Are you off doing something thrilling this Memorial Day weekend, or are you relaxing and enjoying the leisurely pace it offers? My family is hither and yon, enjoying various activities, and I am home, holding down the market. I have to say, I really enjoy staying home on long weekends. I love the quieter, slower days, and that feeling that you have the town to yourself.
Today, I feel as though I have scored the ultimate luxury, I have the house to myself to prepare for next week. It’s the lull before the end-of-school & graduation storm that’s on it’s way. In addition to getting a few details taken care of, I have time to write a post that’s long overdue.
Do you want to take in a little adventure? We went on a fun excursion when we were in Hawai’i over spring break. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to experience very “old Hawai’i”, life before paved roads, resorts and condos, I recommend you take an afternoon to visit the Waimanu Valley, truly a step back into pristine island life, or just keep reading this post…
Talk about off the beaten track {this is the view from the trail head/ viewpoint}…
yet, on the beaten road {this is the road that winds down to the valley}.
There are many warnings about driving down this steep, rough road. However, we found the most dramatic warning once we were in the valley.
Thankfully, we were in a jeep which handled the road well. You can also hike down.
While the views are amazing from the top, the scenery gets ever more dramatic as you drop down into the valley. The landscape is lush and green, primarily taro plants.
The valley used to be home to a large community of taro farmers, but a tsunami in 1946 wiped out most of the crop and enticed many of the residents to move to higher grounds.
The highest waterfall in the state slices through the cliffs that surround the valley.
Papaya
and bananas grow wild.
There is also a tree that dons wonderful pink flowers, the color that falls from the blooms looks almost artificial because it is so bright and stunning to see on this canvas.
Providing even more drama and contrast is the black sand beach.
Miles of perfect looking sand and rocks provide a solid contrast for the blue and white waves that crash along this remote coastline.
This gardenia was a GWP {gift with purchase} a sweet shop owner gave me when we bought a piece of jewelry at her shop in the nearby town of Honokaa. She had a giant bowl of them that she had picked from her yard that morning to give to her customers.
There are still a number of families who live in the valley. They share the terrain with bands of feral pigs and herds of wild horses.
From what I saw, these horses are actually quite friendly,
and tame. Especially if you have an apple to offer.
I have to say I was kind of proud to pull into the hotel with our properly accessorized {muddied} jeep that day.
To add a little more authenticity to the outing, be sure to stop at Jolene’s Kau Kau Korner, for some island cuisine in Honokaa on your way to the valley.
Emily, this is the kind of Hawaii I love! This adventure looks incredible – the views, the wild horses, the whole experience! We went several years ago when the kids were little but I definitely want to go when they are teenagers, for more of a nature/adventure type of trip. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your quiet weekend! I agree with you on staying home for long weekends…very restful. We're doing the same!
I am going to try and get caught up. I am SO far behind, as I bit off more than I could chew. SOund familiar? You seem to be a busy person too.
Happy Memorial Day weekend, Emily!
Teresa
xoxo
This takes me back…..my now husband and I traveled to Hawaii on a business trip for him. It was there that he proposed in Maui. On the top of the 7 pools, overlooking the ocean. We were in a jeep and instead of going back the way we came, we drove around a part of the island that was less inhabited….and reminds me so much of your pictures.
I'm so glad that you were able to enjoy this beautiful island. I haven't been back since that special trip, but I think going back for an anniversary and taking our children would be incredible.
Happy rest of your long weekend!
xoxo Elizabeth
Emily some of my favorite memories are From the last vacation with my late husband to Maui. Thank you for the inspiring images!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Aloha Emily,
Thank you for this post and this pictures although I would like to point out that this is NOT the sacred Waimanu Valley on the Big Island. This is Waipio Valley. This is the first valley you can drive down into and Waimanu Valley and the Muliwai Trail is the epic strenuous back packing hike into the next valley about 9+ miles over. My family and friends and I do this hike Bi-Annually and it is very dear to us and I am not one to point out others wrong sayings or doings but this is something that should be corrected. As a resident here my entire life, info like this is truly bad for the public. I am super happy you enjoyed Waipio Valley and if you ever come over with about 5 days to spend in the wilderness and your hiking shoes on, I'd be happy to take you to Waimanu Valley. I have some blogs on Waimanu Valley myself. warm aloha from Hawai'i! 🙂 ~Jene' 🙂
Wow so nice to see this lovely post here…I also want to spend my all holidays in any national park..This post is really much informative..!!