Our family vacation to Kauai, Hawaii, was nothing short of magical. We explored the island’s beautiful beaches, indulged in local culture, and created unforgettable memories with family and friends. Here’s a recap of our amazing trip!
Travel Day: Austin to Kauai
Our adventure began with a journey to Austin, where we stayed at Jen Davis’s house. It was a cozy start to our trip, and we felt well-prepared for the long flight ahead.
I was initially nervous about how Bronson would handle the long plane ride, especially without screens. However, he did fantastic! A little painter’s tape worked wonders. We used it to tape paper up for Bronson to interact with and tape cups together to make a fun rattle. It was a lifesaver and kept him entertained for hours.
Week 1: The Carlston Family Adventure
Our first week in Kauai was spent with the Carlston family, who ensured we experienced the island in all its glory. We visited a yurt and spent time on the beach, where we tried body surfing. What an incredible way to immerse ourselves in the island’s beauty!
One of the highlights was a trip to a place where everyone enjoyed doing backflips off a rope swing. I wish I could remember the name of the place! The sunset there was breathtaking.
We also went kayaking to the falls, which was a bit touristy but still fun. The paddle back was quite the workout, though! We made a short detour to see the fern grotto, and it was absolutely worth the extra paddle.
The Carlstons are an energetic bunch, always on the go from 8 am to 10 pm. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it kept us on our toes!
One day, we took a scenic walk through a beautiful plant tunnel to reach Donkey Beach. It was a bit of a challenge to get there, and the weather was a tad rainy, but the natural beauty made it all worthwhile.
Bronson had a blast with all the Carlston cousins, especially Briar. It was heartwarming to see them bond and play together.
Week 2: Time with Jason, Jenni, and Rulon
Our second week was spent with Jason, Jenni, and Rulon. We started by visiting a local farmers market, where we indulged in a variety of tropical island foods. The flavors were fresh and vibrant, and we couldn’t get enough!
We had a little mishap when Bronson’s diaper was on inside out, resulting in a bit of an accident. But, hey, those things happen!
We returned to the rope swing, but it was too cold for Jason, so we’ll have to go back again. Instead, we cozied up and watched a documentary on the Suez Canal.
Bronson developed a new favorite pastime: playing with remotes and pushing buttons. Uncle Jason’s belly button became a favorite “button,” especially since it made a funny sound when pressed. It was a hilarious sight!
We took a scenic drive to Hawaii’s Grand Canyon, which offered breathtaking views. Ben and Jason also had an exciting spear fishing adventure, diving into the crystal-clear waters.
One of the highlights was the helicopter tour I took with Jason and Jenni. Seeing Kauai from above was absolutely mesmerizing. Ben and I also went on a Napali Coast boat tour, where we visited a stunning helicopter hole and enjoyed snorkeling and practicing spear fishing again.
We spent our evenings playing games like Kings in the Corner and watching childhood videos and photos, sharing laughs and nostalgic moments.
Week 3: Adventures with Walker & Nana J
Our final week was spent with Walker and Nana J. We stayed up late waiting for them to arrive, playing games until 11:30 PM. It was a late night, but the excitement of their arrival kept us going!
We revisited the rope swing beach, and it was just as fun the second time around. We also explored Turtle Beach, where we encountered some of the island’s adorable sea creatures.
The Walkers couldn’t get enough of the island’s famous shaved ice, indulging twice a day! It was a sweet treat that added to the tropical vibe.
We attended a Hawaiian luau and fire show, where we experienced the rich cultural traditions of Hawaii. The performances were captivating and a highlight of our trip.
One day, we took a scenic train ride at Kilohana Plantation, where we fed pigs and cows. Bronson was fascinated by the animals and had a great time.
Our hike to Makawehi Cliffs led us to a hidden cave, a hidden gem of the island. The adventure continued as we spent a day at the beach, where Bronson couldn’t stop laughing at Remi acting like a frog. His infectious laughter was the perfect soundtrack to a perfect day.
We ended our trip with a breathtaking sunset at Hanalei Bay, a fitting close to an unforgettable family vacation.
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