So you already know how this morning started… with a scenic 10k run in Koloa. But the exercise and activity level did not stop there! So when we got back from our run, we of course were starving so we decided to make some pancakes. Sister and I had picked up a box of boring Bisquick mix at the grocery store the other day. The nutrient density of this mix was not up to par for me so we decided to get creative and up the level of protein, healthy fats and fiber in this mix so we added chia seeds, buckwheat groats and toasted millet (purchased from a BULK BIN – my favorite – here in the island). We then put a wee bit of Sweet Marie’s granola on the back of the pancakes before flipping them over… oh.my.word! Those simple little additions turned these pancakes into quite possibly the best pancakes I have ever eaten – not just the best gluten free pancakes but the best pancakes. Period. We served them with bacon and Passion Fruit Coconut Syrup and they were sooo good. We will be making these again and soon!
Following this delicious feast, we showered up and got ready to head out for the rest of the day. Today’s destination was North Kaua’i and once again it was amazing how different the climate was from one side of the island to the other. It was almost like what I would picture South America would look like and really felt like a rainforest.
Stop number one of the day was really not much of a stop…We tried to find Guava Kai Plantation to pick us some guava’s but it had apparently closed and reopened as some sort of sustainable farm thing… That was a drive that was worthless! Luckily it was kind of on our way to the next stop…
Stop number two of the day was Kilauea Beach Lighthouse. Thanks to the Veteran’s they were offering a fee free day so we were able to walk right up to the lighthouse and see some amazing views and some birds. Shocking!
Stop number three of the day was a bit of a treasure hunt… we were looking for Lappert’s Ice Cream shop and the GPS was telling us 22 miles but I knew one was coming up soon… I saw the mall it was supposed to be in and we drove in there and drove all around and still did not see it. We decided to park and try to find a map, which we did, and after reading that and seeing the address, we finally found it! Man, was this place hidden! I got a two scoop dish – once scoop Lilikoi sherbet and one scoop Caramel Macadamia Nut – YUM! Of course everyone else decided on sundaes after I’d ordered so their all looked better but next time I will be prepared.
Stop number four of the day was a hike in Hanalai. The road just ends and from there, the hiking begins. Mom decided to wear flip flops today so needless to say, she was left behind… And good thing too because this hike was pretty much straight up and all rocks. We only hiked up about a ½ mile because we really are not hikers nor were we dressed for hiking (what, swimsuits and shorts??) but ½ a mile was really all it took to see some more gorgeous views! It was really breathtaking and also quite windy. A bit of photography ensued and we were headed back down to find the Mother. Going down was so much worse than going up!!!
If I get asked one more time if these are comfortable... I am gonna kick someone...
At the bottom we walked to a little beach, found mom had walked back to the car and then headed that way as well. There was a cool tunnel cave thing that we stopped at to grab a picture or two on the way.
Stop number five of the day was Hanalai Lookout. This was another set of breathtaking views! You could look out and see Taro fields, mountains and lush greens everywhere! So pretty. This was a quick stop – lol!
Stop number six of the day was trying to find Anini Beach. Um… thanks again GPS for leading us the most complicated way. We ended up going down this steep, probably .15 mile trail thing and finally coming across the beach. We sat there for just a few minutes because all of a sudden I was starving and then headed back UP that crazy path to get to the car… let’s just say the way up was much steeper. I had elbow pit sweat by the time we got to the top… gross and I am sorry…
Stop number seven of the day was finally dinner! I was soooo starving. My stomach has been going from fine to past the point of no return with hunger this vacation. Oops! We picked the Lemongrass Grill for dinner because a) mom had a coupon and b) because I could smell the food when I just looked and the menu and knew it would be good. Right away my eyes narrowed in on Guava BBQ Ribs. I could not even tell you what else was on the menu because I saw these and knew I was decided. The only thing standing in my way was any hidden wheat in the ingredients. Lo and behold, when I asked this the waitress right away was super nice about asking if it was an allergy and needed to be made gluten free! This made me very happy because I hate making a scene about things and normally just order something boring and plain because I know it’s safe. But I am so glad I decided to ask on this one because it was probably the best meal I have had in my life… They served it to me on rice instead of the potatoes on the menu because those had some wheat and honestly, I think they should always serve it like this! The BBQ sauce was beyond delicious, the meat was sooo tender and the rice was even fantastic! I think we’ll be back for this meal again before leaving. I also forgot to mention that I had a Guava Mai Tai to start. Cheers to the Guava!!
Time for a drink!!
Our final stop of the day was finally the condo. We hit up the hot tub for a few minutes and a quick swim around the pool and then I passed out on my bed by 8:30pm. Party Animal!! On to another fun day for Day Four!!
we’ve had those pancakes so many times now – and more times to come!!!
At least twice more!! Score!