My honorary pilot to Kauai
This week we arrived in Kauai. It was a welcome respite compared with the hustle and bustle of Oahu.
The day we arrived though was close to a disaster. The plane ride was easy – just 30 minutes from Honolulu to Lihue. But getting the rental car took nearly an hour and a half because I booked a mid-size SUV, but once I tried to get the car seats in I found out the backseat was too narrow. So I had to upgrade onsite for a standard SUV. Another $200 dent in my budget. Our SUV on Oahu had a 3rd row so I could separate my older boys. Our SUV on Kauai doesn’t so I’m constantly having to play referee between the two of them.
Why can't my kids just obey the sign?
Why can’t they keep their hands off each other?!
Otherwise, we’re loving our Princeville vacation rental. The north shore of Kauai is simply gorgeous, unlike anything I’ve seen. The hubby and I are already joking we want to retire here. It’s so lush and green. The beaches are gorgeous, and the vibe is like the north shore of Oahu like 50 years ago.
Princeville is a really cute area. It’s a master planned community with condos, villas, hotels, and homes. Since it’s newer, it’s got some great amenities like a new playground and library. We’ve already hit the playground and plan to get our own library card since we’ll be here for a while.
Kayaking with the boys in the Hanalei River
We’ve just started exploring the area. Hanalei is fabulous. I want to just sit in a cafe all day and stare out the window to watch the waves at the pier. The town is old-town cute and filled with hippies, honeymooners, families, and retirees. We already took the boys kayaking in the Hanalei River.
Pirate captain
We also went to Wailua and Kapaa today. We discovered the amazing Kamalani Playgrounds, which were built by volunteers in the community. My kids pretended they were pirates, then went down the volcano slide. They could have easily stayed all day. But there’s also fantastic snorkeling literally across the street.
And I’m happy to report than my 4 year old’s tantrums seem to have subsided. Thank goodness. It might be the mix of going back to more of a routine like we have at home or the slowness of the island that seems to have a positive effect on him.
Don't touch his shave ice or the tantrums will start up again.
Just don’t touch his shave ice.
I still have my moments when I feel like I need some time away. Thankfully my husband is in tuned with me. Today, he sent me off to the St. Regis Hotel to get a much needed cocktail while he took all three kids the beach. Though just 20 minutes of me-time, it was enough to recharge me for the rest of the week.
This post was written by
Tracey Black is the founder and editor-in-chief for Don't Mess with Mama, the sassy mom's guide to parenting, green living and travel. She is a regular contributor to Redbook's Mamarama blog, and a social media strategist working with eco-friendly brands such as Stonyfield, Juice Beauty and others. She has three boys and lives in San Diego, Calif.
