Day 5 - Wailua Falls
Day 5 in Kauai was our last full day on the island. It also happened to be our anniversary. That morning, my family decided to split up, and my husband, kids, and I went out on our own to explore a bit. We started our morning by heading to Passion Bakery Cafe in Kapaa. They have a whole variety of breakfast options, but we stuck with picking out some pastries from the bakery case. Everything was delicious! We wish we would have grabbed more, because the kids ended up eating our stuff, too.
After our quick bite to eat, we headed to Wailua Falls. Wailua Falls is a pretty famous waterfall, as it has been used in film locations, including the opening credits of the original television show, "Fantasy Island." This waterfall was less than a 20 minute drive. Wailua Falls is located in Lihue and extremely accessible in terms of waterfalls in Hawaii. You just drive up, park, get out, and see it. No hiking through a jungle or down some path. It's right there! This makes it a great waterfall for all ages and abilities to see when in Hawaii.
When we got out to view it, I don't know if I expected more color around or what, but it wasn't as awe-inspiring as others I have seen. I live in Oregon and have seen Multnomah Falls regularly, and I think it made this experience not as amazing as it might be for others who haven't seen waterfalls very often.
After our quick bite to eat, we headed to Wailua Falls. Wailua Falls is a pretty famous waterfall, as it has been used in film locations, including the opening credits of the original television show, "Fantasy Island." This waterfall was less than a 20 minute drive. Wailua Falls is located in Lihue and extremely accessible in terms of waterfalls in Hawaii. You just drive up, park, get out, and see it. No hiking through a jungle or down some path. It's right there! This makes it a great waterfall for all ages and abilities to see when in Hawaii.
When we got out to view it, I don't know if I expected more color around or what, but it wasn't as awe-inspiring as others I have seen. I live in Oregon and have seen Multnomah Falls regularly, and I think it made this experience not as amazing as it might be for others who haven't seen waterfalls very often.
Wailua River
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On our way back down the road from the waterfall, we ended up seeing a viewpoint and decided to stop. This viewpoint was really pretty. It gave some amazing views of the Wailua River. Kauai's rivers are unique, as they are the only navigable rivers in Hawaii. The Wailua River is the largest of Kauai's navigable rivers. The 20-mile river traverses through lush jungle and is fed by Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls, another great waterfall you could check on when on the island.
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The Wailua River offers much more than just a pretty view. You can actually take boat rides to a fern grotto, or go by kayak or canoe down the river.
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After exploring Wailua Falls and taking in the scenic views of the Wailua River, we headed back to our hotel to get ready for our anniversary dinner. We were celebrating our 10-year anniversary and wanted something special.
Before heading to Kauai, we asked around to people we knew had gone to Kauai and also did our own research, trying to find a special restaurant to celebrate our anniversary. The ones that were recommended the most were The Beach House and Tidepools. Both were recommended based off of the atmosphere and the views they provide. Looking into them, they both looked wonderful, but the food wasn't exactly what we were looking for. They both had mostly seafood, which would have been great for my husband, but I'm not a fan. Both of these restaurants are located in Poipu, and everyone told us that Poipu was the best location to have dinner. So, we focused our attention on this area and doing our own research to find a restaurant that fit us the best. We ended up picking Keoki's Paradise based off its location in Poipu, atmosphere, and more food choices that fit what we like to eat. And, we are so glad we chose this place. It was PERFECT! Despite not having water views, they have done a tremendous job creating a very tropical atmosphere. It's all open air, there was live music, good food, and even better Mai Tais! We left the kids with my parents and headed off on the 45-minute drive to Poipu to enjoy our anniversary, kid-free! |
Live music at Keoki's Paradise in Poipu
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We did arrive early to get a good seat. They were aware that it was our anniversary because my brother had called in an pre-ordered an appetizer and Mai Tais for the both of us. They sat us right up front towards the live music and the pond, which was the perfect location to feel somewhat away from others.
Keoki's Paradise is a part of Duke's Restaurants. So, they serve the famous Duke's Mai Tai. We have had these Mai Tais at several of their other locations, but this was the first restaurant in which we were served the the drink waiter. His only job was to serve drinks. As he placed them in front of us, he told us that the key to the perfect Mai Tai was to take the lime wedge and squeeze it in to the Mai Tai. He was right! It took the Mai Tai to a whole new level and now we do it no matter where we go.
They also serve the Mai Tai in their fun glass tiki glasses. You can actually buy these fun glasses, which we have. We only bought two last time we were at a Duke's and plan on buying some more when we go back so we can have a set of four for when we have guests over. It's the only way to drink a Mai Tai when you make them at home!
Keoki's Paradise is a part of Duke's Restaurants. So, they serve the famous Duke's Mai Tai. We have had these Mai Tais at several of their other locations, but this was the first restaurant in which we were served the the drink waiter. His only job was to serve drinks. As he placed them in front of us, he told us that the key to the perfect Mai Tai was to take the lime wedge and squeeze it in to the Mai Tai. He was right! It took the Mai Tai to a whole new level and now we do it no matter where we go.
They also serve the Mai Tai in their fun glass tiki glasses. You can actually buy these fun glasses, which we have. We only bought two last time we were at a Duke's and plan on buying some more when we go back so we can have a set of four for when we have guests over. It's the only way to drink a Mai Tai when you make them at home!
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For dinner, we both ordered the prime rib, which they only have until it runs out. It was very good and I recommend it, if you were to go here. We ended the night with their famous Hula Pie. They had a special one that evening which was cookie dough. Cookie dough ice cream is my favorite, so of course, we had to get it! And it was the best Hula Pie we have ever had! Not only do I not care for seafood, but I'm not a big fan of nuts. This Hula Pie had no nuts, which is rare with Hula Pie. It was like they knew I was coming that night and made the perfect Hula Pie just for me!
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After dinner we took a walk through the shops in Poipu located right around the restaurant. The sun started to set, so we decided to find our way to the beach to take in the sunset. We wove through the tropical foliage lined paths through different resorts, finding ourselves at the Sheraton. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law have stayed at this resort a few times and have loved it because of its location in Poipu and the views of the sunsets at night. So, we knew we had found the perfect spot to watch the sunset. We stayed their for a while and took it all in and enjoyed the time alone without kids.
It was during this time that we absolutely fell in love with Poipu and vowed that the next time we come back to Kauai we were definitely staying in Poipu because it felt more like us, then Kapaa where we were currently staying. Overall, our last full day in Kauai was very enjoyable and laid back. It allowed us to take in the Kauai and make us realize we truly loved this island and would definitely be back! |
Sunset in front of the Sheraton
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