Slickrock and Shadow

Near Pahoa, Big Island This just caught my eye while I wandered along the coast near Pahoa, Big Island of Hawaii.  The lava rock is so acutely jagged but somehow produces fertile soil for the jungle to thrive.  This process  happens at a speed we don't normally witness on the Big Island.  I got down low with tripod to include all the elements you see here. 

Hamakua Ditch trail leads to this viewpoint The Hamakua ditch trail is also called the White Road trail.  It begins at the end of White Road on the Big Island of Hawaii.  After you walk around a water tank, you will enter into a lush jungle.  This is a beautiful hike.  It is quite easy.  After about 20 minutes, you come to the edge of an enormous valley.  You are on top looking down into Waipio Valley.  I have seen photos when the waterfalls are pouring off the cliffs.  On my visit, the skies were fairly clear and we did not see any waterfalls.  Nevertheless it is a beautiful view and certainly worth your time. Please visit my  Big Island of Hawaii gallery  to see more photos from this awesome place!

Koiawe Waterfall along the White Road Trail On the Big Island there is a wonderful hike to an overlook into the interior of Waipio Valley.  This hike is definitely worthwhile.  It is easy and provides a spectacular view.  Along this hike, there is a small detour, just north of the stream crossing.  Follow a faint pink trail for about 60 seconds, you come to this hidden waterfall.  Even though it is extremely close, it is well hidden.  Please explore and you will find this lovely gem. Please visit my  Big Island of Hawaii gallery  to see more photos from this awesome place!

Hi'ilawe Waterfall in Waipio Valley as seen from the bottom of the road This describes my hike to the base of Hi'ilawe Waterfall in Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii.  The trail goes up the stream for a little more than a mile before reaching the highest waterfall I've personally ever visited. The Big Island of Hawaii has a reputation for being more rugged, rural and raw.  Every guidebook indicates that the Waipio Valley is the place to go for unsurpassed beauty unspoiled nature. I would like to describe my experience in 2015 to clarify reality.  I hiked to the base of the valley hoping to reach the waterfall itself.  As I wandered along the road going into the valley, several trucks filled with tourists passed me.  Many of these were parked at the stream, the trailhead.  At the trailhead many folks walked upstream, staying in the water all the way. I started walking up the stream with my 2 hiking companions. The scenery was immediately ...

Akaka Falls in the Afternoon Sunshine I can say from experience that hiking in the jungle is difficult, messy, bloody and muddy.  It doesn't have to be this way if you visit Akaka Falls state park.  This compact state park is not very far off the main road.  For a nominal fee you can see the dropdead gorgeous Akaka waterfall.  That view is worth the entire detour.  For some, they see the waterfall and go home.  The waterfall can be reached with minimal effort by climbing down the stairs and taking the left paved trail.  Within 5 minutes, you are rewarded with this lovely view. The trail makes a circuit which I highly recommend.  It is not long nor difficult but he has beautiful views into the jungle.  Here are a few other photos I took on my brief visit.  I found quite a bit variety within the park with views into the deep jungle interior, beautiful jungle trees as well as flowers and other growth. Please visit my  Big Isla...

Green Pastures of the Big Island Beautiful green meadows are about the last thing expected on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Beaches, waterfalls, jungle and even volcanos are more characteristic of this rugged land.  Nevertheless, on my drive back from Pololu Overlook I witnessed some beautiful scenery of a different sort with green rolling hills and occasional solitary trees.  In the distance you can see the ocean far below.  This particular tree maybe stop and pull over:  the verdant and fertile scene along with the solitary tree make a great photo! A wider view of the meadow

Pololu Valley Overlook Sunrise Watching the glowing ball of sunlight rise from the flat ocean is a wonderful experience.  Everyone ought to see an ocean sunrise.  While visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, I used a very helpful tool to figure out whether Pololu Overlook would be a good or bad sunrise location.   SunCalc  is a tool that shows the position of the sun at any time of day on any day of the year.  I checked it out for January in the Big Island and found out the sun would rise just left of the landmass.  Therefore, I felt confident this would be a great sunrise location with the alignment of the Kohala Cliffs and the glowing sun.  Enjoy. Please visit my  Big Island of Hawaii gallery  to see more photos from this awesome place! The Wider View:  Pololu Valley sunrise