I hope and trust this finds you well, healthy and at peace; safe and sound. If you are one of the heroes working in the medical field, necessary services or caring for those in need, may you keep safe and well.

This is the first of a pictorial and anecdotal Hawaii trip for which I am deeply grateful for. At this time I’m taking a few weeks off posting recipes, but they will be back. I do hope you don’t mind.

On March 2nd we left for a week in Hawaii on the beautiful island of Kauai. Had it been one week later, we would definitely have cancelled our trip, when we left everything was still calm.

As we flew via Seattle, we caught a glimpse of Mt St Helen’s and Mt Rainier in the far clouded distance.

We arrived at Lihue, which is on the south side of the island of Kauai. Kauai is believed to be the second oldest of the islands of Hawaii to be formed along the fault line. It is known as The Garden Isle, 1430.5 km². The trade winds from the east temper the tropical climate so the humidity and temperatures are never too extreme.

On our arrival a friendly car rental guy proceeded to give us a 3 page list of his personal hand typed favourite restaurants around the entire island. What a friendly welcome it was, and our entire trip continued with this welcoming kindness. We left Lihue to head for Princeville on the northern part of the island, known to be a little less crowded and where we stayed.

During our first stop to get a few groceries we met the nicest man. He saw me looking at the unusual organic fruit on display. When I looked up our eyes met, such kind, wise, twinkly eyes! He urged me to buy this delicious and swoon worthy pineapple, amongst other fruits to be covered in the next post. He proudly explained there is only one farm, and it’s a local delicacy. I felt I could have spoken with this wonderful elder for days. His parting words were “He is the Way, The *Fruit and the Light!” ❤ I will never forget this delightful person.

The pineapples are sold with the tops removed to prevent propagation and to protect the farm. It’s name is: The Honey Cream Pineapple. Let me introduce you!

It’s tiny and round (yes, that is a teaspoon!), squat and the size of

your palm. It’s pure pineapple ambrosia and bliss.

We shared and savoured every mouthful. This is my keto muesli I took with and cream.

No doubt you’ve heard about the thousands of feral chickens on Kauai (and the other islands too) originating from the dreadful practice of cock fighting, I do believe. It is suspected that once this was thankfully banned, they were let loose … and the rest is history. These were regular visitors that were ever present on our patio.

Also, this visitor!

Then more gathered each day. I think they approved of my keto muesli I shared, flax, chia and oat bran – just a tiny teaspoon. They asked me so nicely!

We saw chickens on every beach, roadsides, at shops, on walks, just everywhere you can imagine! I loved waking every morning to the roosters crowing their Morse Code to each other, like island criers calling, “all is well, time to get up and see the beautiful sunrise”! One night they all started up around 2 AM and I mused that maybe one started crowing in his sleep, and set the rest off. My sweetie said it was probably the bright clear moonlight. I prefer my version!

We were also serenaded by this handsome fellow on Ke’e beach on the northern Nepali Coastline. Each time after I talked to him, he crowed! He was quite spectacular.

Although, some fowl are notorious like Brock pictured here. LOL!

This sign was in this take out in Hanalei called Chicken in a Barrel.👀

We hoped he was not in this basket of delicious food! This was pulled BBQ pork, ribs and chicken sampler plate we shared, with slaw and chili.

This photo below is Ke’e Beach, where we sat on the sand under trees to shelter from the rain and enjoy the incredible beauty. We were drenched but warm. It rains a lot on the north part of the island. We stayed in Princeville, but the frequent showers were wonderful and refreshing. We didn’t mind the rain a bit! If you’re planning a trip, the southern part of Kauai gets far less rain, but although still beautiful, the dramatic beauty of the north part of the island is well worth the occasional downpour.

We were also extremely lucky to see this most endangered sleeping Monk Seal, one of two endemic remaining species in Hawaii.

The park had marked out a large area around her with tape to protect her as she slumbered. I would have put it in a heart shape, not a square. She was beautiful.

Also, this little well camouflaged crab!

I bought a ring from these lovely people who were so friendly and we had lunch from the food cart parked near our car. The woman had two tame rosy cheeked parakeets on her shoulder as she created jewelry while her partner cut up and sold fresh coconut milk.

This is Anini Beach, a safe and beautiful reef where we snorkeled.

More to follow.

Take good care, together we are stronger!