10/18/2009
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens in Kaneohe, Oahu is one of those incredible gems that you almost don't want to share with anyone else. It is 400acres of carefully landscaped park land. Originally built by the Army Corp of Engineers to provide flood protection, it has become a wonderful park to bring the family. It also has a 30acre lake stocked with various freshwater species such as numerous types of Cichlids, Tilapia, Red Devils and Catfish. It is a catch and release lake, hand poles are provided at the visitor's center and just provides another avenue for quality time with the family.
I had always wanted to check the park out after constantly reading about it in Hawaii Fishing News magazine. So this past Sunday, we loaded up a couple of bamboo poles, some light tackle and after a quick stop at Malama Market for drinks and sandwiches we were on our way to Kaneohe.
This being my first time to the area, as we were driving past a posted guard at the gate, I slowed down to ask if we had to sign in before proceeding. With a big grin the old Filipino man says, "Just a smile and a wave and you are good to go." Hahah.. awesome.
Once there we just followed the signs to the lake and also taking in the beauty of the park. Almost all of the plants and trees were marked with signs stating species and country of origin. The path to the fishing area takes you past the bird watching shore of the lake where a huge flock of ducks and other waterfowl were waddling around. My daughter just loved it and we took a few minutes to feed them a few pieces of bread before continuing the short hike.
A few families were already at the fishing area enjoying the morning atmosphere at the lakeside. The views around the lake completely hid any hint that we were less than a mile or two from Kaneohe's busy center. We found a spot right away and it just took another couple of minutes to set up a cane pole for my 3yr. old daughter.
The next couple of hours were some of the most fun we've had as a family. Kira and Jen caught fish after fish. I wasn't so lucky but just so happy that we were all having fun together. The other families around were having just as much fun. Every time a keiki would pull up a fish of any size it brought on cheers and high fives among everyone. It was one of those times that I had really felt the Aloha among everyone.
After we used up our loaf of white bread, we packed up and hiked it back to the parking lot. All the while passing other families heading towards the lake shore, cane poles in hand, smiles on the faces and Ohana in the hearts.
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