For Jake and Bathsheba's Mom: Waimea Valley

One thing Jake and Bathsheba's Mom and my mom have in common is their love for native plants. So when Mom heard in Hawaii that Jake and Bathsheba's Mom was having a hard time, she decided to post some pictures she took while visiting Waimea Valley. This is a nature reserve run by the Audobon Society, and is what you think of when you think of the rain forest of Hawaii.

Waimea Valley was carved by rain and wind from the flank of the Ko'olau Mountain range some two million years ago.

At the end of the valley, you can find Waimea Falls. In Hawaiian, Waimea means reddish brown water. This comes from the iron red clay dirt found in the valley.


The Audubon Society was interested in protecting native birds in the area. The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis), or 'Alae 'Ula, is an endangered wetland bird. Less than 500 of these endangered birds are found on O'ahu and Kaua'i.

Mom took his picture near this lovely lily pond.


Epiphytes are very common here. These two plants are growing on the trees.

Hisbiscus, both native and hybrids, are every where.

It was a wonderful, peaceful, timeless place. A place that reminds you that life goes on, regardless.......