There were only 4 of us and a guide on this trip, which was nice. We were also out on the water early, when it was less busy and calmer. Along the way, we saw flowers that bloom for one day and change colour while in bloom, the awapuhi Paul Mitchell uses in his shampoo, and other trees used for various aspects of Hawaiian culture. Most trees were introduced with the Hawaiians or during the late 1700s/early 1800s with the great ocean trade routes between Asia, North America and Europe. So it really is hard to identify "native" Hawaiian plants, and people who arrived about 700 years ago realized they had to bring their own useful trees and animals like wild boars with them to survive.
It rained while we were kayaking, but soon stopped and cleared up for a nice beautiful day. The river was brackish, meaning sea & fresh water, but also dark, not the clear rivers we have here. Saw a tilapia in the river on our way out, but you had to be quick cuz the water is so dark.
The hike was wet & muddy, through forest, but at one time, was taro terraces complete with irrigation from the waterfall. In fact, it was no forest - it was open & sunny. A good place to be with access to the ocean and fresh water both not too far away. Mango, guava and papaya trees all growing wild.
We got to our destination, a waterfall with a small pool at the base of it.
The water was quite dark due to all the vegetation around, but it was a refreshing swim, not a whole lot warmer than our mountain lakes! A quick snack and we headed back down the trail and onto the river.
Our lunch stop was at Duke's Canoe bar where we indulged in another lunch time cocktail. We paid homage to Duke Kahanamoku, the great swimmer of the early 20th century, the grandfather of modern surfing, and councillor for the City of Honolulu. We enjoyed the outrigger canoe, gorgeous wooden surfboards, and photos and displays of his life, even if the restaurant is a chain with outlets in Hawaii and California, and pricier than other meals we had. I just read his Waikiki surfboard weighed 114 lb and was about 12 feet. The ones I was using were about 11 feet, foam core, but still darn heavy, though not that heavy.
Fo' mo info:
As if that weren't enough for one day, we headed to the south side of the island again in search of two recommended snorkel spots - boat ramp and Lawai'i or Beachhouse Restaurant beach. At boat ramp, there was hardly anyone - lack of beach keeps people away. But the fish were crazy - lots, very colorful, and big! I nearly ran into a sea turtle floating along beside Ted. It's like he came to check us out. Again, a special and moving experience with a wonderful prehistoric creature.
We caught "last swim" at Lawai'i Beach. It is enclosed by a reef, with a very minor current so it came highly recommended. Surf was up so viz not quite as good, but once out of the surf it was like being in an aquarium - so many fish - if you were still, you could join the school. We saw some bigger fish , multi colored and bright red. It is really hard to describe them all, there are so many and they are so colorful.
Not bad for a last vacation day!
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