My Passport’s Travels

Once Eve and I had our feet back on the ground, the helicopter company shuttle took us to pick up our car (we had a great rental car from Sixt) and we were on our way back to the Wonder to collect Mom (who had a busy morning doing laundry on board).  Many people on line had recommended the Shaka Guides, so we were off on their Waimea and Na Pali Tour. The tours are great – they work off the GPS and provide guiding directions, lovely background music, interesting stories and information about pull-offs (and restrooms!).  

We did stop on our way out of town in Kalaheo at the Right Slice – a local pie shop. Mom picked best with the macadamia nut pie (that they warmed for her), Eve had a slice of coconut cream pie and I tried the local favorite – Lilikoi Cheesecake. It was a great way to start the drive.

We drove past the Kauai coffee plantation – one of the largest in the world! The coffee beans come from inside the berries that turn bright red when they’re ready to harvest.

Next stop was Pa’ula’ula State Historic Site – the site of a Russian outpost, Ft. Elizabeth.  There’s not much left of the building that was built of lava rock.

A few years ago a statue of King K’a Moi’Kaumual’ii was added. He was the last high chief of Kaua’i, until he became a vassal to King Kamehameha.

This is also where Eve began her love affair with Hawaiian chickens.

We turned up the road to Waimea State Park.  It was a small, winding road up the mountain.

Our faithful steed for Kaua’i – and a glimpse of the road. It was small, just one lane each way, but well-maintained. Although the shoulder could be sketchy at times.

The canyon is still spectacular, even from ground level.

We did stop at the Koke’e Lodge and Museum for a picnic lunch then continued down the road towards Honopu and the Kalalau Lookout, which overlooks the Na Pali coast. We were higher than the clouds!

The drive back was easy and interesting with our guide, ‘Uncle Shakka’. We made another quick stop in Waimea so Eve could do a little shopping. (I did resist the urge to buy the Christmas ornament they had – which was labeled St Thomas, VI instead of Kauai, HI.)

Back to the airport to park the car for the night, we grabbed a Lyft back to the ship and collapsed.  Dinner tonight will be a quick one – pizza on the pool deck. We’re all done after the long, great day!