Kauai, Hawaii

September 2019. People had raved about Kauai to me, telling me that since I was such a huge nature lover, I would love it there. But while I definitely liked it and did think the nature was absolutely beautiful, something about it I didn’t love it 100%. I liked it, but I didn’t love it, is how I would put it. Something felt missing to me. I think it was the culture, or lack thereof. I was hoping to experience more authentic local Hawaiian culture, but instead it felt completely “normal” and like it could have just been a more beautiful version of California. The small towns also lacked a sort of charm. Instead of being cute and quaint - feelings I usually associate with small towns - things were quite spread out even within the town and there wasn’t really an area where you could just walk in and get a vibe for. Overall, it was a place with beautiful scenery - seriously stunning mountains and ocean, but was much less filled with local culture than I was hoping for.

Poipu, South Shore

Oh hey guy!

I’m a little turtle obsessed in case you can’t tell :)

Waimea Canyon, southwest shore

Nu’alolo Trail

A tough 7.6 mile trail, but you’ll be rewarded with absolutely stunning views. First you’ll descend into the canyon through jungle, and then hike upwards back out. 100% recommend!

the first half, through thick jungle brush

and then it opens up into this

it’s absolutely stunning!

Funny story though, my friend decided to run down a hill on the hike and… it didn’t go so well. He ended up spraining his ankle badly and posted up at this viewpoint while the rest of us finished the hike. Not a bad viewpoint at least.