Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley on the North Shore of Oahu, is known through ancient Hawaiian culture as the "Valley of the Priests." This valley, was set aside as early as 1092 AD, for the Kahuna Nui (High Priests), because of its' lush environment, free flowing streams and waterfalls and it's location geographically.The valley holds significance in Hawaiian religion and pays homage through its' religious sites to the four main gods, Kāne,Kū,Kanaloa and Lono. Throughout the centuries, this valley has continued to be held sacred in Hawaiian culture and the history is evident through the historical landmarks and religious sites heiau (places of worship)dispersed throughout. Visitors and locals such as ourselves, enjoy visiting and exploring the botanical gardens, historical and religious sites and the beautiful waterfall at the end of the hike!
On our most recent trip to the North Shore of Oahu, the kids and I were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit this beautiful location, nestled behind Waimea Beach and the beautiful bay! Upon entering the Valley, across from the parking lot, was the Hale O Lono (house of Lono). This heiau, or place of worship, was built for the god Lono and was thought to be built dating back to 1470 AD! This site was used by the ancient Hawaiians as a place to bring offerings to this god of peace,fertility, agriculture, rainfall and music. The homages were paid during the time of Makahiki or lono, the resting period, and rainy season, ho‘oilo, from November through February. The intricately built place of worship still stands sturdy to this day and the Hawaiians who participate in cultural ceremonies still come here to perform these rituals.
Upon entering the visitor center, we followed the path to the gate leading in and paid our entrance fees. If one lived on Oahu, having a pass would be perfect to visit anytime, however, the one time price was reasonable. The park was open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm although parking was limited, so early arrival was advised. The kids were chomping at the bit, for at the end of the hike through the gardens, was Waimea Waterfall waiting for them! The waterfall was open to visitors for a memorable swimming experience and lifeguards were on duty to ensure visitor safety.
As soon as we began the hike, we walked through a large pavilion with historical photos of Waimea Valley, as well as famous kings and queens who ruled these islands. The kids didn't allow me to stop to look for long, for they had spotted the Endangered Species warning sign, which informed us to be mindful of the ‘alae ‘ula, the Hawaiian Common Moorhen. To our delight, upon seeing the sign, we looked to the left and saw the bird leisurely meandering across the road!
The botanical gardens along the hike encompassed 41 well defined areas, with over 5,000 global varieties of plants, each specifically documented and researched. The kids and I enjoyed wandering through the different paths, smelling the flowers and learning about the types of plants residing there! The kids especially loved Auntie Coco's garden, which had beautiful varieties of flowers, all incorporated and used in the lei making process. The garden was a representation of friendship, love and honor, as is the lei in Hawaiian culture. Friends and visitors were offered a lei as a gift of privilege, a welcome to Hawaii! Bear and Adara were fascinated by the flowers and the bower at the end of the trail, it was almost like a secret hideaway!
After venturing through Auntie Coco's garden, we continued on through the sacred sites and various ancient hales or houses, used for every aspect of daily life in Hawaii. To provide visitors with an idea of the houses in ancient times, these hales had been constructed from natural materials including wood, grass and coconut-fiber cordage. These were especially interesting for the kids and they learned that each house played an important role. there was even a separate house for the women (Wahine) and men (Kane). Once boys were initiated into manhood, they could reside in the house of Kane. Each hale was constructed in the traditional way and we were able to view two workers placing fresh palm fronds on the side of the house as we came to investigate.
We left the houses and continued on the mile and a half hike through the gardens until we crossed the bridge leading to the waterfall! We had come to the anticipated adventure of the day just ahead of us! Before arriving at the waterfall, there was a was an interpretive center, a touch table for the kids and adults alike, of various instruments that were used in ancient and current culture. The kids took turns playing the conch shell and they learned how to make the horn sounds which emulated upon blowing a specific way into the shell!
After viewing the touch table the kids were raring to go swim and so we made our way across the bridge and up the hill to Waimea Falls! A lifeguard station was on our left and we were required to check out life vests before entering the water. It was the perfect day for a scenic swim; the hot sun had beat down on our heads throughout the entire hike, and we were more than ready to bask underneath the falls as the water crashed down over the rocks and onto us visitors below. It was a magical experience and definitely our favorite part of the entire trip! We spent quite some time swimming and exploring around the rocks before heading back. The kids were satiated and tired, but I felt as if I had accomplished an important mission as mom! To provide them with a once in awhile experience and a learning environment of a different culture and flora throughout the world, not to mention a very unique swimming adventure!
The Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens and Arboretum was at the top of our list of places to see that week! I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the island of Oahu, specifically the north shore! This side of the island in it's rural beauty drew visitors from around the world and yet if one has not ventured to this place of cultural enrichment, they have not experienced all that the north shore has to offer! To see the valley, one felt as if they had gone back in time to this beautiful culture of old.
On our most recent trip to the North Shore of Oahu, the kids and I were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit this beautiful location, nestled behind Waimea Beach and the beautiful bay! Upon entering the Valley, across from the parking lot, was the Hale O Lono (house of Lono). This heiau, or place of worship, was built for the god Lono and was thought to be built dating back to 1470 AD! This site was used by the ancient Hawaiians as a place to bring offerings to this god of peace,fertility, agriculture, rainfall and music. The homages were paid during the time of Makahiki or lono, the resting period, and rainy season, ho‘oilo, from November through February. The intricately built place of worship still stands sturdy to this day and the Hawaiians who participate in cultural ceremonies still come here to perform these rituals.
Upon entering the visitor center, we followed the path to the gate leading in and paid our entrance fees. If one lived on Oahu, having a pass would be perfect to visit anytime, however, the one time price was reasonable. The park was open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm although parking was limited, so early arrival was advised. The kids were chomping at the bit, for at the end of the hike through the gardens, was Waimea Waterfall waiting for them! The waterfall was open to visitors for a memorable swimming experience and lifeguards were on duty to ensure visitor safety.
As soon as we began the hike, we walked through a large pavilion with historical photos of Waimea Valley, as well as famous kings and queens who ruled these islands. The kids didn't allow me to stop to look for long, for they had spotted the Endangered Species warning sign, which informed us to be mindful of the ‘alae ‘ula, the Hawaiian Common Moorhen. To our delight, upon seeing the sign, we looked to the left and saw the bird leisurely meandering across the road!
The botanical gardens along the hike encompassed 41 well defined areas, with over 5,000 global varieties of plants, each specifically documented and researched. The kids and I enjoyed wandering through the different paths, smelling the flowers and learning about the types of plants residing there! The kids especially loved Auntie Coco's garden, which had beautiful varieties of flowers, all incorporated and used in the lei making process. The garden was a representation of friendship, love and honor, as is the lei in Hawaiian culture. Friends and visitors were offered a lei as a gift of privilege, a welcome to Hawaii! Bear and Adara were fascinated by the flowers and the bower at the end of the trail, it was almost like a secret hideaway!
After venturing through Auntie Coco's garden, we continued on through the sacred sites and various ancient hales or houses, used for every aspect of daily life in Hawaii. To provide visitors with an idea of the houses in ancient times, these hales had been constructed from natural materials including wood, grass and coconut-fiber cordage. These were especially interesting for the kids and they learned that each house played an important role. there was even a separate house for the women (Wahine) and men (Kane). Once boys were initiated into manhood, they could reside in the house of Kane. Each hale was constructed in the traditional way and we were able to view two workers placing fresh palm fronds on the side of the house as we came to investigate.
We left the houses and continued on the mile and a half hike through the gardens until we crossed the bridge leading to the waterfall! We had come to the anticipated adventure of the day just ahead of us! Before arriving at the waterfall, there was a was an interpretive center, a touch table for the kids and adults alike, of various instruments that were used in ancient and current culture. The kids took turns playing the conch shell and they learned how to make the horn sounds which emulated upon blowing a specific way into the shell!
After viewing the touch table the kids were raring to go swim and so we made our way across the bridge and up the hill to Waimea Falls! A lifeguard station was on our left and we were required to check out life vests before entering the water. It was the perfect day for a scenic swim; the hot sun had beat down on our heads throughout the entire hike, and we were more than ready to bask underneath the falls as the water crashed down over the rocks and onto us visitors below. It was a magical experience and definitely our favorite part of the entire trip! We spent quite some time swimming and exploring around the rocks before heading back. The kids were satiated and tired, but I felt as if I had accomplished an important mission as mom! To provide them with a once in awhile experience and a learning environment of a different culture and flora throughout the world, not to mention a very unique swimming adventure!
The Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens and Arboretum was at the top of our list of places to see that week! I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the island of Oahu, specifically the north shore! This side of the island in it's rural beauty drew visitors from around the world and yet if one has not ventured to this place of cultural enrichment, they have not experienced all that the north shore has to offer! To see the valley, one felt as if they had gone back in time to this beautiful culture of old.
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