The weather was spectacular and clear. The boys were tough. It was rated a moderate trail, with lots of hills. Ry and I talked about stuff and sang songs to get us back up the steep hills. Afterward we stopped at the Koke'e Lodge: Hawaiian ales, Portugese sausage and bean soup, sweet & moist cornbread, quiche, hot dog and grilled cheese. On the way home, we stopped to buy two more pineapples (we're going through a pineapple per day), some opah and ono. Tomorrow: yoga, some beach, the local market. Staying close to home. Time to cook some ono, cut some pineapple, and make another mai tai, before a night swim. We will all sleep well tonight.