July 12

Today was a pool day, but it was also the day we chose to head out to Polihale for the sunset. Polihale is a long expanse of beach that runs from the southwestern portion of the island until it meets the NaPali Coast. It's kind of a pain to get there --though I have to say, having a big, four wheel drive SUV helped to quell the usual bumpity-bumpfest!-- but the beach itself is stunning (probably because it's NOT easy to reach) and well-worth what Isaac terms a Pothole Adventure.

Anyhow, we left at around 5 PM and stopped at McD's to pick up dinner. Then it was off to the west coast. When we were here last year, the day we chose to watch the sunset (and I know that sounds weird because "island" should be synonomous with "ubiquitous sunset availability", but because of the orientation of the island, Polihale is pretty much the only place on Kauai where you can watch the sun dip into the ocean) was very cloudy, but not today. There were a few clouds here and there and a few on the horizon that did wind up obstructing the view a wee bit, but it was still beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that it's really hard to choose photos to use here.

Hawaii does, of course, emanate an innately restful vibe, but there's something about watching a gorgeous sunset that just makes me go... ahhh. A beautiful, colorful blessing. And watching the kiddos stand at water's edge looking out across the ocean together, and watching Brady and Isaac get a little too close to the waves (which resulted in them both getting quite wet and riding home in their underpants)... all memories I'll store away in my heart, no doubt.