Day 6 - The Secret Sunrise

It never fails, one of the best parts of nomad traveling, moving from place to place every or every couple days, is that you learn the best of the best to do from the people you meet along the way. Yesterday, we were swimming at a waterfall and met a lady who was staying at our current camp, Waianapanapa. She told us the sunrise on Piilani trail behind the cabins was the best. So right when we woke up, without coercion, amazingly, Annemarie jumped up put our hiking boots on and off we went. It was an extension of the shoreline hike we took yesterday across lava flows on the coast. We watched the fiery sunrise shining on the rocks with waves crashing. The energy and view was incredible. Interesting this part of the trail was closed at that time, but we figured we would be back when it was open so it was worth risking getting caught in order to see our secret sunrise. The trail was 4 miles round trip and we made it most of the way before returning to spend some time at black sand beach without the crowds. This beach requires a reservation but if you are camping, you can go anytime. Hearing there was a lava tube nearby, and a cave, we looked around and found a hidden opening hiding in plane sight off the beach. We crawled through, yes, I was very hesitant, and could see the waves crashing in at the other end. We still had a full day ahead so off we went back on the Road to Hana. We made a stop at an old growth forest wayside park and hiked through the most amazing huge old trees and beautiful tropical plants. We decided to go back to the surfer beach, Ho’kookipa Beach because we did not look in the right place for the turtles that rest there the last time we were there. Now with the additional knowledge, we saw several green turtles laying on the beach. Luckily one went back in the water so it verified they weren’t all just laying there dead. A quick stop at a local market lined with surfboards and another beach visit and it was on to our final camp in Maui. This was an urban jungle vibe, as described by the camp owner. It was really a few acres in the town that he is making a farm camp. There were plenty of chickens and ducks, a hokie shower and a port a potti, but not much else, but we were happy to be helping him start this new venture. The islands are lacking in camping locations so any good new ones are a benefit to the local economy. Sadly, this is our last night in Maui and we fly out in the morning for the big island.Okumaya devam et