Lihue, Hawaii

First, a little background about how this adventure came about. Mike and Rayelle Anderson's daughter, Julia, graduated from high school this year and as a reward for her being an honor student, she was given the opportunity of a trip for all her hard work. We were honored when she asked us to join the family on this adventure.

Linda, Julia, and Rayelle began searching for a location to explore. The first choice was Costa Rica, but soon they realized the flights down and back plus other travel requirements would consume too much time, not allowing enough for exploration and relaxation. At that time, Linda suggested Hawaii and they began putting this graduation adventure to Lihue together. Julia found the AirBnb in Princeville, a car was rented, and then we had to wait until June 13th to get the party started.

Lihue

Back to the D Gates!

Our flight from Spokane to Seattle was smooth, and on time, but insanely early. Departing from our front door at 3.30 AM was one of those crazy necessities you put up with when you travel from Spokane to anywhere in the world. You would have to leave that early even if you were just traveling to Seattle or Boise. There is just no getting around the pre-dawn!!!

As we got off the plane in the Emerald City, I checked the Alaska App on my phone and it said we would be departing for Hawaii from gate D7. I spotted the guide signs, lowered my head, entered the swarm of travelers, and we made our way quickly to the designated gate. Once there I rechecked the app and found that there had been a gate change and we then were leaving from gate N15.

Off we went into the crowds down to the train and over to the N gates.

The Tiki Hut, our front room and kitchen.

Arriving at the N Gates, we were told that our gate had been changed again and that we were departing from our original gate D7. Again we headed to the train, up the long escalators, and through the crowds to the D gates.

Here was our problem. Whenever we went down into the tunnel and on the People Mover train, they would change our departure gate and then send an email telling us where to go. Being down in the tunnel out of phone coverage, we would not get the info until we arrived at the new gate. We were like ping-pong balls bouncing back and forth.

In the end, we walked to each departure gate three times. We departed an hour and a half late from Gate N12. Weirdly enough, we weren't that ate getting into Lihue.

So many flowers!

Looking south from Princeville overlook.

Our arrival was uneventful and we quickly collected our luggage. We hoped a shuttle that carried us to the car rental facility and Mike went inside to pick up our vehicle. I waited outside with the others. As I waited I chatted with the rental car greeter. He was an older retired fellow, Byron. When he learned we were from Idaho, he told me about an upcoming trip to fish the Henery's Fork of southern Idaho. We chatted the entire time Mike was in getting the paperwork secured.  When Mike appeared with our ride, I said good luck to Byron, helped load the rig and we were off to find our condo.

Our first order of business was a quick stop for supplies at Costco!  We collected the items we thought we needed from the box store and, of course, had a Costco hot dog. We were famished from our flight and a big dog really hit the spot. 

The view from the Happy Talk Bar & Grill.

First evening drinks and pupus.

We then stopped at a nearby Safeway and completed our shopping list. Back in the car, Mike loaded our destination into the Google app and we were off. Everything went as planned and we arrived at our Tiki-themed condo (the house was called the Tiki Tower) tired but excited. We were finally able to relax.

Our first full day (Friday) of our stay was very relaxed and low-key. We all woke up at different times, took walks around the area, and then ate breakfast on our own. Perfect start to our island vacation. We got familiar with the house. It was three floors. First - 2 bedrooms and baths, second - 1 bedroom with bath and the laundry room with a toilet, and third - the living and dining room, the kitchen, and a small balcony lanai. Six small flights of stairs to the top, I have to get my exercise!

Rayelle, Mike, Linda, and I got into the car and drove around the community to the west which included Hanalei, Princeville, and Wahiniha ending our drive at Limahuli Garden & Preserve, National Tropical Botanical Garden. This area is basically the end of the road and beyond this point starts the Kalalau Trailhead along with the National Park.

We returned in time to load up and catch happy hour at Happy Talk a local restaurant and bar. The view from the bar was beautiful.

Looking west from an overlook on the drive
to  Hanalei. 

A gigantic snail that you should never touch!

Shoes off in Tiki House.

Again, looking south.