Kalapaki Beach
Traveling is a great opportunity to try out many new things. This summer I took the opportunity to try my hand at a little photography. The new digital age has allowed one to feel free to experiment with a variety of camera settings and take numerous pictures without having to print them to see how they turned out. Kauai was the perfect place to try one’s hand at taking a wide range of pictures as despite the small size of the island it has beautiful beaches, lush forests, canyons, rivers and of course the beautiful Na Pali Coast. The Na Pali Coast was one of the beautiful places I have ever experienced and even with my new Sony A57 camera and a variety of lenses I was unable to capture the true magnificence of the island.
The wonder of the Waimea Canyon was spectacular. Laying on the beautiful Kalapaki Beach and then driving just a few hours down the south shore to Waimea Canyon takes you to a spot so different from where you just were. It is more than the stark contrast of environments that makes this a beautiful place. It is the abundance of colours, views and depth of the canyon that take your breath away. Don’t worry as the lady said when I asked for directions at the Car Rental Agency, “There is only one Road”. Well one main road anyway which does make exploring the island easy.
Waimea Canyon: Above the Clouds
A journey to the north shore once again brought you into a different environment. From the almost arid conditions of the South Shore to the lush and wet conditions found on the north shore near Princeville.
Taro Fields of Kauai
Princeville is a beautiful park like golf and vacationers community that sits high on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. It is a great place to relax in comfort as well as serve as a home base for exploring the more natural wonders of Kauai. The Rainbow Eucalyptus line the golf course on the main drive of Princeville’s walking and jogging path that meanders its way through the small community and numerous condos and hotels.
Rainbow Eucalyptus: Most Colourful Trees on Earth
A mistake made by me was staying on the north shore to take my Zodiac excursion of the Na Pali Coastline. Boats leave from Kikiaola Harbor in Kekaha on the south shore. However, again since there is only one road finding it isn’t difficult it just makes for a long drive home after your amazing, heart stopping experience seeing the Na Pali Coast. Scenery was spectacular, waves were rough, shore lunch was fantastic, ancient Hawaiian village was interesting and well worth the experience.
Inside a Sea Cave on the Na Pali Coast
The Rugged CoastLine
Our “Cruise Ship”
Another must do on Kauai was kayaking the Wailua River. The five-mile kayak and the two-mile hike with Kayak Wailua was scenic and well worth the time. The Kayaking is easier than one may think as at first five miles may seem like a difficult journey but the water is calm and the scenery breathtaking. The hike at times was interesting and you can’t wear your best shoes as they will get dirty but the end destination of the waterfall although busy is well worth the trip.
The Destination
Wailua River: About to cross the river on the Hike
Despite the beauty of all I have shown, a sunset on the pristine beach of Hanalei Bay still left one speechless. Whether it be a sunset stroll, or sitting on the dock as the sun sets it is hard to imagine a more peaceful place.
Sunset at Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay Dock at Dusk
This is just a small sampling of some of the photos I took on the eight adventure in Kauai. Not enough time but certainly a great taste of what this Hawaiian Island has to offer.
All pictures taken by: James W. Hoddinott
James W Hoddinott 