FEWER TOURISTS-MORE LOCALS
Around the northern point of Ohau, away from Waimea, the Pipeline and Turtle Bay lays stretches of undeveloped scenic beauty dotted by local communities of Kahuku, Laie and Hauula near Sacred Falls.
The north shore appeals not only to surfers and fans, but those who like nature, country, local culture, agriculture and a very laid back mood.
"Keep the country, country" is the call on signs and bumper stickers. Here, as in communities close to nature, there is the tension between the way it is and the desire of developers.
I have preferred other Hawaiian Islands because of the heavy tourist development and building of Honolulu however the local and authentic feel of the North Shore and from here south to Hauula is delightfully pleasing. There is an easy accord between simplicity, balance and allowing the beauty of nature to be dominant.
The world has enough high rise condos, hotels and resorts. I'm with those who find favor in true local culture and perspective. Here it is country and it feels to this outsider that is how it should be.
BATTLE IN PARADISE
History looms in a strange juxtaposition on a point between Kawela and Turtle Bay. The beauty of paradise interrupted by an artifact of WWII. The bunker stands at the tip of Protection Point.
The fortification was one of many along the shoreline, protecting the Kahuku airfield that housed B-17 and B-24 aircraft.
Here in paradise or on beaches and rises in modern Europe, I am struck by the paradox and contradictory force of such beauty being the scene of historic and heroic battle.
LOOK FAMILIAR?
This banyan forest on the north shore has been a scene in many films and productions, the most recent being Hunger Games.
Better that such paradise be the setting for only play war. Were it that way everywhere, huh?
See you down the trail.
