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Writer's pictureHannah Kalk

Our Trip to Paradise: Beachin', Chasing Waterfalls, and Beautiful Gardens

ALOHA!!! We are back with recaps of Day 5, 6, and 7. If you've missed any of the previous posts, be sure to get caught up!

Day 5: We were up early that morning to send off Papster and Daddy for a boat ride (more on that later).



Honey (my Stepmom) suggested that Jaxon and I go for a sunrise walk with her around the Makai Golf Course. It was a beautiful walk with gorgeous views of the mountain, beaches, and the northern side of the island. Once we got back, I enjoyed some “me time” by reading on the balcony during Jaxon’s nap.


When Jaxon woke up, I thought it would be a good idea to hike down to the beach by myself. It was equal parts fun and terrible. The way down was a steep downhill hike. (Turns out even walking downhill is hard when having to keep a stroller from rolling wildly out of control).



Once we got down to the beach, I remembered that I was grossly unprepared with no towels, no swimsuit for Jax, and no plans for going at it alone. Somehow, we still made the best of it. We laughed, we played, we took in the views, and we ate some sand (or at least Jax did). It was Jaxon’s first time at the beach, and he loved playing in the crystal-clear water. We were also able to see a rare Moray Eel.



We were rewarded for our hard work with a rainbow!

Eventually, Jaxon decided he was OVER the salt taste, and it was time for us to go. We started to make the STEEP trek back. It was so so difficult, but I was grateful to be able to do it. In 2015, Jacob and I had gone to Puerto Rico, and my weight health problems kept us from enjoying the trip to its fullest. I am thankful that I was able to experience everything I wanted to during this trip and more.




While Jaxy and I were roughing it on our hike, Daddy was LIVING IT UP.


He took a Navy Seal style boat ride up the Na Poli Coast. I would love to say I was kind about the fact that he was having fun and I wasn’t, but honestly, I was anything but. Thankfully, he forgave me, and we got to enjoy the experience together a couple days later. I’ll hold off on the pictures until then. That night, we crashed and hung out at the resort.


Jaxon is ready for the waterfalls!




Day 6: On this day, I was on a mission to see some beautiful treasures of the island. Our first stop was the Wailua Falls. The falls were massive and stunningly beautiful. Jacob and I enjoyed simply being still and taking in the beauty of God’s creation. Jaxon enjoyed the chickens. Whatever makes you happy I guess.







After that, we went to a scenic look at the Opaeka’a Falls. Across the street, there was a beautiful view of the Wailua River and the Kamokila Hawaiian Village.


Next, we happened to stumble upon a wonderful brunch spot. Jaxon enjoyed genuine Hawaiian Pineapple and ate more food than I have ever seen him eat before.



Our waitress gave us the golden tip that a short walk down a path was a beach that was great for kids. It was shallow, safe for swimming, and beautiful just like the rest of the island. We watched kiddos surf and played in the beach.



Later that afternoon, we got back to the condo and were absolutely exhausted. Unfortunately, Jaxon was not.



We played and played until it was time for bed. It was a great day as a family of three.


Good Morning, Kauai!

Day 7: We were going to spend the morning with my Dad, so we took him back to the falls for some good photography.



After that, we met the entire crew at the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park. We were given a tour through the gardens where the kids enjoyed feeding the fish, rocking on a beautifully crafted porch swing, and picking up the fallen flowers from the ground (oh the simplicity of kiddos).

After our tour of the grounds, they took us to the kiddy area. This was by far Jaxon’s favorite part of the trip (and was even one of my highlights of the trip).

Jax got to “swim” in the splash pad and “fly” in the baby swing.


My dad was even able to capture one of my favorite pictures of Jaxon thus far.


It was another great day spending time with family.


Although the trip is coming to an end, the fun is not over yet!!!

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