1-28-19 Hanalei, Smith's Garden, E Kanakapila Kakoa (or something like that!)

Hope Ken's enjoying his birthday without us around nagging him all day on what he wants to do.  We'll try to have a good time without him!

Time to hit the road again.  We were heading to Kauai Beach Villas for another night---so we could enjoy the E Kanakapila Kakoa concert and not have to drive back to Princeville.  I also thought it would be a good time to snorkel Lydgate.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating.  It was cool (for Hawaii), with high winds and large surf.  So we had to come up with other plans.
Saw this as we were leaving our parking lot in Princeville.   Wish it was that easy to keep a car from running on empty.   

 Since we weren't in any hurry, I thought we'd ride into Hanalei and try to walk to the Hanalei pier.  The road to it is closed as well as the road past Hanalei right now.  But first, we stopped at the taro overlook.  I was surprised that the trees are so grown up that much of the fields aren't visible anymore!

 zoom in of some of the fields.  I noticed they have signs up at the road that goes into the fields for local traffic only.  We always liked riding into there. I guess too many other people did, too!

 Also stopped at the Hanalei Overlook.  Love this view.

 Couldn't find a parking spot along Hanalei bay, but did notice the doors of Wai`oli Hui`ia Church were open, so we stopped to check out the inside of the church. 

 Placard inside the church.

 the gorgeous stained glass window in the front of the church

 the hymnals 

 the  stained glass windows on the sides of the buildings actually open up. 

 Nice to know that this historic building is still in use.

 a side doorway with stained glass above it

 then we walked around the outside. 

 love the landscaping, too.

 orchids?

 Then we continued on to the East side.  We were too early to check into KBV for our 1 night, so I suggested we go check out the fern grotto.  It had just left and another boat tour wasn't leaving for 1 1/2 hours, so I suggested we walk through Smith's garden.  I love the luau there, but now that it's increased in price to $100/person, they've priced themselves out of my desire to go there.  But I was interested in walking through the garden again.  So we paid the $6/person, and took a stroll through the garden.

 cute sign.

 lots of pretty flowers here.

 where imu ceremony takes place.

 looking over from where the imu ceremony happens towards the dining area.

 The bridge heading over to Japanese Island

 2 of the residents here.

 love this view of sleeping giant

 gotta send a snapchat back to the kids!

 back to walking the garden

 one of the many roosters.

 there were even a couple Nenes looking for a handout.

 Easter island

 looking back at all our new friends who were following us.

 a face only a mother could love.

 pretty little lagoon.

 another Muscovy duck

 Then into the Filipino village.  Didn't know they had tree houses!

 a Calabash tree and fruit

 interesting way the Calabash tree limbs  grow.

 Carolyn getting ready to head into the Filipino hut

 peeking into the house.

 back to checking out the foliage.

 and local critters.

 bamboo

apple bananas

 where the hula dancers/Polynesian dancers perform

 a cucumber tree!  They actually have a placard here saying the fruit taste like dill pickles

 looking over to the lagoon.

 Polynesian village entrance

 more flowers and palm trees.

 heading back towards the entrance. 

 more colorful foliage.

 By the time we were done, we didn't want to do the $25 fern grotto tour, so we headed to KBV.  Our room still wasn't ready, but I wanted to get gas at Costco again while we were on the the East side, so we headed to Lihue.  Got gas for $2.79/gallon.  Ran into Long's drugs.   Then tried to find Jack in the box.  Must have gone the wrong way, so ended up at Olympic Cafe for dinner.   It was Happy Hour time, so Carolyn got 6 coconut shrimp for $6.  I got the veggie plate for $6 and

 a tropical salad.  Wasn't as impressed with the salad as I'd hoped.  I think I was really wanting fish and chips.  Thought Carolyn would help me with the salad, so I ended up taking half of it with us and most of the veggies. 

By the time we got to KBV, it was about 6 and the sun was setting.  I headed over to the KB resort for the pre concert activities.  On my way, I got to see a bit of a sunset.

 not bad for the East side.

 The line up for 2019.

 they have several tables set up in the back with items for sale.  I thought this head dress was particularly pretty.  Didn't buy it, but appreciate the work that went into it.

 The uke "lesson" was actually more like an uke  jam session.  I had hoped to learn some chords, but found there are a lot of uke players here on the island!

 the performer today was Brother Noland.  I thought the internet had said he played Hawaiian-reggae.  So I was alittle disappointed when there was no reggae.  But he was a very good musician and put on a good performance. 

 I was wishing I hadn't had a salad for dinner.  They were selling stew tonight.  (chile last week).  It looked really good!  Oh well!  It was still a fun night.  And it was nice being able to just walk next door for the night instead of driving back to Princeville in the dark.  Nice getting use out of our Wyndham ownership!  They even put us in an ocean view unit again!  Nice way to end our nights on the East side.