There are places on this earth whose beauty is impossible to capture in photographs. I’ve been told by an Indian friend that no place on earth could possibly compare to Kashmir. I’m sure that’s true but I doubt I’ll ever get there. My two places would be Hanalei on the northern tip of Kaua’i and Yosemite Valley. Neeta didn’t have a second place. It was hands down the Kashmir and no place else. How about you?
Presenting … a small slice of Hanalei
I have no idea what kind of tree this once was but there’s a forest of her kind near the river.
I will admit, the town of Hanalei has gotten more touristy than it was the last time I was here. The bars are noisy and less quaint. Especially at this time of year. The Hawaiians really love Halloween.
Next time: To the Lighthouse!
Saying nothing in particular 
The description of Hanalei and the Grand Canyon of Hawaii provoked a longing in me to return to this beautiful part of the island. I walked a portion of the trail, spectacular- that you for memory lane!
There’s so much beauty everywhere. Places where I’ve been stunned have usually had mountains plus water: Alaska, Switzerland, Austria to name a few. I love beaches too though. They give me a feeling of peace and not necessarily awe, if that makes sense.
You make a good point – the combination of mountains and water can be powerful. Hearing the lapping of the waves is peaceful I agree. So are the chirping of grasshoppers in the spring! To me at least. Others probably would disagree!
I and a couple of friends hit Kauai in ’87, surfed (or tried to), hiked to waterfalls, swam with the turtles and paid some crazy, pontoon boat captain to go screaming through those lava tunnels on the north coast.
Then we drove to the dry side, into that park where we vied for sleep with those frickin roosters that are protected there. We met the mayor of Lahui who gave us a private tour of some museum, and a map to that secret waterfall.
First and last time I ever had 1 am sex on the beach, Cathy I think her name was. Next day I sailed a catamaran out into the deep blue on 15 foot swells, I still have a scar from the mast rope rigging clip. Fun times. Yeah, beautiful, for sure.
I’m not much for surfing either although my daughter, her husband and now their daughter surf most every day (or try to). The west side is the “dry” side although it’s still pretty green!
Such a beautiful place. The earth is full of beauty , too many to every get to all if them. I’ll go out on a limb and say the most beautiful place was my grandmother’s garden a buzz with giant monarchs sipping honey from every flower known to man. I sat in the swing and watched them for hours.
I wouldn’t say my grandma’s backyard was the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen but I truly loved being there. Love can make many things beyond beautiful!
We do have one particular view that makes me happy every time I see it, but this landscape on Kauai is pretty amazing. I love that bouquet on a tree too- I’ve never seen that before xx
Wasn’t that bouquet in the tree amazing! I believe they’d just had some kind of a celebration of life because other tree stumps were similarly decorated.
A delightful visit thank you 💜💜
How are you doing Willow? I’ve been worried.
I can’t really limit it to one place, mostly because the time is also crucial, ones mental state too. Hard to beat my back garden though.
Well, you certainly do have a gorgeous garden! I would have a hard time leaving home if that was my garden! (which is probably why you don’t want to invite me to your house!)
I would love to host you Jan but you’d need to find your way from California first! And don’t rush as we don’t have as many floors as would be customary just now
I’m with Geoff. There’s no place like home for me. But your photographs prove me wrong. That waterfall looks amazing. And you have to go all out for Halloween. Otherwise, why bother?
We drove around most of the island and the Hanalei area definitely had the most gung-ho Halloween decorations. Every house and business was decorated to the max but unfortunately I was driving. From your pictures, I would agree. Looks like a place that would be difficult to leave.
Tacky bar decor aside…. absolutely stunning!
That bar/restaurant had a great reputation but was a solid disappointment.
There are many places in South Africa that are amazingly beautiful. It would be hard to pick just one. St Lucia, Babanango, Sabi Sands, Madikwe and Pilanesberg are a few.
Is there one that you feel photographs can’t accurately capture? Or do justice to?
So beautiful! I have been to Oahu and Maui, but not yet to Kauai. It’s gorgeous!
I’m wacky enough to love Waikiki and Lahaina for shopping/restaurants/museums/culture but so far Hanalei remains my favorite for awesome scenery and vibes. You literally cannot drive over 35 mph on Kauai – even on the one highway. Mellows you out right away..
I’ve never been to Hawaii and am not likely to get there. I really liked seeing the beaches and river through your eyes.
I feel that way about South Africa so no worries. In fact, there are fewer and fewer places I’m likely to get to but Kauai is a nonstop five hour flight from here and so hard to resist.
I really enjoyed these moments with your beautiful photos of Hanalei, Jan. Liked the play on words in the title, too. I love this part of Kauai, too, so very much. I was once in Hawaii on the Big Island on Halloween and I was really surprised at how decorated the places and the people were that day. Loved going back there today with you. Mahalo.
It’s from Puff the Magic Dragon of course! It was crazy how the small town of Hanalei was decked out- every single house and business! Those mountains are so beautiful and alive that it’s impossible to really capture in a photo what it feels like to actually be there. Don’t you think? Of course Athena could probably do it!
Yes, I agree, Jan, it is impossible to really capture the paradise that this side of Kauai offers. But you did a great job, had me hooked!