Finally got some time to write about our hawaii trip.
Day 1: Pulling off a bollywood scene to the airport - sleeping our way to Hawaii - Convertible show off - Driving east - An awesome Hawaiin dance evening
So, our flight was at 7:05 and I with a lot of conviction told KK, "I am going to get up at 3 45 since I need to do some make up, put nail paint etc. The next thing I remember is waking up with a starlt and telling KK, "KK!!! 5:09!!!". KoolKK as the name suggests says, "Ok da no problem, kalambu". As I make my way through the daily chores in a jiffy, KK has already called for the cab at 5 45. He rushes through his bath and we are down around 6 to be welcomed by the
"o paaji" taxi waala. We reach airport - security - checkin etc is a daze and as we are approaching the gate we hear an announcement - last 10 mins to board Alaskan Airlines flying toHawaii :) So much excitement ;) All the way through the only thought on my mind is "mulaga podi thadavina ildy :D" We take a short nap and I attack the idlys :D. KK isnt surprised as my counter of idlys keeps increasing, 2 packets down :) with KK having a modest contribution towards finishing it.
We read up the "ultimate guide to kauai" by the way the next tamil edition might come from KK's side coz he has read it so many times, he would get 100/100 if you keep a test on that book.
We reached Kauai at 9 45. Beautiful weather!!! Sunny, yet beachy feel, slight drizzles, coconut trees lined up on the roads...YEAH this is HAWAIII :D. We went to get our rental car, had booked a compact but she gave us a convertible...even better (except when it rains). It was a black convertible. We reached hotel at around 10 40 but the lady said that the room wasnt ready yet so she will call us when it is say before 3. So we went for lunch at an italian place. It was a little pricey but decent "Kauai pasta".
"o paaji" taxi waala. We reach airport - security - checkin etc is a daze and as we are approaching the gate we hear an announcement - last 10 mins to board Alaskan Airlines flying toHawaii :) So much excitement ;) All the way through the only thought on my mind is "mulaga podi thadavina ildy :D" We take a short nap and I attack the idlys :D. KK isnt surprised as my counter of idlys keeps increasing, 2 packets down :) with KK having a modest contribution towards finishing it.
We read up the "ultimate guide to kauai" by the way the next tamil edition might come from KK's side coz he has read it so many times, he would get 100/100 if you keep a test on that book.
We reached Kauai at 9 45. Beautiful weather!!! Sunny, yet beachy feel, slight drizzles, coconut trees lined up on the roads...YEAH this is HAWAIII :D. We went to get our rental car, had booked a compact but she gave us a convertible...even better (except when it rains). It was a black convertible. We reached hotel at around 10 40 but the lady said that the room wasnt ready yet so she will call us when it is say before 3. So we went for lunch at an italian place. It was a little pricey but decent "Kauai pasta".
The HOTEL : Kauai beach resort
It was quite huge. As you enter the driveway to the resort, there were huge huge umm (banyan i guess) trees, was like entering a forest. And then there were around 5-6 lanes for car parking, one fountain in the middle, a fish pond near the registration office. The hotel office had a gift shop, coffee shop, their own restaurant (naupaka terrace) and a bar. Walking straight ahead were the pools. There were two and constructed very very well. Few made-up water falls, several beach seats,one part of the pool had a volleyball net. there were two ponds for spa/jacuzi. Going down further was the Lydgate beach. The beach wasnt particularly huge but the idea of having a hotel besides a beach was overwhelming and so was the sight of the beach.
EAST SHORE:
We hit the road around 11 45 and drove towards east shore. Kauai is a small island 28 by 32 miles or so. The guide book was very informative. The drive was awesome, Since it was sunny now, we opened the car roof and felt the wind breeeezeee....I took lot of photos. We didnt get off anywhere since they say it is risky to leave luggage in car there.
We saw the Sherton resorts which we had considered before. The drive had green green - lot of blue - some sun - some drizzles - green green green.We could see horses at regular intervals, other cattles like pigs and cows were grazing on either side.
Melodious songs - lovely colors -beautiful weather - perfect drive :)
We stopped for a coffee - it was a very kashaappu coffee so we couldnt finish it and the glass travelled with us for 3 days :P We reached the hotel room around 3 30pm but were little disappointed to see that although we had asked for ocean view room, we had got a pool side view. We called them up,she said she would waive off our parking fee and try for another room for next day.
We got dressed and this time the winner of finishing idli potlum was KK, we had a tie. We would have almost kept a 3-potlum match did we have more idlys..hahahah
We took a few snaps and reached the restaurant where the dance show "luau kalamaku" at 5 15 itself. But they said it will start only at 7 so we decided to roam around. I wanted to get a flower necklace that the hawaiins usually wear so we went to a shop called "Hello Hattie" and bought other stuff:P KK got a superbbbbb hawaiin shirt. We went to the room and he changed into his hawaiin look with shell chains and we got the real flower necklace for me from Walmart. We reached on time for the dance.
We saw the Sherton resorts which we had considered before. The drive had green green - lot of blue - some sun - some drizzles - green green green.We could see horses at regular intervals, other cattles like pigs and cows were grazing on either side.
Melodious songs - lovely colors -beautiful weather - perfect drive :)
We stopped for a coffee - it was a very kashaappu coffee so we couldnt finish it and the glass travelled with us for 3 days :P We reached the hotel room around 3 30pm but were little disappointed to see that although we had asked for ocean view room, we had got a pool side view. We called them up,she said she would waive off our parking fee and try for another room for next day.
We got dressed and this time the winner of finishing idli potlum was KK, we had a tie. We would have almost kept a 3-potlum match did we have more idlys..hahahah
We took a few snaps and reached the restaurant where the dance show "luau kalamaku" at 5 15 itself. But they said it will start only at 7 so we decided to roam around. I wanted to get a flower necklace that the hawaiins usually wear so we went to a shop called "Hello Hattie" and bought other stuff:P KK got a superbbbbb hawaiin shirt. We went to the room and he changed into his hawaiin look with shell chains and we got the real flower necklace for me from Walmart. We reached on time for the dance.
Luau kalamaku
The restaurant was lighted in orange lights. We got ourself some juice and sat for the show. Many of the tourists volunteered to take our pics...hhhehe good for us. The show was outstanding. Though for a modest 45 mins, some of the pieces were breathtaking. The dance was woven as a story where a gal's father and lover go to fight the sea looking for fertile lands or something. We have taken the video so that would better describe the dance. The most overwhelming performance was by a
guy with fire props. The beats were lively and we were totally in awe at the show. Later we took photos with some of the artists and left. It was nearing 9 and most of the restaurants were closed. So we got a pizza and pepsi to go, came to the hotel, packed our stuff for the next day, ate and slept off.
guy with fire props. The beats were lively and we were totally in awe at the show. Later we took photos with some of the artists and left. It was nearing 9 and most of the restaurants were closed. So we got a pizza and pepsi to go, came to the hotel, packed our stuff for the next day, ate and slept off.
Day 2: Cruise - Cruise and more Cruise - Poipu beach - Flop Thai Dinner - Tiring day
THE CRUISE
We had a checkin time at 7 15am for the cruise. The drive was about 35 mins. We both were little worried that it might get cancelled due to intermittent rains.
Thankfully they said the weather is pretty good with some passive rains. We got up around 5 30 and reached the place on time. We packed our swimming clothes and towels. There were around 25-30 people along with us. We boarded the sail boat around 8 and dashed to coffee and breakfast as the captain gave some safety instructions. Personally, I liked cruise the best. It covered NaPali coast which is very famous and beautiful. Napali coast was south of Kauai.Many holly wood movies have been shot in the beaches along this coast. There were 3 cruise members. They were quite jolly. 10mins in the ocean and we already spotten several dolphins quite close to the boat. We were lucky to see even 3 whales at a distance. The surrounding, I cannot put in words, the photos might give a slight idea. It was a mix of blue-green water. There were huge huge mountain ranges on one side, some small small islands on the other side. The coast had small beaches.
Weather was very pleasant and it didnt rain at all. My want for snorkelling was 50-50. When KK enquired if snorkelling would be possible, the captain was little doubtful since the water had become little unclear due to recent rains. I was relieved in a way :P
But they found a spot for snorkelling :/
I changed to my swimming dress and the captain gave us some safety instructions. We were given snorkelling gears and life jackets. 50% of the people got inside teh water and others remained. The captain had anchored the boat at one place, let down some steps off the boat to get into the water.
I tried to get in but freaked out so was just sitting on the steps, wetting my legs and ocassionally wearing the gear and trying to look inside the water.
KK gave it a very good shot and swam for awhile. Then we were sitting by the steps and chatting for awhile until others came onboard.
Then we had a good lunch - sandwich and pasta salad. I stuffed myself quite a bit. WAs super full and sleeeepy. And the wind was aiding my sleepiness all the more.
We went up and sat for awhile enjoying being in the middle of the ocean, no land to be seen for a longgg distance.
Then there were some big waves and the captain suggested a fun activity. There was a trampoline like thing towards the front floor of the boat.
It was tied using strong/thick ropes. One could sit there too, which we did. So he suggested to hold the ropes and lie down on your stomach, so when the waves came and the boat used to glide up and down and the waves below would hit/splash on your body. As expected I sat back and ever-enthusiastic KK went ahead.
The waves were spraying water on most of those standing on the railing too so I joined them.
We took some pics and got back on shore around 1pm. We went to the hotel and changed since we were feeling very pichku pichku nu.
Thankfully they said the weather is pretty good with some passive rains. We got up around 5 30 and reached the place on time. We packed our swimming clothes and towels. There were around 25-30 people along with us. We boarded the sail boat around 8 and dashed to coffee and breakfast as the captain gave some safety instructions. Personally, I liked cruise the best. It covered NaPali coast which is very famous and beautiful. Napali coast was south of Kauai.Many holly wood movies have been shot in the beaches along this coast. There were 3 cruise members. They were quite jolly. 10mins in the ocean and we already spotten several dolphins quite close to the boat. We were lucky to see even 3 whales at a distance. The surrounding, I cannot put in words, the photos might give a slight idea. It was a mix of blue-green water. There were huge huge mountain ranges on one side, some small small islands on the other side. The coast had small beaches.
Weather was very pleasant and it didnt rain at all. My want for snorkelling was 50-50. When KK enquired if snorkelling would be possible, the captain was little doubtful since the water had become little unclear due to recent rains. I was relieved in a way :P
But they found a spot for snorkelling :/
I changed to my swimming dress and the captain gave us some safety instructions. We were given snorkelling gears and life jackets. 50% of the people got inside teh water and others remained. The captain had anchored the boat at one place, let down some steps off the boat to get into the water.
I tried to get in but freaked out so was just sitting on the steps, wetting my legs and ocassionally wearing the gear and trying to look inside the water.
KK gave it a very good shot and swam for awhile. Then we were sitting by the steps and chatting for awhile until others came onboard.
Then we had a good lunch - sandwich and pasta salad. I stuffed myself quite a bit. WAs super full and sleeeepy. And the wind was aiding my sleepiness all the more.
We went up and sat for awhile enjoying being in the middle of the ocean, no land to be seen for a longgg distance.
Then there were some big waves and the captain suggested a fun activity. There was a trampoline like thing towards the front floor of the boat.
It was tied using strong/thick ropes. One could sit there too, which we did. So he suggested to hold the ropes and lie down on your stomach, so when the waves came and the boat used to glide up and down and the waves below would hit/splash on your body. As expected I sat back and ever-enthusiastic KK went ahead.
The waves were spraying water on most of those standing on the railing too so I joined them.
We took some pics and got back on shore around 1pm. We went to the hotel and changed since we were feeling very pichku pichku nu.
THE ROOM CHANGE
We asked at the reception if they could do something about our room change. At first the lady said no very busy weekend this that nu, but then we got to talk to the main lady and she agreed to give us a junior suite :) dhik chik dhik chik.
This suite was really good. More spacious with a couch, big bathroom, two sit outs...wow wow :). The view was slightly better, we could get a good glimpse of the beach now along with the resort pool in the front. We thouroughly enjoyed our stay at the resort.
This suite was really good. More spacious with a couch, big bathroom, two sit outs...wow wow :). The view was slightly better, we could get a good glimpse of the beach now along with the resort pool in the front. We thouroughly enjoyed our stay at the resort.
WEST SHORE:
Then we drove further south to a very beautiful beach called Poipu. We sat there for a while, drove past a few other beaches since we were getting late.
We wanted to make it to Sprouting horns beach which was quite famous. It was a pain finding out the place since there were so many beaches and we dint know where to park or if this was the beach we were looking for since it would have a hawaiin name too. We finally found it, it was raining quite a bit but we got off when it subsided little.
This was one of the most spectacular beaches I have seen so far. There was a hole formed admist rocks and the gushin waves came from it like a "buswaanam"
it was amazing. We didnt feel like returning back from there, but it was getting dark and finding a place to eat would become troublesome. So we headed to kauai plantation resort and hit some dead ends here and there. It was exciting to drive in twilight with greenery and blues all around.
Then we decided to go for dinner at a thai place. It was quite a flop but was the only one open and we were already bored of cheese. Once home, we had
only enough energy left to change and go to bed.
We wanted to make it to Sprouting horns beach which was quite famous. It was a pain finding out the place since there were so many beaches and we dint know where to park or if this was the beach we were looking for since it would have a hawaiin name too. We finally found it, it was raining quite a bit but we got off when it subsided little.
This was one of the most spectacular beaches I have seen so far. There was a hole formed admist rocks and the gushin waves came from it like a "buswaanam"
it was amazing. We didnt feel like returning back from there, but it was getting dark and finding a place to eat would become troublesome. So we headed to kauai plantation resort and hit some dead ends here and there. It was exciting to drive in twilight with greenery and blues all around.
Then we decided to go for dinner at a thai place. It was quite a flop but was the only one open and we were already bored of cheese. Once home, we had
only enough energy left to change and go to bed.
Day 3: Kauai beach resort - wow helicopter ride - rain rain go away, come again some other day
We got up early morn to see sunrise. It looked beautiful from inside the room. First green grass-the pool-cococnut trees-beach-sky-sun. The sky's color
turning from blue to mild yellow and then bright orange was soothing to eyes. We had a cup of coffee and some biscuts in the balcony and then decided to take a resort tour outside. We spent sometime in the beach, clicked a few snaps and got back to the room by 9 since our checkin for helicopter tour was 10 30.
We quickly got dressed, had khaakra and biscuits for breakfast and left for the place.
turning from blue to mild yellow and then bright orange was soothing to eyes. We had a cup of coffee and some biscuts in the balcony and then decided to take a resort tour outside. We spent sometime in the beach, clicked a few snaps and got back to the room by 9 since our checkin for helicopter tour was 10 30.
We quickly got dressed, had khaakra and biscuits for breakfast and left for the place.
THE HELICOPTER RIDE
We checked in and waited for the jeep to take us to the hanger.
We were given parachutes and safety instructions. Me and KK were praying we get good seats in the helicopter since there were going to be 6 passengers in one.
Good or bad, our weights were such that we got to sit with the pilot :) :) So it was pilot-me-kk on first seats and 4 others behind. We were given head gears
and microphones and the pilot was talking to us through his microphone. As he started, he described all the places that we were seeing,
the waimea canyons, jurassic park falls, na pali coast, mid-point of hawaii were a few. I personally loved the jurassic park falls and mid-point of hawaii.
There were several small and beautiful waterfalls in the mountain ranges. One couldnt even tell where the source of these falls were. It was as though
the dusky colored mountains were decorated with diamond jewellery (waterfalls). some of the ranges were as if set of thick plates had been stacked so that if god tipped one, it would fall like dominoes. It slightly drizzled when we reached the mid-point of hawaii, it is supposed to be the most rainy place in US.
It was a 55 mins ride and we were dropped back around 12 15. We took pics with the helicopter. It was quite an experience.
We were given parachutes and safety instructions. Me and KK were praying we get good seats in the helicopter since there were going to be 6 passengers in one.
Good or bad, our weights were such that we got to sit with the pilot :) :) So it was pilot-me-kk on first seats and 4 others behind. We were given head gears
and microphones and the pilot was talking to us through his microphone. As he started, he described all the places that we were seeing,
the waimea canyons, jurassic park falls, na pali coast, mid-point of hawaii were a few. I personally loved the jurassic park falls and mid-point of hawaii.
There were several small and beautiful waterfalls in the mountain ranges. One couldnt even tell where the source of these falls were. It was as though
the dusky colored mountains were decorated with diamond jewellery (waterfalls). some of the ranges were as if set of thick plates had been stacked so that if god tipped one, it would fall like dominoes. It slightly drizzled when we reached the mid-point of hawaii, it is supposed to be the most rainy place in US.
It was a 55 mins ride and we were dropped back around 12 15. We took pics with the helicopter. It was quite an experience.
NORTH SHORE:
We were yearning for spicy food and hence decided to go to the "onne onnu kanne kannu" indian restaurant in kauai. It was okie okie. We had two thalis.
Then we left for north shore beaches in order to cover Kee beach, Queens bath, hideaways and a few others. We stopped at our hotel room to take the camera
and i drove from lunch place to hotel :P It was fun. Since it looked it would rain, we decided that KK will drive. As expected it rained..not just rained but literally poured. Drive was fun, lots of greenery and a very jungle/forest kind of environment on our way to Kee. There were 2 caves as well on one side of the road.
It was mostly a camping place. The road was not very good smoothness wise. Kee beach was quite good, lots of people were snorkelling there. It was not crowded though.
We stood in water for a while and then sat on the beach for an hour or so. We made our way back since we had cover other beaches. As we started driving, it was raining a lot so we couldnt really get down to enjoy the beaches, also many beaches required a hike down and the roads were too slippery due to rains. We made an early start back home.
We shopped for some usual stuff at a place called ABC stores.Had dinner at a mexican restaurant called Verde, it was quite good.We reached home by 8 30ish and packed all our stuff for tomorrow. We then thought we should spend
sometime in the pool and spa...we got ourselves some beach towels from the reception and went to the pool, it was chilly...so we directly jumped into the spa:P
We were talking some inga-anga kadhaigal for half an hour and then headed back home. The spa was very refreshing. Slept off.
Then we left for north shore beaches in order to cover Kee beach, Queens bath, hideaways and a few others. We stopped at our hotel room to take the camera
and i drove from lunch place to hotel :P It was fun. Since it looked it would rain, we decided that KK will drive. As expected it rained..not just rained but literally poured. Drive was fun, lots of greenery and a very jungle/forest kind of environment on our way to Kee. There were 2 caves as well on one side of the road.
It was mostly a camping place. The road was not very good smoothness wise. Kee beach was quite good, lots of people were snorkelling there. It was not crowded though.
We stood in water for a while and then sat on the beach for an hour or so. We made our way back since we had cover other beaches. As we started driving, it was raining a lot so we couldnt really get down to enjoy the beaches, also many beaches required a hike down and the roads were too slippery due to rains. We made an early start back home.
We shopped for some usual stuff at a place called ABC stores.Had dinner at a mexican restaurant called Verde, it was quite good.We reached home by 8 30ish and packed all our stuff for tomorrow. We then thought we should spend
sometime in the pool and spa...we got ourselves some beach towels from the reception and went to the pool, it was chilly...so we directly jumped into the spa:P
We were talking some inga-anga kadhaigal for half an hour and then headed back home. The spa was very refreshing. Slept off.
Day 4: Beautiful morning at beach side - Wonderful Shiva temple at Rudraksh Forest - Lunch - Flight back home :(
LYDGATE BEACH
It was a very sunny morning, we took our cups of coffee, biscuits, beach towels and left for the beach by the side of our resort. I wore the last dress I had planned for hawaii :)
The beach plan itself was so I could use it...hehehehe. We sat in the beach, had coffee and biscuits and were lieing down looking at the beautiful sky for an hour. We both didnt feel like going back to the room.
We came back around 9, got dressed and left for the temple. On the way we saw the Opeakua waterfalls. It was very rich and beautiful.
The beach plan itself was so I could use it...hehehehe. We sat in the beach, had coffee and biscuits and were lieing down looking at the beautiful sky for an hour. We both didnt feel like going back to the room.
We came back around 9, got dressed and left for the temple. On the way we saw the Opeakua waterfalls. It was very rich and beautiful.
OM NAMAH SHIVAAY!
The temple was built at a superb location. It was calm, there were only big banyan trees around.
We were on time for aarti. The main temple "Kadavul" had a huge nataraj stautue and on both sides of the wall were several different smaller statues depicting the various mudras/dance poses of Lord Nataraja. The priest recited some slokas and we did a 10min meditation. By far, it has been the best place for meditation I have ever been to.
We then roamed around the temple area. There was a scenic lookout where the monks usually do their meditation. It was as if someone had drawn the whole place.
A tree, a small pond, lots of greenery. It was a gift to our eyes. We then saw a huge shanmuga statue admist huge banyan trees. There were 6 stones where one could sit and do meditation. It was very calm and peaceful. Just taking a simple walk brough peace so one can imagine what effect meditation could have in such a nice place.
We did feel like spending more time but we had to have lunch, return the car and then catch the flight.
We were on time for aarti. The main temple "Kadavul" had a huge nataraj stautue and on both sides of the wall were several different smaller statues depicting the various mudras/dance poses of Lord Nataraja. The priest recited some slokas and we did a 10min meditation. By far, it has been the best place for meditation I have ever been to.
We then roamed around the temple area. There was a scenic lookout where the monks usually do their meditation. It was as if someone had drawn the whole place.
A tree, a small pond, lots of greenery. It was a gift to our eyes. We then saw a huge shanmuga statue admist huge banyan trees. There were 6 stones where one could sit and do meditation. It was very calm and peaceful. Just taking a simple walk brough peace so one can imagine what effect meditation could have in such a nice place.
We did feel like spending more time but we had to have lunch, return the car and then catch the flight.
We got back to the hotel, checkout and went to Kauai pasta for lunch. We were eligible for a free shirt from "Hello Hattie" -the shope we went to on the first day so we quickly grabbed it,Drove to the Budget car rental place and gave back the car, headed to the airport. Security hardly took time and
made it to the flight.
made it to the flight.
On the wholeeeee
It was a fantastic trip!!!!! :)
It was a fantastic trip!!!!! :)
Mahalo - Thanks!!
