April 10 Kauai

Kauai is known as the Garden Island and our helicopter pictures will show you why.  When we got of the ship we were met by the shuttle from the helicopter company.  Because the girls had given us money for our birthdays, Mothers Day and Fathers Day we were able toadd a little and take an amazing ride on a helicopter which circled the entire island from above.  We saw all of the famous spots from the air that we were able to see from the ground or the ship later.  It was fantastic.  My pictures aren't too great because of the glare on the glass or the position from where I was sitting but I'll share them anyway.  You'll see the Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali coast, tons of waterfalls and the Kilauea lighthouse. 

After we got off the helicopter we were taken to the car rental place and got our car.  The first stop we made was at a little town named Koloa Town.  It is the remains of the Old Koloa Sugar Mill which was constructed in 1836.  It is now full of little art galleries, places to eat and gift shops and really is quite a fun atmosphere.

Next we drove through Poipu which is full of condominiums and luxury resorts where people who have money would have a marvelous time. 

We drove on up to Waimea Canyon and got some interesting shots but the ones from the helicopter will do.

 I had noticed a guy setting up a hot dog stand at a country fair looking place just as we turned to go up the canyon so we stopped when we got down to try his wares.  It turned out the the guy was a BYU graduate who had decided to start his own business.  He sold a very interesting and very good hot dog with pineapple, Kaluia Pork and a great sauce.  He said that he does that a few days a week, works a few days at a golf course and that the Navy base had contacted him to set up his stand there weekly.  It was fun to talk with him.

 

After we left there we stopped at a farmers market and then pulled into the Kilohanan Plantation Estate.  It was a historic plantation with a Tudor-style mansion that has been turned into a hotel and dining place.  We only stayed there for a few minutes and then headed back to ship for the evening.