My mom wasn’t thrilled with the idea of me hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai, notorious for being one of the most treacherous, dangerous hikes in the state.
And it didn’t help that the trail had been recently re-opened to the public for hiking and camping after a month-long search for a potentially dangerous fugitive who allegedly threw a park visitor from a cliff in the valley in December.
She didn’t like the fact that I’d be hiking in a remote area — and after a heavy rain, no less — with a “potentially dangerous fugitive” on the loose.
I couldn’t blame her.
But then again, wasn’t that part of the adventure?
So on my second day on the Garden Isle, I hopped into my rental car and drove the 32 miles from my hotel in Kapaa to Kee Beach and the start of the 11-mile trail.
Good thing we were just going to Hanakapiai Beach.
Just don’t tell my mom this beach is famous for drownings.
Here’s what my second day on Kauai looked Like:
Good morning, Kauai
Follow my adventures on Kauai on Twitter @thedailydish and on Instagram @catherinetoth.
Special thanks to the Kauai Visitors Bureau for setting all this up!
Love hiking Kauai, it can be a bit treacherous so always go with other people. Brought back some good memories. Used to think Kauai was the place to live off the land because you got all kinds of food to eat in the wilderness.
I love the picture of the chocolate machine. At first glance it looks like a rusty old hunk of junk. Then you realize it is chocolate not grease all over it. LOL.
Hello Cat!
Kauai is so laid back. The only hike I did was up in Kokee.
CAT: Whew! what a hike! Now I’m ready for brekkie! Tenks!
I took a long brekkie — a whole day! And guess what I did? Eat!
Hey Cat … great pics!!! … nothing like a hke to experience the beauty of the islands … haven’t been to Kauai in a long time … but I loved it there …
… and the Lawai manju are my favorite … while at UH a friend from Kauai would always bring back a box when she went back home … she was actually from Lawai … missed those … wish I had a tray right now!!! …
… I see being a foodie is a 365 day a year job, huh … love it!!! …
Lawai manju was freaking awesome; second only to my mom’s!
if u have time, go visit papalani gelato in the poipu shopping village. their salt pond flavor is way ono!
http://papalanigelato.com/gelato-menu/hawaiian-gelato/
Salt Pond flavor? If that for real???
Your pictures illustrate one very good day. Most people go their entire lives without seeing that kind of beauty (and eating that kind of food) in a single day.
“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” (Henry David Thoreau)
Not you, Cat, and you inspire the rest of us.
I love that quote. And I do try to live every day, full of experiences. I mean, why not? We only live once. And we’re lucky enough to live HERE!
Love the Hukilau, eat there every time I go home.
It was my first time and I’m a believer!