Wednesday morning started off bright and early with us leaving our room around 5:30am. This was so we could catch a ride on a 60 foot catamaran named Lucky Lady operated by Kauai Sea Tours. The tour was to take us from Port Allen out to the Na Pali Coast. Because of the time of year, the weather, and the wildlife it was an action packed ride that we will not soon forget.
Make the jump for pics, videos, and more story!
We arrived at the port just before sunrise. As the sun came up we found ourselves aboard the Lucky Lady getting a safety talk from our captain. Interestingly enough, our captain was named "Kauai". Yes, it is his real name.
After a brief talk about where the life vests are located and how to put them on, what to do if you get seasick, and the weather conditions we set sail.
Not too long after sunrise we set sail. The day was shaping up to be spectacular, but we were warned the waves at Na Pali coast were on the large side. During the summer, this ride can be nice and smooth, however, winter brings storms, wind, and waves. He said he would "try" to get us to the coast. The alternative was to go the other direction for smooth waters, but less to see.
Our first stop along the way was at a small protected area for some snorkeling. With Debbie always ready to jump in the water, we armed her with the GoPro and her snorkeling gear, off the boat she went. Plenty of fish and clear water made for a fun time snorkeling around the boat. After some time in the water, Debbie came back out, then just for fun jumped off the side of the ship for a quick swim. How often does someone get a chance to do that?
Headed around the cost some more we passed a shut down sugar can processing plant. One of many that were run by C&H which are now shut down. Kauai was once a major producer of sugar cane, but there are no more active plantations here. Lower cost of production, processing, and labor overseas, competition with sugar beets, artificial sweetener, and high fructos corn syrup put an end to sugar production here.
We encountered a pod of spinner dolphins. These dolphins are about 36 inches long and get their name from their spinning jumps into the air. They are fun to watch and almost seem to show off for the tourists.
Whales were out in force. We didn't get many pictures of them. By the time you spot one, it's gone. We saw at least four different whale breaching and splashing, but then they are gone.
We did see a mother whale with her calf. The calf came right up to the boat to check us out, but the mother quickly ushered it away.
As we began to get closer to the Na Pali Coast the waves really began to kick up. Debbie shot a video from inside the boat to give an idea of what 15 foot waves look like from inside a 60 foot catamaran.
While Debbie was filming from the inside, Jesse grabbed the GoPro and headed out to the railing.
We really enjoyed the ride out! Although with several others carrying around personal buckets, I'd say not all enjoyed it as much as we did.
We reached the Na Pali Coast and took a break from the waves to enjoy the view and rest for a bit.
On the way back we did manage to get a pic of one whale breaching directly in front of the boat, although quite a bit ahead. It really is amazing to see a 50 foot animal jump out of the ocean. It can also give you a perspective of just how small you are.
Heading back towards the port and the end of the day we were in for one more surprise. Jesse was riding on the starboard(right side) bow of the catamaran taking in a view of the ride with the GoPro when a bottle nose dolphin decided to ride the bow wave of the boat.
He played around for a bit, giving us a bit of a show and then was gone again. This was an excellent end to a fun and exciting boat ride.
On the way back to our room for the day, thoroughly exhausted and still trying to get our "land legs" back we stopped by the Kauai Coffee Company plantation for a quick tour and some much needed coffee!
This flower is a very important flower! This is a coffee flower! Kauai coffee is grown 100% on the island of Kauai. It's not mixed with any other coffees from anywhere else. This is where it is grown, harvested, and roasted.
With our much needed liquid energy in hand we headed out to our next stop.
Last stop, the Eucalyptus Tunnel. Along this drive there are around 1000 Eucalyptus trees that completely enclose the road. As you drive through you can smell the trees. It was a nice, cool, and relaxing moment taking in the cool air and fresh scent.
That brings us to the end of the day. What an exciting day this was. We got back into the town we were staying in around dinner time. After dinner, exhausted, we hit the sack early.
Please check out the pictures for this day in our gallery. There's lots more to be seen! Kauai Day Five
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