Aug. 31, 2016  off to Kauai:

You would think flying from Maui to Kauai would be an easy day.  But it still makes for a long day.   Our flight wasn't until 2:30, so we had a little time to enjoy Maui a little more.  We haven't been going out to breakfast, but decided to have a cinnamon roll  from the Cinnamon Roll Place in Kihei this morning.  It was as good as it was when we were there in 2015.  They also had great egg sandwiches, but we stuck with the roll this time.

I'm sure it would have been even better with one of the flavored  cream cheese  extra toppings, but it was very good plain, too.

From there we went to Kameole 3 for a little while.  Even though Hurricane Madeline was predicted to hit land on the Big Island today, it was a beautiful morning on the South side of Maui.  We actually snorkeled the little area to the far right one of the times we were here and I was surprised how good it was!  Would have liked to tried it again this trip, or the other side of the beach, but we were sort of scared off a bit by the Kameole beaches be closed for a day or 2 when we first got here because of a shark sighting---presumably a tiger shark.  

There's a lot more snorkel area this direction.  There were snorkelers out there enjoying it, too.

a lot of people were playing in the water between the rocky sides.

 just another picture of this beautiful day.

 This is probably the biggest of the 3 Kameole parks.  Lots of parking.  Lots of picnic tables.  There's even a ramp making it handicapped accessible. 

Looks like snorkeling on the South side would have been good today.

another view of the ramp

 One last picture before heading off.

 We were plenty early, even with spending about 30 minutes in line at Costco to top off the rental car.  We were also lucky enough to be TSA pre-approved, so that help speed us through security at the airport.  Got to the gate 3 1/2 hours early!  I think Ken is anxious to be done with vacationing!  He slept most of the time away.  I wandered around forever!  finally it was time to board the Hawaiian plane.  I even tried to get us switched to an earlier flight, but they won't do that without a fee---unless we were heading to the Big Island.  They allowed changes for Big Island flights because of the Hurricane.
It was pretty cloudy over Kahului --- even drizzling while we were there.  But we did get a little bit of a view as we took off.

 Love the passion fruit drinks!

 either Lanai or Molokai.

heading into Kauai at about 3:30.

Almost to LIH.

 Since we traveled with carry on luggage only, we were quick to the rental car shuttle and off to Budget to get our premium car.  Costco travel happened to be the cheapest this year with rates of about $210/week including fees and taxes and a bonus of a $30 gift card.  Being a Fastbreak member, they were ready for us.  They offered us an SUV or a sedan.  Ken wanted the sedan.  So they gave us a free upgrade to a Luxury car---a Cadillac XTS.   Nothing like a luxury car rental to make you feel really stupid!  It has so many bells and whistles to try and figure out and no owners manual.  Our resort is only about 4 miles from the airport.  By the time we got checked in, they had our room ready---a 1 bedroom/2 bath ocean view.  A few weeks ago I almost gave it up for a free upgrade to a 2 bedroom lagoon view room, but I'm glad we kept the ocean view. 

 2nd time we've stayed here since the furniture renovations and new decor.  I still approve.

Love the pattern on the chairs and couch.

 the small but adequate kitchen.

Like the new colors and Hawaiian pictures.

 We love Olympic Cafe and went there for our first dinner on Kauai 2016.  Ken got the seafood platter and loved it.

 I got the tropical salad with papaya, mac nuts, and avocado in it.  Loved it.

 It was crowded when we got there, but pretty empty when we left. 

After dinner, we ran to the store for a few items.  Now to wait and see what the hurricanes do to our snorkeling plans!