Posted on 25th November 2010 by The Traveler in Kauai
One of the unique residents of the island of Kauai is the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Over the past 50 years, the Hawaiian monk seal population has fallen over 60%. Today the island is home to just a handful of these animals with 90% of them living in the area of Kauai and Niihau. Despite the fact that these animals are now protected through the Kauai Monk Seal Watch program and by state and federal law, the monk seal population continues to decline. The seal watch organization says that despite recent pup births, the population of Monk Seals may be as low as 25 animals. Efforts to protect this endangered animal continue to try to preserve them.
When you visit Kauai, you may have the pleasure of seeing one of these magnificent creatures. Monk seals do come onto the beach to rest, sun themselves or care for their young quite often. If you are lucky enough to see a monk seal, always stay well behind barricades or posted signs in any seal area. Never approach a mother and pup or attempt to disturb the animals or feed them in any way. Never throw objects or make noises to create good photo opportunities. Never let children approach the seals because these 400 pound animals have been known to bite or attack humans when provoked or frightened. While you are encouraged to enjoy these magnificent animals from a safe distance and with the telephoto camera lens, remember that state and federal laws protect these animals. Disturbing a Hawaiian monk seal could result in fines exceeding $25,000 and up to five years of imprisonment. By working together, the Hawaiian monk seal can be protected so that future generations may enjoy these wonderful creatures.
One of the unique benefits of having active volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands is the unusual black sand beaches that dot the Big Island’s southern coastline. One of the most famous and easily accessible beaches on the island is Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. While the water can often be treacherous at the southern end of the Big Island of Hawaii, the sheltered bay of Punalu’u provides a relatively calm and safe swimming area. The area has a bath house, picnic tables and even a small snack shop that is open in the summer months. A fresh water wading pool on the south side of the beach is also available here. You can often see the large Green Hawaiian sea turtles swimming here in the sheltered waters of this dramatic bay. Just remember not to disturb them since sea turtles are protected in Hawaii and bothering them can get you a huge fine so please don’t harass or bother them in any way.
When you are staying in the Waikiki area, a great place to go especially with the children is the Waikiki Aquarium. The facility, located at 2777 Kalakaua Avenue oceanside in Kapi’olani Park, is an easy walk from the Waikiki beach area. At the Aquarium, you can see wonderful displays of corals of all types, learn about the relationships of the sea animals found in Hawaii’s beautiful coral reefs, view unusual sea creatures such as the octopus, squid and jelly fish to name just a few. A special attraction of the Aquarium is the 5,500 gallon Great Barrier Reef exhibit containing over 100 types of fish, clams and corals. Some of the clams in this exhibit weigh over 170 pounds. Adult admission is $9 with youth 13-17 for $4 and children 5-12 at $2. Children 4 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
As you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, sooner or later as you make your way around this beautiful and expansive island, you will probably visit the unique little town of Waimea (known as Kamuela to the post office to distinguish it from the two other towns with this same name in the islands.) in the northern part of the island along Highway 19.
While you may think you are somewhere in the cool, rolling hills of northern California instead of in Hawaii, the town of Waimea sits at an altitude of 2600 feet giving it a much cooler climate with frequent winds, rain and seafog from time to time. The town is dominated by Parker Ranch which is still in operation today. In fact, stop off in the Parker Ranch company store learn more about the Hawaiian Paniolo or Hawaiian Cowboys dating back to the early 1800′s. In the store, you can munch on local beef jerky, pick up souvenirs to take back home or buy authentic Parker Ranch western wear.
The saga of the Hawaiian cowboy began when John Palmer Parker married King Kamehameha’s granddaughter Kipikane and was given two acres of land for $10. He began capturing cows that roamed the area and built a bustling cattle business. He soon brought in Mexican cowboys to teach their Hawaiian counterparts how to be real, cattle-roping, cowboys in Hawaii. The paniolo tradition continues today and no where on the island can it be seen more clearly than in bustling little Waimea.
Although horses are less commonly used than ATV’s today, the spirit of the paniolo lives on in this quaint Big Island town. It is definitely worth spending a few hours exploring visiting the Parker Ranch area and company store and having lunch in the many excellent restaurants in the area.
If you want to learn more about Hawaiian culture and history, the place to go while on Maui is the Bailey House Museum. Located in Wailuku, this museum, run by the Maui Historical Society, is the place to go to learn about Hawaiian culture, see artwork and artifacts and view furnished rooms from 19th century Maui. The house is a mission home built in 1833 on the site of the Royal Compound of King Kahekili, the last ruling chief of the island of Maui. Originally, the house served as a mission school for girls. It was purchased by Edward and Carline Bailey in 1847 where the Bailey family lived until 1888. The house has been resorted to it’s 19th century condition and currently serves to house many Hawaiian documents, artifacts and resources owned by the Hawaiian Historical Society. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Admission is $7 for adults ($5 for seniors)and $2.00 for children between the ages of 7-12. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge.
