We wake up to a heavy overcast morning, the distant horizon shows a slight hint of grayish red and quickly dissipates. The cloud cover just blankets the entire sky. The weather has been too wet lately and there is a threat of rain today, it’s better not to do any long hikes. Unlike our Kauai trip back in 2005 when it seldom rained at all, we have certainly seen our share of precipitation this time around. So the plan calls for a casual day exploring the north shore instead.
Kilauea Fish Market
First stop at Kilauea for lunch. The Kilauea Fish Market is frequented by locals and serves fish wraps and fish plates. We order 2 plates: Ahi and Opakapaka with a tomato caper sauce. You should notice by now that Ahi is Hawaiian’s version of chicken, it’s plentiful around here and we love it. The lunch is really good, not too cheap though ($30) considering it is a rustic take out place. Three Stars.
Simple Dishes at the Fish Market - Ahi and Opakapaka
Afterwards, we hang out around the Kong Lung shopping center; it features many special artsy merchandises, well worth a short visit.
An Attractive and Zen Like Store Corner at Kong Lung
As we head up to Hanalei, we come across their weekly Tuesday 2 pm farmers market. We’ve been looking for a farmers market ever since we arrive and this is a jackpot. The fruits and vegetables here are fantastic. Fruits like rambutan, dragon eye, passion fruit, local lime, locally grown arugula. We buy it all up.
Tuesday Farmers Market at Hanalei
Bright Red Sweet Rambutan, Juicy Dragon Eyes and Lush Green Avocados
Exotic Mangosteen @ $10/lb
The road to the north shore ends at Ke’e Beach. The parking lot is full; people park here to hike the famous Kalalau Trail that hugs the north shore coast line. We hiked a portion of this trail in 2005. The condition this time around must be quite treacherous because of the recent rains. Many hikers come back with mud marks all the way up to their buttock.
View From Kalalau Trail (2005)
As usual this time of the year, Ke’e Beach is hit by rough waves. There is not a soul in the water. We walk along the beach for a while and the north shore coast line is just spectacular even in this overcast misty afternoon. Come across another monk seal, this one is sleeping by itself, undisturbed by its surrounding. Once a while, it scratches its tummy. What a casual life. Watch the Kauai Shores video posted from yesterday.
Pono Market, Kapa’a Selling Great Ahi Poke
On the way back to Kapa’a, we drop by the Pono Market for some Ahi Poke. The guide book says their Ahi Poke is the best in town. We pick the sesame Ahi Poke and enhance it with avocado and lime juice. The Ahi Poke is spectacular, not overly spiced, and the ingredients all come together. The Ahi comes in big chunks and they are very fresh and sweet.
Ahi Poke with Avocado and Lime Juice
Rambutan, Dragon Eyes and Passion Fruit
