Hau’oli Makaihiki Hou means Happy New Year in Hawaiian.   Add an “ALOHA” to that and you’re “good to go” just about anywhere.   In keeping with the unsual landmarks theme, I immediately thought of Mount Makana, better known as Bali Hai  from the movie “South Pacific.”  

If you’ve seen the movie, you may know that it was here on Kauai on Lumahai Beach that Mitzi Gaynor “washed that man right out of her hair.”   To get to Lumahai beach, which by the way is one of the most photographed beaches on Kauai you’ll need to drive North From Lihue, past Princeville and Hanalai to mile marker 5.   As you drive along, you’ll come to a rather sharp left hand turn in the road where you’ll see a turnout on the right where several cars will undoubtedly be parked.   Park here if you can and walk down the short trail to the beach.  

Once you are on Lumahai, you have a great view of one of Kauai’s most unusual and well known landmarks, Bali Hai, not to mention that you’ll be standing on an exquisite beach.   Bear in mind that this stop is recommend for summer visitors as the North Shore often has high  and  dangerous winter surf  and Lumahai beach is NOT reef protected, leaving it fully exposed to the powerful waves and rip currents.   During winter months, you can drive past the 5 mile market and the turnout / parking area and continue a short distance to a view point that offers fabulous views of the beach.   This is between mile markers 5 and 6.

Beautiful  Bali Hai  can be seen from many vantage points throughout the Island, including the Princeville Hotel and Hanalei Bay Resort.   This particular photo (see below) was taken this past summer from the now closed Bali Hai Restaurant at the Resort, but don’t worry, I hear that there are plans to reopen it bigger and better than ever.   What I love about the view from the restaurant area  are the two palms.   Even though it is closed, you can still walk through Hanalei Bay Resort and see this view for yourselves.   Take your  own picture and send it out next year to your friends for Christmas (Mele Kalikimaka) or New Years.   And once again, may 2008 bring you  tropical breezes, swaying palms, calm oceans and a world of love and happiness.  

Aloha Elaine