Author: Gail

Elvis Can’t Help Falling in Love

Bon voyage aboard the famous Smith Family Cruise Boat for an exclusive trek up the Wailua River, known as “the only navigable River” in all Hawaii. Our captain boldly proclaims the river’s pure mountain waters pour down from Mt. Wai’ale’ale, well-known as one of the wettest spots in the world. “Pay attention,” he continues, “to the lush lands along the river where the sacred capital of ancient Kauai became home of the island’s ali’i; the birthplace of royalty.” Four generations of Smiths stay committed to the daily tradition of endless love, chanting song, and native dance sharing Kauai’s rich heritage along the way. Hula dancers move to the strings of guitar and ukulele in rhythm-filled emotion. Hypnotic hip swaying and intricate arm movements transcend the trance-induced travelers serenading all into their world. Our two-mile journey upstream is filled with anticipation as the boat navigates around ambitious kayak enthusiasts and canoe outriggers en route to the Secret Falls near the next bend. For us, the destination is more astounding. Finally we dock in a private landing where we make our way on a winding footpath through a serene rainforest filled with exotic plants, towering trees, and tropical flowers native to the island. At the end of the trail the mystery unfolds. In plain sight Nature astounds all who gaze in wonder and awe. A geological act of God was born millions of years ago. And that wonder is Fern Grotto. A natural cave, formed from lava, is an amphitheater completely covered in ferns that are growing UPSIDE DOWN from the roof of the grotto. Truly! At one time, prior to Hurricane Iniki, wedding ceremonies were actually held within the grotto. This location was featured in the movie, “Blue Hawaii”, starring Elvis Presley, making it one of the most romantic and unique wedding sites in the world. Our host proclaims one final word with a smile, “The Hawaiian blessing is Hoi Hou Ke Aloha; Let us fall in love all over again.”

Dining Outside the Home: Bobby V’s Italian Restaurant Pizzeria in Kapaa, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Bobby V’s Italian Restaurant Pizzeria in Kapaa, Kauai. Buongiòrno from the verdant green Italian countryside to the coconut palms of Kauai. The secret recipes may be worthy of the family fortune, but word travels fast when authentic Italian cuisine is served on a tropical island. From marinara pastas to cheesy pizzas to meaty calzones, the tour of Sicily never ends. Enjoy every savory burst of sweet basil, aromatic oregano, nutritious garlic, roasted fennel, and caramelized onion in the regional favorites and finest Italian foods. Dine alfresco in the outdoor garden or the front porch for the ultimate experience. 

WaterMan Versus Raging Sea

“It’s probably Laird Hamilton. No one else would dare go out and surf in waves that high today,” the waitress calmly surmised. We watched as if hypnotized by the lone surfer riding the massive waves of the North Shore. At times the sea acted like a bucking broncho, changing directions with powerful strength. And yet Hamilton, the standup paddling surfer, never succumbed to the superior force of Nature. In fact, upon closer scrutiny, a high-powered jet ski seemed to run parallel perfectly poised at the end of the surf to drop a line. As if on cue, the two connected and the waterman was hauled back out to another monstrous wall of waves. There the process was repeated over and over again. We must have watched the systematic series of actions for almost an hour, completely mesmerized by these well synchronized human machines. No doubt we were witnessing one of the best surfers in the world who made danger look like child’s play. Until you see a man freely standing on a surfboard, it’s impossible to judge the height of these wave banks. Only then do you witness the scale of Man versus Sea. Truth be told, thresholds can reach up to 30 feet making the surf extremely dangerous for inexperienced surfers. The North Shore trek did not disappoint. Beauty was in the eye of the beholder. 

Put the Chips Away, SPAM SNACKS are Here!

Move over Beef Jerky and Slim Jim, you’ve got competition. There’s a new sheriff in town and his name is SPAM SNACKS! You may recall a recent post of mine entitled: “The Mystery of Spam”.* While visiting the island of Kauai, I discovered the Hawaiian obsession with the popular canned meat, Spam. I was so intrigued by it that I had to learn more. Islanders shared it’s versatility in recipes, it’s multitude of flavors, it’s gluten-free health benefits, and it’s prevalence as a household staple. Needless to say, I indulged. Yesterday I received a small package in the mail, postmarked Hawaii, from my dear friend, Noreen. Inside was the biggest surprise of all, a packet SPAM SNACKS! She discovered this new on-the-go snack item at the local convenience store there and immediately thought of me. (I hope you popped open a bag for yourself, Noreen!). Without further delay, Gerald and I tore into the bag and reveled in the chewy taste of real bacon. The bite-sized portions are a delicious alternative to devouring a bag of potato chips. Trust me. Now if only Hormel Foods could just figure out how to incorporate the salty taste of Spam into a snack that would satisfy a sweet tooth as well. Hmmmm. What’s next, Chocolate-Covered Spam Snacks?!
*Follow the link for “The Mystery of Spam”.

http://Snapshotsincursive.com/2016/02/06

Dining Outside the Home: Mediterranean Gourmet in Ha’ena, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Mediterranean Gourmet in Ha’ena, Kauai. This spectacular restaurant, with an endless view of the ocean, sits on Kauai’s North Shore. It’s claim-to-fame, and current property owner, is none other than the 1970s Latin Bombshell known by only one name: Charo. You may remember her younger days by her curvy body and seductive laugh every time she shook her shoulders and purred, “Cuchi-cuchi!” Charo was a gifted singer, exotic dancer, and talented guitarist who appeared on Johnny Carson countless times as well as “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”. She also guest-starred on the “Love Boat” series. Although her signature restaurant is no longer operating, The Mediterranean Gourmet has now become a hotspot where Charo’s tradition of Hula Dance performances continue weekly. The menu specializes in Lebanese entrées, the ambience remains, and the fact that Charo lives near enough to stop by keeps the charisma alive. 

Lights. Camera. Action!

A grey-striped cat, feral in nature, viciously chewed on the corner of a rolled up newspaper bundle laying on the ground next to a fishing pole. A pair of agitated red-combed roosters strutted back and forth awaiting their turn should the feline get discouraged or frightened and dart off. The seasoned fisherman on the wooden pier had his sun-burned face focused elsewhere with two lines already submerged in the sea water below. Ahukini Landing seems to be a hidden gem from the visiting tourists. Unless…you meet an islander who shares the secrets of its allure. At first glance it appears to be just another scenic spot to gaze upon the powerful aquamarine waves as they splash against the jagged shore. This is Hanama’ula Bay where disciplined fishermen and women understand the fierce strength by standing safely beyond the ocean’s mighty grasp while reeling in the catch of the day. Warning signs are clearly posted along the short breakwater drawing attention to High Surf, Slippery Rocks, Sudden Drop Off, and Waves Break on Ledge. Glancing toward the massive concrete and broken beamed structure draws the attention of something magnificent now abandoned in a graveyard of ruins. The architectural skeleton, home for a band of scurrying crabs, tells no tales. It seems, once upon a time in 1920, this extinct dinosaur became the first port where inter-island boats and freighters could tie up directly. It was the beating heart of the island for supplies and visiting tourists. Eventually bigger ships needed more room, thus Nawiliwili Harbor was built down the coast near the lighthouse. Things were dismantled down to bare bones leaving the dilapidated overgrown site a secret hideaway for avid fishermen, adventurous divers, and an occasional film director.*
* “Donovan’s Reef”, starring John Wayne, was filmed on this pier at Ahukini Landing.  

Dining Outside the Home: Unko’s Kitchen in Hanapepe, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Unko’s Kitchen in Hanapepe, Kauai. “Ohana”, in Hawaiian, translates to “Family”. And Unko’s Kitchen is the epitome of family. From the time-honored recipes to the helpful wait staff, everyone serves according to their talents and gifts. After all, this is their legacy. Open weekends only at mealtimes, means you make a date and don’t be late. The Kalua Taco Salad is a heaping plate of Hawaiian-seasoned slow-cooked pork served in a crunchy flour tortilla bowl filled with fresh greens, spicy salsa, shredded cheese, black olives, and sour cream. The menu features catering favorites in generous portions for carry out and “Ohana” gatherings. Life is Good. 

Dining Outside the Home: Mariachi’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Lihue, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Mariachi’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Lihue, Kauai. As the sun dips slowly behind the shadowy mountain range, the view of Kalipaki Bay from this open-air restaurant is picture perfect. Window boxes and hanging baskets border the ledge with a color wheel of annuals. The sound of sizzling fajitas and acoustic guitar envelope the night as conversation becomes relaxed and margaritas flow. Age old recipes from all over Mexico plus family tradition combine to offer a diverse menu with authentic specialties. Olé!

Island Schedules are Maintained 

The schedule said cruise ships arrive shortly after dawn twice a week. That gave us reason enough to be an early-riser and catch a glimpse of the sun peeking over the horizon before the ship passed by the cliff. Since we set the timer on the coffeemaker to rouse the senses with a vanilla macadamia nut blend, Gerald ran down to the neighborhood bakery and grabbed a couple of oven-fresh cinnamon rolls as well. Minutes later, donning walking shoes and a light windbreaker, we joined others on the footpath to the point of Nawiliwili Harbor. We watched as the stars disappeared and the sky turned from black and grey to peach and orange. Amethyst waters faded into random shades of blue while earnest fishermen settled into their surroundings. Overhead the fluffy cloud bank drifted away revealing a bright yellow globe on the horizon. As if on cue, the waves began to clap in applause when the “Pride of America” burst through the open waters navigating the channel between the mountains and the bay, masterfully assisted by a marina tugboat. With the grace and elegance of a seasoned ballerina, she breezed on through to her island home in the port.