This is the beautiful Kakela Makai Oceanview subdivision in Kalaheo, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai. The photo is from my father’s deck across the street in 2003. Occasionally, we’d catch the green flash at sunset along the ocean horizon to the right.

Interestingly, studies by Richard Coss – professor emeritus of psychology, and former student Craig Keller – point to perhaps an evolutionary benefit of viewing water (our bodies are 60% water). The study’s 100+ participants felt more relaxed when viewing water outdoors and in person. The wider the body of water, the more pronounced the effect was. Measurements taken showed the participants experienced lowered blood pressure and heart rates. Nature taking care of all of us? *  

Kalāheo (“the proud day”) is a small community of less than 5,000 people on the south side of Kauai. The subdivision is situated on a hill affording 180-degree views of the ocean, just a mile from the Kukuiolono Golf Course off Puu Road, about 12 miles from Lihue (Hawaii Route 50), and four miles from Eleele.

My folks had a home down the hill, but it was devastated by Hurricane Iniki. The hurricane brought the lowest observed barometric pressure of 938 mbar (27.7 inHg) in the Central Pacific and 140 miles per hour winds as it struck the southern coast near Waimea on September 12, 1992. Iniki caused over $3 billion in damage, and there were seven deaths. Homes along shorefronts, including those at Poipu Beach (once rated the best beach in America) were flattened.

The Hurricane also damaged the Tree Tunnel along the road to Koloa, but I’m happy to say that it survived and once again covered the road in the canopy just a few years later.

Dad worked nearby at the Allerton Garden of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and was a member of the Navy League. We were often graced with dinners at Barking Sands Naval Facility. We also loved Koloa Town and Duke’s restaurant near Nawiliwili Harbor.

*The study was reported by Kathleen Holder, content strategist at the UC Davis College of Letters and Science, in her article.