The Dewald Family: Hawaii Trip - 5/31/2008 - Secret Falls Kayaking Trip, Keoki's Paradise

Before we even headed to Hawaii James had done some research to determine what activities he really wanted to do. One thing that he decided for sure to do what a kayaking trip up the Wailua River. James' sister Rachel and her husband Jeff joined us. This was Sarah's first time kayaking and it took a while for her to get used to paddling so James handled the brunt of the work. The weather was gorgeous and the river afforded some beautiful views. After about 45 minutes of paddling upstream we put in the kayaks and hiked 30 minutes into the rain forest to the Secret Falls. We were able to eat lunch at the base of the falls and then go swimming in the pool that formed there. The water was cold, but it was really awesome. We got to go right up under the falls. It felt like we were caught in a hail storm as the water pelted our bodies. We stayed at the falls for about an hour and then hiked back out. The hike was a little easier going out because it was downhill. We thought that the kayaking would be easier on the way back because we would be paddling downstream. However, the wind was against us and it was just as hard if not harder. When we pulled back into the marina we noticed that James and I had gotten sun burnt fairly badly, despite lathering on the sunscreen that morning. My thighs were so burnt that it felt like they were on fire. Well, I guess you really can't go to Hawaii without getting one good sunburn.

James and Sarah stop for a picture on the river

Jeff and Rachel under the waterfall

A picture taken straight up into the falls with a waterproof camera

After our trip we stopped at Costco to get steaks for our BBQ that we had planned for the next night. Then we went back to the house to relieve Mimi and Bob-Bob of their babysitting duties. That night for dinner we went to Keoki's Paradise for dinner. The atmosphere was really awesome. The restaurant was open air and featured lots of water features and greenery. We also had a great view of the sunset. The service was excellent and the food was really good too. The prices were reasonable too.