Garden of the Gods - Hawaiian
Islands
The Garden of the Gods Hawaii
( Keahikawelo) is one of the
Hawaiian Island 's most fascinating natural
wonders, and is a site that is enjoyed by visitors time and time again. These
large scattered rock formations were formed over thousands and thousands of
years by continuous erosion. This erosion produced a number of buttes and
apexes of various shades of color. The Garden of the Gods Hawaii
is not only enjoyed by geology buffs though. If you catch these formations at
the right time i.e. in the early morning of late evening you will behold the
most amazing spectacle. The sun's rays hit the minerals contained within the
rocks to produce an array of color changing red into purple. Full sea views of
the Pacific Ocean and the islands of Molokai and Oahu
just add to beauty of this phenomenal place.
The Garden of the Gods Hawaii
– how did it get its name then? Well the name “Garden of the Gods” came from
ancient Hawaiian legends. One such island tale tells that the rocks themselves
come from the god's gardens and were discarded while they were being tendered
to. Another legend tells us that the rocks hold the spirits of ancient island
warriors. A third legend goes onto state that the Garden of the Gods came about
because the gods took solace in creating art and they commanded the very winds
to create them, and this is the place were their most favored pieces were
placed
Directions:
From Lanai
City the Garden of the
Gods is only 7 miles or so away. Unfortunately the only way to get there is via
a dirt road that may require the presence of a four-wheel-drive; alternatively
others may opt to mountain bike up to the site. Be sure to bring food and drink
with you as there are no facilities that cater for such provisions.
Follow Highway 440 heading north away from Lanai City
till you pass the Lodge at Koele. Just after passing
the hotel you will see a sign indicating the direction of the garden – turning
left onto Polihua
Road and continuing along it till you are
confronted with an intersection. Turn right and head north-west till you reach
the Garden of the Gods Hawaii.