Poipu, Kauai

Thursday, September 23rd
Poipu, Kauai
Partly Cloudy - 83 degrees

We had a long, and glorious, day today, touring the South of the island in and around Poipu, passing through the Tree Tunnel along the way.

The first stop was the Spouting Horn.  The spout was more of a sputter today.  We've seen bigger.  Still, a beautiful view, and I love the wild chickens.

"Allerton Garden is part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, a network of botanical gardens, preserves, and research centers in Hawaii and Florida perpetuating tropical plants, ecosystems, and cultural heritage since 1964.  It is a living masterpiece named one of the ’50 Places of a Lifetime’ by National Geographic Traveler. Guided tours of Allerton Garden are part garden tour, part art exhibit, and entirely unique. Visitors are guided through expertly crafted garden rooms that feature tropical plants, sculptures, and water features. Allerton Garden also has a rich history as a Hollywood film location for many notable movies and TV shows. See the towering roots of the famous Moreton Bay fig trees featured in blockbusters like Jurassic Park.  At Allerton Garden we honor Queen Emma who nurtured beauty in this cherished place and celebrate Robert and John Gregg Allerton’s landscaped dream that you see today. Experience the love story that continues between people and plants, art and nature in this storied garden."

This is a spectacular place, unlike anything we have ever seen.  Our 631 pictures don't do it justice, but we will share what we can.

We ended the day with an early dinner, seated in the open windows, at the iconic Beach House.  

Next up:  The Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Kapa'a Kauai

Wednesday, September 22nd
Kapa'a, Kauai
Mostly Sunny - 83 Degrees

After18 months of lockdowns, isolation, personal protective equipment, and sanitizing wipes, we have finally broken our Covid travel fast with a trip to the Garden Isle.  With thanks to Jet City and the Robinson family, we are staying at the Lanikai resort in Kapa'a on the East coast of Kauai.

We arrived at Lihue on Alaska Flight 839 last week and caught the shuttle to the Lanikai on Papaloa Road in the dark.  The second-story condo is comfortable with two bedrooms and ensuite baths, natural ventilation, a nice kitchen, and a TV for watching the first few Kraken games  The resort has a pool, beach access, and partial ocean views.  It's the perfect place to disappear for a couple weeks and maintain social distancing, although Tres will be working remotely.

Our corporate and personal attorney, Jill, and her family are staying in the Robinsons' other condo on the property.  We joined them for a BBQ poolside on their last night at the resort, and then raided their fridge for the leftovers.  Thanks Jill!!!

For fine dining with a funny name, the Kauai Coast Resort just up the road is home to the Hukilau Lanai  We made reservations well in advance for Saturday night, and had a lovely dinner al fresco overlooking the grounds, with the sound of the surf breaking in the background.  It has great reviews, some say the best on Kauai.  Carrie was right, the lobster bisque is outstanding.

This afternoon, we walked the grounds at the Lanikai, and then up the beach to the Lava Lava Beach Club for drinks and pupus.  At the foot of the property just off the pool deck, there is a gate that leads down to the beach, or to a trail heading North.  The trail runs about ten yards inland of the beach, and makes for a pleasant walk connecting to and through the adjacent resorts.  On the walk back, we stopped to watch the surf foiling, and paid our respects at the historical marker for the Kukui Heiau, a kind of sacred space we learned about on Oahu in 2012.  The setting sun was a great backdrop for the last of our photos.

We have spent the last few days getting acquainted with the neighborhood, starting our mornings with a walk down the street to the Passion Bakery Café for coffee and malasadas.  And relaxing, lots of relaxing.  We have made it all the way North to the end of the road at Princeville and Hanalei Bay, with exploring left to do to the South and Southeast.

Next up:  plentiful pictures of pretty places.