Today we decided to go the Waipio Valley to hike down to the bottom which is about 2000 foot down a steep slope to Black Beach. I wanted to hike down this trail 22 years ago as it is very pretty and includes several water falls. One of which is 1400 feet into the ocean. We did not take the hike based on the timing of our day and the wants of all the parties of our group. You can take a tour down this trail or use your own 4 wheel drive. The trail is a mile long with a 23 degree grade and is very difficult to hike back out. However, a tour guide suggested we try the other side of the valley as the hike is easier. The other side is called Pololu Valley lookout. Between the two (2) valleys there are not any roads and this section of the big island is often filmed in movies. It is very lush and includes 2000 foot cliffs overlooking the ocean. As we left our resort area, we noted that the direction we were headed was quite cloudy as compared to our sunny resort. Below are pictures of the lookout when we arrived at the trailhead...
Sun and rain in the background.
Do we think it is safe?
Rain moving in. Is this why it is so lush? Duh. We skipped the hike. We could not believe how in 25 miles we went from a desert to the rain forest.
Tropical area.
A garden with tomato cages!
We stopped at a small village on the way back to enjoy some Kona coffee (Tim) and tour a few shops (Kathy) and view interesting signs.
Look at the size of this flower!
On the way back we stopped at a historical site which turned out to be an old fishing village.
After this tour, we decided to eat out. Eat out of the resort that is. (This place was highly recommended... : / ) Good mahi mahi sandwiches!
Hilton graced us with 14 of these as they felt guilty that the food costs so much. Nice! We will have trouble using them all.
After lunch, we came back to the hotel and watched whales and dolphins (some from our balcony!), swam and went down the water slide. On the walk back to our room, we took more pictures of sunsets (bored, yet?!) and the transportation around the hotel...
These are my best whale pictures (ie. not just the splash!) :)
Three moms and three babies - so cute!
A shuttle boat!
Look at the size of this flower! 
There is too much to comment on! But we did enjoy looking at all the pictures. And you have our sympathy, because you can't use all the $10 coupons. Wish we were there to help!
ReplyDeleteNot to worry! We found ice cream so our coupons will be used!
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