My triple dose of hiking fun started at 3am, even the chickens were sleeping. I met up with Chris and Jasmin as we took advantage of the full moon’s illumination as made our way up Le’ahi.  

City lights

The skies were clear enough to see past the neon glow of Waikiki and reached out all the way to the Waianae Mountain Range.

Town lights

Rivers of light poured down from the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Reminded me of the Electric Parade at Disneyland for some reason.

East Oahu lights

Picking out Koko Crater and Koko Head in the distance. We could even see Maui. Wow!

Full moon

The streak of light is actually an airplane that was caught in my long exposure shot.

Best seats in the house

I’ll say it again, a 30 second timer does wonders, especially when you’re running back to the pillbox in the dark.

Sunrise

The moment everybody was waiting for.

Fish eye view of Waikiki

Group picture time.

Fish eye view of the crater

Another one.

Standing room only

After enjoying the sunrise and taking lots of pictures, we merged with the crowds going down the trail. Talk about a mass of humanity. Sheesh. That’s why I like to hike the trails less trampled. After we followed the stream of people leaving the crater, we ambled over to the KCC Farmers Market to grab a bite or two to eat. I highly recommend the Kona BBQ Abalone and Hamakua Mushroom Fries, to be washed down by a Pineapple Coconut Smoothie. Your taste buds will thank you.

Visitors welcome?

Drove back home and dozed off to the idiot box at home. A couple hours later, Chris texted me about joining David’s hike to Hamama Falls. Sluggish and sleepy, I hopped into my car and met Chris and his niece at the end of Waihe’e Road in Kahaluu. We made our way through the rather large opening on the left side of the fence to start my second hike of the day.

A nice walk through the forest

The flat gravel road winds its way through the lush tropical forest of Waihe’e Valley. Chris pointed out numerous side trails that supposedly lead to the extreme hike known as Kalahaku Teeth. Another hike for another day.

Swimming hole

We left Chris’s niece at this popular local watering hole on the way to the falls. I heard there are little fishes in the water that will nibble at your dead skin. Who needs those fancy nail salons?

Hamama Falls

The gravel road became more of an incline towards the end as we arrived at the falls to meet up with David and his friend, Phillip. David said these falls are always flowing, whether it’s rain or shine.

Tap water anyone?

Chris said on his last hike up here, another hiker had a faucet spigot that he attached to one of these water pipes in front of the falls. Talk about drinking directly from the source!

Down the banyan tree grove

Chris took his leave of us as he had to return back to the swimming hole to collect his niece. I joined David and Phillip for my third hike of the day, a side trip to Waihe’e Falls. We went back down the gravel road until we came upon a large banyan tree and made our way down to the stream and crossed over to the bank to pick up the ribboned trail.

Upstream

As we made our way to the falls, Phillip pointed out the numerous mamaki plants growing on the trail. Hawaiians boil it in water to make tea. We had the plants and the water, just no container and heat source.

Waihe’e Falls

The falls were raging compared to Hamama.

Trying not to get wet

Phillip and David decided to climb up the waterfall. I was tired from being up all night and stayed put at the bottom of the falls, enjoying the misty waters.

GPS Tracks

The 4.05 mile hike capped off a long fun filled day that started with enjoying the night lights and ended with two waterfalls. What more could a hiker ask for? I know, a nice steak and lobster dinner at Ruby Tuesdays!