Makua Valley

While cleaning up trash on the side of the road, Makua Valley seemed like a hidden treasure untouched by man.  However, learning about the history of the Hawaiian and the militaries actions, it is a shame that citizens can't access the valley for their enjoyment without the hazards of being killed with live ammunition.  The tension between the military and the local activist was thick.  When the man talked about how he was involved with the destruction of the valley and how he now believes the U.S. government should clean up the site and give it back to the people of Hawaii, I was tempted to turn around and look at the reaction of those who clearly support what the military does there.  The military's presence was hard to ignore.  With them following us in their gas-guzzling trucks or watching us like hawks, it was actually hard to enjoy the beautiful scenery around us. The petroglyphs were amazing!  Being able to see something that an ancient Hawaiian before the island was discovered is incredible.  It was also incredible that the petroglyphs helped in understanding what Makua Valley may have been like before all of the water dried out.  I can only hope that I'll be able to hike Makua Valley and enjoy it in the future.