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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, January 9, 2010

Plenty to do in Waimea Valley

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Visitors from San Diego head down a trail in Waimea Valley, where there’s lots to do this weekend.

JEFF WIDENER | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Wildlife walks and küpuna-led music, storytelling and crafts sessions will be under way through the weekend at the North Shore’s Waimea Valley.

Among the offerings: a guided history walk, at 11 this morning. More than 700 years ago, after a ruler awarded the land to high priests (kahuna nui), Waimea Valley was dubbed “Valley of the Priests,” according to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. A recent archaeological study found many “sites of interest,” including religious areas and shrines, house lots, agricultural terraces and fishponds.
Also, “Meet the Magnificent çAlae çUla,” at 10 a.m. tomorrow, is a chance to observe an endangered endemic wetland bird and learn about threats to its habitat.
Waimea Valley’s 150-acre arboretum and botanical garden have more than 5,000 species of tropical plants, including 437 of the known 1,200 Hawaiian plant species.
The park, at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway — across from Waimea Bay — is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is $3-$10. For a list of activities, call 638-7766 or visit www.waimeavalley.net.