I went “up north” to visit this Historical National Park, just north of Kona and slightly west of Costco. My visit to this stunning place served two reasons: for one, well, to actually go after living on this island for 29 years, and two, for a dry run with a small backpack for my upcoming treks in Japan, England and Ireland.
What a knock-out place! I walked miles and miles of trails along the coast, past petroglyphs and ancient fish ponds, under thickets of native woods, through pastures of greenery, and finally across harshly beautiful, shade-less, shoe-eating, foot-tripping a`a flows.
I timed my visit all wrong by starting my hike at exactly noon; I must return when it first opens to catch a softer, gentler light, but I hope these photos give you an idea of its beauty and peacefulness. There were areas filled with tourists (including ones who ignored the numerous signs to leave the sun-basking turtles alone), but away from the sandy beaches I had the trails to myself. What a gorgeous day. I covered almost all of the paths, by my not-quite-Kona-ised skin signaled to me to get out of the sun after 2 1/2 hours, so I still have more trails to explore – hurray!
I hope you enjoy the photos. FYI, it was about 82 degrees, with soft, lovely breezes coming off the ocean, and sweet fragrances wafting through the air . . . true.
Live all you can. It’s a mistake not to.
What a treat! The pics are so lovely… lucky we live Hawai’i…
LikeLike
I know, I know, we are so lucky!! Thanks for reading and commenting – it is very much appreciated.
LikeLike
Wow, Nancy,You certainly got it right about Kaloko Honokahau. I agree completely with your assessment of that very lovely, mixed plate of scenes.So, you’ll be off to Japan and Ireland soon? Good on ya. I admire your instincts and your zest for travel, you independent soul, you.I hope we will have a chance to chat before you take off again. Happy Trails,Dan
LikeLike
Thanks, Dan. Oh yes, definitely, we’ll get together soon. We have some wine to be drunk!
LikeLike
Beautiful photos. I’m enjoying your posts.
LikeLike
Oh, yay – I’m so happy to read that!
LikeLike
Sounds wonderful and so glad you enjoyed! The photos are great. However, not envious of 82 degrees and the hot sun!
LikeLike
Yes, an excellent day. Oh, gosh – 82 and an ocean breeze? Perfection to me. Good thing we all like different places!
LikeLike
Great pictures and super stamina. Have you decided when your next trekking adventures will happen?
LikeLike
So glad you like the photos. As for stamina, I don’t know, but determination and motivation, definitely. Japan trip is in May. I’ll wait to buy tickets to the UK after I return from Japan, assuming my legs weren’t broken by the Kumano Kodo – this is where I will learn about stamina (or my lack thereof).
LikeLike