Our last day and we filled it up.
This morning we got up VERY early so we could get to Kapaa for a kayak trip - leaving at 7:15 a.m.
Our guide, Chris, and 12 intrepid kayakers left for the short drive from Kapaa to the Wailua River, sacred to the native Hawaiians. (the river, not the drive.) Mom and Dad were here in late 60s (??) early 70s9??) and took the motor boat tour up the same river to the Fern Grotto. We kayaked past the turn off to the Grotto and instead paddled about 2 miles where it narrowed. (I heard cardinals on our way up the river. They were introduced here in 30s.)
Then we entered a narrow channel with hao (sp? wild hibiscus) on both sides. Kind of like alder hanging over the edge of Beaver Creek in Clatskanie. We paddled a little farther then pulled up on the bank. Only 3 kayaks were there ahead of us. Then we hiked about a mile in to Secret Falls. This was the place where only the royalty could come and the pool under the fall was their special place. We could understand why. We were lucky enough to be there when the sun came out to shine right on the falls. Keeping shoes on (rocky and slippery), just glide in the swim under the falls. (At your own risk... apparently rocks do fall, but it's safe in the middle... mostly.) Looking into the falls from right in front of it, I could see a round rainbow. John brought his mask along. Our guide said he had meant to bring his, but forgot it. Someone on the tour the day before had lost his wedding band. John put on his mask, looked around, dived down and found it in less than 5 minutes. Or at least it was A wedding band, we're not sure it was THE wedding band. Whatever, Chris will contact yesterday's ring-loser and if it's not his, he'll turn it in to police. Good for karma, he said. (either that or a big tip if he gets to keep it.)
We swam with just our group in the water, then when the next group came and we wrapped up our swimming, we wandered back out to have our lunch, take pictures and hike back up the trail to our kayaks for the trip back.
Multiple groups passed us going the other way. That reinforced that we made a good decision to go at 7:15 instead of 12:30, plus the later time means more wind up the river for a tougher paddle back. Supposedly, there are sacred spots along the river - I'd kind of compare it to Stations of the Cross idea, but we were never paddling next to Chris to get any of them pointed out. Just have to be happy seeing them on the map.
John got a workout paddling - I paddled, too, but it was mostly his power that ... of course.. kept us at the head of the pack. (especially ahead of the younger guys) One of the Grotto boats passed us and it was fun to ride up and down on the wake. When there are multiple boats and lots of wind, it can get tricky... again, according to "The Book" (The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook - Kauai Revealed)
Back to the parking lot and we headed back to Poipu before the big traffic started, stopping off at those sacred Hawaiian landmarks: Costco and K-Mart. (Gas prices are up 2 cents from our last fill up. Not quite at $4 per gal, but getting close.)
ONE more shave ice in Koloa Town - Have to say, not as good at JoJo's in Waimea, but that just made us appreciate JoJo's more. Hmm. I wonder if there's shave ice at the Honolulu Airport?
We spent a quiet afternoon resting up after the kayaking. Then time for laundry. (Nice that the laundry facility is just across the driveway) We made dinner reservations yesterday for tonight - Our first dinner out while here. Nice to be able to walk over to Keoki's Paradise. I had the ono fish this time baked with macadamia nuts and orange. John had a chicken/steak teriyaki. We did as well on the ono baking the other night as they did, but the nuts and orange were new. HAD to save room to have the famous Hula Pie - their specialty. Picture on the Keoki's Paradise website. One dessert and 2 spoons. Let's just say there was hot fudge, macadamia nut ice cream, a chocolate cookie crust and whipped cream involved. Yowza. Might have to take a walk early in the a.m. to help work that off. (Or wait until I get home.)
After dinner we took a walk back to the beach and I commented that we hadn't seen a monk seal or any sea turtles. We got to the beach... and there was a monk seal. They come up on shore to get away from predators or to recover after a good meal. It was laying there close to the surf. The only movement we could see was breathing. (that IS a good sign.) Not exactly active critter on shore. They are endangered and it's illegal to get too close. When one comes ashore in a busy area, they (not sure who) put up a barrier rope to keep the turistas away. The hotel near us has a 6 p.m. Wed monk seal talk by volunteers. (we missed it) Maybe the monk seal volunteer patrol puts up the signs.
Now, it's time to pack. (Do I HAVE to?)
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