Kaua'i - Hawaii - page 935

Hanalei Valley
A mist hovers above this jade valley, dense with deep kalo loi (taro fields), where fertile
ground has been the lifeblood of taro for centuries. Exploring Hanalei's interior is to ex-
perience native Hawaiian wildlife, gushing waterfalls, stubborn mountains and afternoon
rainbows.
The 1912 landmark Hanalei Bridge MAP GOOGLE MAP is the first of seven bridges
to cross the Hanalei River and lead you to the famed 'end of the road.' The bridge forces
you to stop and appreciate the sleepiness of the North Shore. Thanks to this landmark,
big trucks, buses and road-ragers can't rampage through this serene little entrance to
Hanalei.
From here, an undulating, winding strip of asphalt is canopied by mammoth trees with
glimpses here and there of ocean, valley and river. The special Hanalei Valley Scenic
Drive swerves north on 'the road' to its beautiful end in Haʻena. Princeville offers some
of the first famous North Shore views from its Hanalei Valley Lookout MAP
GOOGLE MAP . To get here, turn left onto Ohiki Rd immediately after the Hanalei
Bridge. Coming from Princeville you can also glimpse miraculous valley views from the
Okolehao Trail , a rather steep yet rewarding climb. Just take the left at the bridge instead
of the right (which leads into Hanalei town) and head north along Rice Mill Rd for about
half a mile. Follow the green river into the Hanalei Wildlife Refuge and a parking lot
across from the start of the trail.
The Okolehao Trail offers panoramic views of Hanalei taro plots, the Kilauea Light-
house (on clear days) and the start of the Na Pali Coast. Rumored to be named for
'moonshine,' it refers to the distilled liquor made from the roots of ti plants during Pro-
hibition. The first half-mile is a quad burner which means a fairly quiet hike (except for
your heavy breathing). The visual spoils are worth the pain. After the initial vista at the
power-line tower, the 2.25-mile trail continues gradually upward, offering numerous
photo opportunities and ends 1250ft above the slow shuffle of Hanalei. Bring plenty of
water. Most experience the valley by paddle, on the river itself, via kayak or SUP.
You will also get to explore the Hanalei Wildlife Refuge if you join the wonderful
Hoʻopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill Tour ( Click here ) .
HOMAGE TO KALO
According to Hawaiian cosmology,Papa(earth mother) andWakea(sky father,
who also gave birth to the Hawaiian Islands) gave birth toHaloa,a stillborn and