After spending some time last night planing where to go for the rest of the trip, we decide to slow down and take it easy today. The first place we want to check out is Lydate Beach Park that's right next to our hotel. After that, the plan is to head west from Kapaa for some sightseeing. Kapaa's in the middle of the east coast, half way between the north shore and the south shore.
As usual, the day starts with a quick breakfast at the hotel, and then we walk to Lydate Beach Park right behind the hotel. In the past two days, we were busy driving north and south so we didn't get a chance to spend any time at the beach that's a couple of steps from us. On the way to the beach, we pass the hotel outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi that have an amazing view over the beach. This area is really scenic as you can see in the pictures.
The beach here has a rock barrier that creates a nice man-made pool-like close to the shore. We first sit in the shadow of a tree to enjoy the view, the waves, and watch people having fun in the water. A woman even tell us to keep an eye out to the ocean because we might see some whales. Too bad, I don't bring my glasses so I can't see that far but I have some fun hoping between these big rocks. It's really fun walking on the breaker with water on both sides. After that, we take some nice pictures while taking in the incredible views and fresh air of morning at the beach.
Lydate Beach Park is one of the few beach parks in Kauai that have lifeguards. The park is surrounded by a large lava/rock to block the wave and keep the pool-like area calm and clear that is perfect for young swimmers and beginner snorkelers. This boulder enclosed pool allows fresh water and fish in but keeps strong waves out, especially overwhelming ones in the winter.
After spending a couple of hours at the beach, we walk back to the hotel to get ready to head out. And of course, before leaving we did not forget to stop by the information desk to get a few more ideas for the day. By the time we leave the hotel, it's after 12pm... It's really hot and sticky today.
The first stop on the agenda is Opaeka'a Falls. There's another waterfall in the area called Wailua Falls that we visited on the first day, so we don't need to go there again. This time we didn't make any mistakes and followed the clear signs to Opaeka'a Falls. We quickly get to the waterfall look-out on the right of the road with a plenty of parking spaces. It's so convenient, isn't it?
Opaeka'a Falls is a waterfall located on the Wailua River in Wailua River State Park on the eastern side of Kauai. The name "Opaeka'a" means rolling shrimp ("opae means shrimp and ka'a means rolling in Hawaiian). The name dates back to days when the native freshwater shrimps were abundant in this stream and seen rolling, tumbling down the falls into the churning waters at the fall's base. Opaeka'a Falls is one of the island's few waterfalls that can be seen from the road, and another bonus is the ample parking and restroom facilities.
Looking from the lookout, we could only see the waterfalls from a distance. But if you're in the area, I think it's worth it to stop by. And if you come here, don't miss another fantastic look-out exactly on the other side of the street. A short crosswalk though a couple of narrow lanes will lead you to Wailua Heritage Trail look-out. Looking down from here gives an amazing view of Hawaiian culture. You can also see Wailua River Park where people can take a kayak tour down the river. We are thinking of doing some kayaking here as well. Afterall, it's a really magnificent view that you don't want to miss when you are in the area.
Leaving Wailua Heritage Trail look-out, we continue towards Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve. Again, the scenery reminds me of my childhood in the hometown with plenty of trees, rivers, a lot of green and very peaceful... We drove on the Kaumoo Road until we got to the Keahua stream (end of the road we can drive). There is a small parking lot where the road meets the river so of course we park here.
We see a trail for hiking a little before the parking lot, but it's kind of muddy after the rain. A few people are coming back from the trail with their very dirty shoes and pants. It doesn't seem like anything special enough to justify getting everything muddy. We also decide not to cross the river to the other side, so we just stay here for a while to enjoy the fresh green forest after the rain... and watching the chickens and roosters walking around.
The Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve was established by Governor’s Proclamation in 1909 for the purpose of protecting watershed areas vital to the lowland agricultural economy. It is located in east Kaua‘i and consists of over 12,500 acres of public land in two separate areas: Wailua and Kalāheo. It is one of the most popular places to travel to spot the rare and exotic plants and wildlife of Hawaii. The terrain is very wet and mountainous, and you are certain to see the timber plantations.
There are many activities to take part in at this area. Amongst the most popular are horseback riding,fishing, hunting, and tours of the vast and beautiful park. The trails, Powerline Trail, Kuilau Trail, and Wailua Forest Management Road, are purely natural, thus rough, making it ideal for advanced hiking, four-wheeling and commercial ecotourism.
It's 3:30pm, really hot and humid, and we've finished all places we wanted to see today. So we decide to go back to the hotel, walk to Lydate Beach Park, and enjoy a relaxing swim. On the way back we feel a little hungry again, so we head a little south and stop at Harbor Mall for an early dinner. There are a few restaurants in this mall and we finally choose Mariachi's because they have a nice view. For happy hour, they have a good deal on chicken wings - 4 pieces for $1. So I order 12 pieces since I like fried chicken wings with hot sauce. Hm.... I can't finish the whole thing but it's pretty cheap :)
We take our time eating, relaxing, enjoying the view from the balcony down to the street, to the river.... Food here is similar to other places in the US, but I think they serve free range chicken and grass grazing beef. After our late lunch/ early dinner, we walk around the mall for some window shopping and head back around 5pm.
Hm... This is the first time since we got here that we are planning to go to the beach to swim. Oh, the information desk is still open, we stop by to book tickets for the hula show.(I will talk about the show later). Then we get back to the room, put on my swimming suit, take some towels from the front desk, and we're walking to the same beach that we went to this morning. It's not as hot anymore, even a little bit chilly. I just got into this man-made pool for a short time and then quickly back to the hotel jacuzzi because it's getting very cold. Everyone else has already left. The hotel jacuzzi and pool are much better than the cold ocean...and what an awesome view!
That's it. I feel like we did not do much today compared to the last two days.. but looking at this page from the top to bottom, you might say we did alot, right? :). Anyways, we did have a good day discovering the middle (east side) of Kauai. Like the other two nights, I myself take the latop to the lobbly. The truth is I really like sitting here in the evening, take in the fresh air, listen to the waves from the beach, and hear the wind blowing through the trees. I also enjoy the feeling of being on vacation and putting everything else behind....
In the mean time, I use the free wifi for some quick conversations with my family in Vietnam. I need to tell them how much the scenary and the weather here reminds me of Vietnam..... Okie guys, time to get some sleep.... see you tomorrow!