On Monday, we set out for Maile’s first true Hawaiian Adventure. We made a full day of it – first we did a kayak adventure to the Hidden Valley Falls and then in the evening we took Maile to her first Luau.
Maile did amazing the whole day – she was definitely the right age for both adventures. The kayak was great – Mommy, Daddy and Maile shared one kayak. Maile sat upfront and actually had her own paddle, although she only used it sparingly. We probably paddled for 45 minutes to an hour. Then we did a short hike through the jungle to the waterfall (which was pretty small, but still fun for Maile to discover it). We ate lunch and then went to a swimming hole with a rope swing (which Daddy enjoyed immensely!). Then we hiked back out and they gave us a boat ride back. Perfect amount of time and Maile was a trooper for almost the whole trip (I gave her a shoulder ride right towards the end for a little bit).
As any fan of Dora knows, you need a good map to go on an adventure...
Maile the Explorer ready to go!
... with her trusty sidekick, Mommy 🙂
Maile got her very own paddle for the kayak
This was taken after the kayak leg of our adventure was complete - now we start the hike to the waterfall
We made it!
Maile, Daddy and Mommy at the hidden waterfall
Maile and Mommy on the hike back to the river
Meanwhile, Boots (aka Lauren) was home with Grandma and Papa having her own adventure of discovery with a mirror...
That night we went to our first luau. Again, Maile was a great age – she soaked in everything. I’ve never seen her clap so excitedly and happily for something. And she LOVED showing off her hula skills (hat tip to Mommy for teaching her some moves).
(NOTE: We went to the Luau Kalamaku which was right near Grandma and Papa’s house. This was actually my first luau too, so nothing to compare it to, but we had a blast and I’d definitely recommend it.)
Our luau experience began of course by getting lei'd
... then Maile and Daddy did some dancing on the stage (of course)
Here’s Maile showing off her hula moves…
Mommy and Maile are ready for the show!
Maile loved the luau show and was VERY excited to meet the dancers afterwards
Did I mention how excited Maile was?
Meanwhile, Lauren Girl was having lots of fun with Grandma and Papa - she'll be joining us on our next adventure for sure!
(Click here for the video.)
