Kauai – The Garden Island lives up to its name!

Ok… Yes I am an island behind since I am now sitting with a view of the ocean on the big island of Hawaii. But, I have been a bit busy driving all over this very large island and seeing amazing sights.

But, let’s not forget Kauai. This is a beautiful lush garden of an island where the majority of land mass is not accessible to man. I drove up the ridgeline of Waimea Canyon and was able to see both the canyon and some of the Na Pali coast but to do it justice, I decided to board a helicopter to get some amazing aerial shots. Needless to say, I didn’t do much shooting. The glare on the window negated good photography but, the plus side of that predicament is that I decided to sit back and enjoy the ride, taking in as many amazing vistas as possible (from the front seat!) It was a beautiful and amazing ride.

Of course when you are in Hawaii, you have to attend Luau’s. I went to my second Luau and it was amazing. Very well produced and not as touristy as the first. Great performers, musicians and the theatrical tech was wonderful.

I also decided to get up close and personal with the land and mounted my trusty steed for the day Hana, and rode through the Kauai fields and forests. After a short hike down a very steep hill, we came to a waterfalls. I was the only one brave enough to get in the water. It was cool and refreshing on that 80+º day. I sat under the waterfalls for awhile contemplating life and enjoying the solitude. After a steep climb up and nice ride back, my Princeville Ranch adventure was over.

After visiting the ranch, I decided to check out the Kilauea Lighthouse and bird sanctuary. This is the northernmost tip of Kauai and provides a nesting place for Red-footed Boobies, Albatross and a number of different species of birds.

Well, I did land and air. That left only sea. So, I boarded a Catamaran and took off for a dinner/sunset cruise along the Na Pali coast. Absolutely beautiful. The ride, though a bit wet at times was a lot of fun and provided a great way to see a coastline that is not accessible by car. The dinner was actually quite good and the crew great. It was a memorable way to end my stay in Kauai.

Next up, the big island. Stay Tuned!

Waimea Canyon – the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific!” Nuff Said!!!

These past three days have been full of adventure and filled with amazing sights. I spent a day roaming around this canyon on the Island of Kauai. When it is not shrouded in clouds (one of its tallest peaks is the rainiest place on Earth!) it is beautiful. I will let these pictures speak for themselves. I will add a few more posts today as I make my way to the Big Island. Aloha!

The King’s Tide, a Luau, a visit to Pearl Harbor and an amazing Hawaiian Sunset – a fitt

The arrival of the King’s Tide, the highest tide in recent history in Waikiki, made for an interesting walk along the shore of Waikiki. Walkways that were usually open were under water and often those who dared walk along the seawall were drenched by the thundering waves. The surfers were taking advantage of the high tide with waves that exceeded those at the Pipeline on the North Shore.

After dodging the encroaching seawaters on a rather long walk along the Waikiki shoreline, I went to a Luau at the Diamondhead Aquarium. The luau actually had pretty good food and the dancers doing a variety of native dances did a good job. I found myself seated with a future groom and his groomsman on their final night of freedom. I tried to talk his fiance out of it (he definitely is marrying up!) but she would have nothing of it and they actually did make a cute couple. Needless to say I did not however join in their attempt to drink through as many pineapple filled drinks as possible before the bar closed. The highlight of the night was the fire twirlers. A fitting end to a very Hawaiian evening.

The next morning I arrived at Pearl Harbor early enough to get a free ticket to the first Arizona Memorial presentation and boat ride. A very humbling experience. I spent the morning exploring the Bowfin Submarine and Missouri Battleship.

After an afternoon nap, I ventured towards the North Shore to shoot the sunset. I pulled over along a small beach with a rocky shore and enjoyed the sunset in relative peace.  One thing about coming to Hawaii at this time – there have been many times I have been able to contemplate the world around me without any company. A very relaxing experience.

Right now I am sitting at the Honolulu Airport waiting to board the plane to Kauai. Stay tuned, there is more to come!