Kala part 2: The only limits you have are high tide.

After our short swim in the wonderful waters of Ka'a Beach, we piled back up in the van and headed to Princeville. We were hoping that we could end our day with a dip in the Queen's Bath before sunset. We were going to have to run to make it though!

The trail head is in the middle of a really swanky neighborhood, sort of tucked back in the very back of the area. The signs out front warn us of steep slopes and rip tides, but we set off into the woods to check out the next adventure. The trail goes straight down for about 15 yards, evens out a little, goes straight down, evens out and then straight down again. There is a beautiful water fall about half way to the end of the trail part. Once you get to the edge of the earth, you see signs that make you second guess what you are about to do....

And then you say "BE FREE" and head down the lava rocks around the bend.

You jump from rock to rock, trying to stay as close to the cliff part of the trail as possible because it is high tide and the waves are coming up over the rocks. There is one narrow ledge, but the rest is easily navigable for most people. This one guy in flip flops actually passed us.

But the hike out is worth it as Queen's Bath is magnificent. Unfortunately for us, it was high tide and the waves were coming up over the walls into the bath. We did not feel that swimming in the hole was a good idea, especially if there was a chance that you could be swept out to sea....and that water was rough!!

Not the bath but a powerful spot!

waterfall on the trail

view before the lava rocks

We turned and headed home just before sunset so that we did not have to make the trail back in the dark. Next time, I WILL be swimming here....

Click here to see a short video of the area.

We ended this night with a traditional Kava ceremony. Hawaiians (and other Polynesian heritages) use Kava for sacred ceremonies especially before going to war. This drink relaxes the muscles and your mind enough that you cannot go into a discussion all hot and heated and the idea is to resolve the differences before bloodshed is involved.  I think that there are some countries out there that need to do this today!

Mishi brought out the kava or 'awa in a large wooden bowl and mixed it herself (so it was full of love and good vibrations). Then on a ti leaf, we served ourselves offerings to the gods: Kalo (taro root), Ulu (breadfruit), uala (purple yam), and ahi (raw).  Once we ate (which was actually about 1 bite of each one of these) we were served the kava from a wooden bowl. I think I had about 4 cups. I know I had three. I also know that I slept very well that night!

(note: There are no pictures becasue it is difficult to get in the mindframe of a ceremony when the flashes are going off.)

Coming up next: A day with the elementals at the Botanical Gardens.....