Friday 29-11 - Scenic Points heading North

We continue on our northward journey from Hilo today. It doesn't look the best weather, and it does start to rain. We turn off the main drag onto a scenic drive along the coast. We don't always see the best views due to rain. Then we stop at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. It has been planted along the valley, so to go down we take the golf cart service!! Then we wander though the various groups of tropical plants. Plus a waterfall and lake area. Many plants are in flower from ferns and palms to delicate orchids. We have umbrellas for the occasional shower. It is spectacular how it has been developed.

After a stop for coffee we head for Akara (442 ft) and Kahuna Falls (100 ft). The Kahuna Falls are hidden in foliage, while the Akara Falls are spectacular. This is the reason why it's good to rain.

Lunch is in the quaint town of  Honomu, before heading to the coastal area of Laupahoehoe Point, a rugged and rocky area where the seas are can be very rough. It is remembered as the place where a number of children were killed as a result of the 1946 tsunami. Our next scenic spot is high up as we look over another area devastated by the same tsunami, the Waipi'o Valley. It is now sparsely populated but still farmed in the traditional way by the few who stay in the valley. It is a stunning view, which could only be made better by blue sky.

We then head for our overnight spot, Waimea. A wet but interesting day.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Akara Falls

Honomu

Laupahoehoe Point

Waipi'o Valley

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