Up the Road a Bit

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Jeremy

Coming into Hanapepe, up toward Waimea and the canyon, but that’s for Saturday. A few hours from now we’re off on Cap’n Andy’s NaPali Coast Sunset Cruise, so we’re just “killing time” exploring for now.

In other words, hours from now, we’ll be off the coast of this.

By the way, this above is the end of Polihale Beach, which combined with Barking Sands Beach to the South make up the longest beach in Hawai’i at 17 miles, though a good part of it is taken up by the Pacific Missile Range Facility, so it’s not all accessible.

The PMRF is a remnant of the Reagan Star Wars Initiative, and is apparently the most used missile launch pad in the world as they fire off missiles, then try to shoot them down; and they do it from what would otherwise be some of the most sought after beach real estate anywhere.

Spectacular beach, but the accessible part above is pretty much surfers and experts only, as the wave surge, rip tides and undertows (along with the lack of a lifeguard anywhere within 45 minutes) mark it in signage everywhere along the beach as one of the more dangerous beaches on the island. And it looks SO inviting.

Lazy Day – May 29

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Cyndi

So we did not drive to Honalei Bay. Decided to be lazy today instead. FABULOUS! There was a light switch broken in the bathroom at our condo. I told the owner by e-mail and she had someone call me by 8:30am. (It’s OK – we can’t manage to sleep past 5am here.) She promised an electrician by 10 and we agreed to hang out. (Blogging accomplished!) Sam the electrician was a super nice guy and quick. We chatted and blogged while he worked and he asked us WHY we were computing on such a great day in Hawaii.

Blink, blink. I just looked at him. Then I said, “Waiting for an electrician.” “I’ll hurry up,” said Sam. I just giggled – no worries, still blogging.

Then we went snorkeling across the street at Lawai Beach. SO different than the 2 protected beaches we have swum so far! Very surfy and I loved it!! LOTS of different fish with lots of colors, but not as many good photos as this beach was much harder to shoot. Still just the one sea turtle sighting…

LOVE the surface reflection on the photo below.

THEN I did something I swore I was NOT going to do on vacation. But it’s OK! I woke with my right shoulder wrapped tightly around my left earlobe, so I decided to get a massage. (Shocked much?) The REALLY nice owner of our condo left a card for a massage place in Lihue with great prices, but they were booked for the week. So I started doing research and found a “kick-ass” therapist! YAY!

Life is GOOD with massage. 🙂 It is with complete enthusiasm that I recommend therapist Jenn Sperry at Island Health and Wellness in Koloa, one mile from our condo. Her massage is absolutely one of the highlights of my trip. Jeremy also received a massage from Sophie and while he needed and enjoyed his massage, he says his regular therapist is better. I also was delighted when I inquired, as I ALWAYS do, what percent the therapist takes from my payment to learn that this WONDERFUL spa owner pays her therapist 50% of the take. That is UNHEARD of in the spa industry! (Napa spas pay 18 to 30%) So I tip my hat to the therapists and the owner of Island Health and Wellness ~ Thank you!

Jenn was also a doll to mention an event happening on Sunday in Wailua called Taste of Kauai, where all the best chefs on the island compete for “best-of” prizes in lots of categories. It’s $100 ticket for a 5 hour event full of free food tasting! Guess what we are doing this Sunday?

Lunch at Koloa Fish Market was 10-star fabulous and less than $20 for two. The ono in creamy wasabi sauce served with Asian slaw and mac salad – Yum!

Dinner at Savage Shrimp was also great. I had coconut shrimp which was delicious.

Jeremy ordered the scampi, but the waitress misheard him and brought the dish the place was named for, Savage Shrimp and it ROCKED!

Got my favorite shot of the day waiting for dinner:

And a few more random shots driving about in our red jeep.

We finished up the day watching the surf as the sun set.

Fabulous, relaxing vacation day!

Royal Kona Luau

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Cyndi

I learned that I LOVE lomi lomi salmon. (Lomi lomi means massage in Hawaii. The salmon is massaged with seasonings and scallions.) Poi is edible with a bite of lomi lomi salmon, but it doesn’t add much but carbs. The pig was really dry and I did not like it at all. Luau chicken and teriyaki chicken were divine. Coconut cake was delish. The show was worth the price!

They cook the pig in an Imu or earth oven. They started it at 6am. Tasted like they could have waited till noon.