We flew over to the Garden Isle to do another of my favorite activities, waterfalls! Actually it was on the bucket list for some of our friends who had never been to this particular watering hole.

HNL

Entertaining ourselves as we waited to board our twilight flight. We are easily amused.

Pacific Ocean

Flying the friendly skies. Wrong airline.

Kauai

Landed in Lihue, picked up our black jeeps, had dinner at a popular eatery and then checked in at Banyan Harbor Resort for the night.

Lihue

Day 2
Woke up before the crack of dawn, packed our stuff and made a quick pit stop to pick up food for the day. Too early for poke.

Wailua

Traversing the multiple stream crossings were a breeze now thanks to the improvements made on the Loop Road back in 2024-2025.

Wailua

Capturing the sunrise being filtered by the trees.

Wailua

It was a bumpy and muddy ride as we passed the Jurassic Park Poles on the roughly five mile unmaintained road. Contrary to popular belief, these are simply markers and are not leftovers from the original set. The actual gates were farther up the road and were demolished after the filming was done. No souvenirs for Hawaii.

Blue Hole Trail

Eleven clean shoes at the start of the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Somebody was really excited to be here.

Blue Hole Trail

Our first stream crossing. One of many more to come.

Blue Hole Trail

Slipping and sliding through the mud.

Blue Hole Trail

Passing a flowering Nun’s Orchid on the trail, it was the first tropical orchid to flower in England as it’s native to Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Blue Hole Trail

“What you doing in the water, squatting like that?” Based on the popular myth, the stream water would be turning a bright blue, much like her shade of beet red.

Blue Hole Trail

Leaving the urine soaked water behind us.

Blue Hole Trail

Morning mist.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny washing his face with the urine water. Oh wait, we are upstream, so he’s safe. Feel sorry for the rest of the group that were downstream.

Blue Hole Trail

Bible studies with the annoying church slut on the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Matt looking for the waterfalls at the end of the tunnel.

Blue Hole Trail

Taking a break as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up. No bathroom breaks.

Blue Hole Trail

Approaching the first major waterfall of the day.

Guardian Falls

Checking out the gatekeeper falls on the trail. Nobody took a dip.

Blue Hole Trail

The rest of the group were enjoying the stream life.

Guardian Falls

Some of us explored a side waterfall. Slippery when wet.

Guardian Falls

Making my way back to the group as I was feeling lonely, wet and cold.

Blue Hole Trail

Roger showing off his rock balancing skills.

Blue Hole Trail

We contoured to the left of the falls to regain the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Following the stream into the canyon.

Blue Hole Trail

Matt looking at a small waterfall.

Blue Hole Trail

So he decided to make a smaller one himself.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny didn’t feel the need to add any more waterfalls.

Blue Hole Trail

Rock hopping and scrambling our way up the stream.

Blue Hole Trail

The waterfall walls began to constrict as we hiked deeper into the canyon.

Blue Hole Trail

We left the stream as we climbed up to get back on trail. Matt boosted the rest of the groups confidence as he said this is where he almost died. Climb on!

Blue Hole Trail

The steady stream of pulsating helicopters above our heads became more incessant and irritating.

Blue Hole Trail

Chico making his way up the slippery rocks.

Blue Hole Trail

Going through the gate. Almost there!

Blue Hole Trail

Going down the hill as we could see the Blue Hole for the first time.

Blue Hole Trail

Allison using both ropes as she climbed her way down the slippery rocks.

Wailua Headwaters

Exploring this water soaked and moss carpeted canyon that was carved from constant rainfall from what was once the wettest spot on Earth, Mount Wai’ale’ale. Pictures don’t give scale to the canyon walls that soar thousands of feet to the summit. Something that must be experienced in person through hiking or riding in a tour helicopter. This was the first time seeing this place for Chico, Edgar, Kenny, Marilyn and Sandra as well. It did not disappoint.

Weeping Wall

Drone view of our partial group photo against the backdrop of the canyon walls weeping with waterfalls.

Blue Hole

This angle illustrates the reason why some people call it the “Blue Hole.” However, the weather was not cooperating by providing us with blue skies today. Instead it provided us with greyish-whitish skies and a steady diet of vertical-lift aircraft carrying tourists who only caught seemingly seconds of the Blue Hole. Hope it was worth it.

Blue Hole

Getting close to the base of the falls.

Weeping Wall

Matt getting real up close and personal.

Blue Hole

Time to take our leave of this natural waterpark that Mother Nature has gifted us.

Weeping Wall

Not so fast. Aida, Ferlino and Roger caught up to us and had to have their round of picture taking as it was their first time here as well.

Blue Hole Trail

Climbing our way back down to Wailua Stream.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny showing us how it’s done.

Blue Hole Trail

Passing a stand of ornamental banana trees. Not to be confused with Orientals. We also crossed paths with a pair of hikers who had started late and assured us they could hustle to make it back out before dark.

Blue Hole Trail

Somebody was glad that we had brought webbing on the trail.

Guardian Falls

Can this picture go on the blog? I guess.

Blue Hole Trail

You go that way and we’ll go this way.

Wailua

We drove out of the unmaintained road and switched Kenny with Mari at the airport. Post hike meal was at Hukilau Lanai where our group was split into two tables and checked out with fine dining prices. Overall despite some in the group getting lost, two hiking poles wrecked and Chico suffering a couple abrasions and cuts, the day went swimmingly. Our total mileage for the hike came out to a little more than four miles round trip, some others have quoted eight miles round trip. Whatever the exact mileage was, it sure felt like the latter one at the end of the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ced84n5DHWs

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Blue Hole hike.

Lihue

Day 3
Checked out of our Airbnb, stopped at the local bakery that has been around since 1965 to fuel up for the day and drove to Waimea.

Waimea Canyon

Looking into the Grand Canyon of the Pacific where the distant Waipo’o Falls could be seen.

Hale Manu Valley

Getting our bang for the buck out of our rental jeeps.

Hale Manu Valley

Matt grooming another Princess in the group.

Hale Manu Valley

We’re not getting muddy, right?

Cliff Lookout

Our muppet group photo. Who’s who? Rijah Dat! Something got lost in the translation.

Canyon Trail

You guys want to see a better view? Rajah Dat!

Canyon Trail

Running commentary. Do you want my spikes? No. I have webbing. No need. It’s all for the gram, right? No. Does he have insurance? Yes. Can I get a ride from the airport? Yes.

Canyon Trail

There’s no “I” in team. In this case, I guess there is.

Canyon Trail

Group photo with the backdrop of the canyon that was formed over 4 million years ago when the shield volcano collapsed and the river and rain did the rest.

Canyon Trail

Synchronized spinning.

Canyon Trail

Ascending hikers have the right of way over descending hikers. It’s not always true, but normally?!?

Canyon Trail

Descending towards the falls. I didn’t have to yield to any ascending hikers.

Canyon Trail

Scenic spots.

Canyon Trail

Climbing down the direct way to the falls.

Waipo’o Falls

The girls standing at the top of the head-water falls before it plummets down the canyon walls.

Waipo’o Falls

Matt trying to thread his drone through the arch. Close but no cigar.

Waipo’o Falls

Getting all wet on the second of the smaller upper tier of the falls fed by Koke’e Stream.

Waipo’o Falls

Matt’s dramatic drone shots of the two-tiered 800′ waterfall.

Waipo’o Falls

On the way out, some of the group checked out the first of the smaller falls with a plunge pool. No plunging today.

Hale Manu Valley

Looking up into the pear or plum blossoms may result in a bug falling into your eye. Luckily our resident RN was able to fish it out of Mari’s eye on an out-patient basis.

Waimea Canyon

We drove over to the lookout to take the typical tourist photos.

Waimea Canyon

Spotting two feral goats climbing the rocky cliffs of the canyon. These invasive species were introduced in the 18th century by Captain Vancouver in 1792 on Kauai.

Waimea Canyon

Goat see, goat do.

Waimea Canyon

Running commentary. Those are idiots! I won’t disagree with you on that. One idiot is one idiot. Two idiots are two idiots. Four idiots are a hiking group.

Waimea Canyon

Birds eye view.

Waimea Canyon

Drone views of the canyon that plunges over 3,000′ deep.

Waimea Canyon

The unofficial mascot of Kauai clucking their way around the parking lot and everywhere else, as the feral population exploded due to chickens being released during Hurricanes Iwa and Iniki.

Hamura Saimin

We drove over to Lihue to eat at the local saimin stand that has been operating since 1952. It even received a James Beard award, believe it or not.

Scotty’s Car Wash & Detail

Cleaning our jeeps in Kapa’a, where we even had City & County supervision to ensure that we didn’t miss any spots before returning them back to the airport and catching our flight home. Thanks to Scotty for letting us wash our jeeps at his place. Mahalo to Edgar for booking the Airbnb and Chico, Edgar and Roger for getting the jeep rentals. Amazing weekend with a fun group that was made even better as the forecasted rain failed to make its appearance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoDUOkIHyeY

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Waipo’o Falls hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, Mari Saito, Matt Vidaurri, Roger Schiffman, Sandra Walter 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.

Mia invited Bill, Chris, Cisco, Ed, Liezl, Shirley, Suzie and myself to celebrate her birthday bash on the Garden Isle. We all flew in and collected what we needed at the big box and little box stores before heading into the valley to start our hike.

City & County

The guys checking out the flooded and rutted road that had just turned another jeep away. We got this!

Jeep Road

But first, we had to stuff somebody back in the jeep as she failed to heed the warning of keeping your hands and feet in the vehicle at all times. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Virgin Jeep Driver

Ed taking the wheel despite having an experienced 4×4 driver sitting in the back. He did good.

Jeep Road

Bill fording the somewhat swollen stream crossing. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Roadside Assistance

Ed noticed that he had a leaking tire, luckily Bill had come prepared with a valve core tool and compressor. Boy Scout!

Weir

Thankfully the Jeeps had saved our feet over three miles of wear and tear.

Trailhead

Getting our feet wet.

Trail

The start of our rock hopping adventure. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Whack-A-Hiker

It’s harder than you think to synchronize four girls alternately going up and down. Photo by Ed Baptista.

Human skipping

Scampering up a boulder while trying not to fall back in the water. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Wailua River

Walking on the riverbank as we followed the indistinct trail upstream.

Trail

Approaching the first waterfall that were formed by the convergence of three streams. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Guardian Falls

Silky shot. Photo by Ed Baptista.

Guardian Falls

Bill took the plunge. Repeatedly. Some guys are just all wet.

Guardian Falls

After all the splashing was said and done, we detoured to the side falls.

Guardian Falls

Group photo by Bill Yogi.

Trail

We contoured around the main falls to continue our rock hopping up the stream.

Directionally Challenged

So let’s see, the front goes which way and the back goes where?

Trail

Climbing up the side of the gorge as waterfalls “expressed” themselves through the mountain flanks. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Trail

Looking at one of several multiple tiered waterfalls. A rapeller’s wet dream.

Trail

Approaching the second set of waterfalls on the trail. Photo by Ed Baptista.

Trail

Another inviting pool. No cannonballs this time. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Celebrations

Mia trying to repeatedly blow out her birthday candles. Bill and Shirley celebrating their one year anniversary. Crown shots.

Trail

Chris and I climbed up to the upper falls, where we found out that going down was harder than coming up.

Trail

Dropping down into the canyon as we were within a helicopter throw from the weeping walls.

Weeping Wall

Approaching the inner sanctum. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Weeping Wall

Looking up at the lush and verdant, towering walls soaring thousands of feet up to one of the wettest spots on Earth. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Crumbly Wall

My attempts to circle the falls ended prematurely due to the rotting and crumbly ground that constantly gave way. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Weeping Wall

Bill flew his drone to get our group shot and joined the other air traffic that was buzzing the canyon on a regular basis. Sure beats yelling group photo at the top of my lungs.

Blue Hole

It was more like the Gray Hole today. Photo by Shirley.

Trail

Some of us started to make our way back while the rest continued with their photo shoots.

Trail

Following instructions as we made our way back. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Trail

Cisco dropping back down to the second set of waterfalls.

Trail

Climbing down the gorge.

Jungle Gym

Threading our way through a huge blowdown that was blocking the trail.

Guardian Falls

Contouring our way down the first set of waterfalls.

Wailua River

Making our way downstream Kauai’s longest and largest river.

Mud Pit

Leaving no trace and hopefully no shoes as well.

All pau

Rock hopping our way back to our Jeeps. I had my fill of such activity for the week. Another great hike with fun company in the books. Post hike meal at Mariachi’s Mexican Cuisine where their food was better than their math.

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.

Flew over to the Garden Isle with Analyn, Anne, Bill, Cisco, Claudia, Mia and Shirley to enjoy a birthday hike weekend. Make that plural and not singular. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Trailhead

We are going to the Blow Hole! Depends on who’s saying it.

Road hazard

This hole would have gobbled up a regular car, unfortunately all the jeep rentals were sold out. Luckily we all had two legged drive for the hike today.

Flooded

Wading through the ankle deep water to get to the other side.

Aquaphobia

Somebody either needed help taking her shoes off or didn’t want to get wet. Photo by Shirley.

AAA

What happens when you don’t take a 4×4 vehicle. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Ponding

We detoured around this stretch of flooded road to avoid getting wet. Did I mention not getting wet? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Helping hand

When you try to help out a friend cross the muddy ditch, you get pulled in as well. What are friends for? Photo by Bill Yogi.

Jeep road

Company in the form of a jeep chased the girls up the road … Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Jurassic Park

… to the cement posts that remain from the dinosaur movie. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Weir

Group photo at the dam, left to right: Shirley, Analyn, Anne, Bill, myself, Mia, Cisco and Claudia.

Bamboo forest

Analyn making her way through the emerald grasses.

Wailua River

We soon caught up with the jeep occupants and passed them going up the river.

One at a time

Anne making her way across one of many stream crossings. Lucky for us, it wasn’t that deep and fast moving.

Flower shop

There’s always time on a trail to stop and smell the orchids.

Distracted hiking

Soon to be banned – texting while hiking in a stream.

Help me

Why does Analyn have such a terrified look on her face? Is it because a) she realized she forgot her swimsuit at home b) an inchworm was creeping up her arm or c) all her waterfall photos were accidentally deleted. Photo by Anne Fai.

Heart pool

Your heart is as cold as mountain water. Photo by Anne Fai.

Guardian Falls

Approaching the junction where three streams meet.

Guardian Falls

The group was only interested in the main two that cascaded down into a small pool below.

Heart rock

In case you didn’t get the picture.

Spiked shoes

Rock hopping our way up Wailua River.

Wailua River

Analyn standing next to the pristine waters of the mountain stream.

Hapuu

The girls preening and prancing underneath a fern tree. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Gut check

Did I really lose seven pounds?

Side falls

Shirley and Mia crossing over the stream bank.

Slippery rocks

Anne climbing up the slick rocks to the ridge.

Seaworld

Aquaman entering his domain. Unfortunately, Cisco and Claudia elected to remain at this spot to conserve energy for the return hike.

Gate crossing

We crossed over the fence as we glanced at the numerous chutes, occupied and unoccupied, that ribboned down from the mountain.

Roping down

Mia going down the slippery mud soaked hill.

Final destination

Thar she blows! Again, depends on who’s saying it.

Almost there

Making our way down and over a small stream in the verdant valley.

Exposed waterfalls

Meanwhile, Cisco had ample time to perfect his silky shots down at the multiple tiered waterfalls. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Blue Hole

It was worth waiting three years. Every single dripping day.

Blow Hole

Drone view by Bill Yogi.

Weeping Wall

Everybody had to have their 15 minutes of photographic posterity. Some had to get another 15 minutes. And, you get the picture(s).

Wailua Headwaters

GROUP PICTURE! GROUP PICTURE! GROUP PICTURE!

Blue Hole

Bill’s drone was no match for the constant influx of tour helicopters buzzing the area, that interrupted the surreal solitude of the area.

Blue Hole

The colorful convoy of hikers reluctantly leaving the wall of waterfalls fed by Mount Waialeale.

Happy Birthday!

Couldn’t find a cupcake, so a 7-11 musubi had to do. Maligayang kaarawan to Anne and Mia. Many more happy returns to this place. Photo by Shirley.

Stream crossing

Making our way down the slippery bank.

Guardian Falls

Dropping and contouring our way back down to another photoshoot, despite claims to the contrary.

Got headlamps?

Somebody got off to a late start.

Single file

Playing follow the leader back down the river.

All pau

We got back to the weir to wash our spikes and some of us soaked our bodies. We still had that long stretch of road to walk back to our cars to finish our 16.3 mile hike.

Post hike meal

When the restaurant “borrows” your name, the least they can do is give you a 10% discount on your meal. We had to fuel up for our long loop hike tomorrow. Wait, scratch that. All in all, a fun day that was filled with soaring waterfalls and good company. Photo by Bill Yogi.

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.

I was invited to an outer island hike organized by Scott and guided by Rito, that was attended by a total of 11 fellow hikers.

The locals

We flew into Lihue and met up with the others in our party, collected our rental jeeps and drove to the local Foodland to gather our food and drinks for the day.

Keahua Stream

Our jeeps still in 2WD, we came across a new bridge being built near Keahua Arboretum. Stopped in our tracks, talks of the hike ending prematurely floated around until Rito spoke to the workers who soon let us pass.

Jeep road

The primeval forest shading us on our bumpy ride to the trailhead.

Jeep road

Splish, splash, the jeeps were taking a bath. Mud bath. Photo by Theresa Youn.

Jeep road

Welcome to Jurassic World. All that was missing was the sign. Fill in with your imagination. 4WD country from this point. A rough ride was in store for us. Much to Rito’s delight.

Trailhead

Group photo at the trailhead, with the summit of Mount Waialeale soaring 5,148′ in the background, left to right: Madelene, Amanda, Rito, Wendy, Marcus, Brian, Will, Scott, myself, Theresa, George and Matt.

Weir

Radio check. Let’s follow the ribbons. Oh wait, there are no ribbons. Let’s follow Rito instead.

Strawberry guava trees

Out of season. No trail snacks for us today.

Wailua Stream

Matt relaxing in the stream. All he needed to do was fart and he would have his own personal jacuzzi. Photo by Brian Connors.

Wailua Stream

Taking the side trail to the left …

Wailua Stream

… switching to the side trail on the right. Back and forth. Theme of the day.

Wailua Stream

Rito leading the way. Photo by Brian Connors.

Hiker in the mud

“Help. I’m stuck in the mud and can’t get out.” When a plant won’t do, Will’s helping hand will do.

Wailua Stream

Looking back as we traveled deeper into the valley and leaving civilization far behind.

Wailua Stream

The group approaching Guardian Falls. Photo by Amanda Knauf.

Guardian Falls

Matt took the cold plunge and swam to the base of the three waterfalls. Three?

Waterfalls

The third waterfall off to the side. Photo by Amanda Knauf.

Guardian Falls

We soon contoured to get above the falls and picked up the trail again.

Wailua Stream

The tabi footed group rock hopping along the stream.

Wailua Stream

Will and Amanda passing one of many side streams spilling into the main stream.

Wailua Stream

Looking back at Matt as the canyon walls seemed to contract closer behind him, seemingly further isolating us from the outside world.

Wailua Stream

Waterfalls in the distance. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Wailua Stream

We soon gained higher ground as we left the gurgling stream below us.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls were seemingly sweating out of the pores of the mountains. Lack of rain prevented us from seeing the full waterworks effect.

Wailua Stream

We will be back.

Gate

Marcus passing through our one and only gate.

Trail

As we crested the hill, our destination popped into sight.

Trail

We have company. Helicopters brought aerial gawkers at regular intervals. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Trail

The group making their way down the eroded trail.

Trail

Panoramic photo by Will Braitsch.

Trail

Closing the distance to the inner gorge. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Weeping Wall

The group getting up close and personal to the wrap around cliff that is fed by springs and water draining from the summit.

Wailua Headwaters

Far group photo. Can you see us?

Wailua Headwaters

Close group photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Blue Hole

Playing misty for myself. I failed to look up to see the “blue hole” effect.

Wailua Headwaters

Panoramic view of probably one of the oldest rocks in the islands by Matt Vidaurri.

Trail

We took our leave of the wall of cascading water and started to stream out of the gorge.

Trail

The helicopters continued to descend with the clouds in tandem.

Ohia Lehua

Perhaps we should have plucked one of these red flowers as we were looking for a shower, but not a storm.

Water park

We are back. Jumping, sliding and splashing. Some of us. The rest of us were content to stay dry and dirty.

Trail

Making our way out of the gorge.

Rock cairn

Tip or not to tip? Where is the caveman when you need him?

Trail

Cramps and mustard do not mix well with George.

Guardian Falls

Scott refreshing himself under the cold, flowing falls.

Trail

The group heading back down the stream.

Trail

Theresa using momentum to avoid getting bogged down in the mud.

Trail

Rock hopping across the stream.

Trail

Leaving the bamboo forest behind us.

Trail

Washing our muddy bottoms, shoes and spikes at the weir.

Trail

We returned to our jeeps and cracked open ice filled coolers to gather our beverage of choice to slake our collective thirst. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Trail

Blue 1, 2 and 3 going over the rutted road and returning us to civilization. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Post hike meal

Post hike meal was originally supposed to be at the iconic Hamura Saimin. Standing room only. So we moved next door to Lihue Barbecue Inn. Hmmm. No barbecue items on the menu. Oxtail soup it is. Some of us sampled the Wailua water collected by Matt while we waited for our food in the bustling restaurant. Fun day spent with old and new friends. It was also another kind of day. Happy Birthday Amanda.

Note: I have been made aware the 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.