Day 4 - Monday

 Had a much shorter night last night. Watched a movie and by the time we got to sleep, it was closer to 10:30. And of course, I still woke up at 5:30. But I feel good and can tell I'm acclimating. 

Today, we planned to go to the end of the road and do the hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach via the Kalalau Trail. I was very excited to do this hike again as it will always be one of my all time favorites. We had our typical coffee and yogurt and set out for the long drive. The drive to the end of the road past Princeville and Hanalei Bay was beautiful and never disappoints. When we arrived at the end of the road, we were stopped at the Park Station and told this hike can no longer be done without a permit and they were sold out. I was terribly disappointed but there was nothing to do but turn around. Matt, in true keeping with the stellar person he is, took it all in stride and kept his ongoing positive attitude. We drove back to Hanalei and stopped and wandered around a bit. I got my caramel latte and we found a place to read a bit of Hawaiian history which makes Matt happy. We looked around for a hike close by and found the Okolehao Viewpoint Trail. I thought I'd never done this hike before but as soon as we started hiking, I realized I had done it before. It is very steep with a lot of tricky terrain but gorgeous views from the top. Matt and I are well matched hikers and we moved at a good clip. He did great with his hip until the very end. 

Back in the car, we made our way back. We have purchased tickets for a luau tonight and Matt wants to be really hungry. So we ate protein bars and I'm trying to match him even though I'm starving. We'll see how it goes.

We ended up going for another swim in the ocean in front of our condo. Wow, the water was rough. It was fun but got pretty beat up. 

Got cleaned up and headed out to walk to the Sheraton for our luau. The luau was pretty underwhelming for me, compared to others I've seen. The program wasn't very interesting. It was just ok. Matt, of course, had nothing to compare it to and he is never negative about anything. He said he enjoyed it. The food was pretty good. The high point for me was dancing with him to "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You." I wish so much I was still with David and my life had not taken this hard left. But I am here. And since I am, I'm so happy to be with this kind and gentle man. I appreciate him so much. This last year would have been a thousand times harder without him.