Kaua'i - the north coast

Two roads curve up island, one in the west and one in the east. The inner  island is inaccessible .We are heading up the east side.

The next area we explored is the north island and the Kilauea Lighthouse. It  is being rebuilt as a heritage site.

We found many churches that were well kept and open to the public. Many names indicated that the Hawaiians had made the churches theirs. As a culture, the Hawaiians are very friendly and accepting of all. They are a spiritual people.

The stained glass windows were made from glass with beautiful patterns. You don't usually see the depth of colour today.

The lighthouse is perched on a high cliff. There is a road to the end of the cliff with a viewpoint - from there you can watch the whales spout and dive.

The cliffs were eroded to expose caves.  The upper cliffs are a bird sanctuary

 

It is a little tricky getting photos. This is with the Nikon 300 and a 300 mm telephoto lens.

The birds enjoyed soaring.

This flower is growing wild. I believe it is natural to the island.

This goose is Hawaiian - similar but smaller than the Canada Goose.

This is a rich farming and ranching area. Did you know that there were Hawaiian cowboys? The beef and pork on the island is excellent!

It is often misty on the mountains. When we went up the west side of to the Waimea Canyon, it was cool and windy with rain. This is the mountain from the NE side.

We found 'Puff the Magic Dragon's' caves!

This is the 'wet' cave. Note the size of the people in comparison to the cave..

Water drips down through the rock layers and there is evidence in the sand floor that the ocean had a hand in carving the caves..

There is also a 'dry' cave.

Minerals stain the roof of the caves.

Both caves are like a huge amphitheater.

... in the land of Hanalei

This is the view when you are walking out of the dry cave.

Another hibiscus ... so much variety!

This plant is everywhere, often planted in rows like a hedge.

Beautiful ancient trees thrive.

This is the Bay of Hanalei. The wharf is in the distance.

Hawaiin children show no fear of water. Here a three year old jumps to the arms of an uncle. The jump would be at lease 15-20 feet. The little one in the lower left had jumped, was handed up to dad and is eager to go again.

The beach is protected by headlands, the waves encourage beginning surfers. Dads are seen with babies on the front of their boards ... and the kids are squeeing with glee.

This ancient tree is near the beach, obviously able to survive the ages. The leaves are like a combination of a willow and a cedar.

The north is accessible by single lane bridges that flood in heavy rains.

There is a law that new houses must be on stilts.

The Napali Coast to the NW has no road, although there are trails that begin from Ke'e Beach and boat rides available. 

The Ke' Beach is less protected and has high rollers pounding the shore.

The first glow of sunset.

This baby would go on hands and knees like a little sand crab and head right into the water. Dad was there to scoop him up when a wave was too high. The dog wasn't comfortable with the baby being so close to the water.

The sunset became golden and the wind pushed the waves harder.

This is the telescopic view about 50 feet out. The rollers were at least 10 feet high. You can see the spray from the wind.

The horizon is the layers of rollers ... the sky became copper ...

and then ... the sun became an ember in a dying fire!