Michael wrote about the first part of our Hawaiian family vacation last week.  After an incredible time in Maui, we took a very short flight to Kauai, rented a couple cars (which, as it turns out is much nicer than packing a family of 6 and all of their luggage into 1) and headed to our Airbnb in Princeville.  We spent the next few days exploring a different beach every day (one of the coolest things about these islands are how different the beaches are! We were in a new, gorgeous place every day!) with our snorkel gear.  And while my family is usually perfectly happy to lay on a beach and drink a few margaritas, (and Michael can grab the snorkel gear and play in the water all day – he doesn’t do great sitting still) we did go out for a few little adventures while we were there.

The biggest adventure was our helicopter tour!  We went with Blue Hawaiian and had the most amazing time!!!  There is nothing quite like seeing this gorgeous island from the air.  We went through all the gorgeous canyons, up close to Jurassic Falls, and to some gorgeous, unreachable beaches.

Afterwards, Michael and my Dad went golfing while us girls headed to another beach and laid right next to a seal, did some amazing snorkeling, grabbed a flight at a Kauai Island Brewing Company, and went to a sea glass beach (seriously, pretty much no sand, just little pieces of sea glass cover the place!).

On one of our snorkeling adventures we thought we wouldn’t see anything, and Michael stood up and waved me over.  On my way towards him I swam right up to a sea turtle!!!! A SEA TURTLE!  We just floated and watching him eat off the ocean floor, and every so often swim up for a breath of fresh air.  It was AMAZING.

We also took a short hike through the woods, past a little waterfall, and to the Queens Bath.  You guys.  It was the most gorgeous thing ever.  Huge pools, crashing waves, and sea turtles galore.  So many sea turtles.  I think we must have seen 40 of ’em!  Even a lil’ baby!!!

 

And a few extras from our Instagrams (@laura_d_archer & @michael_w_archer).