and THAT was only the beginning !

Our drive to the Canyon is probably the longest drive we make on the island.

so we always make several

stops along the way for pictures or just checking things out.

There had been some pineapple showers earlier in the day - leaving droplets of water on some of the leaves that looked like pieces of glistening silicone.

AND, as usual .... part of the game plan was to arrive at the Waimea Brewery at lunch time !

In the past .... we have cherished the plantation iced tea there.

(lilikoi, pineapple & tea) but it fell a little short of our expectations (a little watered down) and the Captain was soooooo disappointed that they no longer have his beloved "pig sandwich" on the menu. I was happy with my choice tho ... I enjoyed some mac-crusted shrimp & purple sweet potato fries (yum) so sweet, so pretty !!

FORTUNATELY, it wasn't totally a bust for the Captain - he made a new friend! BRIGHT blue eyes and cool markings. Check out the long legs & basketball socks she was wearing. Lastly, we made our way to the Wailua Falls. They are the ONLY ones that you can get close to by car. Otherwise, it requires hiking or a helicopter !

The water flow was the heaviest I had ever seen. LOUD and forceful.