Today we traveled an hour west up the Na Pali Coast through Kauai to go hiking on the trails in Koke’s State Park. Everyone from Beth to Google says that this park holds some of the most gorgeous trails on earth and since I’m still awestruck as I write this, they were absolutely correct. These trails were the most glorious that I’ve ever stepped foot on.
As we headed up the coast, Beth pointed out in the faint distance a Native Island called, Nihau. This island is eighteen miles long and five miles wide. It’s a semi-desert with no permanent streams and very little rain fall. The island is home to only natives and they speak only the native language on Nihau, no visitors are allowed on this island.
We purchased fresh pineapple juice from a vendor on the first of several breathtaking lookout points for our picnic after the hike.
There is a huge sign for Koke’s State Park and we gather all of our gear and hit the trails, which are challenging, as well as awe-inspiring. We couldn’t help but stop repeatedly to soak up the view.
The rain comes and goes periodically while hiking and it’s very refreshing. I’m drenched in sweat from pulling myself up on the rocks to take in a beautiful mountain stream. The clouds have miraculously disappeared and all I can see is a magnificent quilt of textures and colors that brings tears to my eyes. I’m feeling very blessed and immensely grateful.
Initially, Beth said that she wouldn’t want to spend big bucks on a helicopter excursion. I’m glad I agreed with her, as we both prefer to experience Hawaii on foot then view the islands from the sky.
But as this magnificently exhausting day ends, I turned to Beth and said,“I changed my mind. I’ll go up in a helicopter when I’ve passed away. Someone can sprinkle my ashes all over this spectacular site.”
By: Rhonda Brunett
