Did you know that Kauai, Hawaii is the background of the movie Jurassic Park? Well that’s where Terreeia and I will be on vacation next week. My mom’s coming with us. She is one of my favourite people in the world after all!
{click on images for source}
One of my clients built a house there recently. I helped her choose furniture and finishes. And, lucky me, now I’m going there to see it and stay for 10 days!
Terreeia will be golfing.
We’ll be enjoying some sunsets.
I’ll be working on my goals for 2014, and the next time you hear from me, that’s where I’ll be!
Photography by Anna Beaudry
Here’s an image from my client’s mantle that I’ve had for a long time. I love that camel! She loves to fill her house with found items she finds in nature, I’m expecting to find the same things in her Kaui house.
Photo by Maria Killam
Perfect example, a basket of dried seaweed sitting on a vintage luggage stand, and check out her cat tree (is that what it’s called?) Now that you could have anywhere in the house.
Photography by Anna Beaudry
Here’s a glimpse of the sunny window seat in the living room in her house in Vancouver I helped her with around 8 years ago. I remember at the time, before I got as good as I am now at designing and combining throw pillows, I showed up with many fabrics that she didn’t like until one day I arrived with Ralph Lauren fabrics. Ralph Lauren it was.
I’m so excited, I’ve only ever been to Honolulu but I hear that’s like a city with a beach, compared to what the rest of the islands are like.
What should we do in Kaui?
Have a great weekend everyone! xo Maria
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Boat tour of the Na Pali coast. Helicoptor tour of the Waimea canyon. Atv tour Kipu ranch. Have dinner at Tidepools. Pack your patience for the traffic jams.
Maria, my husband and I went for a helicopter ride in March 2012 with Blue Hawaiian and it was amazing!! Best vacation ever. You’ll love it! Such a spiritual, healing and restorative place!
You might start by spelling it correctly…Kauai.
It’s my least fav island. Go to Maui if you can and discover Lahaina or Kona on the Big Island Hawaii, Stop and shop at Waikiki Beach on Oahu for a couple days before flying home. You will find your fav island in the last 3, theres nothing much on Kauai.
@Lorraine: I stand to be corrected but you may be only partially right as I believe the actual spelling is Kaua‘i which uses an Okina that resembles an upside down apostrophe.
(Num Lock + Alt 0145 on a Microsoft United States-International Keyboard)
@Maria: I promise the spelling and keyboard lesson is over for today. Class is dismissed! ☺
-Brenda-
Usually when written where only standard English punctuation is available, the Hawaiian accents are left out. The Okina could be said to resemble an apostrophe, but it is curved to the right instead of inward to the left. Purists do not like to use an apostrophe in place of the Okina, so Lorraine is correct.
I mean Lorraina is correct.
Has this turned into a travel, who cares newsletter?
What a wonderful opportunity! Have a great time and take lots of photos, we will all be waiting to see them. Maryanne
Ahh, Hawaii ~
I think you need more than one trip.
(it will always be very special to me, as this is where we first held our beautiful baby girl. She was two weeks old when we she was placed in our arms.)
I had to chuckle a little Maria when I looked at the window seat and pillows. They look so “heavy” with all that sunshine pouring in.
Enjoy having your mother with you.
— Mary in Ohio
Wow, people can be so snippy! Why weren’t they taught if you have nothing nice to say say nothing at all?!
I just HAVE to weigh in 🙂 Kauai is MY favorite island, been three times and in my opinion the most beautiful. Yes it’s chill, isn’t that what paradise is all about? One of my top 3 favorite meals of all time was at The Beach House, macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi. Reserve right this second (it books up months in advance) for the early seating so you can watch the sunset from your table closest to the windows. I’m green with envy just thinking about it!!
Napali coast is gorgeous but boat tours are shut down at this time of year so the helicopter tour is for sure the way to see the island, especially that stunning coastline…and of course rainbows. The double full rainbows are unreal!
I agree, the ATV/mud bug tours are a ton of fun, you get to drive smack though the middle of the famous vast wide-open field where the dinosaur herds are running, very cool.
Have a wonderful time!!
oops, meant to say “were running” in the movie Jurassic Park
Cathy – a little note of interest to you – I had macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi at restaurant called the Beach Shack in Port Douglas Australia and it was my fav meal of the whole 5 weeks away. Hawaii is closer if I need another fix – but still not close as I am in Ottawa.
I love Kauai, too. Maria, you and yours will have a blast.
I LOVE that island! It is by far my fav. What to do? Listen to slack key guitar and go to the end of the road on the Na Pali coast side. (Don’t leave anything in the car that can be seen.) Walk out onto the Na Pali coast trail for a while. You don’t have to go far to have a lovely experience. When you are on the trail and can see the ocean’s waves, remember they are coming thousands and thousands of miles all the way from Japan. Magical. I also highly recommend talking to native people about their history and culture. There’s so much on Kauai to learn and experience if you aren’t a typical tourist and have respect and humble interest. They lost their kingdom, and it was a great tragedy. If you get to Ohau, see the Palace. It’s beautiful.
Have a great trip. We’ve never been to Hawaii, but it’s on our list!
Ahh, a respite from the cold, dreary winter days—what could be more perfect than a trip to the tropics! Did you beg your mom to go or did she beg you? 🙂 Oh, the memories that will be made.
Just from the two photos you’ve shown, Virginia’s home exudes tranquility. I hope she’ll share more of it with your readers.
If you have time, read this essay on the word “aloha” as it is exquisite and profound.
Aloha
Oops, forgot to include the link. That’ll teach me not to post before breakfast. 😉
http://www.huna.org/html/deeper.html
Waterfalls, horseback riding, the Princeville Hotel, golf, fish dinners. Enjoy. Been there three times, can’t wait to go back.
How wonderful! Kauai is my favorite island. Yes, it is a bit more country, but the natural beauty is astounding. I always find it challenging to make recommendations as everyone is different in how they like to spend there time on vacation. So the best thing I can say is pick up this travel guide book: http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/books-apps/kauai-revealed This is extremely helpful in sifting through all the different activities, restaurants, sights & shopping. BUT, one thing you must not miss is this place: http://www.stregisprinceville.com/
This hotel offers an over the top brunch with breath taking views. Or if you prefer, just go there for a drink by the pool and soak in the scenery.
Aloha!
Kauai is breathtakingly beautiful, Maria. I think you’d really enjoy a day in Hanalei, a cute town with lots of shops, art galleries and restaurants. Wherever your itinerary takes you, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time! So nice that Terreeia and your mom will be joining you!
I’m envious—I lived on the Big Island for six years and have traveled and stayed on Kauai 2x a year for nearly 30 years. I second the recommendations already given, and would add that Hanalei Bay at Sunset, maybe sitting at the Bali Hai lounge above it in Princeville (if you don’t want to be right on the beach), is a must. Snorkeling—beginners go to Lydgate, others to Poipu (go there and have a mai tai at Brenneke’s anyway) and Ke’e (north shore). Poipu is sunniest if the rest of the island is cloudy. The restaurant at Kilohana (used to be Gaylord’s but not sure now) was a sweet spot. Duke’s at the Beach in Nawiliwili for drinks at the beach bar. Oh the things you’ll do. Most of all, RELAX and have fun.
Aloha!! We went to Kauai in February and did the lighthouse (largest of it’s kind in the world)…never saw such beautiful “breakers” and saw “breaching” whales…spectacular scenery. My neighbor is moving to Kauai in the spring…we WILL visit!! 🙂 franki
I’m sure that all of us in the cold north are very envious of you Maria! Maybe we’ll see a blog post or two while your there? Have a great trip!
Have a great holiday Maria and catch some rays of sunshine for me s.v.p. as we are knee deep in snow, here in Ontario. Stay safe! -Brenda-
P.S: Re my comment above to Lorraine and you, do hope I haven’t offended and haven’t put ‘my foot in my mouth’ as we INTJ’s notoriously do from time to time.
I love hearing about bloggers’ trips! Have a wonderful time!
Kauai is my favorite island! Natural and gorgeous, amazing views outside bar at Princeville Hotel, and yes, the Napoli Coast:). Hawaii is a very happy place; enjoy it all!!!
Enjoy every second of your vacation. So wonderful that your Mom will be with you. How great that you will stay in one of the houses you helped decorate. Don’t be hard on yourself about choices you and the homeowner made – 8 years feels like a lo-o-ong time ago, and everyone has changed since then! Have fun!
Speaking of cats, almost sounded like I was stepping into the middle of it at the beginning of the comments. Hope you and Terreeia and your mom have a fabulous vacation in Hawaii and in your friend’s home! And great luck with your 2014 goals. I’m eager to read them.
And yes, that is a cat tree and thanks for the inspiration/reminder – exactly what I need in my living room/office ‘stead of those carpet-covered miseries I have out on the patio. My kitties say carpet is great for sinking your claws into and pulling yourself up when jumping gets difficult or scary, but it just doesn’t fit into mom’s decorating scheme.
Been to the island once. Beautiful places to visit and they were all mentioned above. Have a great trip the 2 of you and enjoy every second.
Safe travels.
my mom, stepmom, son and i stayed in poipu beach a few years ago. we had a lovely dinner and evening in hanapepe. restaurant had an elegant retro vibe and there were cute shops and galleries. I think we were there on a Friday night art walk. Enjoy!
You missed going to Italy but you get to go to Hawaii with two of your favorite people in the world! How great is that!? I’m happy for you. You should make a beautiful coffee table album when you return.
My favorite island, visit annually (last year 3x). It’s the Garden Isle, and heartbreakingly beautiful. Here’s a short list of great spots:Anini Beach
Snorkeling off Beach House restaurant
Kilauea Lighthouse –whale watching this month- on the way stop at Kong Lung Trading – very distinctive shop
Hemingways in Kapaa for coffee, light meals
Beach walk/bike trail in Kapaa along coast
Hanalei Bay-most beautiful crescent beach in the world
Shave Ice in Hanalei-Wishing Well food truck-We like the Island Girl-tropical rainbow of syrups over shaved ice on macademia nut ice cream
National Tropical Botanical Garden near Spouting Horn has ficus tree where the roots held the dinosaur eggs in Jurassic Park
Marta’s Boat in Kappa- little shop with handpainted fabrics and Kai body products and scents
Boat trips along Na Pali coast are surf dependent right now, we went in Dec, booked on lowest predicted surf day (Southern Cross Catamaran) and saw whales, 2 kinds of dolphin, turtles, etc. If you don’t have sea legs take Bonine.
Aloha
So excited for you! It is the most beautiful island. You have to see the Na Pali Coast. Yes, it is more laid back than O’ahu so bring a book and just enjoy the sunshine! (If you can spare a day PLEASE hop over to Honolulu and I will pick you up and show you the island here! Yes, it’s like Manhattan on the Beach in Waikiki, and it has amazing shopping at the beautiful outdoor Ala Moana Center, but it also has a lot to offer on the rest of the island with the rest of the Jurassic Park locations at Kualoa Ranch, the North Shore with its Surfers, Sea Turtles, and Monk Seals, Hanauma Bay which was the beach of Royalty, pineapple plantations, and my own town of Kailua which is one of the top photographed beaches in the world as well as where Pres. Obama stays every Christmas vacation.) In any case you will have a wonderful time!!!
Be sure to go to the Beach House restaurant. Make reservations early so you can get a sunset picture on their patio. Gorgeous! Delicious food, too!
Have a great time, Maria! We’ll look forward to hearing all about it, and seeing some of your gorgeous photos!
Lucky you. There is the botanical garden property of the former Queen of the islands tour. sorry cant remember the official name . This is well worth the time . Sculptures in the gardens and beautiful home right on the its own port with quiet, peaceful, waters gently washing ashore. Rainbows and butterflies. Have dinner at the Hyatt dining room with the Poi ponds and waterfall….you may see the evening show there also. Slow pace and if you put your smile on , everyone is smiling back. Beautiful native people. find a local gardenia stand in the countryside and wear one in your hair. Lovely!!
Oh Maria, how synchronistic! I was just sitting here looking for properties on Kauai and planning on going back in April for our 10th anniversary! On what part of the island does your client live?
Kauai is heaven on earth in my humble opinion. My favorite island of all of them. Home to some of my favorite surfers (I’m a huge surf fanatic!) It’s so lush and beautiful and yet there is a part of the island that you have to see that is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Amazing!
Like some of your other posters have shared, you two MUST take a helicopter tour of the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon. It is breathtaking with so many waterfalls you can’t count them all. The photos we have of that area are beyond gorgeous — hubby hanging out of the helicopter shooting photos like crazy.
We took a wonderful boat tour to go snorkeling. Amazing! http://www.holoholokauaiboattours.com/boats/kauai_boat_tours.html
Surf lessons at Hanalei Bay…if you are like me and a wannabe Gidget from the 60s and 70s! http://kauaisurflessons.com/instructor_bios.html
Eat the best seafood ever in Kauai. Another poster mentioned it and I will too — The Beach House has fabulous food and is, of course, right on the beach. Make reservations for right before sunset so you can go out and take sunset photos — they have a photographer at the restaurant who takes your photos on the beach, and you can also take your own– then go back and have a fabulous meal and drinks.
http://www.the-beach-house.com/
We also love Postcards Cafe http://www.postcardscafe.com/aboutpc.html
We’ve been to several luaus — resorts and plantations. The one that I loved is here: http://www.smithskauai.com/luau.html. The Smith family luau and plantation is wonderful and full of Hawaiian hospitality and great food. Part of the Elvis Presley movie, Blue Hawaii, was filmed here. The plantation grounds are gorgeous — peacocks roaming the grounds. Just gorgeous.
Tour these amazing botanical gardens at Hanalei: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60612-d666966-Reviews-Limahuli_Garden_and_Preserve-Hanalei_Kauai_Hawaii.html
See the Wailua Falls: http://www.holoholokauaiboattours.com/boats/kauai_boat_tours.html
We love breakfasts at these little places in Hanalei — Wake Up Hanalei Cafe and Lei Petite Bakery. Brunch was great here: Gaylord’s http://www.kilohanakauai.com/wp/index.php/gaylords-restaurant/
Can you tell we love Kauai??? Maybe I should work for their Chamber of Commerce!
Enjoy it all and most of all r…e…l…a…x… When you get to the airport at Lihue, it’s like all the stress and cares of the world totally wash away! Send us photos of you guys having fun and working on your tans.
Mahalo and hugs!
Victoria
Thanks Victoria, this is awesome!! x Maria
One funny thing about Kauai that your client may have filled you in on is there are chickens and roosters roaming around. We didn’t experience any on the beaches, but they were walking down the streets and they did wake us up early every morning. It was just a funny quirk about the island but didn’t lose any sleep over them.
Our favorite island also – we’ve been 5 times and we’re headed back in March.
I wish I knew which side of the island you were staying on.
In addition to Victoria’s recommendations,
Scotty’s BBQ – we are dreaming of the bbq now – and Java Kai in Kapaa. That’s on the East side.
We usually stay in Kapaa and head south around the island to hike, kayak, or just site-see.
The traffic does get a little heavy near Lihue in the afternoons but we don’t mind – we’re on vacation in Hawaii! and it’s really only a few miles. Plus the contra-flow is very entertaining to me. Along with the chickens, the one-lane bridges, the farmers’ markets with a starting bell, etc.
Kauai has so many things to see and do on all sides of the island. I think we could go back 15 more times and still not see it all.
Adding…Dukes and Roy’s are great restaurants on Kauai too. But I tend to like some of the holes in the wall surfer places too — not just the big resort type restaurants. And have some great Kauai (or Kona) coffee and Lappert’s ice cream for me! http://www.lappertshawaii.com/
Maria – That is so sad. I bet you really wish your client was in Winnipeg so you all could go to experience minus 49 Celsius !! Ha ha just kidding – have a great trip.
Kaua’i is a very spiritual place. You’ll be surprised at the energy!!!
Have a wonderful trip together and just do what is important to you both. Lots of colour inspiration in The Islands. Travel safe Maria, Terreeia and Maria’s Mum.
Enjoy your trip and take lots of inspirations for your next projects.
Nature can teach you a lot.
Have a great time
You couldn’t have picked a worse time to go to Hawaii. You’re going to miss the snow and blowing wind & crazy cold weather. How awful!
Just kidding! I hope you have a great time. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
Mary-Illinois
Wow. I used to live on the Big Island, and from personal experience, the best thing to do in Hawaii is: Nothing.
🙂
Have a great time!
I agree with all of the recommendations for the Beach House, and you definitely need to go at sunset! (You’ll need reservations) Their Mai Tai’s were my favorite. Snorkeling is a must, the water is so clear and warm. And the guided botanical garden tour was one of my favorite things. Enjoy!!!!
Have a wonderful vacation, Hawaii is on my list ! Can’t wait to see some photos.
This island looks lovely to me. I’ve been to Oahu and the Big Island (Hawaii) and loved different things about both. I’m sure given that it’s winter in Canada (and here in rainy Portland too), you will love the sunshine and green. I really like the peaceful feel of the last photo with the window seat and muted throw pillow colors….
Kauai is our favorite island! Take a day to explore Hanalei and follow the road all the way to the end to Ke’e Beach in Ha’ena State Park. It was one of our favorite beaches while we were there. You can see a little bit of the Na Pali coast here. And if you like to hike, there’s a trail that takes you to Hanakapiai Falls (plan on 6 hours, there and back!) Have a fantastic trip!
Maria,
Would you mind sharing the wall color in the above photos? Have a wonderful vacation in Kauai. I have been there twice and it is absolutely breathtaking. I think all the wonderful things to do have pretty much been covered. Safe travels.
What a fabulous opportunity!! Have a blast, enjoy the scenery. I have never been but many friends go every year around this time of year. I hear a lot of all the different places. Nice to check out a nice quiet island as well as Maui, from what I am told. I think any of the islands would be worth vacationing, after all it is a vacation and take lots of pictures. I would love to see them. I would also love to see some golf course pics as well, haha.
I would be interested to know what some of your favorite dishes are there. Maybe Terreeia will have some great new receipes. This includes desert. :o)
Hi Maria
Kauaii is my favorite island. It is the most naturally beautiful of all the islands in my opinion. Definately take a day trip to Hanalei per Maryanne above…do not miss dinner at sunset at the Beach House…one of my favorite places in the world!!
We loved the Beach House! We went back a few times. I’m ready to go back!
Hanalei is where Puff the Magic Dragon lives.
And nearby is where the home of King Kong was filmed. It’s a magical place. Enjoy.
Aloha.
So many great suggestions already – this is my favorite island! One thing I would add – you can find online a list of farmers’ markets, and I would encourage you to go. The fresh fruit is amazing.The markets are small, and the hours are short. Get there at the beginning, and watch the they open – so much fun. Have a wonderful time!
Kauai is also where the George Clooney movie The Descendants was filmed. There was a scene filmed in a little place on the north side of the island called Tahiti Nui. Go there. They have the best mai tais on the island.
Oh, and I highly recommend ziplining while on any tropical island. Breathtaking!
Can’t wait to see photos of her home!
We overcame our terror and parasailed. “Flying” above Hawaii- breathtaking and unbelievable!