Thursday, July 18, 2013

Aloha to the Waimea Valley



The Waimea Valley is a gem hidden along the North Shore.   From its website (link),

During the 12th century A.D., a great spiritual leader named Pa‘ao arrived in Hawai‘i He introduced the use of stone terraces and walls for heiau, or temples, and also installed a priesthood that endured for centuries. It is believed that the Hale O Lono Heiau near the entrance to Waimea Valley, along with the two other heiau flanking the cliffs above the valley, bear witness to the religious changes brought by Pa‘ao. In fact, Waimea Valley and the adjacent ridge of Pupukea remained important centers of religion and spirituality until 1819, presided over through the centuries by kāhuna nui who were direct descendants of Pa‘ao.


Above is the women's hut - they slept apart from the men.   Below are the Pohaku 'Aumakua - guardian spirit rocks


He ali'i ka 'aina; he kauwu ke kanaka.
The land is chief; man it its servant.


The walking path offers tranquil streams ...


... beautiful flora ....


... and the famous waterfall.


All swimmers are required to wear lifevests as the natural pool drops off to 30 feet in front of the waterfall.



Even in a swimming pond, Hawaiian lifeguards use surfboards! 


I treated my kids to Shave Ice for the hot day.


Walking back, we spotted the ginger plant in pink! 


Every stone has a purpose.  Above is the Ku'ula, a fishing shrine.  


We couldn't resist the local soda!

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii 

Hale O Lono Heiau - House of Lono Temple. 
Lono is the god of fertility, agriculture, rainfall, and music.




9 comments:

  1. The pictures are fantastic and I can see the kids really enjoyed themselves.

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  2. Love the flowers... :) And the waterfall is terrific!

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  3. Gorgeous pictures. I like the quote about the land is chief; man is it's servant!

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  4. I want a lilikoi shave ice right now.

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  5. I know I don't comment often but do read each post. I just wanted to thank you for sharing the beautiful islands with us. You've made my arm chair travels amazing! :)

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  6. Cool women's hut. I love the waterfall too. What a fun way to spend the day....and topping it off with the shave ice...perfect.

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  7. Love the pictures and a cold pop sounds good right now.

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