Kaloko Hike

Yesterday we were lucky to have our friends take us up to the top of Kaloko* to go and see a volcanic crater. I love Kaloko...the mist, the rain forest, the cool elevation (4,000 ft or so). Ryan walked over 90 minutes on his own and kept saying how much he loved hiking. And I totally agree with my boy- the hike greatly exceeded my expectations. A huge mahalo to Dylan for mountain biking those trails every weekend so he could guide us! So without further ado, here are a few pictures from our gorgeous day...

*Directions: From Palani Rd, turn right up Kaloko Dr., drive nearly to the top and then turn up Huehue, park at the top, scramble over fence. Head up gravel road for a hundred yards, then veer left onto path that leads back down the hill for about a mile...after you reach a fenced in cattle area and grassy knoll filled with dead trees, you'll find the deep crater hiding  off to the left. Sorry for the vague directions, but it was a bit of a maze. Apparently only a few people and about 7,500 UN-constipated cows (judging by the amount of cow poop we saw everywhere) know where it is.

Update: We attempted to find the crater on our own a few months later after following my own directions...FAIL. Returned a third time with Dylan on a new trail...then nailed it solo. I can't reveal this one though. Top secret.

Lewis & Clark leading the way

Our house was about 85 when we left. 40 minutes later, it was 70 when we started the hike.

The ferns up there reminded me of Jurassic time period (I made sure to be on the look out for pterodactyls).

After a mile of hiking...the reward! A deep volcanic crater that  is virtually hidden from sight. I'm dreaming of a sneaky camp session up there someday...so grassy, soft and cool! I can't wait to bring the extended family up there sometime!

We each brought a spear and wore camo pants in case we saw a Spamalope.  

Ry and I were  nearly inconsolable after not seeing any Spamalope, thankfully, pb&j saved the day.