Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25248
are so many lessons here. I have been in Kauai now for five months. Most beach dwellers seem to stay three to five months, but others are here for years. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE ISLAND? The stillness at sunrise, waves swallowing me whole, the sunshine on my back- I love how everyday is an adventure if you go seek it out. How DID YOU DECIDE TO LIVE ON TIIE BEACH? I arrived on Kauai with virtually no money and became a true nomad. I have lived on five different beaches. First I went to Anini Beach, I stayed two weeks, and then moved on to Secrets, where I found a whole community living beachside. CAN YOU DESCRIBE TIIE BEACH LIFESTYLE, AND WHAT YOU LEARNED TI-lERE? With only my backpack and tent, I didn't initially understand the living skills I needed to get by-the things we take for granted in the "everyday world" such as the ability to build a fire or find food. Originally I mostly ate fruit. I learned to experience solitude without feeling lonely. I learned that being self-sufficient means hauling in my water and sleeping in the rain. I stayed on quite a few beaches. The beach dwellers are part of a community, very dedicated to helping each other. You'll fmd yourself waking up in a cave full of people at sunrise and watching a rainbow appear over the infinite mass of water before you. A typical day living on the beach means waking up, watching the sunrise, swimming, reading, writing, gathering food, picking shells, and exploring. At night we usually watch the sunset, make a big feast, play music, sit around and talk. WHKf WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? THE LOW POINTS? The greatest highlights are the moments when you learn to listen to yourself And it's great to be meeting so many amazing people. But I faced challenges camping: Getting used to living without the creature comforts I had grown accustomed to, such as a bed and shower, was hard. But I kept reminding myself that every day I am becoming stronger from living out here. My lowest point was a bad experience I was hitchhiking alone, and I would not recommend hitching alone to anyone. THERE'S LOTS OF RAIN IN KAUAT. How DID THAT EFFECT BEACH LIFE? When I first arrived I stayed on the North Shore-the rain showers were beautiful-short showers followed by sunshine. In the winter it rains more often. There were a couple times I was caught in the rain with only a blanket but I didn't mind. The rain is such an integral part of the beauty here .. .it keeps things green. How DID BEACH LIFE CONNECT YOU TO LOCAL KAUA! C1JLThllli? Camping on the beach gave me the tangible feeling of working to survive and using the lands resources to do it. The culture here is ancient, when I hiked the Na Pali coast is when I felt closest to the island's history and culture. KAUA! IS NOT CHEAP, REGARDING LIVING EXPENSES, HOW DID YOU GET BY? I came to Kauai with around $200 dollars. The first couple weeks I lived on rice that I bought and cooked, and fruit that I found. I believe if you put good things out to the universe they will come back to you. After living on the beach for three months, I moved to a banana farm on beautiful land in the jungle. I started working at the at a health food store to support myself WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO ON KAUAr? Spending time at waterfalls and surfing, which I have just started. It's great to be learning the feel of the ocean. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TIIAT TOURISTS l';IIGHT HAVE ABOUT KAUAI? So many tourists don't even really "see" the island. Driving around and sightseeing from a car or even a boat is much different than feeling the ground beneath your feet. After hiking the Na Pali Coast I knew I has seen a piece of Kauai that was sacred. WHAT's THE MOST IMPORTAJ."\,'T THING A TRAVELER SHOULD Kt'lOW WHEN VISITING KAUA!? To slow down and feel the island and everything it has to offer-and smile. Know that to get to the really good side of Kauai, you have to work hard. Go hiking or kayaking or surfmg-something that brings you in a rhythm with nature. Avoid being indoors. • 71