Our second day in Hawaii puts us in the port of Nawiliwili, on “The Garden Isle” of Kauai. By the way, Nawiliwili is pronounced just like it looks (na-wil-i-wil-i).

We took an excursion called Kings, Waterfalls, & Trains. Our first stop was the old sugar cane plantation called the Kauai Plantation where we rode the Kauai Plantation Railway. Here is the old mansion of the plantation which was built by Gaylord Wilcox, who was Kauai’s Hawaiian Sugar Plantation Baron.

The 16,000 square feet mansion, built in 1935, has been turned into a restaurant, boutique shops, and galleries.

We also rode the Kauai Plantation Railway. This railroad is a narrow gauge which ran around and through the 105 acres of the plantation. Today, instead of hauling sugar cane, it hauls passengers.

Today the plantation is used as an experimental farm growing a wide variety of crops and plants in order to determine which will grow best in Hawaii and be successful.

They still have a number of animals around including chickens that run free and wild pigs which have taken over the Hawaiian Islands since their introduction several years ago.

Next, we headed to the 80 foot tiered Opaekaa Falls.

Which feeds the Wailua River, where in 1962 was designated a National Historic Landmark.

This area was the exclusive and sacred home, sanctuary, and center of government of Kauai’s Hawaiian Royalty and Chiefs.

As we headed for our ship, we had a very nice ride by the Pacific Ocean.

What a way to end the day, or so I thought...

After we got back, I decided I needed to get some medicine for my cold that I got playing with the dogs in the rain in Alaska.

We got a free shuttle to Wal-Mart. Go figure, but each port we have been in has had a free shuttle that only goes to Wal-Mart. As a rule, it is always full.

It was then that we went over to the dark side. We had lunch at McDonald's. Oh-No!!!!! Don't hate me. We didn't have time to get back to the ship to eat. At least that is what I told Rexie. (Did I just say that out laud?)

So, as I am checking out at Wal-Mart, the clerk said in a very disbelieving voice "You have a cold in Hawaii?" Once I explained I got it in Alaska, it was then OK and she finished checking us out.

What a hoot! I must be off!!!