“We travel because we need to, because distance and difference are the secret tonic of creativity. When we get home, home is still the same. But something in our mind has been changed, and that changes everything.” – Jonah Lehrer

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QUEEN’S BATH

It is true that travel changes something within us. But more importantly, I think change itself is what stirs our spirit. Change in scenery, change in the fresh air that we breathe, or simply the idea of being in a place or situation we’ve never been in.

Travel just happens to check off most of those things.

We had come to our last 24 hours on the island, and I felt that there was still so much more to see and experience. Our day led us to the Queen’s Bath.

This little emerald pool is both perfect and moody, and not for the average tourist.

IMPORTANT: If you choose to visit & swim, please know and understand the surf! Winters can bring large rogue waves, completely flooding this pool and, with it, you!  Summers are typically safer but is still advised to visit only when the surf is low.  Go here to watch videos and read more about the dangers. Also, read the comments on that site.

TUNNELS BEACH

This beach was one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Both in backdrop…

…And in ocean. That color!

Loved. Loved. LOVED! :)

Whenever the clouds cleared, the sun illuminated the most beautiful hues of greens and blues.

By then, my skin had received a full week’s worth of sunshine. Like a true Pacific Norwest dweller :)  So I was especially happy I had packed this long-sleeved summer dress.

I beach-bummed all day. And it felt lovely…

Feet so sore & still swollen, I decided to dress them up.

My Love found these beauties for me. He knows the way to my soul :) I love ocean treasures.

But I still felt my feet throbbing from our 22-mile hike. My mind kept drifting to the insanity of it all. In the course of a few days, this little island stirred me like the ocean.

I watched my boyfriend snorkel through the rest of the day. He swam with sea turtles and got a bigger sunburn, but I think it’s safe to say his heart was full.

Somewhere under the sunset…

…And the dreams that you dreamed of, they do come true.

<3

Love.

\/ and <3

My favorite side of the island. I loved the way sun and clouds played tug-of-war. It gave us a beautiful show…

We left the beach knowing it was the last day we’d dig our toes into her sandy shores.

I think we parked at Haena Beach Park. Also a place you can camp, if you’re into that :)

Right across the street were mountain walls covered in the prettiest vines.

And next to it, dry and wet caves! Truly stunning :)

Dry cave below.

It is insane to realize there is so much world to admire, from the crevices of Earth’s womb to the depths of her ocean.

And us? We’re just a tiny creature made of star particles.

Mahalo, Kauai, for the memories. Until we meet again.

Leaving the island overwhelmed me with both gratitude and a tiny sense of sadness. Over the next weeks after getting back to Seattle, I found myself still tuning into Hawaii’s online radio. Oh, hey Da Pa’ina! If you see one little person tuning in from Seattle, it’s probably me!

Whatever takes us back to a place we fell in love with, right? :)

Love & Adventure,

Denise

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Stay curious, wild hearts!

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