I have to confess that my wife and I just had to escape our Alberta winter, so we packed our suitcases in frigid January and whisked away for ten glorious days in Kauai…the garden Island of the Hawaiian chain. Like us, it is also the winter months there, but the temperatures run from 60 to 80 degrees above zero, the waves are rolling quite high, and it does rain occasionally in this paradise of green and blue, spotted with majestic mountains, waterfalls, and masses of trees and flowers.
What did we first notice when we arrived at Lihue after nearly 15 hours of planes and airports? The people were very friendly, and once we got organized with our resort and rental car we found the Island small enough that even yours truly could drive the only 50 or so miles of busy, but controlled highways at speeds from 15 to 50 miles an hour. Early the next morning, while still trying to adjust to the three-hour time change, we were quickly awakened by a chorus of crowing roosters, a magnificent sunrise, and warm tropical breeze. As we would find out later, these colourful and cocky farm yard birds had been unexpectedly given their freedom after Hurricane Iniki in 1992 had completely destroyed their chicken hutches. Needless to say they have thrived and multiplied along with hundreds of other feathered critters, and over 80 common fish and reef species in the surrounding Pacific. Here are just a few of the many highlights of our splendid, totally relaxing, and always to short of a holiday in this little piece of paradise, which is nearly environmentally perfect, and only 6 per cent assessable by vehicle.
*Kauai is the perfect blend of tradition and modern; including historical villages-churches and schools, coffee plantations and gardens, offshore fishing, that unique magical music that lulls you into an instant R and R mode, miles of beaches, and something edible called poi. Fitting in quite nicely throughout this quiet Hawaiian Island playground are quaint little stores that have been there for centuries, along with the Wal-Marts, Macys, McDonalds, and all the rest.
*The rugged cliffs, beaches, caves, and lush green valleys and mountains of this island have been the setting of some of Hollywood’s greatest movies, including Raiders of the Lost Arc, Jurassic Park, Fantasy Island, Blue Hawaii, Gilligan’s Island, South Pacific, and on and on. Stars such as Pearce Bronson live on the Island, and are quite often spotted shopping at Costco or Wal-Mart. All bathrooms are referred to as Wahine and Kane, so I was able to find the right door after only three tries.
*Nestled among the splendid resorts, homes, and friendly towns and villages, are several excellent golf courses and miles of beach parks and playgrounds. One very congenial American told me that golfing at Kauai could be the best sports bargain in the Pacific, seasonally offering five 18 hole rounds for $135, not including equipment. There are also lots of time-share and condo rentals and promos available if one is so inclined, but there is so much to do even the newlyweds don’t stay in their rooms for very long.
*The magnificent Waimea Canyon is considered second only to the Grand Canyon as a worldly wonder of totally ominous nature. There are miles of deep red canyons and mountains, mostly covered in rich green foliage, and blessed with pristine water-falls that tumble thousands of feet, and are fed by an annual rainfall at the higher levels of between 450 and 900 inches. In the lower areas along the beaches the showers last only a few moments, and the average year round temperature is 78 degrees.
*The Island of Kauai is also a surfer’s dream, and when we stopped at the world famous Tunnel Beach the white-capped waves were tumbling in between 15 and 25 feet in height. Snorkelling and diving is also very popular, with many secluded and calm areas available for amateurs like me!
*December to March is the fabulous whale and dolphin show around these Islands, and on our wild boat jaunt along the famous Napali Coast as well as from shore we witnessed hundreds of these magnificent creatures dancing and flipping in the white-caps, tending to their half-ton new borns, and of course doing a little courting. All of Hawaii is also very protective of endangered species such as the monk seals and certain species of turtles.
*Just like most of the United States Hawaii is battling a very tough economy, but they always seem to manage to ‘stay loose’, play the perfect hosts to their number one industry of tourism, and are optimistic that the Obama led future will be as bright as their morning sunrises. Even though we are only half-tanned, it was a great relaxing holiday, but always nice to return to home sweet home. Have a great warm week, all of you.