Kauai, Hawaii

study abroad		flight to LA		oahu		kauai		the big island		tonga

Kauai, known as the "Garden Island", has a rule that no buildings can be taller than the coconut trees. It's a definite change from the high rises of Honolulu and Waikiki.	The Wailua, the only navigable river in Hawaii	Behind the trees is the mountain called "The Sleeping Giant", his forehead is the highest peak

The Fern Grotto, an overhang covered with ferns hanging from the rocks	Fern Grotto again	Pro golf course on the island

Manawaiopuna Falls, used in the beginning of Jurassic Park, we flew right up next to the water	Waimea Canyon through the clouds	Hilly area near the Waimea Canyon

The amazingly beautiful and rugged Ne Pali coast, found on western Kauai. The mountains peak at 2-3000 feet right up from the water. The only way to reach this area is by a full day hike, boat, or helicopter. You can guess how I got there.

Honopu Valley, there is an archway connecting two beaches behind the large foot-like rock. Several movies were filmed here.		Postcard

Looking out from up in the valley	Pinnacle shaped rocks along the Ne Pali coast, called Cathedrals

Another valley at the north end of the Ne Pali coast		End of the Ne Pali coast, and beginning of the North Coast beaches

	Inside Waialeale Crater, the extinct volcano that formed the island. This is the wettest place on earth, holding the record with over 700 inches of rain in a year. The cliffs rise over 3000 feet above the helicopter all around, it is incredible.

		One of many waterfalls on the island. The island probably has thousands of waterfalls on it.

Wailua Falls	Waialeale Mountain from the outside, it is covered by clouds about 90% of the time. It actually was visible for a few minutes the one day.	Lihue Airport. Helicopter tours are a thriving business on the island, those are all helicopter pads, and nearly all were in use. They just land, fuel up, and leave with more people all day long.

About to land	The Jet Ranger successfully completes another flight (luckily)	Waimea Canyon, called the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. Not even close in size, but it does look similar. Waimea has a lot of green in it, unlike that other hole in the ground.

		Helicopter buzzing the canyon without me

The island of Niihau, known as the "Forbidden Island", most of which is still privately owned by the Robinson family (old sugar cane plantation owners)	A strange species of animal, it was seen everywhere on Kauai roaming freely due to lack of natural predators. These were seen in Koke State Park, begging for our lunch. This species was also seen on Rarotonga and Moorea, though in smaller numbers	Waterfalls seen from the Kalalau lookout, at the southern end of the Ne Pali coast

Palm trees near the hotel

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