All good things must come to an end.
I hate that phrase. Not only is it depressing, but it a) conveniently forgets the bottomless steak fries at Red Robin, and b) ignores the fact that all bad things must come to an end as well. Everything is finite, even though this fact flies directly in the face of that feeling you get every time you enter Its A Small World.
Nevertheless, July 3 was our last full day in Hawaii, and we had to start maneuvering things into place to prepare for the trip home. But we could still have a little bit of fun, such as a hike to certain doom.
Ok, maybe Im overstating the case here. After packing up and leaving the condo in Princeville, we took a very short drive to the trailhead for a hike to an area on the northern coast known as the
Queens Bath. The guidebook pointed this out to us as one of its favorite places in Kauaia sunken pool in the lava rock that fills with ocean water as the waves crash over the shoreline. In summer months, the seas are relatively calm and the water sits placidly in the pool, warming in the sun and creating a unique swimming location. In the winter, the seas get rough, waves constantly pour over the edge of the rock, and current become very strong and can pull you out to sea at any moment, and
well, a few people have died this way. Obviously, extreme caution should be used at all times in this area, and if the seas are rough, you should stay well away from there.
Julie was not exactly a fan of the idea of doing this hike. But we had some time to kill before our flight, and I had the keys to the rental car. So off we went!
The first part of the hike was a somewhat steep dirt path through a beautiful wooded area and next to a gurgling stream. Whats not to like? There was even a nice little waterfall on the way.
And as you can see, Julie looks perfectly happy. I really have no idea what she was worried about.
Um
SQUIRREL!
You can probably guess how much Julie wanted to continue after seeing that sign.
But continue we did, reaching the lava-rock coast and staying WELL back from the shoreline. I thought it was a gorgeous spot.
We hadnt found the actual Queens Bath yet, but Julie was leery of proceeding further, so I went on ahead to make sure there was a safe path to follow. It really wasnt a problem, although Im sure Julie took this picture of me just to record the moment when she was sure my stupid decisions would ruin us all.
The kids waited with bated breath, hoping against hope that their idiotic brave father would return. And return I did, leading them triumphantly to the Queens Bath. Too bad our swimsuits were already packed away.
Julie: Got the picture? Can we go now?
Sure, honey, we can go. But before we do, Id like to point out that I wasnt the dumbest person on the hike that morning. That honor would go to this lady, who was determined to get that perfect picture on the lava rock coast with the pounding surf crashing basically on top of her:
Ladies, gentlemen, kids of all ages, I implore youdo not attempt to do that. Anywhere.
Back on the road, we headed south. We recorded some typical Kauai gas prices for posterity. At the time, it was in the $3.40s on the mainland.
Remember how wed left early the previous morning to beat rush hour on the main road? That didnt happen here. We got stuck in traffic and basically crawled south for several miles. We stopped in Kapaa at an outdoor market to try and find some Hawaiian outfits for the kids as Christmas presents. And we were largely successful, especially with the beautiful dress we picked out for Sarah. In early July, this dress was down past her knees. By Christmas, she had hit such a huge growth spurt that it was no longer decent as a dress, and could only be salvaged as a tunic.
Id love to say we had an amazing lunch at a cool local place, but the slow traffic killed most of our remaining free time. We opted for speed and went to McDonalds. It wasnt a total loss, thoughwe did each get one more deep-fried apple pie while we still had the chance.
With the few remaining minutes we had left, we stopped at the Kilohana Plantation, just a few miles away from Lihue airport. The estate has a few items of note, such as a fancy-pants restaurant and a train ride/tourist trap, but we were there to visit the
Koloa Rum Company Tasting Room & Store.
The idea of a tasting appealed to Julie, but they didnt have any scheduled for the short time we were there, and for some reason they wouldnt let the kids in anyway. Some people are just no fun, I guess. In any case, we were there primarily to pick up a few items for friends back homethose retrieving our mail, watching the house, etc. I wont say how much we spent, but you may one day show up and be tempted to yell, But why is all the rum gone?! If you do, now you know the answer: because we were there first. Nyah-nyah.
With that, it was time to head back to the airport. We were flying back to Maui for one final night at my aunts house so we could retrieve the rest of our luggage that wed left behind.
THIS time, I knew the flight path. THIS time, I made sure I sat on the left side of the plane. THIS time, I got a window seat with an actual window. Because THIS time, I was finally going to get my spectacular aerial pictures of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Fourth times the charm!
As we flew, Oahu slowly came into view, and
What the? Wait, no! We need to be just a little further south!
NO! Cmon, guys! Seriously?
Sigh.
Win some, lose some, I guess. A little later, we flew over the island of Kahoolawe, so for your viewing pleasure, heres a spectacular aerial shot of a barren island that was bombed to smithereens by the U.S. military when they used it for target practice and weapons testing.
When we reached Maui, we got a rental car and immediately headed for the west coast and the town of Lahaina once again. This was primarily to pick up a couple more Hawaiian shirts wed seen earlier and liked better than any wed seen on the rest of the trip. We also hoped to have a nice dinner in town and maybe catch one more sunset on the coast.
Fortune was with us, and we actually found a parking space that evening in the free lot in town. We did our shopping, including one item I hadnt originally planned on buying: an extra suitcase. Julie made the argument that wed need it to bring back the souvenirs wed bought. I was worried about more airline bag fees, but she planned to use it as one of the kids carry-on bagsa devious, brilliant plan. I knew I married her for a reason.
We headed for a dinner spot many of you here on the boards recommended:
Moose McGillycuddys. We chose this spot primarily because of your recommendations, but also because it was $5 burger night during happy hour. And yes, it's a great name for a bar/grill. We were also lucky enough to get a seat right on the balcony overlooking Front St. in town.
Julie got a virgin Lava Flow, which is a strawberry/coconut rum combo, without the rum for the pregnant lady.
I got my customary Kona Longboard, and I think everybody went cheap and got the burgers, since you dont typically get deals like that in Hawaii. It was a great little spot for our last dinner in Hawaii, and I think the boys especially were captivated by the view.
We didnt quite get a sunset view from there, but it was a nice evening.
We drove back around the mountain and up to my aunts house, where we were somehow still welcomed with open arms. I took this as a sign that we hadnt totally worn out our welcome yet, so we needed to re-double our efforts in the morning.
Coming Up Next: We finally get kicked out of Paradise.
lol
for $5 burger night! The family looks like they really enjoyed it. 
Oh, that sign? That can't be talking about me.
