Posted on July 10, 2013 by sandersnm

On Monday, we hiked the Hau`ula Loop trail with the kids. It is a 2.6 mile loop and was a great workout. We had nice weather with the exception of the major humidity. We were all soaked by the time we were done!

We all started out together, but definitely ended separately.

The riverbed was almost completely dry. Easy to cross.

It was super shaded on most of the trail.

Pretty flowers lining the trail in places.

Loved the shots of the sky and ocean through the trees.

Loved this.

First view of the valley. Gorgeous.

More of the valley.

Random palm tree in the middle of the woods.

First Peak of Olomana

Posted on July 9, 2013 by sandersnm

On Saturday, Josh and I hiked the first peak of the Olomana Trail. It has three peaks, but the first peak has the best views and is the highest. The other two peaks require you to be a much more advanced rock climber and since the best views are of the first peak, we didn’t see a need to hike past it (plus Josh has already done this hike a few times..including all three peaks). We could not have picked a better day to hike it. What can be a very muddy trail was dry and in perfect condition for hiking. It was a VERY humid day, but it made it quite the workout. We had a pretty steep incline the whole way there and towards the end, you had to start using ropes to hike up the rocks. I LOVED the rock climbing portion! Once we got to the top, the views were absolutely breathtaking. We could see Molokai, Maui and Lanai all at the same time. I didn’t even know that was possible! We had a beautiful 360 degree view of Kaneohe, Kailua and the Ko’olau mountain range behind us. One of the BEST hikes I have done on Oahu yet. Pictures below!

Walking down the road on the way to the trail.

The start of the trail.

Random abandoned buildings.

Starting to climb.

Little sign to water the Koa tree.

Pretty plant.

The start of the rock climbing.

At the top!

One side of our view from the top.

Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Amazing to see them all so clearly.

Mountain side from the top.

Mountains meeting the ocean.

Kailua (where I work).

So green.

Climbing down!

Kauai: Trip 1 – Day 2

Posted on July 2, 2013 by sandersnm

On Sunday, Josh and I got up and checked out of our hotel and headed for the Maha’ulepu Beach Trail. On our drive there, we drove through the “tunnel of trees”. Our helicopter pilot had pointed it out from the air the day before saying how many tourists stopped in the middle of the road to take a picture. We opted to take a picture, but keep moving a the same time. It was definitely beautiful though!

Maluhia Road (Tunnel of Trees)

We hiked along the South coast of Kauai for about a mile. It was a beautiful mix of sand, rocks and trees. It was a great way to start our day!

The start of the trail.

The rocks were amazing!

I love the contrast in the scenery.

Forcing Josh to take a picture.

Part of the trail.

Wind arch. Loved this picture.

Moon!

Getting ready to head back to the car.

After the hike, we drove the short distance over to see what Poipu Beach was all about. It’s supposed to be a very popular beach on Kauai…turns out it is…it was extremely crowded, but looked like it was a fun place to go snorkeling.

Poipu Beach

We then drove over to Spouting Horn blowhole. The ocean was pretty calm, so it wasn’t that active. However, it was still a beautiful area…plus we spent time daydreaming about the incredible houses that lined the coast on the way there.

Pretty cool!

I couldn’t resist the picture of this coastline. Gorgeous!

After that, we headed back toward Lihue to catch our flight back. SO HAPPY that we finally got to take a helicopter tour!

Kauai: Trip 1 – Day 1

Posted on July 1, 2013 by sandersnm

Josh and I landed on Kauai Friday evening for our third trip to the island for a quick weekend away from Oahu. We were only an hour late (which is pretty awesome on an inter-island Island Air flight), but since everything on Kauai shuts down at 9:00 p.m., we had few choices for dinner. We grabbed food at Duke’s in Lihue and then checked into our hotel (Kauai Beach Resort).

The entire purpose of this trip was to take a helicopter tour of the island. In February of 2012, Josh and I hiked the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali coast of Kauai. It was an ridiculous trip (for many reasons) and during those 22 miles there and back, we kept hearing all of the helicopters above us. We decided that we were coming back to Kauai and viewing our amazing hike from up above. We went back to Kauai in September of 2012 to do just that, but got rained out for our tour (shocking). However, I am happy to report that this trip was a COMPLETE success! We had the most amazing helicopter tour with Jack Harter Helicopters. We flew in a helicopter with doors off for a whole hour around the island. We had great weather and the views were incredible! It was by far the highlight of our trip :).

Taking off!

The Marriott Resort in Lihue.

Waterfall from Jurassic Park (also known as Manawaiopuna Falls).

Five waterfalls that pour into Manawaiopuna Falls.

Rainbow!

Waimea Canyon.

The Nā Pali Coast. Incredible.

The Kalalau Trail.

Kalalau Beach…the beach we hiked to.

The trail from above.

Hanalei Bay.

Weeping wall.

Looking back through the valley we just flew through.

Wailua Falls.

After the tour!

After our helicopter tour, we headed to Wailua River to go kayaking. We kayaked two miles upriver to Secret Falls (120 ft water fall). We hiked (much further than we thought) in extremely muddy conditions to the waterfall. I had flip flops on (horrible idea) and we were covered in mud by the time we left.

Along the hike to Secret Falls.

Rooster in the woods.

Covered in mud!

So peaceful.

Kayaking in action.

Action shot of Josh.

This cracks me up.

Almost done!

After kayaking, we went to view ‘Opaeka’a Falls. It was late in the day, so we didn’t get that great of a shot. But it was huge!

After quickly stopping there, we went back to the hotel and got ready for dinner at Hukilau Lanai. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed some amazing food after a terrific day!