Cathy Burnham Martin's Blog, page 95

Enjoy!

Life does not always seem fair… not even close. And yet, who are we to judge what is fair?

One minute we can feel as high as a kite, and the next we can get dashed deep into the ground. In those lowest moments, always try to recall that you once soared like a bird… and if we did it once, we can do it again.

And even if we can’t ever again take flight, we did it. YOU did it! Whatever you have accomplished cannot be undone.

Other people have never known, never felt, never experienced any other individual’s personal highs and lows. We can smile as we share an experience vicariously, and this is wonderful. We feel tears flow with utter abandon as we sympathize or empathize with another’s tragedy and pain. But we cannot ever totally know another person’s bliss, nor their misery.

Perhaps all we can do is the best we can. Try to see the silver linings. And we they are totally out of sight, remember that they are there, no matter how deeply hidden in the dark they may seem. Do not lose faith. Do not lose hope. Do not lose heart.

“Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must.”

— John Wolfgang Van Goethe (1749 – 1832)

German poet, playwright, statesman & critic

(Photo by Aaron Burden)

So Smart!

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

— Alvin Toffler (1928 – 2016)

American writer, futurist, and businessman

(Image by Brett Jordan)

Memorable Moments, Silly Sidebars, and Terrific Takeaways

 

Although Paradise is powerful, we could not stay forever, utterly absorbed in our visit there… although it is tempting.

 

 

We so enjoyed our trip to the Hawaiian Islands and our visit with my sister Deborah in Kaua’i. But after this article, I will try to get my brain to join the rest of me back East.

 

We have made so many memories… Oahu’s Diamond Head towering over Honolulu…

 

 

The impactful solitude of the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor…

 

The famed Waikiki Beach, and those surfers on turquoise waters.

 

Maui brought us snorkeling to sites like the Molokini crater.

 

 

 

This was followed by a true, once-in-a-lifetime experience. We watched the sunrise from atop the world’s largest dormant volcano on Maui. Haleakala boasts 10,000-plus feet above sea level, but a whopping 29,704 feet from base to summit, topping Kilimanjaro, McKinley, K2, and Everest with its 29,032 feet.

On the Big Island, in Kona, we enjoyed more snorkeling… and more dolphins.

 

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We also found some fun, colorful geckos hungry for local flavor at the heralded bar Da Shark Shack.

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We also visited Hilo, known as the Tsunami Capital of the World.

 

 

 

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This is the place to visit the active volcanoes, including Kilauea, where activities like wildly steaming vents and burgeoning lava are ongoing daily.

Just days before her November 28, 2022 eruption, all looked peaceful on Mauna Loa. Attention was focused on Kilauea, with its daily lava and steam vent activity… and volcanic warning levels had been elevated to Yellow.

November 28, 2022 photo by U.S. Geological Survey

 

And then it happened… Mauna Loa, 2½ miles from sea level to summit and 5 miles from base to summit, considered the world’s largest active volcano, erupted for the first time in nearly 40 years.

 

 

December 1, 2022 Photo from USGS and Civil Air Patrol

As of now, despite new lava flows from Mauna Loa, the lava is flowing to the sea. While it has crossed the road to the observatory, so far it has not placed any populated areas at risk. May the situation stay that way. (11-28-2022 photo from U.S. Geological Survey; 12-01-2022 photo from USGS & Civil Air Patrol)

 

 

Sir Ronald and I were enjoying our cruise with our good friends Priscilla and Ken Rondeau.

 

 

While we love cruises, this was our first with the Norwegian Cruise Line.

 

We will remember being on board the Pride of America ship and having the smallest cabin we have ever seen, although we also had our largest balcony. The staff was great, and we had an awesome time with plenty of laughs.

 

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Then we got to my sister’s island… the Garden Island… Kaua’i, and I spied my sister waving broadly as she stood at the base of the Nawiliwili Lighthouse, welcoming our ship into the harbor.

 

We saw a great many wonders on this island… like Kalalei, the place where many believe all souls enter the earth.

 

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Naturally, we took in stunning waterfalls, the largest navigable river in Hawaii, called the Waimea.

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Further, one must not visit Kaua’i without visiting the always dramatic Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the Waimea Canyon.

Then we left the ship and stayed at the Marriott and enjoyed the various pools and the protected Kalapaki Beach.

Mostly we enjoyed time with my sister, as she introduced us to local foods, apple bananas, lilikoi passion fruit pie, and Elu bars made from breadfruit, a starchy carb originally from New Guinea and Philippines.

She showed us some of the great taro fields of Kaua’i and shared local secrets like favorite food trucks that serve up all sorts of local deliciousness.

At one called Da Melting Pot, I knew I simply had to try to much-heralded Hawaiian shrimp, which is locally harvested shrimp grilled in a lemon garlic butter sauce… ummm… and yes, these are whole shrimp.

Plus, I will now forever crave true Hawaiian shave ice served over macadamia nut ice cream.

 

 

And then there’s lilihoi… or Passion fruit… a new favorite that makes a lovely juice drink, too.

It also became my new favorite ice cream… really yummy paired with macadamia nut at the Tropical Dreams gourmet ice cream parlor in Kapa’a.. Yes, it’s true. Ice cream solves anything.

 

We also were reminded of Responsibility… which happened to be the word of the day. In Hawaiian, that is “Kuleana.”

 

As Deborah first greeted us, she presented us with leis she had made… one from flowers for me and a fern one for Ron… as well as a bracelet for our guide Kana’e. Later she carefully showed us how she dries and prepares the leaves and tried to teach me to make a laua’e fern lei. (No, I was not good at this.)

 

We observed and learned so many things from the wonderful local people we met. They taught us how they also valued us as visitors, not to be confused with tourists. (Yes, when we humans travel, we can earn a most distasteful reputation for tourist rudeness.) We also learned the honor of becoming what the Hawaiians call “ohana.” This means more than family. Ohana are those we recognize as family to us, regardless of bloodlines. No one gets left behind or forgotten. I thank all of YOU who have become my ohana. You are treasured more than you can possibly know.

Deborah took us to fantabulous places on her island… including one of many places made famous in movies… Hanalei Bay.

 

Of course, we also regularly drove down Tunnel Road, dubbed the Tunnel of Love for its arching trees. The northernmost point will remain unforgettable, not just for its iconic lighthouse that saved many a sea captain and even some pilots, but for Kilauea Cove, too.

I enjoyed seeing items in the supermarket that I’m not apt to see elsewhere, too. Case in point: surfboard-shaped tortilla chips.

And local vending machines garnered a second look, as they featured local items like banana bread and a wide variety of packaged dried fruit… from papaya and guava to mango and pineapple chunks.

Sir Ronald met a new and extremely tall skeletal pal. He first met him in a plaza in the town of Waimea. They ran into each other again in a supermarket on Halloween, both adoring the same type of wine.

We learned so much during this long-awaited and thrice-scheduled vacation. WWW stands for more here than World Wide Web. Instead, try Wind, Water, and Wings… this is how life came to live on the lava mountains that rose from the Pacific Ocean. At least 2400 miles from the continents, the Hawaiian Islands are an annual destination for migratory birds and whales.

The ancestors of Hawaii’s land animals and plants arrived by accident. Some were carried by storm winds, atop floating driftwood, or with migratory birds. Many evolved into the native plants and animals of the present day, most of which are found nowhere else in the world.

While the Nene Goose is Hawaii’s official bird, we also liked the White-Rumped Shama, brought from Southeast Asia to Kauai in 1931.

 

And the Chakar Partridge found only at the heights of Haleakala on Maui… Plus the Brazilian Cardinal, which we had never before seen. Such fun we had watching the hunting egret off our lanai.

And remember Hurricane Iniki that struck the Hawaiian Islands on September 11, 1992. It’s interesting that the name “Iniki” means “strong and piercing wind.” In addition to destroying and damaging so many structures, thousands of pigs and chickens and cats were tossed into the winds.

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Their descendants are now wild. Seriously, chickens and roosters are out of control on every island. We even saw signs like this one asking visitors to not feed the feral cats and chickens.

 

 

We saw firsthand that Going Green does not mean saving green. Despite the strong showing of solar panels on homes and businesses and the multitude of windmills taking advantage of the constant trade winds, Hawaii suffers with the highest residential electricity costs in the entire U.S., even dwarfing New York and California.

Looking at the average price per kilowatt hour, New York averages 25 cents, with 28 cents in California. Most states in the continental U.S. come in well below that, with typical numbers ranging from 10 to 15 cents. Hawaii averages a bold 43 cents per kwh. Numbers vary from island to island from as low as 38 cents to as high as 75 cents. Yikes! No wonder the most popular residential air conditioning comes from home construction that keeps air flowing underneath the house, allowing trade winds to seep up through the floorboards. Ok.

While there are medical centers on all the major Hawaiian Islands, there is only 1 actual hospital in the state of Hawai’i. Patients needing surgery or serious emergency services are air-lifted to Honolulu.

And we learned that rainforests and deserts can and do exist side by side. My meteorologist friends would say, “But, of course, Cathy” and then scientifically explain it all. On the windward side of Kaua’i, rainfall increases by 100 inches for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The trade winds trap warm air on the mountainside.

As the warm air cools, the moisture condenses and falls as rain. Kilauea Point… the northernmost one on Kaua’i with the lighthouse… receives only about 40” of rain each year, but at the top of the ridge of nearby Namolokama Mountain, just 8 miles away, over 400 inches of rain falls annually.

You’ve seen the pictures. The island of Kaua’i is just 550 sq miles. That is small. The state of New Hampshire has 8,953 square miles, and even Rhode Island has 1,214. So, to find several microclimates in just 550 square miles is extraordinary. Kauai is dry in the south and west, but so lush and green in the north that all firetrucks on Kauai are red to provide contrast with the green. Elsewhere in Hawaii, they are yellow, not red.

I loved a related story that our half-native guide Kana’e shared on Kauai. Where the Wailua River meets the Pacific Ocean has tremendous rip tides all the time. Too many people have been carried out to sea and lost here. One of those was almost Frank Sinatra. He was in Kauai’i, staying at the then-glamorous Cocoa Palms Resort, of course. An off-duty firefighter saw him being swept out to sea and jumped onto his surfboard, paddled out to the exhausted swimmer, and rescued him safely on his surfboard.

Sinatra was grateful to be saved, but he asked why the man had not come out by boat to help him. The firefighter explained that launching a boat is nearly impossible in most places due to the jagged lava rocks. Sinatra accepted the explanation, but as a sign of gratitude, he purchased a rescue boat for the man’s fire station in Kaua’i. They accepted the gift graciously, but they explained again to Mr. Sinatra that it might not get much use. In water emergencies, there is little time to waste. Getting the boat to a launch area or beach could take too much time, so they tended to use surfboards, which were more readily available and could be launched almost everywhere. Frank Sinatra understood. He then gifted a new truck to the off-duty firefighter who had rescued him… and he donated surfboards for every firetruck. All firetrucks in Hawaii carry surfboards to this day… from Honolulu to Hilo.

Hawai’i has also become Hollywood West. It is easy to see why the dramatic terrain of the Hawaiian Islands, especially Kaua’i plays backdrop to dozens of movies. Our jaws dropped upon seeing miles and miles of jagged lava cliffs, contrasting sharply with lush green valleys. To say that planet Earth is an amazing place is a gross understatement. Its molten interior can cast repeated volcanic eruptions, creating mountains that are so many thousands of feet high that they grow into islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean’s depths. And somehow, within these islands, burst a multitude of freshwater springs.

There are also hundreds of miles of trails in Hawai’i. Pick an island, any island. There are many dozens of trails from which to choose. Hikers report that Oahu has the best hiking trails, but for walking and biking, Kaua’i is tough to beat. One is Kapa’a’s paved multi-use trail called Ke Ala Hele Makalae. What had long served as the rail bed for sugarcane transportation for the McKee Plantation, is now a 7.3-mile paved trail from Lydgate Park to Ahihi Point on Kaua’i’s East Coast. Walk, jog, or bike here, enjoying great views, too.

Another bit of information I had not known is that Hawai’i governs its population of 1½ million differently than the other 49 states. Governing happens on two levels… State and County. There are just 4 counties in Hawai’i, and each has a mayor and council.  Hawaii is the county name for what we call the Big Island. Honolulu is the county name for the island of Oahu, as well as the lesser northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Kaua’i is the county name for the northernmost islands. Maui is the county formed by the island of that name and smaller area islands, including Lana’i and Molokai. I should also note that in name there is a 5th county. Kalawao County is actually just the village of Kalawao on the island of Molokai, with a population of 82. Historically, this village was used as a leper colony, so they do have their own mayor. However, all services are handled as part of Maui County.

Of course, we also loved seeing gorgeous flowers everywhere we went… from orchids and ginger to birds of paradise and so many more. We enjoyed the trees that we simply do not see regularly, from Banyans and some that look as if we must be on an African safari to trees bearing lusciously plump fresh fruit.

We will also never forget the precious green sea turtles. These docile survivors have been here a very long time, especially considering that they saw the dinosaurs come and go.

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Speaking of going, it’s now farewell to tropical sunrises and colorful sunsets over the Pacific.

So long to lava rocks and lush vegetation growing on volcanic mountains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bye for now to my dear sister, Deborah. May you continue bringing radiant rainbows to the people you serve.

 

 

For Sir Ronald and me… We had the time of our lives. As they say in Hawai’i, “Mahalo… Until we meet again.”

 

Cheery-Oh!

 

“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”

— Mark Twain; pen name for Samuel Clemens (1835 – 1910)

American writer, humorist, and entrepreneur

 

Na’Aina Kai Sculpture Park

I find it fitting that bronze sculptures of founders Ed and Joyce Doty now grace the Na’Aina Kai Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park in an area where she often sketched out her ideas, as her husband would sit with her for hours, planning how he would make it all happen. Like these, many in this, the largest collection of full-size bronze sculptures in the United States, are one-of-a-kind works of art. Owner Joyce Doty personally selected each one and chose where they would reside in one of her many imaginative gardens.

Sculptures grace every themed garden, from the Formal Garden to the Poinciana Maze, where guests cannot get lost.

“Joy of Music”

 

 

Rather this is a maze designed to amaze visitors with both foliage, flowers, and sculptures, including the notable “Joy of Music.”

 

 

 

The tipsy turvy “Cartwheel” always brings a smile.

 

 

 

“Hearts on a Swing”

 

 

Then, of course, comes the George Lundeen sculpture of “Hearts on a Swing,” combining his masterful craftsmanship and engineering with inspiring artistry.

 

 

 

“The Little Thinker”

 

 

 

Hmmm… One might do a bit of pondering like “The Little Thinker,” as the frog sculpture inspires a rather Rodin “ribbit.”

 

 

 

We marveled at the detailed tile work in several places, even in tiled signs welcoming us to various gardens. One intricate mosaic captured my sister’s attention as it highlights the various faces of the Hawaiian people.

 

 

Sculptures were designed to aptly represent many aspects of various cultures.

 

 

Serving as an artistic and historical education facility, even the 3-D fish in the water are tiled.

Alaskan Athabascan Fishing VillageEducational diversity reigns as exhibits range from Alaska with an Athabascan Fishing Village to a setting created to represent a Navajo Campground, complete with bronze sculptures, of course.

Navajo Campground

 

 

The Dotys’ humor and sense of fun in life are also reflected everywhere, such as in the Horticulture Amusement Garden, serving up lots of levity for children of all ages.

 

 

 

And just in case your eyes are aging, a giant magnifying glass sculpture may help here.

 

Some sculptures reflect fantasy. Visitors will find a rabbit… sad because his carrot is far too huge for him to consume.

“Afternoon in the Park”

Many installations show families. A popular one finds Grampa and Granddaughter deeply embroiled in a challenging game of checkers in the sculpture entitled “Afternoon in the Park.”

Another sees three generations learning from the granddaughter’s coloring book.

 

 

Near the lagoon we find the old fisherman telling his ever-growing fish stories to the little boy.

 

 

Naturally, there are the boys sailing their little boats nearby.

 

 

 

 

 

Children play many roles in the sculptures here.

 

 

 

We find the girl flying her kite and the dog playing tug-of-war with a boy.

 

 

 

 

Another sculpture depicts children walking the dog…. Or perhaps the dog walking the group of children.

 

 

 

 

I enjoyed the “Making Joyful Noise” installation involving works from 4 sculptors as the animals join in the chorus.

 

 

 

 

 

The delightful “Tea for Two” brings back many memories for many a lass… The Ann LaRose sculpture finds a kitty rounding out the twosome.

 

 

 

 

Considering education reigning and a learning center onsite, I enjoyed seeing the sculpture of the little boy reading the newspaper by the mailbox.

 

 

Another sculpture, “The Delivery” captures a gone-by moment in time as the boy on his bicycle delivers rolled-up newspapers.

“The Delivery”

In one forest area, we found Little Jack Horner… not sitting in a corner. Oh, no. This guy is a sculpture of a family mule by that name. In art, he is being ridden by 4 grandchildren. In life, he became the first mule to win awards for jumping.

“Little Jack Horner”

“The Nike Girl”

 

 

 

 

Resting under another tree after a long woodland run we find The Nike Girl.

 

 

“The Rescue”

 

 

 

And there’s the delightful forest sculpture that finds children working diligently to rescue a little kitty cat that is stuck out on the limb of a tree.

 

 

 

Another captures tenacity and personality as children deftly seek a “Shortcut” across a bronze log.

“Shortcut”

 

 

Of course, we also find children happily playing with a flock of pesky birds.

 

 

 

Speaking of pesky, a sculpture aptly depicts the wild chickens that have become a grand nuisance on all the islands, but in this case, a dog is working hard to shoo them away.

 

One fun sculpture in the teak forest raises eyebrows, as we clearly spy Bigfoot romping through the trees. We also heard that the maintenance crew dresses Sasquatch in a variety of festive attire throughout the year during holidays.

A sign of the Dotys appreciation of the hours of labor to install all the plantings and sculptures throughout the 240 acres is found in one sculpture revealing a man showing his little son the tree he’d just planted. The specially commissioned artist selected an actual worker for the piece. The Dotys also invited the 25-man team of workers to become employees of the foundation and take care of all maintenance and upkeep of all the gardens.

 

 

 

That invitation was accepted. Another sculpture shows two of the men inadvertently sharing the contents of their lunch pails with some animated bronze sculpture animals.

 

 

 

Critters of all sizes have found their way into sculptures here in the Na’Aina Kai gardens.

 

 

 

“Stage Fright”

 

One entitled “Stage Fright” shows the elephant terrified by a tiny mouse. On the day we were there, the elephant also had a visit from a White-Rumped Shama, also known as an Old World Flycatcher.

 

 

 

Another sculpture group finds the big bear instructing all the other animals on what to do for the day when the gardens open.

 

 

Of course, not all critters listen… even to the big bear. These three little bears are found howling as they plot the trouble they will cause with their next antics.

 

“Circle of Friends”

 

I believe that my personal favorite sculpture is the Circle of Friends. One bronze animal represents each of Earth’s 7 continents… from an elephant, kangaroo, and giraffe to a turtle, penguin, beaver, and a bear.

 

The artist captured fun details, like a koala bear poking out of the kangaroo’s pouch and a bird perched on the turtle’s neck. There’s also a clever space where we humans can join hands with the critters and complete the circle. Naturally, I did not let that opportunity pass me by.

And I must not fail to mention the Under the Rainbow Children’s Garden. This one truly is designed for kids, but we older kids truly loved it, too!

Surrounding a 16-foot sculpture of Jack and the Beanstalk are many entertaining items for young ones, and those who are young at heart…

 

 

 

… from a wooden barrel plane to rocking horses.

 

 

A big round hippo and frog invite children to play, as does the Swiss Family Robinson-style tree house and so much more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Valentine”

 

 

The Dotys’ love of Life and the Land shines through a sculpture entitled “Valentine.” This was an anniversary gift one year from Joyce to Ed. Many a guest heralds this as their favorite.

 

“Valentine”

 

This private estate-turned-botanical-garden-and-sculpture-park in the town of Kilauea remains a site to behold on so many levels with flowers, trees, waterfalls, and a lagoon. The Doty’s planning, hard work, and generosity resulted in a legacy of art, education, and horticulture for generations to come.

 

 

Botanical Wonderland

I cannot possibly end my ramblings about visiting Kaua’i without taking you to the North Shore and delving into horticulture. For Ron and me, experiencing all this alongside my sister, Deborah, gave us wonderful insights and up-close, local experiences one can only get from someone who has lived there for more than two decades.

There were so many more wonders to see beyond the Hawaii state flower, which is the Yellow Hibiscus. Side Note: Since 1923, while Hawaii was still a U.S. territory, the official flower was the Red Hibiscus, which it carried forth into statehood in 1959. However, in 1988 Hawaiians voted to change the official flower to the Yellow Hibiscus, after it was discovered that the red one wasn’t native to Hawaii.

 

 

Hibiscus blooms in many delightful shades. The flowers, trees, and other plants form a colorful palette for Hawai’i’s splendor.

 

There is nothing quite like starting a day off at dazzlingly dramatic overlooks of such classic places as Hanalei Bay.

Of course, we also wove our way down to the water’s edge, where we stood in awe of the magnificent mountains of lava that now grow lush with tropical vegetation. Over millions of years, the steep edges have eroded away, creating large swaths of gorgeous beaches.

 

Then Deborah, Ron, and I walked out on the famed Hanalei Pier, built in 1892 and restored in 2013. Here I felt as if I was standing in the middle of Paradise. OMG!

 

 

 

 

Also in our travels, we saw flourishing crops of taro, coffee, papaya, and much more.

 

 

We walked around the various towns, like Hanalei and Kilauea’s historic Kong Lung Market Center.

 

We lunched like the locals… Sir Ronald relished a caprese panini and a bowl of cabbage & pork soup. I went vegetarian (for one meal) with Deborah and dined on Creamy Spinach Maharaja soup.

 

I got to take part in one of Deborah’s weekly International Folk Dance Classes. (Sorry, but there are no photos because I was very busy dancing!)

 

 

A dramatic spot to visit was the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, which revealed more dramatic lava cliffs named Crater Hill, just across the cove from the lighthouse.

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This area is gleefully graced by hundreds of birds from the 6- to 7-foot wing-spanned Laysan Albatross and red- and white-tailed Tropicbirds or koa’e to the red-footed boobies and the Great Frigatebirds that soared overhead, literally looking to pirate some other bird’s catch for lunch.

 

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And, as everywhere else in Hawai’i, we saw the Nene Geese. These are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands; thus, they are found nowhere else. Fittingly, they became the official state bird of Hawai’i in 1957. (Side note: This is while Hawai’i was a U.S. territory, as Hawai’i did not become a state until 1959.)

 

We also learned about and saw the wedge-tailed shearwaters or ua’u kani, with their 3-foot wingspans. Their chicks hatch from a single egg in July & August. I did spy one chick in its burrow, likely preparing to fly. By November, after 103 – 115 days of being fed by their parents, they take their first flight out to sea. And they do not return to land for at least 3 years. In November, islanders turn off their outside lighting as the wedge-tailed shearwater birds are drawn to light.

And this area, marking the northernmost point in the Hawaiian Islands, also serves as a sanctuary for humpback whales and other wildlife.

One of the most famous North Shore residents is a 70-year-old albatross named Wisdom, who hatched yet another chick this year, fathered by her partner, Akeakamai, with whom she has been since 2012. The Albatross mates for life, but Wisdom has outlived her mates. The Laysan albatross typically lives for between 12 and 40 years.

 

 

Because of its proximity to the lighthouse and wildlife refuge, Albatross and friends often also live and nest at the nearby Na’Aina Kai Botanical Gardens.  Many other birds call the gardens home, such as the Gallinule duck.

 

 

 

 

A lovely lagoon there also serves as home to a great many koi.

 

 

 

As you can imagine, the garden island of Kaua’i boasts several such large botanical gardens. However, this one also has wildly imaginative theme gardens, fascinating forests, and the largest bronze sculpture collection in the United States.

 

 

 

For my sister, Deborah, Ron, and I, this proved to be a most educational day with exposure to art, beautiful flowers, and amazing trees. (I will focus on nature and its flowers and trees today, so if you are not into horticulture, stop reading here.)

 

 

Na’Aina Kai all started when Joyce and Ed Doty retired to Kaua’i in 1982 and built their retirement home here. A front yard landscaping project on their 12-acre lot quickly grew into a 240-acre botanical garden collection of various themed gardens.

 

 

 

 

Their residence was named Na’Aina Kai, which translates into “land by the sea.”

 

 

 

And as we stood on one of several lookouts, we knew the property was perfectly named.

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By 1999, the property had grown from 12 to 240 acres… all filled with exotic plants, sculptures, fountains, and a lagoon.

 

The Dotys donated the entire 19-million-dollar property to their private foundation and built a new home into which they moved. They then opened the gardens for the public to forever enjoy.

 

Even their former residence with its stunning custom pool, waterslide, and waterfalls, is now used for private group gatherings.

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One of the lookouts perched high above the ocean’s surface, delivers a sneak peek at the gardens’ very popular setting for weddings.

 

Others simply made us gaze out at the splendor of it all… even local folks, like my sister, never seem to be able to take it for granted.

 

Macaw Flower aka Shining Bird of Paradise aka Lobster Claws

 

 

Naturally, the highly exotic, tropical flowers fascinate all visitors… For instance, consider the Macaw flower, also known as the Shining Bird of Paradise and as Lobster Claws.

 

 

 

 

Shell Ginger and Pink Quill

There’s the delicate Shell Ginger in several shades of pink. The same is true for the Pink Quill. I saw more Breadfruit growing in the gardens and the stunning Cattleya orchid.

Breadfruit and Cattleya Orchid

We also saw the Cabbage Palm and the Elkhorn Fern.

Cabbage Palm and Elkhorn Fern

Peacock Flower aka Red Bird of Paradise

For stunning color, check out the tropical native Peacock Flower, also known as the Red Bird of Paradise.

Then, of course, there’s the Green Bat Flower, which is bafflingly delicate. And other delights, such as the African native Roselle Hibiscus, also known as Luo shen hua.

Green Bat Flower and Roselle Hibiscus aka Luo Shen Hua

Brunfelsia Pauciflora

 

I particularly liked seeing a beautiful flowering tree that I have loved for decades, called the Brunfelsia Pauciflora, or better known in southwest Florida as Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. The flowers bloom as a deep purple, before softening, first to lavender and then to white, before fluttering to the grass below.

 

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

 

Teak leaves & Teak

 

We were all amazed at the great care the Dotys took in every different garden and forest area. They planted the Hawaiian Islands’ first teak trees.

Though told that teak couldn’t grow in Hawai’i, they did it anyway. Now the site hosts a flourishing teak forest.

 

Na;Aina Kai Teak Forest

Candelabra Cactus aka Dragon Bones

 

They were also told that cacti could not possibly grow in a rainforest, but they figured out how to create drainage. Large and small cacti thrive, like the Candelabra Cactus, also known as Dragon Bones.

 

 

Ironwood

 

An abundance of other fascinating trees thrives here. On tours with all volunteer guides, visitors experience such splendors as Ironwood, a flowering pine tree and the multi-colored bark of the Rainbow Eucalyptus.

 

 

Rainbow Eucalyptus

Then there is this odd tree with black and white bark that makes one wonder if the tree is sick. But no, it’s simply the look of the lemon-scented Gum tree, an Australian native. We also saw common bamboo, also known as Golden Bamboo. Plus, we caught sight of the Great Morinda or Nona, which is also known as Cheese Fruit for the peculiar lumpy fruit it bears.

Lemon-Scented Gum Tree, Golden Bamboo, and Great Marinda aka Nona aka Cheese Fruit

Indian Banyan Tree

 

 

Then there are the Indian Banyan trees along with the Rubber plant, which is a member of the Fig tree family.

 

 

 

 

Rubber Plant

 

 

Like the Banyan, the Rubber plant grows “top-down” by dropping roots from its branches.

 

 

 

 

Bald Cypress Tree

 

We also saw the Bald Cypress, usually found in southeastern areas of North America… the one tree that suffered no damage during 1992’s Hurricane Iniki.

 

 

Date Palm

 

 

There was also the Date Palm, an evergreen with an abundance of edible, orange fruit.

 

 

 

 

 

Because this is also a sculpture park, I should make note of the Cheese Tree… a creative bronze sculpture bearing all sorts of cheese. (wink wink)

Whimsical bronze sculpture of a “Cheese Tree”

The Na’Aina Kai Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park is a not-to-be-missed adventure for any plant fans visiting Kaua’i. But if delightful bronze statues are more to your delight, hang on for tomorrow’s article.

Big Island Eruption Time

With Mauna Loa on the Big Island erupting again for the first time since 1984, she has been long overdue. Volcanoes are interesting. Officially, there are 161 volcanoes that are considered “potentially active” in the U.S. 48 are in continuing eruption status. That means eruptions could be daily or weekly, but “continuing eruption status” means the volcano erupts at least every 3 months. So, as the world’s largest and most active volcano, she has been on “vacation” for a very long time.

Looking across Kilauea volcanic crater at Mauna Loa

Big Island residents have been alerted to be ready for evacuation. If Mauna Loa decides to blast out sideways, lava flows can be dramatic, fast-moving, and difficult to predict.

While there, we knew steam vents were very active. I had started “checking” active volcano status while we were on the island, as the status was Yellow, for “Advisory,” and had changed to Orange for “Watch.” These are much like the Hurricane warning levels. Naturally, the status for Mauna Loa is now Red for “Warning.”

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Anyone can check all volcanoes in the U.S. online at https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP

We felt none of the earthquakes that had been going on for the last few weeks, and that is just fine with me. From Kona, the lava flows are very visible after dark. We just hope everyone on Hawai’i’s Big Island stays safe.

National French Toast Day

French Toast Wedge

While visiting Hawaii, we were treated to French Toast prepared in a variety of ways. There was Pineapple French Toast, Chocolate French Toast, and Traditional French Toast. And yet, I saw nothing “traditional” about it. (Just an observation; not a criticism.)

They had baked the bread dough on a pie plate. A wedge-shaped slice was a serving, rather than a standard bread slice. I enjoyed it with 100% maple syrup, which provided plenty of tradition for me!

Plain French Toast

We looked at Cranberry Orange French Toast a few days before Thanksgiving, so today I thought we’d present the traditional version. French Toast is truly Super Simple and takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish. Try it with your favorite bread varieties, including raisin bread! Or halve crescent rolls or croissants in place of bread. Go full-out holiday style and dip your bread slices in your adults-only eggnog. Or turn a Thanksgiving leftover, such as banana or cranberry nut bread into French Toast, and you just may find yourself saying, “Ooooh-la-la!”

Super Simple French Toast

For every 2 slices of bread:

1 lg egg

¼ c milk or half-and-half

½ tsp ground cinnamon and/or ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt

Butter

Whisk together everything except your bread and butter in a shallow bowl or pie plate. Place bread slices in mixture one at a time, turning over to soak both sides. Cook in large skillet in butter over med heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Serve hot with your choice of toppings, such as softened butter, pure maple syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar (or monk fruit), berries, sliced fruit, or brown sugar.

Kauai Movie Buff Alert!

Beach on Napali Coast by Nenad Radojcic

 

While visiting Kauai, we learned of many places that have served as perfect settings for film and video. More than 70 movies and television series have used the island of Kauai for settings that have depicted a vast array of world locations, both real and fantastical!

Hanalei Valley

Many of the spots can still be visited today, and, inadvertently, we did! Others are tougher, as they are on private property or only accessible by air or boat. But Hollywood has loved Kauai since the 1934 melodrama “White Heat” was filmed on Kauai.

Where the Wailua River meets the Pacific Ocean

1950’s “Pagan Love Song” was filmed on Wailua Beach, which also represented Australia’s Queensland for the 1983 TV miniseries, “The Thorn Birds” with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward.

 

Lumaha’i Beach

 

 

We can easily picture Mitzi Gaynor washing that man right out of her hair on Lumaha’i Beach in 1958.

 

 

Remains of Coco Palms Resort

 

 

 

The entire “South Pacific” cast stayed at the once glorious Coco Palm Resort.

 

 

Hanalei Bay

 

Of course, featured was the famed Hanalei Bay, as well as Mount Makana towering over Tunnels Beach, serving as “Bali Hai.”

 

Tunnels Beach and Mount Makana

 

Makua Beach is nicknamed Tunnels Beach because of the many lava tube caves under the water’s surface. But it’s the sandy surface that has captured makers of several films since South Pacific.

 

Makua aka Tunnels Beach with Mt. Makana

Among the better-known is 1981’s “Body Heat with Kathleen Turner and William Hurt. Never mind 1958’s “She Gods of Shark Reef,” but 2011 “Soul Surfer” was also made at Tunnels Beach, and tells the harrowing, true story of teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost her left arm to a shark attack. Hamilton does her surfing stunt work in “Soul Surfer,” reflecting her dramatic comeback.

Hanalei Bay

Lydgate Beach

 

Of course, 1961’s “Blue Hawaii” found Elvis Presley romping on the Coconut Coast, Hanalei Bay, and at Lydgate Beach.

 

The lagoon at the old Coco Palms Resort

 

 

The famous wedding scene was filmed in the lagoon of the Coco Palms Resort in Kapa’a.

 

Ke’e Beach on Napali Coast

 

Other famous Kauai film beaches include Ke’e Beach, for scenes in “The Thornbirds” and 1990’s “Lord of the Flies,” along with Danny Devito and Billy Crystal’s “Throw Mama from the Train.” That 1987 release was also filmed at Kauai’s Kalihiwai Beach.

Moloa’a Beach and Bay

 

 

Though the tv series was done in the Bahamas, “Gilligan’s Island” was on Kauai’s Moloa’a Beach and Bay for the 1964 pilot and first episode.

 

 

Kukuiula Harbor

 

 

The lists go on and on…. 1977’s “Islands in the Stream” was filmed in Kukuiula Harbor.

 

Jurassic Ranch

 

 

1998’s “Mighty Joe Young,” used the north shore’s Jurassic Kahili Ranch.

 

 

Mahaulepu Beach

 

1974’s “Castaway Cowboy” was filmed on Mahaulepu Beach.

 

 

Sign in historic Hanapepe

 

Even 2002’s animated feature film “Lilo & Stitch” used the tiny town of Hanapepe and the North Shore’s Kilauea Lighthouse as inspirations, and 2009’s “Avatar” chose Kauai for its non-CGI scenes.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Kipu Kai photo credit to Parrish Kauai

 

Kipukai Beach set the scene for 1991’s “Hook” and also played host to 1998’s “Six Days, Seven Nights.”  That film brought Harrison Ford back to the Napali Coast. It’s hard to forget the crazy leap he and Anne Heche made of Shipwreck’s Cliff to escape the pirates.

Shipwreck Beach and Cliff

 

Of course, Ford’s first foray into filmmaking in Kauai happened for 1981’s blockbuster, “Raiders of the Lost Ark, filmed near Lihue’s Menehune Fishpond on the Hule’ia River.

 

Famous cast members are not likely to balk at going on location to Kauai.

Waimea Canyon

Ahukini State Recreational Pier

 

 

 

1963’s “Donovan’s Reef” brought John Wayne and the cast to settings in Waimea Canyon and at the Ahukini Pier.

 

 

 

Hanamaulu Beach

 

Filmmakers also used Kauai’s Hanamaulu Beach and the Wailua River in representing Haleakaloha Island and French Polynesia.

 

 

Wailua River

Napali Coast photo by Kathy VanDeventer

Mt. Makana and Tunnels Beach

 

The 1976 remake of “King Kong” brought Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange to settings from Tunnels Beach and the Napali Coast to the idyllic surroundings of Makana Mountain.

 

Jo Jo’s Shave Ice in Waimea town

 

1992’s    “Honeymoon in Vegas” with Nicholas Cage, Sarah Jessica Parker, and James Caan, featured several Kauai settings.

 

National Tropical Botanical Gardens

 

These ranged from the town of Waimea to the Lawai National Tropical Botanical Gardens.

 

 

 

Wailua Falls photo by Zane Persaud

 

The 2008 action comedy “Tropic Thunder” with Tom Cruise and Robert Downey, Jr was set against the dense backwoods of Kauai and the Wailua Falls, not in Vietnam at all.

 

Hanalei Bay

“

The Descendants” with George Clooney set the 2011 release on Kauai’s North Shore, at Lihue Airport, and at Hanalei Bay.

 

Napali Coast photo by Casey Horner

 

 

Not stopping there, they also filmed along the Napali Coast, Kipu Kai, the famed Tahiti Nui Bar, Kipu Ranch, and the Kipukai Beach overlook, along with the towering waterfalls cascading down Mt. Namolokama.

 

 

 

Mt. Namolokama with its lengthy waterfalls

Honopu Beach on Napali Coast photo by Chor Tsang

 

2019’s “Fast & the Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” brought Dwayne Johnson to Honopu Beach on the Napali Coast and into the Kalalau Valley.

 

 

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Johnson returned to Kauai for his thoroughly delightful 2021 “Jungle Cruise” Disney film. They worked on the Wailua River, not the Amazon.

Opaeka’a Falls

 

 

Other scenes included the Kilohana Plantation Railway, Kapaia Reservoir, and the popular Opaeka’a Falls. What fun it was to stand looking at actual settings from films we have enjoyed!

 

 

Wailua Falls

 

Waterfalls always have a giant pull on filmmakers. 1978 – 1984 The hit weekly television series “Fantasy Island” brought Ricardo Montalban to Kauai and featured the Wailua Falls and Wailua River State Park.

 

Olokele Canyon

 

With all the Jurassic films taking advantage of Kauai, it’s no wonder people still look for dinosaurs in the Olokele Canyon or on the Napali cliffs from 2015’s “Jurassic World.”

 

 

Napali Coast photo by Kathering Loydall

Moreton Bay Fig Tree roots

 

 

And standing amidst Moreton Bay Fig trees with roots as big as 5 feet tall, you just might find yourself looking for some dinosaur eggs.

 

 

 

Manawaiopuna Falls

 

 

Here’s an interesting side note. While filmmakers took advantage of Kauai’s 400-foot Mauawaiopuna Falls for 1993’s “Jurassic Park,” with just one day of filming remaining in the summer of 1992, Category 4 Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai. Filmmaking stopped.

 

 

 

Ruins of Coco Palms Resort

 

The Coco Palms Resort, the once glamorous playground for the rich and famous, was destroyed, along with more than half the homes on the island.

 

Poipu Beach

Honopu Arch

But Kauai’s resilience remains remarkable. They were back to hosting filmmakers within a year. One which used various sites on Kaua’i was 2011’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” Johnny Depp was brought onto the scene at the Honopu Arch on the Napali Coast by helicopter. Visitors today can get there by boat.

And these tidbits are just about Kaua’i, the Garden Island. Whether we are movie buffs or not, there are several more islands, and they are all most assuredly worth visiting for the true star power of the scenery.

North Shore Sunset

Encourage Someone Today

 

 

“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”

— Oprah Winfrey (1954 –  )

American talk show host, television producer, author, and philanthropist

 

When my book entitled, “Encouragement: How to Be and Find the Best” was released in 2019, I could not have guessed the positive ripple effect it would have on people. Feedback continues to be deeply rewarding, as people send messages to me about how uplifting they found this fast read (or “listen” for those on audiobooks) to be. There is no greater gift than learning we have made a positive impact on some corner of our little world. If you know someone who needs a boost, you can grab a digital edition for them for less than 3 bucks.

Heading into the holidays is a joyous time for many and a difficult time for many others. I have always believed that people choose to be an Encourager or a Discourager. While it is always important to always try to encourage people, this rings resoundingly true now. Just do the best we can.