We ♥ Kauaii!

In fact, we ♥ Kauaii so much that we've decided we're not ready to leave tomorrow and we called Delta today to postpone our flight reservations and get one more glorious day in paradise!  We are beyond excited to be able to extend our vacation by a whole day!!!

Today was a great mix of relaxation and excitement.  We took our time getting ready this morning and then headed to Hanalei.  Keith and I hit the beach while his mom and Rick did some shopping in Hanalei and then joined us on the beach about noon.  They brought with them yummy lunch from Bubbas' Burgers which we scarfed down and then the four of us went for about a mile and a half walk down the Hanalei Bay Beach...to the pier and back.  Keith and I had originally planned on snorkeling at Tunnels Beach today but when we stopped to rent snorkel gear the shop owner said, "I'd love to rent you my gear, but I'd also love for you to not die."  The rip currents were pretty severe today and the waves, as we found out when we got to Hanalei Bay were HUGE!

Hanalei Bay Beach.....the waves washed my artwork out to sea seconds after this picture was taken. 

I LOVE the ocean!

Keith and I next to the HBB pier.

On the HBB pier.

Keith's mom and I "surfing."

Mid afternoon we headed back to the condo to get dressed for "Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau."  The evening was way better than we could have even imagined.  We were each presented with a shell lei necklace as we entered.  The luau itself began with an Imu ceremony where the kalua pig is taken out of the ground and the conch shell is blown calling everyone to dinner.  Next was cocktail hour (watch out for the mai tais...they're yummy....TOO yummy!) followed by a fantastic buffet (where I liked almost everything served!  A small miracle!) accompanied by dinner music.  A hula dancer also performed the hula and then called for volunteers.  Since Keith thought volunteering me was a fun idea, I made him come with me and we both joined the group onstage for a hula lesson.  It was hilarious!  After dinner ended we all traipsed over to an amphitheater for an incredible stage show that explained the diverse Hawaiian culture through dance and costumes of the Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Samoan, Tahitian and Hawaiians.  The show featured lots of hip shaking girls, some awesome drumming, and even a chinese dragon!  We went home enchanted and exhausted.

Keith and I at the front entrance to the luau.

Mr. Smith gives the history of the Smith family, welcomes all the guests, and explains the Imu oven cooking process in front of the Imu oven.

Mr. Smith's grandson blows the conch to signal the beginning of the luau.

The yummy Kalua piggy!  Mmm mmm  good!

Keith's mom and I with the two guys who dug up the pig. 

Keith and I demonstrate hula dancing at the dinner table for the enjoyment of his mom and Rick.

Keith and I demonstrate hula dancing onstage for all the guests to see.  :)

Real hula dancers kick off the stage show.

Hula dancers spice things up a bit by swinging around flaming coconuts on ropes.

The entire cast of the Smith's show take their bows.

P.S.  I realize that I have been posting insane amounts of pictures on my blog these past few days and hope that no one finds this annoying.  However, let's be honest....you'd much rather see pictures than hear me babble about stuff, correct?  Hope the picture overload is acceptable!  Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian) for taking the time to read!