Akaka Falls

Yesterday was a very busy day. I am still pooped from it.
We awoke, drove to Waimea to pick up Mistaya. Then we drove down the opposite coast toward the falls. Akaka Falls is more than a  400 ft drop. We walked on a trail through amazing, thick jungle--vines with tropical flowers wrapping around huge trees. The falls and the walk in to see them were fantastical in their beauty. It was surreal to be in places I've only ever dreamed of: thick tropical jungles, with paradise water falls.
Next, we drove further down the coast to the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens. I will highlight the gardens in a later post. It rained and rained on us but was is a very warm, humid rain.
Then we raced back to the other side of the island to Hapuna beach to meet T and family for boogie boarding. The waves were perfect, not too big and not too small.  It was very relaxing, floating in the warm, silky ocean water, waiting for the next wave.  T decided to snorkel and she must have been in the water at least an hour. Joop joined her and the two disappeared behind a lava shelf jutting into the ocean. The sun was starting to set. I wondered how close I'd let the sun get to the ocean before I called in the rescue team to look for the snorkelers. They eventually returned, to my relief. I asked T how she could stand being in deep water and waves for so long. She said it is like she gets hypnotized snorkeling in the ocean and looses track of time.
We headed back to our Waikola condo to freshen up and then drove back to Waimea to meet T and crew for supper at a Mexican restaurant (Big Island/ surf style). It was Theresa, Joop, Kyran and Mistaya's last night in Hawaii, as they fly back a day before us.
I was so pooped by the time we arrived home to the condo. I awoke at 3 am and felt sick. Perhaps food poisoning. I felt very fainty and ill. I turned on the light and my computer until it passed (about an hour).
I miss my Misty all ready!
Peter and I were both a titch off today in our tummies. This morning we snorkeled and looked for shells at The Fairmont beaches.
I know why there are no shells on the shore: local guys get up at dawn and cast nets to collect all the best shells.
We spent the afternoon tidying up then went for supper at Queen's shops. We went to "A Bay" to see the sun set. Afterward we walked to the Hilton grounds and took an evening boat cruise. The girls and Peter enjoyed that.
Now we are back at the condo. I am still pooped. I need a day or two just lounging at the condo and reading. But alas, we are homeward bound tomorrow. We have played hard in Hawaii.