Napali Coast Catamaran

Several days ago a catamaran ride was sponsored for some of our monks and for our taskforcers. The afternoon catamaran tours depart midday from the west side of our island and make their way north, up and around the Napali Coast--the beautiful northern cliffside of our island. You might recognize these cliffs from Hollywood films such as Jurassic Park or Pirates of the Caribbean. These are some of the most quickly eroding geological formations of this scale and can be seen to drastically change in just one lifetime. Upon reaching the top of the island the catamaran turns around and raises its sail for the ride back, making for a relaxed dinner cruise before sunset.

Did you know that the word "catamaran" comes from the Tamil language. It is originally "kaṭṭumaram." Kattu means "to tie" and maram means "tree," describing a vessel made with wooden outriggers.

Paramacharya and Mayuresh enjoy the passing cliffs

Our monks occupy the front of the boat for most of the journey. Here is where you get all the splashing water and crashing waves. (pan left and right)

There are many wild goats on these cliffs as well, though they are hard to spot

Maruthu enjoys the trampoline area at the front. This is a good place to get some ocean water

There are other catamarans out for this same trip

These cliffs would boast the tallest waterfall in the world, if only it ran 24\/7

A group of kayakers who have been paddling around the coast since dawn

One of our Island\

s famed rainbows'

There are many interesting formations as the ocean eats away at the cliffs

This is one of the largest natural archways. At 90 feet tall you can even fly a helicopter through it.

Such bright blue water

This beach was used in \"Six Days, Seven Nights\" and \"Pirates of the Caribbean Part 4\" to name a few.

The famed Kalalau Valley beach. The trees by the beach house early Hawaiian stone terraces. To the left of this photo is the actual valley which goes in towards the mountain.

The sail is raised for our return journey

As the sun set, we were greeted by dolphins that came up, slapped the water then disappeared again. Too fast for us to get a photo.

}

];