Wave watching and Sunrises are Always Free Activities in Kauai

crystal blue calm seas

Surfers and surf watchers all over Hawaii were revved up for epic waves, that were said to biggest in 40 years. Lifeguards warn

people to avoid entering the ocean in high-surf areas and to not turn their backs on waves while on the shoreline or while

standing on rocky coastlines.

surfs up at donkey beach

The monster waves, which tend to hit every 10 to 15 years,  were powered by two storms north by northwest of Hawaii.  We missed the first round of really large waves in the north.   Local reports say another round of monster waves are coming.

big splash

Maybe this time will be ready to ride the coast in the north in search of these enormous waves.  We have seen some really large ones but alas no 50 footers.  It’s reported that the record waves should arrive again on Christmas day.  I guess we have plans for Christmas.

sunrise from Hanapepe

misty morning sunrise

fish at salt pond

pictures of fish taken while wading at salt pond

Costco Membership….after incentives…..FREE

I am usually not so enthused with the big box stores.  I find I go in and spend too much money on things I really don’t need.  The locals tell me this is the place to shop in Kauai, Costco.

road to Poipu

I’m told they have the absolute best gas prices on the island.  Reported to be up to 50 cents cheaper per gallon than other places.  We need to buy premium for the Acura and the price per gallon was reported on the internet at $3.15 per gallon versus $3.62 at the local gas stations in Kalaheo.  We’re filling up about once per week, so we can plan our fill ups and shopping forays for the same trip.

Here goes….I  joined Costco.

I waited until I found a deal that gave me the membership for free and here it is:

This offer from Working Advantage members–not available in stores:

• With every Membership Certificate you order, you will receive coupons worth more than $50, including a FREE rotisserie chicken, FREE photo processing, a FREE Kirkland Signature 2 lb. bag of coffee FREE Kirkland Signature 48 pk AA batteries–and more! (more includes more coupons)

• Includes free household card!

• Shipping is FREE

• Plus receive a FREE $5 Costco Cash Card with each Membership Certificate purchased thru 12/21!

Learning to Accept Aloha

In the almost 2 months that I have spent here in Kauai I’ve heard a lot of talk on television, radio and printed advertising regarding, the aloha spirit and living aloha.  It is supposedly a way of life practiced by the local people.  In the Hawaiian language, aloha, means  affection, love, peace, compassion and mercy.  As well as the common use of hello and goodbye.

Living Aloha for Christmas

This spirit has surrounded me in almost every interaction with the people here.  Most friendly and smiling.  No one seems in a great hurry.  I experience patience on congested roadways, no horns honking, no aggressive driving, people are obliging to let others pull into traffic.  During the purchase of the Acura, the seller became my friend, so honest and accommodating.  She exudes this spirit of aloha, and she is still operating as my Hawaiian guardian angel.

Living Aloha

Yesterday was a very fortunate day for me.  The Acura’s alternator stopped charging our battery and left us stranded at the Salt Pond.  We lifted the hood, assessed the situation and then I walked toward some people on the beach and asked if anyone had jumper cables.  A young woman with 2 small children turned to them and said, ” pack up your things kids we’re going to help these people get their car started”.  She packed them up, and drove to our car and pulled out the cables.  We were on our way in less than 10 minutes.  We tried to give her a few dollars in appreciation her kindness but she would not accept.  Mahalo,  Salt Pond angel.

aloha...surfs up

We were off and running,  just a few miles from home, with the battery discharging all the way.  It started to rain and there wasn’t even enough juice to raise the power windows or use the wipers without out stalling.    After a few moments of stress but we could see the Kalaheo traffic light ahead.  Just then, the car died.  It was raining lightly.   Chris and I jumped out and pushed the car off of the road way.   There was a small safe area to place it,  a little miracle because there are no shoulders to speak of on this highway.  Then to our great surprise the person behind us pulled up to help, he was a nice young man in a dark colored truck.  He attached a tow rope and pulled us to a repair station just up ahead.  I couldn’t express my gratitude enough.  He too would not accept any money for his kindness.  I guess it’s a New York thing thinking it is necessary to give anyone who helps you a few dollars.

These kind people saved us so much money and time, a mere thank you didn’t seem quite enough to show our appreciation.

Our next encounter was with the mechanic at the Shell station.  He immediately assessed our car.  His partner called about the part we needed.  The part would be flown in from Honolulu and we were just a little stroll from home base.

A wonderful day.   Living Aloha…….. http://www.ealoha.com/livaloha.htm

No car until Wednesday….for me , it’s like I have no legs…..but I’m still smiling and I’m grateful.

Up date::::A new alternator was found in Lihue, so I got my legs back a day early….hooray!!!  I’d highly recommend The Shell Station Auto Repair, Kalaheo for prompt and expert service.  I would not recommend the Sears auto service center that took my money and told me there was nothing wrong with my alternator, and sent me out on the road in danger of breaking down.

Moving on Up

We're Moving On Up

Before arriving on Kauai I found our first housing arrangement on Craigslist.  It was a simple process.  I posted an ad of what I was looking for, people responded.  I googled their names and their locations.  Made contacts, saw pictures and made a decision.  The day I arrived here my accommodations were ready at Aloha Estates at Kalaheo Plantation.  We rented from James Hargraves, stained glass artist, inn keeper, and ukulele player.  The dwelling is a 1920’s plantation house, architecturally charming, and seemingly well planned to take advantage of the local trade winds.  Our room was pitched to us as a studio but in reality is more of a room with a kitchenette in a closet, with a full bath, plenty of hot water, and no kitchen sink.  Requiring washing dishes in the bathroom and cooking with a rice cooker and hot plate.  We shared a small screen lanai with our neighbors, that had a small glass top table and chairs.

We spent most of our time out and about so the size of our rental was not a great factor for the 2 months we’ve been here.  When I made the rental agreement, I fully expected to stay here for 6 months, but I did make a month to month stipulation with the landlord in case either of us were not completely satisfied with the arrangement.  During our time here we did all of our living in the king sized bed, it was dining room, home theater and recreation area.

Home Sweet Home

Now it’s time to move on.  James was a wonderful host, our neighbors were quiet and friendly.  We were comfortable enough  and the price was great.  We love the location.  I think Kalaheo is the best place to stay on the entire island,  less rain than the north and east, close safe beaches , close golf, and midway between the resorts of the north shore and the canyons of Waimea.   Close to the art in Hanapepe, snorkeling, fancy golf and coastal hiking in Poipu, and the quaint charms of Koloa.  Oh and I forgot to mention tsunami safe.  James has rooms and apartments of many sizes available.  I highly recommend this place for frugal travel.  Please check out this trip advisor link for my review: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60615-d324056-Reviews-Aloha_Estates_at_Kalaheo_Plantation-Kalaheo_Kauai_Hawaii.html

The Plantation House at Aloha Estates

If anyone has further questions don’t hesitate to contact me.

More pictures of the yard, fruit and flowers can be found throughout my blog.

Is it even possible to have too much free guacamole?????

So Many Avocados, So Little Time

Avocados keep falling from the tree…tons of them, well I exaggerate, approximately 7 per day.   Then they ripen at lightening speed.  We are using them instead of butter, eating them on every sandwich, putting them in salads and slathering spicy guacamole on everything.   I’m even making my own california roll sushi.  I might start making skin cream and hair treatment, then I could market the stuff.   Two people cannot eat 7 avocados per day.

Avocado Grounded

These are wonderfully creamy sweet avocados they work well with both the local lemons and limes.  The good news is this cultivar’s flesh is  slow to turn brown.  I make all kinds of guacamole.  Sometimes simple with just lemon juice, salt and garlic.  Sometimes with chopped onion, lime, salt and cilantro.  Sometimes with hot chilies and lime.  Sometimes with cumin, salt and rice vinegar.  I found this great spicy salt called Tony Charhere’s Orignal Creole Seasoning which makes a damn good “yakamolay” (word coined by friend Kandiss) with just a little lemon.

When God Gives You Lemons and Avocados...Make Guacamole!

I love avocados, I never thought I could say I had too many.  Too bad they just don’t keep and it is illegal to mail fresh produce to the mainland.   Doing some research I found it is difficult it is to process and keep avocado oil.  Too bad mainlanders I cannot share.

Kauai Snorkel Delight

Underwater photo of honu or green turtle, so close

Witness underwater majesty, snorkeling here in Kauai is pure delight.  The water temperature is an always perfect 78 to 80 degrees.  Amazingly clear water abounds, except for wave turbulence causing tiny bubbles and whirling sand,  The best snorkel time is sunny early morning, when the sea is calm.

fish seen snorkeling at Poipu

I’m using my new ten-dollar underwater camera, almost daily.  Careful not to waste my shots, as I have to buy film and pay for developing.  Wal-Mart  in Lihue was used for processing.   A week later, in this digital age of  immediate gratification I picked up my less than perfect results.  Disappointed with their quality, but happy that at least I can document just a bit of my experience.  I believe if I buy the more expensive higher speed film it may make a difference in the low light picture quality.  I’ll try it next roll.

some big fish in Poipu

The best snorkeling by far has been in Poipu.  The public beach and snorkeling areas are well-marked and we had no problem parking.  Poipu is very touristy, not the kind of place I usually hang out, but I love to snorkel with the turtles and the monk seals like to stop there too for a rest on the beach.

such a pretty face

We brought our own snorkel gear purchased from the clearance rack at Kmart in Sidney, NY.  both setups for under $10.00.  But we could have just bought some here.  Inexpensive gear is found all over, Kmart, Wal-Mart and even in the grocery stores.  The best buy would have to be garage sales, lots of good quality gear and especially fins, mostly for just a buck.

it's like he's flying underwater

I’ve found the best viewing of turtles to be in the very shallow water, only about 1-2 feet deep  It’s amazing all of the abundant life you encounter in the shallows.

fluttering fish, yellow, black and white

When the water is a little rough, I can put on quite a  show trying to get into the water and get my fins on while being bounced along the rocks, fins in the air, tumbling  in the surf, desperately hanging onto my gear.  A most graceful sight indeed.

so many fish

Working on the Short Game for Small Change

What is in this wave????? Maybe I don't want to know.

Over days past we whiled away many wonderful hours playing, swimming, and reading on the beach.  I tried some new fishing techniques without too much success and we had another great round at Wailua Muni Golf.  It was great, we played as a twosome, but I found myself going a bit over budget.  I needed to make some changes in our spending.   I found a solution.

Pink water lilies at Wailua Municipal Gof Course

Today we went to Kukuiolono Golf Course, but we didn’t play a round of golf.  We got a bucket of balls, a pretty large bucket at that for $2.00.  We took the balls to the practice putting green, this activity is always free.  We were able to chip and putt for near an hour having fun, getting our golf fix and sharpening our skills.  We both took our turns with chips and putts making a game of it to see who would get closer to the hole.   After we had our fill of chip and putt if was off to the driving range with our balls.  This driving range has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from Poipu west to beyond Hanapepe and the Salt Pond.  Today the ocean was almost dead calm, the sea flat and the air so clear we could see 3 other islands that we never saw before.  We practiced our drives  aiming for the endless Pacific blue.   Two dollar activity in paradise for a twosome, how can you beat that.

next day view of driving range, on the clear day....i didn't bring the camera

Secluded Beach Adventure, Polihale Beach State Park

The remoteness of this beach is part of the charm.  The only access is a 5 mile long, poorly marked dirt and sand rutted road miles from the nearest town Kekaha.  A sign at the entrance says 4 wheel drive only, but slow and careful navigation brought the Acura through this adding  just another layer of red dirt dust.

The cliffs at Polihale

Polihale, the word means “house of the after world” or in other words, heaven.  Heavenly is an accurate description of this long stretch of remote wild beach.  Wild because the shore is unprotected from the open ocean, entering the water is not safe here, the beach drops off rapidly into extremely deep water, the waves are relentless and strong rip currents are present especially during the winter months.  One must be careful even just walking along the beach.  I saw one unsuspecting walker, strolling along the edge of the surf,swamped waist-high holding his camera above his head, barely keeping his footing as he headed for high ground. I could see

a red stain in the water that clearly defined the rip currents, the waves were  10 to 12 feet high, and presented in rapid succession.  These waves were small in comparisons to the surf on Oahu this day which were said to be up to 30 feet.

sunlight washes cliffs at polihale

We found the most gorgeous secluded spot under a twisted tree that offered much appreciated shade.  The back drop was the cliffs of Na Pali, so close we could almost touch them, the surf and a tidal pool were center stage. The tidal pool was our private bath, refreshed on a regular basis with fresh surf. We stayed for hours.  Peaceful and beautiful. In Hawaiian mythology it is believed that spirits travel the coastal plain next to this beach, stay in a temple near here and then jump from the northern cliffs into the sea, to gain their passage to heaven.  The place definitely has a spiritual feel.

driftwood and patterns in the sand

The people of Kauai are frugal and resourceful. In December of 2008 flooding damaged facilities and closed the access road.  The park was closed. The government estimated it would cost 4 million dollars for repairs and take up to 2 years to complete. Locals fearing the economic impact,voluntarily repaired the road on their own rather than wait for the government to take action. They finished fixing the road in 8 days. I love these people.

relentless surf at polihale

Poipu Bay Golf Course, Where Champions Play

first glimpse of Poipu Bay Golf Course

I feel so privileged to have had the great opportunity to play golf at one of the nations premier golf destinations, home of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf 1994-2006.  Thanks to a wonderful birthday gift,  I had this pleasure, one extravagance I would never afford myself.  This was dream golf.  When compared to my usual choices for frugal golf.

lush fairways and beautiful scenery

The warm up area was the best I had ever seen.  All the range balls you wanted were included and they were good balls too.  We practiced up plenty because I really wanted to play well here.   The driving range even included sand traps, so you could practice your strategy of avoidance.   Some practice putting on fast smooth greens was all of the preparation I needed, and then off to our round.  We were able to play as a twosome.  I love that.

golf in the shadow of giants

The fairways were plump.  Drives had a really long run with the help of the wind and could roll even further on the carpet-like fairway grass.  The fairway held the ball perched up, like on a tee.  I had my best second shots ever with my 5 wood on this turf.

golf course serenity

This course was gorgeous and serene.  The pace was just right, we never felt pushed or hurried.  The drink cart attendant was ever present.  I was pleased with my performance as with numerous traps and hazards I only found myself in the sand once, and had a great out with a little bounce near the pin.

four palms tell wind direction

We loved the wind.  We loved the views.

Poipu Bay, most beautiful golf course I have ever seen

My score did not reflect the generally good game I played,  hitting the ball straight, staying in the fairway and out of the traps,  good chips onto the green and putting true to the read.   That could be because I dropped 3 balls into the water on just one hole.  So be it.  This was a wonderfully satisfying golf outing .  Thank you, Chris.

breathtaking views

view of the pacific from the golf course

On the Road Again….North Shore Delights

aa

Kalena Fish Market, Lihue

We made plans for this northbound adventure the day before and decided to get take out from Kalena Fish Market as recommended by a local.   We ordered just what was recommended as well.  This place  sells Korean style plate lunch.  The woman behind the service counter was so friendly she showed us the different foods and patiently explained how each one would taste.  Kalena’s looks like a fishing supply store from outside, closes at 3 pm and is open only for lunch.  We ordered Bi Bim Bap,(teriyaki chicken, multiple vegetables, sprouts, seaweed salad, tofu, an egg(scrambled), kim chee, all on a bed of rice with a tiny tub of spicy barbecue sauce and the Kalena Special, which had multiple kinds of meat, chicken katsu (breaded and fried), beef jun (a thin bit of beef with an egg batter covering), and some tender and tasty ribs, and a choice of 4 types of vegetables and rice. We also carried a cooler with ice and two bottles of Grolsch beer.

Gorgeous view at lookout travelling north toward Kapaa

We loved our lunch, and had enough food to feed us for the whole day again for under $20.00 for us two.

Anini Beach

Anini beach is one of the safest and most protected along the North Shore of the island. Over 2 miles of reef runs the  length of  this beach and protects people entering the water from dangerous surf.  This is Hawaii’s longest reef. It is popular for both snorkeling and windsurfing. We planned to snorkel today but visability was poor,  due to the after rain run off  flowing into the sea.  Snorkel day is postponed.  This beach was once called Wanini.  It is told that the , “W, fell off the sign, rather than fixing the sign, the name was just permanently changed.  This is so Hawaiian.

falls on the north shore road

misty shores

Interesting Kauai fact……BEER IS ALLOWED AT ALL PARKS AND ON THE BEACH.   Sad to say, there is broken glass on Kauai’s beaches, this is a great disappointment that really mars the overall beauty.  Please don’t litter.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Kilauea Lighthouse,built in 1913,is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands.

The lighthouse is on a narrow peninsula and remains one of Kauai’s most popular attractions. Native vegetation and an informative visitor center attract tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kauai’s past. Well worth the stop.  We did not pay the fee to enter the lighthouse instead choosing to take in the vistas at the free overlook  just outside the lighthouse gate.