on one hike i kinda remember a helo deep in the forest valley..and it wasnt parked.

So how about the risks of Leptospirosis? Is it a legitimate danger, or not so much? Wifey has an obsession with hiking and swimming in waterfalls, and I don't know how hard I should try to crush her dream. Is it worth trying to talk her out of it, or is it not too much of a danger?

It is there, not much risk if you have no open wounds, and don't drink the water from the streams unfiltered. The more flowing the water the better.

Thanks, sounds like I should help her out with her plan.

If you are up for a long rewarding hike, the waterfall at the back of the first valley in on the Kalalau or Na Pali trail, has a great really tall waterfall at the back of the valley. It is two miles to the valley and another two miles back to the falls. Kind of rugged trail, but beautiful views of the coast from the trail.

Wear good walking shoes, Carry plenty water for the day, and a lunch.

It gets to be a mob scene at the end of the road/ first part of the trail, by about 9 am so it's worthwhile to get an early start. The earlier the better. Plenty of shade on the trail in the morning.

Plenty of other falls around too. But Hanakapiae is one of the best.

Cheers Richard

NaPali is a great hike. And yes the trail can be very rugged/rocky. If you do go to the waterfall and swim in the pool be advised that the bottom is not flesh friendly (IIRC). Further beware of the weathered lava around some of the beaches, it is razor sharp. Flip flops are NOT recommended.

We've been here for a couple of days, and this is by far our favorite island so far. We've been taking it easy for the first couple of days, getting some beach time in. I've realized that surfing is MUCH harder than I remember from when I was stationed in San Diego!

We are kayaking up the Wailua river tomorrow, and hiking to some falls early in the morning. Saturday we are taking the Holo Holo sightseeing/snorkeling trip. After that we'll do some exploring out by the Na Pali coast.

Thanks for all that advice, I can't recommend this island enough if anyone is conIdering going to Hawaii.

Elisha went down to hang out this morning. I'm a bit beat up from yesterday (muscles I haven't used in years) and had my breakfast in the room today. Caught up on Game of Thrones (no kids around) and played guitar for a couple hours... A morning well spent! Off to Princeton and the lighthouse shortly.

We are in Po'ipu right now and are changing hotels to Kapa'a to see some different sights.

Glad to hear you are enjoying being on Kauai, what's a good vacation with out some sore muscles from having too much fun?
If Kevin, the owner happens to be aboard Holo holo for your Na Pali trip, say aloha to him from Richard of Tevake. Our boats were moored next to each other for a few years. Neighbors so to speak. Tell him the mainland is treating me well.

While in Kapaa, you will be close Kintaros the best Japanees restaurant on the island.

Enjoying following your trip, hope it continues delightfully.

Cheers Richard

How about some Vacation photos! These are from The Sheraton where we stayed in Po'ipu. More action shots coming as we do some more adventurous sightseeing.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1466738028.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1466755664.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1466756015.jpg

Lighthouse near Princeville Kau'i.