Waking up on the Garden Isle
What is the State Bird of Hawaii?
We’ve had a full day here in the Garden Isle with a lovely visit to the Allerton Gardens, ending with a hula dance performance by Keola and Nalani.
Last night we went down to Poipu Beach just after sunset and watched the Honu (sea turtles) come ashore. Here’s a video Link. We eventually counted 31 turtles on the beach.
Before I describe Allerton, though, I want to provide some background on Kauai by sharing this post from last year which has some important details on this lovely place.
So here’s a look back on our arrival one year ago.
Kauai welcomed us with rain showers and a temperature of 21 C (70F) last night. As darkness fell we found our rental car and headed towards Poipu, our vacation home for the next 2 weeks. A gentle rain fell during the night. We awoke to clearing skies. I snuck out early to capture the morning.
The original Hawaiians arrived here in the 4th or 5th century CE. These ruins built from volcanic rock are the remains of a heiau, a temple, part of a larger complex. It’s located right behind our rental. I’ve been unable to find any more details other than that it’s a protected archeological site.
I paused a moment to think about those first Hawaiians who ventured from the Marquesas some 4000 kilometers away and made these islands their home. One of the last places to be reached by our species, these early seafarers were the first land-based mammals to inhabit Hawaii. Resolved: be respectful and aware of the early people and their culture.
Kauai is the oldest inhabited island of the Hawaiian Island Chain. The forbidden island, Niihau, lying just to the east, dates radiometrically to 4.9 million years, while the oldest rock on Kauai dates to 5.10 K-Ar (5.10 million years).
The foliage was still wet from the overnight showers. I heard an unusual bird.
It is a White-rumped Shama! Intentionally introduced to Kauai in 1931 from Malaysia, its voice is considered by many to be the most gifted songster in the islands, as you can hear in the video. As I sat typing this, it perched on the fence, but I was too slow on the draw to shoot a pic.
Any guess what this goose is? I was shocked to learn it is a Nene! Years ago we searched for them up on Maui. They were considered very rare at the time. But now a flock has been established here on Kauai and can be found in the wild on most of the islands. It is the State Bird of Hawaii.
The name “Nene” comes from their soft call. There are a total of 8 in this flock.
I am going to do my best to slow down here and soak in the peace of this island.
Betty was born the same year as my father, 1927. I love this bench dedicated to the memory of departed loved ones. It is a lovely place to think.
Guess who just showed up?
White-rumped Sharma!
Welcome to Kauai dear friends!
Thanks for traveling along. I’ll get my notes and photographs organized for the post on Allerton Gardens tomorrow.
Lots to share.
Years ago, I was in Florida, and I noticed some of the restaurants had adopted certain areas that had sea turtle eggs. They wouldn't tell you where they were, but they would tell you when they and how many had hatched. All places were fenced off to keep not only the public at a distance but also hungry wildlife.
Poipu Beach, home of the blow hole. Heiau, yes sacred sites. Still honored with flowers gifts. I once took photo off Kei Beach(most beautiful beach)north side of island just past pier where McHale's Navy was filmed. After I yook photo of Heiau, my camera would not advance. Not until I I discovered the problem, lost photos. Beware of spirits. Do not bring home a volcanic rock, Kapu.