Met up with Jen, Quan and Tessa on the oldest inhabited island in the main Hawaiian chain to hike and explore the Garden Isle over President Day’s weekend. Forecasted weather predicted the entire weekend would be raining cats and dogs. As luck would have it, we like feline and canine companions.
Trailhead
The trailhead was not marked like the other trails as it seems the State no longer maintains the trail due to hurricane damage a few decades earlier. A few decades earlier. Let that sink in. Scattered ribbons on the trees were no help, so we had to drive back down the road to get cell reception to download the trail map to find out where to go.
Honopu Ridge Trail
We followed the trail until we came across the fence line meant to keep out the invasive species from the endemic species.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Pushing our way through a thick stretch of uluhe ferns which also doubled as organic wipes since somebody didn’t want to share their invasive wipes.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Making our way down amongst fallen trees and slippery descents.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Multi-colored ribbons kept us on trail, along with following the fence line.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Somebody came running back on the trail after a couple pigs startled her on the trail. Luckily, we were scarier than the pua’a and we continued on our merry way.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Making our way down the steeply rutted trail.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Walking through the wooded section of the trail.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Catching our first views of the craggy cliffs that dominate and rise above the coastline.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Looking back at a huge waterfall cascading off Kalepa Ridge.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Bird’s eye view of Honopu Valley, Arch and Beach.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Looking out towards the stretch of Na Pali coastline that extends all the way to Kalalau and Ke’e Beaches.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Rain drops keep falling on our heads. Intermittent. The song of the same name is about remaining positive in spite of negative things that one can be facing, such as predicted rainstorms that would have cancelled a trip and hike for others. The song debuted in the 1969 film, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid and went on to become #1 on the Billboard Charts.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Looking over into ‘Awa’awapuhi Valley with hanging clouds drifting over.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Why do you guys always leave me? You look like Nana! I guess that’s a good enough reason as any.
Honopu Ridge Trail
The cathedral cliffs were formed millions of years ago when massive streams of water from the mountains carved out the valleys and constant crashing surf formed the character of the beaches and sea caves.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Watching ‘Awa’awapuhi Stream flow down from the mountains and out to the ocean.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Heading to the brush and tree line where we backtracked when we realized we went too far.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Group photo at the “end” of the trail for us.
Honopu Ridge Trail
How many people can fit on this little pile of rocks? Let’s find out.
Honopu Ridge Trail
360 view on top of the spit of rock.
Honopu Ridge Trail
The window of viewing opportunity was closing fast.
Honopu Ridge Trail
In the blink of an eye. Maybe a couple blinks.
Honopu Ridge Trail
The group making their way back down the exposed and eroded trail.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Hiking in the clouds. Always a surreal experience.
Honopu Ridge Trail
The stiff winds soon scattered the clouds away.
Honopu Ridge Trail
Taking in the waterfall view on our way back out.
Honopu Ridge Trail
No pig sightings on our way back.
All pau
We came back to our car with time to kill before dinner reservations and went back to Scott’s studio to clean up, some more than others. Post hike meal at Kintaro, where the wait was almost as long as the meal. Good food to finish off our fun hike.
GPS Tracks
Our in and out hike covered roughly five miles with scattered showers and spectacular views of Honopu Valley and the Na Pali Coastline.
Photos taken by Jen Odence, Quan Haberstroh, Tessa Bugay and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.
Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Such a beautiful majestic place. Let’s go camp at the end of summit next time.. I really wanna lol
Thank you for always taking us to fun and exciting adventures.
Aloha Tessa,
Thanks for the fun company as well.
Mahalo
Aloha e Kenji!
Mahalo for sharing the beautiful photos!
Honopu beach and Valley was one of my dad’s favorite places in the world. He passed 2 years ago and later this month our ohana is doing a holoholo to pay our respects and visit this `Aina that he loved so much. Pops also spent time hiking the trails in Kokee. I’m not sure if he walked the Honopu Lookout trail. He always took photos and I don’t remember seeing any. A few months ago, I was excited to come across a video made about 10 years ago of the Honopu Lookout Trail. Your visit to the trail is pretty recent and I was wondering if it was possible for you and I to talk story about the hike?
My number is 808-478-6492.
Aloha and Mahalo Nui!
Vince
Aloha Vince,
Sorry for the late reply. Glad you enjoyed the post and that it brought back good memories of your dad. I’ll try to call soon. Mahalo.