Kauai Hawaii, June 2021 - Day 1

 Brett and I went to Hawaii!! I think it was kind of for our 20th anniversary, and we had talked about it for a while and first we were going to go with the Merryweathers, but then when we were about to book, Covid was BARELY opening back up and Hawaii was a big stickler, so I think the Merryweathers weren't willing to risk (either that or we DID book and then had to cancel and get a refund... I can't remember exactly anymore). Anyway, it was thought of and half planned for a while, and then we waited for a while, and in the end the Crocketts were able to go when we were able to go too. We got some great deals on tickets to Kauai. 

We met up with the Crocketts at the Los Angeles and had the same flight to Lihue. We got our car, went to a Safeway and got (too many) groceries for the week, and went to our Airbnb in Kapa'a. 

Some of the others' sleep were disrupted by roosters crowing at 3 in the morning, but I didn't hear them.  We drove to Kokee State Park on the North side. We hiked the Awa'awapuhi Nua'lolo trail down to this AMAZING lookout over the ocean (I think we just did it as an out-and-back, not a loop... ?) I was just in love with it. The big payoff view was just awe-inspiring and absolutely gorgeous.

 We talked to some people who live in Kauai and they told us we were super lucky to get such great views, that the majority of the time fogged in.

Then we went to the Kalepa Ridge Trail. It starts behind the gate of the Kalalau lookout and follows the ridge line between Kalalau Valley and Honopu. It was a great steep hike down, and the view was similar, but even BETTER, than the previous hike. Simply incredible.

Picture of me taking a picture:

The picture:

I know, lots of pictures of the same thing, but it was truly an awe-inspiring experience!

Then we stopped at a farmer's market and tried a few things, then to Jojo's Shave Ice. Delectable.

The tropical flowers and plants were stunning and gorgeous.

After we went home and had dinner, we walked out by the beach. It was overcast and a little rainy. Brett said he had to get into the water, so he did. I took pictures and it was too dark really, but I liked them.