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Emily: Daraius and I went to Maui, Hawaii in March 2013. We loved Hawaii so much that we decided to return, but this time to Kauai. Kauai is more laid back and less built-up than Maui.
Emily and Trixie at Kapaa Beach Park
We went to Kauai over Valentine’s Day week, which made for a very romantic getaway. Using our miles and points made it even better!
Winter Getaway to Kauai – Trip Report Index:
Part 1 – Using Miles and Points to Get to Kauai
Part 2 – Only $10 for 2 One-Way United Flights From Austin to Kauai
Part 3 – Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Part 4 – Grand Hyatt Garden Suite for 87% Off
Part 5 – 3 Free Nights & a Partial Ocean View Upgrade at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
Part 6 – Activities in Kauai
Part 7 – Adopting a Little Girl
Part 8 – The Many Pools of the Grand Hyatt Kauai and more…
Part 9 – Southside Eats
Part 10 – More South Kauai Eats!
Part 11 – Shave Ice Bigger Than Your Face and More Yummy Meals!
Part 12 – Flight From Kauai to Austin
Part 13 – Conclusion and Blog Giveaway
This post will highlight our activities in North and East Kauai, including:
Kauai Humane Society
Korean BBQ
Kapaa Town
Kapaa Beach Park
North Kauai Activities
It rained in the north every day we were in Hawaii. So we didn’t get a chance to explore the sights. Please comment with your can’t miss recommendations for next time!
East Kauai Activities
Kauai Humane Society
Daraius surprised me with a trip to the Kauai Humane Society. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Were we going to volunteer for the day? Was there horseback riding?
Link: Adopt a Dog for a Day for Free!
What Did Daraius Have Planned at the Kauai Humane Society?
We were going to adopt a dog for a day. You pick up the dog in the morning and return it 30 minutes before closing. And they give you a list of dog friendly places. Daraius found out about the Shelter Dogs on Field Trips program through a post on MommyPoints.
There were dogs of all breeds and sizes. They give you the water bowl, food, towel, harness etc. And you don’t pay a thing. This is such a great idea!
How Would We Choose?
It was hard to resist taking all of them. They were all so cute!
Eeeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe – Who Stays and Who Goes?
They suggested Trixie because we wanted a moderate to good-tempered dog.
Whew, Hard Decision Averted! We Let the Humane Society Pick for Us
Trixie was 6 years old and a cutie!
Trixie Came With an Instruction Manual, Too Bad Babies Don’t
The Shelter Dogs on Field Trips program is free! We had to leave a $200 credit card deposit in case we didn’t return her. The Humane Society gave us a water bowl, towel, treats, and doggie bags.
Ready for Trixie’s Big Day in Town
Trixie was excited to go, and she readily jumped in car.
Chillin’ In the Backseat
I sat with her in the back to cuddle and make sure she wasn’t too frightened.
Korean BBQ
Our first stop was Korean BBQ for Daraius (and perhaps Trixie, too!).
Trixie Wondering, “Uh, Dad. Where’s Mine?”
Trixie was very well behaved on the leash. I wonder if Joelle (our cat who thinks she’s a dog) would use a leash?
Korean BBQ Isn’t 1 of Kauai’s Dog Friendly Restaurants
Kapaa Town
After lunch we took a walk in Kapaa town. The walk must have worn Trixie out, because she took a nap in the car.
Must Have Been Tryptophan in the Korean BBQ
Kapaa Beach Park
Then we went to Kapaa Beach Park and walked along the bike path, which was perfect for dogs, too!
Emily and Trixie: Ready and Eager for Adventure
Kapaa is supposed to have excellent snorkeling and beaches. So we went down by the beach, but Trixie didn’t really like the water.
Just Like Her Dad, Trixie Avoided the Water
We tried playing fetch with her, but she wasn’t interested in chasing sticks. She was a very sweet dog with a great temperament. She followed directions well and knew how to sit and come.
“But, Mom. I See Something Over There.”
She knew her name and was sometimes ready for a cute picture, too!
How Could Anyone Resist a Face Like That
On the way back to the Humane Society, Daraius cuddled her in the backseat.
Daddy’s Little Girl
Trixie was such a good girl. I didn’t want to say goodbye!
Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Daraius also had a soft spot for her.
Daraius Wondering If Trixie Would Fit in the Suitcase
And Trixie wanted to stay with us, too!
“Don’t Leave Me, Mom and Dad.”
But we had to return her.
They Say a Dog Looks Like Its Owner
Folks who have adopted dogs for a day can leave feedback in the dog’s journal. This is a good way to learn about the dogs before permanent adoption.
Trixie’s Journal Was Filled With Praise Reports
Here’s what we wrote:
Trixie was so much fun. She was very well behaved in the car and walking in town. We wished we had more time with her and didn’t want to take her back. She’d make a great companion for anyone.
Can You Give Trixie a Forever Home?
Bottom Line
Daraius is always full of surprises. We had so much fun adopting a dog for the day. I’m curious if other cities offered a similar program.
Would you adopt a dog for the day while on vacation?
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Comments
Great story and such a great idea. A walk outside is so needed ... by Joe
You know what, you guys are alright. What a cool thing to do. by Doug Lemon
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Winter Getaway to Kauai: Part 6 – Activities in Kauai
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Winter Getaway to Kauai: Part 4 – Grand Hyatt Garden Suite for 87% Off