You can imagine how sore we were after our 11-mile hike. Day 4 called for just pure lounging at the beach.
Ha'ena Beach Park is a popular spot for campers. We were welcomed by tents and park benches as soon as we reached mile marker 9 on highway 560. It was a perfect day when we went, striking sun and a mild breeze without the raging waves. We set our blankets far from the water, under the trees separating the private residences from the beach. By high noon, we could not even step on the sand as it was hot, hot, hot!
I've been to a lot of beaches but only in Kauai have I ever laid down on sand and looked up to see a mountain behind me. It was at Ha'ena where I finally realized what people mean when they call Hawaii paradise.
The Tunnels Beach Reef is around the bend and it is where the snorkelers go with their gear to check out the underwater life. After a few sightings of small fish, we went back to our blankets and played Scrabble to pass the time. It was beautiful and all, but it was definitely not Belize where the animals outnumbered the people in the water.
Ha'ena Beach Park/ Tunnels Beach Reef
Highway 560 just before Mile Marker 9
Across the street from the Dry Cave |
