We met up with some mutual friends the second day when we found out they were also on Kauai.

Tip Top

Sunday September 3, 2023

Group photo in front of Tip Top Motel, Cafe, & Bakery that was started back in 1916 by Denjiro Ota, left to right: Ferlino, Val, Aileen, Scott, myself, Cinja, Mateo, Krissy and Alex.

Indy Falls

Walking down the road as Krissy was prepared to make a quick getaway if so needed.

Indy Falls

Bushwhacking our way through the overgrown trail dominated by Guinea grass.

Indy Falls

Cinja crossing Huleia Stream. Slippery when wet.

Indy Falls

The water going over the roughly 15′ drop was not of a voluminous flow.

Indy Falls

Looking at the falls from across the swimming hole.

Indy Falls

Krissy crossing over the falls.

Indy Falls

Standing on top of the falls.

Indy Falls

Climbing down to get a better vantage point.

Indy Falls

Aileen with a more picturesque backdrop.

Indy Falls

Ferlino hanging off a tree. No surprise.

Rice Monument

Group photo in front of the structure erected in 1925 for a man that was appointed the last Governor of Kauai by Queen Lili’uokalani in 1891 and two years later he helped to overthrow her and the Hawaiian monarchy. With friends like that …

Lawai Kai

Our next stop, we parked at a dead end street and dropped down to the crescent shaped beach.

Lawai Kai

The group practicing LNT and just leaving our footsteps.

Lawai Kai

Group photo at the beach where the rich and famous used to come and play. We were neither.

Lawai Kai

Mateo doing a handstand at the secluded and scenic beach.

Poipu

We took a break at the nearby shopping center after being diverted due to a run being held that day. Shrimp and shave ice filled most of our tummies.

Heritage Trail

Our next stop took us to Shipwreck Beach where we took a group photo on top of the 40′ cliff. No jumpers today.

Heritage Trail

Aileen looking for the shipwreck that reputedly disappeared back in 1982.

Heritage Trail

Stepping foot on the Mahaulepu Coastal Trail.

Heritage Trail

We soon dropped down to explore the sand-dune cliffs.

Heritage Trail

Standing in one of the erosional “caves.”

Heritage Trail

Alex peeking around the corner. Nothing to see. Move along.

Heritage Trail

The group making their way out.

Heritage Trail

Aileen climbing back onto the trail.

Heritage Trail

Scott traversing over the edge of the trail that is being constantly eroded and shaped by the winds and waves.

Heritage Trail

Ferlino balancing on the branch. Everybody else just hung from it. Strive to be different. Strive to be Ferlino.

Heritage Trail

Mount Haupu loomed in front of us.

Heritage Trail

Looking out at the cluster of spires composed of limestone and sandstone.

Heritage Trail

Reminds me of the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon in Utah.

Heritage Trail

Ferlino standing amongst the razor sharp pinnacles.

Heritage Trail

Walking around a cove on the beach.

Heritage Trail

Keeping a respectful distance from the Waiopili Heiau.

Heritage Trail

Looking out towards the sea cliffs that are bordered by the Poipu Bay Golf Course.

Heritage Trail

We came across a bunch of Nene or Hawaiian goose at the end of the trail. Kauai is home to roughly 2,400 of these rare birds.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve

Some of us went to get our cars and the rest explored the cave system and also decided to see the imported African spurred tortoises that were brought in to keep the weeds under control.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve

We spotted some that were using the vegetation as cover from the sun and seemingly eating coconut meat. The group split into their separate ways at the end of the day and we picked up Mari from the airport and had dinner at Bull Shed, a steak restaurant by the water.

Kountry Kitchen

Monday September 4, 2023

We woke up on our last day on the Garden Isle and had chicken poop for breakfast before heading out.

Boroboro Bridge

Getting our feet wet. No other way around it.

Boroboro Bridge

We soon came to a gate that was there to block unauthorized motor entry, a couple ATVs roared up behind us and quickly turned around.

Boroboro Bridge

Second stream crossing.

Boroboro Bridge

Our last stream crossing and the bridge that served as passage to higher ground in the event of flooding stood before us.

Boroboro Bridge

Ferlino was the first to cross the dilapidated plantation foot bridge that had snapped guide wires and missing or questionable planks.

Boroboro Bridge

Crossing over the Waimea river as raindrops kept falling on my head.

Boroboro Bridge

Don’t push me!

Boroboro Bridge

We saw a pair of horse riders going back on the trail.

Boroboro Bridge

The raindrops soon increased in intensity and size, so Aileen aborted her bridge crossing. A bridge too far.

Boroboro Bridge

Going back or so we thought. The rain soon stopped falling. That only meant one thing.

Boroboro Bridge

Aileen successfully crossing the bridge as two passing hikers going deeper into the valley looked up and said “No way.”

Boroboro Bridge

Making it back to our car in one piece.

Kalalau Lookout

Group photo at the socked in 4,000′ lookout that was blanketed by clouds.

Kalalau Lookout

I think Ferlino used to be a tree in his former life or a primate that used to climb trees.

Waimea Canyon Lookout

Climbing up to get a better vantage point than the roadside.

Waimea Canyon Lookout

Looking into the vastness and splendor that is the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Aloha!

We left Kauai with fun memories and a bag of frozen Kauai shrimp that was bought in the Walmart parking lot. Felt like a bad drug deal. Many thanks to Scott again for his generous hospitality this past weekend and the fun company that made the trip worthwhile. A Hui Hou!

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Ferlino Carinio, Mari Saito, Scott Dea, 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.

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.