Writing is like a good barbecue sauce, if it ain't bold, it ain't worth doing.
My cousin Sharon made her first trip to the Garden Isle recently. After months of planning and anticipation, the time to see this beautiful island arrived. I have to say she had the luck of the Irish going for her. She and her boyfriend Scott went hiking on the Na Pali Coast and here’s what they saw. True, Kaua‘i does have perfect days like this one quite often. But, wow, this view takes my breath away. What a perfect view (and photo!)
My cousin Sharon recently took her first-ever trip to Hawai‘i. They were smart and took in all the big attractions which, in Kaua‘i’s case are mostly natural. Helicopter tours are a must on a trip to the Garden Isle and here’s one of the big reasons why—the Na Pali Coast. With cliffs that rise straight up from the ocean, waterfalls that never stop, razor-sharp mountaintops, a helicopter is the only way to see some of the most spectacular views in the world. Mahalo for the pix Cuz!
On Kauai’s north shore lies Anini Beach. The road paralleling the beach (Anini Beach Road) is more than a mile long and turns to dirt partway along the road. If you continue past the pavement along the dirt, there are homes on the mauka (mountain) side of the road. When I saw this place, it reminded me of something straight out of a movie. I could just imagine an old curmudgeon walking around the side of the garage pushing his wheelbarrow. Given the view of the blue Pacific right across a small dirt road, this little fixer upper would probably sell for well north of a million dollars.
The Kauai coastline near Spouting Horn is a remarkable landscape. I’m always in awe of the way the ocean waves roll in and crash against the lava rock. This endless rhythm of white crashing surf punctuated by silence can create an almost zen-like experience for those who are patient.
Those who take a tour to Spouting Horn will probably hear the legend of Spouting Horn. According to the legend, the moaning from the blowhole is caused by a giant lizard that was trapped after he chased a young boy into the undersea cave. As with so many of those legends, it’s a story of bravery and fantasy. Call me old-fashioned, but I love those old legends. I also love the Kauai coastline, which is why I included both in Kaua‘i Temptations.
After making the drive from the west side of Kaua‘i to Koke‘e Park, it only makes sense to go to the end of the road. There could be almost white-out conditions, which can happen when the Kokee Park clouds roll in. Of course, even those conditions can be incredible.
Not that long ago, the road could be a bit treacherous, but during our last trip, it had been repaired and was easily driven. The lookout is at the end of the road, and it can be a trip well worth making—albeit Mother Nature is in complete control of what you get up here. We’ve been at the lookout on days when we could see 4,000 feet down to the ocean—or not at all. In fact, just stick around for a while and the view can change dramatically, revealing unbelievable vistas that will take your breath away.
Last week’s photo showed off the Pineapple Dump since the improvements made several years ago. This week, we’re going a little further along the walking path to a spot where there’s a great lookout, complete with a terrific Kauai coastal view, a picnic bench, and delightful trade winds. By the way, look at those Heliotrope trees along the shore. They give an indication of how constant those trade winds are.
