Got up early today for the famed drive to Hana. Last time I was here I only went as far as Paia, but this time went all the way past Hana to Waimoku falls.
It was a beautiful day so I thought the windy road might be OK to try. I had read of an amazing short hike just past Hana in the Haleakala National Park and was really hoping there would be time. I had downloaded a great app that narrated directions, history lessons and suggested stops along the way. It was fabulous! Once downloaded, it just works off GPS so I didn't need to use data. Worked brilliantly!! We had a good drive - stopped only a couple of times to see some great vistas at Waianapanapa and then some caves and stopped for lunch at Hana Bay. I wanted to try the fish&chips but was unsure how the deep fry would go with the continued windy road, so opted for a burger instead. Continued on the rest of the way to Kipahulu and we got ready to start the Pipiwai trail hike. Mom was a real trouper and was going to give it a go but she got winded fairly quickly on the steep incline due to her bad cold, so I was to go it alone. I had read the 4.8 mile hike to the waterfall was challenging but worth it, so off I went. It was uphill with lots of built in steps - reminded me of many parts of trekking in Nepal and in some places, of the Grouse Grind. I made my way to the first lookout at a waterfall and series of pools- very beautiful. Kept going and saw a huge Banyan tree. Carried on and soon was in a bamboo forest. The bamboo was at least 50 ft tall and was knocking together in the breeze making a "song". It was much cooler in the bamboo forest which was a nice reprieve. Climbing, climbing, now it's raining and the path is very slick, but I know it'll be worth it. From a break in the bamboo I can see the waterfall up ahead. I know it's only 5-10 mins past the bamboo forest. I wish Mom could see it too but given how she's feeling, I know she made the right choice. I finally come through to see a clearing where I will have to cross a stream to get to the viewing area for the falls. It's now fully raining, plus mist from the waterfall so I'm getting pretty wet. I'm also slipping now on the path because my shoes have gotten muddy on the way up. Nevertheless, I attempt to get across the stream. In hindsight, I would have been better off to take my shoes and socks off and go barefoot, as I ended up slipping and going in the river. Oh well, wet anyway! The view from the top is stunning, very Jurassic Park-like. The waterfall is so high I had to use panorama setting to get the whole thing in. Luckily, as I tried to cross back over the stream a group using hiking poles had just arrived and kindly offered me the use of one of the poles to help me across. No swim this time! Yay!!
I wasn't sure how much time had passed since I started out but wanted to get back and make sure my Mom was ok. I started at a good pace but after almost wiping out a few times (thanks to my slippery shoes!) I slowed to a better pace. I was glad I did as I caught a couple ahead of me talking, as one of them dashed into the bamboo, about seeing an animal and trying to figure out what it was. I thought mongoose perhaps? A few steps later and a little movement from the left caught my eye. I slowed down and realized it was a small back kitten. So, of course, I tried to get it to come to me for a quick cuddle. It wasn't interested