This was an unexpectedly fun hike for us!

This hike is supposed to be a really popular one on the island. But, as we discovered, not too many people actually head out to it (making me wonder how popular Real Hiking on Oahu actually is…). Basically, you head from Honolulu toward the mountains on some local roads until you hit the jungle. And then there’s a little parking lot where you pay $5 and do your best to find the trail head. This hike was, by far, the most natural hike we did. The trail was a real, dirt trail, any steps or stairs along the way were put there just placed to sort of aid in the trekking over the mud, and there were plenty of rocks and boulders to maneuver around. In short, this hike totally rocked!

The trek is about a mile each way and the trail is very wet and muddy. This is, after all, a rain forest. At the end of the trial you’re treated to a waterfall (which makes sense, since this is what lies at the end of so many trails in Hawaii ). This particular waterfall is about 160 feet, narrow, and really sort of cute and sweet to sit at for a while.

I ended up scooting ahead of Mike on the way back and did some trail running on my own. It was so much fun! Although when we met up at the car after the hike, Mike mentioned I scared some of the other hikers. Guess they’re not too used to folks running on the trails. At any rate, the (refreshing!) run on the way back hindered me from taking photos, so this entry is rather light in the picture department. But still probably the highlight hike of the whole trip for me.

I certainly recommend it!

While I was in Hawaii for Clint and Gina’s wedding, Mike and I took some time to do some hiking, snorkeling, and exploring on our own.

Last year we spent a couple weeks on the big island, Hawaii. The Big Island is our favorite island so far (still have to visit Kauai which I hear may just change our minds). But Oahu brings out the hustle, bustle and business of the islands that is fun to observe. The nightlife is fantastic, the people watching is top notch and, hello? you’re in the 808, how can you go wrong?

As usual, we stuck to the hikes and things farther away from where most folks go while traveling. This was more difficult on Oahu because people are everywhere, but we managed pretty well. And island folks are so friendly, I love talking to everyone we met!

This trek was to a waterfall in Waimea Valley. We were totally pumped to head over to Waimea Valley because many scenes from the TV show Lost were filmed here. During our time in Waimea we tried to find different locations and match the scenes we remembered. I’m not sure how accurate we were, but we enjoyed the challenge.

This area reminded me so much of my childhood. I was having flashbacks to being 12 years old and driving the 3-wheelers down to Cottonwood Creek with my friends and tubing down the creek (pronounced “crik,” like a proper rural child).

Proper photographers will cringe at this shot. I didn’t have a tripod with me so I couldn’t do a proper timed exposure. Oh well, it was a waterfall and swimming in it was a bigger priority than shooting it.

Sorry gang, I was in an island state of mind!

The next post will be about our jungle hike. TOTAL HIGHLIGHT for me!