travel diary: kauai, hawaii day one and two

a while back gordon's sister, jodi, invited us to join her and her family on an island getaway to kauai, hawaii.  we loved the thought of getting to spend time with their tiny but were less than thrilled at the idea of a crowded vacation.  we always thought our first island adventure would be on a more remote island not in the US.  after discussing, chatting with jodi, and doing some research we decided to go.  we weren't going to get an opportunity like this again (jodi drives a great bargain!). WE ARE SO GLAD WE DID!  we had an amazing time!  and we were able to avoid most of the crowds with the research we did beforehand and by talking to some locals once we arrived.   and now i'm dreaming of more island adventures...

where the locals eat and our first stop once we landed.  ramen noodles never tasted so delicious!

one of the locals we got chatting with.

but really though, best noodles and meat on stick i've ever tasted!

roosters are everywhere over there!  good thing i'm not afraid of birds.

the drive to our resort was gorgeous!  the jungle treelined roads took my breath away!

once we got settled in we walked across the street to the ocean and spent the evening playing in the sand and water, and then went to dinner.  day one complete.

day two: we couldn't wait to spend some time relaxing on the beach!  our first beach adventure was a beach called secret beach.  its on the north shore.  its known for its size, privacy, and scenery.  it did not disappoint!  

on the trail leading to the beach...i was already so excited because look at the scenery around that trail...so green and tropical!  we were far from the mountain life we know and love.

seriously, we could count with both hands how many people were on the beach with us that day.  we felt like we were all alone and it was fabulous!

just some volcanic rocks, no big deal.

we could see this lighthouse from the beach so decided that we go check it out on the way back to our resort.

red-footed boobies.  best name for a bird!

trevor checking out some of the boobies that covered the cliff side of the island (see other photo below, even though you can't see the birds, they are there and they covered that cliff).

baby bird!

it's no surprise that the other favorite part of our trip for me was the delicious food we ate every single meal!

fresh fish tacos.  yes, please.  all day long please!