HIKING
Waihee Ridge Trail
Haleakala Crater: Sliding Sands to Halemauu
Waihee Valley Trail

Here are a few photos of our latest hikes on the island.

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Waihee Ridge Trail
July 22, 2006

We chose a trail we had never done before. This trail is along the northern ridge of the Waihee Valley and parallels the Waihee Valley (Swinging Bridges) Trail below. This hike is above-average strenuous, but with great views of the valley, the Wailuku-Kahului area and the ocean.

Waterfall on West Maui Mountains

View of the Waihee Valley from the Ridge Trail
(The Waihee Valley Trail runs by the stream seen at the bottom of the valley)

Enjoying the view from the Ridge Trail

Another view of the Valley from the Ridge Trail looking towards the Wailuku-Kahului area.

Hiking Down the Ridge Trail.

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Haleakala Crater: Sliding Sands to Halemauu (11 miles)
July 29, 2006

Since we have been planning a hiking trip to the Grand Canyon, and need to practice for it, we chose to hike the Haleakala Crater to test our hiking abilities in conditions similar to those we expect at the Grand Canyon. We were not dissapointed: Even with near perfect weather, the Haleakala hike was long and strenuous. And that was even before we got to the infamous Haleakala switchbacks, which climb 1400 feet on a mercyless +20% incline for about two miles. We were happy we did it, but even happier to finish it. The lesson learned: Keep hiking to be ready for the Grand Canyon!

At the Sliding Sands Trail Head near the Haleakala Summit.

View of the Haleakala Crater from Sliding Sands Trail

Ahihahiha (Silversword) Plants Along Sliding Sands Trail.

Climbing Around Ka Moa O Pele Cinder Cone

Resting by the Holua Cabin

View of Koolau Gap from the Switchbacks

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Waihee Valley Trail (a.k.a. "Swinging Bridges")
August 5, 2006

This is the same trail we did last fall, with the swinging brigdes and irrigation channels. We chose this trail today because after the Ridge Trail and the Haleakala Trail, we wanted a hike that was moderate, shady and with cool, fresh air and water.

Waterfall at the end of Waihee Valley

Here we are, taking a break at the end of the Waihee Valley Trail. The trails ends at an old dam that is still used to divert water for sugar cane irrigation on Maui's central valley. Note the waterfall in the background.

Summer 2006

The summer of 2006 has been very busy so far: Kids visiting, a trip to Ohio, a graduation, hiking trips, camping trips and, of course, the beach. Here are some selected photos of our summer adventures so far.


Laura, her housemate Julie and their friend Jon, visited us in March. Here they are at the Iao Valley State Park and at the Nakalele Blowhole.




Then Diana came to visit in April. Here she is, having a great time at Wailea and Lahaina.



Then, it was time for another camping trip to Kipahulu. Here we are at Koki Beach in Hana and at the Pools of Oheo.




After the kids visited, it was my turn to go to Ohio. Here I am with Laura and Diana. Celebrating Diana's Graduation from Pickerington High School on June 3, 2006. Diana would be back on Maui five days later to work a couple of summer jobs and spend the summer with us before going off to college at OSU.



Friends from the mainland came for a short visit. Here we are at Kamaole III Beach where we had a cookout and watched the sunset.



In July, Gwen and I celebrated our 2nd Anniversary with a fabulous romantic dinner at Roy's.

Short Notes
Diana is still spending the summer with us, although she did go back to Ohio for a week to attend her freshman orientation at Ohio State. She is working hard and having a great time here in Hawaii. We are very happy for her.

Congratulations to Laura on her 20th Birthday on July 25. We miss you and love you a lot. Looking forward to your visit later this summer.

We are looking forward to our 2 night hiking trip at the Haleakala Crater for Labor Day Weekend and a trip to Arizona and hiking in the Grand Canyon in October.

Aloha!!!

KIMO'S MAUI RULES

Never Judge a Day by the Weather

The Best Things in Life Aren't Things

Tell the Truth, There is Less to Remember

Speak Softly and Wear a Loud Shirt

Goals Are Decptive, The Unamied Arrow Never Misses

He Who Dies With the Most Toys, Still Dies

Age is Relative, When You're Over The Hill, You Pick-Up Speed

There Are 2 Ways to be Rich, Make More or Desire Less

Beauty is Internal, Looks Mean Nothing

No Rain, No Raimbows.

(Photo: T-Shirt Store in Lahaina, Maui)

WAILEA BEACH PATH April 8, 2006
The Wailea Beach Path is exactly that: A paved path along the beach that runs from the Renaissance Wailea Resort, south along the beach past the Wailea Marriot, the Grand Wailea, the Four Seasons and ending at the Fairmont Kehalani Resort.

The path is about 1.5 miles long which makes for a nice 3 mile round trip walk along the beach. We actually started to walk at the south end of Keawakapu Beach in south Kihei and walked along the beach for about 1/4 mile until we met the paved path at the Renaissance Wailea Resort. This walk is perfect for those who want to get a glance at the various super luxurious resorts of South Maui. At the turning point at the Fairmont Kehalani, we went into a cafe to enjoy a nice frappuccino and a snack. But buyer beware! Food is expensive at the resorts! We returned to the starting point at Keawakapu Beach, where we finished the walk with a refreshing swim in the cool, clear waters of the Pacific.

Gwen standing by a Fisherman's Shrine along the beach walk. The island of Kahoolawe is in the background.

At the Grand Wailea Resort.

View of Wailea from the Beach Path.

Yes, you saw right. That is $8.95 for a half gallon of milk. This photo was taken at the Ciao Cafe at the Fairmont Kehalani Resort. Of course, we do not pay anywhere near this! We shop at COSTCO where we $7.50 will buy you two gallons of milk, which is more expensive than in the mainland, yet 80% cheaper than at the resort.

ALOHA!

OLOWALU PETROGLYPHS HIKE April 2, 2006

The ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs of Olowalu are located about 1/4 mile off the Honoapiilani Highway (Road to Lahaina) on mile marker 15. The hike is very easy and it is even possible to drive a car right up to the site, although not recommended because the petroglyphs are on private land and the owners, while they welcome hikers, they discourage drivers to keep them from congesting their private road.

We parked the car behind the Olowalu Store, next to a water tank, and walked mauka (uphill) to the site via a one-lane dirt road. The hike is gentle, but I recommend sunblock and bottled water. For those who want to see the petroglyphs on a whim, the Olowalu Store offers a convenient place to get bottled water, sunblock or a snack before the hike.

The site is on the north face of the first large mound up the road. A dirt path with an old handrail allows to get a close up view of the petroglyphs, unfortunately it also allows vandals to ruin them with their graphitti.

Olowalu Petroglyphs.

Olowalu Petroglyphs.

A small stream runs near the site, where we paused to refresh ourselves in the shade and with the cool, crystal clear water flowing down Olowalu Valley.

Olowalu Stream

Olowalu Valley.

Aloha!

KAYAK TRIP January 25,2006

We went on a guided kayak tour along the Pali coast of Maui to celebrate Gwen's birthday. On this trip we started at Papalaula Beach park, which is across the road from the Pali Trail head on the Lahaina side. (See previous entry) and kayaked south along the pali coast, visiting a couple of coves to snorkel, including the Coral Gardens cove. We saw lots of humpack whales, some of them came well within 100 yards of our group, we had to hold position and yield to the whales. Some even went swimming right were we had been snorkeling not two minutes before. The most pleasant susprise of this trip was that we were able to clearly hear the whales singing while we were snorkeling. Also, our tour guide dove down on the reef and pulled a small octopus out of the water, which he placed in our arms.

View of West Maui Mountains.

Another pair of Kayakers on our tour, watching the whales.

Another view of the West Maui Mountains.

The tour started at 7:00 AM and ended about 11:30 AM. Our Kayak tour company was South Pacific Kayaks, they also provided lunch. We were satisfied with their service.

Aloha.

Camping at Kipahulu February 18-19, 2006

This weekend, we decided to get out of town and go around East Maui and camp in the Kipahulu area of the Haleakala National Park. We took the "long route", that is we drove counter-clockwise around East Maui, through upcountry Maui and the Kaupo road towards Kipahulu. After camping, we returned via the Hana highway.

We visited a black sand beach near Kaupo. At Kipahulu we took a swim at the Pools of Oheo ("Seven Sacred Pools"). There was a lot of whale activity off the coast by the campgruond and we enjoyed a great, quiet evening of grilling, eating, resting, and of course, beer drinking!

Here are some selected photos of the trip. (Please be aware that some of the photos show the wrong date 1/1/2003)

Aloha!

Black Sand Beach Near Kaupo

Sign posted at the black sand beach by private property owners.

Enjoying a coffee break at the black sand beach.

What else? Goofing off.

Kipahulu Campgroung.

"Living La Vida Laidback"

Pools of Oheo.

View of the coastline from the campground.