Yep, with the wind blowing it was easy to think about the winds on the leeward side of Oahu, or Lanai, or Maui, or Kauai (all of which I’ve visited). The rain pouring this afternoon reminded me of what it’s like to visit the “wet” side of each of those islands. And yes, each does have a wet side and a dry side.

I’ve included some historic photos today – to remind us all that Hawai’i has a history long before becoming a US State. In fact, the history is rich and vibrant.  Modern Hawaiian history begins on January 20, 1778, when Captain James Cook’s expedition made its first contact with the Hawaiian people on the islands of Kauai and Niihau. Captain Cook was not the first man to “discover” the Hawaiian Islands.  He was the first known European to arrive.

The first time you visit, you feel as if you’re about to discover something that few people have seen, felt, smelled, heard or experienced. You are right. Considering the world’s population and the ultra-small percentage of it that has visited Hawai’i, you can bet that you will indeed discover something special in Hawaii.