Nearly two years ago, I visited the magic lands of Kauai and the Na Pali Coast. We set sail aboard Capt. Andy's beautiful Star, a beautiful 65-foot Catamaran for a dinner sunset adventure.
What took so long to share the photos? It's a symptom of creative obsession--that's another rant for another day.
We began the journey on the south side of Kauai and meandered around the island en route to the famous Na Pali Coast, which can only be seen via helicopter or boat.
No roads lead to this place.
I think that fact makes it that much more appealing and mysterious.
I must confess that the initial views were less exciting, but this is when the coast started become more jagged and transformed into another world.
Soon we were greeted by the famous Na Pali Coast. It did not disappoint.
I feel I should interject an important aspect of this wonderful ride. Let's just say the ocean did not make this easy for me as a photographer.
The swells were quite severe and I tried my best to keep stable. When I was able to find a moment of stability, I was greeted by ocean mist, soaking my lens. Lots of wonderful pictures with water spots. Ugh. It was constant and frustrating. Good thing I had my camera permanently attached via a Cotton Carrier harness (and no they didn't pay me to say this.)
I could tell the crew flagged me as a high-risk passenger, fearing that I would fall overboard.
I do not blame them. When I need to get the picture, I get a little obsessed. I am safe and think of it always, but they are just doing their jobs--and quite well I must say. Amazing staff, amazing service.
We slowly made our way to the most specatacular and well-known spots on the Na Pali Coast.
This amazing spot is Honopu Beach. That isolated perfect beach was just begging for someone to visit. No road to get there and accessible only via boat.
As we moved along, yet another pristine dream beach known as Kalalau Beach.
The light from the clouds basked the coast in warm trickles of light.
I had to capture this magical light, illuminating this majestic place.
I stitched several shots together to create this panorama of the entire scene.
I wanted to capture the experience from my perspective.
Another amazing view from further south of Kauai as we made the journey back.
To me, this encapsulates the best representation of Na Pali. Beautiful blue water, passing clouds, and mesmerizing landscapes.
Perhaps a series of views could keep your eyes dazzled for a very long time?
If we can hopefully get back to normal, make sure you put this adventure on your bucket list. It is truly one of the most amazing places I've ever seen. Thanks to Capt. Andy's and my wife, Meaghan, for putting up with my frantic creative obsession and sort of ruining the world's most amazing date we had that night.
