Kauai: Day Four

After checking out Kamokila Hawaiian Village on day three, we decided to rent a kayak from them to go find the "secret falls" we kept hearing about on Wailua River. As requested by the guide at the village, we arrived right at the 9am opening to ensure we got a kayak. 

We decided against the guided tour so that we could explore on our own. With vague directions we headed out hoping to find the falls. After paddling up the river and following the right side of the fork, we parking where we thought we ought to be and started the mile and a half hike. We relied on directions from those we ran into and discovered there was probably a dozen different routes to choose from! (which included going through the river at a few points!) 

All the hiking was well worth it though once we saw the falls!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took a different route back (by tagging along behind a paid tour...haha) Once we eventually found our way back to our kayak (we lost sight of the tour and had to make up a route! oops...) we paddled back down and took the left side of the fork. We went as far as we could go until we reached the rapids and had to turn around. We were totally worn out from the kayaking and hiking so we returned it early even though we had it til the end of the day.

After lunch we headed to the south side of the island. We went through the tree tunnel which was so gorgeous! I couldn't get a very good picture though because we were driving.

We went straight to Spouting Horn and took in part of the south side of the island. 

Poipu Beach was perfect and definitely our favorite of all the beaches we saw! It had a great swimming area so I finally braved the ocean and the scary waves! haha I'm such a wimp. We saw a giant tortoise sun bathing on the beach and walked out on the sand bar.

After getting worn out swimming we drove through historic Koloa Town before heading back to the hotel. At dinner that night I discovered John doesn't actually hate all Chinese food and he loves Panda Express! Glad I finally talked him into trying it!

Kauai: Day Three

Day three started with a drive to Wailua Falls. After dodging chickens and some windy roads we found a spectacular sight. 

(if you look through the trees you can see remnants of an old bridge that crossed the river just before the falls)

(thank You)

After exploring for a bit we headed over to Kauai Back Country to check in for our tubing tour. This was super cool! There was about a 45 minute drive out to the old sugar plantation during which they gave us some history on the property and the area. We rode tubes in the old concrete irrigation ditches throughout the plantation and it was a blast! I took a disposable waterproof  camera with me so I could capture some of cool landscape.

This took most of the afternoon so we checked  out the antiques and grounds at Kilohana Plantation/ Koloa Rum Co. for a bit before heading out to dinner. We ate a delicious Mexican restaurant whose name I can't remember at Kalapaki Beach (too much details to remember!!!) But I did remember to catch a shot of the view from our table!

Tropical Fruit Smoothie

I love, love, love this time of the year! The sun is shining! (well, sometimes..) It's getting warmer! The flowers are blooming! And best of all, there are so many yummy fresh fruits available!

Watermelon is one of my absolute favorites. If I buy one it's my only snack until the whole thing is gone. I don't want to waste one bit.

Well, since I have a ton of watermelon around the house right now, I thought I'd try to incorporate it into a smoothie. I made this up on a whim and it turned out amazing!

The nice thing about watermelon is it's so juicy you don't need to add any liquid to the recipe. I love how simple this recipe is and I will definitely be making it again!

You Will Need:

2 Cups Diced Watermelon (Fresh)

1 Cup Diced Mangoes (I used frozen)

1 Cup Diced Pineapple (I used canned)

4-8 Ice Cubes (Depending on the consistency you prefer)

Combine all of your ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until desired consistency is reached.

I'm telling you, this thing was amazing. It was delicious, very low cal, full of vitamins and totally quick and easy! You have got to try one!!! Happy Blending!