We did the most up to date section of the Road to Hana last Thursday which was cloudy on the first part and sunny on the second. We went as far as the Charles Lindbergh grave site and then turned around and returned by the same route.
Today our objective was to return to the Haleakala Park Visitor Center near Hana to take the hike to the large waterfalls that we didn’t make before. We left at about 8 AM and drove straight to the Park. Well, not exactly. We had to stop to get the geocache at the Hana Welcome sign, but it was a did not find even though Joyce climbed up the tree where it was supposed to be. Due to rain, it was to slippery to climb high enough. We did buy some chocolate chip banana bread from the local stand at this site. Then, we made our way to the park arriving around 11 AM.
After making sure we had all our equipment (Gary: camera, 2 lenses, various filters and a tripod) and plenty of water for the journey up. We started our 2 mile hike (one way) with an 800 feet elevation gain right from the parking lot.
We were so surprised to see water flowing from the falls that had been completely dry on Thursday. A little rain must have helped out. Gary spent about 20 minutes photographing the waterfall. Too bad we don’t have a before and after photo!
Continuing on our journey we were surprised to find a bridge over the river-creek-gulch that was above two waterfalls and pools. Stopped to take photos of this for about 30 minutes too. Had to keep waiting on other hikers to get off the bridge because it caused movement of the camera on the tripod.
Then onward or it should be upward! We crossed another bridge, a number of raised boardwalk sections and a bunch of muddy, rocky spots on the trail. We entered the bamboo forest with great surprise. It was alternately bright and dark. Most interesting was the sound of the bamboo clacking against itself when the wind blew. The bamboo forest was about a mile in length or half of the hike up to the falls. Does the bamboo make a sound in the forest if there is no one there to hear it?
We arrived at the falls around 1 PM with all the stops. Had to cross the creek-river-stream on foot. Gary got Joyce’s Tevas on and waded across. Joyce kept her shoes on and used the only hiking pole we brought to make her way across to the other side.
Gary set up to take photos at the sign which stated it was illegal to go beyond. Of course, everyone else decided to proceed beyond the sign anyway. Made taking photos very difficult. After about an hour there were so many people coming up that we (maybe that was Gary) decided he’d had enough and it was time to begin the downward trek.
The return trip was much faster. Gravity works! No stopping for photos either. At the parking lot we unloaded most of the stuff we had for the hike up, put on our Tevas and headed for the lower falls and pools hoping to get some time in the water. Unfortunately, the Ranger arrived about then and said access to the pools was closed because of potential rain up in the mountains that might result in flash flooding. Although disappointed, we were able to get a few photos of the pools and waves.
Back to the car to continue our adventure on the Road to Hana. We left about 4 PM to take the other part of the Hana Road. It was very narrow, very winding and very beautiful. Glad we took that drive.
Although geocaches were supposed to be on this route, we didn’t find any until we got closer to Kula Road. We found three. One at Saint James Church, one at the Sun Yet Sen Park with beautiful views and one at the LDS Chapel on Lower Kula Road.
Stopped at the Safeway to pick up frozen pizza and salad for dinner. Got back to the condo about 8 PM.
Altogether a 12 hour all day adventure!