Thu, Nov 7: Halawa Valley

This morning we drove the road to Halawa Valley again.  We took a Halawa Valley Falls Cultural Hike.   We walked into the valley to the place where the cultural talk was given.  On the way, our guide, Anakala, blew the conch shell three different times to announce our arrival, each time was answered by another conch shell, signaling our welcome.

The cultural talk and very interesting stories were given by Gregory (on the right).  One person every generation is chosen to learn about the history of the valley and their ancestors (Gregory's family has lived for in the valley for 50 generations), and the traditions and culture of the people.  The valley is the oldest known settlement site in Hawaii, settled as early as 650 AD.

Then we hiked into Halawa Valley

Taro farming:

We are hiking to the left waterfall:

 Old temple remains:

Vertical stone is ancestors watching:

 to the Mooula waterfall, with a lizard on top guarding the waterfall.