Aloha to Kaua'i - Lydgate Beach Park and Wailua Heritage Trail

The Wailua River flows to the Pacific Ocean, creating a natural playground that was claimed as a sacred site for the Ancient Hawiians.  Today, Lydgate Beach Park provides recreational facilities while caring for the heiau ruins.  

The surf keeps rolling in ... 

  

... to the golden sands of Kaua'i.

  

From the Wailua Heritage Trail (at this link),

On the southern banks near the Wailua river mouth is Hauola —a place long associated with the traditional practices of health and healing. The adjacent Hikinaakala Heiau served as a place to worship the akala (sun). 

It is said that the entirety of Wailuanuiaho`ano was a pu`uhonua or sanctuary of peace and safety.

The trail follows the river up country ... 

.... to land that Hawaiians revered.

Above are the 'Opaeka 'a Falls.  From the Wailua Heritage Trail at this link,

`Opaekala`ole are native fresh water shrimp that were once plentiful in the mountain streams throughout Kaua`i.  Kamokila and Kawelowai were giant mo`o or lizard `aumakua—spirit guardians that watched over the fresh water and land resources of Wailua.

What animal would you like as your 'aumakua (spirit guardian)?  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers.   Comments are open through Saturday, Junly 7, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winners on Sunday, July 8.

Mahalo,


Kim in Hawaii

Near the river is Birthing Stones 
where  ali'i (royal) women gave birth.
It doesn't look too comfortable.

Aloha to Mililani, Wahiawa, Birthing Stones, and Dole Plantation

Isabella, a college friend, recently visited Oahu with her family. Isabella lived on Mililani as a teenager and she invited me along for their adventure to Oahu's central flat plain between the two mountain chains

Although she lived in Mililani, she attended
middle school on Wheeler Army Airfield.

Near the school is a memorial
for the fallen.

Wheeler hosts historic aviation units,
dating back to December 7, 1941.

  

Always a good day in Hawaii!

We visited kama'aina (locals)
who has cultivated their garden!

They gave us fruit to leave at the
nearby Kukaniloka Birth Stones.

From HawaiiWeb (at this link),

Kukaniloko; "To Anchor the Cry from Within". This 5-acre historical site located in Central O'ahu is one of the most important sites in Hawai'i. Known as the Royal Birthing Stones, this location is where royal women were brought to give birth. Established in the 12th Century by an O'ahu chief for the birth of his son, Kapawa.

The lei are beautiful.

The central plain is conducive
to growing pineapple ...

   

... and the Dole Plantation
had plenty of pineapples!

Immigrants came from
all directions to work in
the pineapple fields.

  

I did not realize pineapple came in red!

Dole grows skinny pineapples ...

... and fat ones, too!

Here comes the Pineapple Express ... 

... with eager tourists!

Do you like tropical fruit?  If yes, what kind?  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 16, 10  pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 17.


Mahalo,


Kim in Hawaii

The plantation also grows chocolate!