April 25, 2023 - Kauai (April 19)

Kauai is the fourth largest island of the archipelago of Hawaii and is sometimes referred to as the “garden island”.  Kauai is the oldest and most northern island in the chain and is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountains spires and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Over the centuries growth has formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls. We had a beautiful day exploring this island with friends we met on the final Grand Voyage on the Prinsendam in 2019. Michel and Silvie. Michel and Silvie have a place here that they are able to stay for a seven or eight week stretch and it is very fortunate for us they had arrived a few days ago and were able to meet us pier side for a most wonderful day of touring. 

At pier side they greeted us with beautiful fresh orchid traditional leis and a wonderful spacious 6 seater van - so great to be able to catch up after so much time, some of which was caused by the Covid pause. Our first stop was to their accommodations on the North East side of the island where we toured the grounds and then had their friends, Monique and Michel, join us in our tour. We headed over to Hanalei Bay for a photo stop but this could have easily been a day in itself stay. There is a historical pier here as well as an excellent swimming and surfing beach. From here we visited the art gallery shop, Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art, a most incredible display of art as well as good quality things to purchase. We then continued to a great view spot of the poi fields and then to the lighthouse at Kilauea point. Lunch was next at another historical eatery, the Olympic Cafe, plate lunches all around. 

After lunch we viewed a fantastic waterfall as well as drove through the “tunnel of trees” on our way to the magnificent blowhole at Spouting Horn Park and our final stop at Kuku’ula Harbor Beach. This beach is a common home to beached turtles and seals, usually never on the same day but today we got very lucky with both, six turtles and one seal. The conservation officers cordon the area off when these amazing animals come to shore for a rest.

This was a most fantastic day in so many ways, not only finally catching up and visiting with friends, but also getting the VIP tour of Kauai. We thank Michel and Silvie for creating such a fantastic day for us, we hope you continue to have a wonderful time on this amazing peaceful, garden island. 

Entering Kauai 





With Michel and Silvie

Beautiful waterfall, beautiful mountain 



















Poi fields

Lighthouse visit









Plate lunch

Plate lunch

With Silvie, Monique, Michel, us and then Michel







Treed tunnel



Blowhole
























Until next time, thank you M and S…