We gathered Mateo from the house and picked up Mari at the airport to continue our holoholo weekend.

Shipwreck Beach

Approaching the 40′ cliff as we walked on Keoneloa Beach which got its more popular nickname from a wooden boat that was wrecked at the water’s edge until Hurricane ‘Iwa destroyed the shipwreck in 1982.

Shipwreck Beach

We take such signs very seriously. Do we have our serious faces on?

Shipwreck Beach

360 view of the group on top of Makawehi Point.

Shipwreck Beach

I briefly considered taking the plunge but forgot my speedos at home. My name is not Harrison Ford.

Shipwreck Beach

Hope the sandstone cliff doesn’t collapse due to our combined weight. Some of us could stand to lose a few pounds. Not pointing fingers.

Shipwreck Beach

Going back down the cliff or we could have opted to take the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail that meanders two miles along the coastline towards Punaloa Point and is punctuated by rugged sea cliffs, secluded coves, dunes, tide pools, sculpted lava formations, native plants, and petroglyphs.

Shipwreck Beach

Quan found a tunnel but failed to connect it to the end.

Shipwreck Beach

Walking the “long sands” back towards our cars.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

Parked our cars on the muddy road and walked clockwise to the cave.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

We stayed on the foot trail to avoid the horse droppings which were quite unavoidable after all.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

The bridge that leads to a farm of African tortoises, which ironically are used to control non-native weeds.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

Low crawling on plastic sheets was the price of admittance.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

Standing up in the largest limestone cave in Hawaii.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

The group standing at the entrance to the sinkhole which was once a lake and is now a repository of over 10,000 years of island history.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

Scott pointing out the banyan tree that used to be against the cliff that they used to climb down back in the “old” days.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

Entering the South Cave, that took over 400,000 years to develop from a sand dune into stone.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

Further passage was restricted to permit certain endangered species to thrive and flourish, such as the blind Kauai cave wolf spider.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

Providing illumination on the “bacon” stalactites on the cave’s ceiling. The docent informed us that many of the stalactites were broken off by free love hippies that used to inhabit this area years ago.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

Looking out into the sinkhole that has served various purposes over the years from graveyard, farm and now being restocked with native plants. The only thing missing is the kanaka maoli.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

What goes in, must come back out.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve Trail

Group photo at the top looking into the emerald amphitheater.

Waipo’o Falls

Catching a view of the two-tiered falls dropping 800′ into Waimea Canyon on our way up to Koke’e State Park.

Sloggett Road

We all piled into Scott’s truck and took off on the jeep road not meant for AWD cars. The girls riding in the back of the pick up truck, if Senate Bill 1410 passes, will be a thing of the past.

Sloggett Road

It’s amazing what a non-working amber light can do to blur the line between official and not official.

Sloggett Road

Look at the little one! Another one bites the dust.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Praying for clear skies and no rain on our hike to the swamp. It would be answered for the most part, in our favor.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Walking on the composite planks which served to keep our feet relatively dry and insulate our mark on the environment.

Alakai Swamp Trail

The group passing through the crossroads.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Stepping down into the worlds’ highest rainforest fed by the runoff from Mount Wai’ale’ale, one of the wettest spots on Earth.

Alakai Swamp Trail

One accepted the inevitable while the other chose to delay it as long as possible.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Quan offering a helping hand to Mari to cross the tributary. She still got wet.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Where is that boardwalk when you need it?

Alakai Swamp Trail

The original redwood planks that were laid down in 1991 have seen better days.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Tessa reaching the limit of her flexibility in an effort to stay dry.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Jen decided to test the waters so to speak. Unintentionally. Now we all know how deep the mud in the swamp is.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Quan offering a helping hand. Does she work for First Insurance or Allstate?

Alakai Swamp Trail

Walking across the shallow bog.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Everybody finding their own way as they navigate around the open mud pit. Nobody wanted to pull a Jen.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Walking through the montane wet forest that are home to 21 endemic species found only in the center of this plateau.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Group photo at the Kilohana vista which sits at an elevation of 4,030′.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Waiting and watching the clouds drift in and out of the views of Hanalei and Wainiha Valleys.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Running reflections.

Alakai Swamp Trail

The group washing off in Kawaikoi Stream.

Alakai Swamp Trail

What goes down, must go back up.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Catching the sunbeams filtering down into the forest.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Who needs the boardwalk?

Alakai Swamp Trail

Going up the last hill to finish our 6.6 mile hike in this ethereal and enchanting place. Post hike meal at Wong’s Chinese Restaurant, home to the original Lilikoi Chiffon pie.

Kountry Kitchen

Day 3
We woke up with the chickens to eat chicken poop. Memorable way of remembering our breakfast.

KFD

The new recruits of Engine 2. God help us all.

Wailua River Overlook

Feed them and they will come.

Wailua River Overlook

Group photo with the largest navigable river of the island behind us.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

We tagged along with Engine 2 to get a sneak peek at the temple that has been 29 years in the making.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Looking out at part of the 328 acre sanctuary that was founded in 1970.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Touring the grounds and seeing a monk on his way to smash non fruits into juice.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

We all were graciously gifted a 32 ounce bottle of Indian mulberry juice. Studies have shown that noni juice may improve joint health, increase physical endurance, increase immune activity, inhibit glycation of proteins, aid weight management, help maintain bone health in women, help maintain normal blood pressure, and improve gum health. If you can get past the smell and taste.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Farm to table. Everybody also got an organic heirloom tomato. This was better than a farmer’s market. Of course a boomerang video had to be made of our free edible berries.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Walking in the drizzling rain to the San Marga Iraivan Temple.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

The temple is constructed entirely out of white granite that was imported from India. The details that the craftsmen carved from blocks of granite are simply amazing. We were told this is the first all granite temple being built outside India in 600 years.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Piece de resistance: It took them three months to carve a rolling ball in this creature’s mouth from a single block of granite.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Walking outside to view a family of elephants carved out of black granite. These animals are sacred to the Hindus as they are a living incarnation of Ganesh, one of their most important gods.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Mirror reflection or just got the legs crossed the other way?

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

The drizzling rain made the statues of the temple builders “sweat.”

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Our guide holding up a chain that was carved from a single block of granite.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

The actual crew of Engine 2 with our gracious host, Yoginathaswami at the conclusion of our very informative and enlightening tour. Wait, who’s minding the store?

Kapaia Suspension Bridge

We grabbed bites to eat from Konohiki Seafoods and made our across the 125′ suspension bridge that was first built back in 1948 and rebuilt in 2018.

Kapaia Suspension Bridge

The bridge used to connect the plantation camp with the shops, schools and churches on the other side of Kapaia Stream.

Kapaia Suspension Bridge

Shadows in the sun.

Kapaia Suspension Bridge

A small micro man-made earthquake shook the bridge on our way back out. I think only the gecko got scared off.

Ahukini Recreational Pier State Park

We pulled up to the pier just as a local fisherman pulled a 25 pound Kahala out of the water using akule as bait. Ciguatera toxin anybody?

Ahukini Recreational Pier State Park

Group photo at the end of the cement pier that was constructed back in 1920 to help facilitate the transfer of sugar from the mills to the ships that was transported here on railroad tracks that terminated at the pier.

Ahukini Recreational Pier State Park

Shut down in 1950, the pier is now used by fishermen and out of island people testing to seek their balance on the concrete beams.

Ahukini Recreational Pier State Park

Waiting for the airplane to fly over. Timing is everything.

Hokuala

Is it Kapa’a or Kapaa’a? Who wants to reenact the scene with Nicolas Cage and James Caan from Honeymoon in Vegas? Better luck asking the Nenes.

Hokuala

Rocking in paradise.

Hokuala

Statue don’t hit back.

Hokuala

Quan in the nosebleed section. I think they would attract more spectators if they clean up the place a bit.

Hokuala

Love hurts. Especially when you score zero in the game. I don’t think we will be invited back.

Menehune Fishpond

Group photo in front of the largest fishpond on the island that was thought to have been built back in the 15th century. Alakoko Fishpond is being gradually restored back to its native state by eliminating the invasive mangrove trees and reintroducing native fish back into the ecosystem such as ‘ama’ama (mullet) and awa (milkfish).

William Hyde Rice Monument

We stopped nearby Kipu Ranch where a monument to Mr. Rice, born in Hawaii from missionary parents and was later appointed Governor of Kauai in 1891 by Queen Lili’uokalani and ironically helped to overthrow her monarchy two years later in 1893. I inquired at the nearby Outfitters Kauai office whether the high peak of Haupu in the distance is hikeable. The answer was it’s too steep and crumbly. Hold my Coca-Cola.

Kukuiolono Park

Our last stop on our whirlwind tour was at a park and golf course in the town of Kalaheo.

Kukuiolono Park

We were being stalked by a chicken that followed us through the Japanese Garden.

Kukuiolono Park

Need to eat my Wheaties.

Kukuiolono Park

Dry fountain makes for a good photo shoot.

Kukuiolono Park

View of the South and West shores from the bluff overlook.

Kukuiolono Park

The Hawaiian guillotine.

Hamura Saimin

We dropped in at the landmark restaurant to get a hot bowl of noodles and split a whole lilikoi chiffon pie. Much better than the last place. The flight back home was hit hard by a triple whammy of heavy rain, lost cargo documentation and a missing ground crew. Should have flown Southwest. A big thanks to Scott for his gracious hospitality during our amazing weekend and everybody for their fun company.

Photos taken by Jen Odence, Mari Saito, Quan Haberstroh, Scott Dea, 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.

Analyn, Ferlino and myself flew over to the Garden Isle to get in some hiking this weekend.

Trailhead

We picked up our rental car, stocked up on water and snacks at Walmart and drove to the end of the winding road to Waimea to begin our hike.

Pihea Trail

Descending down the seemingly solidified eddies and currents captured on the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pihea Trail

Analyn going up the fern lined trail.

Pihea Trail

Stopping to gawk at one of the many jaw dropping views of Kalalau Valley along the rim. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Pihea Trail

Making my way down the tree lined trail.

Pihea Trail

Ferlino walking the planks over the muddy section.

Pihea Trail

Leaning trees and sprawling roots soon dominated the terrain.

Pihea Trail

Analyn and Ferlino making their way up the heavily rooted trail.

Pihea Vista

Group photo at the 4,284′ summit left to right: Analyn, myself and Ferlino. Where is the trail? Don’t trust the book, listen to the locals.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Going down the boardwalk. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Alakai Swamp Trail

The forest canopy filtered and spackled the sunlight reaching the redwood planks. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Alakai Swamp Trail

The State has begun to replace the rotting planks with recycled plastic ones. Is this where all the plastic bags went?

Junction

We turned left at the junction to head towards the Alakai Wilderness Preserve, better known as Alakai Swamp.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Descending lower and … Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Alakai Swamp Trail

… lower into the native forest.

Alakai Swamp Trail

The sounds of surface water flowing soon reached our ears.

Kawaikoi Stream

Watching the water stained by the forest floor as it coursed its way down stream. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Stepping foot on the plateau that is filled with overflowing water from Mount Wai’ale’ale, one of the wettest spots on Earth. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Alakai Swamp Trail

We bumped into another group making their way through the swamp as we saw windows of blue skies peeking through the clouds.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Passing one of the remaining telephone poles that were built by the US Army during WW2 to serve as backup communications in case the Japanese invaded and captured Lihue.

Kilohana Lookout

The clouds drifted in and out at the 4,030′ uneven platform overlooking the northwest coastline.

Kilohana Lookout

Ferlino set up his hammock and we commenced the hour long photo shoot. Photo time is more important than eating time for some people.

Kilohana Lookout

These scurrying rodents threaten the native bird population that inhabit the wetlands.

Kilohana Lookout

One last sweeping view of Hanalei Bay and Wainiha Valley. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Leaving the lookout behind us, so that others waiting could enjoy it as well.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Reflections at the world’s highest rainforest.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Chicken wire would be a nice touch for additional traction. Slippery when wet. Photo by Analyn Baliscao

Alakai Swamp Trail

Despite the name; Alakai Swamp is not technically a swamp, but rather a montane wet forest. Don’t ask me to explain the difference. I couldn’t for the life of me. Analyn Baliscao

Alakai Swamp Trail

The boardwalk that was built in 1991, has seen better days.

Kawaikoi Stream

Analyn rock hopping across the stream.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Climbing the hundreds of steps out of the forest.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Where were these railings back when we needed them? Photo by Analyn Baliscao

Junction

If we had more time, we could have explored the other two trails. But alas, waterfalls were waiting to be photographed down the road.

Alakai Swamp Trail

Walking up the stairs that are short a few steps.

Alakai Swamp Trail

We were fortunate enough to see the lobelia flowering with its purple and white buds.

Junction

The fence line soon lead us back to the Pihea Trail.

Pihea Trail

Rooting our way back down. Photo by Analyn Baliscao

Pihea Trail

Looking across the valley towards the radome perched near the Kalalau Lookout.

Kalalau Valley

Nature’s open air venue bordered by sheer cliffs that contain a valley filled with waterfalls, hippies and magical sunsets. Or so I’ve been told.

Pihea Trail

Climbing back up the roughly textured trail.

Pihea Trail

Looking back at Mount Wai’ale’ale, the spigot that makes the Alakai Wilderness Preserve so swampy.

Pu’u O Kila Lookout

Ferlino’s balancing act at the end of our hike. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Waipo’o Falls

We pulled off the highway in order to soak in the views of the two-tiered 800′ waterfall cascading down to the canyon floor.

Waipo’o Falls

Wait for it. Patience is a virtue.

The bee bit my bottom!

The moral of the story is always look before you sit down for your photo shoot.

Red Dirt Waterfall

Pulling off the highway again to catch another pseudo-waterfall. I have heard others call this place Dr. Seuss Falls, whatever it is, it’s not technically a waterfall but most likely part of the irrigation system that once fed the farms.

Sunset

Catching the fiery sunset on our way down from Waimea.

Wrangler’s Steakhouse

The wait was inordinately long at our post hike meal, but at least it was all you can eat salad and soup bar. The steak and fish wasn’t that bad either. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kauai Shores Hotel

Some people like to hit the sack after a long day. Others like to hang upside down and then listen to live music and witness a natural crack. Good night from Kapaa.

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.