For those vacationing in Hawaii and
with a yen for unraveling travel mysteries, ethereal and
fascinating stories about diverse, powerful and abiding elements
abound in the aptly titled ‘Garden of The Gods,’ on Lanai.
Counted among the most intriguing naturally occurring tourist
attractions anywhere in Hawaii, this natural wonder situated on
the Polihua Road brings carloads of holidaymakers and
dream-seekers to North Central Lanai every year.
Lying a short distance of 7 miles from the main city, this
naturally formed rock garden inspires awe in the clearly
lunar-like setting which provides, an almost ascetic beauty in
the Spartan, stark beauty one cannot quite grasp in the first
glimpse reveals itself to visitors to the Garden of the Gods
when they stay a while in Keahikawelo. (That’s how the locals
refer to the site as).
Visually a treat for all those that appreciate clean,
minimalistic design, this garden has been naturally wrought from
rocks of different shapes, sizes and varying colors. The
boulders comprising this unique rock garden all lend it a
characteristic appeal that enchants geology buffs, nomadic
travelers, romantics as well as mythology lovers.
For, legend has it that these dramatic formations that make up
the distinctive landscape of The Garden of the Gods was actually
the result of rocks that fell from the sky while the Gods were
tending to their gardens. However, science, typically in
defiance to the flights of fancy the minds of mythology lovers
are prone to taking, would have us believe something more
mundane than this magical lore: it tells us hundreds of years of
soil erosion caused the several buttes and pinnacle formations
in the remote canyon region this garden is located in.
Rich reds, deep purples and bright ochre are some shades you are
sure to find in the rock exhibits here. At times, the rock
formations may seem eerie even, due to the fierce winds blowing
at the site; however, the Axis deer seen grazing here at times
apart from other wild animals gives the place a sense of earthly
habitation and harmony with nature too, albeit a token one.
Of course, the beauty, vision and unadorned home to ancient
warriors and spirits of Hawaiians said to be hovering above this
boulder home under boundless skies still remains despite the
proven fact stated above. Yet another story that has long been
doing the rounds of Lanai city – many of the boulders in the
Garden of the Gods are actually home to the old-time Hawaiian
warriors. The stock of folklore doesn’t end there: that some
Hawaiian gods were artistically inclined and thus, chose this
island retreat for creating their best sculptures, wherein they
bade strong winds to sculpt different rock formations of their
ideas, is yet another legend. (Well, the last would explain the
reason for such sparse vegetation existing on this site, no
doubt!)
Keen photographers can plan a daybreak visit so as to capture
the intrinsic rock formations colors, with dawn’s early light
shading them. Take care, however, not to re-arrange the
boulders; this would be considered disrespecting the ‘divine’
creations.
On clear days, one can effortlessly capture magazine cover-like
pictures of the Pacific Ocean, Oahu and the Moloka‘i on camera.
One can access the site by car (best to take a four-wheel drive)
or bicycle (there’s a well-marked dirt road), but do take care
to confirm whether the roads are open as temporary closures are
not unknown in these parts (due to excessive rains).
Finally, pack in plenty of snacks, water and fill plenty of gas
prior to setting off, for The Garden of the Gods inhabitants may
have no need for such earthly succor – but even the most
romantically inclined tourist will need more than love and fresh
air, especially when visiting such a remote place requiring more
than basic footwork to appreciate its beauty!
