A couple days in we began to explore and see what Maui had to offer. Finding little old western hippie towns like Pai'a and Makawao in upcountry were truly a highlight of Maui for us. We stayed in a very resort like town of Wail-lea. I mean they have Louis Vitton and Gucci stores in the closest shopping center. We traveled very far and wanted to see something more than just commercial resorts and perfectly manicured lawns. We wanted EARTH, simple, WILD, EARTH! Dont get me wrong, Fairmont Kea Lani does a great job of being there to assist without being overbearing. The suite had the luxury yet the ease of everything we needed to kick off our honeymoon right. We will sure go back there, especially now since we know where to go to find REAL MAUI!
We found Big Beach down the road with the crystal clear and blue waters and amazing sand and swim. We found REAL Hawaiin style pizza at Flatbread in Pa'ia. Guys on the side shucking coconuts by hand for drinking, and country sides where wild flowers and local veggies grow. All with amazing hillside views. We found local beaches where families of all ages gather around the grill and amazing surf, what looks like daily at Ho'okipa. And this was just Maui! We simply couldnt get enough of drinking fresh coconut water, and Craig attempting to climb coconut trees to grab his own (unsuccessful of course). We met some sweet and amazing people while in Maui and cannot wait to get back.
Kauai WAS EVEN BETTER, if you can believe it! We split our time between the south shore and then the north shore. Hanalei (north shore) is by far the winner of the trip, saved the best for last. The south shore has a lot to offer but is built up around the resorts. The old town of Koloa, all strung with white cafe lights as you pull down the tunnel of trees into this small town. Just delightful, with a new restaurant called La Spezia for amazing wine and italian food. Yes, even in Hawaii, I will find the pasta and wine! Koloa has farmers markets where people line up hours before it opens to get their hands on fresh produce and flowers. Craig and I pulled up exactly at 12n when it opened, and people were leaving with boxes of stuff and we couldnt believe how packed the lot already was. HA - NOTED! We still managed to get our fresh flowers and avocados and tomatoes for our lunch spread! One thing I could never find again was the guava as we had at Twin Falls (private tour) in Maui. You could bite right through the skin and eat the entire juicy amazing fruit! Ahhh, I melt thinking about it. Worth the trip alone.
We chose Smiths tropical paradise for our Luau of choice while on Kauai, but I would recommend going to the Tiki Nui Luau (Much smaller, entertaining, local and theatrical). Ours was large, rushed and a little slow for our liking. I will still compare it to the Luau from DisneyWorld, which is cheesy but OH SO FUN! I much prefer a dinner theatre version. Smiths has gotten way to big for their own good, almost 900 SEATS!
That is the only thing I would give a negative review about. So, back onto the greatness. Lets talk about Waimea Canyon on the West Shore of Kauai!!! This place is simply magical. Its a long drive from the South Shore and virtually impossible to do from the North Shore. As you drive through small towns of Kauai on the West Shore, be sure to stop at the coffee plantations along the way. Youll get the energy for the sites and the crazy surf at Polihale State Park! I would recommend SUVs when approaching polihale, but you could do it if you did it slowly. The road ends and becomes rugged and dirt along the HUGE canyon, and all of a sudden a couple miles in clears to the most pristine and PERFECT strip of beach. Again, all with the CANYON as the backdrop. Our jaws dropped, and we stripped down and jumped into that ocean happier than two clams. This was our heaven.
Just as we thought our day was complete and we would just "pass through" the canyon on the way back. BOY were we wrong. We saw the most breathtaking canyon view of our life. To be such a small particle in such a large natural structure with helicopters passing through that looked like ants, was simply HUMBLING. Not to mention the huge rainbow that we all stared at for almost a full hour. This canyon has SO much depth and color and really made me feel so connected to God and this wonderful earth. I love how something so beautiful can remind you that life is worth living and that we are all meant to be exactly where we are each moment. I am so grateful and thankful for this life!
North shore in Hanalei, you drive up the east shore stopping at amazing beaches (secret beaches) along the way and pass through Kap'aa (a great old world town similar to Pa'ia in Maui) and from start to finish are stunned by the lush land of Kauai. What a perfect slice of land they have on this island! and their locals agree. Theyre some of the nicest, warmest people on this earth, I am convinced. They are so in tune with their land and their natural resources and their communities! I have so much love for them, their music, and their land! They truly embody the life of "ALOHA" (sharing, loving, welcoming).
We stayed in this little nook of a "resort" at the end of a long winding road with one lane bridges in Hanalei which are "unplugged" condos. Meaning, no phones, no TVs, just land, food, and luxury. No one to bother us, tons of space, and our very own private beach. We basically had to rip ourselves away from this place by the end. At this point of me going on and on about our time in PARADISE, I cannot believe I havent spoken about the FOOD! Hawaii isnt known for the food, but there is definitely something to be said about the Tahitian, Polynesian, and Japanese influence within these islands. All food made from a different perspective. Some amazing AHI TUNA and sushi. I definitely got my fill.
If you are thinking about traveling and getting away. Hawaiian Islands are the way to go. We feel rejuvenated, my HUSBAND grew his scruffy face (which I love), and we let it allllll go. I hope I can take just an ounce of Aloha with me every where I go and remember the pace of life which is oh so fresh (as fresh as the guava!)
So, ALOHA to you and yours truly. I share with you the gift of Aloha, and my stories of Paradise.
Namaste.
AHHHH! You're bringing back such great memories of our honeymoon in Kauai. Love you cousin, and so excited for this new adventure of marriage. Kisses and hugs to you and Craig. Keep up the blogging, too! Makes us feel close to you.
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