Waipi'o Valley Lookout

For the last scenic delight of our Hawaii trip, we drove out to the Waipi'o Valley Lookout. Its renown needs no explanation.

Eucalyptus Along the Highway

We were surprised to see dense forests of eucalyptus along the Hawaiian highways. However, Google tells us, "At least 5 million eucalyptus robusta trees were planted in Hawaii between 1910 and 1960 in total, for the sake of the forests, but also as a source for sustainable timber, delivering a hardwood that's gorgeous and deep-red." A stretch of highway between Akaka Falls and the Waipo Valley provided a generous pull-over to take some pictures.

We think that the wispy vegetation between the grass and the trees in the bottom picture (across the highway) may be casuarina litorea (also called whistling pine or iron wood).

Views of Akaka Falls

Upon first sight, Akaka Falls seems unimpressive. But upon getting a range of views, walking on the bridge in front of the falls, one sees that it has significant volume as well as height (442 feet). And the hike back to the park entrance is scenic.

Approach to Akaka Falls

On our last day of sightseeing on the Big Island, we drove about 40 miles out to Akaka Falls. It's a popular attraction, and requires about half an hour walk along a jungle-like path to get from the park entrance to the falls. But it's a very scenic walk.

Hawaiian Beaches County Park

Returning north, we took a different, back road that brought us to Hawaiian Beaches County Park. The road had ups-and-downs like a roller coaster, and overhangs of huge branches, but it sufficed. Also a swimming beach at the north end.

Seaside Shrine

 Where the lava highway met the ocean, a colorful shrine or memorial had been established. 

Lava Flow Highway

 After visiting the Lava Tree State Monument, we continued on our way south, toward Pahoa. The area and thickness of the now-cooled lava was truly amazing, and it required a couple of powerful bulldozers to carve a path.

Lava Tree State Monument: Trees

 Here are some of the more striking lava-embalmed trees in the park.