The First Time

waipio valley

i know some folks who like to take the same vacation every year.  they know what to expect, how to plan and can accurately anticipate their time away.  i do get that, but it’s not me.

coastline view from pololu

 most of our adventures begin with map study in the direction of “what haven’t we seen yet?”  even if it is somewhat obscure and not well known – we like the feeling of seeing a new area for the very first time.

river and valley at pololu

it’s the same with hikes.  while i don’t mind taking a good hike over again (and, yes, each time is different and you do see things you may have missed), nothing beats the thrill of experiencing it for the FIRST TIME.

beach at pololu

so it was with the pololu and waipio hikes.  even though we had read up on both and had even seen pics, nothing can quite prepare you for the reality of being there, miles away from everyday life, surrounded by beauty in every direction.

trek down at pololu

oh, that road!  (waipio) 4wd only and even then - yikes!  we walked.

not all have arrived safely!

both hikes start from lookouts and descend, steeply, to a beach and valley below.  once down, you are free to roam and hike at will before the final climb back up to the parking 

area.

pololu has public land at the bottom.  there were some rugged campsites and a rope swing.

 waipio has private land at the bottom.  lots of history, currently some taro farms and more hiking to waterfalls.

lush valley at waipio

hike to beach at waipio

wild horses hiding in the bush

the locals are not necessarily happy with our presence!

falls at waipio

beach at waipio

  both hikes were the kind of experiences that you live once and then treasure forever.

maui in the distance