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| Waipio Valley - View from the Overlook |
Waipio Valley
Our first stop was at the Waipio Valley Overlook. My husband and I had visited this area last year and it was one of our favorite views. It was definitely on our "must go back and take our son to see this" list!
The Waipio Valley is located on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. One one side you will see cliffs reaching heights of nearly 2000 feet and you will see the beautiful ocean on the other side. You will see waterfalls and black sand beach. This area is often called the Valley of the Kings because it was the home to many Hawaiian rulers including Kamehameha the Great. It is both a sacred and mystical place and you will definitely feel that as you approach the overlook.
There is something very special about this area and visitors are asked to be respectful of the sacredness. There are many things that you can view from the overlook....waterfalls, black sand...cliffs...the beautiful blue waters and the waves crashing onshore. That is all very easily viewed from the viewing area. If you want to delve deeper into the valley and take some hikes, you can certainly make the hike on your own. There are also shuttles/vans that can take you into the valley and you can also take a tour on horseback.
Here are some observations and tips from our visit:
1. The day that we visited was a Saturday. The previous year we visited on a weekday later in the afternoon and the place was almost empty. This year being that it was 9:00 AM on a Saturday morning, the place was packed. There is a small parking area near the top of the overlook. This parking lot was completely full and the overflow parking was just along the roadway. We ended up parking a little ways from the overlook and made the short walk to the overlook. Tip: If you can time your visit to the Waipio Valley on a weekday, you may have a less crowded experience.
2. There is a short walk from the parking area down to the overlook itself. The walk is on a decent slope. There is a paved ramp with handrails that takes you down to the overlook. Just be aware that this is also the only way up. It is not a difficult walk but could be a bit of an issue for someone who may be physically challenged.
3. Take your time. There were many people around the day that we were there. Be patient. Everyone wants to get that perfect photo because believe me this is a beautiful place! Don't be intimidated by the crowds, just wait till things clear out a bit (people typically only stay for about 10-15 min) and then take your best shot!
If you would like more info and photos please refer to our stop here last year. My 2014 blog on the Waipio Valley can be found at http://travelswithmel.blogspot.com/2014/04/journey-to-hawaiithe-big-islandday-7.html
Onomea Bay Scenic Drive
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| Onomea Bay |
As you continue on around the Northern Shore of the Big Island heading the East and the city of Hilo, you will go past an area marked by a short 4 mile scenic drive. This is a MUST DO when you are visiting the Big Island. Even if you have a short time to spend you must do this. Along this short drive you will see waterfalls, one lane bridges, lush tropical foliage, a beautiful botanical garden and Onomea Bay. You will see signs for the scenic drive off of Route 19 and the roadway will take you
right back to Route 19 to continue on your way once you are done exploring.
Here is a very detailed website that will describe exactly what you will see along your way.
The highlight of this drive for us is the view of Onomea Bay itself. It is a beautiful bay with wonderful scenery. It has not been crowded either of the times that we were there (again this particular trip was on a Saturday morning). Even if you just stop to snap a picture you won't be sorry that you took time out for this stop!
We did not revisit the Botanical Garden this year but it is another place that I highly recommend (and details can be found in my previous blog listed above). There is a fee for the Botanical Garden but you can take your time and walk around and take in the beautiful tropical flowers and waterfalls. Akaka Falls State Park
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| Akaka Falls |
Our next stop along our drive was at Akaka Falls State Park. This was another place that we revisited during our stay in 2015. There is a small fee to park in the parking lot by the falls. Many people don't wish to pay the fee so they park on the street and walk in. The walk is not far provided the park is not crowded. This was another place that was practically empty when we visited on a weekday in 2014 and was totally packed on a Saturday morning on this stay. We had to drive around the area several times to find a parking spot in the parking lot. We would have parked on the roadway however it was packed also and the walk was a bit long to get to the park that day.
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| Kahuna Falls |
When you get into the park there is a pathway that is paved and easy to maneuver. If you go to your left, you will go directly to Akaka Falls. If you go to the right you can take a circle path past Kahuna Falls and then on to Akaka Falls. Now here is where I did not listen to my own advice! If you read my past blog (referenced above) you will see that there is really not much to see if you take the right pathway. Kahuna Falls while very high is very difficult to see and when you walk all the way to the end of the path you will very likely say, "That's it???" There is also quite a slope on the pathway as you walk back toward Akaka Falls so it's just something to be aware of if you decide to take the longer path. There is also nothing of particular interest along the way between the two falls. You are definitely in the lush area of the island so everything is green and there are some flowering trees but honestly if you missed this portion you would not be missing a whole lot.
Akaka Falls is definitely the highlight of the park. It is very accessible and definitely a must see if you are in the area. The falls are 422 feet high and you can see the entire falls including the pool below. This is another area that gets a bit crowded so take your time. Be patient and you will get that perfect shot.
I would estimate the time here is anywhere from 1-2 hours (depending on whether you take the circle pathway or just see Akaka Falls).
Rainbow Falls - Hilo
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| Rainbow Falls - Hilo |
I have to say that this is one of my favorite stops on the Big Island. The waterfall is so accessible. Parking is easy and plentiful and the walk to the falls is literally a few feet from the parking area. You may read many different reviews of this with differing opinions on whether or not it is a worthwhile stop because it isn't a particularly large waterfall. This is a relatively quick stop 10-15 min and you will be able to both photograph and enjoy the falls.
Back to the Kona Side
After spending the morning and early afternoon sightseeing on the Northshore and East Coast of the Big Island it was time to head back across to the Kona side. The high wind warning was still in effect, thunderstorms were due to roll in any time and it was Valentine's Day so we decided to stop for dinner on our way back to the resort since most of the resort and other area restaurants were booked for the evening. We were early so we decided to eat at Romano's Macaroni Grill at the Queen's Marketplace near the resort. Our meal was average. Server took a long time to wait on us and got a little waylaid but again with the holiday we were just happy to find a place to eat.
After dinner the sky let loose and the winds and rains really came onshore. Luckily we didn't have any plans for the evening! It was an early evening which was good so we could "prepare" for our last day on the Big Island the next day!
Coming Next:
Journey to Hawaii 2015 - Day 8: Spas and Cabanas - Relaxing on the Big Island
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