View Full Version : Waipio to Waimanu*
Going to hike/backpack the Muliwai Trail through Waipio Valley to Waimanu Valley. This is my first ever trip to Hawaii, I am bringing in my typical backpacking gear with hammock, bug net, tarp etc. but is there anything out of the ordinary I should bring or things i should watch out for? any feedback from folks who have been to this spot is appreciated.
Hey Lumis
I'm heading to Kuaui mid feb - How was your trip - Any pointers???
I've only day hiked to the first valley past Waipio. From the Waipio lookout, look for the switchbacks going up the far wall to see how far inland for you to go at the far end of the beach. Carefully choose your crossing of the stream at Waipio. Hang out for a bit and watch where others go. The mosquitoes are bad as soon as you step away from the beach breezes, until you get high enough on the far wall to regain the breeze.
On the trail, I met someone who first visited, then turned around, then chose to walk at my speed. I assume that he was a local with a nearby pakalolo crop that he was protecting.
At Arnott's Lodge, a hostel north of the airport in Hilo, you can use your tent on the grass for $10-15 a night, rent a bike for $7, catch the bus for a dollar at the corner, etc. DW and I stay there in the bed-with-bath rooms with shared kitchen for $75 a night. Arnott's has the whole spectrum of lodging from the lawn, a few dorm rooms, private rooms with bath down the hall, rooms with private bath, same with shared kitchen, then $100 a night rooms with private kitchen. The tall, slim older guy you see walking around is the owner.
On your first visit, go ahead and spend on the tours. After that, you can go do the same tour on your own if you have a car. We are going back for our fourth visit next month.
Happy trails to you. There's probably some Hawaiian lingo for that.
Just found this forum for the reason of trying to get more info on Waimanu valley before i get out there. Couldn't believe it when i saw this thread on the first page!! Im looking to stay multiple nights there and plan on trying to bush whack my way into the rear of the valley to get to some of the more remote falls and flora. Wasn't sure if it is feasible or not. Would also appreciate any pointers.
Thanks,
Zac
KauaiSurfrider
01-27-2013, 18:15
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=25450
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAGWB2oyY-0
Look for other postings on YouTube for Waipio & Waimanu Valley info.
Going to hike/backpack the Muliwai Trail through Waipio Valley to Waimanu Valley. This is my first ever trip to Hawaii, I am bringing in my typical backpacking gear with hammock, bug net, tarp etc. but is there anything out of the ordinary I should bring or things i should watch out for? any feedback from folks who have been to this spot is appreciated.
Yes, you should bring me!:lol:
KauaiSurfrider
01-28-2013, 14:41
Hey Lumis
I'm heading to Kuaui mid feb - How was your trip - Any pointers???
February, is still considered to be in our *winter season*. Certainly no snow, but we do tend to deal with *winter rain*, pushed down with the trade wind flow from the N-NE / Aleutian Islands / Alaska and Low Pressure areas. Early *morning temps* here recently have been in the mid -high 50's / 60's, then warming progressively.
A light fleece & rain jacket is suggested, good shoes / boots.
If you decide to do the Kalalau / Na Pali Trail hike, Haena Beach Park, New or partially used cans of *pressurized* fuel can be found at *Kayaks Kauai*, in Hanalei town on the north shore. I'm not sure about unused portions of liquid *Coleman Fuel*. WalMart sells the smaller 32 oz bottles for $6.00 or the gallon can for around $12.00. WalMart is in Lihue town about 5 minutes from the Airport.
*County Parks* issue permits for County Parks
http://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments/ParksRecreation/tabid/515/Default.aspx
*County Parks* Locations:
http://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments/CommunityAssistance/RecreationAgency/CampingInformation/tabid/176/Default.aspx
Kauai State Parks:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/kauai/index.cfm?park_id=5
Suggested transportation should be by rental car or on the low from somebody from Craigslist / Kauai - car rentals. Some folks will meet you at the airport and again, when you leave. Hitch hiking is allowed, but be dressed appropriately, with a shirt on at least, even if your hot. A sweaty body on a car upholstery isn't appreciated.
Two Youth Hostels in the town of Kapa'a. Not sure what they're like or what they charge.
Parks have shower & restroom facilities, some cleaner than others due to more than usual usage.
LOCK, your rental car and keep your credit cards & $$$ with you. Break ins do occur here.
Enjoy your stay.
KauaiSurfrider
02-24-2013, 16:57
Hiker swept away by Kauai stream identified
Posted: Feb 23, 2013 8:03 PM HST
Updated: Feb 23, 2013 8:03 PM HST
LIHUE, KAUAI (HawaiiNewsNow) -
The woman who drowned after being swept away in rough waters in Hanakp'ai Stream on Thursday afternoon has been identified as 43-year-old Norka Villacorta of New York City.
The victim's body was recovered further downstream on Friday morning by Kaua'i Fire Department rescue personnel.
"Our deepest sympathies go out to Ms. Villacorta's family on their tragic loss," stated Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr.
Fifty-five hikers were stranded overnight on Thursday when the stream swelled, making crossing unsafe. Two fire rescue personnel remained with the stranded hikers overnight and escorted them out either by air or on foot early Friday morning.
Villacorta is Kaua'i's seventh drowning victim of 2013.
Related story:
Hiker swept away by swollen Kauai stream
Copyright 2013 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved
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This is the second woman lost in the Hanakapi'ai River that decided to attempt to cross the river when it was visually running fast, due to the torrential rains within the steep valley and encasing the upper elevation in misty clouds.
bloomgorge
02-24-2013, 18:30
Going to hike/backpack the Muliwai Trail through Waipio Valley to Waimanu Valley. This is my first ever trip to Hawaii, I am bringing in my typical backpacking gear with hammock, bug net, tarp etc. but is there anything out of the ordinary I should bring or things i should watch out for? any feedback from folks who have been to this spot is appreciated.
i've done the muliwai trail and the kailua trail both are awesome. my only real suggestion is wear something that has crazy traction like salomon speedcross 3. i did the muliwai trail during april and it was dry. i did the kailua trail in February and the trail is slick. also, on the waipio side, parking is limited so i would suggest parking on the waimanu side and there is a guard there so the car should be safer. the black sand beach on the waipio valley side is great but really rocky in the water so wear five fingers or some kind of shoe if you go into the water.
i've only rented jeep wranglers when i've gone and you can only go down the single lane road on the waimanu side if you have a 4x4 drive car because of the grade. i would also be careful with your belongings if you park at the bottom of the waimanu side, there was break in when we were exiting but they had their camera sitting on the seat.
have a great time, we did, we're trying to get back again.
oh,..i would also use a cuben stuff sac for your quilts if down. when hiking the kailua trail it was needed and be mindful of your stuff. i used a small suit case lock to lock my bag on my whoopie because of the locals that 'live' there when i slept at night.