Off to Kauai

This morning, the Duncans left early to return the van (we returned the Mustang last night) and head off to Kauaii.  We had an extra few hours in Honolulu before taking a later flight, so that we could make do with a single rental vehicle - they could drive up to Hanalei Bay, drop the kids off and come back to the airport to get us.  It's about a 45 minute drive, so was cheaper to get a rental while we are here than airport transfers for all of us.

After checking out, we headed down the road to IHop for breakfast - sticking to the rule of trying not to eat anywhere that we could do at home.  The menu was huge and so were the portions, but it set us up well for the day.  We then wandered back toward Waikiki from the lagoon and back around in time to pick up our bags and head off to the airport.  It was 'only' around 28 degrees in Honolulu, but with 55% humidity, it was HOT.  Looks like there is rain on the other side of the island again today though.  Apparently, that's why it is so humid - the rain blocks the trade winds from coming over the mountains and dispersing the humidity.  It's bizarre to see such extremities in weather right beside us - melting on one side of the island while seeing thunder clouds on the other.

We had a bit of time at the airport, so thought it an ideal time to check out some more local specialties, so enjoyed a maitai and some poke, which is the local Ahi tuna, marinated and served raw.  Both were VERY delicious.  When we got off the plane in Kauaii we immediately noticed the difference, it's SO much more comfortable temperature wise.  I'm still in shorts and singlet at midnight though and it is still almost as warm as the daytime.  Driving up the island was lovely, it's so beautiful here - Brett reckons it reminds him of the Caribbean island in the Death in Paradise TV show.

Princeville has to be seen to be believed - the 'town' is essentially a series of fancy resorts and Hanalei Bay is breathtakingly beautiful.  When we were checking in, the desk clerk told us that the room we had booked would "blow our mind" and it certainly has.  No time to take photos tonight before dark, but will take plenty over the next few days I'm sure.  The Duncans and Dan are right next door, so together we have taken over the best spot in a fantastic place.  We are all gobsmacked to be here and can't quite believe that we are getting to spend some time in such a fabulous place.  It really feels like we have walked into somebody else's life.

After working our way through a couple of bottles of red and a 'who can pick the best song' contest - which included some interesting dance moves from the Jandal sisters, notably a definitely dodgy 'robot' from the younger and embarrassingly (for the kids anyway) eighties headbanging and Freddie moves from the elder - we are off to bed. Literally climbing into enormous and ornately carved beds that look fit for royalty, to get rested and ready to explore this slice of paradise tomorrow.  So far we are thinking that if we come back, we will skip Honolulu and come straight here, so we'll see how that theory holds up during the week.  Will keep you posted...

P.S. Happy birthday Al xx