Kauai and Oahu, October 14-25, 2009

"Trebek, I'll take Hawaiian islands for $1000"

"O.k. Brad, What does getting stalked by a shark, swimming with dolphins in the wild, Sarah McLachlan, a flat tire, getting kicked out of the Saint Regis, DiDi, and the Na Pali coast all have in common?"
"The island of Kauai?"
"That is correct Brad, and in addition to the $1000 we are offering you a chance to rent a beautiful, white Sebring convertible!"
Kauai is charming, romantic, laid back, and everything that you would imagine a tropical paradise to be: pristine beaches, warm waters, superb snorkeling (stay away from the sharks!) and excellent coffee, but there is a gem in Kauai that can be seen nowhere else on Earth: The Na Pali Coast. The discovery channel claims that the Na Pali coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and we agree.

If there is only one thing you must do while in Kauai, it is to book a trip with the Na Pali Riders and cruise the Na Pali coast in their spacious Zodiac boat. Check them out at www.napaliriders.com.The Na Pali Riders came highly recommended by a fellow traveler, but we are incredibly tough critics.















Photograph courtesy of Bill Crane. Thanks Bill!

We have been on several boat trips and the service and sights have been questionable at times, to say the least.
We arrived at the shop and were immediately greeted with both of our charismatic leaders for the day; Bill Crane, the amazing photographer, and Captain Chris, our knowledgeable captain. If even a sliver of what the photos on the wall in the office portray is seen today, I know it will be a once in a lifetime experience. The 17 miles of untouched coastline is truly breathtaking and is one of the most spectacular sights we have ever seen. Seriously. Not only did our captain entertain and educate us on our journey, he knew exactly how to tap into your emotions by playing Sarah McLachlan and Enigma. He claims that the dolphins love Enigma, well it worked like a charm! Within minutes our boat was energized by the energy of thousands of spinner dolphins thrusting out of the water to our delight. Our captain said"Put your masks on and slide in, the quieter, the better, and witness the show". What a show is was. We were surrounded by the sweet sounds of dolphin chatter, and could see them everywhere around us. It was so thrilling and delightful to be in the mix with one of my favorite mammals!
It was a day we will never forget, thanks to the Na Pali Riders! They promised us if we came back during whale season we would surely get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Don't worry, we WILL be back!

On to Oahu-
Wow, Oahu was a time to relax and regroup. . . except for our trip to Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. That was an evening of complete debauchery amongst friends, and well a few hookers(Raven), just kidding! We stayed with my best friend Lyndee's sister Shori, her husband Pete, and their lovely sons Kai(3) and Kenji(1). Thanks so much for your hospitality!!!!!

It was awesome to finally see the World Famous North Shore, too bad the waves weren't "going off" at Pipeline, Alligators, Sunset, or Rocky's, or Brad may have picked up surfing. . . yeah right, maybe body surfing:) Hawaii was everything we hoped for and soooooooooooo much more, but it is time to say farewell to the USA and Hello FIJI!!!!!!!!!

Love from the most coffee, macadamia nut and tuna poke infested islands of the world- Savvy Nomad 1 and 2













Rubber ducky, looks like you found some friends along your travels. . .