2005-2-10---north, queens bath, hanalei, kee

If the surf is down on the North shore, we like to head that way.  Even in the winter we often luck into a few great days up that way.

Lots of areas on the north shore still get the waves.

But Kee is pretty well protected by an outter reef, so we headed there and did some snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.

on the other side of the reef

I even discovered a little gravel trail that led around the corner of Kee and leads to this view of the Napali.  Looks rough from here, but the little protected bay is to the left just outside this picture.

 This is a view of Kee from that beginning of the gravel trail.

Lots of really good snorkeling here.

Not much parking especially since it shares the lot with the hikers, but if you're lucky to get a spot, it's great.

Ken protecting himself from the sun

If Kee is calm, then Tunnels probably is, too, so we also headed there.  It has 2 reefs protecting this part of the beach.

and I LOVE this view of Bali Hai.

Love the snorkeling here, too!

This year there was a deep rut in the sand leading down from the mountains to the water. It doesn't look like much here, but it was about 6' deep. There was also alot of sand deposited in the "tunnels". Apparently this happens regularly and is ever changing. The next year we were there the beach was back to being pretty flat.

riding back to the East side

beautiful ride

Waioli Huiia Church and Mission House

Built in 1912, the green church blends in perfectly with its emerald surroundings. It is a museum in itself and rings Hawaiian hymns every Sunday morning. 

can't go to Hanalei without checking out Hanalei bay, too.

great place to watch surfers

looking across the bay from the pier.

heading on---stopping at the Taro overlook near Princeville

I had read so much about the controversial Queen's Bath that we decided to give it a look. We weren't expecting to swim, but the hike sounded short and pretty.

This is one of the waterfalls you can see along the trail.

We really couldn't tell what was suppose to be the Queen's Bath "pool". There were a lot of waves crashing in and we stayed as far away from the edge as we could. Every year we read about people drowning there. We've talked to others who had been there and had been beaten around pretty good.  But we did enjoy the shaded walk to the lava bed. That's another trail I wouldn't try after it's been raining, though.
View from the rocky ledge---nothing spectacular.   

One last look at Bali Hai before heading back to the East side.

So nice to be able to spend such a nice day on the North shore during this time of year!  Or any time of year!!!