So so so sooo many photos. I was thinking I could wrap up my Kauai trip in a fourth and final blog post, but there are just too many beautiful moments to crowd into a single post.
I hope you are enjoying all the photos.
Since I fast forwarded through my trip to my cousin’s stunning wedding, I am rewinding to our wild adventure to Secret Falls from earlier in the week.
On Tuesday afternoon, my mom, brother, P, and I went on a guided 5-hour tour to Secret Falls.
5 mile kayak + 2.5 mile hike
Kayaking up and down the Wailua River was fairly easy, but the hike was nothing like I had expected.
Due to the time of year and all the rain, the “trail” was literally a muddy Slip ‘N’ Slide. I couldn’t make out a trail 80 percent of the time, but luckily we had our crazy guide, Kathleen, to guide (and entertain!) us through the thick chocolate brown mud, rocks, streams, and twisted branches. One and a quarter miles is only five laps around a track, but it took a solid 1.5 hours – each way – to trudge to the falls.
Other adventurists we passed were knee deep in mud; I am thankful I didn’t twist an ankle, as it would have nearly been impossible to complete without the walking sticks provided.
Once we made it to the not-so-secret falls, we rested on the rocks (alongside the wild roosters*) to refuel and dive into the water – if we so dared.
My brother and P didn’t hesitate to make their way BEHIND the falls, as was encouraged. I am so proud of my strong mama for doing it, too! I, on the other hand, swam in cold water, but didn’t make it behind the powerful piece of mother nature.
*Have I mentioned that there are wild roosters and chickens all over the island of Kauai? Yes, even on the beaches!
Most of these photos were captured with my iPhone – hence the poorer quality – with a few photos from my camera mixed in.
<< this photo cracks me up! >>
<< boys behind the falls! >>
<< rooster territory >>
<< upon our return, we witnessed a Tuesday evening canoe club race // Wailua River >>
It was an adventure to say the least, and one that I will remember fondly.
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That was my favorite thing we did in Kauai. I can’t believe how much mud you had! I went in December 2011 and it wasn’t really muddy at all. Haha. The water from the waterfall was soooooo cold! I also didn’t go behind it, but my brother and husband did, too. :) Glad you had fun!
AH! I have totally been to this waterfall. Isn’t it beautiful? I’m glad you got to experience this adventure :D
Looks like you had a really fun time! Did you get a chance to hike to Hanakapiai Falls on the Na Pali coast? If not, then I highly recommend you do that on your next trip to Kauai. I suggest it to all your readers, too!