The Emerald Cathedrals . . . Explore 07-04-2025 #25
. . . and Honopū Beach, also known as Cathedral Beach, on the Na Pali coast of Kaua'i.
The area is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. No landing of any helicopter or boat is allowed on Honopū beach, so visitors must swim from an offshore boat.
So, to capture this image I took a 4 1/2-hour evening/sunset catamaran cruise from Port Allen. We set sail on the 65 ft. catamaran where we had minimal ocean swells, low winds, warm temps and plenty of sun making for an enjoyable experience. Two hours into the cruise the Cathedrals came into view . . . I was like a kid in a candy shop . . . I was by the railing of the catamaran doing my best to fill up the previously empty memory card.
These massive cathedrals tower into the clouds along the Na Pali Coast of Kaua'i. These formations rise 4,000 feet above the ocean. Being the oldest island in Hawaii, the cliffs were created over five million years ago when molten lava was erupting from volcanic vents in the Pacific Ocean. The name Na Pali coast translates to 'The Cliffs', which is a fitting name for this rugged landscape.
Wikipedia:
"The area is hidden, isolated and is believed to be spiritual: it is a place of temples and burial grounds, and the source of multiple Hawaiian legends and myths. The burial site for the local chiefs was located on the surrounding cliffs. It was believed that once a chief died, his bones held a supernatural power, and if found by others they could be used against the chief's tribe. When chiefs died, their bones were collected and taken to the cliffs, and the warrior who transported the bones had cut his climbing rope, falling to his death, in order to ensure the secrecy of the location of the bones. The warrior's reward was that he would be reincarnated as a member of the royal family."
I had known going in, despite the work and planning up front, it can all be meaningless if mother nature doesn't cooperate. She cooperated . . . what an exhilarating time it was!
I have already gotten approval to print this image large on metal and hang it on the wall!!
The panorama is a stitch of 3 images.
Best viewed Large(L)
The Emerald Cathedrals . . . Explore 07-04-2025 #25
. . . and Honopū Beach, also known as Cathedral Beach, on the Na Pali coast of Kaua'i.
The area is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. No landing of any helicopter or boat is allowed on Honopū beach, so visitors must swim from an offshore boat.
So, to capture this image I took a 4 1/2-hour evening/sunset catamaran cruise from Port Allen. We set sail on the 65 ft. catamaran where we had minimal ocean swells, low winds, warm temps and plenty of sun making for an enjoyable experience. Two hours into the cruise the Cathedrals came into view . . . I was like a kid in a candy shop . . . I was by the railing of the catamaran doing my best to fill up the previously empty memory card.
These massive cathedrals tower into the clouds along the Na Pali Coast of Kaua'i. These formations rise 4,000 feet above the ocean. Being the oldest island in Hawaii, the cliffs were created over five million years ago when molten lava was erupting from volcanic vents in the Pacific Ocean. The name Na Pali coast translates to 'The Cliffs', which is a fitting name for this rugged landscape.
Wikipedia:
"The area is hidden, isolated and is believed to be spiritual: it is a place of temples and burial grounds, and the source of multiple Hawaiian legends and myths. The burial site for the local chiefs was located on the surrounding cliffs. It was believed that once a chief died, his bones held a supernatural power, and if found by others they could be used against the chief's tribe. When chiefs died, their bones were collected and taken to the cliffs, and the warrior who transported the bones had cut his climbing rope, falling to his death, in order to ensure the secrecy of the location of the bones. The warrior's reward was that he would be reincarnated as a member of the royal family."
I had known going in, despite the work and planning up front, it can all be meaningless if mother nature doesn't cooperate. She cooperated . . . what an exhilarating time it was!
I have already gotten approval to print this image large on metal and hang it on the wall!!
The panorama is a stitch of 3 images.
Best viewed Large(L)