June 15, 2025
NAWILIWILI, KAUAI ISLAND, HAWAII
The port town of
Nawiliwili
is fairly small. Sarah, Bob & I headed out to cruise down the peaceful
Wailua River
- known as the only navigable river in Hawaii to see the famed
Fern Grotto. The Wailua River is feed from fresh water pouring down from
Mt.Wai'ale'ale,
one of the wettest spots on the planet. We went with a local boat company, the Smith Family, who have been doing these tours for 80 years, since their great grandfather started company! They taught us history, traditions and how to Hula on the ride down the river.
After lunch we decided to embrace our more adventurous side and we went for lessons to ride in a traditional Hawaiian outrigger! I was excited Bob ( rower #1 and primary wave stopper) and Sarah ( rower#2) were up for the adventure! It was a great hour!! Our instructor ( from Kauai Beach Boys) was so good - he got us confident and riding the surf within 20 minutes. Special shout out to fellow resident Deb Warner who took time from her cocktails with Hubby Steve, to document our journey with photos and videos!!
After a quick shower and outfit change #3 we were off to sunset and the turtles at the southern end of the island, Poipu Beach. Bob had been to Poipu 2 years ago, and knew that large sea turtles come in and rest on the beach there each night, at sunset. We convinced our uber driver to take the scenic road down to Poipu, which is about a 30 minute drive. We asked her to stop along the way for a photo opt at the tree arch along Route 520. She also gave us about an hour, to watch the turtles (we counted 22) come in and rest and the sun to set. It was a beautiful night to wear my new turtle dress!
