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.

Aloha to the Waimea Valley

Last week we visited Waimea Valley.  From its website (at this link),

Waimea Valley illuminates the rich traditions of a living Native Hawaiian culture in an unparalleled natural setting. 

The Valley has rich pre-contact history and remains significant to the Hawaiian people. For more than 700 years, Waimea was marked as a sacred place because of its priestly associations. 

Often called “the Valley of the Priests,” Waimea gained this title when the ruler of O‘ahu awarded the land to the kāhuna nui in 1090.    Waimea Valley’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate the human, cultural and natural resources of Waimea for generations through education and stewardship. 

  
Above is the heiau (temple) to Lono, the god of fertility, agriculture, rainfall, and music.

These flowers look like bumlebees!

The anthurium is always beautiful!

The highlight of the valley is the Waimea Falls ..... 

.. giving kids hours of entertainment!

  

We enjoyed watching Tutu making kapa (fabric) from tree bark ....

... and Tutu teaching games to my children.  Tutu is a term of endearment for wise women!   The water was cold at the Waimea Falls - would you have jumped in the pool?   Made tapa?  Played games?  Or ordered shave ice?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, January 5, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 6 on SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

David and Andrew enjoy shave ice!