...blue waters....

It's hard to ignore the beautiful waters of Kauai, be it from the ocean or the pool.  Our condo's supply closet included backpacks, boogie boards, coolers, bamboo mats, a beach umbrella and snorkel gear. We  took advantage of quite a bit of the provided items and attempted a snorkel outing only to find that just one of the snorkels was in working order.  

We picked up a pool floatie for Wren to try out so she could easily join us in the pool.  It took coaxing and having Water Baby show Wren how much fun it was before Wren warmed up to the idea. Once she got in she had a blast, kicking her legs and being led by us back and forth across the big pool.  It was great!....the one day that she used it.  Wren refused to use the floatie again, but we took it to the pool repeatedly anyway.  

At the end of our first week we were ready to restock some items at Costco and make a day trip to the south coast.  On the way we took a detour to Wailua Falls.  The small parking area was very crowded, so Sondy and I jumped out to snap a few pics while Jay turned the car around.  

We made our way around the island and took Waimea Canyon Drive up away from the ocean.  The 20 mile drive has stops along the way to view the expansive and amazing Waimea Canyon.  We stopped at mile 15 at Koke'e State Park and took a few minutes to tour the museum and take a short nature walk.  Chickens and roosters run free all over the island and Wren had a great time chasing them at the park, shrieking "B!!!" every time a bird was on the move.  We ate our snacks at a picnic table after speaking with some very friendly locals who shared their opinion of the remaining stops on the road and their Ovaltine cookies with us!  Then Sondy and I stopped in the restaurant on site (which was packed, by the way, and the menu looked good!) to find out rental information for the cabins we passed on the drive up.  For around $85 per night they seem like a good option for those planning to get out on the many trails available in and around the canyon.  

From the park we continued to the next two stops to take in the view of Waimea Canyon and Kalalau Valley.  On the drive back down we split off the main drag to try out Koke'e road, which was less windy and seemed faster than our drive up.  

We stopped in Waimea for lunch at The Shrimp Station, which had been recommended by a number of people, including the dude at the Koke'e Lodge restaurant who called me "Bro".  I didn't partake in the shrimp (and instead went next door for shave ice!) but Jay and Sondy did and said it was great!  Wren tried shrimp for the first time and really liked it.  From Waimea we went straight to Costco then back home - that was a long day!  

Tunnels Beach

Wren and Water Baby soaking up some sun. Good thing we caught her using the floatie on film!

Using the pool floatie!  Not quite as effective when you exceed the 33 pound weight limit...

Wailua Falls

Wren chasing chickens at Koke'e State Park

Waimea Canyon