When Opportunity Knocks
My favorite Hawaiian Island is Kauai, not because of the beautiful beaches, green lush hillsides or multitude of things you can do there but because it seems to be the less commercialized of the 4 most popular islands. The people are so nice, the weather is great and the food and activities are endless.
My sister-in-law was planning a week long getaway in Princeville Kauai with her husband and three boys. She decided it would be fun to make it a little family vacation and invited her dad and two brothers (one being my husband) and me! It was an opportunity we could not pass up! She threw in the deal breaker… all we had to pay for was airfare and food! We were in!
She rented an Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/ for the week in Princeville. The rental was a beautiful 2-story home that overlooked the golf course and was a short walk to the beach. We had stayed in Airbnbs before https://tamistravelandadventures.com/index.php/2018/09/25/airbnb-its-worth-a-try/ and loved the ability to travel with all the comforts of home including your privacy!
Off to Explore Queen’s Bath
We decided to do a short hike down to Queen’s Bath in Princeville. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60626-d586624-Reviews-Queen_s_Bath-Princeville_Kauai_Hawaii.html Some have problems finding the trailhead but we followed the directions and went straight to the site. There are warning signs all over the place stating people have drowned there but if you stay back on the trail and don’t attempt to go in the water, you will be fine. It can be a little slippery so wear good shoes to do the short hike down. I had on hiking sandals and had no problems.
The trail down is lush with vegetation and there is a little creek that runs down along side the trail. It is hard to believe how beautiful it is here and how green! Living in California and in the midst of what seems like a lifelong draught has made me forget that there are colors in nature other than brown! Alex and Deanna stopped long enough for a photo opp before heading down to the main pool.
Beauty of the Sea
Once we made it down to the bottom of the trail at Queen’s Bath we were able to see the various tide pools and watch the power of the sea crash up onto the rocks. I could have stayed there all day enjoying the warmth of the sun. There is something so majestic about the sea and all it’s power and beauty.
Wailua Falls
Remember the old TV series Fantasy Island? It really was a somewhat corny show in the 70s but seemed to have sucked me in each week. I am not sure if I just wanted to be taken away to an island like theirs or if it was just the accent I enjoyed of Ricardo Montalban. Why do I bring this up? The beautiful double-tiered waterfall of Wailua Falls was in the opening scene of the show! https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/sights/wailua_falls
What is great about these falls is anyone can go and see them. No hiking is required and it is easily accessible by car. We took the opportunity to drive up to the falls after a day of snorkeling. It really did seem like a fantasy with the sheer beauty of it all.
Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
We took a short drive over to see the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge. The colors of the sea and views of the coastline are exquisite! The refuge is on top of a dormant volcano that provides a safe environment for much of Kauai’s wildlife in a natural habitat. http://www.kauai.com/kilauea-lighthouse
For the Nature Lover
If you are a bird watcher, this is a great place to go and sit and observe the various seabirds. They have telescopes set up so you can view the surrounding coastline and watch for whales and other sea life passing by. Inside the small store, they have information regarding some of the rare birds found in the area. If you are lucky, you may even see a humpback whale off the coast!
There is a small entry fee and at the time we went,the lighthouse was open Tuesday-Saturday. Be sure to check hours of operation if you plan on visiting here during your stay!
Watch for our next story on Kauai’s awe-inspiring snorkeling, kayaking and the Kauai Mountain Tubing Adventures!
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