Memories of warmth and fresh breeze, visions of lush green vegetation everywhere, colors of hibiscus and plumeria blooms, sounds of the ocean waves crashing on the shore, the peaks and valleys of the volcanic mountains, the tired hiking legs, the marvelous waterfalls, occasional rainbows over places beautiful even without the bonus bows, the beautiful small beaches etched between cliffs offering a cozy feel, even the rain showers most would not put on their list of coveted vacation weather, the slowdown of everyday life and the futility of hurrying, the coastline sunsets and even more importantly their morning counterparts, sunrises devoid of human presence on pristine Pacific beaches, so unreal to have to oneself, the daily sights of ocean wildlife, and the chance to photograph it all, to enjoy being there.

Hawaiian Monk SealPoipu, Kauai, Hawaii

Hawaiian Monk Seal on a Beach, Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii

Many think that dragging the camera along is a distraction that prevents photographers from really being there, from immersing themselves in the moment. And I am sure that can be true at times. I myself have seen photographers rushing from a location to location in a marathon like manner exhibiting stressed out behavior that I was sure prevented them from anything even remotely resembling enjoyment. For me however, photography offers the opposite. Would I get up at 5 in the morning without the camera ready to go next to my bed? Would I notice and truly see all of the things I see when on the lookout for the best possible photo? I seriously doubt that.

All of the memories of happiness are what draws me back to this place. It’s far away despite the modern miracles of aviation seemingly making our Earth so small. Yet, after just a few years a bug starts growing back in my mind pulling the memories out and making them bolder and louder. Eventually, they scream so loudly that something has to be done about them.

In a nut shell, that is what led to our most recent trip to the island of Kaua`i. To see and experience it all one more time, to leave worries behind for two short weeks, to be happy. And just by writing this, I suspect a new bug has been born and will now grow uncontrollably. There is nothing wrong about that, is there?

Hawai`i is never really hot. The unobstructed flow of fresh air from Alaska provides natural air conditioning and temperatures usually stay in the eighties (Fahrenheit). On the other hand, over several past visits, we realized that it does not always have to be just warm and sunny. The winter rain season often stretches past February and brings more frequent rain showers and cooler weather. It also brings some incredible waves on the north shore.

This time, our arrival was a bit extreme though. Very rough air making flying and landing a bit more fun than what we purchased tickets for, very windy on the ground too, and cold! The car rental personnel were shivering. All of this compliments of a strong cold front rolling over the islands. Not the warm welcome one hopes for, one expects. Still, this was Hawai`i and I refused to let anything get in the way of enjoying my two short weeks. Good weather or bad, this was still the place I remembered and wanted to soak in for the next few years. And so I did …

Dreamy CoastlinePoipu, Kauai, Hawaii

Dreamy Coastline, Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you!

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