Kauai and Covid

Not only was Covid a cause to stay in the house, but it was also a reason to get out and experience nature. Kauai called out our name. The 6-ish hour flight to Lihue from Seattle seemed like an eternity. Before getting onto the plane, during the era of Covid, we were instructed to jump through a bunch of hoops of showing our Vaccine cards and uploading flight/hotel information to a web site and obtaining a QR code. Once we showed our accomplishments of Covid prevention we were able to receive our special Wristband, like the ones you get at a concert. The ones that easily fall off in the clubs or fade away but don’t let go of your wrist.

This wristband will allow you to use the “Fast Lane” once we land in Hawaii and not have to go through Covid screening.

The trip started on our favorite domestic airline Alaska Air. The Hawaiian themed grub was consumed quickly.

The following day we drove to Kalalau Lookout. Nothing more than just to enjoy the view. Breathtaking.

We planned our next day to hike out to Nu’alolo Cliff Trail. Thinking this would be a quick 10-mile hike (i may have added a few miles) it ended up being day long, strenuous, multiple stops for a break, not for the old man I am, amazing worth it hike.

Multiple times I had to stop. Either for the elevated heart rate, or the simply I’m exhausted from climbing, crouching, being careful hiking out and back to the point. The term uphill each way comes to mind. But this hike was well worth the effort.

The following day after taking multiple Tylenol and a couple Mai tai’s we decided it would be a calm day. Our car pointed to Poipu, and we landed at the Grand Hyatt. Pretending to be guests at the hotel we walked around looking for the best spot near the pool. The welcoming committed was a bunch of flamingos and pretty birds. Don’t ask me what kind of bird, I’m only educated enough just to know they are birds. But we did get to observe the sleeping seal.

Dinner tonight was at The Beach House Restaurant. Another recommendation if you find yourself in Kauai. Stunning views and the food were amazing. near sunset is best. You will watch the sun fall behind the sea, just like in the movies. https://www.the-beach-house.com/

The closing day we decided it would be beach day and we planned what we thought would be a quick hike. HanakapiAi Beach. This “quick” hike to the beach ended up being around an hour. it was flat but seemed like we hiked up hill both ways. through the mud. and trail construction.

Kauai is the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands in my opinion. I would definitely come back. The purpose of this island is nature and beauty. The island has a feel of nostalgia and archaic memories. Although there are pieces of modern and luxury, it holds to its roots of the native Hawaiian people and beauty Hawaii was made of.