The 1,800 acre "Valley" offers authentic insights into Hawaii's culture, past and present. There were many ecological and historical sites to observe. There is a fully restored heiau (temple) here dedicated to Lono, the deity of agriculture, fertility, peace and music. This Hale O Lono heiau dates back to 1470 AD and is considered very sacred and continues to be a place of worship to this day. We were not allowed to enter this site or take pictures of the site.
It was very peaceful in the "Valley", and we found ourselves, many times, just sitting on a bench taking in all that was ours to absorb and enjoy. There were a variety of indigenous plants and animals - ferns, flowering plants, birds, stream life and of course, the majestic Waihi - known to many as Waimea Falls. The pool under the falls is 30 feet deep and the temperature of the water is about 65 degrees! There were several people brave enough to take the plunge, but we were not in that group!
Once again, it is hard to put in words all that we saw. I will let the pictures do all the talking for us today! The variations of colors and size of some of the plants and flowers is remarkable, and we were amazed. I have elephant ears in my yard at Mag Beach, but the ones here make those look sick! And the Hibiscus are just beyond words......and there were others I can't pronounce, so I am definitely not going to try to spell their names either, just be assured they were just as awesome!
Another beautiful day in Paradise, what more can I say! Enjoy the pictures!
Aloha!
This is an 'Alae' ula - Hawaiian Moorhen which is extremely endangered
They roam freely in the Valley
Scenes in Paradise (Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens)
Taro plant - used to make Poi - A Hawaiian staple
The Banyon tree is enormous and they are found all over the island
Waimea Falls
Hard working Lifeguards - making beautiful music
Speedy at the Falls
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