Flying High on the Na Pali Coast and Fun in Po’ipu

After two weeks of enjoying the peace and quiet of the north shore of Kauai, we moved to the southern shore of Kauai. The south shore resort area is called Po’ipu and definitely seemed much more like the hustle and bustle of Maui. A bit of a welcome change after the slow pace of life in Princeville. Also, moving in a car is totally different than moving via air. We didn’t have to worry about eating and drinking everything before we hit the airport. Instead, we just loaded everything into the car in the reusable grocery bags we carry with us. 

Beaches and Snorkeling

The southern shore of Kauai is the dry side of the island, hence the great number of hotels, condos, residences, and restaurants. The beaches on the southern side of the island aren’t quite as pretty as the ones on the north shore, but most are swimmable and the weather was nice, with no rain. There were also lots of turtles in the area. We saw them beaching themselves right on Brennecke’s beach at sunset.

The beach at our resort is known for its snorkeling, which we did 15 years ago when we visited this area. But this time there were fewer fish and the reef didn’t look as happy as before.

Spouting Horn Blow Hole

In an effort to explore the southern side of the island, the GyPSy Guide led us to the Spouting Horn Blow Hole and the Makauwahi Cave, which was a little hard to find. The blowhole was very close to the viewing area and probably the best one we saw on all of the islands. You could hear it breathe. It was a little weird. Makauwahi Cave had been a sacred site to the Hawaiians but someone came in years ago and knocked down all of the stalagmites and stalactites.

Waimea Canyon

Also on the southern coast is the access to Waimea Canyon. It is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We had visited 15 years ago and I recall not being that impressed. But this time, I was impressed. Maybe the weather was better this time. In any case, the canyon was beautiful with lots of colors and a magnificent waterfall.

Na Pali Coast Helicopter Tour

The helicopter tour was definitely a highlight of our trip to Kauai. Our friendly GyPSy guide told us on the way to Waimea Canyon that we really should do the helicopter tour on Kauai. Originally we had booked a boat trip to the Na Pali coast but it got canceled for the day we wanted. So instead, since our son was visiting, we decided to do the helicopter tour.

I can unequivocally say, “it was awesome. “ But it should be noted that I was in the front next to a window and Mike and our son were squished in the back with two other men. Still, as far as I’m concerned, it was an awesome way to see the Na Pali coast and literally hundreds of waterfalls.

Grove Farm

Dating back to 18xx, Grove Farm was one of the original sugar plantations in Lihue. Acquired by George Wilcox in 1864, it once spanned 22k acres. Even after most of the plantation was sold off, Mabel Wilcox remained in residence until her death in 1978. She left the remaining farm as a trust for locals and visitors to enjoy. The docent for our tour spent much time on the farm as she is the daughter of Mabel’s cook. Several others we met on the farm spoke lovingly of Mabel.

Today, you can tour the main buildings and get a glimpse into plantation life in the early part of the 20th century.  The grounds have lovely flora and some farm animals. The docent provided many stories and some cookies made fresh that day from the original wood-fired kitchen oven.

Dining

Brennecke’s

Brennecke’s is an institution for laidback beachfront dining in Po’ipu. The building amazingly survived hurricane Iniki in 1992. They had good, typical island fare including a lot of fish dishes and island drinks.

Keoki’s Paradise

Keoki’s Paradise is in a shopping center but once you enter it is like an indoor/outdoor jungle. They frequently have live music, adding to the pleasant ambiance. As usual, we both had fish and some island cocktails.

Beach House

The Beach House has been around for a long time and is an excellent spot for watching the sunset. It sits in a very memorable spot. While we were there having dinner, a guy was out by the water proposing to his girlfriend. Also, because it is a Merriman restaurant, they have the super yummy Monkeypod Mai Tais. Again, we all ate fish.

Merriman’s

Merriman’s is also in a shopping center and we went twice for Happy Hour when the Monkeypod Mai Tais are discounted. They also have awesome poke tacos for an appetizer. The first time we went, there was a short rib pappardelle special. We are suckers for short rib or ragu with pappardelle. We all shared and it was delicious.

What would you want to do on Kauai?