We flew over to the Garden Isle to do another of my favorite activities, waterfalls! Actually it was on the bucket list for some of our friends who had never been to this particular watering hole.

HNL

Entertaining ourselves as we waited to board our twilight flight. We are easily amused.

Pacific Ocean

Flying the friendly skies. Wrong airline.

Kauai

Landed in Lihue, picked up our black jeeps, had dinner at a popular eatery and then checked in at Banyan Harbor Resort for the night.

Lihue

Day 2
Woke up before the crack of dawn, packed our stuff and made a quick pit stop to pick up food for the day. Too early for poke.

Wailua

Traversing the multiple stream crossings were a breeze now thanks to the improvements made on the Loop Road back in 2024-2025.

Wailua

Capturing the sunrise being filtered by the trees.

Wailua

It was a bumpy and muddy ride as we passed the Jurassic Park Poles on the roughly five mile unmaintained road. Contrary to popular belief, these are simply markers and are not leftovers from the original set. The actual gates were farther up the road and were demolished after the filming was done. No souvenirs for Hawaii.

Blue Hole Trail

Eleven clean shoes at the start of the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Somebody was really excited to be here.

Blue Hole Trail

Our first stream crossing. One of many more to come.

Blue Hole Trail

Slipping and sliding through the mud.

Blue Hole Trail

Passing a flowering Nun’s Orchid on the trail, it was the first tropical orchid to flower in England as it’s native to Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Blue Hole Trail

“What you doing in the water, squatting like that?” Based on the popular myth, the stream water would be turning a bright blue, much like her shade of beet red.

Blue Hole Trail

Leaving the urine soaked water behind us.

Blue Hole Trail

Morning mist.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny washing his face with the urine water. Oh wait, we are upstream, so he’s safe. Feel sorry for the rest of the group that were downstream.

Blue Hole Trail

Bible studies with the annoying church slut on the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Matt looking for the waterfalls at the end of the tunnel.

Blue Hole Trail

Taking a break as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up. No bathroom breaks.

Blue Hole Trail

Approaching the first major waterfall of the day.

Guardian Falls

Checking out the gatekeeper falls on the trail. Nobody took a dip.

Blue Hole Trail

The rest of the group were enjoying the stream life.

Guardian Falls

Some of us explored a side waterfall. Slippery when wet.

Guardian Falls

Making my way back to the group as I was feeling lonely, wet and cold.

Blue Hole Trail

Roger showing off his rock balancing skills.

Blue Hole Trail

We contoured to the left of the falls to regain the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Following the stream into the canyon.

Blue Hole Trail

Matt looking at a small waterfall.

Blue Hole Trail

So he decided to make a smaller one himself.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny didn’t feel the need to add any more waterfalls.

Blue Hole Trail

Rock hopping and scrambling our way up the stream.

Blue Hole Trail

The waterfall walls began to constrict as we hiked deeper into the canyon.

Blue Hole Trail

We left the stream as we climbed up to get back on trail. Matt boosted the rest of the groups confidence as he said this is where he almost died. Climb on!

Blue Hole Trail

The steady stream of pulsating helicopters above our heads became more incessant and irritating.

Blue Hole Trail

Chico making his way up the slippery rocks.

Blue Hole Trail

Going through the gate. Almost there!

Blue Hole Trail

Going down the hill as we could see the Blue Hole for the first time.

Blue Hole Trail

Allison using both ropes as she climbed her way down the slippery rocks.

Wailua Headwaters

Exploring this water soaked and moss carpeted canyon that was carved from constant rainfall from what was once the wettest spot on Earth, Mount Wai’ale’ale. Pictures don’t give scale to the canyon walls that soar thousands of feet to the summit. Something that must be experienced in person through hiking or riding in a tour helicopter. This was the first time seeing this place for Chico, Edgar, Kenny, Marilyn and Sandra as well. It did not disappoint.

Weeping Wall

Drone view of our partial group photo against the backdrop of the canyon walls weeping with waterfalls.

Blue Hole

This angle illustrates the reason why some people call it the “Blue Hole.” However, the weather was not cooperating by providing us with blue skies today. Instead it provided us with greyish-whitish skies and a steady diet of vertical-lift aircraft carrying tourists who only caught seemingly seconds of the Blue Hole. Hope it was worth it.

Blue Hole

Getting close to the base of the falls.

Weeping Wall

Matt getting real up close and personal.

Blue Hole

Time to take our leave of this natural waterpark that Mother Nature has gifted us.

Weeping Wall

Not so fast. Aida, Ferlino and Roger caught up to us and had to have their round of picture taking as it was their first time here as well.

Blue Hole Trail

Climbing our way back down to Wailua Stream.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny showing us how it’s done.

Blue Hole Trail

Passing a stand of ornamental banana trees. Not to be confused with Orientals. We also crossed paths with a pair of hikers who had started late and assured us they could hustle to make it back out before dark.

Blue Hole Trail

Somebody was glad that we had brought webbing on the trail.

Guardian Falls

Can this picture go on the blog? I guess.

Blue Hole Trail

You go that way and we’ll go this way.

Wailua

We drove out of the unmaintained road and switched Kenny with Mari at the airport. Post hike meal was at Hukilau Lanai where our group was split into two tables and checked out with fine dining prices. Overall despite some in the group getting lost, two hiking poles wrecked and Chico suffering a couple abrasions and cuts, the day went swimmingly. Our total mileage for the hike came out to a little more than four miles round trip, some others have quoted eight miles round trip. Whatever the exact mileage was, it sure felt like the latter one at the end of the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ced84n5DHWs

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Blue Hole hike.

Lihue

Day 3
Checked out of our Airbnb, stopped at the local bakery that has been around since 1965 to fuel up for the day and drove to Waimea.

Waimea Canyon

Looking into the Grand Canyon of the Pacific where the distant Waipo’o Falls could be seen.

Hale Manu Valley

Getting our bang for the buck out of our rental jeeps.

Hale Manu Valley

Matt grooming another Princess in the group.

Hale Manu Valley

We’re not getting muddy, right?

Cliff Lookout

Our muppet group photo. Who’s who? Rijah Dat! Something got lost in the translation.

Canyon Trail

You guys want to see a better view? Rajah Dat!

Canyon Trail

Running commentary. Do you want my spikes? No. I have webbing. No need. It’s all for the gram, right? No. Does he have insurance? Yes. Can I get a ride from the airport? Yes.

Canyon Trail

There’s no “I” in team. In this case, I guess there is.

Canyon Trail

Group photo with the backdrop of the canyon that was formed over 4 million years ago when the shield volcano collapsed and the river and rain did the rest.

Canyon Trail

Synchronized spinning.

Canyon Trail

Ascending hikers have the right of way over descending hikers. It’s not always true, but normally?!?

Canyon Trail

Descending towards the falls. I didn’t have to yield to any ascending hikers.

Canyon Trail

Scenic spots.

Canyon Trail

Climbing down the direct way to the falls.

Waipo’o Falls

The girls standing at the top of the head-water falls before it plummets down the canyon walls.

Waipo’o Falls

Matt trying to thread his drone through the arch. Close but no cigar.

Waipo’o Falls

Getting all wet on the second of the smaller upper tier of the falls fed by Koke’e Stream.

Waipo’o Falls

Matt’s dramatic drone shots of the two-tiered 800′ waterfall.

Waipo’o Falls

On the way out, some of the group checked out the first of the smaller falls with a plunge pool. No plunging today.

Hale Manu Valley

Looking up into the pear or plum blossoms may result in a bug falling into your eye. Luckily our resident RN was able to fish it out of Mari’s eye on an out-patient basis.

Waimea Canyon

We drove over to the lookout to take the typical tourist photos.

Waimea Canyon

Spotting two feral goats climbing the rocky cliffs of the canyon. These invasive species were introduced in the 18th century by Captain Vancouver in 1792 on Kauai.

Waimea Canyon

Goat see, goat do.

Waimea Canyon

Running commentary. Those are idiots! I won’t disagree with you on that. One idiot is one idiot. Two idiots are two idiots. Four idiots are a hiking group.

Waimea Canyon

Birds eye view.

Waimea Canyon

Drone views of the canyon that plunges over 3,000′ deep.

Waimea Canyon

The unofficial mascot of Kauai clucking their way around the parking lot and everywhere else, as the feral population exploded due to chickens being released during Hurricanes Iwa and Iniki.

Hamura Saimin

We drove over to Lihue to eat at the local saimin stand that has been operating since 1952. It even received a James Beard award, believe it or not.

Scotty’s Car Wash & Detail

Cleaning our jeeps in Kapa’a, where we even had City & County supervision to ensure that we didn’t miss any spots before returning them back to the airport and catching our flight home. Thanks to Scotty for letting us wash our jeeps at his place. Mahalo to Edgar for booking the Airbnb and Chico, Edgar and Roger for getting the jeep rentals. Amazing weekend with a fun group that was made even better as the forecasted rain failed to make its appearance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoDUOkIHyeY

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Waipo’o Falls hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, Mari Saito, Matt Vidaurri, Roger Schiffman, Sandra Walter 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 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 spent King Kamehameha Day Weekend on the only island that was never conquered by the first founder and ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. However, it has been conquered by wild chickens that are the descendants of jungle fowl, fighting cocks and domestic chickens.

Kauai Airport

King Arthur has come to re-establish the independence of Kauai. He brought along his entourage of Jen, Lilyn, Liz, Marilyn, Quan and myself where his vassal, Scott picked us up.

Konohiki Seafoods

We stopped to have breakfast in Lihue. Sushi breakfast. Just missing the hot tea.

Hanapepe

Brief stop at Kauai’s “biggest little town” which also means crushed bay in Hawaiian.

Hanapepe

Squeezing and swinging our way across the bridge that was built in 1911.

Hanapepe

The load limit of 15 persons at one time was not exceeded. Safety first.

Waimea Canyon

We bypassed the fee paying tourists and gawked in the grandeur that is the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Waimea Canyon

Some of us left the nosebleed section to take a closer look at the canyon that measures roughly 10 miles long and more than 3,500′ deep.

Waimea Canyon

Scrambling back up the slippery slope.

Pu’u Hinahina Lookout

Out on a limb to gain a different perspective of the canyon.

Lunch at Koke’e Lodge where we just beat the lunch crowd. Some of us got the kamaaina discount without asking. Must have been the t-shirt.

Kalalau Lookout

Group photo at the lookout, left to right: Art, Marilyn, myself, Liz, Jen, Quan, Lilyn and Scott; where one can check out the largest valley on the island. We wanted to get a closer look.

Kalepa Ridge

We descended through the thick brush and tree canopy until the trail became more exposed along with the views that opened up.

Kalepa Ridge

Somebody was looking for alepa ridge? Acapella ridge? Say it enough times and one is bound to get it right.

Kalepa Ridge

The group coming down the trail bordered by low lying shrubs one one side and steep drops on the other side.

Kalepa Ridge

Looking down into the remote valley that was once home to Hawaiians and hippies.

Kalepa Ridge

The exposed crumbly red dirt stood in marked contrast to the greens and blues of the shrubbery and ocean.

Kalepa Ridge

Looking back at the stopping point for the rest of the group while Art, Jen, Lilyn and myself kept the forward momentum going on the trail.

Kalepa Ridge

Following the trail of goat poop as we continued our descent down the ridge.

Kalepa Ridge

The ridge narrowed as we lost elevation but gained splendid views of the valley, ridges and the deep blue ocean.

Kalepa Ridge

Jen climbing down the chossy ridge held together by the dry grass.

Kalepa Ridge

Somebody was wondering what they got themselves into and my ears were ringing. Loud. Very loud.

Kalepa Ridge

I think the ringing stopped as somebody soaked in the magnficient views all around us.

Kalepa Ridge

Looking down into the fluted peaks of the Kalalau cathedral.

Kalepa Ridge

Group photo at the end of the trail. Involuntarily. Sweeping views of Honopu and Kalalau Valleys along with the incessant helicopters circling below us.

Kalepa Ridge

Time to go back up and leave all this panoramic eye candy behind us.

Kalepa Ridge

Hey, where did everybody go? So much for the group photo.

Kalepa Ridge

Perfect timing as clouds started rolling in as we returned to the lookout.

Red Dirt Falls

On our way back down, we stopped at the seasonal waterfalls that are surrounded by red dirt which is a byproduct of the oxidized iron-rich basaltic rocks that are found in this area.

Red Dirt Falls

Hop, skip and a jump. Or something close to that.

Jojo’s Shave Ice

Stopped at the original location in Waimea for some flavored ice dessert that has its origins in Japan.

Salt Pond Park

When you follow the wrong Tacoma and still end up at the family beach that is also home to a salt pond where kanaka maoli families have their own plots to make Hawaiian salt for their own consumption or trading.

Wailua Falls

Quick stop at the 173′ triple falls. I don’t see de plane.

Dinner at Garden Island BBQ. Family style. Pass the rice. Loco moco to go.

Chicken whisperer

Day 2
Birds of a feather flock together. I think the rice had something to do with it. The original plan today was to pile into a zodiac boat and explore sea caves and secluded beaches, high swells took care of that option. We woke up with the crowing chickens and screeching birds to go off-roading in search of the secret tunnel.

Wailua River

Overlooking the only river navigable by boats in the islands.

Secret Tunnel

Never send a AWD to do a 4×4 job.

Secret Tunnel

Russell, we have a problem. Time to turn around and do something else secret.

Wailua

Where there’s a tree, there’s a photo opportunity.

Opaeka’a Falls

The water flow was a bit thin at the 151′ waterfalls.

Secret Falls

Why did the hikers cross the road? Because there was a crosswalk.

Secret Falls

We elected to take the hiking trail rather than the kayaking tour.

Secret Falls

Crossing the Wailua River.

Secret Falls

Passing underneath one of several tree tunnels.

Secret Falls

How high can the water get? Don’t want to be around to find out.

Secret Falls

Scott said there used to be another concrete column on the other side of the river bank and they used to be connected to each other with a tethered cable for river crossings.

Secret Falls

Looking down at the boardwalk that parallels a good chunk of the river.

Secret Falls

Passing King’s Pool whose waterfall was barely trickling.

Secret Falls

Approaching Uluwehi Falls aka Secret Falls aka Not So Secret Falls.

Secret Falls

Group photo in front of the roughly 100′ waterfall. We had the place all to ourselves.

Secret Falls

Water wings. Just got to work on the synchronicity.

Secret Falls

Everybody getting out of the water. I think everybody had their water time.

Secret Falls

Trying our best to feel rooted on the tree stumps.

Secret Falls

Crossing the only rope found on the trail.

Secret Falls

Passing a collection of crimson flowers.

Secret Falls

Two way traffic on the North Fork river crossing.

Secret Falls

Walking through the colorful beached kayaks.

Secret Falls

Back on the road again. Back in the car again.

Olympic Cafe

Eating lunch at the eatery where there is a little bit of everything on the menu. There was discussion of what to hike next. My suggestion of King Kong was repeatedly ignored. I would actually say blatantly.

Sleeping Giant

We settled on hiking Nounou Mountain. The back side. A slipper friendly trail. The shortest and steepest of the three routes up the mountain.

Sleeping Giant

The beginning of the trail was mostly shaded with pine trees planted back in the 1930s.

Sleeping Giant

Switch backing up the trail as it became less shaded and intermittent rocky outcroppings on the way up.

Sleeping Giant

Scott bareback bronc riding the bench on the “chest” of the giant.

Sleeping Giant

After the rodeo was done, we all headed to the summit or “head” of the giant with a detour to the “nose.”

Sleeping Giant

Some went through and others went over.

Sleeping Giant

Exhaling.

Sleeping Giant

Inhaling.

Sleeping Giant

Jen showing off her rock climbing skills.

Sleeping Giant

Standing tall.

Sleeping Giant

Climbing up the most direct route to the top.

Sleeping Giant

Group photo on the “nose.”

Sleeping Giant

The rest of the group wrapped up their photo shoot and made their way to join us at the “head.”

Sleeping Giant

Spin the hiker at the summit.

Sleeping Giant

Going back down the West trail.

Sleeping Giant

Looking back at the giant that has yet to be roused from his slumber.

Hee Fat General Store

We sampled some of the best shave ice that most of us has had in the islands.

Kapa’a

Fallen angel. Can somebody pick her up please?

Wahine Weenies

No weenies for the wahines.

Island Craves

Dinner was pizza with most of the toppings. Outside seating. Closing time.

Kalalea Mountain

Day 3
Woke up early on our last day on the island and drove North to take in a few more sights before flying home. Trying to separate King Kong from the ridge line. The mountains was also the background for the opening scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Kilauea Bakery & Pizzeria

We had breakfast at this cozy shop tucked away in a shopping center. Forget the pastries and get the stromboli. Veggie or sausage, it doesn’t matter. Thank me later.

Turtle Cave

Climbing our way down the short and steep hill.

Turtle Cave

Walking in low tide. No swimming needed.

Turtle Cave

A Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu) swimming in the shallow waters.

Turtle Cave

Mouth of the cave.

Turtle Cave

Looking out towards the ocean.

Turtle Cave

Shadows in the cave.

Turtle Cave

Keeping our distance from the endangered species. Look but don’t touch.

Turtle Cave

Low tide reflections.

Turtle Cave

Looking out the other cave entrance/exit.

Turtle Cave

Ocean view on the other side.

Turtle Cave

Art overlooking the tidepools with captured fish and missed photo opportunities.

Turtle Cave

We left without any attached barnacles. Our next stop to Queen’s Bath was derailed due to us being the 11th and 12th vehicles. No tandem parking.

Hanalei Pier

Stepping foot on the pier that was built back in 1892.

Hanalei Pier

Somebody’s buns hit the bottom. Not going back for seconds.

Hanalei Pier

Group photo at the 340′ pier.

Kuhio Hwy

Who let the dogs out? Scott’s truck must have been a postal truck in its past life.

Maniniholo Dry Cave

Somebody went to get cobwebs on his head in the cave that was formed from wave erosion when the sea level was higher and others picked avocadoes from the low hanging branches.

Blue Room

Climbing down into the Waikapalae Wet Cave that was also featured as the fountain of youth in the movie, Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides.

Blue Room

Looking up at the hanging vines and roots that drop down from the cliff to the cave.

Blue Room

The group making their way down to the water.

Blue Room

Scott said the water levels have dropped noticeably over the years and he urged us not to go into the water as he has had to pull a couple dead bodies from these waters over the years.

Blue Room

The cold water must have numbed their hearing. The sunlight bounces off the caves calcite rocks which gives the waters a blue tint.

Haena State Park

Walking through the taro patches populated by wild chickens and Nene (Hawaiian Goose).

Kalalau Trailhead

A hike that’s definitely worth repeating.

Ke’e Beach

Want to pet my tako (octopus)?

Ke’e Beach

A scene straight out of a B-horror movie, spider hikers fanning out on the exposed tree roots. Straight to DVD.

Last meal on the island was at Princeville Foodland where price means no object to the locals. We are not locals. Rich locals. We also had another helping of shave ice from Hee Fat before being dropped off at the airport by Russell and Scott.

We left Kauai full of fun memories and shave ice. Good times had by all. Special thanks to Scott for his generous hospitality and playing tour guide to our group over the weekend. Mahalo to Jacob for the rides to and from the airport.

Photos taken by Art Young, Elizabeth Barnaby, Jen Odence, Lilyn Avendano, Marilyn Bermudez, Quan Haberstroh, 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.

The next day, we all woke up refreshed, but apparently not refreshed enough to catch the sunrise this time around.

Ono Family Restaurant

We all ate a hearty breakfast and nobody got left behind this time for going to the bathroom.

Kauai Shores Hotel

Hiking gear comes in handy when somebody can’t figure out how to get back to the room.

Kamalani Kai

Exploring the climbing and bridge structure built back in 2001 by Tim Bynum.

Kamalani Kai

Going down the slides built for kids and kids at heart.

Kamalani Kai

Jump shot.

Hanapepe Swinging Bridge

We joined the rest of the disappointed tourists to find out that the century old suspension bridge was closed for visits.

Polihale State Park

Panoramic view of the Na Pali Coast Mountains at the most Western point in the islands that the public can visit.

Polihale State Park

Panoramic view of the unprotected shore.

Polihale State Park

Group shot on the sand dunes populated with pop up tents and frisbee throwing beach goers.

Bobbleheads

Bill made sure that he got his money’s worth out of the rental Jeep as we bounced down the road much to the astonished surprise of an older couple driving past us.

Waipo’o Falls

We drove to a less crowded spot to take in the vast views of Waimea canyon and her cascading waterfalls.

Waipo’o Falls

Group shot with the 800′ double tiered waterfall in the background.

Pu’u O Kila Lookout

Looking out towards the highest spot on the island that feeds the waterfalls that cascade down to the Blue Hole. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalalau Lookout

Chris looking out towards Kalalau Valley. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Red Dirt Falls

The falls had run dry so we just enjoyed the scenic views on the other side of the road. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Tree Tunnel

We even had time to drive down the tunnel of Eucalyptus trees that were planted back in 1911.

All pau

The day was drawing to a close so we had our last meal in the overpriced town of Poipu before heading back home to reality. Thanks to everybody for making it another great weekend well spent.

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.

Our hike only burned about three hours of daylight, so we headed up the road to explore another part of the canyon.

Trailhead

The parking lot at Pu’u Hinahina lookout was teeming with cars, which forced us to park on the road. We were used to it already.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

Making our way down the heavily rooted and trafficked trail.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

Passing underneath one of many fallen trees on the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

We found a rope on the trail.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

The junction signs were weathered beyond legibility. Luckily, the trail was pretty straight forward.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

Detouring off the main path, as we climbed up the cliff trail.

Cliff Trail

At least this bird yielded to hikers. It knew its place, otherwise it would be at the table.

Cliff Trail

Sharing our group photo with the backdrop scenic view looking into the canyon.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

We soon dropped back down to the main trail.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

Heading up the trail as exposed rocks became more prominent.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

What is everybody looking at?

Waimea Canyon

Oh the view. Not bad.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

Passing other hikers on our way down as they were making their way back up, where we soon took the trail to the left.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

Our first waterfall on the trail, where some hikers were frolicking in the water to beat the heat.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

We followed the stream down hill …

Waipo’o Falls Trail

… until it stopped at the cliff where it cascaded further down before plunging over another cliff to form the two-tiered 800′ Waipo’o Falls.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

Passing a hiking memorial on our way back up. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

Spotted the Filipino cross as well.

Waipo’o Falls Trail

A parking lot full of jeeps. You mean we could have drove up here?

Waipo’o Falls Trail

Switch backing our way up the trail.

All pau

Our canyon waterfalls hike covered 2.95 miles, that was by far the most crowded trail that we experienced this weekend.

GPS Tracks

Post hike meal at Wong’s Chinese Restaurant where it was the wrong place to eat oxtail soup but the right place to get Lilikoi Chiffon pies to take home before being scrutinized by the TSA. Another weekend well spent adventuring on the Garden Isle.

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.

Our breakfast was eaten downstairs at the Tip Top Café, which was separate from the motel, a fact that was made clear upon check in. Now I know why. We then drove to find the secret tunnel, but found out that we didn’t know the password. So we found ourselves driving back towards Waimea.

Trailhead

We parked on the highway adjacent to the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” to begin our first hike of the day.

Help yourself

Don’t mind if we do. Thank you.

Iliau Nature Loop

We started counter clockwise on the loop that was populated with descriptive signs of the native plants dotting the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kukui Trail

Only 2.5 miles separated us from the canyon floor. All downhill.

Kukui Trail

Passing through several hunting areas as we came down the switchbacks.

Kukui Trail

Are the logs meant to retard erosion or prevent hikers from falling off the trail? Perhaps both.

Kukui Trail

The trail soon widened and took on more of a exposed nature as it lead us down into the canyon carved from water and volcanic collapse.

Kukui Trail

I guess this hiking stick does come in handy. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kukui Trail

The forest of kukui trees granted us shade from the now withering sun.

Kukui Trail

We noticed a pack of goats that ran the hills above us, determined not to become camp vittles. Other hikers also passed us on their way back up, they had the right idea of starting early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.

Missing the nui

Passing by the Wiliwili Campsite.

Waimea Canyon

The original plan was to hike out to Lonomea Camp, but not knowing the way; we headed straight for the river to be greeted by a cloud of mosquitoes.

Waimea River

Ferlino set up his hammock by the river that is fed from the Alakai Swamp.

Waimea River

Group photo in the middle of the river that drains one sixth of the island before it dumps into the Pacific Ocean.

Camp Wiliwili

We didn’t linger long as the mosquitoes were not fun company. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kukui Trail

Time to pay the piper, as we made our way back uphill …

Kukui Trail

… 2,200′ of elevation in 2.5 miles.

Company

A visiting hiker from the West Coast, briefly kept us company on the trail.

Kukui Trail

He had a beach and ice cold beers waiting for him, so off he went.

Recycle

What one taketh, one giveth back. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

All pau

Who said you can’t be in two places at one time?

GPS Tracks

Our hike must have been covered by the new math GPS as I got 4.55 miles, so we somehow lost .45 miles along the way.

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.