We finally got the Tarry family to come for a visit to our Island! We had Steve here at the same time for a big party. WoooHooo! We were so excited. Before they got here we had spent hours on an itinerary that was down to specifics. We knew it was going to take alot of planning to get 17 people to all the highlights of the island in 10 days. We had meals planned, runners leaving early to prepare the meals, time off of work planned in 1/2 day intervals to maximize time together, and a whole lot of things packed into 10 days. Here is a rundown of the things we accomplished in our quick 10 days...
Arrival - It wouldn't have been complete without a traditional lei greeting at the airport. Steve arrived 1 1/2 days later and was totally overwhelmed. We all ran at him screaming at the same time. I will only give you one guess who's idea that was. (ynneJ)
Ahukini landing - When you get off on the plane in Hawaii the first thing you want to do is see the sparkling blue water and the waves crashing against the rocks, right? Ahukini landing is just down the street from the airport and provides the perfect opportunity for instant ocean views.
Shopping - We made a pit stop at Costco for a stock pile of groceries. Thanks to the plan we knew exactly what we needed and didn't have to stay for too long. Other than that we did a pretty good job staying away from boring old grocery stores. We also made a trip to the sunshine market one day. We shopped at the Billabong outlet in Kapaa, and at spouting horn in Koloa.
Kipu falls - Kipu falls was a double visit location. They went once right after arrival. We told them to have their swimsuits in the top of their bags and be ready to jump in. Not only ready to jump into Kauai, but also into Kipu falls. Everyone loved the rope swing and the cliff jumping. Only one slight mishap here... Mike flew off the rope onto Rusty's head while he was enjoying a leisurely backfloat. It pushed him four feet underwater and he had a headache for a few days. Despite the mishap, they loved it so much they went back a second time the day they left.
North Shore tour - We tried to make it to Ke'e for snorkeling, but it was crazy busy. Even the overflow parking was jam packed. We ended up going straight to Hanalei and enjoying a lazy day on the beach. We brought the paddle boards and everyone got to try that. Lucas (the exchange student staying with Jenny and Don) entertained us with his ladies man act. He made $5 when he jumped off the pier after telling a few girls "this is the way we do it in Germany." We stopped at the taro field lookout, the lighthouse lookout and at Banana Joe's for a smoothie.
Dinner with Jeff and Antoinette - Jenny and Don's next door neighbors and friends happened to be on Island at the same time, with Jeff's parents. We had them all over for dinner with pasta, bread, and a chocolate fountain. We love spending time with Jeff and Antoinette.
Kayak day - We started our kayak day by picking up Steve. We made a trip to the Wailua falls lookout and the shops in Kapaa. We ate lunch in Kapaa and then picked up the boys at work. They already had all the kayaks we needed borrowed from friends and loaded in their trucks. We kayaked to the fern grotto and then on to the secret falls drop point. We hiked the two or so miles to secret falls and had snacks and a swim at the falls.
Brennekes- We took everyone out for their first bodyboarding experience. They loved it. It has been so long since I have been to Brennekes that I was surprised how much fun I had,too. Kyleigh rode a few waves and we even got Katelyn to jump on a board. Ben told his mom he would only leave if she promised we could go back there. We also had a Taylor Lautner look alike spotting, which made Brianna happy.
Scuba Diving- I didn't get to be their for this because I was at the stake self reliance fair representing our ward teaching a little bit about hydroponics (with what tiny bit of knowledge I have). Everybody got a chance to go down and there was a turtle and lobster sighting.
Secrets beach- I forgot how much fun this place was, too. It is on the Northshore, and a short hike down to a little freshwater waterfall running into the ocean. There are lava pools that you can swim in if the ocean is calm, which it was. A nice hike, swimming in lava pools, playing with hermit crabs, and standing under a waterfall while you watch the ocean crash against the rocks. Definitely a winning combination.
Golfing- Don got one round of golf in with Rusty at Kukuiolono.
Waimea Canyon- We took everyone up to the various lookouts and up to the Kalalau lookout in Waimea Canyon. We got a clear view of Kalalau as a reward at the end of the road. This was on Fathers day so we went back to Kokee and had a barbeque. Steve was our master chef.
Other- A few other things were...Several trips to Lapperts, lunch from the fish market at the boat harbor, dinner at Duke's, picnic lunch on the sheraton lawn, glass beach, and a trip to Auntie Lillikoi's for Jenny to stock up.
I'm not sure what we didn't do. The food was good, the activities were great, the company was the best. The only question I have is when are they coming back?
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