Kauai Coconut Diaries: Day 2

Day two of my family's vacation in Kauai was kicked off with Kauai Backcountry Tubing Adventures through the irrigation system of the former Lihue Plantation.

Kauai Backcountry Adventures

Bright and early, my mom, brother, and I, all piled into vans and headed off for three full hours of tubing fun.

Mount Waialeale

During the (extremely bumpy) ride over to the tubing site, we took a little pit stop at a scenic overlook of Mount Waialeale, the rainiest place on Earth.

"Does anyone know what Mount Waialeale is famous for?" asks our friendly, smiley tour guide, Lexie.
"The wettest place on Earth!" I answer without a moment's thought.
"No!" she laughs.  "That's the ocean.  Mount Waialeale is the rainiest place on Earth."

Then, a short nature walk.

And then finally, finally, after much talk of dos and don'ts, we got into the tubes.

"Does anyone have a question for me before we get into the tubes?" asks Lexie.
"How cold is the water?" a tuber shouts from the back of the pack.
She's all smiles as she replies through laughs, "Brisk and refreshing!"
We laugh in response.
"Life-changing!"

On the brisk and refreshing, life-changing ride.

After about an hour of tubing, lunch!

Kauai Beach Resorts

We spent the entirety of the afternoon back at the hotel making the most of the amenities there.

My brother & me!

We both got a little very fried.  I made the mistake of falling asleep on the beach . . . (yet again) . . . 

My beach reading selection.  I'm currently about halfway through the book, so look out for a review to come.

I was honestly amazed at the beautiful shells my brother and I found walking along the length of the tidepools.  Back home on Oahu, you have to dive for beauties like these.  On Kauai?  You only have to get your feet damp.

In the car driving to dinner with some of my best friends (my grandma and brother).

Lihue Barbecue Inn

Choice of dinner was left to my grandpa, the Kauai island boy.  Lihue Barbecue Inn was another favorite of his back in the day owned by another close friend.

For dinner?  Korean Chicken.  

YUM.

For dessert?  Mint chocolate ice cream pie.

DOUBLE YUM.

Needless to say, this was a pretty unforgettable second day on the island of Kauai.  I'm more than grateful for the memories and experiences, the oh-so precious time I'm still able to spend with my family.