Monday, January 29, 2018

Aloha Beautiful Kauai

So one of the nicest things in Kauai are the beautiful sunrises.  (And one of the few things that is free.)  It is actually the most colorful before the sun comes up when the clouds turn orange.
 And just like clockwork, up comes the sun.  Usually around 7:20.  Most mornings there are clouds on the horizon.  But on this morning the sun had the whole sky.
Out near the pool of the resort is a cascading water fall.
If you are brave enough, and of course I was, you can climb up and dive off.
Here is a waterfall where diving is not recommended.  It is Wailua Falls and is just over a 100 feet drop.  But you still read about someone that dives off and gets hurt. Genetic cleansing.
 On the North end of the island is the Kilauea Lighthouse.  It was opened in 1913 and was manned until 1974.  There were no roads here during construction in 1912, so they had to haul the building supplies in by boat and lift them up to the top of the cliff.  People must have been stronger then. Can you imagine that?
 There is a National Wildlife Refuge along the cliffs and on the grounds of the lighthouse.  You will frequently see the state bird of Hawaii: the Nene goose.
 There is this pretty island just offshore from the lighthouse.  There is usually a bird flying around so you can have it in your picture.  There were whales breaching that day, but they wouldn't let you know when they would do that.  Plus they were pretty far away.
If you were in Hawaii in 1790, here is your ruler and his cabinet: King Kamehameha.  He was the first ruler of a unified Hawaii.  He's the big guy in the middle. There is a nice historic display in Hanalei.
 Want some jewelry for your collection? Then you can buy these Ni'ihau shell necklaces in a store in Hanalei.  These are made from shells found on the forbidden island of Ni'ihau.  It is privately owned and has a small population of Native Hawaiians who still speak Hawaiian as their first language.  From what I've read, it is primitive as there is no running water or electricity.  They used to run cattle, but no more.  They get money from the DOD for some installation there.  And they make shells necklaces. The larger outer one can be yours for $50,000.  Too much?  The smaller one is only $27,000.  But they are known world wide.
 One night a group of us went to see Ben at Kauai Eco-Clay shooting range.  That's right, a night shoot.  It also was very fun.  One of the highest rated activities on the island.  We have known Ben for years, and he always treats guest from AgroLiquid like ohana (family).
 You have to go see Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.  Spectacular!
A little further up the road is the overlook of the Kalalau Valley.  Hundreds of years ago, hundreds of Hawaiians lived down there.  Hard to imagine what that was like.
 Once upon a time, when the Agro group was smaller, we used to have lunch at this place called Waimea Cottages and then go down to the beach.  I used to make people form up under this Banyon tree for a group picture.
 One somewhat common feature is seeing the Hawaiian Monk seals come ashore for a nap during the day.  They are protected, so you can't go up and pet them.  It is interesting as they have a patrol of volunteers all over the island that seem to know their favorite spots, because as soon as they come ashore there is a rope barrier set up.  They often will sleep for six hours or so and then go back in.  They don't seem bothered by all of the people around.  This was at my favorite snorkeling spot: Poipu Beach.
 Well I could show more, but it's time to say Aloha and head home and get back to work selling fertilizer.  I hope that the people who were there this time recognize most of these pictures.  And resolve to come back.
And I also hope that people who weren't there are able to get motivated to sell some fertilizer and qualify for the trip that AgroLiquid provides. One foot on the island, and it will be worth all of the hard work.  And the Research Team is anxious to provide help to make it happen.  And everyone else?  Well put a visit to Kauai on your To-Do list!
Laki maika'i.  (Good Luck!)