2010 Kauai with Tim and Faith

2010-Kauai trip #9, Feb. 19-March 5: tim and faith-Year of the Tsunami: plantation monument; TripAdvisor M&G; Moloaa; Wailua falls; Gaylord train ride; Smith's Luai; 

This was our 9th trip to Kauai and Tim and Faith's 3rd.  They decided to mix it up a bit by going to the Big Island first---just in time for a tsunami.  AFter 3 nights there, they joined us on Kauai for another  It was really great having them join us again, even though it was only for 4 nights.  

For most of our first week here, the weather was beautiful. It was sunny, in the 70’s, little wind and no vog, although the surf on the north shore was at advisory levels most of the 2 weeks we were there.

My cameras this trip were a Canon 30D dslr and a Canon Powershot D10 waterproof camera.  

2010-2-19  Worldmark Kapaa Shores

2010-2-20 moving day, already

2010-2-21 snorkeling Poipu

2010-2-22  "owners' update" in Princeville and snorkeling Lidgate:

2010-2-23 Salt Pond then a trip advisor meeting at the Grand Hyatt

2010-2-24  Moloaa and Poipu for sunset

2010-2-25 Hanging around the East side waiting for Tim and Faith to make it to the Big Island

2010-2-26  South to Lawai

2010-2-27 Tsunami!

2010-2-28 Anini and back to Salt Pond

2010-3-1 Kids arrive and off to Poipu:

2010-3-2 South again

2010-3-3 finally, a day to snorkel at Tunnels!

2010-3-4 lawai and Smith's Luau

2010-3-5  around KBV then Lawai, then home


It was another fantastic vacation!  Made even better by being able to share it with family.  Can't wait for Kauai vacation number 10!

2010-3-5 Around KBV, then to Lawai, then to the airport and home:

Today is our last day here, Tim and Faith had to leave early (for a 2:50pm flight). They were flying back from Honolulu. So we didn't do much before they left. Hung around the condo and walked the beach by KBV. Here are some pictures from our beach.

 heading north along the beach---towards Kapaa

 Looking back at building G of the Wyndham Kauai Beach Villas Resort.

 continuing up the coast---the sandy beach goes for miles!  Many people say they don't "like" the East side, but how can you not like this!?

 or this!?

 Usually you have the beach pretty much to yourself, too.

 Not sure why this road is there, but on the other side of the road (away from the beach) is the Wailua golf course.

 looking down to the beach from the dirt road along the golf course.

 Haven't seen any cars on the beach, but do see an occasional ATV---usually with a lifeguard on it.

 Looking in towards the golf course.

 "Fore"---- or 4, in this case.

 back to looking at the ocean

 All too soon it was time for Tim and Faith to head to the airport.

 Then Ken and I had a few more hours to finish our vacation.   Ken and I  decided to head South one last time.  On our way, we even stopped at and wandered around 2 Frogs Hugging. The name of the store always had me curious to check out what they have, so we finally did. I decided if I ever get rich and get to refurnish my house, that's where I'm getting my stuff from. Loved their style!
A table with glass over a really cool wood carving.

 Love the turtles on the backs of these chairs.

 beautiful wood carvings

 Koa wood chairs?

 even these simple folding tables were neat.

Now it was time to make sure the flowers in our leis went somewhere that would wash them back to shore---a sign that you'll return.

 What better place then Lawai!?

 So we take the flowers off the string, and put them in the water.

 This guy even came to tell us good bye.

 so did this guy.

 good bye saddle butterflyfish

 and manybar goatfish

 this shy little blenney even came out to bid us farewell.

 Even though we had checked out of our condo in the morning, we were able to leave our luggage at the office and get a complimentary hour in one of the empty condos before heading to the airport.  Nice to be able to shower, change, and dry our wet suits before our long trip back to St. Louis.

 2 weeks flew by again!!!!  I know a lot of people are happy to go home from vacations, but it makes me sad.  At least when the vacation is in Hawaii!  But I'm happy that we got to enjoyed another vacation in Kauai.  Loved sharing it with family again. We’ve been there so often now that it really feels like "home". Can’t wait for trip number 10!

2010-3-4  Lawai and Smith's Luau:

Can't have visitors in Kauai and not take them to Olympic Cafe!  This time we went for breakfast, but lunch and dinner are great here, too!

 We even purchased the mugs as souvenirs. 

 Yummmmm

 Then we were off to do some more snorkeling---back to Lawai

 snorkeling portrait!

 there's our friends coming to great us

 Tim spotted this guy first.  Don't often see them!---flying gunard.  I've seen one at Waikiki Beach and now this one.

 school's in

 the black triggerfish

 emporer

 male surge parrotfish

  how Ken likes to enjoy the beach!

 We headed back to our condo fairly early.  We had reservations for Smith's Luau tonight.  We've been several times and still love it.

 Loving the views from our lanai.  We don't get to enjoy them as much as I'd like since we're usually gone all day.

 As I recall, the grounds open around 5, so we were there shortly after that.

 staking our place out.

 Then we went and wandered around the grounds.

 Love the garden setting!

 don't know what kind of flowering tree this is, but their flowers were so full and pretty.

 there is even this statue in the gardens

 and a couple ponds with lots of flowering bushes around them---and "sleeping giant" mountain in the background.

 and a little Japanese garden type bridge going over to a little island

 After wandering the garden and taking the free guided tram ride, we were ready to head to our table and get ready for the luau buffet and all you can drink mai tais (and beer or juice)

 Cheers to another great vacation

 There were other free drinks, too. Like these Blue Hawaiians

 and to be patriotic, how about red white and blue drinks?!

 The food is very good, too.  And plentiful

 awwwwe

 I think they're having a good time

 soon it was time to wander around some more

 portrait time, again!

 Then the dance show

 We really like the family like feel of this performance. 

 love the fire balls

 and the fire dancer.

Another great day and night!  Made even more special by sharing it with our kids.