My Trip To Kauai Nov 2005

I took this photo after having hiked the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapa-ai Beach. This was taken at sunset at Ke-e Beach and was quite the site. The swimming there is excellent as well. I can't wait to go back!

Kauai being the wettest place on the planet, there are many rainbows on the island. Catch yourself in the right place at the right time, and you may find one, or several. On my trip here in 2004, I saw a rare, double rainbow one morning. Here, this rainbow, which was brought to my attention by a bunch of kids on the Kalalau Trail, appeared to be flat on the ocean surface when I saw it. Beautiful!

This was the first sunset I saw from the area near my hotel. It was quite the site. Usually it was too cloudy to see the sun go down. I got lucky this evening, and watched the sun go down over the hills above the Wailua River, just southwest of my hotel. The water you see is actually Wailua Bay, I believe. Someone told me a story that Frank Sinatra almost drowned swimming out there. His rescuers showed up on a surfboard, and he was so surprised, he gave them money for a boat. I think the bay is too rough for a boat. Surfboards are perfect. Even the fire department has them on their trucks.

While hiking on the Kalalau Trail, I had many opportunities to take incredible pictures. Because, everywhere you look, there is another beautiful view. This was of some of the peaks above the trail within the first mile - where I caught a beam of light coming down. The trail is very rugged and at parts, jets straight down to the ocean. You have to watch your step in some places, especially when it's muddy or raining. Fortunately, it didn't rain much while I was out there, but it had been prior to my hike, so the trails were very muddy. I didn't bother to bring back my boots.

Thankfully, I had a friend on the island with a car. So on my last night on the island (Nov 15th), we made it just in time to the Priceville Resort for this sunset. The peak on the far right is called Bali Hai (it was in some movie). The view from the hotel is pretty awesome, and overlooks all of the mountains on the north shore of Kauai. There were almost no clouds in the sky this evening. As it was November, the sun sets to the south. I imagine that at certain times of the year, it sets right over Bali Hai - and that must be quite a sight!

I hiked to the top of this 1200 foot hill above Wailua, called Sleeping Giant, or Nou Nou Ridge. The view is pretty spectactular from up there. I have a friend who says that he's done this hike every time he has come to the island. I had to walk about a mile and a half on the road from my hotel just to get to the trail. It winds up and around for 2.5 miles. I was really glad I brought food and water. When I got to the top, I did a little meditation and stayed up there for about 30 minutes. I even got cell phone reception up there - and called my dad!

The Wailua River (as seen from the top of Sleeping Giant)

When I got to the top of Nou Nou, the view I had was unbelievable! I could see all around the island for miles, even into Waialeale Crater at the center of the island (Once again, I was blessed with a clear day). This is the view I had of the mouth of the Wailua River. On the left of the river was where the ancient Royal Hawaiians lived. And across from there, you can see the port where the Smith family (yes, a Hawaiian family) have their boats which they use to do tours up to the Fern Grotto, up the river a bit.

Last year, I visited Kauai for the first time, and went to Hanalei Bay. I could not believe how beautiful and magical it was there. Going back was no different. It's so powerful being there. I will return. Here, the surfers were out in force as I took this from the Hanalei pier. looking south.