We'd planned to hit the beach but a couple of things changed our plans: 1) It was rainy and overcast; 2) I was hungry and had to use the bathroom; 3) My baby hates sand right now.
We drove past a sign for the Waimea Falls Park & Botanical Garden and decided to turn in – best decision ever. They had a food stand, a little gift shop, a bathroom and a stroller friendly hike (3/4 mile along a paved road) that led through a lush landscape to a little waterfall.
I appreciated that they offered a shuttle to the waterfall for people who might need it. And though I didn't like that they made everyone wear life jackets at the waterfall (which Safia hated and got fussy about) it's a good safety precaution. Our favorite part was a big stretch of grass surrounded by a canopy of trees, a zen rest area where we took cartwheel break (above).
On our ride home the baby fell asleep and we had a little photo shoot on the Jeep (below).
It's sometimes hard to travel with a baby – mostly if you have expectations for how your day is going to go. I've learned to live and let go, and allow things to happen as they may. That's sometimes when you have the best moments during your trip, like we did at the waterfalls.