Waikamoi Ridge

Last weekend we went on a short hike at this beautiful ridge along the Hana Highway, which winds along the north coast all the way to the east side of the island. It is only 55 miles long but it is said to take around 4 hours to reach the town of Hana. Waikamoi ridge was really beautiful and had a great view of not only the ocean but also of the bamboo forest that filled the gulch below the ridge trail.

About half way up the ridge we found this great little resting spot, complete with cool ocean breezes and a spectacular view. Strangely, we reminisced about Florida, or rather perfect fall days in Florida with similar cool breezes. I think sitting under the shade of the very tropical Pandanas, or screw pine, tree had something to do with it. I know it made me think of being near the bay in Sarasota.


Here's a photo of the Pandanas tree's roots.
















And a close-up of the bark.
















There were other familiar plants growing in this area, like the awapui ginger.












And heliconia.
















There were also some unfamiliar plants, such as the strawberry guava! This variety of guava were growing wild all over the area. The fruits are similar in size and color to a strawberry but have a watered-down strawberry-ish taste. I am a bit partial to the pineapple guavas, which we buy as a treat from a roadside stand on our way up to Haleakala. Here's a photo of Russell reaching for some ripe fruit.







This is a Paperbark tree. There were a lot of these growing in the area, and as the name suggests, the bark is very soft and paper-like. The color was beautiful, similar to a cedar but much more pink. This one was about 4-5 feet around.