Day 4 - Hana Rd & Hiking Awe in One Day

Today started like the others, beautiful weather, Maui grown coffee, and perfect 70 ish weather. Our goal was to drive non-stop 55 miles in 3 hours on the famous Road to Hana. This is a clue to the type road we will be on. My reasoning was to get to our southernmost camp then slowly work our way back for a couple days, stopping at the endless sites along the way. Well, we made it about 25 minutes before our first stop to check out a north shore beach, followed by a stop at Ho’okipa Beach where surfers and turtles frequent. We saw both, with the turtle being more impressive. Now most say a stop at Mama’s Fish house is a must, so we almost stopped, driving through their circle past the valet, and back onto the main road. (It looks like Moma has gotten a little too fancy for her apron) Up the mountain we went on the windy (600 curves) road to Hana. When I say amazing or beautiful, these words barely describe the drive. We were in awe by the views. From the high views of the sea and cliffs to the roadside waterfalls, and the bright flowers and tropical plants, the beauty was endless. An hour and half and about 15 miles in, we stopped for a local ice cream at Coconut Glenn’s and to take a break from the white knuckle driving. Just for a visual, our large campervan takes up almost an entire normal lane, and this road is about a lane and half in most places. Continuing on and noting many pull offs for the way back, we arrived at Kīpahulu In Haleakalā National park. Backing into our site, we were astounded by the beauty. Our view was a blue water rocky coast that was incredible. There were several places in this area we wanted to see so we started a 4.5 mile hike on Pipiwai trail later in the day so we could explore other areas tomorrow. This hike was amazing and took us high over Ohe’o Gulch, passed Seven Pools (pools of water in the river), past a huge Banyon tree, through a bamboo forest, across 2 bridges over the river, and finally to a 400 foot waterfall (named either Makahiku or Waimoku Falls). All together this was one of the most beautiful shorter hikes I have ever been on. And Annemarie didn’t fall down one time. Back at camp, she cooked up and wonderful dinner and we sipped(drank a lot) of wine enjoying our million dollar view.Baca lagi