Hello! Hello!
After a week in Kauai, the Hubs and I got back from the magical island late Wednesday. The trip was incredible. I'm not sure how it happens, but each time I visit Hawaii I fall in love with it even more. The only downside is the 18+ hours it takes to get there from little ole' Asheville and the serious jet lag. A small price to pay to visit paradise though.
I'm planning the posts on my trip which include the top things to do on the island, my favorite eats (all the poke, shave ice and fresh fruit,) the Napali Coast hike we took and more on my favorite hotel on the island, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Since it's going to take me a little bit to go through the over 1,000 photos I took yikes!, I thought I'd start with just sharing a few of my favorite today. We'll call it a first look. 🙂
This is our first day along the Mahaulepu Beach Trail...
Sunrise from our room...
The gorgeous gardens at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa...
Na Pali Coast and Kalalau Trail...
Hanakapiai Beach along the Kalalau Trail...
Rainbow in Princeville...
Waves crashing along the North Shore at Queens Bath...
Acai bowls for days....
Sunset along Hanalei Bay...
Hawaii is so photogenic! It was so much fun taking these photos and I can't wait to share more of them with you. If you want to see more right away Instagram now has the ability to save stories for longer than 24 hours, so I put the entire trip there for you to see. Just go to my profile on a phone and you'll see it above my regular posts.
As always after traveling, I'm looking forward to a nice weekend at home and spending time with Makena Rose. She's exhausted too after being a puppy day care all week. Our bathroom is FINALLY getting fixed starting Monday so I'll be clearing out it and the closet this weekend. Wish me luck-- I'm going to need it!
Your turn!
How was your week... let's catch up!
Andrea on Vacation says
I love the scenery in Kauai! My favorite Hawaiian island for sure.
JulieWunder says
So beautiful! Thanks Andrea.
Lisa says
Wow, that water is amazing! I understand the difficulty with taking so many photos, I can never seem to take enough!
JulieWunder says
It's a problem - lol! Thanks Lisa!
Hatton says
Wow!!! Gorgeous photos!!! Loved following along on Instagram too 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Hatton!
Blane Sherer says
Glad all went well in Hawaii and that
you made it back safe and sound ( smile ).
Beautiful pictures !
So a domestic week ahead for you. (smile )
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane!
Gina says
Hi there--we are going there in July or August for a week to celebrate my hubby's birthday--what part of the island would you recommend staying in--we plan on hiking, sailing scuba diving, all that we can squeeze in during our 7 days there. I usually stay in AirBNB when we travel.
JulieWunder says
Hi Gina! If you don't mind changing hotels mid-week, I'd suggest spending half the time in Poipu and half in Hanalei/Princeville. The first time I went I just stayed south and found the drive around the island to be a really long day. This time we switched and the effort was worth it. There are such good things on both sides. 🙂
Kristy from Southern In Law says
It looks like you had such an amazing trip! I can’t wait to head back to HI!
AmyC says
Loving all your photos! We honeymooned on Kauai but now I want to go back!! I'm pretty sure it's closer now that we are in Hong Kong, too ---> at least that's a point I'll try on my husband, haha!
JulieWunder says
No way! We honeymooned in Kauai too-- so this was like a throwback trip. You should totally go back-- we found almost entirely new things to do this time. PLUS I really think you are closer now. 🙂
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Those pictures are gorgeous! They look they could be on a post card, and I am sure even prettier in real life. Looking forward to hear all the fun activities you did there.
JulieWunder says
Everywhere I looked was like a postcard. So beautiful!
Wendy says
I showed your pics to my hubs. I have never been to Hawaii but I want to go. He doesn't like to fly--but I do believe we'll get there someday!
JulieWunder says
The flight SUCKS but it is sooooo worth it. Show him the rest of the upcoming posts and it will convince him. Plus from where you are you can get there in fewer flights than me!
Rachel Ginzburg says
It was so so so cold here in New Jersey, and your Hawaii Instagram stories were killing me! It looked like an absolutely amazing trip. Glad you made it home safe!
PS The jet lag will end soon--just don't give in and nap!
JulieWunder says
haha! Ok- no naps! Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
Lisa Ballantyne says
Breathtaking photos Julie! I especially loved the rainbow one, and the one of you and your hubby. Looking forward to hearing more about your amazing trip! Welcome home!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Lisa!
Farrah says
Welcome back! Glad you guys got home safely, and I loved getting to follow along with you while you were there! :] The photos were gorgeous!
JulieWunder says
THank you so much Farrah!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I know I've said it, but I'll say it again. I'm so jealous! Take me with you next time?
JulieWunder says
YES! It's snowing now so let's go back!
Erinn says
These photos are beautiful! I used to live in Hawaii when I was a kid and have always wanted to go back. Serious vacation envy!
JulieWunder says
Thank you!!! Which island did you live on?
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
And why didn't you take me with you? Other than the fact that it was a private vacation and I'm probably not allowed to travel like that right now?
The 3 weeks I spent in HI are still emblazoned in my memory. I hope to go back on day!
JulieWunder says
It's an amazing place. I'd go back every trip if the Hubs let me- lol!
debbie says
gorgeous pictures! My family and I went about 15 years ago to kaui and the big island. We used a travel agent and I am curious, in your opinion, if it costs more money to use travel agent or if you made the plans on your own. Thank you for sharing God's beautiful creation.
JulieWunder says
Hi Debbie! I've only tried to use an agent once and then I priced out the trip and it was much more expensive to find an agent. However, I feel like I"m pretty good at planning trips and finding deals-- it's one of the things I do well. If you go back to Hawaii I've found some luck booking through the site, PleasantHolidays.com 🙂
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
I loved following along on your trip Julie! I can't wait to see the actual posts recapping it and recommendations. Jet lag sucks. I htink you should clean out the bathroom then have some relaxation time on the couch as your reward for being productive while jet lagged!
JulieWunder says
Thank you Maureen! I think that's a great idea. 🙂
Beth Ann Chiles says
I am looking forward to reading and seeing more about your trip. I loved our trip to Hawaii and would love to go back some day . I have spent the past 3 weeks in Florida but it has been less sunny and warm than normal which made me a little sad. Still managed to get some down time and time with the family which was amazing.
JulieWunder says
Oh that is sad! The last few Jan trips I made to Orlando have been in the 50's... you never know this time of year.
Shelley Marcy says
Once again, our God shows His face to all mankind!
JulieWunder says
God was showing off in Kauai-- it's STUNNING!!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
Welcome home! Always look forward to seeing your Hawaii photos! Such a beautiful place. Be glad you missed the ice and frigid temps here while you were away.
JulieWunder says
What a week to be gone! I wish I was still there this morning.
Heather @Lunging Through Life says
So beautiful. I'm jealous of paradise, haha. Hope you can get over your jet lag soon!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Heather! It was an amazing trip.