Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali Coast. Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sites I have EVER seen. This stretch of coastline along Northwest Kauai is absolutely stunning, and I was lucky enough to get up close and personal with it on a catamaran tour over Thanksgiving break.
The boat cruise left around 9 am Saturday morning with about 30 passengers and 4 crew members. We began the event Hawaiian style by taking off our shoes! No one was allowed on board unless they were bare-footed. As soon as we got out into the ocean, past the breaking walls of Port Allen, we were surrounded by scores of dolphins. They came right up to our boat and showed off by jumping and splashing. This puzzled me at first, but then I figured that dolphins are like dogs, but instead of chasing cars...they chase boats.
Anyway, after cruising for a bit, we stopped at a great snorkling spot, filled with fish and even a few honu (sea turtles). After that, the crew set out breakfast, fresh fruit and cinnamon buns. A good combination in my book! Then we turned towards the Na Pali, the NW coast of Kauai, as I mentioned earlier. Appropriately named since Na Pali means 'The Cliffs', this 17 mile stretch of land has massive moutains rising up thousands of feet from the ocean and narrow valleys in between. It is thought to be one of (if not THE) most beautiful coastlines in the world. Movies like Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and King Kong were filmed here.
After witnessing this spectacular site, we began to head back. I was still in total awe of Planet Earth, but managed to chow down on the lunch provided by the crew - sandwiches, fruit, chips, and cookies. During the ride back to port, our captain entertained us with some classic 'sing-a-longs' including 'Friends in Low Places', 'Brown Eyed Girl', and 'Cheeseburger in Paradise'.
When the catamaran was docked, we thanked the crew graciously and headed back to the hotel. Even though the boat ride was only a mere 5 or 6 hours, I definitely got a days worth of rockin' out of it. Laying in bed that night, I reminisced on my awesome experience all the while still swaying back and forth over the ocean swells.
Until next time...Aloha!
The Na Pali Coast....I took this from the boat!