Met up with Chico, Jen, Laredo, Lilyn, Mari, Quan, Tessa, and William for our third leg of the perimeter walk today.

Waiahole Poi Factory

We took our group photo that we missed from the last walk after Chico and Lilia staged the truck at Kualoa Beach Park.

Kamehameha Highway

It was too early to get a treat of Sweet Lady of Waiahole, so we pushed off on our walk.

Kamehameha Highway

What’s that? I forgot something? My medication?

Kamehameha Highway

Tessa rubbing elbows with the legend.

Kamehameha Highway

Somebody’s on the wrong side of the bridge.

Waikane Store

Pop Quiz: What is Chico doing?
A) Panhandling from a passing car
B) Looking for free samples
C) Getting his truck keys

Kamehameha Highway

We saw these and other signs that loudly proclaimed “The People United Will Never Be Defeated” and “No Development Keep the Country Country” and “New City…What A Pity! No Development.” The problem dates back to the 1880s when Lincoln McCandles and brothers arrived in the islands and began drilling artesian wells to feed the sugar industry and in the process amassed considerable land holdings. Fast forward to 1974, when his daughter attempted to to urbanize 1,337 acres in Waiahole and Waikane Valleys with local developer, Joe Pao who promised affordable housing with his “New City” development. Sounds familiar? Massive protests erupted and was temporarily simmered when the State purchased 795 acres in Waiahole Valley to manage the land. Fast forward to 1987, when the Housing Finance and Development Corporation was created to promote affordable housing, the predecessor to today’s Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation. The HHFDC claims they are running a deficit managing the water resources and below market rents for the approximately 100 valley residents and must raise rents to stay solvent. Both sides have retained lawyers and are slugging it out in court. Who will win? Most certainly, the side with deep and corrupt pockets will prevail against the residents.

Kualoa Ranch

Entering the cattle ranch and tourist attraction that sits on over 4,000 acres. This valley was considered sacred to ancient Hawaiians and was purchased by Dr. Judd from King Kamehameha III for the sum of $1,300 in 1850. That would be $50,560 in today’s money.

Kamehameha Highway

Passing through the often seen Coral Kingdom Shop & Restaurant but never visited.

Kamehameha Highway

When the traffic mirror doubles as the selfie mirror.

Kamehameha Highway

The public picking of parya (bittermelon) leaves.

Kualoa Ranch

Looking for the private tour.

Kualoa Ranch

Group photo in front of the 50′ artistic representation of Manaiakalani, Maui’s fish hook that was used to capture the sun.

Mokoli’i

Looking out towards the basaltic islet in Kaneohe Bay that was once owned by the Judd-Morgan family until the City & County of Honolulu purchased it back in the 1970s.

Chinaman’s Hat

Group photo in front of the conical shaped island. Advocates are pushing to erase the name of Chinaman’s Hat as it’s not culturally correct and politically offensive to some. But for most locals, it will always be called that.

Kualoa Sugar Mill

Wandering through the ruins of the first sugar mill built in the islands during 1863-1865. Due to lack of rainfall, the mill ceased operations in 1871 and was left exposed to the elements where it sits today.

Kamehameha Highway

Leaving the prominent Kualoa ridge behind us. I wonder if anybody has ever climbed that mountain?

Kamehameha Highway

The fish were biting today.

Kamehameha Highway

Bunker exploration. Where’s Scotty?

Kamehameha Highway

The color of death.

Kamehameha Highway

When there’s no sidewalk, one has to walk on the bridge.

Kamehameha Highway

Roadside summer snacks. Lychee was introduced to Hawaii in 1873 when Ching Chock brought the evergreen tree from China and planted it on the Afong property on the corner of Nu’uanu and School Streets.

Kamehameha Highway

Chico got his own summer snack. Free shave ice!

Ka’a’awa 7-Eleven

Motorists yielding to pedestrians. Refreshments at the convenience store that was originally named Tote’m Stores and later changed to reflect the operating hours. Time to change again?

Kamehameha Highway

No touch the girl or the golf cart?

Crouching Lion Inn

Trying to see the resemblance of the rock formation above the shuttered eatery. Originally built as the Larsen residence in 1927, it was converted to a restaurant in 1952 and closed in 2008 due to cesspool violations.

Crouching Lion Hike

Where is the trailhead?

Kamehameha Highway

Clucking like a chicken.

Kamehameha Highway

Bridge crossing.

Kahana State Park

I still haven’t found a working pay phone yet.

Kamehameha Highway

Words to live by.

Kamehameha Highway

View of Kahana Bay.

Kamehameha Highway

Swinger.

Kamehameha Highway

Walking on the road next to traffic. The Handi-vans were especially too close for comfort. I think they were looking for future customers.

Punalu’u

Group photo at the beach park. The town name means “coral dived for” or “spring dived for.”

Punalu’u

We may have walked on the wrong side of the bridges, but never jumped from them.

Punalu’u

End of the road for us. Food outside.

Punalu’u

Drinks inside. Pay inside too.

Punalu’u

Eating on the beach. Laredo preferred to sun on the beach.

Punalu’u

Quan trying to burn off her caloric intake.

Route 60

Everybody have exact change? Three dollars.

Route 60

Time to get off the bus and give the riders some relief.

Kualoa Beach Park

Happy Birthday Mari!

Kualoa Beach Park

Pinay Hat.

McDonald’s Temple Valley

Thanks Chico for the soft serve ice cream cones!

Chico’s Bar

One shot for the road.

GPS Tracks

Our fun walk covered 10.4 miles through the Windward coastline.

Photos taken by Chico Cantu, Jen Odence, Lilyn Avendano, Mari Saito, 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.

Matt invited Analyn, Cisco, Ferlino and myself to an impromptu hiking weekend on the Valley Isle. We got picked up at the airport, went to Zippy’s for breakfast and then stocked up on supplies at Target for the weekend.

Trailhead

Hikers from all over travel to Maui to see her picturesque collection of waterfalls, today with the steady rain saturating the grounds, we would be no different.

Trail

Following the trail as it headed deeper into the lush and verdant forest.

Hunters

We bumped into a hunters truck whose dogs were out sniffing for game, how about sniffing out the trail for us?

Bonus Waterfalls

Looked like the habitat for smeagol, who might at any minute come out looking for his “precious.” Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Trail

We rounded the bend in the trail before Matt realized we were going the wrong way.

Rain gauge

Back on the right trail.

Brown water advisory

If we had to cross the chocolate colored stream, it would have been hike over. Luckily we just had to follow the road the entire way. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Irrigation tunnel

Looking out from inside the tunnel. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Irrigation tunnel

One turn of this wheel and the photoshoot will be over. Tempting. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Irrigation tunnel

Watching the roiling waters being diverted and shunted to other uses, robbing peter to pay paul. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfalls

Group photo further upstream left to right: Cisco, Matt, tangerine, myself, Analyn and Ferlino.

Trail

If you have to hike in the rain, this is the trail to do it in. Just miles of jeep roads winding through the lush forest.

Stream

Watching our step as we forded the stream, as we didn’t want to go down the slippery slope. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Trail

We are not alone in the mountains.

T4

A canyoneering route that drops down into the valley. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Irrigation tunnel

Walking through the vast system developed to bring water down from the watershed to the agricultural plains down below.

Elephant ear

Ask and Mother Nature shall provide shelter from her tears.

Feeding time

Only male hands may transfer cuttlefish to these lips. People are watching.

Trail

Almost there. Really.

T5

I’m not a real big fan of waterfalls, but these literally took my breath away as the spigot was turned on full blast.

T5

Watching the tremendous volume of water surging its way down from the mountain …

T5

… and plunging thousands of feet down into the valley.

Waterfalls

The only waterfall that could be safely stood under without being swept away.

Trail

Bridging divides since 1924. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Stream

Life above the turbid stream beneath us. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfalls

Group photo at the next waterfall. We soon retreated further down the road away from the cold wind to have our lunch.

Playing with food

Is that a Cheeto in your shorts or are you just glad to see us? Maye not that glad.

Cracking eggs

When you are done playing with your food and need to crack your hard boiled eggs on something hard.

Waterfalls

Thanks to another encore photoshoot, we got to see …

T5

… clear across the valley to the waterfalls where we had just come from. Another canyoneering route that has been done by a handful of people, in dry conditions. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Stream

Crossing back over the stream as it coursed its way down from the mountains.

T5

Walking the plank again.

Waterfalls

Looking back as the clouds cleared up again. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trail

Posing for the yearbook photo. A couple years late. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Red ginger

Smelling the flowers on our way out.

Afternoon wood

Is that a branch on your tree or are you just glad to see us? Really glad. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Trail

Passing the swollen stream that was being fed by the constant rainfall on our way out.

All pau

Walking out of our 9.7 mile trail, which was arguably the easiest hike in terms of intensity. No bushwhacking or crazy ridges to climb, simply straight walking to the destination. Thanks Matt for another great waterfall hike.

Waterfalls

So many waterfalls to see and not enough time. Post hike meal at Da Kitchen where the plates were bigger than our stomachs.

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.

Some of us woke up and took a morning stroll on the beach while others dreamed of unrequited romances.

Kaanapali

We took in the views of Molokai and Lanai from the beach, saw crabs scuttling into the rocks as the waves washed over them and plucked opihi off the rocks. Back in the hotel room, we had leftover pizza and slightly carbonated soda for breakfast, before checking out.

Honolua

Flagging, sitting and slipping at our first stop. This signed pole was getting a lot of attention. All it needed now, was a shower of dollar bills.

Honolua Bay

We drove further up the road to gain a better vantage point of the bay known for its snorkeling and surfing.

Kanounou Point

Gone hiking, not fishing at our second stop.

Chutes and Ladders

Nobody told us about the uber shuttle service here.

Chutes and Ladders

Makai (ocean) bound.

Ladders

Making our way down to where fishermen use ladders to reach their fishing spot to cast their lines into the ocean. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Chutes and Ladders

Looking down into the salt water pools.

Chutes

Matt making his way down after waiting our turn.

Chutes

Chris climbing down.

Chutes and Ladders

Sucking that gut in as we rounded the corner and dropped down into the lava rocks.

Chutes and Ladders

The emerald green pool was literally dazzling to behold and even more so for the others that took the plunge.

Chutes and Ladders

Splish splash. Photos by Andrew Keller.

Chutes and Ladders

Leaving behind nature’s wet’n’wild water park. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Chutes

Matt didn’t want to wait for our turn this time going up, so we free climbed our way to the top.

Chutes

Slipper optional. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kanounou Point

Stupid …

Kanounou Point

… and Stupider. Is that even grammatically correct? Well; when you’re stupider, it doesn’t even matter.

Kahakuloa Head

Looking out at the 636′ hill also known as Pu’u Koa’e.

Kahakuloa

I noticed a traditional Japanese gate up the hill behind us, when somebody shushed me as we only had so many hours of daylight left.

Kahakuloa

View from the top looking out at the coastline. Photo by Chris Bautista

Kahekili Highway

The road to Hana has nothing on this stretch of mostly one lane road, for two-way traffic, and twisty turns hugging the sea cliffs. We stopped briefly to check out the reverse graffiti, maybe we should have added our names, just in case.

Lower Makamakaole Falls

Looking at the waterfalls flowing its way down. Another hike for another day.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Making our way into the forest as we left shattered glass behind us, at our last stop.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Analyn walking through the bamboo forest. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

How many stream crossings was this? I wasn’t even keeping track anymore.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Going up a tricky climb to discover that we were off track. Maybe I should have been counting.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

A waterfall is a waterfall is a waterfall. Take my picture. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Allstate

You’re in good hands. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Following the stream to …

Upper Makamakaole Falls

… another waterfall. The right waterfall. Photo by Chris Bautista

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Matt straddling the gushing flow of water as he climbed up. Tell my wife I love her.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Andy climbing and contouring his way up. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Our second or third waterfall of the day, if you count the bonus one. Photo by Chris Bautista

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Climbing up the steep hill to the left of the waterfall. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Matt making his way up.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

We contoured and dropped our way back down to the stream.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Does this count as a waterfall? Photo by Andrew Keller.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Nature untouched. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Nature touched.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Group photo left to right: Andy, myself, Matt, Analyn and Chris. We wrapped up our hour-long swimsuit illustrated photo shoot and started to make our way back out.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Matt tried to shortcut our way down, but it didn’t look promising, so back up we went.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Back to tunneling through the oppressive overgrowth.

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Making our way down off the hill. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Upper Makamakaole Falls

Chris coming down the last waterfall, where we heard people, loud people, at the base. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

rockfellatio

Look ma, no hands.

All pau

We made it back to our perfectly angled car with time to spare. Post hike meal at Paradise Supermart, best Filipino food on Maui. We even had time to stop at Krispy Kreme and pick up boxes of donuts to take home. Thanks to everybody for a fun weekend and especially Matt for his hospitality and showing us all these sweet spots.

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.

Analyn and I flew to Maui to meet up with Andy and Matt for another adventure filled weekend on the Valley Isle. After they picked us up, we ate breakfast at Zippys and went shopping for food and drinks at Walmart.

Twin Falls

The weather pattern around the island pretty much dictated our plans for the day, which was exploring waterfalls on the way to Hana. I was not blocking the gate at our first waterfall, just standing on it … Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Twin Falls

… when Analyn decided to sit higher on the gate. Let the oneupmanship begin. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Red Ginger

You should be a watercolor. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Caveman Falls

We took the side trail to the left away from the main falls to see the “true” twin falls, where I went out on a limb and sat on the lower branch. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ho’olawa Falls

Analyn went further out on a limb and perched herself on the higher branch. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Road to Hana

It’s not only the narrow, winding road and gawking tourists that will slow your travel to Hana; but also the occasional stray canine.

Kolea

Our second stop had us passing through an irrigation system, that diverts water to Central Maui, before …

Kolea

… Matt told us to turn around as conditions didn’t look right.

Lower Waikamoi Falls

Our third stop found us at this popular local watering hole where a couple folks were taking turns swinging into the pool.

Upper Waikamoi Falls

We didn’t want to crash the pool party, so we continued further up the trail to find a bigger waterfall.

Upper Waikamoi Falls

Group photo left to right: Andy, Analyn, myself and Matt. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Upper Waikamoi Falls

Looking back as we try to figure out which camera to look at. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Waikamoi stream

Who pulled the pose off better? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waikamoi stream

I think the jury is still out on this one. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Lower Waikamoi Falls

Take the photo or the plunge? Rhetorical question.

Honomanu Stream

After Matt angled the car just right at our fourth stop, we prepared to dip our big toes in the brown water when Matt determined that we would be dipping our chests in the water, so we turned around and jumped back into the car.

Wailua Valley

Matt flew his drone over the valley, that is the largest single source of surface water in the State, at our fifth stop.

Waikani Falls

Three hikers standing in for the Three Bears that pretty much merged into one at our sixth stop.

Upper Hanawi Falls

Our last waterfall for the day. Parking was tight for most of the popular waterfalls. Watch the poop. Human poop.

Upper Hanawi Falls

The rain started coming down, so being that we didn’t want to melt in the rain, Andrew and I went back to the car. We also found out that the remote works from quite a distance. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Upper Hanawi Falls

Analyn and Matt decided to explore the falls a little more. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Upper Hanawi Falls

The unwritten rule is that when standing on an arch, you have to arch your back as well. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Upper Hanawi Falls

Looking deeper into the falls. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Upper Hanawi Falls

It was time to stop playing in the rain and come back to the car. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Nahiku Marketplace

Somebody talked up the coconut shrimp, how people from miles away comes to this very spot to scarf this heavily battered coconut shrimp down. And then he went next door to get the ribs. Local price to boot. Too bad the mountain apple tree in the front was not ready to have its fruits picked. Time was running out after our late lunch, so we drove back to Kahului to pick up Chris, whom had flown in on the 5pm flight.

Lahaina

We settled into our rooms at the Aston Mahana; thanks to Matt and went out on the town to poke around the art galleries, curio shops and especially looking for that “I survived the road to Hana” T-shirt. We also found a T-shirt for Andrew and his future offspring. Before taking our leave of the historical whaling turned tourist town, we experienced the largest banyan tree in the US, that has 17 tree trunks and covers almost an acre. That’s a big tree. We picked up our dinner at Round Table Pizza with a 50% discount, thanks to Matt’s military ID. Thank you for your service.

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.

We left the middle of the head to drive to the back of the head for our last hike of the weekend. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Trailhead

It was late in the day, as we had streams to cross and waterfalls to climb, so off we went through the towering buffalo grass.

Crossing #1

Time to start counting to see if the trail lives up to its name.

Makamakaole Stream

Matt on the lushly vegetated stream bank that helps to retard erosion and brakes the rushing waters when the stream gets swollen.

Crossing #3

Is that 3 or 6? Seeing double.

Trail

Passing the dining room.

Crossing #4

Rock hopping our way across the stream. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Trail

Making our way through the upper gulch that is part of the sprawling West Maui Forest Reserve.

Crossing #6

Matt about to enter …

Bamboo Forest

… the creaking bamboo forest.

Crossing #7

Jasmin back out.

Trail

Matt passing the living room.

Crossing #11

Up to double digits in our crossings. We must be close. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Trail

Passing a stack of ti leaf wrapped rocks, that was most likely wrapped in ignorance.

Crossing #12

Mere minutes separated our multiple crossings.

Crossing #13

We most likely lost our way around the supposed final crossing and instead continued left when we were supposed to go right that would have lead us to three waterfalls.

Crossing #14

More stream crossings builds character and keeps your feet wet. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Trail

The stream water was crystal clear and filled with darting prawns. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Crossing #17

When you don’t have enough fingers and you have to improvise with what Mother Nature has at hand.

Crossing #18

We can stop counting now. Waterfall country ahead of us.

Waterfall #1

Matt climbing up the other side of the waterfall. The dry side.

Waterfall #1

The wet side with ropes. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Waterfall #1

Jasmin decided to park herself at the base and wait for our return trip. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfall #2

Wading through the chest deep pool to climb up our second waterfall.

Waterfall #3

Matt making the transition from the first set of ropes to the second set of ropes to get to the top.

Waterfall #3

Is this the last waterfall? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Trail

There’s only one way to find out. Follow the stream. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfall #4

We had to duck under a lodged boulder and make our way up the ice cold flowing water. Quite possibly, the most fun waterfall of the day.

Waterfall #1

Meanwhile, back at the base waterfall. What do you do when you have too much time on your hands? You take lots of selfie photo shoots. One of the few that could be published.

Waterfall #5

Matt climbing up the waterfall when a loose rock sent him plunging back into the deep bottomed pool. Talk of turning around was quickly dismissed, as we came this far, so we might as well see it to the end. He got right back on the wall and scrambled to the top.

Waterfall #5

My turn crawling up the wall. Halfway up, I lost that lovin’ feeling, so I had to pass Matt my webbing so he could throw it back down to me. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfall #6

One more waterfall to go before the big show. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfall #6

Skirting the edge of the ice cold pool to gain the waterfall. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfall #7

End game. It was worth it. Daylight was drawing to a close, so we turned around hustled back down the waterfalls.

Waterfall #5

I decided to take the express plunge into the pool coming down. Notice at no time do my feet make contact with the wall. Note to self: Don’t leave my spikes behind, especially when chasing waterfalls. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfall #3

Thankfully I did not repeat the plunge on this waterfall. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfall #2

Hugging a slippery rock coming down is as hard as it sounds. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfall #1

The last fall of the day. Luckily, my butt is not that bony after all. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

All pau

We made it back to the car under the cover of twilight, wet and tired. The ride back to the airport was more terrifying than today’s hike. We made our return flight with half an hour plus change to spare. Thanks again to Matt and Jasmin for the terrific company and fun over the weekend. Maui No Ka ‘Oi.

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.

We woke up the next morning, checked out of the hotel and saw the future at McDonald’s. Automated ordering. No more pesky humans, at least until the bugs are worked out.

Trailhead

Taking the less trampled trail as we dropped into the valley. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Kinihapai Stream

We followed an obvious trail on the stream banks.

Trail

Heading deeper into the valley, the angle of the basaltic core changed from needle-like to spade-like.

Trail

Matt standing scale to the boulders that were probably washed down the stream by the torrential storm back in 2016.

Human Bridge

What are friends for? Chiropractors did not pay for nor endorse this picture.

Trail

Leaving the stream behind as we started to gain elevation amidst a grove of ti leaf trees.

Trail

Straight up bushwhacking. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Trail

Are we having fun yet?

Trail

Our forward progress soon came to a crumbly stop. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Trail

The view from 1,500′ within the Pu’u Kukui crater, still got 700′ more to go. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Trail

One slight problem. The route we approached soon became too steep, anymore vertical and we would fall off the needle.

Trail

Passing the TV room on our way down. Matt spotted another potential trail to check out when we had more time.

Trail

Finding our way back down.

Trail

Taking a different way back down. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kinihapai Stream

White water action. It was said that back in 1790, the Battle of Kepaniwai that was fought in this valley was so bloody, the waters ran red from all the stacked bodies.

Trail

To boulder or not to boulder. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Trail

The view from the bridge. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kuka’emoku

The view of the iconic pedestrian bridge. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Trail

Why use the bridge when you have a stream to cross? Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

All pau

Our attempt to thread the needle hike covered only 1.5 miles, but the hole was just too small. Just another reason to come back. We picked up the best bento at TJ’s Warehouse Outlet, pickings were slim. Pays to get there early. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

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 Valley Isle with Jasmin to do some exploring and hiking with Matt who was already there doing business. Thanks to Matt for picking us up at the airport, stopping at the market to pick up water and food and then heading off to the trailhead.

Trailhead

We yielded to the bovine blockade on the trail and made a wide detour to get around them.

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Leaving the frisky cows behind us as we made our way down to the stream.

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Getting our feet wet.

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Rock hopping our way up the stream. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

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Jasmin and Matt balancing on the horizontal tree.

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Playing in the hau jungle gym that was suspended above the floor.

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Making our way underneath the thicket of hau branches. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Billabong

Taking a dip in the ice cold chest high water filled pocket.

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More jungle gym time.

Billabong

This pocket was a little deeper so we edged around the hole to get to the other side.

Trail

The trail throws a little bit of everything at you – cow patties, rock hopping, hau tree jungles, billabongs, waterfalls and a lava tube. Hence the name, Commando. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

If a tree falls in the forest …

Jasmin pondering the age old philosophical question.

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Preparing to climb our first waterfall.

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Spider-manning our way to the top. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

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Matt at the mouth of the vegetation fringed lava tube.

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Jasmin and myself heading into the water filled tube. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

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Climbing into the tube while the gushing water is trying to push you out. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

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Matt checking the grey skies before we were fully immersed in the lava tube lest we get caught and swept away by a flash flood.

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Artificial light leading the way in the pitch black tube. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

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Natural light backlighting the way. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

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Entering the cavernous section of the tube that my poor photography fails to illuminate and illustrate.

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Making my way up the showery ledge. No hiker left behind. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

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We could see the light at the end of the lava tube.

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You go that way and I’ll go this way. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfalls

Some people leave their hearts in cities, I just left my spikes. To complete the hike, one must climb to the top of the waterfall behind us and jump off into the pool below it. Guess we have to come back another time to finish the hike.

Trail

Is that the way to Na’ili’ili-haele Stream? Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

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I always thought they were more ornamental than edible.

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We explored a little more upstream before turning around and heading back down.

NSFW

Nature’s Rorschach test. What do you see? Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Trail

Passing part of the sprawling ditch system that used to irrigate the sugar plantations of yesterday. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Red Bananas

Now all we need are some green eggs and ham for a color coordinated meal. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Papaaea Reservoir

Too bad we didn’t bring our fishing poles. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

All pau

We made it past the now slumbering cows with the bull still keeping an eye on us as we finished our less than four mile water park hike. Post hike meal at Paradise Market which serves up the best Chicken and Papaya. We rounded out the day with sightings of rainbow eucalyptus trees, turtle filled beaches, whales breaching and spouting, a full rainbow and ancient petroglyphs. Nothing to end the day like a dip in the hotel’s Jacuzzi. Had to settle for the swimming pool instead. Shout out to Matt again for his generous hospitality and for showing us this fun trail and other spots on the island.

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 met up with Glenn and Chris at the Koko Head Botanical Gardens to do a nice Sunday stroll up the entire Koko Crater rim, we have hiked up from the arch and from the tracks. But never have we completed the entire Koko Crater rim.

Koko Head Botanical Gardens and Makapu’u

The grassy and kiawe trees eventually changed to the rocky and cacti inhabited rim of Koko Crater or Kohelepelepe which means traveling vagina. Take a look at Koko Crater on a topographical map and you will see why.

Cracked Rim

Going up the rim presents an interesting view of the fractured rim and presents numerous climbing possibilities. This is a different perspective of Koko Crater that you don’t experience if you just go up and down the tracks.

Kamiloiki and Kamehame Ridges

Our hike was blessed with a nice thick cloud layer which blocked most of the scorching sun rays. Unfortunately, vog conditions were in effect as well, producing hazy viewing conditions.

A little climbing

Heading to the lookout is a nice and steady climb up the rim, punctuated by several opportunities to rock climb or for those less inclined, to simply contour around.

Going into the bunker

We had brough headlamps and flashlights to root around these long abandoned bunkers at the top of the summit that was left over from World War 2. The tunnel leading to the bunker was actually very low, forcing us to crouch over as we stepped on scattered debris and rubbish on the floor that was partially illuminated by our headlamps.

Inside the bunker

If you’re claustrophobic and nyctophobic, going into these bunkers would not be a good idea. It was pretty cool and anti-climatic at the same time when we got to the bunker, as it was just filled with more debris on the floor and a shaft that went up to the surface. Two things prevented me from trying to climb up the shaft, the bottom part of the ladder was torn off and the middle of the shaft looks like it’s blocked by some sort of ventilation shaft.

Top of Puu Mai

The top of Puu Mai was teeming with hikers that had come up from the tracks. This hike gets a lot of activity, especially on the weekends. I can see why, as it’s a relatively short hike that has payoffs with great views waiting at the top.

Hanauma Bay and Koko Head

As we started to climb down the rim, the plinking and cracking sounds coming from the rifle range were really cranking that morning. Must be a result of all those increased gun sales.

Counter-clockwise on the rim

We spent some time at the top, checking out the views and enjoying the breezy tradewinds that had just picked up. Going down the rim, the rocky parts continued until the knob formation.

Molokai

Once past the knob, the rim leveled off and it was a nice gradual slope on the way back down as we caught views of Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach and the islands of Molokai, Lanai and Maui. We got back to our cars around 9:30am and had brunch at Zippy’s, thanks Glenn!

Taking advantage of Island Air’s discounted fares, I hopped on a plane to Maui to see an old buddy, Everett, and hike into Haleakala Crater. On the way up, we stopped at Komoda Store and Bakery in Makawao, famous for their stick donuts, but they were on vacation!

Leaving the clouds behind

Going up the winding road to the summit, we gradually started to climb above the clouds as we passed scores of bicyclists going back down.

Pu'u Ula'ula

Standing at the top of Haleakala or Pu’u Ula’ula (Red Hill) at 10,023 feet. The skies were remarkably clear and the thin air was nice and crisp, didn’t even need my windbreaker. You can see the tops of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa of the Big Island poking up from the clouds in the distance.

Panoramic view from the summit

Click here to see the larger image.

Keonehe'ehe'e Trailhead

We drove down to the parking area where the trailhead was located at. There are restrooms to use before you start heading out on the trail, but be warned as the air is quite chilly up there and the seats are not heated!

Haleakala Crater

As we started down the trail into the crater, we could see the clouds slowly spilling into the rim.

Haleakala Silversword

We came across a bunch of Silversword plants that looked like they had just flowered and they were on their last buds, so to speak.

Haleakala - House of the Sun

In Hawaiian legend, this is where a local fisherman, Maui captured the sun and forced it to have longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter.

Cinder cones

There are numerous cinder cones scattered on the crater floor, most of them are several hundred feet high.

Paniolo Nazi

“What are you doing?” This rhetorical question was repeated ad nauseum at two Australian tourists that had wandered off the trail by this paniolo (cowboy) guide that was leading a group of tourists down into the crater. He followed it up with threatening statements that it was a $500 fine, even though he is not a park ranger. The horse droppings do far more damage, as they have introduced alien grass and vegetation into the crater. After descending almost 2,000 feet into the crater, we turned around and started to head back up. The thin air and loose volcanic dirt, hence the name “Sliding Sands”, made one work a little harder on the return trip.

All pau

As we got back to the top of the trail, we could look back and see that the clouds had advanced further into the crater. On some days, the entire crater floor is covered in clouds, now that must make for an interesting hike. The next time I make it over here, I plan on hiking the other trail, Halemau’u and spending a night in one of the cabins which would give more time to explore the crater and the lava tubes.