Malakahana Falls

  Mike and I set out today to do Laie Falls today.

A well known hike that I have been itching to check off my list. 

I had a little difficulty finding trail head directions due to there being more then one turn off and everything pretty much looks the same.

 Little did we know...we missed the turn off to Laie Falls and ended up hiking the Malaekahana Trail.

 This trail is 8 miles and we were not prepared for that. 

 The hike has lots of different terrain. From whispering pines to hot, loose dirt.

We were in the middle of NO WHERE! 

All that we heard was the tour helicopters every 20 min.

We had been hiking for awhile now and our water was running low. After every hill we climbed, we would hope to soon hear water....and the trail just kept going. 

 A long winding path of Strawberry Guava. 

That means tons of fruit flies!

 After a little bit longer, enough was enough. We just weren't prepared to do this long of a trek today. I definitely would have loved to actually see the falls and jump in, but I will just have to save that for another day.

 But I did not forget about the hike we actually came here for. 

Laie Falls is still on my list! 

After all the hot sun, we made a quick stop at The North Shore #1 Fish Taco's.

We were STARVING! 

Both got the fish tacos and a order of pork nachos.

They were pretty good. I don't know if they were the "best" I have ever had, but they definitely hit the spot.

Ualaka'a to Makiki Valley

 Mt. Tantalus overlooks Wakiki.

There are a few different hikes you can get to from the park at the top.

We had to start on the Ualakaa Trail just to get to the trail that we actually came here for.

 Banyan Trees galore

We finally made it to Makiki Valley

It started POURING, so my camera was put away for a little. I was able to take some just here and there.

Tons of Strawberry Guava

There are so many more hikes to be done on this mountain...so I will be back!

Snorkelinggggg

  Once again, Sharks Cove was perfect!

You never know how the waters going to be till you actually pull up and park.

  Everyone and their mother was out with us. People bumping and touching you as you snorkel is not my cup of tea, but it seemed not to bother the fish. 

 I could not get enough of these guys! 

 I could have stayed in this school forever.

This guy was busy eating. 

Another great day in the water!

Birthing Stones

The Birthing Stones on Oahu is the place were chief were born and battles were fought. 

Royal pregnant women would come here to give birth from the 12th to 17th century. These rocks were known to ease the pain of labor. They would lay a mat down and expected gravity to do most of the work.

 People bring offerings here when they visit.

 I think I would choose this one.....

This is such a peaceful place, but I could NEVER imagine giving birth here!

Kalihi Ice Ponds

We headed to Kalihi on this rainy day, to do a short hike down to a waterfall that I heard flows heavy all year.

Little do people know...wild wallaby's live on Oahu, and this is there area were they have been seen. I was crossing my fingers that we would be able to see one...of course, that never works.

It would just not be the same without a little art work on each and every trail.

Looks like a century old go cart

This was the trail, not a stream

This is me standing at the falls but looking up where we came. 

The only sketchy part of the hike.

Thank goodness for the ropes!

Super steep as you go up...and slippery

 

So beautiful!

 There are two sections where brave people can jump. 

And also, there is a second waterfall with another pool to swim right above this waterfall. (look close)

 Pretty cool spot!

 *not to self- bring bug spray next time!