Hiking the Na Pali Coast

OK, we didn't exactly hike the Na Pali Coast. That is a 22-mile hike that is very treacherous in places. But we did hike the first 2-miles to a beautiful "secluded" beach only accessible by kayak or foot. We drove to the far north side of the island, where the road comes to an end. From there, we headed out on foot up a rocky trail.

It rained on and off for a good part of the trip there. The rain on Kauai is so different from the rain at home. It comes straight down, and because it isn't falling from very high, the drops are very soft and small. If feels like you are standing under the sprinklers.

As a result of the soft rain, the trail became VERY muddy. We were slip-sliding all over the rocks and roots. At times, the trail was really narrow with pretty good drop-offs on one side. Many people gave up and turned around, but Bob and I were up for the adventure!


Our view to our right looked like this a lot of the way:
The beach came into view, and we knew the hike was worth it.
Then it would start to rain again...
We passed a couple of interesting signs along the way.
And then we reached the beach. This wasn't a beach for swimming (see above sign!), but it was great for walking and exploring.
We went to the far end of the beach where very few people went, and found this cave.
It was so neat inside, and Bob found an exit in the back, so we went all the way through. We decided it was the perfect, cool spot for a secluded picnic.

We finished the hike and stopped in Hanalei at Java Kai for an iced coffee and smoothie. Yummy.
Back to the condo for some relaxation. Oh, reading nook. How I love you. How I miss you...

Showered and headed back to Hanalei for our last dinner out. We ate at a Brazilian restaurant called Neide's. Such a bittersweet evening. Our time in Hawaii was amazing; knowing it was quickly coming to an end was almost painful.