Meet the writer: Katy Darlington

Beautiful, serene, remote Kahana Bay.  Historically, thanks to abundant fertile soil, fresh water, and an advanced irrigation system, Kahana provided a sustainable supply of taro and fish for a thriving Native Hawaiian fishing and farming community.  Today the bay and valley are preserved today as a state park and are home to two endangered birds, the ʻapapane and the ʻamakihi.  It has served as a port of call for Hokuleʻa over the years. Kahana: a port, a place of beauty and safety,  a stronghold of generations.

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Kahana Bay

An emerald jewel lying at the feet
of the princess valley
Smooth as a polished stone
faceted with never-ceasing ripples
Rain laden clouds crowd around
the edges of this harbor of calm
Beckoning distant voyagers
to lay their anchors in safety
Before the stormʻs fury lashed
out on open seas.

A stronghold of serenity
A sailorʻs berth in an emerald valley.

Credits: photos courtesy of Katy Darlington