Feb 27, 2013 Last Full Day at Princeville

Feb 27, 2013 Our last full day so we decided to play some tennis at the great courts here at the Cliffs. Around noon we went back to Anini Beach for snorkeling. The wind was quite strong but we managed to see three turtles and a large school of small blue tangs. Combination of wind and tides kept us from seeing more since fish seem to seek protection with the coral reef. After hot tub and pool swim we returned our gear to the sports shop and went to the Hanalei Gourmet for more fish and chips.  Can't get enough of that fresh fish. Packed and cleaned up our condo.

Feb 27, 2013 Kauai Good day at Anini Beach

Feb 25, 2013 This was our best day at two beaches, Anini and Hanalei. Several large turtle were viewed along with a black and white ray, many wrasses, sergeant majors, parrots and colorful smaller fish. After fruit shake at local stand we headed for Hanalei and more fish watching. Back at our condo, we discovered that Monday is a reception party day with Mai Tais, wine, and munches. After a dip in the sauna and pool we had dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Federico's.

Hindu Monastery and Botanical Gardens

Gate to Monastery

Visited the monastery and the Kadavul Hindu Temple, a beautiful and spiritual property.  After lunch at the Olympic Cafe where we shared a large Kauai pork burrito we went to the Common Ground for a hike to Stone Dam surrounded by a beautiful botanical garden with water falls and vast assortment of plants and trees.

Seva

New Temple

Stone Dam

Botanical Garden at Stone Dam

Snorkeling at Ke'e beach

Our Condo at the Cliffs

Feb 23, 2013 We drove to Hanalei's Snorkel Bobs's for mask, snorkels,  and fins on our way to Ke'e Beach.  After some rain showers the sun came out and we enjoyed a  plethora of colorful tropical fish. Heavy rains soon after drenched us.  Stopped at Red Hot Mama's hopping for her island famous burritos.  Like some other small island restaurant owners she decided randomly not to open today. So we went home, showered and came back for fish and chips at our favorite Hanalei Gourmet and a shave ice next door.

Pool time on sunnier day

Feb 22, 2013

Beautiful rainbow was omen for a nicer weather day.  After some aerobic exercises Miriam an I enjoyed some pool time and soaking up some sun rays. After lunch in our unit we are off for some shaved ice in Hanalei, and return movie to Resbox at Foodland "A Separation", about a troubled couple in Iran. Could have been filmed in any country dealing with the same issues. Weather starting to turn to more clouds. 

Very Rainy Day on the Island

Feb 21, 2013 today was a very cloudy an rainy day until around 4pm. We ventured out after using the exercise room to have lunch at the Garden Cafe at the Common Grounds, a organic restaurant that draws  mainly holistic clientele. The food is from locally grown gardens and livestock. Drove to the 

Kilauea lighthouse to view the red footed bobbies and the rough sea. left to take in the local f'armers market and buy more of the ripe local veggies and island unique fruits.

Moving Day toThe Cliffs

Feb 20, 2013 We only had one week at the PuuPoi condo so we moved to a single bedroom condo at the Cliffs.  The athletic facilities are better than at the PuuPoa, great tennis courts, pool and exercise room. Spent most of day settling in and reading about the sugar cane plantation owners, especially George Wilcox, son of missionary Abner Wilcox. Ate our chicken dinner at our condo. Food and meals are expensive so only eating lunches out.

Back to airport

Feb 19, 2013 We drove the Grahams to the airport. Stopped at fish market across from Walmart for fresh swordfish then off to the farmers market in Hanalei. Purchased bag of Chico, a Zapotec variety, and caimito, custard like fruit, bananas,lettuce, avocado and coconut. Vendor punched hole for straw to sip milk, later scooped out the meat. Back to our condo for nice sunset and dinner of our fish.

Grove Farm

Cats at Grove Farm

Feb 18, 2013 today we drove to Lihue to tour the Grove Farm which was the home of George Wilcox the major developer of  the sugar cane industry in Kauai. This  large estate lies almost surrounded by commercial shopping complex including Costco and Walmart. George was one of five sons fathered by the missionary, Abner Wilcox, whose life on the island was the inspiration for the missionary Abner  depicted in Michner's book Hawaii. Later, we went to dinner in town, guitar/u.

Poipu

Feb 17, 2013 Another day of uncertain weather so we drove to Poipu. Stopped in old town Koloa for lunch at funky restaurant. Wind was blowing hard at the Spouting Horn so the women spent time shopping in the covered jewelry stands. Too many clouds on the mountains so we walked around the Grand Hyatt Kauai gardens instead of driving up Waimea Canyon.

Lazy Day

Feb 16, 2013 Weather was predicted to be rainy today but nary a drop fell. Can't believe any forecast for Princeville. We took a long walk around the area enjoying the folliage and ocean view. Went to the Thai restaurant in Princeville Village, ice cream at Lapperts and grocery shopping at Foodland. Miriam and I played tennis followed by simple dinner and a movie, The Words, at our condo.

Off to the Falls

February 16, 2013

Opaeka Falls

Wailua Falls

 Q

Today was our day to take in the falls. We checked out the restaurant, Garden Cafe at the Common Ground park but found it closed till Tuesday for renovations. Off to Opaeka and Wailua Falls. Wayne bought local macanamian nuts from local resident at the first and Anne bought some banana nut bread from a local Hawaian lady at the later fall. We next drove around looking for a Hindu Monestary which contains large collection of stone carvings but we were too late. So we will come back next Tuesday. Between the two falls we had a big lunch at JB seaside restaurant where paddle boarding and surfing lessons take place. We made a stop at Hilo Hatti's and Apple store for a photo download cord. In the afternoon we saw the the Pride of America pass by our condo.

Whale Watching and Snorkeling

Feb 14, 2013 We spent most of morning watching whale outside our dining room on grassy terrace. The sky is a combination of clouds and sun inviting enough for us to go to Hanalei beach. We discovered snorkels, fins and masks in our condo so we enjoyed a couple of hours of viewing fish and  enjoying the view of surrounding mountains from the beach behind the St. Regis. After a small lunch and leisure time we prepared for a windy drive to the Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant for four course Valentines Day dinner. 

Princeville Tennis

Feb13,2013

John Graham, Miriam and I played a little tennis at our complex, did more whale watching and checked out the rest of our facility. In the afternoon we drove to the Kilauea light house for spectacular view of coastline. Later we went into Hanalei for dinner at the Kalypso. road work in progress due to large land slide along the hilly road.

Puu Poa Condo

Feb 12, 2013 We watched whales passing past our condo this morning.  Drove into Hanalei for tour of the oldest surviving missionary residence. Had our lunch of mahimahi salad and fish and chips served at the Hanalei Gourmet followed by shaved ice at the oldest vendors Wishing Well. Bought

Monchong from fish store behind the Dolhin Restaurant for dinner. Zero rich and tasty.

Arrived in Kauai

Feb 11, 2013 Arrived at Lahue Airport. After some discussions on cost to upgrade with National agent, $11/date more we went to lot where the attendant upgraded us for free. Drove with Anne and John to Kapa for lunch at Scotty's. Wind was blowing and rain. Drove to our condo which is very nice with great ocean view. Drove back to Foodland for provisions.

On our way to Kauai

February 10, 2013 Our bags are packed and will stay over night at Oakland airport motel  before early flight to Kauai in the morning. Picture is from last year's visit to Na Aina Kai Botanical Garden which we hope to visit again.