Family Vacation to Kauai
In June, my family visited Kauai, the fourth-largest of the Hawaiian islands. The trip consisted of plenty of waterfall hikes, a surfing lesson, coffee shop hopping, birding excursions, and so many walks along the beach. Here are some of my favorite highlights from the trip. Enjoy! :)
Hiking
Waimea Trail to Waipo’o Falls
This three-mile out and back trail was breathtaking from start to finish! The terrain included mud, water, hard-packed soil, and a small rock scramble at the end. The trail brought us to the top of Waipo’o Falls, an eight hundred foot waterfall only visible by helicopter and lookout points. I loved watching the tropicbirds soaring below!
Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls
Kuilau Ridge Trail
Everything about this hike was amazing… the vantage points, the flora, and the diversity of the landscape. We got to see wild avocado trees, huge ferns with stems as thick as my arm, and endangered ohi’a trees. I really felt like I was in paradise!
A view along Kuilau Ridge Trail
Another view from Kuilau Trail. The tree with orange flowers is an African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata).
My parents and Andrew admiring the flora on Kuilau Trail
This photo has not been edited at all. The colors really were sooo vibrant!
Sleeping Giant Trail
This trail was definitely one of my favorites! The views were absolutely incredible, and most of the hike was shaded. According to locals, some people hike to the top before dawn to catch the sunrise. I definitely recommend hiking to the very end.
At the top of Nounou Mountain on the Sleeping Giant hike
Andrew atop Nounou Mountain
Andrew at one of the lookouts along The Sleeping Giant
Beaches
Poipu Beach
We all agreed that Poipu was our favorite beach. We got to see Hawaiian monk seals (endangered), Hawaiian green sea turtles, and so many species of tropical fish. I recommend it 10/10!
Andrew, me, my mom, and my dad at Poipu Beach
Me catching some waves at Poipu Beach
Hawaiian monk seal, resting
Hawaiian green sea turtles at Poipu beach, resting
Hawaiian green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas)
Lydgate Beach
The snorkeling here was the best! Two rock-enclosed “ponds” created calm water for beginner snorkelers and kids, while also providing habitat for a variety of tropical reef fish. Andrew had fun building ginormous sand fortresses like this one.
Andrew and his sand fortress at Lydgate Beach
Hawaiian hibiscus
Old Koloa Town
This quaint town was simply busting with life! Art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants created a village-like atmosphere. Enormous monkeypod trees provided shade, and live music set the tone for a relaxing experience.
My mom in Old Koloa Town
Exploring
Now that you’ve seen hiking, beaches, and shopping, I’d like to show you some of my favorite random excursions from around the island. :)
Kauai Coffee Company
My mom and I are both coffee lovers, and we loved it here. Each day there was a “coffee of the day,” as well as samples of all the regular brews. It was so fun to try all the different varieties!
My mom and me at Kauai Coffee Company
Peaberry coffee and plumeria blooms at Kauai Coffee Company
Smith’s Tropical Paradise
I love taking pictures of plants and flowers, so our trip activities usually include at least one stop to a botanical garden for me. :) Andrew contented himself feeding birds the whole time, and I had the time of my life getting lost in the endless botanical diversity.
Here’s a video of Andrew and his “friends.”
And some of my favorite pictures from Smith’s.
Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
Andrew and some friendly shrubs at Smith’s Botanical Gardens
Nene or Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis)
Behind the scenes photo by the Mamarazzi
Alligator lilies along Wailua River
In summary…
Wow, what a trip! When I’m surrounded by such beauty, I am again reminded of what an awesome Creator we have. It’s amazing to think that the same God who clothes the grass of the field also cares for you.
Matthew 6:30 says, “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”
The same God who created the mountains and the sea and the animals and the flowers also created you and cares deeply for you. You’re his workmanship, His masterpiece.
Leaving Lihue
