HAWAII: Kauai and Kona, Guest Post by Sara Kras

Island of Kauai, Hawaii

My friend and fellow children’s book writer Sara Kras recently returned from a trip to Hawaii with her husband Joe. She has graciously agreed to share her comments and a few of Joe’s fantastic photos. You can find out more about Sara’s books at http://www.saralouisekras.com/.

Waterfall, Kauai

KAUAI
Even though Joe and I have traveled all over the world, we've never been to Hawaii. If you can, go to Kauai someday. You won't regret it. It's one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

View from our hotel, Hanalei Bay, Kauai

The entire island of Kauai should be a World Heritage Site. The Napali Coast is like the Grand Canyon, but with greenery, waterfalls, and bordered by a beautiful blue ocean. There's lots of hiking trails for those who like a good hike. I was too lazy.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai

The views from our hotel room at the St Regis, Hanalei Bay, Kauai, were stunning and jaw dropping.

THE BIG ISLAND, HAWAII

View from our hotel room at Mauna Lani, Kona, Hawaii

I really liked Kona, but you definitely have to wear water shoes to swim because of the occasional lava rock in the sand. Ouch! Other than that, the beach at the hotel was a calm and blissful place to swim.

Black sand beach, the Big Island

Turtles, turtles were everywhere on the Black Sand Beach at the Big Island, Hawaii. You can't see them in the picture, but there were three large turtles swimming in the water in front of me. Plus there are three just sitting on the beach!

Then there's this somber, stately looking fellow in Kauai.

Green sea turtle, Kauai

We also swam with wild dolphins in the open sea on the Big Island. There were about 50 -60 of them. I could hear them talking to each other. I wonder what they were saying.

Manta rays are the graceful dancers of the dark, deep ocean. Lights (several LED flashlights) were mounted on a pre-made surfboard which had handles for the snorkelers to grab. Our "guide" dragged/swam us through a mass of about 100 other tourists to get the best show.

Swimming with the manta rays on the Big Island in Hawaii. Video link: https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/y4/r/-PAXP-deijE.gif
Yes, they do really come that close. One almost touched my belly. Thanks for the show!

Note: Joe takes all the pictures. I believe he uses a little Canon Powershot in an underwater casing. Not professional grade like his above water pictures.

Kauai