Our flight to Hawaii from NYC was uneventful, apart from the guy who had a TIA right before landing. A Trans-Ischemic Attack, or TIA, is like a stroke except that the symptoms resolve after a brief time, usually causing no permanent damage. Unfortunately, it’s a harbinger of strokes to come. Dude’s left side goes numb and slack, but it resolved after a few minutes. He had to go to the hospital, though given how slow everything happens here, he probably just arrived a few minutes ago. Welcome to Hawaii! You’ll be staying at the Honolulu Hospital before your return trip to NYC. Mahalo!

The first two nights we stayed in Waikiki, which reminded me of the Vegas Strip but with a beach vibe. There are humans from all over the Earth, dressed however they please, consuming alcohol aggressively, some degree of sunburnt, creating a human cacophony of status, culture, and fashion. Just a bizarre scene, but it’s a delight to watch. It’s like going on safari in Africa, except these animals can communicate. Though most find it difficult and rarely do so.

Now I’m beginning to think I’m some type of weirdo animal voyeur.

After a 40 minute flight and zero TIAs, we landed in Kauai. It’s a beautiful place, the second oldest Hawaiian island. The hotspot is now under the Big Island, the Pacific plate having floated north and west above the mantle. Volcanic activity ceased here around half a million years ago. Now, the island is slowly eroding into the sea. Kauai started life as a shield volcano. Water has since carved the dramatic landscape we see now. The tall peaks likely receive the highest rainfall totals on the planet. During an extreme year, totals reached 96’. Like a nagging child, water is a persistent force that never gives up, never tires, and over time, wears everything down to nothing.

About 70,000 people live in Kauai County, which includes a few small, neighboring islands. The population is fairly stable, with most living on the coast and low slopes. Unlike Honolulu, there are no tall buildings here. By law no buildings can be taller than a coconut palm tree, which legally means 50’. (Technically the trees can grow taller.) Billboards are also not permitted.

More later.