Peeking Into The Waiakanaloa Wet Cave

by Coty on May 21, 2013 in Sights with No comments

Located beyond the Maniholo dry cave is another one of Kauai’s north shore landmarks, the Waiakanaloa wet cave. This wet cave is located just before the Ke’e Beach parking lot. Waikanaloa, meaning water of Kanaloa, and its neighbor, Waikapalae, are said to have been dug by the goddess of fire, Pele. During a recent visit to Kauai, we decided to drive to the end of Highway 56 / Kuhio HIghway. At the very is end of the highway is Ke’e Beach and, more importantly, the trailhead to the famous eleven-mile long Kalalau Trail.

Our original plan was to actually hike a portion of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Valley and the Hanakapiai waterfall. Unfortunately for us, the weather was not cooperating. Flash flood conditions forced the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to close the trail to hikers. It’s a good thing that we didn’t hike that day, considering that 12 people had to be airlifted out of Hanakapi’ai after being stranded in the valley overnight. There’s always next time!

Explorers: Coty Gonzales and Joel Sabugo.

Directions to the Maniholo Dry Cave: From Kapaa, you want to head north on Highway 56 / Kuhio Highway and drive toward Ke’e Beach Park. The cave is located just before the Ke’e Beach parking lot and will be on your left.

Do you see it? Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Do you see it? Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Waiakanaloa Cave. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Waiakanaloa Cave. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Black hole. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Black hole. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Spider. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Spider. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

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Maniniholo Dry Cave On Kauai’s North Shore

by Coty on May 19, 2013 in Sights with 1 Comment

The Maniholo dry cave makes for a short and fun stop if traveling to the north shore of Kauai. The cave is located at the bottom of Kaiwikui Ridge and across from Haena Beach Park. Maniniholo means “travelling reef surgeonfish.”  You’ll often times here locals refer to small fish, or small things in general, as being “manini.” According to legend, Maniniholo was the name of the head fisherman of the area during the time the menehunes were leaving the island (Wichman, 1998). Apparently, a few of these little imps were caught stealing food from the fisherman and were subsequently killed. The rest of the menehune, well, jumped on their canoes at Makua Bay and was never seen again.

During our visit, we spent some time inside of the Maniholo cave taking photos. We were fortunate in that we had gone late in the day and the cave was empty. We had it all to ourselves. It’s a bit eerie in there, but makes for an interesting spot to take some long exposure shots.

Explorers: Coty Gonzales and Joel Sabugo.

Directions to the Maniholo Dry Cave: From Kapaa, you want to head north on Highway 56 / Kuhio Highway and drive toward Haena Beach Park. The cave is located directly across from the beach park and will be on your left.

Entering Maniniholo Dry Cave. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Entering Maniniholo Dry Cave. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Mouth of the cave. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Mouth of the cave. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Joel entering the cave. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Joel entering the cave. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Inside looking out. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Inside looking out. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Posing. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Posing. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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Kuaokala Trail: A State Trail With Restricted Trailhead Access

by Coty on May 12, 2013 in Hikes with 3 Comments

By completing the Kuaokala Trail, I was able to strike off another Na Ala Hele maintained trail off of my list. Kuaokala terminates at a lookout that overlooks Makua Valley, however, the best views are to be had before reaching this lookout. Our crew had previously reached this same lookout point via the Kealia Trail in Mokuleia. The Kuaokala trailhead is located in Waianae, far from the trailhead of Kealia. Access to the Kealia Trail is open, whereas you will need to get a permit from the Hawaii Division of Forestry if you want to hike the Kuaokala Trail. That said, I believe that Kuaokala is a better hike, with much more varied vistas.

Hey, guy, don't get too close to the edge! Photo by Coty Gonzales

Hey, guy, don’t get too close to the edge! Photo by Coty Gonzales

Long dirt road. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Long dirt road. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Awkward peace sign. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Awkward peace sign. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The day started with a long drive along the Waianae Coast. The meeting point would be the Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station sign, located near a dirt parking lot, just before Yokohama Beach. The group then convoyed past the guard station and then through two large metal arm gates. During the drive up, we passed the two white satellite balls, which you can see from the highway below. Just slightly past the second metal arm gate wil be a dirt parking lot, and the trailhead to the Kuaokala Trail.

After a quick debriefing by Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club leader, Laura Owens, we were off on the trail. The trail begins by shortly meandering through the forest, until you get to a wide dirt road. The dirt road continues uphill for sometime, passing a picnic table to the left. Toward the top of the dirt road trail, you’ll begin to get some nice views of the Waianae Coast. The vast ocean will be your view, so be on the lookout for whales.

Shade. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Shade. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

That's Laura, she was the HTMC hike coordinator for this particular trail. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

That’s Laura, she was the HTMC hike coordinator for this particular trail. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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Discovering The Art of Herb Kane at The Grand Wailea

by Coty on May 6, 2013 in Photography, Sights with No comments

I’m a long time fan of Herb Kane’s work. I can still remember visiting the Bishop Museum, where his artwork would bring life to the Hawaiian folklore that we would learn about in Hawaiiana class. If you grew up in Hawaii, then you can probably relate. Maybe not to seeing Herb Kane’s work at Bishop Museum, but surely you can remember sitting Indian-style in Hawaiiana class as your Kumu (Hawaiian teacher) taught you how to count in Hawaiian, play the ukulele, and told you stories about the ancient Hawaiians. Yes, going to elementary school in Hawaii is way better than going to elementary school anywhere else (if you can look beyond national standardized test score averages). Of course, I’m bias, but I digress. The point is, Herb Kane is not just a talented artist, but a living legend. Herb Kane is an author, historian, and cultural leader. So, I was very pleased when I stumbled upon his work during a recent stay at the Grand Wailea in Maui.

Wewehe, Mermaid of Hawaii With Two Dolphins, 1991, Herb Kane.

Wewehe, Mermaid of Hawaii With Two Dolphins, 1991, Herb Kane.

Wewehe, Mermaid of Hawaii With Two Dolphins, 1991, Herb Kane.

Wewehe, Mermaid of Hawaii With Two Dolphins, 1991, Herb Kane.

Wewehe Bathing #2, 1991, Herb Kane.

Wewehe Bathing #2, 1991, Herb Kane.

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Instagram Hawaii Spotting: Volume 5

by Coty on May 4, 2013 in Photography with No comments

This is Instagram Hawaii Spotting: Volume 5. I use Instagram a lot. A LOT. This makes sense since I’m pretty much glued to my iPhone and I love to snap photos. These are a few photos that I Instagrammed during a recent trip to Kauai. Enjoy!

Follow me on Instagram (and since @joelsabugo is featured here, follow him too!). Hashtag your Hawaii adventures with #explorationhawaii hashtag and maybe we’ll add your photo in Volume 6!

Lots of flow. #waterfalls #waterfall #kauai #hawaii #explorationhawaii. Photo by @cotygonzales

Lots of flow. #waterfalls #waterfall #kauai #hawaii #explorationhawaii. Photo by @cotygonzales

My new best friend. #explorationhawaii #kauai. Photo by @joelsabugo

My new best friend. #explorationhawaii #kauai. Photo by @joelsabugo

Skip the lookout. This is the way to view Wailua Falls! #waterfall #waterfalls #hawaii #kauai #explorationhawaii. Photo by @cotygonzales

Skip the lookout. This is the way to view Wailua Falls! #waterfall #waterfalls #hawaii #kauai #explorationhawaii. Photo by @cotygonzales

Kapaa in the background. #hawaii #kauai #hiking #explorationhawaii @merrelloutside. Photo by @cotygonzales

Kapaa in the background. #hawaii #kauai #hiking #explorationhawaii @merrelloutside. Photo by @cotygonzales

My new new best friend. #explorationhawaii #ladybug #poipu #kauai. Photo by @joelsabugo

My new new best friend. #explorationhawaii #ladybug #poipu #kauai. Photo by @joelsabugo

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Standing on the Edge of Haleakala

by Coty on April 30, 2013 in Photography with No comments

Even through I hate the drive up, Haleakala remains one of my favorite places in Hawaii. I have been there three times. However, I have never taken a photo up there with this sort of perspective. Naturally, I had to share. Pretty gnarly, right? For the full effect, I recommend seeking out a large screen!

Vertigo inducing vertical panorama. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Vertigo inducing vertical panorama. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Awakening Kauai’s Sleeping Giant on the Nounou-East Trail

by Coty on April 25, 2013 in Hikes with No comments

The Nounou Trail, commonly referred to as the Sleeping Giant Trail, served as my introduction to hiking in Kauai. We reserved the second day of our Kauai trip for this particular hike, however, we didn’t know whether or not we would be able to do it because of the island-wide flash flood warnings that were issued the day before. Not letting the weather get in our way, we decided to check out the trail anyway after first getting our fill of pancakes at Eggbert’s. The risk paid off, and we were rewarded with stunning views of the Kapaa coastline, Wailua River, and Mount Waialeale.

There are three different ways of tackling the Nounou Trail. You can take either the east route, west route, or the Kuamoo-Nounou route. We decided on the Nounou-East route, because the trailhead was closest to our hotel. In fact, if you find yourself on vacation in Kapaa, then the Nounou Trail will make for the perfect outing since it’s located right in your backyard.

The Nounou Trail is well maintained. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The Nounou Trail is well maintained. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

We did notice some erosion. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

We did notice some erosion. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Joel checking out his Canon 7D. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Joel checking out his Canon 7D. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Comparing it to Oahu’s trails, I’d have to say that the Nounou Trail is partly like the Kuliouou Trail and partly like Olomana, albeit a much easier version of Olomana. The first half of the trail consists entirely of switchbacks that will have you cutting through ironwood and guava trees. You’ll continue on this portion of the trail for roughly two miles until you reach a picnic table. They have mile markers, in 0.25 mile increments, that you will pass as you work your way up. The picnic table area is known affectionately as the “Giant’s chest” and marks the end of the first half of the hike. Guidebooks will often say that this is where most people should stop and only the more adventurous should continue.

The views from the start are very nice! Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The views from the start are very nice! Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Even Joel thought the view was nice. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Even Joel thought the view was nice. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Eventually, you reach a very nice scenic lookout. It makes for a great place to snap a photo. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Eventually, you reach a very nice scenic lookout. It makes for a great place to snap a photo. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

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Wailua Falls: Up Close and Personal With Kauai’s Popular 173 Foot Tall Waterfall

by Coty on April 18, 2013 in Hikes with No comments

Wailua Falls is one of the most popular and most visited sites in Hawaii. It is undoubtedly an itinerary staple for any first time visitor to Kauai. Why? Because it’s a spectacular waterfall that can be easily accessed and viewed. However, for many, the view of Wailua Falls comes from the official lookout point at the end of Maalo Road (Highway 583). We wanted to get closer to Wailua Falls. Really close. We wanted to go down to the base of the waterfall. And so we did. The view down below did not disappoint.

With about 30 or so people viewing Wailua Falls from the lookout, we made our way down using a makeshift trail located just before the lookout. We jumped over the guardrail, where there was some crumpled down fencing. The trail begins to the left of the fencing. The hike down is short. Actually, it’s very short at 0.20 miles. However, the area is very slippery and very steep in sections. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the bottom of the falls.

View from the top of Wailua Falls. This is what you see at the lookout. Pretty spectacular. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

View from the top of Wailua Falls. This is what you see at the lookout. Pretty spectacular. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Would you jump off the top? Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Would you jump off the top? Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Although the trail is closed, there were ropes installed to assist with the down climb. However, I have read that the state is known to the remove the ropes to prevent people from hiking down there. Obviously, they are worried about liability. This comes after two women died while trying to hike down to the nearby Opaekaa Falls in December 2006. In March 2012, the state reached a settlement with the families of the two hikers in the amount of $15.4 million. The lesson here? If you’re unsure of your abilities, or simply don’t like to leave things to chance, then stay at the lookout point and do not attempt to go to the bottom of the falls.

Down below is where the awesome is. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Down below is where the awesome is. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

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Waikiki Historic Trail: Conquering the Educational Honolulu Urban Hike at Night

by Marvin on April 14, 2013 in Beaches, Hikes, Photography, Sights with 8 Comments
Marker 1 of the Waikiki Historic Trail

Marker 1 of the Waikiki Historic Trail

Throughout the most popular spots in Waikiki exists 23 markers for an urban trail. While it is easy to stumble upon a few of them simply by chance, visiting all takes some effort. Most of the markers are wooden surfboards with both images and text that narrate the history of Waikiki.  Building upon the efforts of Troy Solano, I was able to finish the whole trail over 2 days while also practicing long exposure night shots.

Troy became interested in the urban hike a few months ago after finding an essay documenting all the markers. Despite becoming the laughing stock of the hiking community for his ridiculous mission, Troy would finish the trail over 3 days. The final day of his hike also included me and allowed me to see a few of the markers before attempting the whole thing at night. The following will list all the markers’ locations as well as images from nearby locations. Detailed information about what is found on the markers can be found here and here.

The first marker, pictured above and titled “Beaches”, is found where Monsarrat Ave. and Kalakaua Ave. merge. This marker details the four nearby sections of Outrigger Canoe Club, Sans Souci, Kapi’olani Park and Queen’s Surf.

Walkway next to Marker 2

Walkway next to Marker 2

Continue walking West on Kalakaua and soon you’ll find another surfboard. “Waikiki” explains the popularity of surfing in the area as well as the importance of streams leaving the Ko’olaus. While on the walkway taking pictures of that patio thing, a local became interested in what I was doing and let me know about some dark areas on the Windward side as I was here trying to get some star shots near the current New Moon. He would also let me know my pronunciation of Hawaiian names was very good. Just wanted to let everyone know.

Marker 3 near Ala Wai canal

Marker 3 near Ala Wai canal

This marker has you leave Kalakaua temporarily to visit Ala Wai canal. Walk up Kapahulu Ave. then head left on Ala Wai to reach this marker. “Queen Liliuokalani” shows how Waikiki began as an agricultural community to become what it is today.

Waterfall near Marker 4

Waterfall near Marker 4

Head back down to Kalakaua and head West again. Soon, you will find a statue of Prince Kuhio, along with an urban waterfall just a little more West. The marker here will tell you the story of Prince Kuhio.  Continue reading →

Hulihee Palace: The Home of Hawaii’s Second Governor and A Vacation Residence for Hawaiian Royalty

by Coty on April 10, 2013 in Sights with No comments

Hulihee Palace, not to be confused with delicious hulihuli chicken, is the former palace of John Adams Kuakini, the second Governor of the Island of Hawaii. The palace, which was completed in 1838, was built “by foreign seamen, of native lava rock, coral lime mortar, koa and `ohi`a timbers.” Later, it would serve as a popular vacation home for visiting royalty. Although not as opulent as Iolani Palace on Oahu, Hulihee Palace is still very rich in history.

The front of Hulihee Palace. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The front of Hulihee Palace. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Looking up. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Looking up. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The rear (oceanside) of Hulihee Palace. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The rear (oceanside) of Hulihee Palace. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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