The second half of the time spent on Kaua'i was filled with more exploration of the island. Several of us hiked from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapi'ai Beach along the Na Pali Coast. This was a scenic 4-mile round trip much of which was done barefoot along muddy trails. It was well worth the effort for the views and seeing the turbulent surf at the remote beach.
A second trip to Waimea Canyon gave me a chance to hike the "Canyon Trail". This trail wound through some serene woods before funneling us out to some breathtaking views of the canyon as well as Waipo'o Falls. I ate my picnic lunch on a rock 5 ft. from the top of the falls.
The last couple weeks a group of five of us staying at Ahupuaa Village in Kapa'a bonded together very nicely. Griffin, Leif, Malia, Kiki, and I did several excursions together, shopped the Kapa'a Farmers Market, and cooked delicious meals in the community kitchen. This group also got me to step out of my comfort zone by taking me to a costume ecstatic dance party. Ecstatic dance can be defined as sacred dance encompassing all movement that expresses or enhances spiritual experiences. I ended up dancing for 2 hours straight and had a great time.
The five of us also made a trip to Polihale State Park for a night of camping on the beach. This park has a beach that goes for miles, great sand dunes, and a beautiful mountain background. I saw a great sunset over the ocean in the evening and then the sunrise over the mountains in the morning. With few people around I also enjoyed an early morning ocean swim... in my birthday suit.
On my last day Griffin and I did a kayak and hiking adventure on the Wailua River. We paddled about 45 minutes up the river to a shallow docking area. From there we hiked through and open meadow, across a rushing river, and then up a different branch of the river to Secret Falls.
It's hard to believe 3 months have passed and it's time to return to the mainland. I've enjoyed a lot of warm weather, seen many beautiful places, and made lots of new friends. The spiritual energy of the islands has brought so many good people and horizon broadening experiences into my path and for that I say Mahalo!
