Headed to Kauai
Great times seeing friends and family on Oahu. Did not see Henry Kapono at Duke’s but great people and food. Couple things to do before I head to the airport.
Setting up the logistics of this trip is a little more than I initially thought it would be.
Parking
- Park at the trailhead; head there is risk of car getting broke into.
- Waipa Farmer’s Market Shuttle to and from Haena State Park https://www.kauai.com/haena-north-shore-shuttle
- Make reservations at hotel or Airbnb and then leave car there. Take a cab to trailhead or Waipa Farmer’s Market.
- Combination of the above.
I read lots of blogs and travel advisor reviews and got some leads. Talk to a friend who slept in his rig in the parking lot often getting a reservation and then hiked in for one night and had no issues. No Airbnb’s was good with me leaving my Jeep in there and it makes sense. There really is limited parking on the island. I called eight hotels with no luck. Then I called Ali’i Kai Resort in Princeville. They were good with me leaving my rig there for the three days for $88. https://www.aliikairesort.com/contact/
Simple process: credit card over the phone, emailed a receipt and included all the information about where to park and leaving the vehicle. They also recommended a cab driver. Friederman was excellent; after our conversation I decided to take a cab to the Waipa Farmer’s Market and take the shuttle to the trailhead. There is no cell service at the trailhead making the shuttle the best option. Made reservations for the shuttle for round trip (more on this later but no it was NOT a round trip). Only thing left is to pick up isopropyl canister for the MSR Windburner.
On Kauai
Flight was easy; always has been. I have made this Oahu to Kauai flight probably a hundred times. Taking a puddle jumper for a few days on “old Hawaii” for hiking and beach time. Picked up my Jeep from the rental company and spent a few minutes trying to find the window controller. Couldn’t help but laugh at the fact I had to ask for help/ Didn’t need help with directions but I couldn’t open the flipping window! Stocked up on groceries for the first two days and will get fish at the Old Koloa Town market.
Isopropyl Fuel
I made sure to research this prior to arriving and sounds pretty simple. Ace is the place. Not today; in fact they say they can’t get canisters and recommended Walmart. Walmart staff was very helpful but alas to no resolve. They recommended Ace Hardware. I headed to the condo, checked in and made it to my room. At the moment there are not many other options as far as going to a “store”. Placed numerous calls to no avail.
Utilizing resources to solve problems is pivotal. What does Google say? Ace Hardware and Walmart; well already tried this so will dig deeper.
Pitch A Tent Kauai
https://www.pitchatentkauai.com/ I emailed them and then communication by text message. I explained my dilemma and they were able to hook me up with what I needed, I could even pick it up at 6:00 am on my way to the trailhead. They have a lot of gear for rent and I will change my future hiking plans with the help of Pitch A Tent Kauai.
Google Review: https://goo.gl/maps/QUR5TC5dQiZPqi26A
Heading to Kalalau Trailhead.
Poki, rice and salad for dinner. Recheck my gear and final packing then load it all in the Jeep. To bed early as I will be up at 5:00 am to hit the road. There were a few bumps in the road to get to this point but I am here and the trail is open. I am committed to this adventure. Here we go!
