What’s the average price of a 2 bedroom condo rental in Hawaii? We queried the thousands of rentals in the HawaiiGaga.com index to find out:

We define an average unit as one having a 2.5 star rating, and a luxury unit as one having a rating greater than 3.5 stars (HawaiiGaga’s rental rating system is explained in our FAQ.) Look forward to more rental statistics soon.

What make the sunsets in Hawaii so spectacular? Perhaps there’s a scientific explanation but we’re guessing it’s probably just due to the weather and setting. In Hawaii the tradewinds normally blow from the NE. Clouds hit the mountains and lose their moisture. The result is that the west coasts (where the sun sets) rarely see completely overcast conditions (overcast skies as experienced in the Pacific Northwest is rare for Hawaii). So the weather, combined with the ocean that makes for a nice backdrop, and people being in the mood to experience nice sunsets can explain why so many people comment about Hawaii’s beautiful sunsets.

Kona has a  reputation for particularly impressive sunsets. This could be due to the influence of Vog that would have some effect on scattering sunlight.

Another brilliant Kona sunset

The Napali Coast on Kauai’s north shore extends for roughly 15 miles, starting at Ke’e Beach and ending at Polihale State park. The ancient Kalalau trail meanders along the cliffs and through the valleys. Many an archaeologist have gone missing here, absorbed by the areas fascinating history, and mana.

Historical Artist Raymond A. Massey captures the romance of both the age of exploration and the Napali Coast in his painting “The 1837 Charting Expedition of Hanalei Bay.”

The 1837 Charting Expedition of Hanalei Bay by Raymond A. Massey

Massey is renowned for his historical accuracy and detail. The depiction of the coast on that day is based on journal entries from Captain Belcher. Upon completing the painting Massey commented that he felt as if he had crawled the entire length of the Napali coast on his stomach.

Inspired by Massey we decided to set sail ourselves on a Historic expedition of the Napali coast. Our goal was to retrace the route of the HMS Sulphur, outward bound from Hanalei Bay on July 27, 1837. Our journey would take place exactly 200 years hence to the day, on August 30, 2008, I think it was. To help us on our trip we commandeered the vessel Sea Breeze, of Napali Sea Breaze Tours. “Commandeer” is perhaps slightly misleading a word. Captain Bob let me control the second steering wheel. Although I am now told that the second steering column was actually broken. sigh.

Retracing the route of the HMS Sulfur we discovered something very interesting.
Massey clearly shows the vessel on a NW heading with Ke’e beach in the background. Captain Belcher never had any intention of traveling along the Napali coast. But why, it’s so pretty after all? My theory, which I have forwarded to the New England Journal of Medicine, not historical but sufficiently prestigious, is that Captain Belcher anchored at Tunnels beach for a snorkel. There he was bitten by a dolphin with rabies and simply went completely insane.

The Start of the Napali Coast at Ke

Be sure to stop by Ship Store Galleries in the Coconut Grove market place in Kapaa to see Massey’s terrific work.

We’ve updated our Hawaii weather guides to include monthly temperature and rainfall data for several towns on each island. This allows one to make assessments about the best time of year to travel, although it’s apparent that Hawaii is plenty nice year round.

Kekaha - one of the hottest areas of Hawaii

The above sample shows Kekaha’s historic average monthly high temperatures. Kekaha must be one of the hottest and most arid regions in Hawaii, which confirms why nearby barking sands beach is said to make barking sounds when you walk on the beach - from the heat of the sand compressing under your feet. We’ve never heard the sand bark but we’ve burnt our feet on the extremely hot sand.