Eleven miles of hiking alongside the Na Pali Coast on Kauai takes you far outside of civilization and leaves your wi-fi signal behind with it. Weaving in and out of the mountains on the coast takes hours and you eventually arrive at a nearly deserted beach that preserves the tranquility of the lifestyle pre-civilization. You shower off in a waterfall, sleep in the sand, or hang your hammock from a tree, relishing in the rest you earned after the arduous hike.
Find balance. Walking through the black sand of Waipio, disconnected from wifi signals and surrounded by a simpler approach to living, a calming effect washed over me. Here, life was about the waves, sunshine, and waterfall around the corner. This valley is protected to preserve the more traditional way of life. One day I'll explore what lies in the neighboring valley. Until then, I'll enjoy the memory of this view, black sand beneath my feet, and bright blue waters washing up over the beach.
When I think back on this experience, what first comes to mind is the strong feelings of awe and relief I felt upon finding this beach. Hiking eleven miles, away from the crowds, and into the wilderness, the journey here wiped our minds of modern conveniences and helped refocus appreciation on simple pleasures - a moment of rest, a gulp of fresh water, the taste of ripe guava right off the tree. Once we arrived here, the view was even more of a reward than I had imagined.
