So this vacation is definitely going to be R&R. Todd has an ankle injury and is wearing an air cast for walking. Can’t think of a better place to just take it easy… We are staying in Poipu on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. We have been here just over a week, and well…we haven’t done a whole lot. I mentioned this to our daughter, and she stated even if Dad wasn’t injured we are more like residents than tourists when we come to Hawaii. That is somewhat true…we totally enjoy sitting on the lanai, watching the ocean, soaking up the tropical weather, meeting people, and visiting a few attractions.
We visited Wailua Falls. The falls are best known for being featured in the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island.
The 26m falls cascade into a 9m deep pool below. Ancient Hawaiian men were known to have jumped off the falls in an attempt to prove their manhood (not all survived; crazy!). All around the lookout, signs warn of hiking down to the bottom. Some people still do, and there have been numerous injuries over the years. Other people can kayak in and swim in the water.
Not too far away, is another set of falls – Opaekaa Falls. In December 2006 two women died trying to hike down a trail, falling from near the top of this falls. Since then, the trail has been closed.
Across the road from the falls you can see the Wailua River. It is a popular spot for kayakers, and the area has been used in movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park.
On a drive along the north shore, we stopped to check out Kilauea Lighthouse. The 16m lighthouse became operational in 1913. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the lighthouse went dark until after the war.
The lighthouse was operational until 1976. Over the years, the lighthouse corroded and deteriorated until a group formed to restore it. Restoration was completed in 2013.
We have found two craft breweries on the island. Kauai Island Brewery located in Port Allen claims to be the westernmost brewery in the United States. They have been around about 13 years.
Kauai Beer Co. in Lihue is housed in a 1930s rice warehouse. It is the newer brewery, only open for about 4 years.
Our condo is in a great location – right on the water, away from the busy Poipu Beach area. From the lanai, we see mountains to the left and ocean to the right…the best of both worlds.
We have spent countless hours on the lanai being entertained! Each morning we are greeted with an amazing sunrise.
And some nights we enjoy the moonrise. We were even lucky enough to be here for the full moon.
During the day, we are able to see whales blowing and surfacing afar.
We see numerous Green Sea Turtles below in the shallow waters feeding.
And numerous fishermen stop by with poles, spears, and nets. It’s actually interesting to watch; if they don’t spot anything in 5 – 10 minutes, that’s it, they pack up and leave. Definitely not doing it for relaxation purposes…
Unlike this guy who came well prepared to wait it out…
For sunset, we leave the lanai and wander over to the other side of the condo grounds. It’s a great time to meet with others.
The condo is located right next to the fine dining restaurant, The Beach House. We have seen two weddings here in the past week.
Every night the crowds congregate on the water’s edge. Each sunset is different, but so beautiful!
Island life at its best!
