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Click Here for Part 1: Maui

Click Here for Part 2: Oahu 

Kauai was our favorite of the four islands for adventure activities. We stayed at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu, famed for its black lava rocks next to its sand bar, the mouth-watering restaurants, and beautiful décor. We heard the weather was a bit sunnier in Poipu than in Princeville, and we’d have to agree. Even though Kauai boasts the rainiest spot on the planet, typically receiving more than 500 inches of rain per year, we had immaculate weather on the beach. Whenever we left the Poipu area and headed inland, we found precipitation. The resort was perfectly located halfway between our two activities for this island, ATVing and a catamaran snorkeling trip.

We went ATVing with Kipu Ranch Adventures through the famous Hollywood-filmed jungles of Kipu in an enclosed all-terrain vehicle called a “mule.” They unfortunately did not have any automatic transmission traditional ATVs that Craig could drive like we’re used to in Colorado, so he rode as passenger in the mule, which cut our cost in half. He had to miss out on the Indiana Jones rope swing, but the guides helped him up to the lookout point at the end, overlooking a private beach just south of Nohiu Bay.

The highlight of our entire Hawaii trip was the Catamaran tour along the stunning NaPali Coast with Cap’t Andy’s Tours, the only tour company of six that would even consider taking Craig in their boat. I promised Captain Andy we’d make sure to tell all our friends of his bravery (snicker), in carrying Craig 10 yards from the dock and down the narrow gangway to the seating area on the boat. From Craig’s seat at the back he could see everything from the waterfalls to the dolphins that came to play. He was even able to scoot a few paces to the back of the boat for the snorkeling hour of the trip. This is a long day that includes a light breakfast, a wonderful lunch, and some of the most amazing scenery of our lives. There’s no way we could have hiked the NaPali coastline’s trail, so finding Cap’t Andy was a blessing.

We also drove through the gorgeous Waimea Canyon State Park, where all the lookout points and trails were ramped, railed, and safe for wheelers. Don’t lock your keys in the car up here, though, folks; cell service is spotty and pay phones are sparse. We learned that the hard way!

Part 4: The Big Island