Slickrock and Shadow

Mangrove Jungle at Low Tide:  a transient photo opportunity This post we're leaving the beautiful beaches and diving headlong into the jungles of Vava'u.  Plenty of photo opportunities with natural and cultural charm await the jungle trekker. Hunga is a dirt-poor island with very nice residents who wave, smile, come out and talk and make a wonderful friendly impression.  We stayed in the inner bay of Hunga one rainy night  At low tide, the mangrove jungle becomes walkable.  I sauntered in and around many jungle plants looking for the right composition.  Here are two of my favorites. Mangrove branches reach out like a parasite! Inland on Hunga we had a wonderful time with the people but I also enjoyed photographing all the pigs here.  They wander openly around.  Most pigs on other islands are wary of people but the Hunga pigs seem to not fear or flee. Pigs of Hunga, Tonga Kenutu is a fantastic anchorage with a legitimate jungle t...

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. 

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...