Valley of the Rainbows Oahu Adventure

Description:

• Travel to the enchanting, lush rainforest deep within the beautiful Valley of the Rainbows. Nestled below towering jungle trees and surrounded by seven waterfalls, Lyon Arboretum, one of the world's premier Botanical gardens, awaits you. This exotic rainforest paradise has 5,000 species of plants, including the largest collection of palm tree varieties on Earth, which bathe in the eternal, fragrant mists provided by over 185 inches of rainfall each year.

  As you explore the 200 acre garden, colorful blossoms, including bromeliads, hibiscus, orchids, and anthuriums surround you while tropical birds sing nearby. The arboretum is also home to many rare and endangered native Hawaiian plants, and a special area is devoted to the most important species used by the ancient Polynesians. Your nature guide will provide accurate information about the garden's interesting history and efforts to save some of the rarest plants in the world and describe the ancient Hawaiians use of many important species.

  After departing Lyon Arboretum you visit the picturesque Chinese Great Ancestors Mound perched high on a grass covered hill in the heart of the valley, below Pu'u Pia. These ancient, cloud-swept, emerald green hills have witnessed a steady procession of uses on the valley floor, from Hawaiian taro farms to cattle ranches, coffee plantations and Japanese rice paddies. Traveling through the historic valley that offers visitors excellent photographic opportunities, you will learn about the fascinating local history and mythology.

  You will then visit Pu'u Uala'kaa the "hill of the rolling sweet potatos", located 1048 feet above the glistening waters of Waikiki. From this lofty vantage point, where Elvis Presley had a picnic lunch in the movie Blue Hawaii, you will experience a breathtaking 180 degree panoramic view of Oahu's scenic southeast coastline and sometimes a glistening double rainbow arching across the Valley of the Rainbows far below.

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