SEPT. 29, 2011 - WAIMEA VALLEY

After our visit to the birthing stones we made our way to North Shore of Oahu to Waimea Valley.   Waimea is a 150-acre Arboretum and Botanical Garden that contains more than 5,000 documented species of tropical plants including native and endangered Hawaiian plants.  The valley, being an important place in Hawaiian religion, includes several historical structures including stone terraces and walls constructed during the time of the Hawaiian monarchy.  Also located in Waimea Valley is Waihi Falls.

Entrance to Waimae Valley

Pink plumeria

Lily pads

Pohutukawa Tree flower

Cannon Ball Tree Flower

I found a small anole.

This is a very large vine.  It has this beautiful flower on it which is below this pic. 

Kapu - buriel ground

Ka Papa 'Oihana (School of Traditional Knowledge)

Shrimp Plant

Ginger and heliconia: There are many different types of ginger and heliconia and here are some pics of them.

Beehive ginger

Torch Ginger

Different colors of hibiscus

Noni tree

Travellers tree or palm

Kapok Tree also known as java cotton

Waihi Falls

The water fall is usally bigger than this but we haven't had much rain and so the flow was a little low.  Here's a picture of what is usually looks like after we have had a lot of rain.

You can go swimming at the falls but some people don't recommend it because water carries bacteria (especially if you have open cuts) and can cause Leptospirosis.   

We visited with one of voluteers who is actually a teacher.  She shared with us some the items used in Hula and she played the ukele and sang us an Hawaiian song about Waimea Valley.  It was so neat to hear about the culture and hear her sing. 

local wildlife

These are all pics of the Hale o Lono, which is a sacred site dedicated to Lono who is one of the four principal gods of anicent Hawaii.  He ruled agriculture and harvest, weather, sports and medicine.  This one dates back to 1470 AD and was recently restored.