Day 3It was a little gray upon waking and we decided to take a drive to Waimea and Waipi'o valley overlook. So after frosted flakes (we have about 10 lbs. from Costco) we headed out thru the lava desert scrub of Kohala to the uplands of Waimea. As soon as we got near Waimea, the climate changed, the grass greened up and it got cooler (2500' elevation.) Obviously it rains here a lot more often. The Big Island has 11 of the world's 13 climate zones.
Waimea didn't thrill us, after all it has 3 stop lights and it is way too big for our tastes. It's home of the Parker Ranch, the largest cattle ranch in the USA. Hard to believe. Drove to Waipi'o and parked and walked down the very steep path to the overlook. The view is spectacular, with the ocean, a black sand beach, the ridiculously steep valley sides and the lush green flatlands. You need a 4WD vehicle to descend to the valley, since one section has a 25 degree grade. We thought about a $55pp drive down to the valley and one hour open cart ride but Dave vetoed it. Later in the evening, Jonathan offered to lend us his 4WD for the trip next time we come. |
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Backtracked into Honoka'a where the girls looked around some shops while Dave sat on a big curb.
Then onward towards Hilo. It got more and more rainforest-y and even rained a little. |
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Found a cheesy little State recreation area about 5000 square feet, but it had a bathroom, covered picnic tables, and a view of the jungle, so it hit the spot. Picnic lunch and then onward.
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Followed The Big Island Revealed somewhat and took a diversion down the old highway. Dave and Kristen went in and got a smoothie at a country store and chatted with the woman. Some eccentric characters entered the place. Like from the 60's. The woman told Kristen she'd better give me a sip - "You know how many sips of stuff your Dad has given you?"
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Akaka Falls
Back down the narrow winding old highway, past waterfalls, etc. Then rejoined the new highway near Hilo and turned back toward home. Stopped at Akaka Falls, upland from the ocean with sweeping view of the Pacific on the way up and back. The falls are around 400' high I think and pretty cool.
Back home thru Honoka'a where the girls got some bead stuff at an old bead store where the woman knew she had stuff somewhere in here but couldn't quite find it. The did get some nuts that had been drilled for beading for Christie.Back down the mountain and we were in dire need of the pool so took a dip in our enclave. Jonathan and Natasha stopped by again with a gift of Macadamia popcorn for Kristen.Bad premade MaiTais from a bottle, then Dave grilled some NY strips on the outdoor grill which we had with pasta salad and salad for a really nice meal on the lanai. A helluva lot cheaper then Tommy Bahama's too!
In bed around 9:30 and snoring 3 minutes later.
Back home thru Honoka'a where the girls got some bead stuff at an old bead store where the woman knew she had stuff somewhere in here but couldn't quite find it. The did get some nuts that had been drilled for beading for Christie.Back down the mountain and we were in dire need of the pool so took a dip in our enclave. Jonathan and Natasha stopped by again with a gift of Macadamia popcorn for Kristen.Bad premade MaiTais from a bottle, then Dave grilled some NY strips on the outdoor grill which we had with pasta salad and salad for a really nice meal on the lanai. A helluva lot cheaper then Tommy Bahama's too!
In bed around 9:30 and snoring 3 minutes later.
