Starting out on our Journey
Our first stop on the Road was at the Twin Falls, just past mile marker 2. The guidebook described the hike as "gentle," where you could "easily get into the water." Maybe in Hawaii they have a different definition of those two phrases?! There were many slippery rocks (we saw a lady who had fallen down), bridges wide enough for only one person and steep mud hills!
Waterfall #1, the more difficult one to get to...kind of...
Waterfall #2, the easier one to walk to...until you get to the part where you tread through water...we didn't go that far, but it was still beautiful from a distance!
After hiking back to the car, we continued on Highway 360 towards the Garden of Eden. This small botanical garden had a few lookouts, several birds (including peacocks), and some beautiful native plants.
Some of the MANY peacocks roaming the gardens...
Tim & Patti enjoying the view, it looks down on the Keopuka Rock, which was featured in the opening sequence of "Jurassic Park."
Puohokamoa Falls
From the gardens, we continued heading Southwest-ish. We got REALLY close to a few vehicles...
The next stop was Pua'a Ka'a State Park, where we got to see another waterfall, this time a bit more up close and personal...
As soon as Tim & I got to the water's edge, a brave guy full-on belly-flopped into the swimming hole! That was enough to deter me from trying cliff diving, even if he was trying to do it on purpose!
Finally, we made it to the place I had been looking forward to visiting all day...Waianapanapa State Park! (Kudos to the first person who can tell/show me how this is pronounced and then say it 10X fast!) This park is best known for its sea arches, blow hole and BLACK SAND BEACH!
The view from the parking lot.
We spent about 5-10 minutes standing here watching a pod of Humpback whales breaching! It was an amazing sight! After that, we trekked down to the beach, where Tim and I proceeded to fall off a small lava rock and gash ourselves open. (Don't worry Mom, we're fine!) It was decided that the best way to heal would be a good dose of wave jumping, and while I'm not completely healed, it was an excellent distraction!
Patti and me jumping waves in the vast ocean
After our beach time, we took a hike over to the rocks in the background of the picture, which is where the blow hole is located. Unfortunately, it was not blowing today that we could see.
Eventually we made it all the way to Hana, where we drove through the tiny town and checked out the local market and a very nice resort, before we decided to head back. We ended up being directed around a small rock slide and almost got run over by a large truck, but Tim was still having a great time!
To finish off the day, we headed back to Lahaina and ONO Gelato! There is really nothing better than ending a day with gelato. Yummy!
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