Today we spent most of the day at Black Pot Beach, joining some folks and friends from the Hanalei Canoe Club.


Black Pot Beach is one of Kauai's most beautiful and most social barbecue spots. As you drive through Hanalei town, and down through the streets of some darling beach bungalows and historic cottages, you come to the end of the road along the bay, just before you end up in the Hanalei River.

Tonight's sunset photo at Black Pot Beach, to the left of Hanalei Pier, is perhaps the best sunset picture I've ever taken, although I must credit the scenery and not my photography!



Black Pot is popular among locals and visitors who enjoy a relaxing beach side scene. Here you can gaze up at the steep and majestic Hanalei mountains, walk out on the pier, rent a stand up paddle (SUP), go for a surf, or walk the two-mile half-moon bay. A leisurely swim beckons your name here. You can also simply sit in your beach chair with a sandwich all day and observe the laid-back scene. Surfers and their families spend the entire day here, often paddling out for a surf, then paddle in for lunch, then head back out to the break, and head in again for a beer and sunset bonfire. This is the place to "talk story" with friends or among kama'aina (people of the earth; local).

Since my sister and I joined the Hanalei Outrigger Canoe Club a few weeks ago, we have been meeting more and more amazingly friendly people, who also love being outdoors, and especially enjoy the beach. Last Friday, Cliff, a friendly older fellow, invited my sister, myself and a few friends to a beach party here at Black Pot. He brought his stand up paddleboards (SUP), and let us have a go. I even learned to surf some of the smaller wave, which is almost as easy as a surfboard.

Being on a paddleboard in the middle of the calm Hanalei Bay is truly spiritual. I felt like I was walking on water, surrounded by the pure beauty of the crescent bay, and the majestic tall mountains that were pouring down multiple cascades of water from Mount Waialeale (the wettest spot on earth!) On an SUP, you are your own ship, and you can smoothly scoot across the sea effortlessly...like a shorebird gliding the surface with grace.

Everyday I feel so blessed to be here on Kaua'i. Days in Hanalei are extra special. The combination of the people, the water, and the evening colors make an unforgettable experience no matter what you do here.

I am so glad I joined the canoe club too. The club is located right on the river, where we have access to six-person canoes, and single outrigger canoes. We also have access to a gym and an outdoor shower. Perfect.