Kauai March 2015

My family decided around last November that we were going to go to Hawaii that coming March without any kids. That trip seemed so far away for me. I marked it on my calendar, and it was here before I knew it. I couldn't contain my excitement. I was really nervous to leave Ivy, but felt confident she would be taken care of by Myra (Jason's mom).

Hawaii was everything that Jason and I needed. It was relaxing, adventurous, and the most beautiful place I have ever been to. We did all of my favorite things: hiking, walking on the beach, swimming in the ocean, snorkeling/scuba- (snuba), laying on the beach and reading, playing beach soccer, and so much more! Every single night, we slept with our door wide open, and we heard the waves crash all night. It was literally paradise. I got to spend 8 days with my family enjoy how hilarious and fun they are. Jason and I really said this was the best trip of our lives so far. I KNOW without a doubt that we will be back to Kauai in the future.

Where we stayed, right across the street from the Ocean. 

First day, already obsessed with the beach. There was a beach right across the street from the place we stayed. The lady said that it is like a secret beach, because it is only there during the winter time.

Our morning walks on the beach looked like this.

Our first day, we went to the beach in Poipu, ate the most delicious panini's, and just laughed our heads off the entire day. Trent and Tay found some paddle boards to rent. Jas and I weren't the best at it, but it was so much fun.

Part of the fam walking on the beach. Thank heavens for the trip photographer (Trent), and his selfie stick with his go-pro.

 The second day, we hiked up Waimea Canyon. You literally drive to the top of the canyon, and then hike to a waterfall. It is a 4 mile hike round trip, and is on top of the mountain with stunning views. You hike to the very top of a waterfall. I did take a little mini spill, but it worth it with the breathtaking views.

I felt like we were in the Jurassic Park movie. 

We made sure to eat a snow cone every single day. There's nothing like it, especially with the ice cream at the bottom.

                 

Beach selfie! I don't look very happy, but I was in paradise!

We were lucky to have the best beach, 5 minutes from our house. Kekaha State Park beach was the bomb. It wasn't crowded, the softest sand, and just beautiful.

Jas and I tried to hard to be good at paddle boarding, but we just weren't. I was fine on my knees. Let's just make up an excuse and say that it is harder for taller people. This picture pretty much describes how bad we were.

The third day, we rented kayak's and paddled to Secret Falls. You then hike the trail for about 2 miles to an amazing waterfall. Kayaking is seriously hard work. Good thing Jas was so good at it. It is an amazing arm/back workout. Jas and I weren't in sync at one point and ran right into someone else's kayak. It was pretty embarrassing. They had an entire family of like 7 kayaks in a straight line, and Jas and I pretty much messed that up. We kept saying "sorry, first time kayakers!" My family kayaked on by and said "We aren't with them!"

The Secret Falls waterfall. Notice Jason's tank top line. He got FRIED the first day and had those lines the entire trip.

On the hike to Secret Falls. 

The whole fam. Thank heavens for the selfie stick. We are missing Matt and Haiquis who couldn't go. Missed them so much on this trip. This was taken right before we all got in the freezing cold waterfall.

We went to Keoki's Paradise and it was the best food I've ever had in my entire life. I told my family that it was a religious experience. I had the best salad and fish, and I will be dreaming about it forever.

Jason's amazing food.

I've mixed up which day we did what, but the next day, we went on a boat trip to see the Nepali Coast. It wasn't the best weather and the waves were big, but it made for the best viewing of the coast and the turquoise water.

This was when everyone was happy at the beginning of the ride. By the middle of the boat ride, half of this crew was at the back of the boat puking (including Jas). It was pretty sad. 

I love this picture for 2 reasons. The sun and my iPhone did something weird to Alex and Jason's faces, and Jamie just makes me laugh!

The water was turquoise. The bluest water I've ever seen.

The dudes getting the best view off the front of the boat.

We rented scooters for 2 days and rode up all around town and up Waimea Canyon.

Jason trying to go faster by being aerodynamic and looking pretty fly in his pink helmet.

Walking along the Pier

We didn't forget about watching the Utes Basketball team play. We went to a local delish restaurant and watched the Utes play on the big screen. The restaurant was on beautiful grounds right by the beach.

On the 2nd to last day, we experienced Puka Dogs, the most amazing hot dog we've ever had in our lives. They have amazing homemade buns and delicious homemade honey mustard and homemade fruity sauces. I wish that we would've gone there earlier, I would want one of these like every day.

Jason getting too friendly with the Puka Dog girl

One thing I was unsure about was experiencing "Snuba." It is a mixture between snorkeling and scuba. You have a mask on and can go up to 15 feet below the surface. I was a bit nervous, but it was one of the funnest things of the trip. We saw so many amazing fish. We even got to touch (and some people hold) a mini Octopus. 

We look cross-eyed!

Last day at the beach. Didn't want to accept that we were leaving.

Our matching floral swimsuits

The ladies!

I did my my Ivy Grace so much. Myra and Jason's family were so nice to take care of her while we were gone. Here are some adorable pictures of her while we were in Kauai.

Oh how I missed this face.

Apparently the new Elmo that Grandma bought her ended up in the toilet. Silly Ivy Grace.