Location: Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Location: A scenic day exploring Waimea Canyon and going to see Spouting Horn, followed by a relaxing afternoon back on the NCL Spirit with good food, cocktails, and a quiet evening onboard.
After breakfast onboard the NCL Spirit, I joined my tour group and boarded a small coach for today’s excursion to Waimea Canyon. The weather was perfect, and the drive took us along Kauai’s southern coast, with our guide pointing out landmarks and sharing stories as we went.
Spouting Horn Park
Our first stop was Spouting Horn Park in Koloa. Here, the Pacific Ocean crashes into the lava rock shoreline, forcing water through natural blowholes that shoot into the air with a loud hiss. It was only a brief stop, but long enough to watch a few impressive bursts before we continued along the coast.
We paused again at a viewpoint overlooking the coastline and the distant end of Waimea Canyon. Our guide explained that the canyon marks the boundary between two large family-owned lands, one family on each side. It was interesting to see how the landscape itself formed a natural border.
Waimea Canyon
After a winding drive inland, we reached the rim of Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Our guide pointed us toward a path leading to several viewpoints and warned that it was steep in places. With my legs still sore, I wasn’t entirely convinced this was good news, but the path turned out to be much easier than expected.
The views were worth every step. The canyon stretched out in layers of red, green, and brown, with a waterfall cascading down one of its cliffs. We spent time taking photos and soaking in the scenery before heading back down to the coach.
On the return journey, we stopped along the coast for a short break. I treated myself to a mango and papaya smoothie, absolutely delicious, and I wish I could remember what else was in it so I could recreate it at home. After the break, we boarded the coach again and made our way back to the ship.
Return to the NCL Spirit
Back onboard, I headed to the Local Bar for lunch: chicken wings and a Cobb salad. Afterwards, I wandered up to the pool deck and relaxed with the cocktail of the day, a Pulp Art, made with Flor de Caña 4‑year rum, Campari, pepper top cordial, lemon, and orange juice.
The evening’s entertainment in the Stardust Theatre was Matt Hale, a hypnotist. I decided to give it a miss, I had no desire to spend the night clucking like a chicken. Or perhaps I did go, got hypnotised, and simply don’t remember. What I do recall is having a few beers in Henry’s Pub, doing the quiz, and heading to bed early, ready for the next day’s adventure.
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