 |
| Kalawahine Trail |
Today we hiked Kalawahine Trail (with a short bypass on the Manoa Cliffs Trail.) The hike itself wasn't too strenuous. There were a few sections with stairs, the occasional mud patch, and a few skinny trenches. We only met one person on the trail; a woman with two dogs - all were very friendly! The route took us about two hours - stopping to take a few snapshots, of course. One of the best shots is from a bench not ten minutes in. It over looks Pauoa Valley and out to the ocean.
As we walked we found ourselves among the most beautiful flowers and birds. A shama thrush flew along with us whistling as we walked - perhaps showing us the way. Some fallen guava one the ground was dinner for a leothrix. We even had the lucky fortune to see an 'elepaio flitting through the brush.
I think we saw three different types of ginger - yellow, white, and a cream and orange cluster. Nope, not the official names, just how I'd describe them by their color. Some of the little flowers and ferns were so delicate. Amid the moss covered rocks and grasping roots, stood tall trees of ohia lehua wrapped with ieie. Other plant spotting included coffee and ti! There are clear paths for water falls and mini-streams that appear after a big rain. Thanks to the hikers and environmentalists who came before, one of the would-be streams has a bridge.
 |
| The view from the bench. |
Our path followed to the end of the Kalawahine Trail where it connects with the Pauoa Trail and a portion of the Manoa Cliffs Trail. We decided to walk a bit of the Manoa Cliffs Trail and join back to Kalawahine rather than just turn around. Here is a definite reminder to myself to go back. On the Manoa Cliffs Trail is a gated section set aside for the Native Restoration Project. The area is being replanted with native plants. The gates and fences are to keep the pigs out. What a great great project!
Speaking of pigs... There are lots of pigs in Hawaii. Apparently there are hunts designated for Kalawahine on Wednesdays and nights with a full moon. August 1 - Wednesday and a full moon. Yikes! We did notice a few pig trails as we walked. We didn't think much of it until we heard the grunt and squeal in the bushes! Exciting! What a rush of adrenaline! What do we do when we hear a pig? Run!
With enough distance between us and the pig we stop and laugh. An appropriate place to slow our pace is the Native Snail Habitat section of trail. Many of the native snails are preyed on by visitors who decided to stay; other snails, lizards, and frogs have made it difficult for indigenous species to survive.
Back at the trail head, we wipe our shoes on the boot scrapers and head to the car. It always takes a little extra effort for me to get started on the hike. I think about the mud, the time, the sweat...once I'm there, I have such a wonderful time!
If you want more information on this hike:
http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trail.php?TrailID=OA+19+003
No comments:
Post a Comment