North Shore Adventures

Aloha!  Yesterday morning, Diane and I explored the North shore.  We drove to the 'end of the road' and hiked 1/2 mile up Kalalau Trail. It's pretty steep going and can be rather treacherous on the slippery rocks, but we made it to 'windy point' and were rewarded with majestic views of both Napali Coast (from a distance) and Ke'e Beach.  

After lunch at Red Hot Mamas burrito stand, we visited beautiful Hanalei Bay. It was a bit misty so we didn't have clear views of the mountains and typical waterfalls.  Still, the ocean was beautiful and peaceful.  It's a busy beach and lots were boogie boarding and enjoying the waves. 

Secret Beach was next on the list.  It's not quite so 'secret' anymore since the location has been published in all the Kauai tourist books. Still, it's not a beach where you drive into the parking lot and stroll onto the beach. Instead, you have to hike about 10 minutes down the hill. Going down isn't so bad, but going up is the killer. It's very steep, so taking a rest a couple of times on the way back isn't unheard of. 

Because it was late in the day, there were only two others on the beach. I think Secret Beach is my favorite beach on the island. It's a long white sandy beach that goes 'forever'. Usually, there are only a few people there, so it's pretty private. I suppose that is why Secret Beach is reputed to be Kauai's nude beach, but I've never seen anyone sunbathing nude there.  The views to the west are rocky and mountainous. Kilauea Lighthouse is in view about 1.5 miles to the east.  Love that beach! 

We managed to stop at Kilauea Lighthouse before the sunset so Diane got to see the vantage point from the top of the road before dark. Kilauea Lighthouse is a bird sanctuary and it's so peaceful to see the birds soaring both above and below us.  Very cool! 

We stopped at the new Kapa'a Shrimp Station and had some yummy coconut shrimp before heading home tired / exhausted. We were able to see many of the items on Diane's list at a nice relaxed pace. I love it here.... No Rushing / No Worries.  We just meander from point to point and see what we see.  What a great day :) 

Today, we are heading towards Waimea Canyon and Ko'ke.  The sun is shining and we are itching to get on the road.  

FYI - Kauai has LOTS to see and do, but a visit here can be as relaxed or as busy as you like.  Diane is a 'do-er' and she wants to see everything.  Although it is a small island, we know she will have to pick and choose the remaining activities because tomorrow is her last day in Kauai. She heads back to Virginia on Saturday morning.  Diane is already planning her return trip so she can tackle zip lining, National Tropical Botanical Gardens, Na Pali Coast by boat, Anini Beach, and a few other 'must do' items. 

We haven't uploaded the photos from yesterday yet, so we'll have to work on that when the opportunity arises.  

ALOHA!