Wood Valley

Last week I was invited to a party in Wood Valley. Wood Valley is a delightful valley tucked in behind the old plantation town of Pahala, approx 20 miles south of Volcano. Pahala is home to Tex's famous malasadas ( portuguese doughnuts) . This sleepy town has some excellent old plantation homes from the islands Sugar Days . You must drive into Pahala on the main road, then take a right at the stop sign at the intersection where Tex's is. This road will take you into Wood Valley, after you pass a long stretch of Macadamia nut orchards. Pretty 10 and 20 acre+ farms dot the valley which is a mix of pasture land and jungle like landscape of tall trees and fragrant white ginger. Wood Valley is also home to a colorful Tibetan Buddhist Temple, where the Dali Lama came to visit and speak a few years ago. The public is invited to tour the grounds and step inside the temple. There are cushions you can take and sit on while you drink in the peaceful quiet of the surroundings. Monetarty donations are appreciated to keep the temple open to the public.