VOLUME 5, NUMBER 2 SPRING 2018
FORBIDDEN TREASURE Adventure to a place where time stands still limits to the public, the waters surrounding Niihau and nearby Lehua Crater are accessible by boat. I boarded vessel Holo Holo, y earliest memories are from days when I would which means to adventure, to sit on the beach on Kautravel or to go, to satisfy my fasciai’s west side and gaze at the mys- nation of getting as close as possiterious island in the distance. The ble to this extraordinary location. silhouette created by the setting I began my voyage out of Port Alsun spurs my imagination of the len on Kaua’i’s sunny west side. Hawaiian “Forbidden Island” of NiJust minutes after leaving the ihau, a place seemingly unharbor I witnessed the sun rising touched by time. While only right out of the ocean and felt its seventeen miles from Kaua’i, the warmth kiss my face. isolation of Niihau has remained After passing many beautiful strong due to private ownership miles of sand dunes along Poliof the island. This seclusion has hale beach, the Napali Coast came created a unique glimpse into Ha- into view. This famous coastline waiian history, a place for Niihau- features 4,000 foot cliffs, breathtaking secluded beaches, hidden ans to preserve their culture, valleys, and majestic sea caves. language and lifestyle. While the island remains off After exploring this eighth won-
Cindy Kauanui HOLOHOLO CHARTERS
M
der of the world, we began our voyage across the Kaulakahi Channel that connects Kaua’i to Niihau. Just minutes into our crossing, a group of bottlenose dolphins gathered in front of the boat and began gallantly leading the way to our next destination. In the distance I could see the island I had only dreamed of visiting and excitement began swelling in my heart. Immediately, my cell phone lost reception and I began to think of what life was like before technology dominated and social media posts became the evidence of a memorable vacation. Instead of looking for a photo opportunity, I embraced living in the moment; it felt good to disconnect and allow time to stand still.
We approached our destination and took a few minutes to explore the rocky, crescent-shaped islet named Lehua, which sits just north of Niihau. We traveled along the ancient volcanic crater, the vessel venturing into a cave they call the Kipuka, seemingly a giant keyhole carved into the cliff. The sunlight came brilliantly shining through the hole and danced on the water. Hundreds of native birds seemed to greet and welcome us to their home, flying overhead and even landing on the vessel to say “Aloha!”. I put on my snorkeling gear and plunged into the crystal-clear, cobalt waters off of Niihau. It felt like a dream, as I swam through underwater cathedrals created by frozen lava formations and saw an
abundance of colorful fish and unique marine life. A brilliant school of yellow tang fish danced all around my face and the visibility was so magnificent I could actually see their little gills fluttering. A large shadow approached and my heart started racing, before quickly realizing it was just an endangered monk seal joining me for a swim. While we did not actually go on Niihau by foot, just being up close and personal more than quenched my thirst for discovery. Holo Holo Charters would like to invite you to go the distance for an once-in-a-lifetime journey. Say yes to adventure by calling us today at 808-335-0815 or visit us online at holoholocharters. com.