’Olu’olu Koke'e
Location: Wiamea Canyon, Waipo’o Falls, Kaua’i, Hawai’i
Created: 03/03/2016; 07:28:23 AM
Camera: Sony DSC-RX100
Lens: 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9
Aperture: f/5.6 ; 1/320 sec.; ISO 200; Hand held, Vertical Stitched 10 shot pano
My parents used to picnic here often. Waimea Canyon is named for its reddish water and abundant rainfall; a few miles from Mount Wai’ale’ale, the wettest spot on Earth. This is one of my beloved places to reconnect. This particular morning, accompanied by my sister, that rare early morning mist was mesmerizing. The fragrant scent of the lush Kaua'i forests filled the air, combined with the calm echo of the canyon, the bird sounds, and the 'mana,' you might say here is nirvana. I've been coming to this spot for over 40 years, and every time I visit, I feel a sense of joy and nostalgia. In the image's midpoint, the two-tier Waipo'o Falls drops 800 feet into the canyon below. At the crest of this waterfall is another amazing gem of a hike, only about 2 miles one way, starting from Halemanu Road at the Koke'e Park entrance. You are rewarded with a breathtaking vista, sheer drops, and 2 verdant ponds. In the image, see if you can glimpse the tiny helicopter over the Valley’s distant last ridge, center right. A few minutes later, this copter approached us, flew merely a few hundred feet below, and disappeared. This location may have been the past homestead site of the Crockett Family. From where I stood, I've been told this was the Crockett's kitchen view, and it even had Jukebox Glass as windows. Their home, unfortunately, was destroyed by fire many years ago. A clearing still exists, and the clover lawn bears many 4-leaf clovers. Several unique orchids, fruit trees, and other plants the Crockett Family propagated also thrive. The site is private but relatively accessible. It is near Halemanu Ridge beyond the Pu'u Ka Pele lookout. It remains unmarked, off Highway 550. This canyon, and its surrounding forests hold a special meaning and are considered sacred; for me, they will forever be treasured.
