Wailua Falls // Kauai, Hawaii

If you're following along with the Scripture Memory / Dwell Richly printable, here's the verse for week 41: 

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

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This is a story about a time where we stood among a crowd of people mesmerized by the huge waterfalls flowing from a cliff into a pool. We stood among the onlookers on the road that looked down below, searching for a way to get down to the pool for a closer look and a quick swim. After much investigation and reading through our handy Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, we found the fence and Hazardous Cliff signs blocking the trail down to the falls. So we did what any adventure-craving, crazy person would do: trekked around the fence and hazard signs, scooted down the rocks and dirt while holding onto a couple of the ropes that guided us through the mud without losing our shoes, and enjoyed the luxuries of nature at the bottom of the falls.  

This is also a story of our Father's faithfulness. I look at the photos of these waterfalls, carving out the edge of the rocks into an eroded overhang. Rocks, to me, seem like the steadiest of all natural creation. Together, they form hills and mountains. They are solid - literally rock steady. Because of their fortitude, we barely see their changes due to other natural elements. But they do change. Over time, they change. 

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

But our Father doesn't change. He is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His love for His children will not and cannot be shaken, regardless of time and situations. His covenant of peace to us, the covenant of salvation, will not and cannot be removed. He is a Father who overflows with compassion for His children. And we don't even have to trek through mud and slide down mountains holding onto ropes to find Him. That is peace.

Waimea Canyon - Canyon Trail // Kauai, Hawaii

Welcome to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific (i.e. Waimea Canyon). We suggest starting early in the morning, driving all the way to the top first rather than stopping at viewpoints along the way. Since we hiked the Canyon Trail before heading all the way up the Canyon, we arrived to the Pu'u O Kila Lookout around noon. We hit it right when the afternoon clouds began rolling in.

Our favorite trail in the Canyon is the Canyon Trail. It has two entries. Coming down from the top, take the first Canyon Trail entrance (to your left) if you want to hike a shorter route (we didn't know about this route until we heard car doors opening and closing as we were hiking). We took the other trail head - very steep doing down and very steep going back up. However, this was, by far, the best-smelling trail we've ever ventured. So, that was nice.

There are two intersections along the trail. Go left at the first one (not the lookout), and go right at the sign that says Falls. You'll hike up some intense dirt pathways and end up on top of the exhilarating Waimea Canyon. Breathe in the view and take a few photos, though none will fully capture the beauty.

Continue walking down the trail to your left. You'll walk on top of some large rocks. Follow path to the left (not right). You may have to push through some tall brush. You'll find a waterfall and natural pool to your left. There's a giant rock to your right when you keep following the trail. We named it our Resting Rock and enjoyed a picnic on top of it. 

After passing the Resting Rock, follow the path along the river and you'll find one more waterfall to your right along with a massive drop off for the giant waterfall!! This is also a great picnic spot if you can hold out that long.

We made a few friends along this trail, including a family from Slovakia, a local family (who let us in on a few local secrets), and a wonderful couple celebrating their 40th anniversary. They had intense trekking sticks and kept up with us the whole time. #respect

Hanakapi'ai Trail & Waterfall // Kauai, Hawaii

If you're following along with the Scripture Memory / Dwell Richly printable, here's the verse for week 27: 

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

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*Like many hikes we post about, bring lots and lots of water for this one!!

If you're on Kauai and looking for a must-see waterfall - this is it! We finally made it to the Hanakapi'ai Trail after spending most of the morning at Queen's Bath. It's quite a trek (eight miles round trip) but it's totally worth it. The trail is filled with whimsy (like the Dr. Seuss-looking tree below) and the views are extraordinary along the way. You can hike the first two miles to get to a beautiful beach (also one of the deadliest beaches because of the waves) or keep trekking two more miles to get to the falls. Obviously, we forewent the beach and kept heading towards the falls. If you take the trail, just keep in mind that there are a few dangerous places with river crossings (shoe recommendations at the bottom of the post).

It took us about 2.5 hours to hike to the falls. We found a boulder under a few trees beside the pond and picnicked there with our pre-made wraps from the ABC store. We seriously cannot stress enough that you should bring lots of water on this hike. Forty-eight ounces between the two of us did not suffice. Swim out to the falls and enjoy some time behind them. (But also be aware of Hawaii's freshwater flesh-eating bacteria - this was the only waterfall I was brave enough to swim in. However, JD swam in all of them and he's fine so just know that I'm 99.9% more paranoid about things than he is. ) Pictures cannot capture this glorious waterfall! 

(Side note: does the above photo remind anyone else of the dwell richly verse for this week? He enables me to go on the heights? Yes. Absolutely.) 

The hike back was brutal. It's mostly uphill after the beach with very little shade. We walked back between 2:30 - 4:30 when the sun was blazing. Our words of advice: Be careful, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and enjoy the adventure!!

Other notes:

• JD planned our meals / snacks perfectly. Eat protein-packed breakfast before the hike > snack on a mid-morning protein bar > grilled chicken wrap for lunch > afternoon snack of a juicy fruit and almonds. 
• Lather on the sunscreen throughout the hike. Don't hold back on the SPF. 
• Shoe of Choice: JD preferred hiking this trail in his Keens but I loved hiking in my New Balance Minimus shoes instead of my Keens. They felt like water shoes (which came in handy during the river crossings) and are flexible so my feet were basically hugging rocks. Great traction and not clunky like my Keens. 

Jurassic Falls Helicopter Tour with Island Helicopters // Kauai, Hawaii

If there is only one thing you do in Kauai, take the Jurassic Falls flight with Island Helicopters! It is the best way to see the whole island and SO worth the money. 

Island Helicopters is right beside the airport (pictured to the right). We took the earliest flight that day and the weather was nearly perfect. The entire staff was incredibly helpful and friendly. 

You'll check in then hop on a scale to check your weight. They do this to comply with FAA regulations and (I'm pretty sure) to also balance the helicopter evenly. You'll hang out at the building until all of the passengers arrive then head over to get the rundown of the flight. You'll also get little white slipper booties that you'll wear to walk around the property of Jurassic Falls.

There are two rows of seating in the helicopter. We had the thrill of riding in the front! I was seated in between the pilot and JD then a family of four sat in the row behind us. We recommend requesting sitting in the front when you reserve your flight. 

We took photos with our Canon EOS Rebel T5 and videos with JD's iPhone. We wish that we'd purchased a GoPro before this trip!! 

Our pilot, Gary (pictured to the right), was the best!! Definitely request him if you're able! He created a playlist for the tour so (not to ruin any surprises) as we took off, the theme song for Mission Impossible began to play in our headset. It was the coolest thing!! Call me lame for saying this, but we felt like secret agents. Haha! As we began flying over the river leading up to Jurassic Falls, the Jurassic Park theme song began to play. I'm not embarrassed to say that we both started to shed a few tears. As soon as the crescendo hit, the Falls were in sight. It was one of the most breathtaking experiences in either of our lives. 

We landed for some photos, gawked in amazement, then boarded the helicopter to continue the tour. As soon as we took off, it began to drizzle a bit but we were still able to see the views perfectly. Waterfall after waterfall after waterfall, including the Mt. Wai'ale'ale (the second wettest spot on Earth).

We just happened to hike the Canyon Trail the day before so when we flew into the Canyon, we were able to see the places we hiked the day before. It was so neat being able to see the views from standing at the top of the Canyon as well as flying through the middle of it!

We continued the tour over the Na Pali Coast with exhilarating views of the landscape and ocean (scroll through the photos below). It was also around this time when motion sickness hit me pretty hard. Fortunately, there was a stack of bags sitting in front of us in case that happened. JD looked over at me, checked to make sure I was okay then took the camera from around my neck lovingly and kept taking photos while I peered over my bag, still in sheer excitement. True love at its finest. Sickness wasn't going to stop me from enjoying the ride!! Side note: I recommend picking up a tin of "For the Weary Traveler" tea from Island Soap and Candle Works in Old Koloa Town and drinking a cup before flying. Unfortunately, we didn't know about this tea until after the flight but it's helped in several other instances! 

Even with the sickness part, this was absolutely the most exhilarating thing we've done on our  travels!! We hope you'll have the chance to enjoy it too! Feel free to ask any questions or tell us about your experience in the comments below or contact us here. 

Cruisin' through the Swiss Alps to Italy...

Happy Tuesday everybody! This past November, we embarked on yet another lovely trip to Germany for one of JD's business trips.  Friends often ask us where we love to travel to most...

Our Top 3 List goes a little something like this:

1. Germany

2. Hawaii

3. Israel

Why does Germany rank as numero uno on our list? These photos should answer that....

This was a part of the scenic ride from Germany through the Swiss Alps to Milano, Italy. Is it not absolutely exhilarating?! JD was able to take two days off so we booked a hotel in Italy and embarked on an adventurous 8-hour road trip. Not gonna lie... I got a tad -way- sick as JD took the curves of the Alps like a pro.

As I sprawled out across the backseat with an excruciating headache and nausea, JD stopped at this amazing lake and woke me up.

"Whit, I know you're not feeling well at all but I had to pull over here for you to see this. I couldn't drive by it without waking you up."

JD ran down this little paved road to see if anything else was down the way worth seeing. I, on the other hand, grabbed a couple of courtesy doggie bags and stuffed them into the glove compartment. 

A gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do.

And then we saw this lonely park bench and decided that it needed a couple of newlyweds to keep it company...

After taking in the glorious views, we drove a little further south.

The magnificent mountain tops and mustard colored trees paired with the deep evergreens were certainly a sight to behold in contrast to this quaint little town. 

And yet, the views became more immaculate...

I can't even begin to explain the surprise and mystery of this waterfall.

It appeared out of nowhere. We took a turn and -BOOM- waterfall. There it is. 

In the middle of a super tiny town.

A

massive

waterfall.

JD knows that my heart bursts anytime a waterfall is in view. Memories rush into my mind from childhood when my dad would play his 12-string guitar and sing about getting lost while playing in the waterfalls with my brother. 

Not to mention, "Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls" by TLC holds a pretty big place in my heart, as it was the first song I learned how to play on the guitar (second grade). 

JD and I haven't experienced any waterfalls such as this on any other trip (Oahu doesn't have very big waterfalls). So when we

just happened to

drive along a windy road only to see this amazing wonder, we had no other choice but to make another pit stop, take photos and breathe in the fresh autumn air.

We will probably never be able to remember which road we were driving down (except that there was a restaurant somewhere along the road called "Pink Panther Pizza") or how far away we were from our destination...

but that's the entire point of this blog.

As cliche as it sounds, it's not about the destination - it's about the journey. 

So stop every once in a while to breathe in the fresh air;

to drive a little further south and search for the small wonders of nature God has hidden especially for you to find;

and most importantly, to enjoy the journey with someone you love. 

Hawaii : Waimea Valley Waterfall

The Waimea Valley Botantical Gardens are pretty extraordinary. The entrance was bland and somewhat dead, most likely due to the season, but the rest of the walk was magical. 

Like Willy Wonka Magical.

Don't forget to wear your bathing suit, as the secret of the Waimea Valley is the waterfall at the end of the gardens! Sadly, most people walked right past the abundance of beauty hidden on the trails of the gardens.

This flower reminded us of the tree tops from The Lorax.

You'll eventually walk past this sign...

And you've made it!! 

Unlike the other Hawaiian islands, Oahu only has a couple of

legally

accessible waterfalls. The Waimea Valley Waterfall is worth checking out. 

You can rent a noodle or life jacket for $2 and swim in the frigid pool over to the falls. If you're lucky, one of the lifeguards will happily paddle out to you and take your photos on his stand-up paddle board. 

The entrance fee for the Waimea Valley is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children. Some days the gardens restrict access to the swimming hole and falls. Be sure to call ahead the day of your visit to inquire about swimming conditions.