This is a view from Princeville.

   This is a surf shop in Hanalei where I rented my first surf board.  I rented the 10 foot board closest to us.  They call this a long board and is a board for beginners.  The price was extremely reasonable, only $15 for a 24-hour period.  I didn't have to take it back until the next day.  The shop is right in the middle of town, and is only a 5-minute walk to the beach.

   Here is a shot of Hanalei Bay.  This is probably the best place in Hawaii to learn how to beginner surf.  The bay is enormous, and there is plenty of room for everybody, especially beginners.  The day I was there, the waves came in consistently, between 4 and 8 feet.  There is no coral in the bay, so you don't have to worry about getting cut up.  There is another spot at this beach, about 1/4 mile out called 'The Point', where the more advanced surfers go.  At first I felt a little intimidated as I saw groups of 5-8 year old kids riding waves like they've been doing it all their lives, but after a couple hours, I caught onto the concept of surfing, with the help of a friend I met from L.A., who was a great help.  The view of mountains against the sandy beach is a breathtaking view.  This is a definite stop for anyone visiting Kauai.

   Up the road just another mile is a beach called Kee Beach, pronounced Kay-ay.  This is where the road ends, and the Napali Coast begins.  That is the beginning of the Napali Coast behind me.  This a very popular hiking spot, and rightfully so.  There is a 2 mile hike into the first beach. From there, you can hike another 2 miles to waterfalls inland, or continue another 9 miles to the next beach.  Typically, people will hike the 11 miles to the beach, camp there for a day, then hike back out.  You need to be prepared for the hike.  When talking to a couple girls who did the hike, they couldn't make it back out, and luckily, they were able to flag down a boat while on the beach to bring them back.