Lush and Lava (Kauai, part 2)

Kauai is a lovely, lush green island formed of lava floating in the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific....

 hike to Secret Beach (near Princeville)

Although geologists argue the specifics, the island was formed when the Pacific tectonic plate slowly moved over a hot spot in the Earth's crust, causing volcanic action. 

 lava rocks on Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)

Kauai's interior is mountainous.  Because of the constant siege of nature--rainfall, pounding waves, tradewinds--lush valleys, razorback ridges, and long strands of sandy beaches, some strewn with volcanic rocks, are abundant. 

 volcanic rocks and pounding surf

LINKS:

past POST on Kauai 

Secret Beach 

history of Kaua'i by Kaua'i Historical Society, begins on THIS page 

This is a fun weekly meme, under the direction of Jenny Matlock.  This week, our letter is "L."  Come and join HERE.  You will be amazed at all the bloggy goodness to be found!  

photos © by me 2006

NOTE:  My husband and I ventured to this island twice.  In February of 2005, we traveled with a group of friends (interesting. fun, too).  We were awed by the gorgeous splendor of this island.  The weather was perfect, by the way.)  So the following February we set forth once again.  It rained quite a lot while we were there.  (It's the RAINY season the islanders told us!)  Our beach wear were rain ponchos, but out we went, armed with camera and a sense of adventure.  No tan for us!  Actually, we did see some sun upon occasion as evidenced in the last photo.  I would love to go back in the Summer when the seas are calmer and one can actually go IN the water to swim, snorkel, kayak.