Blessed is to experience a place that awakens the senses. A place hard to capture with your camera lens, because the glory of it just doesn't translate to what is sought with the naked eye. I call this place: Hawaii.
Maui:
Day two: Seeking out sea turtles but not really expecting to see them at the picturesque crescent shaped bay beach of Napili. The calm waters invite us in to explore the underwater orchestra of brightly colored reef fish all busy getting somewhere but the ones not in a rush are the docile and graceful creatures we get to know up close and personal, the Hawaiian green sea turtle. The waves gently push and pull these large turtles as they eat off the coral rocks paying no attention to the snorkelers they've attracted. Coming up for air every so often literally right next to us - we truly were swimming with them.
Day three: The thin cool air rising 10, 325 feet above sea level, the road snaking up the massive Halekalea dormant volcanic mountain highlighted in the predawn blackness by a parade of headlights from other weary sun rising seekers. Long gone is the tiny coffee and pastry wagon some miles back...the seemingly best coffee, yet the most expensive we've ever tasted.
Day four: Today we drove the road to Hana, the road less traveled via the Puhini Highway - the southern most part of Maui, the way that is not recommended in the tourist books. Rugged and unpaved (to call it a road would be generous) for the first twenty miles - winding up and down through desolate country (other than the occasional free roaming cattle) flanked by the blue ocean to the right and volcanic rocks tufted with golden haze of brush. Nearing Hana, the landscape unwinds revealing a transforming masterpiece of lush and colorful vegetation contrasting the dry and dusty road first traveled on. The magnificent and powerful gush of the waterfalls reminds us how insignificant we truly are, when we stand beneath them or even underneath the cascade.
At Oheo Gulch, clambering over the slick rocks and wading against the constant stream of downward water we reach the waterfall fed pool where all seven of us frolic and swim, invigorating the soul.. The presence in the air is felt. These pools give truth to their nickname, "The Seven Sacred Pool"
We feel the spiny texture of the jack fruit; tasting and devouring the fresh mango that has been allowed to ripen on the tree - this makes all the difference, banana and mountain apples at the tiny organic farmers fruit stand outside the hidden gem of Hamoa Beach. It is a pale comparison to what we buy at our grocery store, as it offers a sweet and intoxicating treat in the afternoon Hawaiian sun.
Island hop, Kauai:
Day five: There is a secluded beach, and thanks to social media reviews it has been documented revealing what is otherwise only known to the locals. In true treasure map form, we find the start of the tiny dirt path that doubles as a look-out point. In a steep descending path we are thankful that it is not rainy season-mudslides I'm certain fun and all, not so much with three young children in tow. We grasp the tattered ropes that someone before us as so generously tied to trees lining the narrow path and position ourselves in front and back of the kids to offer a sort of human safety net if you will. The crystal clear waters come in to view as well as the tiny stretch of secluded beach surrounded by cliff walls and tropical trees. Just a few snorkelers that have arrived by way of kayak are here. A reminder that here every adventure or exploration is rewarding and inspiring, just when you think you've seen all that she has to offer she reveals a bit more.
Mahalo.
