The Bernstein Family
Hawaii, May 2002
Our Tenth Anniversary
For our tenth anniversary, we decided to spend ten days getting to know our fiftieth state. We spent three days on the lush (and rainy) isand of Kauai, four days driving around Hawaii - the Big Island, two days in western Maui, and much to our surprise, one day at Waikiki Beach on Oahu (more on that later). Remember you can click on the photos to enlarge them. Enjoy your visit.
Kauai, The Garden Isle
The first few days on Kauai were not at all what we expected of Hawaii. Our entire trip was outdoor based and while we were prepared for rain, we weren't prepared for the torrential tropical downpours that occured. We were supposed to be getting these beautiful views on our hikes, but all we could see was fog.
Waimea Canyon, at least what we could see of it before the fog rolled in
Nene, the endangered Hawaiian Goose ~ 2 adults and 2 goslings. There are only 375 left in the wild.
Day 3: Na Pali Coast
The morning of Day Three, we got up early, went back to the start of the Na Pali coast trail and did our hike. It was wonderful and well worth the return trip and extra effort.
The famed Na Pali Coast: Second time was the charm when we reached this beautiful view of the coast line.
Day 2: Kiluaea Wildlife Refuge
Day two was a little bit better. We visited a US Fish and Wildlife Refuge which had a historic lighthouse and was home to several species of birds. We also went to a guave plantation and did a scenic drive through Hanalei Valley. However, by the time we got to the main event of the day, a hike to see the famed Na Pali coast, the rains began. We attempted the hike anyway but were forced to turn back after 15 minutes.
1913 Kiluaea Lighthouse with clam shell lens at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge
Great Frigate Bird at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge
Nesting wedge-tailed shearwater at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge
Hanalei Valley, with its colorful fields of taro, is the setting for "Puff, the Magic Dragon".
After the rain, we did some additional sightseeing including visiting several waterfalls and Holoholoku Heaiu which was used as a birthing place for royal babies and as a temple for human sacrafices.
Holoholoku Heaiu: the royal birthplace
Opaekaa Falls: One advantage to lots of rain is beautiful, flowing waterfalls.
