Honeymooning: Kauai

Posted on February 27th, 2017

After I planned the wedding, Ian was squarely in charge of honeymoon planning.  I knew we were staying at the St. Regis Princeville on Kauai and I knew we were staying at the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island, but beyond that, I was just showing up and looking forward to sunshine.  When we boarded the flight to Kauai on that Thursday evening and Ian handed me an itinerary, my excitement surged as I flipped through the pages.  Yummy restaurants.  Ziplining.  Luau.  Poolside dates.  Helicopter tours.  Hiking.  Snorkeling.  Y’all, if Ian isn’t careful, I’m going to put him in charge of planning more often.

We arrived after dark at the St. Regis and went straight to bed, and woke up in a magical paradise as the sun was rising.  Our room overlooked the mountains, the water, and the pool, and the golden glow the sunrise cast over everything was breathtaking– Ian says that sunrise moment on the first morning was his favorite of the entire trip.  Kauai is stunning.  The dramatic scenery, with the mountains contrasting against the clear turquoise water, is the most beautiful tropical setting I’ve ever seen.  After a sunny long run (our first outdoors together since the marathon!), we spent the day Friday lounging by the water, reading, and feeling incredibly lucky to be there.  I read a book on the Donner Party, because that’s such a light and merry beachreading subject.

Friday evening we went to a luau like the real authentic tourists we are.  The hula was so much fun!  I couldn’t pass up a little theme dressing…

After a major breakfast buffet visit, Saturday was our first big adventure– a ziplining outing!  I had never ziplined before and honestly anticipated being a little scared about the experience, but it was a ton of fun.  In the middle of the day we hiked down to a swimming hole to cool off and have a little lunch.

We watched the sunset over the best piece of fish I’ve ever eaten at The Kauai Grill.  Sunday started with a little hike down to Anini Beach, where we were the only souls around, and passed these rainbow eucalyptus trees– natural artwork!

After a final poolside lunch, we packed up for two tiny island hopping flights– next stop, Big Island!