It was stormy out so we went north to Hanalei this time to visit the St. Regis hotel. Probably the fanciest place on Kauai, it lived up to it's reputation of having the best view on the island. It is an opulent property with 9 stories (!) of windows overlooking Hanalei Bay and the Bali Hai rock, Mt. Makena. Although we've been there before, it was not when the hotel was a St. Regis. We admired the view and took pictures, remembering past visits fondly. Fortun...

The sunshine this week had us out all over the island. South to Poipu Beach yesterday and saw the blow hole and a perfect sunset. Finally got up to the north shore and it is as breath taking as we remember it. The other thing that is hard to describe is the smell. An earthy, primordial scent that is a mix of earth and grass and flowers. I smell it no where else in the world. As you go north from Kapa'a, your rise toward the craggy peaks, but still with the wa...