Читать книгу Hawaii Trails. Walks Strolls and Treks on the Big Island онлайн

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In ¾ mile you reach the valley floor and turn right, toward the beach. As you approach the coast, you enter a grove of ironwoods and curve left through the grove (which also happens to be the camping area). The grove ends on the banks of the major stream through Waipio Valley, Wailoa Stream, 1½ miles from your start. Most of Waipio’s gray-sand beach is on the other side of Wailoa Stream, so ford the stream as best you can—no bridge, no rocks, no logs. Especially on weekends, you’ll find families frolicking in the stream, so you can watch them to get an idea of where it’s safe to cross. Some innovative people float their picnic gear across the stream on boogie boards. (At its deepest, the water was almost armpit-deep on me.)

Once across Wailoa Stream, you can wander across sand and cobbles as far as the opposite wall of the valley. Waipio’s waters are too rough for swimming, but don’t let that ruin your day. Pick your spot, spread out your towel, get out your picnic lunch, and enjoy the scenery. Much of Waipio Valley is privately owned, so you’re not free to wander through the valley. However, you can ascend the switchbacks on the west wall of the valley partway for some different but equally spectacular views of the valley. (The extra mileage and elevation gain/loss are not included in this trip.) See ssss1 for directions to the switchbacks.