George at Koke’e Park, Kaua’i

Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i

Roosters at Koke’e Park, Kaua’i

Jo-Jo’s, Waimea, Kaua’i

George & Kathy’s Driveway, Waimea, Kaua’i

Red Dirt Feet, Waimea, Kaua’i

BBQ in Waimea, Kaua’i

Ahi & Onions on the Grill in Waimea, Kaua’i

Linda, Nancy, George, Caroline :: Waimea, Kaua’i

Last week Tuesday we spent the whole day on the west side of Kaua’i, in and around Waimea. This is where Dallas lived. In fact, like last year, we were having dinner at the his parents still own, the house where he grew up.

First we had lunch at Waimea Brewing Company. They claim to be the world’s westernmost brewpub. Dallas had been to their restaurant in Seattle when visiting his brother there, but had never been to the original in Waimea. Pretty good food, I didn’t try the beer though.

Next we drove up to Koke’e Park to take in some views of Waimea Canyon. While we were up there we walked down this winding gravel road to see if we could locate a house that Dallas’ parents lived in after they first got married. A little had changed, but the building was still there. After driving down we tried to visit Polihale Beach because I’ve never seen it before, but it was closed “until further notice”. Later on we heard stories of some problems they’re having in the park with “aggressive hippies camped out”. Don’t know if that’s why the beach is closed or not, just a rumor I heard.

Jo Jo’s Shave Ice in Waimea is the best on the island so I had to be sure to stop for that. Dallas and I were inside and we had to pool all of our cash together to buy one $3.50 shave ice. Lucky for me he didn’t want any so I could get the upgrades - cream on top and mac nut ice cream instead of vanilla. Still I didn’t get away without him teasing me that there was only enough money for me to get shave ice, not him. But truthfully he didn’t want any. I guess growing up with the best shave ice shop on the island (or all of Hawaii) at the end of your driveway makes it not such a big deal.

For dinner there were about 25 people. It was great to see everyone one last time before leaving for Honolulu the next day. And the food. There was sooo much food. Between the pupus and the dinner and dessert this is everything I noted we had:

• Boiled Peanuts
• Seared Ahi
• Grilled Chicken
• Grilled Steak
• Grilled Pork
• Grilled Ono
• Grilled Aku
• Grilled Portuguese Sausage
• Kauai Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Portuguese Meat
• Lettuce/Veggie Salad
• Fruit Salad
• Macaroni Salad
• White Rice (always!)
• Chantilly Cake (is this local?)
• Blueberry Cheesecake
• Jello
• Carrot Cake
• Coffee Cake

See also:
» Waimea (Kodak Gallery, 44 photos)