Kaua'i Island 7th anniversary celebration

We got to take a get-away for our 7th anniversary.  As usual, we weren't able to leave on our actual anniversary as planned, but a few days later we were lucky enough to still have my mom in town to watch our little ones (and Mariah agreed to taking a bottle!) so we left for a quick  trip.   We rented a couple of red boxes for the plane (Since we had already watched the plane movies a couple of weeks ago when we went to the Big Island.)  I enjoyed a nap and some quiet time.  We like getting the exit row for more leg room, but the seat next to the door leaks the coldest air and freezes my feet out!!  

We LOVE getting a car from National because it is SO fast! (luckily it was cheap for this trip too).  We grabbed dinner at Costco and raced to our hotel.  We were hoping to get a hike in before the sun went down and luckily found one close to us.  Unluckily, it was the island Christmas light parade night, so traffic was a bit crazy.  With only 1 main road there aren't many other options for getting to when you want to go.  

We finally found the trail head and as the sun was going down we literally ran to the Ho'opi'i waterfalls.  

  We got in the murky water and had fun on this rope swing.  We were both a bit nervous about the light going down on a path we didn't know so we hurried back on the trail.  Luckily, we corrected our few mistakes and made it out of the frog and chicken infested jungle just in time!

Our hotel  (Marriott courtyard on Coconut beach) had an awesome view of the ocean, a hot tub and fire in front of a water fountain.  We spent the night sitting in the hot tub, the beach listening to the waves and enjoying the fire.  

In the morning we found ourselves back on the beach (right in front of the Courtyard Marriott).  It was a gorgeous sunrise.  We usually stay on the sunset side of the islands, so this was a first to see the sunrise in Hawaii.

 We made a quick stop to gaze at these 'Opaeka'a falls 

We then started out on a hike.  We hiked 4 miles up "sleeping Giant" to see a fantastic jungle trek, and great views of the island and ocean.  

 We did some snorkeling at Lydgate beach park.  It was a totally protected cove, so it was relaxing and enjoyable (but not many fish).

We checked out of our hotel and picked up a shave ice from Hee Fat (amazing with Mac nut ice cream!) and some motion sickness pills.  Because we were off to the most awesome (and most expensive) Hawaiian experience ever! In Lihue we boarded a helicopter and went around the entire island in only 55 minutes to see the most incredible sites ever!!  We started at the airport, flew over Hanapepe Valley and Waimea canyon (the famous Jurassic park falls) then we rounded the coast to see the Na pali coast, amazing canyons, a pod of dolphins swimming in the ocean, the Hanalei valley with millions of waterfalls, then we saw (up in the clouds) Mount Waiale'ale (the wettest spot on earth).  We  ended with Wailua Falls and back to the airport.

We were both feeling a bit woozy after our flight so we went to eat dinner on the beach at Dukes.  The coconut shrimp appetizer was one of the most amazing dishes I have EVER eaten.

 We ordered the raved about "Hula Pie" .  Althought it was delicious, it wasn't necessarily my favorite dessert.  I'm not a huge fan of nuts in my ice cream.  I'm glad I tried it, but will likely stick with shave ice in the future :)

We went out to spouting horn on the south side of the island to be able to see the sunset.    

We were so tired that we headed back to our hotel, hot tubbed and fell asleep in an on-the-beach canopy bed with Hawaiian Christmas music and waves crashing in the background.  I slept the entire flight home (including the hour delay to fix something).  People think we are crazy for 13 hours of flying for only 30 hours on the ground . . .but I'd do it every month if I could.  It is so gorgeous there.  I love the beach.  I think Kauai may be in the running for favorite island . . . but I need to experience a bit more just to make sure :).