The Na Pali Coast in Kauai should be explored. It has an immense ancient mystery. Me and my party decided on an early morning adventure. We opted to go with Captain Andy's Tour of Na Pali over the smaller boats. We took pills to counter the motion sickness. The rough waters with a boat of less size would have proven the end of me. The crew was charming and fun. We were given a breakfast at 8 a.m. complete with juice, fruits and pastries. Our captain was very lively. He provided us with the best position to view the sights. My plan was to get to the back of the boat. Away from everyone. One of the deck hands smiled, "You're a rebel."I took a very long sip of coffee, "No. Just anti-social."I'm not sure if he thought I was clever or an obnoxious tourist. Regardless, the coffee was having an effect and the sky couldn't be any more blue.For the next hour and a half I was given accounts to Island folklore. The Menehunes, in particular, were fascinating. A mythical race of small people, similar to Leprechauns of Irish stories. According to legend, they lived in the Na Pali Coast, building at night a complex irrigation system among other works of wonder. If a human caught them they would abandon their works and disappear into the forest. Small in stature, rumored to be anywhere from just six inches to three feet in height, these magical creatures were believed to be immensely strong. They worked with great diligence, often forming lines many miles long, as with Malae heiau at Wailua passing rocks from hand to hand across the whole diameter of Kauai. Somewhere in time, this crew of little people constructed the irrigation system, built extensive walls and extravagant fishponds. The closer we came to the rugged mysterious mountains of Na Pali, the more aware I was of my senses. Everything was on overload. The colors more vivid. The mountains, impossibly edged and without logic. There was a strange change. The other people on the boat seemed to suddenly have merit. Their relationships were clear. More pronounced. We stopped briefly to snorkel. Than lunch with wine and a speedy return. The adults on the boat were reflective and pensive on their way back. Were we changed? No. Still tourists. Still strangers. However a subconcious act inevitably took place on our cruise. Most of us urban and awkward. The ancient beauty of the Na Pali was within us. As if to remind us where we stood in time. The captain nodded. He had seen it all before. Surprisingly, I didn't need anymore coffee.The group stepped back on land more united, ready for their next adventure. An understanding that we shared an ancient past. Smiles and nods. A silent respect. I gave the captain a long hug.He laughed.
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