Hele On To Kauai

There's a place I recall

Not too big, in fact it's kinda small

The people there know they got it all

The simple life for me

Hele on to Kauai

Hanalei by the bay

Wailua river valley is where I used to play

The canyons of Waimea standing all aglow

The magic of the garden isle is calling me back home

When I was young, not too smart

I left my home, looking for a brand new start

To find a place that's better still

Now I know, I know I never will

Hele on to Kauai

Hanalei by the bay

Wailua river valley is where I used to play

The canyons of Waimea standing all aglow

The magic of the garden isle is calling me back home

Hele on to Kauai

Hanalei by the bay

Wailua river valley is where I used to play

The canyons of Waimea standing all aglow

The magic of the garden isle is calling me back home

It's calling me back home

(words by Bruddah Iz)

We've only been to the island of Kauai twice -- once in 2005 and again in 2007.  The island had been given us countless memories, a time of innocence.  Compared to the Big Island, Maui or Oahu, we actually get to relax over there.  Some driving but mostly just hanging out and enjoying each other's company.  Little did we know, Kauai will always hold a special place in our hearts.  We haven't been back since and I'm just wondering if it's too soon to return.  Without Maura, something will not be quite right.  But then again, I think Kauai is where her spirits are and I know at the very least, I will find peace there.

Kauai is all about swimming in the ocean several hours a day.  We had swim clothes from breakfast up to the time we change to get ready to eat dinner.  Here's Sam in 2005, missing a front tooth washing off sand from his shorts.  Not a care in the world when in Kauai.

Photo I took during the flight to Lihue in 2005.  Maura read the Kite Runner for most of the flight.  She is most happy when on a flight to the islands.

The kids enjoying Melona bars outside JJ's Broiler in 2005.  We discovered Melona bars on the kids first trip to Oahu in 2002.  They've been enjoying them ever since.  I think we're going back to Kauai this summer.  I cannot avoid this beautiful island much longer.  Hele on to Kauai.

True story: In 2005, we were driving home from a remote beach and decided to stop by the side of this winding road that overlooks Hanalei valley (above), where they have tons of taro fields.  I pulled over and we were milling about and I was snapping away with my camera.  Guy in a silver BMW 735i pulls up, gets out for a couple minutes to look at the valley and gets back into his car.  I didn't even notice who it was until he started getting back into his car with a very familiar smile.  A 007 smile.  None other than Pierce Brosnan.  Maura didn't even notice.  I would not have noticed except for a quick glance.  Turned out he's a local.