Last Aloha

Ghostly sunset at Westin Resort

"If you are blessed and in a position to help someone, you should. Be kind and show aloha."

These words, spoken by one Kauai resident who is confined to her home with eight children, express the spirit of many on the island.

The Garden Island newspaper ran a story today about how residents are handling the stay-at-home order.

Yesterday just before dusk I walked down to the bluff above Anini Cove to snap a photo. It has been super windy with a few intermittent showers and lots of skudding clouds of amorphous shapes and white-grey colors.

Early morning and late day these clouds suddenly glow from the acute angle of the sun rising or setting. The cove always looks the same yet never the same, due to ever-changing conditions.

Not another person in sight except for a couple. I estimate they are in their 60s. I estimate they are from New York once they see me and begin talking.

The man smiles, approaches me. A close talker. I step back.

"Hi, do you live here?" he says.

"We'll get out of your way if you want to take a picture," she says.

They are standing in the small area with the best view of the cove. I backpedal around them, keeping social distance as directed. They do not seem to be aware of directive. They are likely starved for human contact.

"Thank you," I say.

Anini Cove late day 3/25/2020

They are as mesmerized as I am with the scene. Slightly cool breezes coming up the bluff. Our eyes and noses bombarded by a whirl of warm colors and tropical fragrances.

Three people. Alone on a cliff.

I learn that they are the last of a few stragglers at the Westin Resort.

"They sent us a letter that they are closing," she says. "They want us to leave."

"Everything's closing," I say, attempting to impart earnestness.

"Enjoy your evening," I say, turning to leave.

Under normal circumstances I would have engaged with them, talked story, learned more about them.

All I could think was, "Aloha."