Posts in Category: Nature
Waikiki at sunset
Waikiki means “spouting water” in Hawaiian, named for springs and streams that fed wetlands that once separated Waikiki from the interior of Oahu. The area was a retreat for Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s, now it is a retreat for the tourists of the world.
Finch Fest
A couple of American Goldfinches and a single House Finch. The American Goldfinch changes from winter plumage to breeding plumage by a complete molt of its body feathers. It is the only member of its family to have this second molt in the spring; all the other species have just one molt each year in the fall. The American Goldfinch is mostly monogamous, but a number of females switch mates after producing a first brood. The first male takes care of the fledglings while the female goes off to start another brood with a different male.
Kaneohe Bay
Kaneohe Bay in Oahu. One of our many drives around the island. Seeing the different sides of the island was remarkable, each had its own beauty.
How you doin'?
While Emilia and I were taking our engagement photos, we came across a woman and her 2 dogs. This one, an 8 year old, that was rescued from the pound a few months earlier, was not enjoying the 95 degree weather as well as the 1 year old puppy. Very well behaved and gave us a break from the posing we had been doing in the hot sun also.
Maalaea Bay
Looking across Maalaea Bay, evidence of the drought affecting the South-Western side of Maui, a stark contrast to the lush green rain forest on the Eastern side. This is also a perfect whale watching area. Emilia and I drove along the Honoapillani Highway, which leads to the Forbidden Road, as the rental car companies call it. One lane road with boulders falling down, not for the light hearted, but well worth the trip.
North Shore
A quiet sunset on the beach near North Shore, Oahu. We were in search of green sea turtles, but found none. The rains obscured the final sunset but made for some interesting views of the storm passing out to the ocean.
Good advice
When entering Haleakala National Park on Maui, this helpful sign provides visitors the first hint of what is to come. We passed through several layers of clouds on the way to the 10,023 foot summit. Although the crater was engulfed in clouds, we did have a magnificent view of the coast and the Big Island. Rental car companies warn you about taking their vehicles up this road and state that you must use low gear when descending. The mini-van in front of us on the way down used their brakes the entire way, we could smell the brake pads burning.
`Ohe`o Gulch
The `Ohe`o Gulch is located beyond the town Hana along the Pi`ilani Highway in East Maui. Also known as the 7 Sacred Pools of Kipahulu, the National Park Service is restoring the original name to the area as it has more than 7 pools and was never sacred to early Hawaiians. The Road to Hana takes 3-4 hours, each way, from the port town of Kahului and can be very treacherous, but well worth the adventure.