After two days of very active adventures, we opted for the typical tourist route and just went sightseeing today. We started things off with a drive down to Waimea, on the southwestern-ish side of the island. After getting fortified with some delicious lunch at Island Taco, we headed up into the Waimea Canyon — the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” There is a 17-mile road that takes you up to 4,000 feet along the canyon’s rim, with three lookout points stationed along the way to show you the grandeur of this amazing site. Everything I read beforehand recommended going early in the day, since the clouds and fog can obscure the views later on. Well, it just didn’t seem right to get up at 6am on vacation, so we threw caution to the winds and arrived at the canyon around 1:30pm and figured we’d just see what we could see.
What we saw was nothing short of fantastic. The views weren’t as clear as they could be, and there was a good deal of fog, but in my opinion it just added a cool, mystical quality that made the whole experience so fascinating. You would have no idea you were in Hawaii, with the overcast skies, lush green canyon, and swirling mists. It was more like being in the woods of the Pacific Northwest or something like that. Beaches and sunshine were completely forgotten. At the second lookout point (after a minor detour when we started walking down the wrong path), we actually got to watch the fog roll in and completely engulf the canyon valley, until we could see nothing but a big white cloud. Our pictures of that didn’t quite turn out — who wants a picture of just a big white cloud? — but we’ll always remember how cool it felt to be there.
We took just under two hours in the canyon itself, driving to the various lookout points and then back down again, and after that we went to the Kauai Coffee Company plantation in Kalaheo. We got to sample all of their different coffees and went on a guided tour of the facilities — much like visiting a wine vineyard. It was really interesting, and our guide, Chuck, was quite knowledgeable. I don’t think it’s enough to make me trade in my beloved Diet Coke for coffee, but I have enjoyed getting to try some new types of coffee on this trip. Fittingly enough, in honor of the ever-present chickens everywhere, Kauai Coffee has introduced a new blend that they call Rooster Alarm. I’m sure the coffee is better than being awakened by an actual rooster!
Our day of sightseeing and driving around ended in Kapa’a, at a traditional Hawaiian luau. The Smith Family Garden Luau was an absolute blast. When we arrived, we were greeted and invited to wander around the beautiful garden property until dinner time. This property was enough to rival any botanical garden, with amazing plants and free-roaming peacocks. We didn’t spend much time wandering the gardens though, because we wanted to watch the imu ceremony, where they dig the roast pig out of the fire pit. After learning about how the pig is traditionally prepared and grabbing a cocktail while enjoying traditional Hawaiian music, it was time to sit down and eat. Dan and I weren’t entirely sure what to expect from a luau dinner, but it was absolutely delicious. The roast pork was so tasty, and the other meats and side dishes were just as good.
After dinner, we all walked down to their outdoor theater for the luau show, complete with tributes to each of the cultures that influenced the early development of Hawaii: Tahiti, China, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Samoa. The dancers were all very accomplished, but I think our favorite was the traditional Samoan fire-dancer. All my baton-twirling friends, take note: I thought this guy’s tricks with his flaming knife/stick were one of the most impressive things I’d ever seen. Until he added a second flaming knife/stick. Two! With fire at each end! I held my breath for a while, but he made it through in one piece, without burning anything. Wow.
It was such a nice day, exploring Kauai away from the beach. There is so much here, for such a small island, and I’m glad that we are getting to experience different facets of what Hawaii has to offer. Tomorrow, we’re back to hiking, but on the South Shore this time. Thanks for following along, and for all of your suggestions! We are trying to fit in as much as possible!