Tuesday Travels - Hawaii finale

When I read about this hike I was really hoping mom would be up for it. There were a few shorter hikes we could have done, but this one sounded so awesome. Here's a blurp. "This idyllic 1.8 mile trail unfolds alongside a string of (many more than seven) pools and waterfalls framed by the lush green diversity of the lush tropical rainforest. The dramatic diversity then suddenly morphs into the zen-oneness of an immense bamboo forest. Once released from the bamboo, you’re dropped at the very base of a towering sheer-cliff waterfall worthy of a slow-motion Imax fly-by."

Mom said she was up for it!

Day 5: We started the short drive around 7am to beat the crowds to the trail head and ideally enjoy this hike in solidarity...with each other. =) The drive to the park was so pretty.

There were only 2 cars in the parking lot when we arrived. Yay! Now if we can only keep a steady pace, we'll be able to stay ahead of late comers.

The Pipiwai Trail at Haleakala National Park is a 3.6 mile round trip.

This is what the trail looked like when we set out. (Though it was quite a muddier coming back.)

Isn't this tree amazing!?! If I wasn't feeling pressed by the imagined mob of people on their way, I totally would have taken a leisurely climb on her.

It was pretty darn magical just being there and admiring her beauty alone. In silence. I sent out my love and continued on.

Entering the Bamboo Forest.

(It was a little difficult to get clear pictures in here. I think it was all the vertical lines.=) )

This might put it in perspective. See how tiny mom is?

Almost there. We got our feet wet walking across the stream. It felt really good.

The prize at the end of the journey was a bit disappointing. I think it was hyped up too much, first by what I'd read and then by me to mom. It was a big waterfall, and better than just coming to a dead end and having to turn around. But honestly, the smaller ones along the trail were much prettier. My advice is to take your time and enjoy the smaller ones along the way.

What really mattered, was we made it!! Together.

Now for the 1.8 miles back. It must have rained while we were on the trail because it had gotten muddier. Mom did slip a couple times but luckily only got muddy. And here come all the hikers. We timed it perfect!

Our new mission was to find a fairly accessible pool to soak in and relax. We ended up taking the extra half mile loop at the end, with the promise of a beautiful pool awaiting us.

 ooow

ahhh

 there!

 yeah!

oh yes!

nooooooo!

Total bummer.

After 4 miles of hiking, we jumped back in the car. Charles Lindbergh's grave was near by so we went to check it out.

Back in the car again, we were both still determined to find a pool. Not that we don't love waves most days, but we were just looking to chill. We started driving up and down the streets in search of the Venus Pools I had heard about, though could not find an address for. After driving back and forth way too many times, we went back to the room and decided to just walk out to the beach there. It was rocky and we had to climb around to see if there were any hidden pools. Mom stopped at a teeny tiny puddle and decided that was good enough for her. I kept exploring but came to a dead end there. I headed back and then just kept going. I was wearing only my swim suit and carrying a towel. I walked back to the road and kept going. Venturing down private driveways in search of these hidden pools. Finally reached Hana Bay. And kept going. Stumbled onto a primitive trail and took it. Found caves, and a tiny red beach, crabs, and eventually... the most beautiful spot. There was a little island that was fairly close to shore which sheltered the waters. There were larger crabs and fish swimming. Oh how I wanted to just jump in with them. But I didn't. I was alone and really couldn't be sure of dangers. If something happened to me, no one would be able to find me. I played it safe, sitting on the rocks and splashing my legs in it. I vowed to return to this spot WITH SOMEONE if I ever make it back to Hana. I made it back just before dark. I think we were both in bed by 8. =)

Day 6: Our last full day on the island. We left early to make the journey back toward the airport. I found a really cool hostel near there to round out the spectrum of experiences. From resorty to b&b to old school vacation rental to the hostel, we enjoyed them all. And just in case we had gotten our fill, we stopped at a few more beaches along the way there.  

Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach

Ho'okipa Beach ... famous for kite boarding and wind surfing.

Since we did so well eating up the groceries, it was time for a special treat. 

Mama's Fish House. 

 

There was a beautiful white sand beach right outside the restaurant. 

We checked in to the hostel, into a girls only room that had 2 bunk beds. The bottom 2 beds were both already taken so mom and I were both bunkin up top. Thank goodness she didn't try to go the bathroom in the middle of the night.We had a relaxing evening in the hot tub and then hung out and played cards among the buzz of others bbq-ing, talking, and playing pool around us. There was a familiar community vibe that I loved bringing mom into. And she seemed to enjoy it. 


Day 7: We flew back to California and had a nice evening together. 

The next morning, mom flew back to Kansas with a few more things checked off her bucket list.