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Monday, September 26, 2016

Kauai + Video

Shelby and Brandon

Here is a video of our time in Kauai!
Brandon's parents decided to do a fun getaway for a family reunion to Hawaii this year. And it was a trip of a lifetime. We went to Maui, Kauai and Oahu, and I won't be able to fit all the footage and pictures into one post so I'll be doing another post. As for now this is the Kauai portion of our trip. And let me tell you it was my favorite island! Nothing beats the greenery, remote feeling you get from being on the island. I think i used the word unreal about 20 times a day because it really was like a scene straight out of a movie set where you think, 'places like this just don't exist' but they do and Kauai was it. We had about 3 days on Kauai and we tried to pack in as much as we could in those 3 days. So here is our list of what to do on Kauai


1. Secret Beach: This place was stunning. My favorite beach I've probably ever been to. It take a good little hike to get in  and its easy enough for kids. We went on a rainy day so we had the beach to ourselves not sure if its usually like that, but it was perfect.    Shelby and Brandon  Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon I tell ya, this JoTotes camera bag saved our camera through a lot of mud and rain! I'm completely obsessed with it. Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon

Shelby and Brandon I was so worried about my boys getting sunburn and so I got these swim shirts from SwimZip and they saved my kids skin and gave me a peace mind. Plus the shark swimmer shorts are so darling!

2. The Queens Bath
Shelby and Brandon
I have to laugh about this photo above because I saw this picture on Pinterest and so Brandon wanted me to reenact it. So there it is! lol

Okay so the Queens Bath was completely stunning, however I don't know if it was worth it with kids? We are bit crazy when we come to adventuring and every person we passed on the trail pretty much called us crazy. And here is why: It rains all the time in Kauai and because of that the trail is like a mud bath and so slippery. I tried in the beginning to wear my flip flops but they broke because it was so sticky and too muddy. So worth it? Maybe not with kids, but it was a super fun adventure we all can look back and laugh about.
Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon This was right before 3 adults fell down and slide down the trail with kids in tow. It was sooo muddy!
Shelby and Brandon


Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon All smiles at the end when we got to get in the water and wash off all the mud and swim in the healing waters of the Queens Bath. Shelby and Brandon
The end result of our muddiness... seriously such a crazy adventure!

3. Waimea Canyon
Shelby and Brandon
The drive up to the top was so pretty, I would describe it like the Grand Canyon in Utah. Benson fell asleep in the car so I never got to see the top, but the view driving around was just as good.
Shelby and Brandon
4. Napali Coast
I am saving the best for last, because you guyyyyyyssss you have to go see the Napali Coast if you are ever in Kauai. Its a place you will never see anywhere else, and you can't get to it unless you are in a boat or Helicopter- which makes the experience even better. Its breathtaking, majestic and every beautiful word out there.
Our family chartered a boat and I bet we can all say that was the best part of the trip. Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon
Shelby and BrandonShelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon
Part of the excursion was snorkeling along the coast and I've never been to a place with so much fish! The boys were in heaven, especially Tayte as he kept chasing around the one yellow fish and every time he got a touch of the fin he'd get so excited!Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon
Shelby and BrandonSee that tiny hole, we all started freaking out when our Captain started heading towards that hole, wondering how we were going to get through it and he made in and the cave inside was so incredible, something you have to experience in person because camera or video wouldn't do it justice.
Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon  Shelby and Brandon Shelby and Brandon    We stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai and it was on the dry side of the island, which meant for more sun! If you have any questions about Kauai put them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them!

12 comments:

CNUK said...

What beautiful photos and video. Thank you so much for sharing this precious time with your family

GodsGal99 said...

Oh Shelby what a dream vacation! And to be able to share it with the whole family before Josh leaves of his mission has to be priceless for his Mom and Dad! Kauai is my favorite island too but it's been a long time since I've been there and your family went to some places I've not been before! Always beautiful pictures and video! Thanks for taking me along on your vacation! Where we going Next?! Amy ;)

Unknown said...

Shelby --- Thank you so much for sharing this special sweet video of you & your family! You clearly don't have to share so much with us all & I just want you to know how much we enjoy & appreciate you doing so! You are so talented in your videos & photos showing the love within your own family & then the entire big family! THANKS for being so open w/ your thoughts & feelings! HUGS -- Lynn

Erin said...

I don't know you from Adam but somehow found your Instagram and watched your trip to Kauai with happiness. As someone who lives on Kauai, I do feel a need to mention that while Queen's Bath can be an amazing place, for the most part, it's actually one of the most dangerous places on the island and I would never recommend someone takes their children there. There can be enormous rogue waves that come in and knock people out to sea. It's something that happens much too often. In summer there can be small enough swell that the waters are calm and it can make it seem safe. But most of the year, the swells are large enough that it's not something I'd risk someone's life for. Just my perspective.

momrock said...

What wonderful memories for all. Family vacations like this are the best!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures, Shelby! Thanks so much for sharing, it looks like you had a wonderful time. I haven't been to a beach for so long, and this makes me want to go!

~Cindy

Maria said...

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures and experience going to Kauai. I am going there in 2 weeks and was so excited that you posted this. I have a question. Who did you charter your private boat to the Napoli Coast with? This isn't something we had planned on, but I definitely want to look into it after watching your video!

Maria said...

One more question..where did you get your white coverup/dress?.. I love that it is something that you were able to hike in:)

Shelby Osmond said...

Maria, I wish I knew the name of the boat but I know there are lots of companies that will charter a boat... sorry!
And the white coverup is from Zara! Thanks for your kind comments and have so much fun in Kauai!!!!

Jessie said...

How fuuun! My husband and I went in May without the kids and did every single one of those things. It was amazing and we are dying to go back. My tip for the muddy trails? Chacos: big thick hiking soles on a pair of sandals. We also backpacked the Napali coast to a sacred beach called Kalalau. Incredible experience. That coast really is something else! So glad you got to go and even better experience it with the kids. Magical!

makana hansen said...

I can't wait to see more! I want to go so bad!!

mamalou said...

These pictures are incredible! This makes me so excited to go!