Our intent was to get a very early start to the day, as we were driving to the North Shore to hike part of the Kalalua Trail. While we did get moving by 630, it was still later than planned. After picking up a couple of coffees from Starbucks, we were on the road.  

 First stop was by the Ono Family Restaurant in Kapa'a for breakfast about 45 minutes away. We both had local specialties....me kalua pork and fried rice (breakfast of champions) and Ken Portuguese sausage omelet. Next stop was to our little fruit stand that we found on the way to surfing, where we picked up a cookie and a turkey sandwich for the hike. We also had 6 bottles of water and granola bars, so were well stocked.

The rest of the trip took another 45 minutes, along some very windy roads that included many narrow bridges that had room for only one lane of cars. After arriving we found the main parking lot full, even though it was only 930am! So we ended up parking 1/4 mile down the road in another lot.  

The Kalalua Trail is 11 miles long and winds along the coast, with some of the most beautiful scenery in Hawaii. Along the way are waterfalls, two of which are the most famous and have been filmed in many movies, including Jurassic Park. Other than helicopter or boat, there is no other way to to see this part of the coast. Here is the website for more info and some amazing pics:   http://www.kalalautrail.com/

We chose to go the first 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach. The trail was steep in the beginning, but overall wasn't bad. The views were amazing, with beautiful turquoise water, soaring mountains and white beaches.  The last mile was all downhill to the beach, which didn't bode well for the return trip.

We relaxed by the beach for a while, with Ken doing some exploring amongst the rocks. The next leg was another 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Falls, reported to be one of the most beautiful falls in the world. This part of the hike was definitely more challenging as we crossed rivers (jumping from rock to rock), climbed up and over rocks on the trail and slipped along loose dirt. The reward at the end was truly a spectacular waterfall that was well worth the journey.

The waterfall was calling Ken's name, so he braved the frigidly cold water and swam to the falls. I, encouraged him (with my feet in the water) from the rocks  After a relaxing lunch, it was time to head back. While the trip to the beach was doable, by the time we headed up the trail from the beach it was hot, we were tired and the incline was steep. We were down to 2.5 bottles of water and it was going down fast. We picked up Austin, a young boy whose family was either ahead or behind, who had no water and was looking fatigued. We shared our water and kept him with us, until his uncle finally showed up 1/2 mile from the end.  

By the time we got back to the car we were sore, tired and filthy. We found a food truck selling fruit and smoothies, which sounded good and tasted even better! On the drive back, Ken decided he wanted a Puka Dog for dinner. It is a local hot dog stand not far from the hotel...so that was our gourmet dinner. Was it good? Uh, it was hot dog...need we say more?

After MUCH needed showers, it was time to relax and....fall asleep by 830!