Kaua'i Vacation

Today it is hot and humid as can be here in the greater Los Angeles area.  It is just miserable, with chances of isolated thunderstorms.  There was even a lightening strike at Venice Beach over the weekend which killed one young man and injured over a dozen more people.

I'm trying to chill, but it's hard.  For some reason, I think this weather would be easier to take if we all lived in Hawaii...

So, on that note, I'm going to whisk you off to an Hawaiian paradise for a few minutes!

Enjoy!

My friend Ava and her little cousin

My co-worker Emma just got back from a peaceful vacation to the island of Kaua'i.  She brought her daughter and nephew along for the trip and they had a terrific time on this tropical isle.

They spent some time at Ha'ena State Park, on the north shore of the island.  The park provides access to beaches, trails, and several ancient Hawaiian sites, including the sea caves estimated to be more than 4,000 years old.

The kids had a great time in the sparkling clear water!

I believe Ava will break a few hearts when she gets older.

A sheltered cove

I don't think these next photos need any commentary at all!

A lovely... and lonely vista!  Nice.

The unique reef lagoon, which allows the water to be calm and safe for swimmers and snorkelers, is seen in the photo below.

Safe swimming behind the breakwater

The beach is nice!  It has amenities like pay phones, picnic tables, restrooms and outdoor showers.

The view in the other direction includes some majestic scenery.  The Makana mountain soars about the Limahuli Garden and Preserve in the valley.  According to Wikipedia, the area surrounding the beaches contains ironwood trees, coconut palms and guava, among others.

Low Clouds over the spectacular mountains

The kids at one of the sea caves estimated to be over 4,000 years old

Lazy streams feed into the ocean

Sometimes in spectacular ways!

The kids enjoyed seeing the wildlife on the island.

The wild rooster is Kaua'i's unofficial "Official" bird.

Hawaiian chickens!

Aren't these guys beautiful?

It is said that the "mua" or red jungle fowl were brought to Kaua'i by ancient Polynesians as a source of food.  They are now wild and are found everywhere on the island, as they have no real predators here.

Some people don't care for them, as they can be a nuisance (the roosters crow at all hours of the day and night!) but they do eat the icky local bugs - lots and lots of bugs!

My friends also took the time to visit the Kilauea Lighthouse.  What a picturesque view!

The Heritage Site of Hawaii, Kilauea Lighthouse has an impressive sign

The lighthouse was dedicated in 1913 and served as a pivotal navigation aid for ships who were sailing to the Orient. 

The station was manned until 1974, when it was automated.  In 1979 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places listings in Hawaii.  

The visitor's center is operated by the Kilauea Point Natural History Association.  In 2008, the group raised funds for restoration of the lighthouse.

The surrounding area is also home to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.

               

The beautiful Kilauea Lighthouse

It looks so remote out there, doesn't it?

The lighthouse is located on Kilauea Point on the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii.

The Lighthouse is still operational, having been restored a few years ago

I hope you have enjoyed this mini vacation.  Enjoy your day!