Hawaii, Day 2 (Waipio Valley and Macadamia Nuts)

We read so many wonderful things about Waipio Valley and  really wanted to see it first hand.  The only tour we found which seemed kid friendly was a mule-drawn wagon excursion. We booked some seats for later in the afternoon and took a leisurely drive from Waikoloa out to Waimea in the morning where we stopped at a farmer's market.

Every where we went there were beautiful avocados.

Jacob tried to make a break for it and so the sisters ran him down and took him by the hand.  Usually they're like a starburst, all shooting off in different directions so it was nice to have them all going the same way for once!

After lunch and ice cream, we decided to burn a little time and just drive around.  We came across this playground at a park and enjoyed 20 minutes swinging and skipping.

We finally arrived at Waipio Valley.  It was breathtaking!

The drive into the valley is very steep and requires either 4WD or a stronger constitution than we would have hauling 3 kids up and down.  Alden, our guide met us at the top and took us down.  On the way down, they prefer you not seatbelt yourself in, nor close the van doors...something about being able to get out quickly if necessary.

It was a beautiful ride, albeit a little bumpy.



Babies never cease to amaze me.  Jacob refused to take a nap throughout the morning when it was quiet and cool in the van.  When it was hot and bumpy on our way down, he passed out in a matter of minutes!

Alden introduced the girls to macadamia nuts, freshly cracked from the tree.  Anna was convinced she wasn't a fan of macadamia nuts.  That was until she tried them right out of their shells.  They were so good.

While Alden readied everything,

the family ate more nuts.

We finally got started and one of the first adventures was to drive through a stream.  It seemed to be quite popular with the locals as there were several families enjoying the cool waters.

Taro growing in the water.

Still bumpy, still hot, still sleeping.

My only disappointment was that we didn't get to go to the beach.  I was under the impression we would but after a brief tour of the valley road, we headed back to the stables.

Jacob finally woke up and was thrilled to find "horsies" everywhere he looked.

He also discovered a pomelo (a large citrus fruit).

Since there seemed to be a lot of interest in the pomelo from the peanut gallery, Alden offered us a taste.

Anna loved it.  It was very tangy.

A view of the road going back up.  It was quite steep.

After our tour with Alden, who was very knowledgeable about the plants and fruits in the area, I began to look up a little more.  I noticed this flower and fruit walking back into the hotel.  I'm not sure what it is but it's so interesting. The center of the flower reminds me of a piece of okra.

It had been a long day and we finished the evening by grabbing a quick bite at the boat landing just downstairs from our room.  The weather and breeze were SOOOOO pleasant after the heat of the valley.

Alden also gave us orange limes.  Jacob thought they were oranges, which he loves, and held on to them quite tightly.