Tag Archives: wanderung

Day 36 – Makawao Forest Reserve

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Click HERE if unable to view video.

Mark & Rayne

Had been planning on hiking through the bamboo forest to several waterfalls, but the weather wasn’t cooperating, so we followed the sun upcountry to the Makawao Forest Reserve to hike the Kahakapao West Loop Trail (approx 6 miles), with our friends Rayne & Mark.

 

Trails are very well marked

 

This is the first time I’ve ever hiked in the reserve; though, last fall, this is where I went horseback riding– on the East Loop, with my friend Karin.

 

 

 

 

It’s a beautiful place to hike; a slow steady climb up; Eucalyptus, Tropical Ash and Cook Pine trees surround you. Very peaceful.

 

 

 

Only one area with a view, and even that you have to walk off the trail to enjoy.

We headed up in the late afternoon, so the temperature was perfect.

 

Hmmm, they said they were having fun.

On the way back to rainy Haiku, we were greeted by a magnificent rainbow—from the photo I took, you couldn’t tell how dynamic it was, & I opted not to post it; so you’ll have to use your imagination.

If all goes well, next week I’ll be riding a bike…. yeah, it’s been years!

For more info on the Forest Reserve, click HERE

 

Day 35 – Hiking Upcountry…on private land

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Yes, it is private land, 6,000 feet up in elevation and not open to the public, but fortunately for me, my friend Kathy has access to it, so along with her two dogs, Lilly and Picasso, we headed up late one afternoon.

Hiked all the way up the hill, and beyond.

If unable to view video, click HERE

 

We were hoping for a grand sunset, but as you can see from the photos, the clouds settled in, which held a beauty all its own.

 

It was a lovely hike; ended up needing the hooded sweatshirt I took with. The cabins are from a time long ago, though they are still used as hunting cabins. What a great place to hideout and write! (I can dream.)

Sorry I can’t tell you where it is, but there are so many other wonderful places to hike on the island that I’m sure missing out on this one will be all right with everyone.

It was mellow and peaceful and reminded me of something I’d read by Maui’s slam poet, Kealoha (translation: “The Love”), about the need for adults to incorporate recess & playing back into their lives. In fact the article was so moving to me that I went online and sent him an email, thanking him for his inspiring words. For more about him, here is a link to his website, http://www.kealohapoetry.com

Kealoha is an internationally acclaimed poet and storyteller who has performed throughout the world — from the White House to the `Iolani Palace, from Brazil to Switzerland. 

As I write this weeks posting, it is my wish that my weekly outings are encourage others to go out and have fun…do not just live vicariously through me. Take the time for recess, like you did when you were a kid. It doesn’t have to be a daylong event, just jump around, swing your arms in the air and smile from deep inside.

Until next week ~ Aloha

 

 

DAY 29 – Hiking Mahana Ridge Trail – Kapalua, Maui

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Kathy and I headed over to Kapalua yesterday and hiked the Mahana Ridge Trail. What a great way to start spring. After all the rain it felt so good to get out and move.

Honestly, I can only repeat what other blog sites have said about this hike; it is exceptional! Absolutely lovely.

Looking towards Moloka'i

The hike is approx 7.25 miles long and took us 4 hours to complete, which included stopping to take photos and eating a snack. We only saw five other hikers the entire time. And, amazingly two of them hadn’t brought any water. They declined on taking some of our water, but we did pass along apples and tangerines to them. They were heading in the opposite direction and we hope they made it alright. Fortunately a lot of the hike is shaded by trees. Though, about 2 months ago a hiker was helicoptered out due to dehydration. Please, when hiking, take water!

We were grateful for the steps they put in this section of the trail - or we would have had to slide down on our okole's (fannies)

The terrain is varied; from fern lined paths, to pine forests and banyan trees. You definitely don’t want to miss the short 0.10 mile Pine Loop. That is where we took the photos of the banyan tree roots. The place was breathtaking!

If you go to www.kapalua.com/activities/hiking-trails you can download the resorts trail maps.

Via Kapalua Adventures, the resort offers a free shuttle (though we gave the driver a tip) that will drive you up near the trail head (actually 1.25 miles from it.) If you click on the above posted website, you will see there are shorter hikes that you can take as well.

Speaking for both of us, we had a great time. Can’t wait to head back and check out some of there other trails.

By the way, this Monday, March 26th is Earth Hour – honored around the world by turning off all electrical devices for one hour; from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM (in your time zone). More info – http://www.worldwildlife.org/sites/earthhour/index.html

For more info on the Mahana Ridge Trail hike, you can go to:

www.kapalua.com/activities/hiking-trails

http://indietraveler.blogspot.com

www.mauihikes.org/archives/210

Day 21 – Hosmer Grove, Haleakala Crater, Maui Hawaii

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The past couple of week’s life has been quite hectic for us. It was hard to get away for a full day of fun, so Steven and I opted to head up Kula Highway to Haleakala Crater; stopping at the 7,000 foot (2133.6 meters) elevation for sunset and to hike Hosmer Grove.

Like many other things that we are doing this year, Steven and I had never hiked Hosmer Grove; we found the trail to be very short, as well as very beautiful. And it was great feeling a real chill in the air; in Jan/Feb the average high is 59 degrees F (15 Celsius) & the low 41 degrees F (5 Celsius). (Yes, I think even non Haiku-ers would think the air was nippy!)

Right after you drive past the Haleakala Crater ranger station, on your left is the road that leads to Hosmer Grove. At the parking lot you’ll find restrooms and a small camping area. The trail can be a bit precarious but in general the hike is easy. If you walk really, really, slowly it may take you 25 minutes, and that includes taking time to read the signs that are posted describing the assorted trees and wildlife.

I never thought I'd become a bird watcher...

Trust me, this is like the bird on the sign. It has a beautiful song!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go to the left for a little bit of a longer walk - going to the right takes you back towards the parking lot.

 

When you come to the broken sign (see photo), you can take the trail to the left, which will loop back around to the Hosmer trail…giving you a bit more exercise.

 

 

 

A park ranger told me that you can also hike the 2.5-mile supply trail, which starts at the first parking lot you come to, and it will connect you to the Halemauu Trail, which leads all the way up the side of the crater to the Halemauu Trail parking lot–now that would be a hike. (Next time!)

Another option: Up Halemauu Trail towards the Switchback Trail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hosmer Grove campsite and trail head.

By the way, the sunset was fabulous!

Maui Revealed says Hosmer Grove is a great place to see Moonbows, when the moon is full and there is a light mist in the air.  They are an amazing sight; we’ll definitely bundle up one evening and head back in hopes of seeing one.

 

If you are not into hiking, but enjoy nature and are sure footed (like I said, the trail can be precarious), you’ll enjoy the short hike at Hosmer Grove.

For more info on Hosmer Grove and the other crater hikes go to -

http://www.haleakala.national-park.com/hike.htm

http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm

Read more: http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/hosmer-grove-outdoor-pp2-guide-cid402397.html#ixzz1kLDjkIJK

I love the past paragraph on the above posted site, it is a good reminder that we must care for these islands…for this planet – We humans brought this struggle to Hawaii’s native life; we bear the responsibility for preserving the unique ecosystems remaining within our National Parks. With deforestation of the world’s rainforests continuing at one acre per minute, we hold a vital piece of earth’s natural heritage.

Aloha, see you next Thursday!