Being retired is difficult work. So we felt it was necessary for us to take a break and fly to Kauai for a week. We occupied a condo in Princeville. This is a lovely spot that is mostly condos, hotels, and fancy golf courses – many golf courses. The ‘town’ of Princeville consists of a shopping center with a couple of restaurants, real estate offices, a hardware store, and a grocery store – a very busy and very expensive grocery store.
Princeville is on the north side of the island – it is a long drive (maximum 2 hours) to almost everywhere we wanted to go. Fortunately, the weather was PERFECT, so we generally drove with the top down on our Mustang convertible – and by the way……it was red – very cute. We visited Kauai 10 years ago and noticed a significant increase in traffic.
The island is edged by beautiful beaches, lovely flowers, lots of green – hence the nickname “The Garden Isle”. Waimea Canyon (The Grand Canyon of the Pacific) was in full splendor the day we were there – no low clouds to hide the beautiful canyons and waterfalls. We enjoyed the Napali Cliffs from a boat – it was a Sunset dinner cruise. We also went on a kayak trip on a lovely river where after 45 minutes we beached the kayaks, waded across the river, climbed a muddy bank, and hiked a very wet trail to Hidden Falls. Hiking a muddy trail wasn’t our favorite activity, but the kayaking was enjoyable.
We spend a couple of afternoons on the beach of the Princeville Hotel (we checked – cheapest price is $625/night!!!!). It is across from Hanalei Bay (where South Pacific was filmed). One day we witnessed a small private wedding on the beach.
We also visited Poipu, touted as having the warmest temperatures on the island; the Avenue of Trees (Eucalyptus); Lihue which has the island’s airport, Costco, Walmart, and a big shopping center – we didn’t spend time there……. Except at Duke’s Canoe Club which is on a beach and we enjoyed a drink in the open air bar while watching sail boats and boarders as we relaxed.
Finally the week came to an end and it was back to the tough life of being retired . We are now in Casa Grande in Arizona where we will spend the rest of January.– it was in the upper 20’s this morning. UGH!! We are in a real cold snap --- still better than being up north. We chuckle at the park visitors who insist in wearing their shorts, no matter what the temps.
PICTURES: Red mustang convertible; Waimea Canyon; Taro field (poi); Red crested cardinal; Poipu Beach; Spouting Horn; West coast sunset.
And so it goes. Until next time……………
