Mahalepu Hike

Julie and I did the hike from Shipwrecks to Mahalepu on her last day on Kauai.

At one point we saw many turtles, all sizes feeding.

At the end there is a swim.

A little rest in the shade before the hot hike back.

Makauwahi Cave

Makauwahi Cave holds treasures from the past. A natural amphitheater carved by groundwater and eroded by the elements, the Makauwahi cave sinkhole is a collapsed room of this unusual limestone cave, formed from Pleistocene sand dunes.

Ray, Julie, Jan and I explored  the 17 acre reserve that is being restored with native plants.

Since 1999 invasive plants have been removed and native plants restored based on fossil records found in the cave. Now nearly 5000 native and Polynesian plants have been reintroduced to this landscape.

To learn more check out the book Back to the Future in the Caves of Kaua'i : A Scientists Adventures in the Dark by Dr. David Burney

Alakai Swamp Hike

View of Kalalau Valley in the beginning of the hike with Jan and Julie.

Some plants here you will see no where else.

Haupu"u or Hawaiian Tree Fern is abundant and grows taller than we.

Julie and Jan in the heart of the swamp.

This fern is striking with spores on the back side of the leaf.

Bird list from the day : Apapane, 'Elepapio, Kaua'i Amakihi, Melodious Laughing Thrush and the ever present Japanese White Eye

Surprise Meeting

Look who I ran into at Kilaluea!

Pihea Trail at Kokee State Park

The Ohia Lehua was in full bloom along the Pihea trail.

I saw many Apapane, a native honeycreeper that feeds on Ohia blossoms.

Kilauea Wildlife Refuge Kauai

Beautiful day at Kilauea Point.    Red-footed Boobies are nesting in trees on the far hillside.

Offshore Island beyond the end of the point.

  Laysan Albatross have chicks. The adults are great flyers with a 7 foot wingspan. They often fly to the Gulf of Alaska to forage for their chicks.

Nene the Hawaiian Goose is coming back from near extinction.

Washburne Loop with M&M

Through the forest first, enjoying shafts of sunlight coming through the big spruce.

On the beach with the outgoing tide.

Sea Lion Point viewpoint on the way home.