Surf practice at Annini beach.
After traveling around to the south side of the island last week, we decided we preferred the north shore side of the island. So we bounced from Hanalei beach to surf to Annini beach to snorkel every day. The boys just loved it.
And if you’re kids want to learn to surf I suggest helping them practice paddling the board in the water and standing up in shallow, calm water. We bought a foam longboard from Costco for just $120 and used it for nearly 4 weeks. I ended up selling it for $60 on Craigslist the day before we left. This turned out to be much cheaper than renting a board – which would have cost $100 a week. I basically paid $60 for 4 weeks.
Favorite climbing tree in Princeville.
The boys also continued to climb every tree they could find. It’s harder to find climbing trees in San Diego, so they were in heaven in Hawaii. The trees were like nature’s monkey bars for them. Maybe one day they’ll be able to climb a coconut tree and give me a coconut to drink from.
Rainy day in Kauai.
We did have a few rainy days this week. And it didn’t just rain – it completely poured. So we just opened up the hideaway bed in the couch and lounged in the living room all day. We watching movies, we played video and board games, and we just snuggled together.
The boys bought musical instruments from a toy store in Princeville earlier in the week, and played songs they made up for the baby.
We loved to eat our meals on the lanai (patio) & enjoy the view.
We ate most of our meals at home – Costco is the best deal for food in town. I think even better than the farmers markets. And we loved to eat on the lanai to enjoy our view of Princeville and Hanalei.
We hiked the Kalalau trail in Haena. It’s a windy road to get there but we passed by the dry and wet caves, which were built by the Menehune (Hawaiian elves) according to legend. The full hike was 11 miles one way. We made it just 1/2 mile. Yep, that took us over half an hour, and I couldn’t manage much more carrying a baby in my arms. I left the baby carrier at home by accident – or maybe unconsciously I wanted to leave it at home to avoid the long hike. It was a fun hike for the boys and they loved the 1/2 mile look-out. I think they would have enjoyed going further in, but I know they would have gotten tired on the way down.
Hiking the Kalalau trail.
Once we were down from the trail, my boys chased a few chickens around the parking lot, but then got scolded by a tourist who told them not to terrorize the wildlife. My husband was pissed because they guy was so rude about it. He told them not to parent our kids and mind his business. Then a lifeguard walked by and said the chickens were not wildlife, they’re the rodents of Kauai. I could see the remark if my kids were actually hurting the chickens, but it was so harmless.
Last day in Hanalei.
Thankfully that was all the drama we encountered on the trip. Though I almost cried on our last day in Kauai because I just loved it so much. I could easily see myself living here.
Next on to Oahu for 10 days.
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.
