a closer look at Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is the next town over from Princeville, which is where we're staying. It's a cool little town with shops and a very nice, small beach.

Tiki!

Anyone know where I can get some tins online? (ask me how)

stand-up paddleboarding is common out here

the bay looks inward to Na Pali

on the left, the Na Pali range is overcast and rainy, but as it works its way to the coast on the right, it's hot and sunny

Waimea Canyon

The drive from the north shore to the south shore takes about 45 minutes. Add another hour to drive back up through the middle of the island, along a deep canyon, the Waimea Canyon, and you've got scenic overlooks to what is called the Grand Canyon of Kauai. Take a look:

This is the "secret island", that's about all I know.

I've seen other pictures of this same location - and it was actually my desktop background before I got here. Fun to see I created my own. Also, an amazing view. Once again, this picture does not do justice.

Nene, state bird, some type of goose

I found a hammock all by itself behind our resort building!

Trying to figure a way to get the coconuts off this tree

Hanalei Bay and Tunnels Beach

Today, we decided to head westward along the north shore, through Hanalei Bay, over to Tunnels Beach.

Tunnels is where some know it as the spot where Bethany Hamilton lost her arm to a shark attack. Hannah reeeeeaaally wanted to meet her, but we heard from one of the resort guides that she may be touring or vacationing elsewhere.

trying to capture the waterfall that flows from top to bottom on the Na Pali mountain - can't see it in this picture though

some church at Hanalei Bay

Tunnels view of Na Pali - probably the closest we'll actually get to it, as it really isn't accessible by main road

we saw a sea turtle swimming right by the beach!

sea turtle again - this place was a great spot for snorkling - I watched several fish right by my feet

the edge of Na Pali at Tunnels Beach - it's called that due to the tubular or tunnel waves

Shaved Ice - apparently a staple around here

To me, shaved ice is ice with blue or red coloring. This takes it a to a new level - actual shaved thin ice, with some actual flavoring (banana, coconut, berry, coffee, lychee), and some ice cream if you want.

"I'm eating *this*?"

The Fern Grotto

Ahh, the Fern Grotto, a place to call to the Hawaiian gods for plentiful fruits and crops, and where many go for weddings. A boat ride through the river gets us here, then a walk through a long path of strange plants, which finally leads us to the grotto - a small cave with high walls, with a hint of waterfall.

(I noticed some of the pictures don't really do it justice. The grotto is very high and the view was amazing.)

Hannah thought she'd be funny and ruin my view - she did.

Crusin the island

After picking up my luggage from the airport, which I had inadvertently left behind *insert absent-minded comments now*, it was the perfect opportunity to check out the area. Here's what we found:

One of various waterfalls around the island

the same breathtaking waterfall but with my handsome mug

passing by the beach

a small protected bay from the rough waters - not realizing the changing depths of the water, this is where I cut my foot on a rock... I am okay, it's just a flesh wound

from the same bay

baby coconuts

The morning island sounds

After finally getting to a late night sleep on the pullout couch, I slept easy, and still woke up early. But the morning sounds - of the breeze, the birds (some exotic), and the short bursts of rain - were soothing. In the daylight, there was more to take in:

The view from the front patio, of the Na Pali coast

A rainbow just after the 3 minute heavy rain storm