Kaua'i

Without a doubt Kaua’i is the prettiest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is not called the Garden Island for nothing.

Lots and lots of movies have been made here. Blue Hawai’i with Elvis, South Pacific, The Thorn Birds, Outbreak, Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
TV shows like Fantasy Island and Gilligan’s Island were also made here.
These are just a few names on a list of many. There is a tour which will take you to all the places these movies/TV shows were made but we decided to do it on our own and we did find most of the locations.
We walked on the beach where Father Ralph ravished Meggie in the Thorn Birds, but could not go into the Botanical Garden to visit Jurassic Park – it was closed.
We found all these places no thanks to me – I was the navigator and I got us lost. And I mean LOST. We drove around in circles, until my dear friend had enough and took over.  I mean how often do you want to see a blowhole?

But let me start from the beginning. We picked up our hired car at the airport and drove to our hotel. There the planning began. What did we want to do and when.
Apart from exploring the Island, my priority was a helicopter ride over the island to see it all from the air. Kaua’i  is spectacular from above, especially the Waimea Canyon and the NaPali coast.
As our hotel was on one side of the Island and we had to be at the airport on the other side quite early, we left without breakfast. We thought we would be able to pick up a bite to eat on the way, but no luck. Every establishment was closed. I had no choice, but to board the helicopter with an empty stomach.  This was not good as I was soon finding out. 

I was sitting in front next to the pilot, with me in the back was a honeymoon couple. The young woman was afraid of flying and had taken a sedative. She was sound asleep during the whole flight.  I am sure the pilot wanted to do the right thing and show us the island from every angle, but every time he turned around and dipped the helicopter to let us have another view, I felt sick.
When I finally got off the chopper after an hours flight, my knees were shaking and I could hardly stand up.
I must honestly say it was not one of my better moments. But I did enjoy the scenery. The Canyon and the NaPali coast are stunning to look at.

Finally, finally we found a shop open, bought  something to eat and I felt better in no time. We then drove up to the rim of Waimea Canyon and enjoyed the view. And what a view it was!

Waimea is a small version of the Grand Canyon, but it is as amazing.
The last but not least point of interest was the Fern Grotto. We had to go on a boat ride to reach it. During the trip we were entertained by the crew singing in falcetto voices, a curious custom to the islands.  It was different!

The Fern Grotto is a magical place and well worth a visit.  
We had a ball at the hotel each night as there was plenty of entertainment.
Did I enjoy Kaua’i? You can bet your red cotton socks on that one.