Waterfall weekend. All weekend long. Met up with Chris B, Dale, Donald and Justin in Hau’ula to explore Kaipapau Gulch.
Trailhead
Safe from the neighborhood dogs. Photo by Justin Hirako.
Nice day
The rain that was pounding the rest of the island still hadn’t caught up with us.
Red dirt
We passed the junction to the bunkers on our way down to the stream.
Kaipapau Stream
Everybody was trying not to get their feet wet on the first crossing. Some were more successful than the others.
Forest crossing
Why did the hikers cross the stream? To get to the other side.
Stream crossing
We were going to crisscross the stream for at least 30 more times until we got to the waterfall. Who’s keeping count? Not me.
Forest crossing
Hiking underneath the tree filtered sunlight.
Stream crossing
The multiple stream crossings were for the most part, marked by faded numbered ribbons, denoting the crossing number.
Counting streams
How many stream crossings have we done so far? Anybody keeping count? Donald? Photo by Justin Hirako.
Stream crossing
Towards the end of the gulch, it became easier to walk in the streambed than crisscrossing from bank to bank. Just stay wet.
Kaipapau Gulch
The canyon walls soon started to rise and close in as we made our way further upstream. Not as claustrophobic as nearby gulches.
Rock falls
The discharge rate increased, a telling sign that we were getting closer to the waterfall.
Almost there
We climbed over the jumbled rocks and boulders that were collected near the base of the falls.
Kaipapau Gulch Falls
The 90′ waterfall. Quite the show.
Kaipapau Gulch Falls
Slippery when wet. Photo by Justin Hirako.
Kaipapau Gulch Falls
Group photo left to right: Chris B, Dale, Justin, Donald and myself. Photo by Justin Hirako.
Stream crossing
It was time to head back as the rain had finally caught up with us. We did not want to be stuck in a gulch under potential flash flood conditions.
Stream wading
Swimming pools of varying depths and sizes dotted the stream.
Got water?
Dale pointing to a dry waterfall chute.
Uphill
We detoured off the stream to check out another waterfall.
Waterfall
A nice horsetail waterfall.
Waterfall
Group photo by Justin Hirako.
Tree fungi
Fungus munching on fallen trees.
Noni
Cheese fruit from the coffee family. A tonic for your hiking ailments.
Stream crossing
Our last stream crossing!
Looking back
Rolling rain clouds had dropped and covered the mountains and trails with rain and water vapor.
Water tank
Passing the water tank on our way out. It was heavily graffitied from taggers.
All pau
All bark and no bite.
GPS Tracks
The gulch waterfall hike covered 8.54 miles round trip. Post hike meal at North Shore Tacos. Known for their fish tacos and lemonade. Only tried the tasty beverage.
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