In December of 2000, Niyati and I made a one week trip to Kauai. We spent the first three days hiking along the coastal trails, and stayed in rustic cabins. The next three days we spent at an ocean front condo, with the intention of lazing around on the beach...but the weather got the best of us and we didn't spend much time on the beach because it was too rainy and too cold.

On the first day, we went hiking along the Na Pali coast. The Kalalau trail goes on for 11 miles along the coast, and in order to do the whole thing, you have to camp. We did not have this intention, but instead did the first 3 or so miles in to a deserted beach, and then headed back, for about 4 hours of hiking, and one hour of relaxation on the beach. The hike itself is great, but difficult and slippery. It is all through dense forest, with many openings that look directly over a cliff and out to the ocean. There are many view points from which you can see the whole Na Pali coast, and the canyons jutting out into the ocean. The drive to the beginning of the hike also offers stunning views of the mountains and the lush farmlands around.

On the second day, we drove to an area called the Waimea Canyon, which is evidently the 2nd largest canyon in the United States after the Grand Canyon. Its definitely beautiful, with lots of lookout points and opportunities to go hiking in and around. We did some small hikes, and we took our 4x4 jeep on some of the 4 wheel drive roads. It was absolutely necessary to have a 4x4 for these drives, and it was slow going but lots of fun and very scenic. The canyon looked brilliant at sunset.

The next day we got up early from our cabin in the Koke'e State Park, and headed out on a hike that would take us from the inland forest, to the tops of sheer cliffs looking over the ocean. The name of the trails were the Nu'alolo and Awa'awaphui trails, and it was about 8 miles round trip. I would have to say that that was the single most scenic day hike I have ever taken. After you hike for about 2 miles to the coast, it is non-stop jaw dropping views over the ocean...looking over cliffs, ridges and through jungles. I can't say enough about how great this hike is. Its definitely tiring with a decent amount of steady climbs, but it is well worth it. Absolutely magnificent.

The following day we drove back out of the state park and towards the coast. On our way to our beach condo, we stopped at the Polihale State Park, which is a 15 mile long beach with absolutely no hotels or anything near it. Its definitely helpful to have a 4x4 here to drive over the sand when necessary. There is almost no one around on this beach and it was a great place to laze around for a while. Swimming here is evidently very dangerous, so we did not go more than ankle deep.

The next three days we had planned on spending on the beach, snorkling, taking a helicopter ride...but the weather did not cooperate. It rained every day, almost all day, and was generally pretty cool. So we spent a lot of time driving around in the jeep, looking at the countryside, and going on 4 wheel drive only roads. It was still fun, but it was not what we intended to do. Our condo was very nice, and was literally right over the ocean. From our balcony you could feel the water when the waves smashed up against the rocks. Made for very loud but soothing nights.

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