Sarah & Matt at Akaka FallsWhen we woke up, I started getting things ready to go. We had a 2:30 reservation to do a helicopter tour, but the rest of our morning was flexible. After I put together the drinks and snacks, I delegated PB&J sandwich making to Matt.

I went through my clothes and took out my black shirts. When we booked our helicopter tour, we were told to wear black to reduce the glare. Fortunately, I had plenty to go around.

Since the car was uncomfortably small, I sat in the back with my mom and Price. Normally, I'm the driver and Matt is the navigator. Our plan was to check out some waterfalls and to visit the Botanical World Adventures (dad scored some free tickets) before going to Hilo for the helicopter tour.

As we got closer, I asked Price to set up Waze to take us to the waterfall. There were two nearby. Price picked Kahuna Falls - sounded good to me. Unfortunately, we couldn't get to Kahuna Falls because it was located on private property!

Akaka Falls TrailAfter our brief detour, we found Akaka Falls State Park - parking was $5.00. Since Price and I had to use the restroom, Matt, Mom and Dad set out ahead of us. I figured that my parents would be walking a little slower and we'd be able to catch up with them.

Akaka Falls is 442 feet tall and Kahuna Falls is only 100. The "Circle Route" is a .4 mile path that winds through a lush rainforest taking you past Kahuna Falls first and then over to the more impressive Akaka Falls.  

When Price and I started down the path, we weren't sure which way to go. I asked another tourist and she recommended going right to Kahuna Falls first.

Circle Route Sign

We were almost to the Kahuna Falls overlook, but Matt, Mom & Dad were nowhere in sight. Where were they? That's when Matt called me. They had gone to the left at the sign. Ah! We turned around and went back up the hill.

Eventually, we caught up with them. 

The path is paved and has a number of stairs. In some places, the trail is steep, but there are hand railings and it was a pleasant walk. When we were there, it was over cast and the temperature was comfortable.

Oh...and Matt didn't lose his sunglasses! Not even when he took his hat off for this picture!

Matt with Huge Tree

Just before we got back to the parking lot it started to rain. Fortunately, it wasn't a down pour. Everyone was hungry, so I passed out the sandwiches. That's when I discovered there were only four. Oh well, I had an apple and some chips.

GeckoThe drive to the Botanical World Adventures didn't take long, but we didn't have enough time left to do any of the activities. They offer Segway tours and zip-lining - not exactly what my mom wanted to do. One of the employees recommended that my parents go to the botanical gardens located on the other side of the island near the condo.

While we were there, we spotted a gecko. When I got home, I did some research and discovered that this type of gecko (known as a giant day gecko) has thin skin and does not like to be touched. Another interesting fact - they can live 30 years! Wow!

After we left the gardens, Matt suggested that we stop in Pepeekeo at What's Shakin' on the way to Hilo. I'm not sure how Matt found it, but it was amazing! Matt and Dad ordered fruit smoothies and they were made with 100% fruit - no ice or fillers. Matt said it was the best smoothie EVER and my dad agreed.

Price ordered coconut ice cream and I ordered chocolate coconut macadamia nut. Both were unbelievably delicious and not just because I was starving! What's Shakin' is located on a 20 acre farm and they grow over 90% of the fruit used to make their smoothies.

While I was eating my ice cream, I noticed a flyer advertising the business, farm and personal home for sale - $3,400,000! If you love farming, maybe you should check it out!

Our next stop: Blue Hawaiian Tours