USA Aloha! : Hawaii : '17 Apr: Kauai

April 4

The House wishes us Good Morning and welcomes us to the Land of Aloha. I'm standing on the dock facing the house...

...and facing the bridge where the Wailua River meets the sea...

...and facing up the river...

...and walking back into the house.

We spent the day getting ready for guests, mostly looking for just the right bowl - and I took not one picture. Idaho Sharon took these two so at least we have Something!

Those present included Bob and Sharon, Kenny and Kathy, Ryan and Kathleen.

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April 5 and 6

The Island-wide theme of Kauai - Splendid Red Jungle Fowl!

Wiki: "Kîlauea Lighthouse was built in 1913. In 1976, the Coast Guard deactivated the lighthouse and replaced it with an automatic beacon. In 1979, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"The refuge was established in 1985 to preserve and enhance seabird nesting colonies after the property was transferred from the United States Coast Guard. In 1988, the refuge was expanded to include Crater Hill and Môkôlea Point."

In years past totally Bird Poop Island. We have no idea what happened to all the birds.

Who are these guys...

...the Wedge-tailed Shearwaters.

Nene (pronounced naynay), the State Bird of Hawaii.

The Candy Man (can)...in a chocolate shop next door to the shopping mall in Hanalei. Oh yes I did buy chocolate and I regret nothing.

The Wai`oli Hui`ia Church. What follows are quotes from the church's own website:

"The Wai`oli Mission was established by American Christian Missionaries in 1834. A pole and thatch meetinghouse was constructed by Hawaiians on the Mission Hall site, in anticipation of the arrival of the missionaries. Following the destruction of two earlier buildings by fire and wind, the congregation completed the timber frame and plaster building in 1841. The lime for the plaster was made from coral which was dug at low tide.

"The Mission Bell was acquired in 1843, and placed in the belfry behind the Mission Hall. The Mission Hall is the oldest surviving church building on the island of Kaua`i.

"William and Mary Alexander, the first missionaries to Hanalei, arrived by double canoe from the Waimea Mission. During their nine years here, Mr. Alexander, assisted by George Rowell and Edward Johnson, carried the Gospel to persons along the Northern coastline of Kaua`i.

"Two years were spent building the Mission House, which was completed in 1837. Mr. Alexander “laid up the chimney” with his own hands, and it stands to this day.

"Deborah Kapule, the dowager Queen of Kaua`i and earnest convert, assisted in establishing the Mission. Governor Kaikioewa of Kaua`i provided the land, and encouraged the Mission in many ways.

"The Mission School was started so that children and adults could read the Bible, which the missionaries translated into Hawaiian. Abner and Lucy Wilcox arrived in 1846 to spend over 20 years as educational missionaries, developing this school, which was a pioneer in vocational training as well. The Wai`oli Mission School was well attended, and trained teachers to go throughout Kaua`i and Ni`ihau. This is now the Hanalei Public School.

"In 1912 the present Wai`oli Church building was given by three sons of Abner Wilcox; Sam, George, and Albert. This shingled church, built in the American Gothic architectural style, has a belfry tower which houses the old Mission Bell. This bell was rung throughout the years, calling people to worship. In 1921 the Wilcox descendants restored the Mission House and the Mission Hall.

"The Wai`oli Church grew under the guidance of the Hawaiian ministers. By 1945 the Wanini Church and the Ha`ena Church had joined the Wai`oli Church to form the Wai`oli Hui`ia Church.

"Having survived two previous hurricanes, Hurricane Dot and Hurricane Iwa, both the Wai`oli Hui`ia Church Sanctuary and the Wai`oli Mission Hall were restored after sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Both buildings are listed on the state and national registers of historic places.

"The Wai`oli Church Choir is well known for its skill in singing for its repertoire of early Hawaiian hymns which are sung each Sunday at the 10:00 AM service.

"The Wai`oli Hui`ia Church has had a continuous record of service since 1834, first as a Congregational Church, and since 1957, as a United Church of Christ."

I love to walk down in there, in the taro fields, and we will again!

There are many parks and public spaces on Kauai.

Of Course, baby chicks and Lydgate cats.

A sea view from the Lydgate walk.

April 7

We enjoyed one of our favorite walks along the coast...

...through some pasture land...

...and Jungle Fowl of course...

...to the historic old Pineapple Dump! I've written about the Pineapple Dump many times so if you're interested wiki knows all about it.

Nice pineapple fence for the historic old Pineapple Dump.

Sharon enjoying the breeze.

April 8

Copied from my own text in 2010: "Here we are at the entrance to the old Ahukini Pier at the southern end of Hanamaʻulu Bay, just south of the Lihui airport. You can see the harbor beacon at the end of the jetty.

"The sugar folk used this pier for the ships that took their cargo to the mainland as it was the only deep water port in Kaua'i until, after WWII and the construction of the newer bigger better port at Nawiliwili, this facility was abandonded and then mostly dismantled by the late 1970s."

We ate at Duke's and enjoyed a stroll through he Marriott where they have marvelous koa works including a huge and classic old canoe in the lobby.

They also have periodic koi frenzies.

This guy waddled up from the river, moved into the yard, and seems to have taken up residence. He might be a Muscovy duck since we saw a similar one last year (or the year before?) and Brigitte identifed him.

Word from the folks who live around here is that he came from Smith's across the way where they keep ducks and other creatures for their garden tours.

Also in the front yard. The garden crew uually clear out the coconuts for safety but since these are leaning over the river maybe they get to stay.

April 9

Camas volunteered to usher me along the Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls in the Waimea Canyon. Here we are kicking off as hard a walk as I'll ever want to do.

Not My Picture...we are walking along a steep and slippery and obstacle strewn path from a parking lot to the top of those falls.

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At one of the most slippery stretches this woman gave me her walking stick. She really did urge it upon me and I said Thank You Very Much.

We met up with her again at the falls and she had acquired herself another stick more worthy of her size and strength.

Camas wanted to practice her hand stand. She is very determined!

Hey dude.

We were on the trail for 3 1/2 hours - walked, had a quick picnic lunch, and stopped to catch my breath many a time along the way. Thanks for your kind patience Camas!

April 10

The Grand Hyatt, Poipu. We like to come here to admire the landscaping, the views, have a good walk...

...and chat it up with the parrots.

It's always, every time, permanently Red Flag surf at The Grand Hyatt.

White anthurium in the lobby.

In the welcoming pools.

And since we were down there anyway we took our traditional swing by Spouting Horn. She was entirely silent today. We stood here for ages - nada.

And then off to Brenneke's for lunch and this is our view out the window, and it's real although it never gets really big and they throw it out eventually.

Back at the house the kids were working with their canoe clubs. The boys had a screaming coach yelling PULL PULL STROKE DIG DEEP. The girls were singing camp songs.

April 11

All the churches are in top form for Easter so we're making a tour of them. We saw the most historic one on the 6th (The Wai`oli Hui`ia Church) and we saw two more today.

This is the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, built in 1924. I wanted to tie all these churches together in the history of Kauai but I might fail in this effort.

I can't find anything about the history of this church except that it was built in 1924. It's located off the road in Hanamaulu just outside Lihue.

A local version of stained glass.

The unmistakable smell of a Catholic church.

In the small graveyard I saw this headstone with the sheep and immediately thought of Will Bullas who made my 'Cocktails at Six' piece and who also made this one: 'Peaceable Kingdom with Olives' which I could totally have on my headstone were I in the least interested in having a headstone.

Next stop All Saints' Episcopal Church in Kapaa.

All quotes from their website: "The church building was designed by Honolulu architect Guy N. Rothwell... It was completed on December 6, 1925, and contains many items of historical interest. The building utilizes the native lava rock stone in its structure, and features magnificent stained glass windows.

"The Episcopal Church in Hawai'i began in 1862 when King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma invited the Church of England to Hawai‘i. The King and Queen supported the Church's establishment throughout the islands with gifts of land, and by founding the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu. Queen Emma also founded Queen's Hospital (now Queen's Medical Center) and St. Andrew's Priory School for Girls in Honolulu.

"All Saints’ congregational history can be traced back to the arrival of the Rev. Henry Alpheus and Mrs. (Juelle J.) Willey on Kauai, on October 28, 1924. The church was founded as a mission of the Episcopal Church, declared itself an interracial church, and chose its name by a vote of the congregation. It became the first Anglican Church on Kaua'i.

"During the next few months, while laboring under unfavorable circumstances in Kealia, Rev. Willey succeeded in obtaining land and making plans for the church in Kapa'a. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Digby Sloggett gave the approximately five acres of land that would house the church, and in December of 1925, All Saints' Episcopal Chuch was completed.

"In 1962, the mission achieved parish status under the leadership of the Ven. Charles T. Crane."

They have these lanterns ready for Good Friday and Easter with little electric candles and a Lot of wine corks in many bags to hold the bags in place.

Episcopalians have never been shy with their wine.

This magnificent tree and several other buildings, a rectory, a gym, two school buildings, make up the All Saints complex.

We took a little spin up the road from the house to see if Opaekaa Falls was happening. It's a little light from years gone by.

Across the street, our river, the Wailua, and the kayak pack from Smith's.

We had a Happy Hour treat at Oasis, my favorite happy hour, and this was the 90 degrees-from-the-ocean view.

April 12

We went across the river to Smith's to take a picture of Sharon feeding the chickens for Sharon's granddaughter whose favorite thing is to feed the chickens at Smith's.

She has two favorite things actually, feeding the chickens and eating Puka Dogs.

Once you start feeding the chickens you have a flock of new best friends.

They have plenty of water features around Smith's too.

Then we went out for a fancy dinner at Jo2 with Bob and Idaho Sharon. YUM!

Pictures of The Gang follow since here I am 10 days in with not one picture except for me and Camas on our hike.

Shortly after my arrival Kathy and Kenny left for a three week trip in Europe. They'll be back a few days before we leave.

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Idaho Sharon and Big Bad Bob who makes unrelenting fun of my stature because he is in fact a giant.

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Camas and Curtis from a recent visit to LA.

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April 13

Turning into the ever gorgeous...

...Tunnel of Trees!

Then it started raining and we just drove around in the rain looking at Kauai from the windows of the car.

When we got to the Kauai Coffee Plantation the rain had stopped falling and we could enjoy their always entertaining walking tour.

And PIZZA! Our favorite Brick Oven Pizza. Owww, there's still some leftovers in the fridge!

April 14

This guy was flapping around the foyer and at first I thought it was a bat. He's about five inches long, but not a bat.

Based on some googling about we believe her to be the Black Witch Moth. I made er rather lighter than she was to stand out against the wood of the ceiling The moth and the wood were the same color.

We drove out to the taro fields where it was hotHot and super sunny...

...but fabulous nonetheless, full with birds and the rich smell of the fields.

There are at least several dozen fields in the valley that look like this one and it's a treat to be able to walk beside them.

From the Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, Kilauea website:

"The Episcopal Church in Hawai'i began in 1862 when King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma invited the Church of England to Hawai‘i. The King and Queen supported the Church's establishment throughout the islands with gifts of land, and by founding the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu. Queen Emma also founded Queen's Hospital (now Queen's Medical Center) and St. Andrew's Priory School for Girls in Honolulu.

"As early as 1888 worship services were held in Kilauea under the direction of lay leadership and Bishop Willis. Bishop Willis had been sent to Hawai`i by the Church of England and on occasion, confirmed people in Kilauea. By 1924 the time had come for a permanent church in Kilauea, and under the leadership of Bishop LaMothe and the Rev. Henry Willey, Episcopalians in the area started worshipping in a frame building owned by the Hawaiian Congregational Church.

"In 1939 the Kilauea Sugar Company deeded the churchyard to the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii and gave the native stone used in the erection of our present building. The chief benefactor, however, was Mrs. Robert Shapard, of Griffin, Georgia, in memory of her husband, and on the Second Sunday after Epiphany on January 19, 1941, the Right Rev. Harrington Littell consecrated the church.

"The graveyard surrounding the church dates back to the earliest days of the original Hawaiian Congregational Church, with many graves dating back over 100 years. Unfortunately, many graves are unmarked and the number of people buried here will probably remain a secret known only to God."

We couldn't get in so I took this picture through the front door. Maybe we'll be back another day!

From the patio of Kong Lung Trading in Kilauea, my favorite tchotchke shop in Kauai.

April 15

Nice, right?!

Oh my oh my Spa Day for me and Sharon.

Behind that door lies MAGIC!

And then we got to eat lunch that was so delicious I had to sigh many times.

Then off to catch a couple of churches...

From their website:

"Saint Raphael Catholic Church in Koloa...is the oldest Catholic Church in Kauai. St. Raphael's was founded in 1841; two years after Catholics were granted religious freedom in Hawaii after the French threatened Honolulu. Father Arsenius Walsh established the parish.

"The first stone chapel was built by Father Walsh in 1842. In preparation for the Centennial anniversary in 1941, the Chapel sanctuary was rebuilt by parishioners.

"The present sanctuary of St. Raphael's Church in Koloa, Kauai was completed in December 1854, however the blessing did not take place until October 24,1856 to coincide with the feast day of St. Raphael the Archangel. In 1933 the bell tower was removed and a permanent adobe tower was added to the left of the sanctuary. In 1936 Father Philibert enlarged and renovated the church to double its seating capacity."

The Easter decorations were charming...

...and here's more. It's very modest inside but welcoming and sweet.

This is my picture of Saint Raphael's Easter preparations from 2012.

Fun to compare 2012 to 2017. They have some talented decorators there at Saint Raphael's.

From their website:

"History of the Koloa Church...The first missionaries arrived in Kauai around the year 1820. They were brought to the island by George Kaumuali'i, son of King Kaumuali'i, the last ruling monarch of Kauai before King Kamehameha I took control and united all of Hawai'i.

"George had been sent by his father to the United States to be educated in New England. During these early times, people met in their homes and were visited occasionally by the missionaries who were in Waimea.

"The Reverand Peter J. Guilick began the mission in Koloa in 1834. With no official house of worship, they lived closely with each other in thatched houses and worked on the idea of building a church of their own. In 1837, they built a chapel on the premises where the current church now stands. Its original dimensions where 95 feet in length by 40 feet in width with an 8 foot lanai that went completely around the chapel.

"The chapel served the congregation until 1859 when it was torn down to make way for a new frame building. This undertaking was carried to completion through the energy and devotion of Reverand James W. Smith, M.D. He served as a missionary, pastor and doctor from 1842 to 1887. This new and improved church served the congregation for 70 years. It stood as a silent witness to all of the changes which have occured in the islands over the years.

"It was recorded in the Missionary Herald of 1860 that this church stood on the high ground and could be seen from far out to sea, forming a landmark which ships used for navigating as they approached port.

"In 1929, the church underwent repairs and was given a New England style finish. The Ohia (Hawaiian wood) timbers hewn by the Hawaiians in those early years are still supporting this church in their former positions, with the exception of a few timbers. (This text was taken from the writings of Judge Henry Blake. Some content has been edited for grammar.)"

The door was locked but I knocked and a sweet lady let me in. She said to be sure to come back on Sunday for the special Easter service because they were going to have a band, singers, and a hula performace!

April 16 and 17

The Spirit House feeling snug in its landscape.

We took a swing by Hanapepe and enjoyed the swinging bridge too.

April 18

We're off to the Big Island early today. It's all in the Big Island, click!

Looks like such old-fashioned aloha.

OFF TO THE BIG ISLAND! (that's a link you can click on to see the story if you're in the mood).

April 24

This is me on the day back from the Big Island enjoying this massive bed and this massive view in my glorious climate controlled room catching up on pictures.

April 25-26

Morning out my bedroom window.

We went over to Smith's for the slow yet quick boat ride out to the Fern Grotto. You can see the house across the way.

The water was running like crazy.

Very fun entertainment on the way back.

In the far far back you can see the peak of Mount Waialeale, the second highest peak on Kauai...

...andhere it i closer. This was the first day since my arrival that she was visible. It's the clouds that constantly hover over the center of the island that hides the volcano.

At the front door.

From another walk at Lydgate Park.

A FEW MORE DAYS TO FOLLOW.