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Lush Rain Forests and roaring waterfalls cascading down the steep valley canyons, as the rugged coastline drops precipitously to the North East Pacific, and facing the prevailing Trade Winds, a breeze cools the brow. Tiny hamlets, like a string of pearls, greet each turn and bend in the drive, stop for a local-style "plate lunch" (with TWO scoops rice!).
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To see the
rest of the Big Island, click on these links
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![[IMAGE: drop cap d]](../../images/letter_d.gif){kind=small}
riving north west on Hwy. #19
just outside of Hilo you will begin to travel
along the Hamakua Coast. Watch for the "4-mile
scenic drive" sign on the right, if you have
the time you will enjoy the drive and you may
wish to stop at the Botanical Gardens on the left
if it's a nice day. Next, heads up for Akaka
Falls, (left turn at sign) no trip is complete
without seeing these beautiful falls, takes about
1 hour (bring mosquito repellent). Further along
Highway 11 you will come to the turnoff, (on the
left) to Kalopa Park, another great spot for
picnicking or just enjoying the cool forest
vegetation and wildlife.
Waipio Valley lookout is our next suggestion.
If you are a hardy, really in shape person you
will enjoy the hike down the trail to the valley
floor. 15 min. down, 45 min. up for the return.
Also Jackie Horn has a special B&B called
Waipio Wayside along the way. Waipio Valley has a
neat beach but a strong south to north rip most
of the time. (Have fun, but be careful if you go
out.) There are two stables in the valley for
horse back riding, very special. Jonathan Smith
takes people down, in his big Ford 4x4, into the
valley and fords the rivers and up Mauna Kea for
an evening in the stars on weekend day trip, real
Indiana Jones excitement. (call Jon, 808-334-1387).Waipio
Valley is your chance to turn back the clock to
Old Hawai'i. 
