A big weather system blew in from the north starting yesterday evening, hitting the north shore of Kauai first. Of course, our condo sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean smack dab in the path of the onrushing weather front. High winds, rain and unusually high surf really hit after midnight. By 7 AM, the rain had stopped, skies partially cleared but the high winds and high surf continued throughout the day, the surf part bringing delight to onlookers who crowded the coastline. However, too bad for the Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational scheduled today on Oahu, attracting surfers from around the world. The storm-generated big waves would have been great, but the strong, adverse winds made it a no go. It takes a lot to cancel one of these elite surfer competitions since big waves is what it's all about.
This overnight blip aside, weather has been sunny, with clear skies, balmy temperatures - even Tahiti couldn't have a more laid back vibe.
This overnight blip aside, weather has been sunny, with clear skies, balmy temperatures - even Tahiti couldn't have a more laid back vibe.
Here are some photos from late morning on the coast in front of our complex:
We headed to Kapaa to find an optomitrist that could fix my sunglasses. The left arm became really loose and the right arm became really tight. I was afraid that I'd break them so quit wearing them yesterday. These are prescription glasses and I've never accounted this before. We did locate the optimitrist that said its common and the screws froze up. Glad to have them back again. We also found a Starbucks - whoo hoo!
We drove by a ukuleles store so had to take a photo. Loved the oars in the window:
On the way back, we stopped along at the beach to take more photos of the high waves. Many of them carried in some brownish foam among the white foam - didn't look real clean.
We've seen some whales quite a ways out. Not close enough for a photo.
We stopped at Subway on the way home and bought a sub to eat later for dinner. Maybe they should hire us to advertise their subs while traveling! Then decided to head to the St Regis because everyone has told us not to miss it. We noticed that a lot of cars were parked nearby the hotel a couple of days ago but we couldn't figure out where to park - other than the valet service. That won't happen!
So we parked down the street and walked in. Not the fabulous entrance we expected but the inside was pretty. Reminded us of a fancy cruise ship. This is the front of it -- showing the valet parking area - with the walkway leading to the ocean overlook.
Dining Room on the main floor:
Fancy waterall decor in the main lobby:
The bar was packed. I didn't see any mai tai's in large coconut bowls so we decided to just take photos. The outside bar was closed due to the high winds but one level down, strangely....it was open so we were able to get some good photos of the sunset. Here is a photo of the outside seating area that was closed off. Great view.
After 30 years (plus 8 if Pam is counting) .... Still holding hands!
We liked some of the artwork at the hotel and the variety of shops:
We liked the wooden pattern on these doors in the dining room:
So many beautiful paintings!!! Many look so realistic:
Goofing off on the walk back to the car:
Heading to the car and short drive back to the condo. Time for dinner and wine and to plan tomorrow's activities.
Thursday - January 23:
Woke up to quite a different day. No wind at all. So peaceful, except for the garbage trucks backing up and the gardeners...just like being at home :)
We relaxed on the lanai this morning then decided to get energetic. We drove to Kaapa and rented bikes at "Hele on Kauai Bike Rentals" and rode them along the bike trail - past Larson beach where we stopped for a photo op yesterday. A lot of the ride seemed to be uphill on the way out :( but much better on the way back :)
These bikes were Huffy's with coaster brakes. Norm had to show me how to use them - haven't seen this type since I was a youngster. Great pricing - $10 for 2 bikes for an hour.
At a nearby Longs drugs, we found these bobbleheads. Gotta love the humor!!!
Also saw these ukes for sale at Longs....hard to pass up these fine instruments!!!!! I think they would make fun decor in the uke room
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Also found a bead shop in Kaapa...can't pass up one of those!
Found another bead store in Halalei - nice sign....can't pass up taking a photo of the artwork:
After spending awhile in the spa back at the condo, we headed out to Hanalei to check out the nightlife. The band "Kanak Attack" played in the movie, The Descendants with George Clooney and we were told that they were playing at Tahiti Nui tonight. We missed the opening act, a good ukulele player but got great seats at the bar and saw the whole act of Kanak Attack. We were told that one of the brothers (Coco) owns the bar. They started playing about 7:20 and ended at 9:00pm. So different than back home where the band plays until 2am.
Love the mai tai's!!!!!!!!!!
I was so excited - had to get my photo taken with them! Darryl Gonzales and Coco Kaneali'i of Kanak Atttack.
Coco's nephew did the hula during a couple of songs:
Walking back to the car, we took this photo of another bar down the street called Bar Acuda with the Kokopeli characters in front. Not as lively a bar as Tahiti Nui - seems more of a sports bar.
We headed back to the condo for the night.
I'd be a local at Tahiti Nui if I lived here - what a fun place!
Friday - January 24:
Spent the day relaxing at the condo - whale watching, lounging in the spa, basically just relaxing. Another day in paradise!
Might look like gang wear but the brim protected our necks from the sun.
We checked out the condos for next time and decided we would only stay in the group #6, #8 and #9 in that order. A bit later we drove around the area and visited the Zipline Adventure Ranch nearby - not sure if its sponge-worthy. They break so many packages down per price -maybe next time. Cute T-shirt though:
On the way back to the condo, we took a photo fo the entrance to Princeville with the beautiful fountains. Feels like being in Italy.
When we returned, we walked around the resort...they have a large tennis court, shuffleboard, putting green, and pool/spa area. We could get used to this life - feels like being on a cruise ship without the dramamine.
Subway sandwiches, wine, Netflix....ocean breeze....we've been sleeping like babies.
What a great trip so far! You two look like young lovers in Paradise.
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