The Idiot abandoned his solo MedTrek in Egypt in early December to hike with family members on the Big Island in Hawaii and get a taste of abundant waterfalls, verdant forests and lush botanical gardens.
The Idiot, his partner Liz Chapin (right) and daughter-in-law Sam Dunnachie are all smiles before descending one of the world’s steepest roads into the Waipi’o (it means “curved water” in the Hawaiian language) Valley.
(Photo: Luke Stratte-McClure)
The Waipi’o Valley, which was a residence of early Hawaiian kings and is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles, is over 2,000 feet (610 meters) below the lookout where this picture was taken. The few residents enjoy (and enforce) privacy, an isolated beach and numerous waterfalls.
The Idiot’s son Luke photographs a waterfall at the back of the Waipi’o Valley.
The isolated beach in the Waipi’o Valley.
One slight problem with the steep descent into the valley is the climb back up the hill.
What goes down the steep road into the Waipi’o Valley must…
…come up the steep road from the Waipi’o Valley.
The area surrounding the eastern side of the Big Island near Hilo is the right place to go if, after MedTrekking in the Egyptian desert, you’re looking for waterfalls and vegetation.
The Umauma waterfall.
Liz Chapin at the Akaka waterfall.
Rainbow Falls near Hilo, Hawaii, on a rainy day.
A waterall in the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden near Hilo.
Family hikers take a waterfall selfie on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Waterfalls aren’t the only water on the Big Island. There are constant views of the Pacific Ocean, numerous pools like Champagne Pond in Kapoho, and frequent rain during walks in the forest.
The clear freshwater Champagne Pond hot springs.
A view of the Pacific Ocean from the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
The Idiot, MedTrekking partner Liz Chapin and Lovers Rock in the Pacific Ocean off the coast at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
(Photo: Luke Stratte-McClure)
The Idiot doesn’t bother carrying an umbrella when MedTrekking in Egypt but in Hawaii it comes in handy.
(Photo: Luke Stratte-McClure)
The Idiot, the umbrella and the tall tree on the Big Island of Hawaii.
(Photo: Luke Stratte-McClure)
Next week: The Idiot and Co. explore volcanic craters, the wild coasts and the Pacific Ocean on the Big Island of Hawaii.
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