HI: macadamia nuts, Waipi'o Valley, Akaka Falls

Monday, after Hapuna beach, we stopped at Hamakua Nut factory for samples and family gifts. 

We drove to 12:00 on the island clock.  I was content to visit the Waipi'o Valley overlook, but R faced the challenge of descending the crazy steep long road using the Jeep's 4WD.  I hiked down, but then caught a ride back up with him (it was hot, and long and steep!).  I was grateful that the rain temporarily stopped while he was driving, so that the road wasn't slick.  the Jeep's air conditioning was nice.  it was also nice to exit the jeep and feel warm ambient temperature.  we even loved that after getting out of the water at the beach, we didn't have to dive into a towel for warmth, but could feel warm while air drying.

This is a once-thriving farm community. i thought that i remember reading there were a lot of taro farms until a tsunami came and now only a few remain.  valley is known as the Valley of the Kings.   measures a mile wide at the coast (black sand), and almost 6 miles deep, sheltered by cliffs reaching almost 2,000 feet.

it's hard to see, but here is a car that crashed down the cliff years ago.

 

the signage warnings scared me. R in the Jeep going along the muddy road at the bottom.

Malasadas are sweet treats. hole-less donuts coated in sugar with optional filling.

spotted a wild turkey? with her babies.

 lots of folks had the same rental Jeep.

drove to 2:00 on the island clock.  beautiful banyan trees.  it was just a short loop walk to see Akaka Falls. lush with tropical foliage and birds singing.  lots of smiles despite so much rain!

I loved the green everywhere.  like my mother taught me to notice. we finished out the day by driving to 3:00 on the island clock to Hilo and eating the last malasada.