photo credit: Danielle at Busy Mom’s Helper
Top: Romwe Checkered Bow Split Back Peplum Top c/o – wearing XS (similar, similar, similar)
worn with this stick-on bra
Bottom: AG ‘The Legging’ Step Hem Jeans – my new fave! (similar under $60)
Shoes: Steve Madden ‘Belma’ – go up 1/2 size
changed into Nike ‘Free’ Sneakers
Earrings: BaubleBar ‘Pinata’ Tassel
Hat: Morning Lavender ‘Juliette’ Wide Boater (sold out, similar, similar)
Watch: Citizens Crystal Watch – on sale!
Fitness / Sleep Tracker: Misfit ‘Ray’ c/o
I’m so happy to finally share some of my pictures from my trip to Kauai. I was invited on behalf of the Kauai Visitor’s Bureau and I still can’t believe how incredible every aspect of the trip was! Over the next few weeks, I’m planning to share some Kauai traveling tips, reviews of our excursions, where we stayed, the food we ate, as well as a general travel guide at the end with various tips if you’re planning a trip out to the beautiful island!
Just as a brief intro, Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands and is located at the very top of the archipelago chain. There are views everywhere you turn but sometimes, there are hidden gems that are discovered only after allowing yourself to explore. And what better way to really delve into the island than on the back of a horse, so here’s one of my first Kauai traveling tips!
We booked a horseback ride with CJM Stables and was pretty excited when I saw a rustic ranch as we drove in — it was like the ranches I’ve seen here in Texas! The views even from the parking lot of the ranch were pretty spectacular as you could the ocean alongside the mountains in the distance. After listening to a brief instructional video which included basics on how to control the horse, each of us then met with the owner, Jimmy, as he paired us up with a horse based on our riding ability. I had been horseback riding once before when I lived in Colorado several years ago and felt fairly comfortable taking the reins. All the horses had been well trained and knew only to go at a walking pace during the entire trip. There were several among us who didn’t have any experience riding horses and it wasn’t a problem at all!
My beauty of a horse was named Chex!
I mounted up and before I knew it, we were on our way! We signed up for the afternoon Secret Beach Picnic Ride — a 3-hour trail that includes a trip out to Secret Beach as well as a picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruit, and juice.
We started with a trek through the mountainside our guide, Robert, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly! It was so incredible to be riding in the mountains and just have a giant expanse of ocean alongside. The terrain was quite varied with some areas being dusty while other areas being lush and green. We had a bit of light rain early on but thankfully it stopped after a few minutes before any of us really got wet and we had nothing but beautiful sunshine for the rest of the afternoon!
photo credit: Robert, our trail guide at CJM Stables
our crew: Susie, Chelsea, GiAnna, Danielle, me, Erin (from the Kauai Visitors Bureau)
OMG, you would not believe the behind-the-scenes difficulty of this shot! My horse was the last one that wanted to line up and it was no small feat to get everyone lined up and facing the same direction — it was like taking pictures with little kids all over again, lol! Meanwhile, how gorgeous is that ocean view?!!
We made it to our destination, Secret Beach, and it was just stunning. High cliff walls, a pristine stretch of sand, and only 1 other set of visitors in sight — Secret Beach was definitely tucked away and felt like a little private slice of paradise. The waters were unbelievably vibrant and vivid. As our guide Robert said, “I don’t know how many shades of blue there are, but they’re all in there.” It’s no wonder Secret Beach was the set location for the movies Pirates of the Caribbean and Castaway!
photo credit: Susie at Susie Drinks Dallas
photo credit: Susie at Susie Drinks Dallas
me looking like a typical dork. : )
photo credit: Danielle at Busy Mom’s Helper
Top: Romwe Checkered Bow Split Back Peplum Top c/o – wearing XS (similar, similar, similar)
worn with this stick-on bra
Bottom: AG ‘The Legging’ Step Hem Jeans – my new fave! (similar under $60)
Shoes: Steve Madden ‘Belma’ – go up 1/2 size
changed into Nike ‘Free’ Sneakers
Earrings: BaubleBar ‘Pinata’ Tassel
Hat: Morning Lavender ‘Juliette’ Wide Boater (sold out, similar, similar)
Watch: Citizens Crystal Watch – on sale!
Fitness / Sleep Tracker: Misfit ‘Ray’ c/o
The horseback ride was truly incredible. I feel like it combines the best of hiking which lets you really get in and see the wilderness while giving you the convenience of having a horse to sit on. I don’t think I would have ever been able to hike on foot the distance that we covered by horse and there were some truly spectacular views that I will always remember.
What To Wear:
- long pants (prevent legs from chafing against saddle)
- closed-toe shoes (I was wearing my wedges earlier in the day but brought sneakers for the horseback ride)
- hat (make sure it has a neck strap or something to secure in place)
- sunglasses
- poncho or light rain jacket (optional but rain can be unpredictable)
What To Bring:
- sunblock (love this mousse for avoiding white cast)
- bug repellent spray or bracelets (optional but nice to have in case)
- waterproof phone case (optional – they provided a saddlebags to store our belongings but if you keep your phone out for pictures, a case is a good idea)
- cash for gratuity
Ok, now for this week’s On Trend Tuesdays linkup! Sandy and I are excited to feature Whitney and Blaire from Peaches in a Pod this week. I love the red necklace against the chambray and the dress looks so comfy for summer!
Now it’s your turn to share a recent outfit with the rest of our community for a chance to be featured! Just link up a recent outfit and remember to include either the button below or link to both me and Sandy in your post. We’d love if you could comment on 5 other bloggers too as this is a community where we can all get to know and support each other! Tag us on social media too to join the conversation with #OnTrendTuesdaysLinkUp!
To see more posts from my Kauai trip, check here.
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Shelbee on the Edge says
Gorgeous photos and that bow back gingham top is everything!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
alya says
Ahh wow this looks like such a wonderful experience!
Alya / moorizzla xx
Jessica says
Your top is gorgeous! And what a great experience horseback riding especially with that gorgeous view!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Monica . Mes Voyages à Paris says
Impressive pictures and lovely top!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: CALI DAYS: ZARA ROMPER & VINTAGE LEVI’S
Jill says
What a fun experience! Your photos are gorgeous! Your gingham top is darling! Love the back bow detail!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Caryl Scobbie says
What a fun excursion! So jealous! You look adorable! That top is amazing!
Caryl | http://morepiecesofme.com
cutenlittle says
you have to go to Kauai!! there is so much to see and do there — it’s incredible! i know you’d love it. 🙂
Mica says
Your top is beautiful and what a fun ride that was – the scenery is incredible! 🙂
Thank you for the link up!
Hope you are having a great week! 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Mary Colleen says
So beautiful! It looks like it was so much fun. Plus, horses make everything better. 🙂
Mary
https://www.themarycurator.com/
cutenlittle says
horses do make everything better! 🙂
Denise Kokinis says
I’ve been to Hawaii, but never to this island! This place looks so incredible and magical! Hope you had an amazing time horseback riding! I love that cute gingham top!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
Liza says
Such beautiful photos, Kileen. Love the views and you look so cute ! That top is so adorable.
xoxo
Liza
Liza Corner | Instagram | Facebook
Laura @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels says
I love horseback riding and am dying to take my daughter! Love your top!
cutenlittle says
i’m hoping to take my kids sometime soon too!
Amy Arnold says
The snap you shared on your IG looked like so much fun but the full post is even better. Amazing!!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
cutenlittle says
oh i’m so glad you saw the snap! it was such a fun time! 🙂
Jessi Malay says
Looks like you’re having such an amazing time in Kauai babe! Thanks so much for sharing such gorgeous photographs babe! 🙂
I would LOVE for you to check out my newest post!
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/nordstrom-half-yearly-sale/
Sarah says
Looks like such an amazing experience and those views are breathtaking! Love how stylish you look horseback riding as well!
Sarah
Trendy & Tidy
Gina @ STYLE CURATOR says
When I first saw your heels I thought ‘this is going to be interesting’ ha ha. Glad to see you brought backup footwear for the horse riding too, lol! Looks like such a fun trip!
Gina x
stylecurator.com.au
Marta says
Amazing pictures! Love your outfit! Kisses
https://thefashionjump.blogspot.com.es
Stephanie says
This looks like such a fun experience! I’ve always wanted to ride a horse along the beach. It just seems like something that would be done in a fantasy movie or something haha! You looked so cute too, in your gingham!
Keri says
Omg looks like it was so much fun!! These photos are gorgeous 🙂
Enclothed Cognition
Cindy Elena says
Such a lovely place! I’ve always wanted to go horseback riding.
xo | Cindy Elena
http://www.boringclothes.com
cutenlittle says
you have to check out Kauai sometime — you can’t beat horseback riding along the beach!
Yvonne says
Looks like you had such fun on that trip! I love the black and white flirty top!
xo Yvonne
http://www.aproposh.com
Lisa Autumn says
This looks so fun! And you look so happy and glowing! YAY
xx Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Paulina says
This looks like such a fun an unique thing to do there! I’ll make a note of it and make sure to do it when I go to Hawaii!
Much love from Napa Valley!
Paulina | Shenska
cutenlittle says
Napa Valley is on my list of places I need to visit soon! thanks so much for stopping by!
Nina says
What a great experience it could be. Loved these photos.
Nina’s Style Blog
cutenlittle says
it was such an unbelievable experience! thank you so much for visiting!
Lynna says
Love your style<3
It looks so fashionable! xx
http://www.oneirojewelry.com
Rachael Thomas says
That gingham top is the cutest, and what an amazing experience! I’ve never been horseback riding, and always wanted to try it!
Rachael http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
Kelly & Alex says
This is so cute hope you had so much fun !
http://livelycraze.com
abby says
I love this gingham top on you!! The bow back is just adorable!
Jacqueline Neves says
Wow I love horseback riding! This looks like an amazing trip! And your outfit is so chic too!!
Kim says
Whoa, riding horses on the beach sounds so fun! That sand is such a pretty color too. Btw I love your blog name, cute and little, hehe! I am 5 ft tall too 🙂
Kim
Simply Lovebirds