Weʻll begin wih Waipi`o. Waipi`o literally means curved. The valley itslef has a 1 mile black sand beach that lines the entire extent of the mouth of the valley.
Itʻs a valley that produces much of our kalo or taro.
The only road into Waipi`o begins at the lookout. It’s a long, narrow and very steep road about 1 mile long. Only vehicles with 4 wheel drive are allowed down into the valley. Downhill traffic must yield to uphill traffic. Many people walk down. There are only dirt roads in the valley, many that are crisscrossed by streams. No public facilities down at the beach, but there are several tours of the valley. According to oral tradition, in ancient times, the entryway to the underworld known
Also oral traditions say that the soil of the upper valley is red because the god Kanaloa threw the demigod Maui (who we learned about earlier this semester) down on the earth so hard that he bled all over the ground. Other legends say that was caused by a cruel chief in ancient times who sacrificed 80 people at a luakini – or human sacrifical heiau - located in Waipi`o.
It is said that close to the beach in Waipi`o is a loko pu`u one or a fishpond that is fed by springs and streams and separated from the ocean by a sand dune. The name of loko pu`u one is Lālākea,, which means white fin. It is also the Hawaiian name for the white fin shark.
It is said that Kamehameha I spent much of his youth in Waipi`o. We learned about him being taken to `Āwini and then later he was taken to Waipi`o for training. Honua`ula – luakini; Moa`ula; Hōkūwelowelo Heiau. Perhaps the most famous is Pāka`alana the pu`uhonua.
Within Hi – highest free fall waterfall in the vertical drop of about 1400 ft. Hi`ilawe means to lift and carry. It does not always flow so freely. It is It flows heaviest after heavy rains
Next to Waipi`o is Waimanu. It was inhabited in ancient Hawai`i. Today, it is an 11 mile z-trail, which means that it zig zags and
Kalōpā is a 100-acre state park. Ranging from 1000 to 2500 ft elevation. Great for hiking. Tent camping is allowed with permit. Cabins are available for rent for a low fee. Native foliage.
Many halau gather here to gather ferns, particularly the palapalai. Permit needed to gather any foliage.
Be respectful when you go there. Be aware of the keiki plants so you don’t step on and damage. MM season, give ho`okupu (offerings), chant for permission to enter. Should not talk, go in pairs, be aware of surroundings. I was taught that women when they have their ma`i, should not go into the forest to gather materials as you were considered unclean.
