We have a winner from last week - Debby! Kama'aina and tourists alike are winners when sacred sitee are preserved. During our recent trip to Kauai, we visited the Hikinaakala Heiau (temple). From Hawaiian Families for Educational Choices (at this link),
The Hikinaakala (Rising of the Sun) Heiau is one of seven sacred heiaus at Wailua, Kauai's royal center. Constructed around 1300, it served as a refuge for people who had broken kapu (taboo). On the southern banks near the Wailua river mouth is Hauola —a place long associated with the traditional practices of health and healing. The adjacent Hikinaakala- Heiau served as a place to worship the sun. It is said that the entirety of Wailuanuiaho`ano was a pu`uhonua or sanctuary of peace and safety.
The grounds, especially on a stormy day, lend itself to spirits.
The heiau is adjacent to Lydgate Beach Park. The beach served as the backdrops for several "tropical" films such as Diamond Head and Blue Hawaii.
The kai breathes life to the islands.
Driving along the coastal road to the North Shore, we stopped at Kilauea Point ...
... where we found a gaggle of nene, the Hawaiian goose. Wikipedia refers to the nene as "the world's rarest goose". Yet the nene returned from the brink of extinction to thrive on Kauai.
The nene almost form a heart between their beaks and bodies.
The coastline is breathtaking!
What's your favorite bird? One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash. This giveaway is open to all readers. Comments are open through Saturday, September 22, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 23.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
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| A closer view of the kai ... |
