My Favorite Place

I’m missing my island today. 

I call it mine because I have decided to claim it. It is the island of Kauai, or the “Garden Isle”, in the Hawaiian Islands. It is the oldest of the islands, and covered in lush greenery, vast mountains and sparkling beaches.

My first visit to Kauai was when I was 16 years old, and I went with my parents and a friend for a week long vacation. From that day on, we were hooked. My parents eventually purchased a condo on the island, and we were able to go back about once a year. I longed for these vacations, because I feel so at-home on-island.

When I was 18, I spent the entire summer living there and nannying for a good friend. I also got a job at a local lunch/coffee spot and served ice cream and shaved ice. It was pure bliss to go to work in my swimsuit, a cover-up, and flip flops (or “slippas”), and then go straight down to the beach afterwards. We developed friends there quickly, and we knew we were “in” when we were with them and they pointed out “tourists” to us! YES! We were locals!

My Dad on the Kalalau Trail

I spent the days nannying 3 precious kiddos. Nannying is a piece of cake in the beautiful place. We ate fresh fruit for breakfast, packed a cooler, and spent the day at the beach. EVERY. DAY. I dropped the kids off at Wai-pai, a summer camp where they learned to live off the land of Kauai. They were taught how to roast a pig underground, use Taro to make Poi, identify different species of plants, and take trips to the beach. Now, this is a place that actually has to send a note home to parents to send their kids to school with shoes because they are going on a field trip!

The view from the porch of Java Kai

Every morning we would start the day with a coffee from Java Kai. The one time we stayed close enough to the coffee shop, we rode our bikes there. Every Monday night was potluck time with our friends either at the beach or at the soccer field near the school.If it rained, we would move a little further up the beach to the Pavilions. This was past Grandpa’s, Pine Trees, and before the Pier (the local names for the different parts of the bay). On Saturdays, we would go to the Farmer’s Market and pick up fruit, local treats, and maybe some homemade jewelry or clothing. There was also a building that offered classes, and we once took a “Poi Ball Dancing” Class. We usually got caught in the rain, but there is nothing better than a cool sprinkle in the middle of the day that only lasts 5 minutes before the sun returns. The Craft Fair is always my favorite. It is only open 4 days a week, and has lots of different vendors there. I have purchased dresses, jewelry, wooden bowls and toys there. We would hike the Kalalau Trail at least once a week, going the 2 miles back to the hidden beach and exploring the caves there. It was the best hike EVER. We were always wet, but who knew if it was rain, ocean water, sun tan oil, or sweat? It was glorious. 

Backpacking the Napali Coast with my main squeeze

There are so many reasons why I love this place. I have spent summers and winters (ha) here, and I have spent my honeymoon, my birthday, and my parent’s 25 year anniversary on these beaches. We have backpacked the Napali Coast and explored the vast beaches. We have reached the end of the road on both sides. But the beauty is not the only thing that brings me back...

I love the atmosphere of this island. It is calm, laid-back and goes with the flow. Businesses open around 9:30ish, unless the surf is up (see picture to right). I don’t have to wear makeup. In fact, NO ONE does. It is not needed and more in the way on your sun-kissed face. I don’t have to do my hair. It is up and down all day according to the wind, the waves, and whatever the salty air decides to do with it. I can eat healthy- without even trying. Everything is so fresh and local, that it is not difficult to have yogurt and a papaya for breakfast. The veggies were fresh picked the day before and purchased at the Farmer’s Market. You get a workout-without even trying. We usually bike, hike, or walk to most places. Once you get there, you are usually in the water surfing, SUPing, boogie boarding, or snorkeling. On our honeymoon, we even snuck in hikes, kayaking, boat rides, etc. No need to stop moving, this is relaxation at it’s best! You feel closer to God. Something about being in the beautiful nature and watching life as it was intended to be lived in inspiring. My favorite moment was seeing a woman at least 9 months pregnant and in a bikini on the beach with her kids. Now THAT was beauty. And that was “normal”.   

Exploring an ancient Hawaiian garden

 I hated that I had culture shock coming back to the mainland. I hated that I felt like I needed to wear makeup, do my hair, and wear “real” clothes to fit in. I hated that every time I met up with friends, we met at a restaurant. There is nothing to do but EAT here! I hated coming back to cell phones, computers, tvs, and freeways. I longed for the little two-lane road around the island where drivers would stop to let you make a left hand turn or cross the street.

I wish I could be there, but my life is here. So on occasion, I let myself reminisce and remember why I love that place. And I cherish every time I can visit. It has been a little while now, since we had the baby and found “other” ways to spend our money, but I will find my way back soon. In the meantime, I will hold these feelings in my heart and live life out here, as if I was living there. I want to feel the same calm, relaxed, and happy feelings. I want my life to reflect love and a certain ease about life. I want to “fit” here like I fit there. This is where God has me for the present time, so I will find contentment here. But I will be back, sometime.  

Where is YOUR favorite place and why?