The Kalalau Trail is the hikers ultimate hike, located along the Na Pali Coastline on the North Shore of Kauai. The trail traverses lush valleys, rugged towering cliffs rising up from the sea, beautiful waterfalls and plenty of Guava and Mango to quench your thirst on while hiking.
Hiking the Kalalau Trail is the closest one can get to hiking through Jurassic Park minus the dinosaurs. The hike is approximately 11 miles stretching from Ke'e Beach to Kalalau Beach. The first section stretches 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai beach. After reaching the beach you can take a 2 mile trail that leads back to the refreshing Hanakapi'ia waterfall or continue the rest of the way to the Kalalau Valley. If you decide to continue to Kalalau Valley you will need to get a permit so make sure to purchase one in advance before you arrive. The following link provides a brochure with lots of important information about the Kalalau. hsp_kalalau_trail_brochure_20121.pdf
Hiking the Kalalau Trail
Hiking the Kalalau Trail
Guava Trees along the trail
You can find fresh Guava along the way to quench your thirst
GoPro Video: Hanakapi'ai Waterfall
Video of Hanakapi'ai Waterfall 4 miles down the Kalalau Trail
Hanakapi'ai Waterfall 4 mile hike
Chillin next to the Waterfall
Enjoying the refreshing waterfall after long hike
Crossing the river to Hanakapi'ai Beach
Hanakapi'ai beach Tidal Wave Warning
Finally made it to Hanakapi'ai beach
Hiking back to KE'E Beach
Fresh Coconuts waiting at the end of the long hike
Enjoying a well deserved Coconut
Video hiking the Kalalau down to Hanakapi'ai Beach
Hanakapi'ai Beach
Amazing Vista Na Pali Coast
Kauai North Shore
River Crossing
Hiking the Kalalau trail truly is an amazing journey into paradise. The Na Pali Coast on North Shore of Kauai is the jewel of Hawaii and Kauai is the oldest and most lush of the Hawaiian islands. Hopefully I will return one day to complete the full hike to the Kalalau valley.
In my view nothing beats a steaming bowl of gumbo on cold damp winter day to stimulate the senses. Besides providing an intense rich flavor it is a delicious hearty comfort soup. For this reason I decided to share a few things I learned while making my Gumbo.
Making Gumbo is nothing to complicated but I believe there are two main keys to make really awesome gumbo. The first is to add saute smoked Kielbasa to the Gumbo. This will give it that smokey flavor and provide that nice kick which is extremely important. The second is to add Okra or to make a Roux to provide the proper thickness Gumbo requires. I never made a Roux instead I just add Okra to thicken the Gumbo. Just make sure not to add to much Okra or it will cause the Gumbo to be a little to slimy. I try to add no more than 7 Okras to give it the required Gumbo thickness. I also recommend catching your Shrimp live which if you live in Low Country of South Carolina shouldn't be a problem but if not then just buy at the store or if you are from Cajun Country, substitute with Crawdads. Listed below are the required ingredients to make an awesome Gumbo.
Gumbo Ingredients Saute kielbasa smoked sausage Okra Bay Leaves Corn on the Cob Onion Garlic Carrots Rice Saute Shrimp Celery Bell Peppers Tony Chachere's Gumbo Mix Swanson Chicken Broth Organic or Seafood Stock Marie Sharps Hot Sauce Grapefruit pulp Habanero Pepper Sauce
Mixing in the ingredients
I start by adding olive oil to the pot and heat on medium. Next I chop up the main ingredients that include the holy trinity of Cajun Cooking (Celery, Peppers and Onions) and add it to the pot to heat until tender. Then I will add some more seasoning and the Okra. Next saute the Shrimp and smoked Kielbasa on the side then add to the pot.
Pot of Gumbo
After all the ingredients have been added I will add in my Seafood or Chicken Stock with my Gumbo Mix and gently stir. Once it looks like it is done I give it a quick taste test to see if it needs more seasoning or if it is ready to go.
Enjoying my Gumbo
The beauty of Gumbo is you can mix in whatever you want, usually the more ingredients you add the better the Gumbo. When I have the opportunity I like to add Blue Crab, Stone Crabs, Clams, Oysters and Lobster to give it even more flavor. Good cooks always find innovative ways to improve their recipes so don't be afraid to add new ingredients to your Gumbo. I hope this has been helpful and will lead to lots of awesome Gumbo in the future.
I would have to say hands down Fleet Landing has the best Shrimp and Grits in Charleston, SC. I have had Shrimp and Grits all over the Low Country and no place compares to Fleet Landing. This is a really great place located downtown with a nice view of the Charleston Harbor. Posted below are some pics showing Fleet Landing and the great food.
Nothing beats Shrimp and Grits on a cold day
A bowl of She Crab Soup with a touch of Old Bay
Low Country Oysters with Holy City Beer
Enjoying a great view of the Charleston Harbor
A great place to meet your Chica for Dinner
You can also check out Terrapins swimming off the deck
Goodbye to the International Market Place in Waikiki
My first post will discuss one of my favorite spots in Waikiki called the International Market Place. The Market place was a really cool spot to walk around at night and try awesome dishes like Garlic Lobster Tail and drink fresh Coconut Milk. It was also a nice spot for locals to sell their homemade products. Now the Market place is no longer and will be replaced by Saks of Fifth Avenue. This is the same thing that happened in Charleston, SC. After moving to Charleston I started to notice that all the cool local spots were being replaced by the big New York stores like Saks of Fifth Avenue. Anyway enough writing, posted below are some cool pics I took while chillin at the International Market Place in Waikiki.
My beautiful Chica posing as a hula girl in the market.
Enjoying my favorite dish Garlic Shrimp and Lobster Tail with a Hawaiian Sun Drink.
Enjoying Fresh Coconut
Going Dancing at the International Market
Drinking Fresh Coconut
We will really miss this place and visiting Waikiki will never be the same without the Market Place.
The Kalalau Trail is the hikers ultimate hike, located along the Na Pali Coastline on the North Shore of Kauai. The trail traverses lush valleys, rugged towering cliffs rising up from the sea, beautiful waterfalls and plenty of Guava and Mango to quench your thirst on while hiking. 
