Thursday, February 21, 2008

Daily Walks in Hilo, Hawaii


One of the perks of living in the Hawaiian islands is the incredible weather allowing us to spend a lot of time outdoors. Every afternoon (unless there is torrential rain), we drive down to Banyon drive and park at the Liliuokalani Gardens for our daily walk. The 34 acre Japanese ornamental gardens are named for Queen Liliuokalani, a Hawaiian monarch, and dedicated to the many Japanese immigrants living in Hilo. The garden was created in the early 1900's and is said to be the largest Edo style garden outside of Japan.





The garden is planned around the Waihonu Pond with bridges, pagodas, and stone lanterns lining walking paths. Trees, flowering bushes, bamboo glades, and acres of green grass fill the park.






A traditional tea house stands in the middle of the park, used by visitors and Japanese living in Hilo.
Every day the park is different; some days bright and sunny, other days there is warm rain and sometimes rainbows hang in the sky. In my opinion, this park is one of the most beautiful places on earth and after I walk through it I come away feeling happiness and peace.

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