Steve & I visited Waipi'o Valley the last time we were on the Big Island -- almost 6 1/2 years ago, and it was definitely on our "must see again" list. Today we made it, with the Klidas accompanying us. (And thanks to Joe for the great family picture, above.)
The valley is at the bottom of a 900-foot descent down a 4WD road that's at a 25 percent grade. Steep doesn't begin to describe it. Then, once you're at the bottom, you need to navigate ruts and rocks for another quarter mile or so. From the top of the road, the valley is beautiful. From the bottom, it's spectacular. (Now, there are a few residents in the valley. Steve equated it to Ward. Those of you in Colorado will know exactly what we mean!)
In order to get to the cool part of the black sand beach, we needed to cross a stream that, the last time we were here, was about a foot across. Today it was much wider and much stronger. Thank goodness Joe & Erin were with us, because I am pretty sure I would be floating in the ocean with M or D about now, hoping for the Coast Guard to send a rescue boat soon!We spent an hour or so enjoying the beach and watching the boys play in the surf. Too soon, it was time to wade back across the stream and head up from the valley. What an awesome place to be.
After leaving the valley, we decided it was time for a different kind of beach--Mauna Kea (or Kauna'oa). This beach is hidden at a closed resort (complete with dead grass golf course) in the Kohala Coast resort area. There are only 30 spaces allocated in the parking lot for beachbound cars, so you know you will not have a lot of company here. With the same type of white sand as Hapuna, but a ton less people, this beach gets my vote for my favorite white sand beach. I think Joe has some pictures of this beach on his blog (or maybe in his photo album - look around). My camera battery was dying at this point, so I didn't take any here.
No comments:
Post a Comment