Aloha HAWAII Mahalo!

We couldn’t get in so I took this picture through the front door. Maybe we’ll be back another day!

From the patio of Kong Lung Trading in Kilauea, my favorite tchotchke shop in Kauai.

They have plenty of water features around Smith’s too.

Then we went out for a fancy dinner at Jo2 with Bob and Idaho Sharon. YUM!

April 12

We went across the river to Smith’s to take a picture of Sharon feeding the chickens for Sharon’s granddaughter whose favorite thing is to feed the chickens at Smith’s.

She has two favorite things actually, feeding the chickens and eating Puka Dogs.

Once you start feeding the chickens you have a flock of new best friends.

Pictures of The Gang follow since here I am 10 days in with not one picture except for me and Camas on our hike.

Shortly after my arrival Kathy and Kenny left for a three week trip in Europe. They’ll be back a few days before we leave.

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Idaho Sharon and Big Bad Bob who makes unrelenting fun of my stature because he is in fact a giant.

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Camas and Curtis from a recent visit to LA.

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April 11

All the churches are in top form for Easter so we’re making a tour of them. We saw the most historic one on the 6th (The Wai`oli Hui`ia Church) and we saw two more today.

This is the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, built in 1924. I wanted to tie all these churches together in the history of Kauai but I might fail in this effort.

I can’t find anything about the history of this church except that it was built in 1924. It’s located off the road in Hanamaulu just outside Lihue.

A local version of stained glass.

The unmistakable smell of a Catholic church.

In the small graveyard I saw this headstone with the sheep and immediately thought of Will Bullas who made my ‘Cocktails at Six’ piece and who also made this one: ‘Peaceable Kingdom with Olives’ which I could totally have on my headstone were I in the least interested in having a headstone.

Next stop All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Kapaa.

All quotes from their website: “The church building was designed by Honolulu architect Guy N. Rothwell… It was completed on December 6, 1925, and contains many items of historical interest. The building utilizes the native lava rock stone in its structure, and features magnificent stained glass windows.

“The Episcopal Church in Hawai’i began in 1862 when King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma invited the Church of England to Hawai‘i. The King and Queen supported the Church’s establishment throughout the islands with gifts of land, and by founding the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu. Queen Emma also founded Queen’s Hospital (now Queen’s Medical Center) and St. Andrew’s Priory School for Girls in Honolulu.

“All Saints’ congregational history can be traced back to the arrival of the Rev. Henry Alpheus and Mrs. (Juelle J.) Willey on Kauai, on October 28, 1924. The church was founded as a mission of the Episcopal Church, declared itself an interracial church, and chose its name by a vote of the congregation. It became the first Anglican Church on Kaua’i.

“During the next few months, while laboring under unfavorable circumstances in Kealia, Rev. Willey succeeded in obtaining land and making plans for the church in Kapa’a. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Digby Sloggett gave the approximately five acres of land that would house the church, and in December of 1925, All Saints’ Episcopal Chuch was completed.

“In 1962, the mission achieved parish status under the leadership of the Ven. Charles T. Crane.”

They have these lanterns ready for Good Friday and Easter with little electric candles and a Lot of wine corks in many bags to hold the bags in place.

Episcopalians have never been shy with their wine.

This magnificent tree and several other buildings, a rectory, a gym, two school buildings, make up the All Saints complex.

We took a little spin up the road from the house to see if Opaekaa Falls was happening. It’s a little light from years gone by.

Across the street, our river, the Wailua, and the kayak pack from Smith’s.

We had a Happy Hour treat at Oasis, my favorite happy hour, and this was the 90 degrees-from-the-ocean view.

…and chat it up with the parrots.

April 10

The Grand Hyatt, Poipu. We like to come here to admire the landscaping, the views, have a good walk…

It’s always, every time, permanently Red Flag surf at The Grand Hyatt.

White anthurium in the lobby.

In the welcoming pools.

And since we were down there anyway we took our traditional swing by Spouting Horn. She was entirely silent today. We stood here for ages – nada.

And then off to Brenneke’s for lunch and this is our view out the window, and it’s real although it never gets really big and they throw it out eventually.

Back at the house the kids were working with their canoe clubs. The boys had a screaming coach yelling PULL PULL STROKE DIG DEEP. The girls were singing camp songs.

“The sugar folk used this pier for the ships that took their cargo to the mainland as it was the only deep water port in Kaua’i until, after WWII and the construction of the newer bigger better port at Nawiliwili, this facility was abandonded and then mostly dismantled by the late 1970s.”

April 8

Copied from my own text in 2010: “Here we are at the entrance to the old Ahukini Pier at the southern end of Hanamaʻulu Bay, just south of the Lihui airport. You can see the harbor beacon at the end of the jetty.

We ate at Duke’s and enjoyed a stroll through he Marriott where they have marvelous koa works including a huge and classic old canoe in the lobby.

They also have periodic koi frenzies.

This guy waddled up from the river, moved into the yard, and seems to have taken up residence. He might be a Muscovy duck since we saw a similar one last year (or the year before?) and Brigitte identifed him.

Word from the folks who live around here is that he came from Smith’s across the way where they keep ducks and other creatures for their garden tours.

Also in the front yard. The garden crew uually clear out the coconuts for safety but since these are leaning over the river maybe they get to stay.

Not My Picture…we are walking along a steep and slippery and obstacle strewn path from a parking lot to the top of those falls.

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April 9

Camas volunteered to usher me along the Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls in the Waimea Canyon. Here we are kicking off as hard a walk as I’ll ever want to do.

At one of the most slippery stretches this woman gave me her walking stick. She really did urge it upon me and I said Thank You Very Much.

We met up with her again at the falls and she had acquired herself another stick more worthy of her size and strength.

Camas wanted to practice her hand stand. She is very determined!

Hey dude.

We were on the trail for 3 1/2 hours – walked, had a quick picnic lunch, and stopped to catch my breath many a time along the way. Thanks for your kind patience Camas!

April 7

We enjoyed one of our favorite walks along the coast…

…through some pasture land…

…and Jungle Fowl of course…

…to the historic old Pineapple Dump! I’ve written about the Pineapple Dump many times so if you’re interested wiki knows all about it.

Nice pineapple fence for the historic old Pineapple Dump.

Sharon enjoying the breeze.

April 5 and 6

The Island-wide theme of Kauai – Splendid Red Jungle Fowl!

In years past totally Bird Poop Island. We have no idea what happened to all the birds.

Wiki: “Kîlauea Lighthouse was built in 1913. In 1976, the Coast Guard deactivated the lighthouse and replaced it with an automatic beacon. In 1979, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“The refuge was established in 1985 to preserve and enhance seabird nesting colonies after the property was transferred from the United States Coast Guard. In 1988, the refuge was expanded to include Crater Hill and Môkôlea Point.”

Who are these guys…

…the Wedge-tailed Shearwaters.

Nene (pronounced naynay), the State Bird of Hawaii.

The Candy Man (can)…in a chocolate shop next door to the shopping mall in Hanalei. Oh yes I did buy chocolate and I regret nothing.

“The Mission Bell was acquired in 1843, and placed in the belfry behind the Mission Hall. The Mission Hall is the oldest surviving church building on the island of Kaua`i.

“William and Mary Alexander, the first missionaries to Hanalei, arrived by double canoe from the Waimea Mission. During their nine years here, Mr. Alexander, assisted by George Rowell and Edward Johnson, carried the Gospel to persons along the Northern coastline of Kaua`i.

The Wai`oli Hui`ia Church. What follows are quotes from the church’s own website:

“The Wai`oli Mission was established by American Christian Missionaries in 1834. A pole and thatch meetinghouse was constructed by Hawaiians on the Mission Hall site, in anticipation of the arrival of the missionaries. Following the destruction of two earlier buildings by fire and wind, the congregation completed the timber frame and plaster building in 1841. The lime for the plaster was made from coral which was dug at low tide.

“Two years were spent building the Mission House, which was completed in 1837. Mr. Alexander “laid up the chimney” with his own hands, and it stands to this day.

“Deborah Kapule, the dowager Queen of Kaua`i and earnest convert, assisted in establishing the Mission. Governor Kaikioewa of Kaua`i provided the land, and encouraged the Mission in many ways.

“The Mission School was started so that children and adults could read the Bible, which the missionaries translated into Hawaiian. Abner and Lucy Wilcox arrived in 1846 to spend over 20 years as educational missionaries, developing this school, which was a pioneer in vocational training as well. The Wai`oli Mission School was well attended, and trained teachers to go throughout Kaua`i and Ni`ihau. This is now the Hanalei Public School.

“In 1912 the present Wai`oli Church building was given by three sons of Abner Wilcox; Sam, George, and Albert. This shingled church, built in the American Gothic architectural style, has a belfry tower which houses the old Mission Bell. This bell was rung throughout the years, calling people to worship. In 1921 the Wilcox descendants restored the Mission House and the Mission Hall.

“The Wai`oli Church grew under the guidance of the Hawaiian ministers. By 1945 the Wanini Church and the Ha`ena Church had joined the Wai`oli Church to form the Wai`oli Hui`ia Church.

“Having survived two previous hurricanes, Hurricane Dot and Hurricane Iwa, both the Wai`oli Hui`ia Church Sanctuary and the Wai`oli Mission Hall were restored after sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Both buildings are listed on the state and national registers of historic places.

“The Wai`oli Church Choir is well known for its skill in singing for its repertoire of early Hawaiian hymns which are sung each Sunday at the 10:00 AM service.

“The Wai`oli Hui`ia Church has had a continuous record of service since 1834, first as a Congregational Church, and since 1957, as a United Church of Christ.”

I love to walk down in there, in the taro fields, and we will again!

There are many parks and public spaces on Kauai.

Of Course, baby chicks and Lydgate cats.

A sea view from the Lydgate walk.

We spent the day getting ready for guests, mostly looking for just the right bowl – and I took not one picture. Idaho Sharon took these two so at least we have Something!

Those present included Bob and Sharon, Kenny and Kathy, Ryan and Kathleen.

sd.

…and facing the bridge where the Wailua River meets the sea…

…and facing up the river…

…and walking back into the house.

April 25

It’s out last day and we’re going to enjoy a tour of the Allerton, a part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Of course, chickens.

There’s a long Kauai story with this place – the movie The Descendants will tell you all about it.

I’ve taken a lot of these statues from the back lately. It’s a phase.

This fountain makes the water gurgle at the end, into what the guide called The Neptune Effect which slows your heart and makes you relax. It’s very awesome and I want one.

Nestled in this system we find the home of the dinosaur eggs in the original Jurassic Park.

Our guide showed us many eatables out of the garden and we got to taste some too.

Breadfruit. A little hard and you fry it up with butter, and when ripe it’s soft and gooey and super sweet and you eat it with a spoon for dessert.

Ah Kauai, so Aloha!

April 24 evening

Camas and Curt came by for dinner…the dinner they Brought which was yumeeee. Thanks guys!

Camas usually takes the paddle boards out for us (too heavy/awkward for me to get in the river by myself) but it was Sunday and the speed boaters just wouldn’t quit. When they’re roaring up and down they make little tsunamis that are not so fun to paddle board through so next year we’re going to have to find an evening during the week.

April 24 morning

I walked out to the Birthing Stone Heiau at the end of the road this morning and up the hill to the old Japanese Cemetery.

Some years I miss coming up here because as soon as the afternoon approaches the mosquitoes become the dominant life form.

Sharon bought our picture from the luau, cute as we are, but we forgot to bring our coconut bras. Oh well, next time.

This is funny. I turned around to notice I had everything I brought plugged in – computer, phone, big camera, underwater camera, watch/fitness tracker. I had to laugh.

April 23

Since I’ve finished Proust I can read other things without thinking, as I have been for the last three years all those times I entertained myself with something else, oh, I could be reading Proust.

So I read this, The Voyage of the Beagle, Darwin’s abridged journal from his trip around the world during 1831-1836. Not the whole thing though, yikes, just the section on the Galapagos and it really was worth getting through all the long list of names of things to see how he was thinking before he ever thought of The Origin of the Species.

…more.

April 22

Welcome to Smith’s Tropical Paradise and Family Luau.

Everyone gathered between 5 and 6pm for a tour around the gardens – you can take the tram and stroll as you like.

At 6pm they began with a welcoming ceremony…

…and the uncovering of the pig.

Then dinner. Dinner was good, I liked it! If you’ve ever been to a tourist luau, it’s exactly like that but the buffet dishes were well prepared, fresh, tasty, a good variety but not so many options that they couldn’t pay attention – it was surprisingly good.

Also they had a full open bar and you never had to wait in line. That’s pretty amazing.

Moving from the dining hall to a small amphitheater down the way, the show began with Pele emerging from the volcano.

There were group dances and bits from the immigrant nations as well as the contributing Pacific Islanders.

Some pictures of the participants…

Oh please with the coconut bras. But there you have it, a tourist luau from back in the day.

The grand finale, fire twirling man. He was a comedian too. It was a rather modest family show, not so splendid as others perhaps, but all in good fun and I am happy we went.

…it’s FAB!

Look at all this green.

I don’t know what I was expecting, just a dam I think, not this beautiful place.

More.

Swimmers can jump off the platform and enjoy the rope swing.

A nice resting spot with a panoramic view.

April 21

It’s always entertaining to find a mower and watch the egrets in slow pursuit.

We went for a new walk today in the Kilauea area to what was a water control system for a guava farm. It’s called Stone Dam and…

Then we went to Anini Beach. The chickens and roosters and chicks were out in full force.

The water was warm and clear and great for swimming but the drift was so strong without fins I couldn’t make it out to the reef. I might have not been able to get far even with fins strong as the drift was. But it was beautiful and fun!

April 20

Another very good morning!

We drove around the back-country to find these gorgeous gentlemen farms…

Nice, yes!

Happy Hour! although isn’t every hour happy hour here in Kauai.

April 19

Here we have the Westminster Dog Show Champion Plover, his black so rich and shiny, his white swoosh so crisp and delicate, his mahogany color all aglow.

What a beauty.