Honeymooners—Elvis fans—shouldn't miss a trip to the Fern Grotto
If thoughts of Kauai have you picturing scenes of The King in Blue Hawaii, the Fern Grotto is a spot you shouldn't miss. Entry to the grotto used to be forbidden to all except Hawaiian royalty, but nowaways anyone can catch a 40-minute cruise down the Wailua River to the site for about $20 per person ($10 for children ages 3-12) and take in views of one of Kauai's greatest natural wonders. Folks have been known to get married or renew their vows here, and if you're engaged, newlyweds, or celebrating a wedding anniversary, be prepared to come forward for a slow dance to Elvis Presley's Hawaiian Wedding Song—the Hawaiian lyrics in it were sung here long before the film.Although the Coco Palms is going to be torn down, you still have a chance to see the remmnants! (And maybe the ghost of Elvis!)

Hike, kayak, camp, and explore Kauai's secluded Na Pali Coast
If you're an outdoorsy person, nature lover, or just want to see some of the best views on the island without dealing with the tourist crowds, make sure you visit Kauai's beautiful Na Pali Coast. There are no roads on the westernmost side of the island, making it one of the last isolated, untouched, natural places in the Hawaiian Islands. Determined travelers can view the rocky terrain from the ocean with any number of catamaran or boat tours, or view the coastline from the air or guided kayak trip, while more adventurous types can try hiking the 11-mile Kalalau Trail from Kee Beach to Kalalau Beach—the full hike is best broken up into a two-day trip, and camping permits are available for $20 per person per night (with a five night maximim stay) thorugh the Hawaii State Parks Department. Kokee State Parkoffers more challenging hiking trails, like Awaawapuhi Trail, that lead to scenic overlooks while other hikes like Cliff Canyon and Black Pipe Trail are better suited for family hiking trips.

Drive up to a beautiful waterfall
Kauai is home to a number of impressive waterfalls, two of which are accessible by car alone. Wailua Falls is located just a few miles from downtown Lihue and can be viewed from the road, so there's no need to hike for a great view. Just drive north from Lihue to Ma'alo Road in Halamaulu, and follow the road uphill for another three miles. Another beautiful waterfall, Opaeka'a Falls, is viewable from Kuamo'o Road, but those wanting a closer look can brave the tough half-hour hike from the two-mile marker past the lookout point on Highway 580.

Get a slice of Hawaiian history
Hanapepe Town on Kauai's southwest coast is home to a bustling Hawaiian art scene, with an art celebration every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. when the town's painters, sculptors, and other artists open their gallery and studio doors to showcase their work. Those seeking an authentic trip into Hawaii's past should visit the museums and historic sites along the Koloa Heritage Trail—visit the Kihaha'ouna Heiau (an ancient Hawaiian temple), Poipu Beach Park (home to the island's endangered Hawaiian monk seals), and other sites dating back to Kauai's former days as a sugar plantation hotspot. The Kilohana Plantation in Lihue is a 16,000 square-foot restored plantation estate that offers a chance to see what life was like in Kauai during the 1930s—also on-site is the Koloa Rum Company, where you can sample the island's best rum every half hour on the half hour beginning at 10 a.m. daily. Located on Kauai's North Shore about a 45 minute drive north of Lihue is the historic Kilauea Lighthouse, great for stunning views of the Pacific and access to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, a safehaven for a number of native bird species found on the island including the endangered state bird, the nene goose.

The Makauwahi Cave is located on Kauai's South Shore , accessible throughn CJM Country Stables on the dirt road past the Hyatt.Tours of the Cave are conducted every Sunday from 9 AM - 2 PM.

At the center of its many attractions is Hawaii`s largest limestone cave, the richest fossil site in the islands, and a uniquely preserved archaeological site.

It's a living museum dedicated not just to the past, but also to experiments in native species conservation. On abandoned farms and quarry lands surrounding the cave, native plants and animals have returned in response to innovative restoration techniques. Acres of restored forest land, dune vegetation, and wetland habitat feature almost 100 species of native plants, including many endangered species, as well as endangered waterbirds and even an underground ecosystem of blind cave invertebrates.

Field School Has a Few Openings

We have been receiving applications for this summer’s field school at the cave, slated for June 15-July 14. There are still a few slots left, so get in your application for 9 units of UH credit in Archaeological Methods and Natural History of the Hawaiian Islands.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve is a non-profit organization with Garden Island Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. as a fiscal sponsor. The property is owned by Grove Farm Company, and managed by Lida Pigott Burney and Dr. David A. Burney, with the help and support of thousands of volunteers, students, and visitors from the local community and around the world.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve P.O. Box 1277, Kalaheo, HI 96741
(808) 482-1059

 It doesn’t happen often – thank goodness – but “vog” is a form of air pollution that results when sulfur dioxide and other gases and particles emitted by an erupting volcano react with oxygen and moisture in the presence of sunlight. 

The reason you are feeling vog some 400 miles distant from the actual eruption on the Big Island, is because of the wind pattern. 

Accounting for 70% of all winds in Hawaii, trade winds are the most common winds over Hawaiian waters. Tradewinds come from the direction of Alaska -- NE to ENE -- and are Hawaii’s natural air conditioning. 

When we don’t have Tradewinds, the wind pattern shifts to a southerly flow. Kona, a resort town on the leeward side of Hawaii's Big Island, is a Hawaiian term for winds that come from the SW or SSW -- the opposite direction of trade winds. 

Since the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island began erupting in 1983, Kona winds can bring vog up the island chain. This makes visibility poor and causes eye and respiratory irritation. Headaches, watery eyes, sore throat, breathing difficulties (including inducing asthma attacks) and flu-like symptoms are commonly reported. These effects are especially pronounced in people with respiratory conditions and children. 

On the Big Island, the gas plumes of Kilauea rise up from three locations: Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent, and from along the coastline where lava flows from the East Rift zone enter the ocean. The plumes create a blanket of vog that can envelop the island.

Prolonged periods of southerly Kona winds can affect islands across the entire state as well.  Lucky we live Kauai! By the time the vog reaches other islands, the sulfur dioxide has largely dissipated, leaving behind ash, smoke, sulfates, and ammonia.

Kona, or vog producing conditions are most prevalent in winter months when cold front move through. These months include October through March. 

Plumes of vog from Big Island volcanic eruptions as seen and photographed from the Space Shuttle "Atlantis".

Please see http://www.konaweb.com/vog/index.shtml

Hawaii is a special place at Christmas time. Balmy tradewinds and twinkling lights make this a very special holiday for locals and visitors alike.

While you won’t see snow except for rare occasions atop Mauna Kea (Hawaiian for "white mountain" -- for that very reason!), you will still see signs of Christmas on every island.

You may not experience frosty temperatures but who is going to complain about wearing a bikini or a pair of surf shorts on the holiday??

We may not have chestnuts roasting on an open fire,because few homes have fireplaces in the Aloha State! But we sure can roast some Macadamia nuts in the imu.

Christmas really can be Christmas in Hawaii. Hawaii residents begin putting up their holiday lights and Christmas trees as soon as the last piece of Thanksgiving turkey is devoured. There are joyous Christmas concerts, community parades and dazzling Festivals of Light throughout the state.

 History

Christmas wasn’t formally introduced to Hawaii until after 1820, the year Protestant missionaries came to Hawaii from New England.

In ancient times, however, the holiday coincided with a traditional Hawaiian festival called Makahiki. This celebration lasted for four months and included great feasts and games. During this time, wars and conflicts were strictly forbidden. As far as the early Hawaiians were concerned, the Makahiki was their time for “peace on earth and goodwill toward men.”

The first Christmas celebration in Hawaii is believed to have occurred in 1786, when Captain George Dixon, docked aboard the Queen Charlotte in Waimea Bay on Kauai, commanded his crew to prepare a Christmas dinner that included roasted pig, pie and grog mixed with coconut milk. The English navigator then led his men in toasts to their families and friends back home.

In 1856, Alexander Liholiho (King Kamehameha IV) declared December 25 to be his kingdom’s national day of Thanksgiving.

Two years later, Santa Claus made his first appearance in Hawaii, arriving at Washington Place (now the governor’s residence) to deliver gifts for the children. Today, you may see Santa arrive on  surfboard, and witness his elves wearing aloha shirts. 

Today, there’s no bigger Christmas celebration than “Honolulu City Lights,” a favorite holiday spectacle put on by the City & County of Honolulu. Held at Honolulu Hale (City Hall), “Honolulu City Lights” features a 50-foot Norfolk pine Christmas tree, elaborate Christmas tree and wreath exhibits, giant Yuletide displays and live entertainment.

Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s no better place to catch the Christmas spirit in the islands.

Mele Kalikimaka! Merry Christmas!

Rich aromatic flavor, a sense of well-being and peace. A brew that renews focus and energy. Top of the line products infused with active elements known to support a healthy lifestyle. Whether it is a frosty glass of black ice tea, or a creamy mocha chocolate latte, drinking the organic treasures of the Ganoderma lucidum mushroom (also know as Reishii) is an exhilarating mind and body experience. 

In use for more than 4,000 years, initially by Royalty only, the Ganoderma Lucidium mushroom was regarded by ancient Chinese naturopathic practitioners as the "King of Herbs" for its ability to improve the body's overall performance.

This "magic mushroom" is available through a deliciously wide variety of coffee blends, teas, nutraceutical capsules, soap, body lotion and toothpaste made by Organo Gold. Because Ganoderma is touted as a remedy for ailments ranging from immune and inflammatory disorders to lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, improving focus and stamina to inducing a deep, peaceful night's sleep, there are few people who would NOT benefit from Ganoderma. And there are even FEWER who don't drink coffee, tea or hot cocoa!

Organo Gold partners with one of the the world's largest organic Ganoderma producers, recognized internationally for its patented quality cultivation and pure preparation methods. Having undergone the most rigorous and strictest certification processes across the globe, Organo Gold coffees, teas and nutraceuticals  have earned eleven international accreditations, including GMP, USDA, SGS, Kosher, ECOCERT and JAS. 

Organo Gold's mission is to improve the health, wealth, and balance in people's lives by sharing the knowledge of a healthy alternative to regular coffee and similar beverages. If you want to  do something nice for your health by switching from regular coffee, tea or cocoa to an Organo Gold product, the transition is simple.

Stop by the B&B to share a yummy sample cup with me, or check out the selection of products I have available for delivery directly to your home at www.nanakaicoffee.organogold.com or call my Coffee Hot Line at (808) 651-5600. These gourmet coffees, teas and personal care products make super Holiday, Birthday and Special Occasion presents, too!

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar (ki-ho'alu) is a truly one of the greatest acoustic guitar traditions in the world.  Ki-ho'alu, which literally means "loosen the key," is the Hawaiian language name for the solo finger picked style unique to Hawai'i.  In this tradition, the strings (or keys)" are "slacked" to produce major chord, or a chord with a major 7th note, or sometimes one with a 6th note in it.  Each tuning produces a lingering sound behind the melody and  has characteristic resonance and fingering.

Many Hawaiian songs and slack key guitar pieces reflect themes like stories of the past and present and people's lives.  But it is the tropical surroundings of  Hawai'i, with its oceans, volcanoes and mountains, waterfalls, forest, plants and animals, that provide the deepest source of inspiration for Hawaiian music.

2012 will mark the 30th anniversary of the festival in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, the 20th anniversary on Kauai and Hawaii and the 21st anniversary on the island of Maui. We continue to be focus and enthusiastic about the music and where we have been and where we are headed. The music is now part of genre known as "World Music" and someday we hope that through the efforts of all of the musicians that perform it, the producers, record companies, the many festivals produced throughout Hawaii and overseas and our loyal Hawaii based corporate sponsors as well as those on the mainland such as Taylor Guitars and Dancing Cat Productions that Ki-ho'alu will be recognized throughout the world as truly a great guitar tradition. Since 2005, a category for Hawaiian Music was created by NARAS or better known as the "Grammy Awards" and Slack Key Guitar has won the coveted award for 4 years straight over some of the best artists from Hawaii. 

Since its inception in 1988, Eo e Emalani I Alaka’i (also called the Emalani Festival) has quietly become one of the most authentic and powerful Hawaiian cultural experiences in the State.

Each year, for the past 24 years, Koke'e Natural History Museum has honored the Queen's historic trek with a day long celebration of hula performances and Hawaiian music.Each year,kumu hula (hula masters) and their dancers help to create an event that has touched thousands, many of whom return annually to participate.

Saturday, October 13 is the date for this glorious spectacle. Live Hawaiian music, along with historical displays, begin at 10 am and at 12 noon, “Queen Emma” enters Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow on horseback, led by her guide Kaluahi, represented by a local cowboy. Offering of dance are made by hula halau from across Hawaii. Hula groups from Europe andJapanhave also jouneyed to Kaua ito participate.

By focusing each year on a diferent aspect of the Queen’s inspiring legacy as a humanitarian leader, the Emalani Festival affords participants and audience an opportunity to reflect on values of a great leader who took the land to heart.

Come early and stay late. Bring a beach chair or blanket and camera. This is the real deal. You won't see hula like this unless you go to the Merry Monarch Festival.

For more info call (808) 335-9975.

What they found was a fossil picture of how Hawaii looked 10,000 years ago.

Local Kauai resident and student at Northern Arizona University, Mary Coulombe, served as an intern at the cave this past summer for college credits toward he degree in environmental science. 

Here is the excellent video that Mary produced during her internship: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2L4sluOb-o&feature=colike

Only on Sunday from 9am to 2 pm can visitors tour the cave and the beautifully landscaped trail and surroundings, which have been planted with native and endemic trees, shrubs and foliage.

Drive to Po'ipu and go left toward the Hyatt. The road will turn into a dusty and bumpy dirt but don't worry about the rental car. I used to take my Honda Civic to Mahau'lepu often and never encountered a problem or any sort of damage to my car.

By the way -- don't forget to check out the giant tortoises who are weed eaters "extrordinaire". They don't seem to liket the native plants!

For more information visit this website: http://cavereserve.org/index.php

Close your eyes and listen to the solemn beat of the ancient drums. The sweet scent of tropical flowers swirls around the hula dancers and royal court. Imagine you are standing in the Hawaii of centuries ago -- before the "discovery" of these Hawaiian Islands. A time when Hawaiian culture, life and the people lived in an organized, sustainable society and worshiped many gods.

On Kaua'i, the Aloha Festival events take place between August 25th and October 20th.   Come help celebrate Kaua‘i's Hawaiian cultural heritage at any or all of the upcoming events that are part of Kaua‘i Aloha Festivals. You will enjoy Royal Court presentations and experience outstanding cultural entertainment, food and traditions.

Aloha Week began in 1946 to celebrate Hawai'i's unique cultural heritage and our sense of Aloha.  In 1991, the name was changed to "Aloha Festivals" with events slated during the months of September and October - the traditional time of Makahiki (a time of peace and celebration).

 The events showcase Hawaiian music, dance, cuisine, arts and cultural practices. All feature presentation of Kauai's Royal Court, with the investiture of the court on August 25th. Each event is found at different locations around Kaua'i. Some, like the Mokihana Festival and the Na Lima Hana Festival, include multiple days of activities.

Event locations include Smith's Tropical Paradise, Kapaa First Hawaiian Church, Kaua`i Beach Resort, Kaua'i Marriott, and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Kauai residents and visitors will be able to observe time-honored protocol and traditions in association with the Hawaiian culture as well as experience a broad range of Hawaiian dance, music and food.

 *   Friday, Sept. 21st, Mokihana Festival, 808-651-1868 - Maka Herrod. The 28th annual Kaua'i Mokihana Festival celebrates the year of Na Kamali`i (year of the child).  This seven-day event is filled with Hawaiian culture, experiences of hula, Hawaiian and contemporary music, Hawaiian language, crafts, lectures, history and more, in support of the Malie Foundation and the Malie Scholarship. The Royal Court will be part of the festivities as well, at the Kaua`i Beach Resort for the group hula competition from 6pm - 9pm.  Public is welcome. Malie Foundation contributed photo; Joe Olivas photographer.

Kaua'i Mokihana Festival is a week-long celebration, Sept. 16-22, 2012, of Hawaiian culture and includes educational lectures, music and hula competitions at locations around the island of Kaua'i. This year's theme is Year of Na Kamali'i

TICKETS available beginning August 20th at these TICKET OUTLETS:
Vicky's Fabrics Kapa`a (808)822-1746
Kaua'i Beach Resort, Lihue (808)246-5515
Kaua‘i Music and Sound, Kapa‘a (808)823-8000

TICKET INFORMATION:
Call (808) 652-4497 and ASK FOR IWA DAWBARN
$10 children ages 6-17; free for children under 6 at most events.

MOKIHANA PASS: The Mokihana Pass was created for those who desire to support the Kauai Mokihana Festival and allows any person to utilize the pass at events listed below. If you are unable to make one or more events, you are welcomed to pass on your MP to someone else. The Mokihana Pass is available for sale at $60.00 per pass. Purchase in advance. The Mokihana Pass is good for admission to all of the below listed events. For event information call Maka Herrod (808)651-1868 or email:bslm07@yahoo.com

The four-day event continues Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight and on Saturday, gates open from noon until midnight. Sunday hours are from noon.

During the fair hours, the commercial and nonprofit booths will close at 11 p.m. Friday and  Saturday and at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Today’s events include a Tropical Floral Design Show, a floral design contest, chef demonstrations, a petting zoo, Las Vegas hypnotist Ralph Maxwell and performances by the Maltese Family Circus.

Check out this video for a real glimpse of the action!   http://kauaifarmfair.org/

Admission is $2 for keiki ages 4 through 12, $4 for seniors 65 years and older and $5 for adults.

Visit www.thegardenisland.com and click on the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Fair 2012 special section for a complete schedule of events as well as featured sections of the fair.

'Anini Beach Park  - this picturesque stretch of beach and lagoon inside a fringing reef has a variety of activities to offer including camping (see County of Kauai website for permits), snorkeling, windsurfing rentals and lessons, a great place to lean paddleboard, beach combing for Ni'ihau and sunrise shells, picnicking, and kayaking. We also caught sunrises, sunsets and a full moon! It is an ideal place to stay if you are planning a Na Pali coast kayak trip (that starts at 6:30 AM), and is close to Hanalei Bay, Limahuli Gardens and Ke'e Beach -- the beginning of the Kalalau Trail.  

Wings Over Kauai Air Tours - there is no other more personable business owners and employees than this family-run light airplane sight-seeing operation. Excellent narration of Kauai's cultural, historic and scenic highlights is authentic and accurate, not to mention appreciated while gliding along the coastline and over the emerald peaks. Customers get a beautiful kukui nut lei, a photo of themselves and a video of their tour all for one low price. Don't miss Wings -- it is a fraction of the cost of a helicopter!

Pakala's, PK's and the Waiohai surf spots were highlights of my surf buddy's visit to Kauai. I had never been to Pakala's before, even though I've lived here for 20 years. In addition to some of the nicest waves on the island, Pakala's has a beautiful bay, palm-lined shore, monk seals and turtles. Just watch out for the kiawe!

Four-wheeling on Koke'e's fire break roads, and  along the newly opened Hanapepe to Makaweli dirt road for fishing access on G&R property. Incredible views of Ni'ihau and Lehua, and pristine, rocky fishing spots describe the former and latter.

Biking on the Bike Path from Kapa'a to Anahola. Cooling trade winds pushed our pedals  along as we checked out the waves at Kealia Beach and the fools playing in the surf at Donkey Beach. Donkey is not a safe swimming spot. The Path is a very gentle grade and pleasant at anytime during the day, however, sunset is my favorite time.

Captain Na Pali Adventures boat tour of the Na Pali coast. Exhilarating coastal ride from Kikiaola Harbor -- between Waimea and Kekaha -- along the 3,000 - 4,000 foot spires and cliff sculptures of Na Pali with a few detours for waterfalls, snorkeling, dark sea caves and the "Eye of the Shark" roofless cave. Hang on with your feet and hands as Joe Clark chases dolphins between the white caps.

Maha'ulepu Beach, Maka'uwahi Cave and Lida's Garden - Sundays from 9am - 2pm, the famous Makauwahi Sinkhole is open for tours with guides providing info about the 10,000 year history of Kauai. Hike the trail above which has been replanted with native and endemic trees and shrubs, making the area appear as it might have before human habitation. Be sure to check out the giant tortoises!

CJM Stables Rodeo just happened to be in session when we left Mahau'lepu after our coastal hike. Some really talented cowboys showed us how to rope calfs and cattle. Also heard that CJM does some awesome trail rides along the beach!

Friday Night Art Night in Hanapepe - The mango pie stole the show. Passed dinner and went straight to the "Pie Lady". Great music, snacks and delicacies in the galleries, awesome art and great artists like Giorgio and Robin McCoy -- don't miss their galleries! Also, Talk Story Bookstore has the best selection of books in the islands!

A number of public camps, like Boy Scouts of America, the Methodist Camp, the Hongwanji and Camp Sloggett are also available through various churches and organizations. State cabins can also be rented through the Koke'e Lodge or State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Although camping is available, and there are a few remote cabins for hunters -- free if you can get to them --, most trails in Koke'e can be accomplished in one day. Beautiful treks and bike opportunities can also be found on the contour roads that lead out to the end of the finger-like ridges that loom over the Na Pali coast.

Beginning at the picnic area just before Mile Marker 13, "Polihale Ridge Road" is a rough dirt contour or fire break road that descends along the ridgeline to its end just above the spectacular Polihale Beach and State Park. Breath-taking views of Ni'ihau and the 13-mile Barking Sands Beach can be viewed from this location.

A short distance past Mile Marker 13 is the Pua Hina Hina Lookout. Views of the Waimea Canyon, Koaie Canyon and Po'omau Canyon serve as eye candy and allow the viewer to watch hikers on the Waimea Canyon Trail far below. Accessible from the back of the lookout's parking lot is a trail that leads down to another viewpoint and the trailhead of the Waimea Canyon and Black Pipe Trails. Few people use this convenient trail and park, instead, at the intersection of Halemanu Road, another 4 WD road that winds down to meet the trailhead of the Canyon Trail. Several loop trails and connectors can be accessed from this area including a loop trek around the Canyon Trail, up a dirt road to the Kumuwela Trail, which then leads to the Halemanu Koke'e Trail, and back out on Halemanu Road.

Continuing on the Koke'e Road toward the Lodge and Koke'e Museum, the Nualolo Trail departs from an area just past the state cabins. This trail can be hiked down and back, or in a broad 11-mile table and circuit loop. Starting at the Nualolo Trail head, traversing the Nualolo Cliff (Bench)Trail and ascending the Awa'awa'puhi Trail is a strenuous hike that involves hitching a ride back to your car, or hiking the road to return to your point of origin. (I recommend taking the Nualolo Trail down and the Awa'awa'puhi Trail up because it is much easier than doing the opposite. Trust me!)

The Koke'e Lodge in the center of the great meadow is a spot....the only spot... for food and drink on the mountain. They serve great breakfasts and lunches but close at 3 PM on weekdays and 5PM on Fridays. The neighboring Koke'e Museum is a pleasant Natural History Museum and bookstore with great information about the park and trail conditions.

Leaving the Meadow area, the Camp Ten - Mohihi Road, leading to Camp Sloggett and far beyond is the gateway to the Alakai Swamp and Sugi Grove. This is a serious 4 WD road and make no mistake about it. If it is rainy, don't even attempt it! The primary way to the Alakai Swamp Trail leaves this road on the left across from a picnic area that overlooks Sugi Grove. Continuing down the hill to Sugi Grove is another state camping area and the remote campsites of Sugi Grove. The picturesque Kawaikoi Stream beautiful gurgles along the camp this picturesque area and the Kawaikoi Stream Trail -- a pleasant walk -- trail loops around the stream or joins with the Pihea Trail.

While in this remote area, don't miss the Po'omau Canyon Trail, the Kohua Trail and the Mohihi Wai'alae Trail.

If you don't have 4WD, continue along the paved Koke'e Road past the Lodge and come to a sharp bend in the road with a grassy parking area to the right and a gate across a gravel road. This is the trailhead to the Water Tank Trail and the Pu'u Ka'ohelo (Berry Flats) Trail where wild pigs can be seen grazing on black berries on this easy hike.

Further along Koke'e Road is the Awa'awa'puhi Trailhead and parking lot on the left. This trail has a pleasant descent and ascent and affords supreme views of the Na Pali coast at it's end. It is a short  2-3 hour hike down and back. Another easy trail in the area is the Kaluapuhi Trail. Park at the Awa'awa'puhi Trailhead and walk a short distance up the road. You will see the beginning of the Kaluapuhi Trail on the right. Mostly flat, this trail leads through dry upland forest and affords a gentle hike through the woods.

Back on Koke'e Road the Kalalau Lookout is the postcard photo op and the most breath-taking and spectacular view on the mountain of Kalalau Valley more than 3,000 feet below. If the valley is occluded by mist or clouds, be patient. The mist often clears in about 15 minutes!

Finally the Koke'e Road leads to the very end of the pavement and the final Kalalau Lookout where some seriously construction-challenged folks tried to build a road to Hanalei and failed miserably. The first slope bears most of the destruction, but pass this area with blinders on because the trail that awaits has the highest concentration of native birds and plants in the park. This is the Pihea Trail and it leads into the Alakai Swamp, or up to the Pihea Lookout. The Alakaia Swamp Trail boardwalk commences here and the Pihea Trail can be descended to the Kawaikoi Stream area and Sugi Grove for those without 4WD.

Be careful because this park does not have rangers or sign-in and sign-out stations. Always let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return, whether you leave a note in the hotel room, tell another camper or let the ladies in the Koke'e Museum know. For weather and trail information call (808) 335-9975. 

Please do not throw away lit cigarette butts. Don't start camp fires or burn toilet paper. Forest fires are an ever-present danger!

I had come upon my first O Bon festival, a summertime Japanese cultural celebration for the ancestors who have passed on. This 500 year old Japanese tradition was brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants who came to work in the sugar cane fields. 

Knowing that they could not leave their culture and history behind, they celebrated O Bon to link the living with their deceased relatives, by honoring theses spirits with dance, incense, favorite foods and preferred alcoholic beverages.

I also enjoyed watching the making of traditional mochi, rice that is pounded until it becomes a thick paste, which is then combined with sugar for a sweet and tasty treat.

At this particular event, a taiko drumming troupe performed a riveting and rousing set of traditional warrior drumming on replicas of ancient drums and other instruments.

Dressed in their black slacks and black karate-like jackets, these musicians adorned their heads with brilliant orange and white headbands to soak up the sweat produced by their enthusiastic drumming. Literally, taiko means "fat drum," although there is a vast array of shapes and sizes of taiko. Reputedly, one of the first uses of taiko was as a battlefield instrument; used to intimidate and scare the enemy.

At some O Bon celebration the Lantern Ceremony will take place. A candle is lit for a recently deceased loved one and placed in a decorative bag or open-topped lantern and set adrift on the ocean or on a body of water. The Kapa'a Lantern Ceremony I witnessed at the Wailua River several years ago was solemn and included a religious service and ceremony. The drifting lanterns were a beautiful way to remember someone.

On June 8 and 9 the Kapa'a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will hold its annual celebration on temple grounds at 4-1170 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa. June 15 and 16 brings the O Bon to the Waimea Hongwanji at its temple at 9554 Kaumuali'i Highway, Waimea. The weekend of June 22 and 23 the Kauai Soto Zen Temple will hold its O Bon dance at 1-3500 Kaumuali'i Highway Hanapepe. Finally, on June 29 and 30 the Koloa Jodo Mission will honor the ancestors at it's temple near Koloa Big Save at 3480 Waikomo Road, Koloa.