Hawaii's Big Island

Paradise Without a Passport

By Belinda Clarke

If you're into easy hiking and spectacular views, you can walk three miles round trip into the Pololu Valley on the north end of the island to a 500-foot waterfall. The land is privately owned, but Hawaii Forest and Trail has permission to take small groups on the historic, cliffside trail 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It's a 30-minute drive to the trail entrance (with some off-roading), and the tour guide picks you up at your hotel. Kids ages 8 and older can go, and it's a walk you'll never forget.

As you round several mild turns, the valley opens up into the sea, providing a breathtaking view. The guides are exceptionally informative (ours was a history of Hawaii professor at the university) so it's also an educational experience. Among other plants and wildlife our guide identified, we came upon the Lehua flower, which, according to island lore, is the tragic fire flower of the sisters Pele (the fire goddess) and Hi'iaka (the goddess of dance). The emotional legend of Hi'iaka and her red-tufted fragrant Lehua is chanted in traditional Hawaiian songs. Even today, legend says, one shouldn't pick the Lehua flower on the way to the volcano, Pele's home. /p>

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Maui with Kids: Making the Most of Your Hawaiian Vacation
• A Hurricane Is Coming! How Will it Affect Your Vacation?
• Keeping Cool: Babies at the Beach
• Island Paradise Found: Sonesta Beach Resort, Key Biscayne
• Talk about it!