twin falls
The first stop was Twin Falls. It was still pretty early and we knew it wasn't going to be a long walk so we kept our flip flops on. It was fine but half way through I wish we'd changed. It was so beautiful and so quiet. It was the perfect start on our journey to Hana.
the three bears
The next stop was even better. We had to park our car on the side of the street and then walk back to see it. The Gypsy guide said you could go down to get a closer look but that he didn't recommend it. Well, we decided to go for it. It's hard to even tell that you can. It's like going into a giant ditch at the side of the road. We held onto the rocks and climbed down. There wasn't really the clearest of paths to the falls. We wound our way over rocks, under trees and through streams. I lost my balance and stepped in the water fully submerging my left foot tennis shoe and all. We got to a point where we had a good view of the water falling down the rock but couldn't see the pool of water that it was landing in. There were giant boulders blocking our view so we kept climbing to get closer. I'm so glad we did. When the pool came into view it was breathtaking. There was another couple that made the climb down when we did. It looked like they weren't going to keep going. I said, "Come on. You need to see this." It was simply amazing.That bridge over my head is the street that we climbed down from |
waianapanapa State Park
black sand beach
At Waianapanapa State Park
we stopped at Black Sand Beach first. It's a beach with
black sand and it's really pretty. Then we headed for the trail which is
basically a big circle. I felt like I was in some kind of fantasy adventure
movie like Hansel and Gretel or The Hobbit. Moss covered rocks.
Babbling streams and trees so lush that the sun was completely blocked
out. The air was crisp and cooler in there and it's so quiet you can hear your
each and every step. We happened upon a cave with a pool in it. That's
the best way I can describe it. There were four people swimming in it
and one of the guys challenged us to jump in. The only way to get in is to jump
and then you have to climb out. I was too scared because I can't swim but MJ went for it.
It was pretty damn cool to see him swimming in a cave in the rain forest.Black Sand Beach |
See how clear the water is? |
haleakala national park
pipiwai trail, bamboo forest
waimoku falls
seven sacred pools
The last stop was my favorite and most anticipated one of the trip. In all we spent about 3 hours in Haleakala National Park. The first thing we did was hit Pipiwai Trail because it's a 4 mile hike (round trip) and I wanted to make sure we had enough time to enjoy it. I got really hot so I took off my shirt.
I'm so lame. I was trying to open the gate from the wrong side and nearly broke the darn thing. Oops.
We walked deeper and deeper into the wilderness until we finally hit the Bamboo forest. I was so excited! We were surrounded by sky high thick shoots of bamboo so deep and so thick that it blocked out the sun. I'm telling you. It was one of the coolest things I have ever experienced in my life. By the time we headed back it was almost pitch black in there. And oh so quiet and peaceful. It makes you feel so small and like you are the only one on the planet to be so surrounded by nature.
After what seemed like forever we started to hear the rush of water in the distance. The ground got muddier and then we got to a part where all that was left of the trail was boulders scattered across a stream of water. We were getting closer! It took us 1 1/2 hours and it was so worth it. Waimoku Falls is by far the largest and most powerful waterfall compared to the other three. It is truly magnificent. People gathered around staring at it but not everyone was going in.
Waimoku Falls |
I think we're going to ignore that sign |
Me in my 3rd outfit of the day. 4th if you count the bikini. |
Seven Sacred Pools |
sexy face |
It was a quick walk back to our car after that. My shoes were so filthy I tossed them in the trash and put my flip flops on and then it was a 3 hour drive home. We spent 10 hours chasing water falls that day. We got to experience the wonder and beauty of Hana together and it was so much fun. It was the longest, most exhausting but also the most exhilarating and best day of our entire vacation.
Our Last Days in Maui
Tips on driving the road to Hana
What an experience! Your pictures so so pretty - I can only imagine how beautiful those waterfalls are in person. It's so neat that you were able to climb down from the bridge and also see a cave. I think the last location is my favorite, though. Loving these recaps :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so much fun!! (And I'm super jealous of the weather since I'm up here in Canada and apparently we're getting frozen rain/ice crystals tonight - boo!)
ReplyDeleteincredible! I want to spend ALL my time chasing waterfalls.
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful! It must be really hot over there.
ReplyDeleteWow, it all looks so beautiful and serene. Nice abs too, by the way:-) I hope to visit Hawaii someday soon. I'm glad you had a wonderful vacation. That's what life is all about.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are one fit couple! My goodness. I would love to have your physique and chase waterfalls too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics! What an amazing experience.
ReplyDeleteNature is so remarkable :-)
What beautiful pictures, you both look amazing in your bathing suits especially you, your bikini pictures have me drooling. I have to remind myself that you are a model :).
ReplyDeleteLooks like such a great day was had by all
There are no words for how beautiful those falls are, and holy hot mama!!
ReplyDeleteI love waterfalls. I think they are so pretty! and Whoa look at those abs!
ReplyDeletebeautiful couple! and you in that bikini, hot stuff! these pictures are incredible! i need to do this one day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful waterfalls. Pictures were incredible.
ReplyDeleteOH. MY. GOODNESS. I can not believe you got to see all of that in person!! It is so gorgeous. I have never seen a waterfall like that huge one in real life and I want to. I also feel so proud and envious of all the work y'all did to get there. I don't know if I would have been brave enough to climb and hike so many miles to get there. What a gorgeous vacation!
ReplyDeleteOh man! This was one of my greatest experiences. I'm so glad you got to do it too! It's so beautiful/breathtaking! One day, I hope to go back.
ReplyDelete