Rest day for Michiel, so a nice relaxing drive around the north of the big island. We got a hazy day, but we still saw so much beauty! This place is incredible.
The landscape is scattered by lava rock, and you can’t help but wonder when or how it got there. The story behind each lava field.
We were both surprised at just how green Hawaii is. The lush vegetation made for some wonderful sites and fresh air. I love this part of travelling. Just having a car to explore, and see whatever we want to see!
Waipio Valley was on the list of things to see. The valley floor at sea level is almost 2,000 ft (610 m) below the surrounding terrain. A steep road leads down into the valley from a lookout point located on the top. The road gains 800 vertical feet. This is a paved public road but it is open only to 4 wheel drive vehicles. It is the steepest road of its length in the United States.
Two of my favourite fruits, coconut and pineapple are grown here, and spotting a street vendor that sells them both fresh felt like Christmas! The vendor was super nice and welcoming, and was asking us all about Ironman and how proud he is that his island hosts it! The fruit was delicious!
We also took the opportunity to drive the bike route that Michiel will do on Saturday. I think nerves with races like these are mostly due to the fear of the unknown. So the more information the better! Of course we had huge winds on the way up the route, which didn’t help much… but at least he knows, has seen and experienced the track.
