Feeling Adventurous?

     May 2011 I was in the midst of paradise, Hawaii. It was the most amazing vacation! I was lucky enough to get the last spot on a AAA Exclusive Adventure group trip to Kauai and Oahu. We spent 5 days exploring Kauai and 3 days hitting the highlights of Oahu.

The word, adventure, seems to scare people. They seem to think that when travel agents talk about adventure travel trips that we are trying to send you on a trek up Mount Everest. We're not! I promise! Now, we can certainly arrange that for you if you are interested, but adventure travel applies to more than you think.
     Adventure travel does not have to mean hiking, kayaking, or cycling. Sometimes adventure is simply a state of mind; being open to new cultures, foods, experiences. Traveling outside of the box. G Adventures offers amazing itineraries that highlight culinary experiences in Tuscany, local living programs in Guatemala, and overland safaris in Africa. These tours provide incredible cultural adventures without high intensity activity.
     I will be the first to admit that I am not a high intensity adventure girl. I thoroughly enjoy being active and trying new things, but I am not prepared to repel from cliffs or bungee jump from bridges. My travel buddies quickly figured out that I don't make 10 mile hikes or mountain biking a part of my normal weekend activity. However, I jumped right in and was ready to act the part of a true outdoorsy girl and keep up with the pack!
     In Kauai, we went hiking 6 miles in to the Waimea Canyon on our first day as a warm up. It was a little muddy, but I put on my ugly hiking shoes, slipped and slid down the hills and felt very proud of myself as I led the group back to the van - even though my group teased that I was just ready to go back to the hotel.

 

Day 2 of hiking was hot! We hiked 9 miles out of the Waimea Canyon on the Nualolo Overlook to the Lolo Vista which overlooked the Na'Palii Coast. The hike was up and down a trench-like path and finally ended at the most breathtaking lunch spot above aquamarine water and beside the infamous palis.

 

As we prepared for our kayak adventure on the Na'Palii Coast, we took our Dramamine, packed our waterproof bags, and lathered on the sunscreen. I was partnered with a 6'5" guy who's' arm stroke was 1 for every 2-3 of my arm strokes. Needless to say, Austin and I struggled to get in sync but we made the best of it and even yelling "huli" as our kayak tipped over after being hit by a wave was fun! I was definitely a little nervous about kayaking 17 miles along the Na'Palii Coast, but the experience of paddling alongside the towering palis and exploring sea caves and watching a sea turtle swim under my kayak was a feeling I will never forget!
 

 

Hawaii was a dream destination for me - a girl who has the ocean running through her soul - crystal clear waters, sunshine every day, minimal humidity (no frizzy hair for 10 days!), and no bugs! Yes, I said no creepy crawlies! I can't wait to return to "island life" and explore the other 4 Hawaiian islands!