Day 5: Soaking up the Last Moments on Kauai

-

The group really bonded on this trip, and after five days together, it didn’t feel like nearly enough. Each night, we circled up in the pavilion and let conversations flow until it was time for bed, everyone asking to stay up just a little longer to stretch out those final moments together.

Today was our last day on Kauai before returning home, and the morning felt bittersweet as we cleaned out the yurts, packed our bags, and loaded the vans one final time. I think all of us wished for just a little more time to do more, see more, and simply be together. Our final adventure on the island was mountain tubing.

On the way, we stopped at Wailua Falls to take in one last waterfall. Waterfalls felt like a theme of this trip, each one reminding us of the island’s incredible natural beauty. At Kauai Backcountry Adventures, we geared up with helmets and gloves and climbed into an open-air vehicle that carried us deep into the rainforest. We learned that we would be floating down old sugar cane irrigation ditches hand-built in the late 1800s. The water, described as “refreshing,” was actually quite chilly as we settled into our tubes. We floated through five hand-carved tunnels, originally designed to bring rainwater from Mount Waialeale, the wettest place on earth, down to the sugar cane fields. These historic canals are no longer used for farming but now bring joy in a completely different way.

A highlight came at the end of the tour, when the students took splashing to the next level and started flipping each other out of the tubes. Even Mr. Piercy and Annie got flipped. Apparently I was spared because they worried that flipping me would affect their chances of getting on the next backpacking trip to Waimanu Valley!

After tubing, it was time to return the rental cars and board the short flight back to the Big Island. As we approached home, reality set in: school tomorrow with Algebra tests to ace, classes to attend, and only a few more weeks before Winter Break.  The urgency of getting their phones back grew, and I hope each student gives you a call to share more stories from the week! 

When we unloaded from the bus, everyone was eager to shower, study, and reconnect with home. But before heading off, we took a moment for hugs, thank-yous, and genuine gratitude for the time we shared.

This week was filled with endless laughter, new inside jokes, and a whole new vocabulary of slang. I am still not entirely sure what half of it means, but I am choosing to believe it all confirms I am fun and cool.

What a special five days it was. Here are our final photos for you to enjoy. Thank you for following along on our adventure.  Signing off until next year... A HUI HOU!  (until next time). 

Written by: Lindsey Paulekas











Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 1: Kayaks, Waterfalls, and Smiles

-
Image
Aloha from Kaua‘i! We are happy to share that our HPA Outdoor Program group has arrived safe and sound on the beautiful island of Kaua‘i. Spirits were high as students stepped off the plane and took in their first glimpse of the lush mountains and ocean breezes that will surround us for the next few days. We truly hit the ground running. After picking up our rental vehicles, we headed straight to the Wailua River for our first adventure: kayaking! Students partnered up, grabbed paddles, and hopped into their boats, ready to explore this scenic waterway, which is also the only navigable river in Hawai‘i. We paddled upriver for about 45 minutes before parking our kayaks on a sandy bank and beginning a short hike to “Secret Falls.” While commonly known by that name, its traditional name is Uluwehi Falls, meaning flourishing plants. Although the falls are no longer much of a secret, with plenty of fellow kayakers enjoying the 120-foot cascade, it remains a breathtaking spot. Jumping into ...
Read more

Aloha from Outdoor Program: One Week from our Trip!

-
Image
Aloha Parents!  We’re officially one week away from launching our Thanksgiving adventure on the beautiful island of Kauaʻi! Plane tickets are booked, waivers are signed, gear is getting packed, and our itinerary is full of unforgettable experiences. Our home base for the week will be Kumu Camp in Anahola Bay , a perfect central location for exploring the island. Students will enjoy a camping-style experience with the comfort of yurts, huts, and bungalows; the  ideal blend of outdoor living and cozy accommodations. Throughout the trip, we’ll be sharing daily blog updates by 8:00 p.m. HST , written by students and paired with photos so you can follow along with our adventures in real time. From kayaking and hikes to beach days and cultural experiences, students will be documenting each day from their own perspective. This is the first and last blog written by me, the trip leader!  As a reminder, students will not have their cell phones during this trip . This intentional ch...
Read more

Day 2: Hiking the Na Pali Coast

-
Image
Today we got up an hour before sunrise to start our hike early. It was an action-packed adventure on the steep, slippery trails of the Na Pali Coast, complete with multiple stream crossings and plenty of fun challenges. We hiked about eight miles round trip, took in gorgeous ocean views, and even spotted Niʻihau in the distance. Our final destination was Hanakapiʻai Falls, an epic 300-foot waterfall with neat cultural importance. The water was extremely cold but incredibly refreshing after the grueling switchbacks. We enjoyed a nice lunch (homemade sandwiches and snack packs) at the waterfall, and Ms. Paulekas taught us how to use a UV light to filter bacteria from the water. Many people pushed through difficulties, bonded with the group, and soaked in the beauty around us. We also taught Ms. Paulekas some new slang for six straight hours, which she loved. She learned what "skibidi," "tuff," and "Sybau" mean. A lot of people slipped and fell along the ...
Read more