Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
bend, wher the real star of the park is revealed: towering Akaka Falls. The slender cascade
plummets 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge with walls wrapped in lush greenery. Spec-
tacular Akaka Falls is perhaps the Big Island's most famous waterfall. Easily accessible,
this hike takes less than an hour.
4.
Laupahoehoe Beach Park
Located on a small peninsula, this grassy park is shaded by spreading ironwood trees and
tall coconut palms—an ideal setting for a relaxing picnic. The park takes its name from
pahoehoe, the smooth, ropey type of lava found here. Inky black, the lava contrasts vividly
with the frothy, white-tipped waves that pound against the shore.
5.
Kalopa State Recreation Area
A few miles past Paauilo, an old plantation town dating back to Hawaii's sugarcane era, a
turnoff leads to Kalopa State Recreation Area. Nestled on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea,
this lush 615-acre forest reserve is laced with several well-marked hiking trails.
AfavoriteistheKalopaNatureTrail,aone-hourloopthroughtheheartofarainforest.
The trailhead is located just off the parking lot, where the park office has information, in-
cluding a trail guide. The forest has an upper canopy of large, old-growth 'ohi'a trees and
a lush understory of predominantly smaller native forest trees, shrubs, and ferns. About 25
different native species of trees, shrubs, and vines can be viewed along this easy trail.
6.
Waipo Valley Lookout
To visit Waipo Valley is to get a glimpse of the Garden of Eden. One mile wide and six
mileslong,thissingularlybeautifulspotwassofavoredbyHawaiianroyaltythatitisnick-
named the Valley of the Kings. Its splendor is indeed regal: Perpetually green, thanks to
numerous streams, waterfalls, and ancient fish ponds, the enchanted rain forest here is so
productive that in times of famine its prodigious produce—bananas, guavas, noni apples,
and a host of other fruits—sustained the island's entire population in ancient times.
The road down into the valley is steep; motorists without four-wheel drive should take
atourinstead.ShuttlesdeparthourlyfromtheWaipoValleyLookoutattheendofRte.240,
but advance reservations are advised.
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