SATURDAY | By the time, we descended into Kauai the sun had set of the island. So, our first impression of Hawaii we the distinct increase in heat from the mainland. Having become accustomed to snow-capped mountains and chilly evenings the air felt relentlessly warm. The airport had an 80s charm to it with its excessive wooden panelling and exposed brick. With no immigration to pass through we cruised past the ladies selling lays to the baggage collection. When we ventured out to the pickup air we discovered a lack of taxi rank, instead it appeared everyone had preorganised airport transfers. Off to the right under a buzzing neon light was a lonely phone, hanging on a column under the ‘taxi’ sign. At the other end of the receiver a helpful operator informed us that they would locate a driver and send someone out, all we had to do was wait. Before long our cab arrived to whisk us to the hotel and despite the short distance the ride felt long thanks to the endless chatter of our driver. He filled the welcomed silence with an endless list of what we needed to do and see whilst visiting Kauai. It was the last thing we wanted or needed after a hefty day of travel, but patiently I nodded and agreed whilst Ash looked longingly out the window. Music and laughter radiated from the bar adjoining the reception at the Aqua Shores hotel, our home for the next couple of nights. Barely dressed guests sauntered in and out of the lobby, shaky on their intoxicated legs. We were having none of it. We just wanted our room key and directions to our bedroom. Our bags barely hit the floor before our bodies crashed into the mattresses and our eyes shuttered closed on a mammoth day of travel. SUNDAY | We woke to the piercing sound of ringing just before 8am on Sunday morning. Confused and disorientated I flung my hand across the bedside table, crashing into an array of items before finally picking up the handset. On the other end was an over eager Concierge welcoming us to the island and offering her services. Phone call wrapped up we agreed not to waste the day and instead sprung up into the morning and headed down to the beach front café for breakfast. Sand between our toes and the ocean crashing just metres from the table we eased into the day with a juice and some muesli. Other guests were already laying out the on the sunbeds keen to soak in rays or heading off to the pool inflatable toys tailing behind them. We decided instead to take out a couple of the hotel bikes. After dealing with a very unhelpful reception label we utilised the google and found a beach bike path just down the road, the only thing was it just required us to navigate our way down the highway in order to get to the track. Helmets on, day bag packed, sunscreen slapped on and a sense of adventure coursing through our veins we headed off down the highway. Even I felt a little nervous at first but soon enough we were breezing along beside the locals who were out for a Sunday drive. The beach path was spectacular. Running right alongside the sand & the ocean we pedalled our way down the coast. Cruising around each bend we discovered another beach, another stunning view Families and friends were out in abundance enjoying BBQ and picnics along the coast. We rode for over an hour in the heat of the morning and although the water was enticing we held off on going for a swim, not keen on riding whilst wet. As an escape from the heat and an opportunity to rest we stopped in at Sam’s restaurant for a beverage and lunch. Sweat dripping from our pours, faces red and a heavy pant in our breath we must have been an attractive sight. Our seat along the front of the restaurant meant that we were treated to the cooling ocean breeze as we enjoyed our sandwiches and soft drinks. It took every ounce of our remaining energy to drag ourselves back out into the heat and onto our bikes. As soon as we’d returned the bikes we made a b-line for the beach. Ash crashed on a lounge chair as I headed into the choppy water for a frolic. We watched the looming storm clouds roam in as we spent time dallying at the seaside. When the warm chubby rain finally descended, we dashed to our room via the DVD dispenser. As a tropical storm raged on outside we drained ourselves of emotion watching ‘Manchester by The Sea’. By the time we surfaced for our evening feed there was no physical evidence of the afternoon rains. The sun was back in force as we strolled down the road to a neighbouring hotel that homed Hukilau Lanai restaurant. Whilst waiting for our table to become unoccupied we sipped on cocktails in the ‘island’ theme bar whilst listening to a local old dude sign acoustic Hawaiian songs. Having barely finished our first round of drinks we were ushered into the plantation style dining room where what followed a divine feast of local seafood. We made our way down the cocktail list and over indulged in desserts whilst creating lives for the range of guests who were seated nearby. Our favourite was a young couple with the glamourous girl failed to smile the entire meal, she did however make her partner swap seats with her multiple times to get different backgrounds for all the photos of the food she was taking. Adequately full from our meal, drinks and judgement of others we took a leisurely stroll along the beach path that was illuminated by the reflection of the moon across the tranquil ocean. MONDAY | Breakfast was once again enjoyed with the sand between our toes at the Lava Lava beach club before check out and a detour to the Airport to collect our next car. Breeze gliding through the open windows we headed south to the Tourist town of Koloa with our first stop the natural wonder that is Spouting Horn. To access the site, you have to pass through crowded market stalls that are stocked to the brim with tourist trinkets. After loitering with the throng gawking and squealing in awe at the sprouting of water through the rock blow hole we made our back to the market where we couldn’t help but pick up a couple of overtly themed tropical items. Back in the car just as the rain began to descend we detoured to picturesque Old Koloa Town. Nestled beside the lush green palms and over shadowed by the majestic trees sits a cluster of plantation-style buildings that house shops selling art, jewelry, clothing, ornaments and renowned Koloa Shaved Ice. We strolled and perused before settling on the Garden Island Grille for a late lunch. Out in the courtyard overlooking the charming heritage home milky coconut themed cocktails as big as my head seemed appropriate to accompany our island tucker. Meal wrapped and shopping expedition over it was back on the road, via the eucalyptus Tree Tunnel that lines the stretch of Maluhia Road that carried us north towards our next temporary abode Princeville.
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