Why Kaua’i?

Just over a year ago my husband and I came to this beautiful island of gardens and rainbows. Captivated right away as the island cradled us in warm tropical breezes; the local community charmed our hectic lifestyle. They were warm and leisurely when offering helpful options for adventure, and even a construction worker at the post office “talked story” with us for 45 minutes! The enormity of the beauty that surrounded us verged on sensory overload. We just couldn’t keep our eyes off the titanic splendor that surrounded us from mountain to ocean, both just a head turn away.

We spent all of a week on Kaua’i and went home to pack our bags, compelled to move to the island as soon as possible. We made a second trip to Maui just to make sure Kaua’i was the right place after deciding the Big Island was a remarkable place to retire and Oahu was for young folks who enjoy the city life. Kaua’i is small town and we like small town. 

I am truly blessed by the colorful people with wide smiles and generous spirit. The colossal, emerald green craggy peaks shrouded in misty clouds and graced with double rainbows, briny turquoise waters lined with over 50 miles of pristine white sand beaches, trade winds playing with Coconut Palms, lush gardens and the ever present sunshine.

I am thrilled that Kaua’i is our home, after all it just got voted by Travel and Leisure Magazine second best island in the world, behind the Galapagos. In the late 1700‘s King Kamehameha tried without success to conquer her. Pride in being “The Unconquered Island” and isolation of this remote archipelago infuse the locals with a lot character. The rugged island has steadfastly remained undeveloped; mom and pop stores are the norm as is taking time to properly say hello. If you pass someone you know, instead of rushing by, you stop. After the appropriate hug and kiss you say, “Aloha, how are you?” and listen, not just with your mind but with your heart. That’s small town aloha!

Oasis

photograph by Sam Mitzel

It occurred to me that you may want to read about something other than me adjusting to my new life on the most remote island in the world! Maybe you want to know about the people and places that make the island so beautiful and rewarding to live on. I am an employed writer for a Hawaii travel blog and thought I'd share some of my previous posts with you. Come for a  virtual visit to Kauai every Thursday and you will find information on where to go and what to do in this tropical paradise. If there is a specific place or event that you'd like to know about, email me and I'll write a post about it. Otherwise, every Sunday I will write about the progress and adventures Dan, Baxter, Lucy and I are making adapting to island life. 

Tucked away behind the Waipouli Resort in Kapa’a is Oasis on the beach. Walking through the elaborate hotel, a koi pond embellishes the entrance to the courtyard. Your senses come alive as you follow along a winding path lined with hibiscus and indigenous vegetation toward the ocean. Sounds of birds chirping and ocean waves mix with the melody of children laughing and playing in the pool, a serpentine like river switchbacking throughout the courtyard. Adults relax with a book and order snack foods from the pool side cafe. 

Walking into Oasis is like walking into an idyllic beachfront bar with a touch of sophistication. Inside, the floor to ceiling windows are wide open inviting the ocean breeze to sweep through and cool you off. A solid wood, hand-carved Outrigger canoe serves as the bar and seating spills outside onto the lanai.

Oasis proudly serves locally sourced specialties with appetizers, lunch, dinner and tropical drinks, including the house made Mai Tai. Appetizers such as Kauai Shrimp Cakes with a Chili and Black Bean Glaze and entrees like Rosemary Crusted Pork Chop and Pan Seared “Catch of the Minute” are featured on the small, well thought out menu. Working closely with Kauai’s farmers, ranchers and fishermen, ninety percent of their food is local.

On a typical evening, Hawaiian music serenades you into a tropical stupor but occasionally, bands with a youth driven edge play. This past Saturday my husband and I went to see The Throwdowns, a ska band, playing to benefit Surfrider Kauai. Whenever you come, you’re sure to enjoy the local music commingling in a seductive dance with the sounds of the ocean. 

This is where I go to have a drink and relax, celebrate a special occasion or bring friends and family visiting from the mainland. With it’s beautiful ocean view, tasteful tropical decor and fresh local food, Oasis is pure and elegant Kauai. 

Fergilicious!

This morning I woke up with Fergie's "Glamorous" song in my head and by the time we left for work I couldn't shake it. So, I batted my eyes and asked in my sweetest voice if I could play it on the way in. Grudgingly he said yes. He's really not into that kind of music. So I played it, and I loved it. Bouncing around, singing, just having a good ol time! The song was over and I grabbed my iPod to put on something he would enjoy. He said "you can leave it on", a big grin spread across my face, I didn't wait for him to change his mind! Now, if you ask me, that's love! He's willing to listen to MY music! Sigh...

I've learned that they are opening a Whole Foods on Maui in the spring of 2010. They are going to need 140 people, if all goes well, we'll be there then. Seriously contemplating applying! I can only imagine all the fresh, local food they'll have!

We will be in Maui, for our research trip, in 19 days. Today Dan booked a trip, an excursion, to snorkel. Check out their description:

This 'double the fun' excursion includes snorkeling at Molokini Marine Preserve plus a second snorkel stop at Turtle Arches, a dazzling reef off Maui’s south coast known for its underwater lava arches and large resident population of green sea turtles. Pacific Whale Foundation’s certified marine naturalists give a free guided reef tour to point out sights you could easily miss on your own! We also include all of the snorkel gear, reef safe sunscreen, "learn to snorkel" class for beginners, and a Jr. naturalist program for kids. Each party receives a complimentary color guide, "Enjoying Maui's Unique Ocean Environment" and free dolphin or sea turtle poster. Rash guards are also available for rent (cash only).

This eco-tour cruise includes a tropical continental breakfast with fresh baked pastries, local island fruits, and juices, freshly brewed Kona or Maui coffee. For lunch enjoy a delightful barbecue with grilled chicken, hot dogs and veggie burgers served on fresh rolls with all dressings and condiments. We also serve delicious pasta salad and chips. To quench your thirst we provide a variety of chilled sodas, juices and filtered water, beer, wine and of course our famous Mai Tais.

Mmmm, I can't wait!