The north shore of Hawaii is not heavily populated, and there is really only one way to get there, by the highway which goes around the eastern tip and north past Wailua and Koloa towns. The main towns along the north shore are Kiluea, where a very picturesque lighthouse and nature preserve is located, Hanalei (of Puff the Magic Dragon fame), and Princeville, another resort town. The Kiluea Lighthouse (pictured right) has stood for over a hundred years at that location, warning mariners of dangerous reef conditions offshore. It has been modified with electric lanterns from the coal and oil-fired lamps of its original construction, and still stands as a sentinel against the sea. It is maintained mainly by volunteer efforts, and funded partially by the National Park Service, which (of course) has a gift shop located at the entrance.
|
The nature preserve is also an important part of the area, serving as a place where a number of rare and endangered species live and come to breed every year, including black-footed boobies, albatross, and even the occasional nene. Hawaiian monk seals are usually visible along the coastline and on the small, rocky island just offshore.
The remaining photographs on this page were taken on a hike along the Na Pali coast, which is only accessible by helicopter or sea kayak, and partially accessible by foot. Quite possibly the most beautiful stretch of coastline in the world, the Na Pali Coast has appeared in any number of films, most recently in the "Jurassic Park" series and "Six Days, Seven Nights" with Anne Heche and Harrison Ford. The pictures appear in roughly chronological order along the hike, but you will see only about the first six miles of a trail which runs nearly twenty along the coastline.
|
|
