Hawaiian Bananas
 

Although Ive seen probly upwards of 100,000 banana plants since Ive been here, the most interesting ones to see for me are the traditional Hawaiian varieties, especially if you can find them in the forests. On the Kalalau trail in northern Kauai, I was able to spot some of these traditional plants in the forests, planted by the hawaiians many years ago. Also in some of the botanic gardens I have seen a few interesting ones so far, both traditional varieties and others.


Ensete superbum


Mai'a Hapai (the elusive 'pregnant banana')


Along the Kalalau trail, can you spot the bananas?


"wild" Maoli type (I think)


"wild" Iholena type

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

Thanks for sharing, Gabe. It's nice to see you've got that explorer ambition.

You might want to change your profile location. You're not in zone 4 anymore! :D

Harvey

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

Thanks for sharing those great photos, Gabe! Now I wish I'd hiked that trail when I was in Kauai a couple of years ago! We did see alot of bananas, gingers, heliconias, and other awesome plants while we were there. For anyone else out there who may be contemplating a trip to Hawaii...GO!!! You won't be disappointed, especially with Kauai.

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

Oh wow! Stunning photos Gabe!

Here's Gabes big blown-up picture for those that want to find the bananas. I hate to make the screen so wide by posting a huge pic, but couldn't resist!

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

Beautiful pictures! I would so love to see those places in person. Maybe I'll outgrow my fear of flying? :)
Please post more pictures when you can!

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

Gabe,

I remember reading not too long ago that you were moving to Hawaii. Is this a temporary move or long term? A great place to be for how ever long your're there, that's for sure. If you get a chance, go see Pu'u O'O while it's still erupting. Volcano National Park is awesome...otherworldly! Have fun in Hawaii you lucky sucker!:2236:

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

Good luck with Hurricane "Flossie" headed your way, Gabe. I remember when Hurricane Iniki caused devestation on Kauai in 1992 and later reading the story of a couple that were Kalalau trail were hiking in when it hit. They thought it seemed a bit windy since they had to crawl on their hands and knees until they found some shelter. I can only imagine the look of the folks that took them in! LOL Don't you make it a repeat performance, okay?? ;)

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

I am here attending UH Manoa, so I will be here for a few years I plan. I will go home on the long breaks but thats it. I can still grow stuff here and in the next year should have my breeding project up and running on a real scale.

This is a breakdown of my adventure to get to the bananas, in the end it took over an hour to go no further than the length of a football field, but thats how it goes in the jungle I guess!

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

Gabe, will you be growing any Pandanus while you're there? :2236: I know how much you like the stuff... neat to see so much of it in one picture though! Such a bizarre plant.

Thanks for those great pics! Hawaii should be a slight change in climate from Nederland, lol! I expect you to plant basjoo and itinerans and make me a hybrid (lol). Seriously, have a great time while you're there getting your education. I wish you the best of luck!

Frank

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

Glad to see you're enjoying and exploring Kauai. Thanks for sharing the experience with us and Please... keep those wonderful pictures coming!

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

thanks for sharing!

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

thanks for all the pics Gabe, cannt wait till you share more:2221:

Dan & Tara

Re: Hawaiian Bananas
 

:woohoonaner: