The Final Days

This little guy came out to visit
from behind the couch.

Our days on the island were passing quickly. Friday was upon us and with it came the rain. We spent most of the morning watching the rain pour down. The rain started to disappear in the afternoon allowing the bright sun to break through.

We all walked the four blocks toward town to a park where they have a weekly Saturday art fair. We all checked out the booths, hid from the rain, and bought some various items. Linda bought a very cool handbag/carry-on that I really liked. It has sea turtles on it and looks very Hawaiian. Later that afternoon we drove into Hanalei for dinner at Kalypso Island Bar and Grill and did some final shopping.

Smile!

It was time for our adventure to be over. Everyone packed and we played our final game of cards. We would have to depart from Tiki Tower by 10 AM the next morning.

At exactly 10 the next morning we were heading south to catch our flight in Lihue. The problem was that we were not scheduled to board our flight until 8 PM that evening. Mike drove and the rest of us made suggestions as to how to burn time waiting for our flight. We ended up stopping at every little town and shopping. It was fun and gave us a good look at the many little towns along the route back to drop off the rental car and catch our flight.

It's all about the refreshments, you know!

Things went well after we returned the car. Our flight was on time and we all got seated for the 5 hour and 55-minute red-eye flight back to Seattle. Trying to get comfortable and sleep was a challenge, what can you do? At the airport in Seattle, we had breakfast and then caught the final flight home. It all went smoothly and we were at our house by about 9:45 AM. We were tired, but it was such a nice vacation that it was worth the exhaustion.

We were so honored to have been invited on this adventure. We hope the Andersons, especially Julia whose trip this was, enjoyed the experience as much as we did. We truly had a great time. Thanks, Mike Rayelle, and Julia, for the adventure and your friendship. We love you all.

[If you want to compare this adventure to our first visit to this beautiful island explore here!]

Watching surfers and swimmers.

Time for the last leg of our journey.

Lighthouse

The next afternoon, the Andersons and Linda walked to one of the many golf courses near us to attend an Art and Music Festival. They were disappointed in what they found - maybe 6 vendors and one guy playing his guitar and singing. They enjoyed the walk. That evening, we split the team up and the Andersons went to a Hula and Fire Dance demo while Linda and I rested and used the area around the pool. It was very relaxing and we enjoyed the time together just resting and enjoying the sun we had.

View from the parking lot outside the refuge.

On Thursday, we went to the Kilauea Point Lighthouse National Wildlife Refuge and explored that area. This refuse hosts one of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in the state. It is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The Lighthouse sits on a spit of lava rock protected to the north by a small island. The light serves to warn ships of the rock island and the mainland. The views are spectacular.

That afternoon was spent at Anini Beach where Mike snorkeled and the ladies lay in the sun and went beachcombing. I sat in the shade enjoying the breeze, watching the windsurfers.

Kilauea Point Lighthouse.

The breakwater island north of the lighthouse.

Looking west to the Anini Beach area from the lighthouse.

Snorkeling and sunning at Anini Beach.

Guarding the shade.

Horns and Turtles

After we explored the road up Waimea Canyon and back, we then drove to Poipu and found the Spouting Horn. We watched the seas push through the rocks sending a spray of water up into the air. It also made a sound that sounded like a whale blowing out through its blowhole. We were able to see several sea turtles feeding along the rocks. It was a great stop. As the sun lowered on the horizon, we drove to Poipu Beach where turtles were known to make their way out of the water each night to sleep on the beach. Everyone found a spot and waited for the creatures to arrive. The area was packed as everyone waited to see if any would show up that evening. There were several volunteers as well as rangers/biologists in the area. They made sure that no one was allowed to approach or harass any turtles that might appear. These volunteers stay til most everyone is off the beach. They do this every single night. They take their conservation very seriously. Just as the sun disappeared, two huge turtles made their way up onto the sandy beach. The first and largest had to be at least 4 feet in length and close to that in diameter. The second was only slightly smaller. It was a very interesting process. The turtles are so large that it takes them an enormous amount of effort to make their way to their resting place. With the sun down, Mike drove us home and we played cards til bedtime.

The Spouting Horn sends us a little rainbow.

Jo Jo's Shave Ice.

Crowds gather at Poipu Beach to watch the turtles.