| Day Four, Hilo to Honokaa: The emerald Hamakua coast is a 52 mile stretch from Hilo to Honokaa on the island's windward northeast side.
Once dominated by sugarcane plantations, it now blooms with flowers, papayas, bananas, macadamia nuts, and all sorts of other exotic edibles. Countless waterfalls can be found throughout the
land. The word "lush" must have been invented here. Somewhat incapacitated by a nasty mosquito bite (the mosquitos here attack in broad daylight with expert stealth, in the
least place you expect), I could only brave selected paved trails leaning heavily on my hiking stick, or riding on Matthew's back. However, Matthew managed to explore spur trails ("Use at you own risk!" warned the
signs) close to the waterfalls. Superb macadamia nut and banana smoothies fueled us all the way to Honokaa, a funky little town. Our hotel had been sheltering sugarland workers
for the most part of the last century, until the sugar mills closed. Now it provides budget travellers a good place to rest up and taste some hearty local fare before going
into Waipio valley. Interesting clientele here, too. |
