This hike starts way in the back of Palolo Valley. The
road is called Waiamao or something like that. There's a small area that can fit
maybe 5 cars just before a private road that leads to the fenced off area which is the
start of the hike.This is actually the first hike that I did with my friends.
Before this were all organized hikes. Most of the hike is following the stream via
switchbacks and climbing waterfalls. The first waterfall is the nicest, this one you
climb around on the right. When you get to the top you have a choice of either
wading through a pool or making your way around a boulder across a slippery section right
on the edge of the waterfall. Of course nobody wants to get their feet wet so we
took the slippery section. This is probably the most dangerous section of the
hike. You fall...you die. After we got across we turned around to see a plaque
in memory of an unfortunate person who probably did not make the crossing.
The second waterfall is also a nice kodak moment, that one you climb along side it on
the left with the help of some ropes. The third waterfall is less steep but very
long with no ropes. Should I have slipped, I could see myself tumbling down it
bouncing around like a tennis ball. Right after the top of the third waterfall you
reach the crater opening! From here you can either head right and up to Palikea or
left for a quick view overlooking the crater. Short on time today we chose the left
route. I'd imagine the hike around the crater must be incredible! Today the
crater is all marshland, but I wonder if it was actually ever a lake? That would be
cool!
Date: May 25, 1998
Time Duration: 3hours?
Difficulty: Green
Danger: Blue (along the waterfalls)
Notes: I'd like to do this hike again on a clear day when we don't get dumped on!
The bottom picture are some of the people I go hiking with. (l-r) Dave's friend1,
Dave, Pam, Randall, Dave's friend2, & Me
