WEST (Day 7)
We did a bit of shopping in the charming stores in Koloa.
A lovely boardwalk ... with "Moki Aloha," a life-sized carving made by Reems Mitchell in 1963
Works in progress at the Soap & Candle Shop ... and an appropriate island t-shirt!
We made our way west, stopping at the Kauai Coffee Company to enjoy some free samples.
Some old equipment ... What to try next? Decisions, decisions!
The swinging bridge in Hanapepe was originally built in the early 1900’s as way to cross the river. We couldn't resist trying it out!
We viewed where the Waimea River emptied into the sea, not too far from where Captain Cook landed in 1778. Starting in the Alaka'i Swamp, the river flows south for 12 miles, passing through Waimea Canyon.
We followed Route 550 north as it ascended over 2,000 feet. It offered many great overlooks into Waimea Canyon until it ended at Kalalau Valley.
The 14-mile long road (click for a larger view)
The Waimea Canyon Lookout:
Looking north at Kumuwela Ridge and Po'omau Canyon... and a distant Waipo'o Falls
Looking east at Mt. Kahililoa ... and Koai'e Canyon and Kawai Iki Valley
Looking east at Mt. Kahililoa and Koai'e Canyon
At Pu'u Ka Pele Lookout:
A better view of Waipo'o Falls
Next stop, Pu'u Hinahina Lookout:
It's a good 3,000 feet down!
Curious mountain goats
The Kalalau Lookout looked down the Kalalau Valley at the Na Pali coast.
While there were no Nene (or Hawaiian Goose) about ... we did see more of these!
And finally the end of the road, the Pu'u o Kila Lookout:
Another angle of the Kalalau Valley
Overlooking Alaka'i Swamp, a wilderness preserve on a plateau near Mount Wai'ale'ale. It's actually more of an alpine bog than a true swamp.
We turned around and drove back. South of the canyon were some lovely hills of island's famous "red dirt".
It is even possible to buy shirts stained with the dirt!
Back in Waimea, we enjoyed another sampling of shave ice.
Salt Pond Beach was a traditional salt collecting ponds.
Laugh not, for many people die every year from this!
Back at Hanapepe Bay was Glass Beach. It is the result of thousands of broken bottles and auto glass being dumped by companies in the nearby industrial area. It takes the ocean about 10 to 30 years to smooth each piece of trash... into a treasure.
We had some time before our evening flights, so we did some shopping at the Hawaiian Trading Post in Lawai. Along with many lovely items, it also had silly ways for us to entertain ourselves.
But eventually the vacation was over and we made our way to the airport.
