Maui 11

I promise that we are almost done with the Hawaii photos. Just this batch and then one more. And then I will have to totally leave our tropical honeymoon behind. *sob*

We spent just one night in Hana and the next morning the weather was fantastic - blue skies, no rain. After bidding all of the resident spiders a not-so-fond farewell, the Jeep was loaded up and we were off!

The front porch view from our Hana accomodations. A rocky beach and rough surf but really pretty.

Instead of driving back to Central Maui the way we came down (northern route), we decided to to take on the southern route of the Hana Highway. The road was still winding and not any shorter, but worth it - because when would we come this way again? The route took us past many cattle ranches - apparently back in the early 1900's this part of the island was a bustling beef hub.

Narrow 2-lane country highway with amazing vistas.

During our travels I noticed that all of the cattle had a little friend or two. Some of these white cranes or storks or ducks would even hang out atop the cattle's backs. It was pretty adorable.

Haleakala National Park extends down near Hana too and we took the opportunity to explore the Kipahula area. The Park Service runs a Visitor Center here with books, information and a few displays.

Traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe. If you look closely at the photo (click to enlarge), you'll see a huge wasp sitting at the bow of the boat.

Most people come to this area to swim in Oheo Gulch. It's just a short walk to the multiple pools and mini-waterfalls. Have to pay to enter since it's located inside the national park.

On the trail to Oheo Gulch.

Almost there - the freshwater pools run out into the ocean.

Oheo Gulch. Can you see the bridge in the distance? We drove over it to get into the park.

Tiny people down below - this was a steep dropoff.

This next set of photos is from our hike up to Waimoku Falls. At this point I was so hot and had to keep slathering myself in sunscreen. And then we took off to see the falls on an uphill trail!

Nice to walk through shaded portions of the trail. The Hawaiian sun is HOT!

Remnants of an old pulley system across the way- there was a matching stone structure on the other side.

Since the day prior had been wet and rainy, the trails were all muddy and quite slippery in places. We stopped at a tiny fenced overlook area to take photos of Waimoku Falls. My pictures all had tree branches in the way because I am afraid of heights and wouldn't lean out over the cliff to take a clear photo. My husband on the other hand was fearless and took some really great images.

A view of the falls from way up high - D's photo.

Downhill on the way back - yay!

I think these are called painted eucalyptus trees.