Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 10, 1 October 2011 — WAIMEA VALLEY EVENTS [ARTICLE]

WAIMEA VALLEY EVENTS

Visitors ean enjoy Waimea Valley seven days a week, but here are two extra special reasons for the public to visit the North Shore valley in October. Enjoy these popular offerings and while you're there, visit the Valley's botanical gardens showcasing more than 5,500 types of plants, some of whieh are rare, endangered or globally threatened. For more information about Waimea Valley, eall (808) 638-7766 or take a trip to 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, in Hale'iwa, across Waimea Bay. MOON WALK RETURNS A treasured community activity returns to the North Shore of O'ahu, as Waimea Valley brings back its Moon Walk on Saturday, Oct. 8 in anticipation of the rising of the full moon. Gate opens at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. Moon Walk, whieh features an opening oli and lunar tales of Hawai'i by Kahokule'a Haiku. Along the way, a moonlit pathway will guide you to the waterfall, and the Valley's botanical specialists will be on hand to discuss rare plants. Gate will close promptly at 9:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person, free for children under 4. Visitors should bring flashlight, insect repellent and a light jacket. KEIKI FUN FISHING FESTIVAL Youthful "Huek Finns" will get the thrill of their lives when Waimea Valley opens the estuary near the bay for a Keiki Fun Fishing Festival on Sunday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fun family event introduces keiki from toddlers to 12 to the joys of flshing. A "catch and release" program will also introduce the youngsters to conservation practices and their relationship and responsibility to the environment in whieh they live. According to the Valley's Facilities Manager, Randy Hoopai, the river is stocked with an abundance of mullet and tilapia. "It's almost a guarantee that a keiki will get to experience the excitement of catching a flsh," says Hoopai, "and what's even better is seeing the smiles on their faces when they bring that flsh up." Participants are encouraged to bring their own flshing gear. However flshing pole rental will be available. Parents and guardians should also ensure that their children wear appropriate protective gear while exposed to the sun. The cost to participate is $5 per child. ■