Up to the north side

Today Marlene and I head up the west coast to the north side of Maui.  The coast line is beautiful. So many beaches.

There were surfing competitions taking place at Slaughterhouse Beach.

We then proceeded to drive further around the northern part of the island however the road becomes a one lane, curving, no place to pull over monster.  SCARY!  After encountering our first car coming the other way (he had to back up a long way) we decided it wasn't worth the stress and turned around.  We went to the Olivine Pools which were similar to the Queen's Bath on Kauai but larger.  Unfortunately the pools weren't full of water so rather unremarkable.  Sometimes you just can't control Mother Nature.

We then went to Nakalele Blowhole.

Fantastic scenery.  This large rock reminded me of the Rock of Gibraltar.

We finished the day with a late lunch at Duke's Restaurant on the beach.  Fantastic food and we finished it off with a famous Hula pie!

HUGE Macadamia nut ice cream with chocolate fudge and whip cream!  Low cal, low fat!  LOL!

Lahaina!

Marlene and I made a trip into the town of Lahaina.  I haven't been there for years.  It has definitely grown but not as bad as I anticipated.  The old Banyan tree is still there along with the Pioneer Inn.  

Lots of restaurants.  Pretty touristy!  Back to the Marriott for dinner out at the Beach Walk.  Ribs!  Lovely evening!

Maui! We're here!

Staying at the Marriott!  Wow!  This is gorgeous.  Beach view!

View from our room!

We stopped at Costco on our way from the airport and stocked up.  Had to get some rum to make some Piña Coladas.  Delicious but deadly!

Went for a long walk this evening checking the grounds out.  We then went swimming in one of the three pools and finished it off in the hot tub.  Got a DVD to watch but we're fading fast.  We'll see what tomorrow yields!

Last Day in Kauai

Today was our last day on Kauai and we want to relax....hit the pool and the beach.  Our pool at the Bali Hai is lovely.

In the afternoon we went to Anini Beach.  So quiet.  Very few people.  Did a bit of snorkelling but didn't find anything.  Settled for reading on the beach.  Beautiful!

Waimea Canyon

Marlene and I head off to the east shore to see the Waimea Canyon.  Before we head up the island we go as far east as the road will take us.  We head down a dirt road at the end of the highway in search of a place called Queen's Pond.  This is rated a safe beach, good for swimming however in the winter months there are few beaches that are "safe".

Looking North up the coast you see the beginning of the Na Pali coast.  The only way to see more of these majestic cliffs is either by boat or air.  At this time of the year the ocean is pretty rough so most likely you would not make it too far up the coast.

 

We then head up the canyon road to see Waimea Canyon.  We will be reaching almost 5000 feet above sea level and visiting one of the most rainy places on earth as it receives approx. 400 inches of rain.

It's like a mini Grand Canyon!

Spectacular!  We then head to Poipu Beach where we have a late lunch/early dinner at a great restaurant.  

We check out Spouting Horn which is a blow hole and then as the sun is setting we head back to Princeville.  A very full day!

Queen's Bath and Botanical Gardens

We discovered that one of the places we wanted to visit was within walking distance from our resort.  Queen's Bath is only approximately 20 minutes away.  After enjoying our lazy morning ritual of coffee on the lanai we head off to explore Queen's Bath which is a beautiful pool formed in the lava.

Since it is winter here the ocean is quite turbulent therefore it is too rough to go swimming in this natural swimming hole.  The trail down was quite slippery and muddy in spots so we had to be careful.  

It was so beautiful though that the trek was worth it.

When we got back to the resort we had a bite to eat and then decided to drive down to Hanalei to the botanical gardens.  

We spent a couple of hours touring the grounds.  Beautiful!  Magical!

and more beaches!

On Tuesday we head off to explore more hidden beaches on the north shore.  

Anini Beach.

Secret Beach

Kalihiwai Beach

Kilauea Pt. National Wildlife Refuge

Kilauea Lighthouse

Hanalei and the beaches

Monday we decide to go to the town of Hanalei.  This is such a picturesque town.  Kauai is so tropical.  Lush vegetation, towering mountains and beautiful beaches with very few people on them.

The taro fields.

This church dates back to the mid 1800's.

Caves formed from the lava.

It can get pretty rough during the winter months.  Not somewhere you can swim right now.

But the surfing is great!  Tunnels beach.

Wide open spaces...very few people....love it!

The very north section of the Na Pali coast at Ke'e Beach.