On January 13th, this year, several public and private groups banded together to purchase Waimea Valley Park from a private developer, protecting this valuable heritage property for ourselves and future generations. The acquisition of the 1,875-acre North Shore property, home to a world class botanical garden and a popular waterfall and pool, was made possible by a partnership of donors, consisting of the City & County of Honolulu, US Army, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, State Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the National Audubon Society. Under the terms of the agreement, OHA will assume ownership of the land and will manage it in partnership with the Audubon Society. The park will henceforth be known as Waimea Valley Audubon Center.

Many residents and tourists are familiar with the beautiful front 300 acres of the park, where the garden and waterfall are located. But the land included in the ahupua'a of Waimea consists of more than 1,500 additional acres of "back country," that regular visitors to the park never see.

Every other month the Center tries to sponsor a guided 5-hour hike into this tropical wilderness, and I went along on the February trip, led by Kelly Perry, who is in charge of volunteer activities.

Hikers sign up with leader, Kelly Perry, center

At the visitor entrance, rather than enter the botanical park, Kelly led our group to an unmarked trail at the back of a maintenance area, which is not open to the general public.

We were soon hiking single file along a narrow path, which had once been a coral-surfaced road.

We crossed the first of several stone fords, where the old road reappeared, before being swallowed again by the vegetation.

We passed an old Shinto shrine, built by Japanese farmers who lived in the valley and formerly grew pineapple on the plateau above.

We then began to climb the south ridge of the valley, the trail switching back steadily uphill. At one point we had to scramble over fallen boulders blocking the path [This part of the trail is now by-passed]

As the trail rose, we had a view down to the lower valley, near the park entrance

When we reached the ridge line, the path broke out in the open, where we had a fine view of the Waianae Mountains. This broad plateau is the location where the pineapple growing mentioned earlier took place.

A short walk along the ridge led us to a large rock marker, with another great view, this time from the North Shore to Kaena Point

We then turned mauka and began a long walk along the ridge line, toward a copse of ironwood trees

Walking mauka through waist-high grass

Umbrellas provide shade from the sun

Up a grassy slope

At the end of the ridge, a short walk on a gravel road led to a path back down into the back valley

One of 15 stream crossings on the hike. Some hikers left their shoes on...

... others preferred to remove them

We then walked back down the valley, toward our starting point, but on the opposite side of Elehaha Stream.

Strange plant growth on a tree resembles a monster's footprints

We came upon an abandoned refreshment stand, a relic of the days when the valley hosted a short-lived "adventure park."

Shave ice, anyone?

Time out to play Tarzan!

Hiker pauses to admire a large, mossy rock

Balancing on rocks to keep feet dry

Thin trunks and large leaves, macaranga trees are native to the Philippines

Passing a stand of coffee trees near the end of the hike

Because of irregular scheduling of this hike, it is best to watch the "Activities" section of the daily newspapers and Midweek. Or, you can become a member of the Center (Individual:$25, Family $50), which allows unlimited entry to the valley for one year, plus reductions on special events. You will also receive notification of Center activities, such as this hike. To join, or for further information, call, 638-9199.

NEXT MONTH: KUAOKALA TRAIL