Living and Growing Up in Kahana Valley State Park

As a child growing up on the Windward side of the Oahu have had it many challenges and blessing.  Kahana Valley was just a little community out in the “sticks.” The roads had “potholes” which were as big as a pond, you would hold your breath and pray that you don’t lose your muffler or get a flat tire.  Driving  to town too was an all day event. My parents decided that my “dad” can travel to Honolulu Airport an hour (or more) each way so that their children can live in a beautiful safe area.  Life then consisted of fishing and crabbing every week or so.  What we could not eat we gladly shared with our neighbors. Camping would consist of grabbing your blanket find a spot under a tree and hope it does not rain.  Solving dispute among the resident was so much easier then.  There was no such thing as I will see you in court, instead I will see you at the park..  My playmates were the Kahalas, Garvidas, Dominguez, and so many others.  We had our share of laughs & fights which now is just a memory. Today Kahana Valley is truly a State Park.  The original residents tucked further up the hill.  The roads are paved and it seems that everyone is too busy too “just hang out.”  With the widening  of the Kamehameha High Way and H3 it takes less then an 45 minutes to get to Honolulu Airport.  It now looks like a park with pavilions and bathrooms here and there.  In fact Kahana Valley is so beautiful that the new ABC hit show River (parts of it) was filmed in my little neck of the wood.  But more beautiful then the place is the people.  My playmates from years gone by had come during our darkest moment (mom passed away in May 2011) to shower us with their love and support.  I am sadden by the fact that Kahana Valley will never be what it was during my youth, but have hope that the residents will always keep it beautiful with their smiles and laughters.