September 25 - Surf's Up

I took a surf lesson at Titus Kinimaka's Hawaiian School of Surfing in Hanalei. Surfing is so much fun! This is a must do when in Hawaii! I ended up having a private lesson, as no one else had signed up for the 8:00 a.m. class. My instructor's name was Keaton. After about 10 minutes of instruction on the sand about how to paddle and stand up, we hit the water. Keaton helped me pick the right waves, told me when to start paddling (faster, faster) and when to stand up. After one and a half hours, I had ridden at least 5 waves completely to shore. Note: Take your surf lesson early in your stay so you can practice.

The lesson took place in Hanalei Bay. It is reached off the main road (Route 580) by turning right on Aku. Then at the stop sign, take a right on Weke. Take an immediate left into the parking lot. This is a beautiful bay with views of the mountains and a waterfall.

While in Hanalei, I stopped in Java Kai to get decaffeinated coffee and a Kauai waffle (topped with banana, mango, and coconut). So ono! Java Kai is located in Hanalei Center. Note: Decaffeinated coffee can be hard to find in Hawaii.

Before heading to the Kalalau Trail (at Ke'e Beach), we had burgers and shakes at Bubba Burgers. Wicked ono! Bubba's puts onions and mustard on their burgers. They don't recommend lettuce and tomato because they're shipped in from the mainland, and Bubba's can't guarantee freshness. (Note: Yankee fans tune out to this part. Bubba's is run by a Red Sox fan, as evidenced by all of the BoSox paraphernalia.)

The Kalalau Trail starts where Route 580 ends. You can't drive past this point. This is a very strenuous 11-mile hike, most of which is currently closed for renovation. If you take the trail for 2 miles, it leads to Hanakapi'ai Beach. There are lovely views of Ke'e Beach after completing the first ascent.

This is a steep uphill, then downhill trail, which can be muddy and slippery. The bottom of the trail crosses a stream with a strong current and very slippery rocks. Be careful!

The waves hitting the rocks are incredible here. This ocean is dangerous to swim in at Hanakapi'ai.

After completing the hike, I took a dip at Ke'e Beach to cool off. The water is calm here. We also watched some little chicks eating out of a coconut. So cute!