After our exhilarating Raft Expedition, we went looking for a nice dinner. After hearing some live music (always a drive for Randi and me), we stopped at the Wrangler's Steakhouse, a really nice cowboy steak place. They have a great clam chowder which we ate with pure comfort on the deck, which overlooks a nice little town (Waimea). While we ate, we heard this authentic Hawaiian singer, crooning ballads. Very nice. We opted to split a Pupu platter with Sashimi, Shrimp Cocktail, Calamari, Crab Cake & Steak. Always order the steak medium rare. It was more than enough for us two, and we wound up taking some back to our hotel (and a nice hot tub).
The next day was our anniversary, so we went south to Poipu to snorkel a bit, which was spectacular. They were fish within arm's reach with mottled rainbow colored skin, green fish with white stripes, solid black fish with a luminescent stripe up it's back. And lots of chickens, of course. After the beach, we needed a nosh, and where else to go: Brennecke's . We devoured their Kama‘aina Pupu Platter [Ceviche, fresh ahi sashimi, Brennecke’s smoked fish, shrimp and king crab]. The ceviche was spicy and fresh, the sashimi is always a treat, and I had to try the famous Kauai smoked fish. It was to die for.
After lunch, we went driving up the Waimea canyon overlook road.
This overlooks the biggest canyon in the Pacific. It is spectacular! We definitely want to return to hike in on the trail which takes you down from the heights, to the Alakai swamp.
After driving and hiking around and generally having a kick ass time, we decided, sadly, that we had to drive back. We then found out that most places close before 8 pm (and many before 5 pm). So we were overjoyed when we found a great authentic taco place, Paco's Tacos (just before they closed). Sitting outside, enjoying the moderate night air, we split a two enchilada plate with some enormous horchatas. Very good spicy sauce and true Mexican flavor. Sabroso...
Monday was our last full day in Kauai, and we still had not hiked up the Ne Pali coast trail. On the way there we stopped at the Kilauea Lighthouse, which is now a wildlife refuge. It was well worth a stop, and we got to see booby's, tropic birds, shearwaters and nenes (local geese). And a very nice view up and down the coast.
We proceeded up the north coast to the town of Hanelei, where we found a place recommended by Randi's colleague Esther. This is the semi-famous Tahiti Nui, and we munched on a veggie pizza. The funny part is the restaurant had big bottles of sun tea all around the patio, so that everyone asked for iced tea (including me), but the waitress had to keep saying "There is no tea..yet". This town has a very laid-back quality like a northern California coastal village, but with more surfers.
[to be continued]
No comments:
Post a Comment