We were blessed to have Grandma J come stay with us for four weeks during her work sabbatical!
Even though she had visited us on Kauai before, we had never had the chance to take her to the North Shore until this trip.
Our first stop was The Tavern at the Princeville Golf Course, which is Ely's favorite lunch spot on the island and has an amazing view
Grandma J & Noah
Noah decided he wanted to be the photographer, so the next two photos are his skills :)
Jerri & I
Our family of 4
"This dry cave is one of several sea caves located in the area. The cave, which is about 300 yards deep, used to be much larger but the 1957 tsunami partially filled it with sand. Legend states that Manini-holo, chief fisherman of the Menehune (little people) dug this cave in search of the supernatural beast, akua, who had been stealing their fish. In actuality, the ocean used to be much higher and these caves were formed from thousands of years of ocean waves beating against the lava and etching away the rock."
Waikanaloa Cave
"Sea caves are formed by thousands of years of ocean waves pounding against the lava and eventually etching out a cavern. At one time, the ocean was up to this point. The water in these wet caves is fed by springs seeping through the porous lava and is extremely cold. No swimming is allowed. Scuba divers have reported no fresh or salt water life exisits in these caves. Legend states that these caves were built by Pele, the volcano goddess, for her lover. But when they filled with water, she abandoned them."
"Located literally at the end of the road, Ke'e Beach is probably the most visited beach on Kauai. The famed Kalalau Trail begins at the western end of the beach. Several movies and min-series have been filmed here such as The Thorn Birds and Castaway Cowboys. Ke'e's inviting lagoon is teaming with fish and perfect for snokeling. Beware, however of the Puka Ulua, an opening on the left side from the lagoon to the sea. Currents can be very strong here. People often fish for the large, prized Ulua fish in this area. A short walk towards Ha'ena provides a panoramic view of the Na Pali Coast."
The northern end of the Na Pali Coast
"Historians believe this rugged yet beautiful coastline was the first area of Kauai to be settled by the ancient Hawaiians. As inhospitable as these cliffs appear, they provided the settlers with all the basics of life: freshwater from the mountain streams, native vegetation and fertile ground in the valleys, and unparalleled fishing in the vast ocean. These sea cliffs begin at Ke'e Beach and continue around the north and west portion of Kauai, ending at Polihale Beach. They extend upwards of 1000 feet and made up of a series of "hanging" and traditional valleys and cliffs. A "hanging" valley is one that ends abruptly at a sea cliff rather than gently stretching out into the ocean. They are formed when the ocean's waves cut away at the lava rock quicker than the interior streams can scour out the valley floor. Many movies,such as The Thorn Birds and portions of South Pacific, have been filmed along this coast using the dramatic background of these steep cliffs. Numerous sea caves, small beaches and high waterfalls add to the beauty and uniqueness of the landscape."
The Na Pali is what makes it impossible to circumnavigate Kauai. We live at the opposite end of the Na Pali Coast, so in order for us to get to the North Shore (by car) we have to make the 2 hour drive counterclockwise all the way around the island!
