Maui - Hawaii with Kids - page 282

marker 2. Just before the wide, concrete bridge, pull over on the mountainside
and park. There is a NO TRESPASSING sign on the gate. Although you will see sev-
eral cars parked in the area and a steady line of people going up to the falls, be
aware that this is private property and that trespassing is illegal in Hawaii. If you
decide that you want to “risk it,” you will walk about 3 to 5 minutes to the
waterfall and pool, or continue on another 10 to 15 minutes to the second,
larger waterfall and pool. (Don't go in if it has been raining.)
KOOLAU FOREST RESERVE After Twin Falls, the vegetation seems lusher,
as though Mother Nature had poured Miracle-Gro on everything. This is the
edge of the Koolau Forest Reserve. Koolau means “windward,” and this cer-
tainly is one of the greatest examples of a lush windward area: The coastline here
gets about 60 to 80 inches of rain a year, as well as runoff from the 200 to 300
inches that falls farther up the mountain. Here you'll see trees laden with guavas,
as well as mangoes, java plums, and avocados the size of softballs. The spiny,
long-leafed plants are hala trees, which the Hawaiians used for weaving baskets,
mats, even canoe sails.
From here on out, there's a waterfall (and one-lane bridge) around nearly
every turn in the road, so drive slowly and be prepared to stop and yield to
oncoming cars.
DANGEROUS CURVES About a half-mile after mile marker 6, there's a
sharp U-curve in the road, going uphill. The road is practically one-lane here,
with a brick wall on one side and virtually no maneuvering room. Sound your
horn at the start of the U-curve to let approaching cars know you're coming.
Take this curve, as well as the few more coming up in the next several miles, very
slowly.
Just before mile marker 7 is a forest of waving bamboo. The sight is so spec-
tacular that drivers are often tempted to take their eyes off the road. Be very cau-
tious. Wait until just after mile marker 7, at the Kaaiea Bridge and stream
below, to pull over and take a closer look at the hand-hewn stone walls. Then
turn around to see the vista of bamboo.
A GREAT FAMILY HIKE At mile marker 9, there's a small state wayside area
with restrooms, picnic tables, and a barbecue area. The sign says KOOLAU FOR -
EST RESERVE , but the real attraction here is the Waikamoi Ridge Trail , an easy
.75-mile loop. The start of the trail is just behind the QUIET TREES AT WORK sign.
The well-marked trail meanders through eucalyptus, ferns, and hala trees.
CAN'T-MISS PHOTO OPS Just past mile marker 12 is the Kaumahina
State Wayside Park . This is not only a good pit stop (restrooms are available)
and a wonderful place for a picnic (with tables and a barbecue area), but also a
great vista point. The view of the rugged coastline makes an excellent shot—you
can see all the way down to the jutting Keanae Peninsula.
Another mile and a couple of bends in the road, and you'll enter the Hono-
manu Valley, with its beautiful bay. To get to the Honomanu Bay County
Beach Park , look for the turnoff on your left, just after mile marker 14, as
you begin your ascent up the other side of the valley. The rutted dirt-and-cinder
road takes you down to the rocky black-sand beach. There are no facilities here.
Because of the strong rip currents offshore, swimming is best in the stream
inland from the ocean. You'll consider the drive down worthwhile as you stand
on the beach, well away from the ocean, and turn to look back on the steep cliffs
covered with vegetation.