Kaimana Firelight

One of the benefits of the extra cost to live in Hawaii is the nearness to the ocean where we can easily celebrate the day's end with a no-fuss beach picnic.  Over the years we've pared it down to the essentials. Beach chair strapped to our back, towel under our arm, and carrier with fresh sushi, fruit, a beverage of choice, and a deck of cards to play gin, if the mood strikes. 

Our chosen location with less wind is in the lee of the Kaimana Beach Hotel by their Hau Tree Lanai.Any misty rain blows over and out to sea. The hotel is on the site that once held the historic McInerny Estate.It has been noted that Robert Louis Stevenson enjoyed writing poetry under those same old hau trees on the lanai between 1889 and 1893 when he visited the McInerny family. 

We try to arrive just before sundown to watch the clouds change colors and hope for a green flash. 

Strangely the majority of people leave a few minutes after the sun "sets." For us, that's when the magic really begins.

With the changing angle of the sun below the horizon, you can witness the colorful cloud patterns as pinks, orange and reds morph into deep blues and purples before darkness occurs. This is a view out across the beach lit by the Kaimana's tiki torches.  It's a great way to celebrate the day and anticipate tomorrow.