This week we’ve been staying in the Ishihara House, a VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) above the town of Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii. The house is plantation-style, with a 1930’s old-Hawaii vibe and nods to Japan. And it’s less expensive than most hotel rooms on this island.
From our lanai we get a fine view of the start of Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Koke’e State Park lies beyond Waimea Canyon, at around 4,000 feet elevation.
We drove up to Koke’e several times to enjoy the hiking trails. Each day we walked for several hours. There was climbing and clambering, and sometimes the trail was quite muddy and slippery.
Pihea and Alakai Swamp Trails
We started with a magnificent view of the Napali (cliffs), then explored swamps and back country.
Towards the end of our walk, it started to rain, and the trail turned to mud. Hot showers, the washer and dryer, and my partner Dwight’s boot-cleaning skills made us whole again.
The Awa’awapui Trail
I love to walk through clouds. The mood is more contemplative, and I’m more aware of the close surroundings.
Sometimes the clouds cleared and we got a view.
At the end of the trail, mist obscured what would have been a spectacular vista.
A Czech family was patiently waiting for the mist to clear, but eventually gave up.
The Nu’alolo Trail
The first three miles descended by over 1,500 feet and required some concentration to stay upright. My camera remained firmly hanging from my belt.
Eventually, the trail became a ridge trail, with open views on each side.
Clouds remained high, allowing spectacular views.
