Kaua'i's South Coast
Spouting Horn and the Lithified Cliffs
In contrast with the north coast, Kaua'i's south coast is calmer, with great sandy beaches and some amazing limestone cliffs. A popular snorkeling spot is Poipu Beach which offers gentle conditions, easy access, and shallow waters teeming with lots of species of tropical fish.
Golden sand and palms
Poipu Beach, Kaua'i (March 14th, '08)
Me at Poipu, a popular snorkeling spot
Poipu Beach, Kaua'i (March 14th, '08)
West of Poipu along the coast is the Spouting Horn, a jet of saltwater caused by waves rushing under a lava shelf and out through a hole in the rocks. Hawai'ian legend says that the peculiar groaning sound caused by the air and waves and waves being pushed through the lava is actually the sound of a giant mo'o lizard trapped under the rocks. WARNING: heed the signs and don't get too close! People have died from being sucked into the hole.
The Spouting Horn
South Shore, Kaua'i (March 14th, '08)
Nearby to Poipu a hiking trail skirts along Kaua'i's south coast. Over time, sand dunes eroded into the Makawehi lithified sandstone cliffs that exist there today.
Lithified cliffs
South Shore, Kaua'i (March 14th, '08)
The intricate lithified formations
South Shore, Kaua'i (March 14th, '08)
Strolling along the cliffs
South Shore, Kaua'i (March 14th, '08)
Derek above the pounding waves
South Shore, Kaua'i (March 14th, '08)
Appreciating the coastline
South Shore, Kaua'i (March 14th, '08)
Kauai is one of the Hawai'ian islands with a large population of "wild jungle fowl" (chickens!). The south shore is no exception and we came across some new chicks in one of the parking lots.
Wild chickens
South Shore, Kaua'i (March 14th, '08)
Chicks
South Shore, Kaua'i (March 14th, '08)