Sunday, January 10, 2016

Island Hopping: Kauai, HI

We are enjoying a few days on the island of Kauai, an early "Anniversary Island Hop".  



I'm fascinated at how different each of the Hawaiian islands is from the others.  I guess it's the same as our kids, right? They come from the same set of genes, but, wow, they are (usually)nowhere close to being the same person.



Kauai is nicknamed the "Garden Isle" ~ 
so it's no surprise that it's lush and green.  





And also, it should come as no surprise that it's pretty rainy here ~ 
Like any good garden, it must be kept well-watered.   
How else would you keep everything so lush and green??


  
It has a more "rural" feel than some of the other islands.  A little more laid back, a little more true "Hawaiian".  The residents here are not as indulgent of visitors as, perhaps, say the big island of Hawaii or Oahu or even Maui.  They are basically working folk, and we just get in their way.  




Who could blame them, really??  When we are clogging their (one and only) "highway";




When we are ignorant of the courtesy rule of allowing of "5 - 7" cars to cross on the many many many single lane bridges.

When we are lost, when we are searching, when we touring,  we are just plain bogging down their everyday lives.  Who can blame them for being irritated, really?  Not me!




We find lots of cute little towns ~ 


With cute little restaurants and shops like this one ~ 
in a re-purposed elementary school.




There are lots of cute little churches of all denominations ~ 



It would have been nice to wander inside some of these.  
I wonder if they are open, or if they're all locked up (like they are on the mainland!)



I always love it when the "highway" runs out 
when it runs into the beach. 


 Kauai is also known as the "Chicken Island".  

But then, that's a story for another day.....











29 comments:

  1. What a wonderful way for the rest of us to travel and the rooster photo is so stunning and could be a national Geographic shot! Thank you for taking us with you. Deon

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Deon. They really DO have beautiful coloring! And thanks for coming along......

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  2. Another great blog - I enjoy your writing very much!

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  3. So my favorite island!
    Kathi A -- Oahu, HI

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  4. I can help you out next time !!
    Debbie M -- Tulsa, OK

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  5. Kauai is the "Special" Island. Peacefull and Naturally Beautiful.
    Court R -- Spokane, WA

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  6. Loved Kauai. Such a beautiful island!
    Diane R -- Spokane, WA

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    Replies
    1. It feels more "untainted", to me, than the other islands....

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    2. Very! The fern grotto was beautiful when I was there several years ago (during the month of May) and the helicopter flight over the little Grand Canyon as well as along the Na Pali coast line was spectacular! We originally planned to take the catamaran but the tide the night before grounded it on a sand bar.
      Diane R -- Spokane, WA

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    3. Yes, we thought the helicopter flight was just spectacular! It's my next blog article, I think.......Did not see the fern grotto, so that gives us a new adventure for next time. Disappointing about the catamaran, but then, I always believe things are as they are supposed to be......better than YOU getting grounded on a sandbar!

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  7. Love this island! Honeymoon spot for us.
    Sherry

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    1. Oh, that's right! I forgot that. Where did you stay??

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    2. We stayed at the Marriott in Lihue on rice street.
      Sherry M

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  8. Kauai is my favorite. I love the simple life nestled in the magnificent beauty of the island. It is certainly not where you go if you want the night life and adrenaline sport activities, but if you just want the beauty of the tropics coupled with the simplicity of a relaxing vacation, Kauai is it.
    Dawn L

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    1. That's a very nice review! And I agree ~ the quiet beauty of the tropics is this island's specialty.

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  9. Happy Anniversary as you island hop! May God grant you MANY more fabulous years of joy!
    Dianna L -- Ft. Collins, CO

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  10. Kauai, my favorite. It's simply beautiful.
    Dawn M -- Spokane, WA

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    Replies
    1. Truly. Unspoiled natural beauty is such a treasure!

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  11. I have a high school classmate that lives there.
    Renee P -- Davenport, IA

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    Replies
    1. Lucky girl! What part of the island, do you know?

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    2. OK, yes. Kapa'a is a cute little town. One of those one laners, though, that I'm sure the locals cuss at us for the long traffic lines! The top rated restaurant on the island is in Kapa'a. We had dinner there. Fabulous lobster bisque and fresh fish.

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    3. Sherrie was that at the Hukilau Lanai? If so, that is our fave and I already have reservations there for our last night. Might as well have a fabulous dinner before boarding the "sad" plane home.
      Dawn L

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    4. Yes, Dawn that's the one. There is nothing so special about the scenery, it's set in a nice garden sort of setting (no ocean view). But the food was truly wonderful, and the service was very warm and professional (not always the case on the islands). Prices are not horrible, especially because soup or salad is included, as well as a starch and veggies. I haven't done my T/A review yet, but the lobster bisque is probably the best I've ever had. And the island rule is, no talking about the "sad" plane before you get on the "happy" plane!

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