Last night we did laundry, ate pizza and pre-packed most of everything before a more normal bedtime. This morning we finished packing and hit the road at 8 am to Waimea to have breakfast at the Hawaiian Style Café. This time we decided to split the meal, which was still a lot with the Bacon Omelet that came with pancakes and hash browns. We are definitely splitting more meals on this trip.
From our breakfast stop we topped off the gas and headed east for our trip to Waipio Valley and hike to the black beach. All prepared with water, snacks and walking shoes this time!
All along the east shore there are many valleys that flow down to a beach. Many with a river or good sized stream. At the top there is a parking area w/ restrooms and scenic view of the valley and beach. We parked along the road about 1/4 mile from the overview. The start is a little over a mile from the beach for a hike down. Over half of the road down is 25% grade so only 4x4 hence our walking.
Like so many adventures so far, lots to see along the hike. The beach has a river where wild horses are many times found and we were lucky to come across a dozen. On the way down we came across a lone truck with a sign, one-way taxi to the top for $20. Then a fairly muddy trek along the beach road to the beach with large pine trees all over. Janie watched as I navigated the rock bottom to the other side of the river. Halfway across the first time Jeff was caught by a wave coming in that rocked his balance a couple times. He made it to the other side. The black sand at this beach is very unique. Fine, yet portions of the beach have rocks. At the river the rocks are all typically river rock smooth and rounded. Big waves coming in up and down the coast really show the long time it takes mother nature to do her art work. Getting back across should have been easy, but balance seemed to problematic for Jeff several times.
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| View from the Scenic Overlook - 1.5 miles to the beach |
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| Unique tree |
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| wind flowing through tree tops! |
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| River flows into the ocean and surf push back up stream |
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| Jeff can make it - watch out for surf |
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| Colorado or Hawaii? |
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| Lots of wild horses - a little mangy |
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| Just one of all the stunning views |
We took in all the views then set off for the hike back up. As we passed the one-way taxi, Janie was all in to make it to the top. After 100 yards Jeff talked Janie into the $20 ride up the hill. Jeff headed up with a steady crisscrossing pattern to the top. About half-way Janie passed by in the Taxi with a stop to get the car keys and encouragement.
A Challenge and motivation to get into and stay in shape. The crisscrossing like on a ski slope was huge in working all the leg muscles versus just a few. To say sweaty shirt at the end was an understatement.
From the valley we continued south down the east side of the island with a Dew stop for you know who. A couple of scenic stops along the way to take in the valleys and wide open ocean views.
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| Taken from a bridge over the valley |
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| Valley opposite beach - lots of these valleys on east coast |
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Looking the length of bridge
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Towards the end of the trip to Hilo we came across Akaka Falls. After paying a parking fee we had a short hike through the rain forest with massive bamboo and Banyan Trees to the first falls. Then another short hike up and the Akaka Falls (400 ft.) drop from top to bottom. Very impressive to see. It would have been cool to be at the bottom, but no way to get to that area.
After Akaka Falls, we stopped at Jacki Rays for an early happy hour dinner. Unfortunately a little early as Jacki Ray's opens at 4 p.m. Next door the Velvet Lounge was open. J
Jeff got a beer and shot of Jameson while Janie shopped for post cards. A little after four we went to Jacki Ray's, which did have some of the best food of the trip. Janie's favorite was the Clam Chowder. Two cups good.
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| Chowder so good second bowl ordered |
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| Mai Tai - One of many on this trip for Janie |
After a relaxing dinner we started the 1.5 hour drive back to resort and relax before crashing early. The hike and driving all day was a lot, but worth every second.
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| Tram that ran between buildings. You catch at the lobby, shops, and conference hall. |
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| We stayed in the Palace Tower on north end. |
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