It Isn't Just About Having a Mai Tai

Well, it certainly can be fun to have those Mai Tais, but I'm also discovering and rediscovering Hawaii...learning and relearning about the people and their culture.

The Hawaiians are a lot like the Mongolians and the Cambodians in that family is very important and respect for the older folks.

You'll see from my photos that I've been very busy exploring and getting reacquainted.  But also, took a very fun day and "got out of Dodge" as they say.

I belong to a book club and we just finished reading, The Hidden Life of Trees.  For our field trip yesterday on Sunday we spent time in the Sacred Rudraksha Forest way up the mountainside.  I have been to many forests throughout the world, but I have never hugged a tree and well, see below.

It was a very moving experience and I must say I felt the energy from the tree.  After all, they are alive as we are.

 

Close by is the Hindu Monastery which I plan to visit, but need reservations due to Covid.

On a lighter note I watched these young people jump off this bridge with seemingly no fear.  I was in awe!

Beautiful church at Kilauea (North Shore) made from volcanic rock.

This is the Kauai Museum downtown Lihue.  Also, made from volcanic rock.  It's huge inside.  I was very impressed with the presentation of all of the Hawaiian history.  I'll be making several visits.

Life is not complete unless you see a double rainbow in Hanalei.  It was very early in the morning and of course, the convoy is still going on!

And of course, the same goes for seeing a waterfall.  Close and....

....even closer!

And if you're real lucky maybe you'll see Pierce Brosnan at his home behind these beautiful plants!  I know I'm cheesy!!!

And even more waterfalls in beautiful Hanalei:)   

Hey, I actually got my big camera out to take this photo!

Spectacular Waimea Canyon known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.  I was lucky to have this kind of day!

Gaylord's in Lihue where I had a fabulous lunch with good friends right there on the back patio.  It's worth reading the history about this place as it was all about sugar.  Gaylord Wilcox built this 16,000sq.ft. house for family and friends.  I thought of Hearst. 

Well, for some of you who think I can't find a Nordstrom where ever I am...well....I took a 25 minute flight from Kauai to Oahu for the day and shopped and then....

....had lunch overlooking the Pacific at Neiman Marcus.  Well, it is almost my birthday LOL

 

I'll leave you with this beautiful sunset at Princeville on the North Shore.

A Hui Hou Makou