Hiking with Nate again in Waihe'e Valley

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 Upper Hamama & Waihe'e Falls - July 5, 2014


Although it was great to see both the upper sections of Hamama and Waihe'e falls, the purpose of today's hike was to hike with Nate again. It is so good to see old hiking partners.

My last hike with Nate was Bear Claw Right Fork. After that hike, he went to boot camp in Chicago and I haven't seen him until today. 

Nate currently lives in San Diego and is in active duty military. He does not plan to come back to Hawaii.

Today I took him to Hamama and Waihe'e falls, two waterfalls that are easy enough for both of us. However, the upper sections which I did with the group 7D takes a bit more hiking skills.

We got to Hamama rather quickly and proceeded to the upper falls. It was somewhat slick, but with focus and determination, we got to the top of Hamama rather quickly. I knew Hamama was fed by a natural spring, but seeing it up close was pretty cool. It seems that the spring produces tons of water to make the waterfall. 

After Hamama, we went to Waihe'e. The climb up Waihe'e was a little harder. The rope section wasn't too easy. The climb was somewhat technical and holds weren't the greatest. I always and still think climbing up a slick rocky section is harder than climbing up an eroded section. Nate didn't like the rope section route, so he went towards the side of the mountain to find another way up. We climbed what seemed like 1/2 an hour. It was obvious we went too far. The climb was sketchy, but doable. We chose to climb down and find the trail leading to the top of Waihe'e falls. After finding the trail, we ended up at the top of Waihe'e falls. Similar to Hamama, Waihe'e is also fed by a natural spring. 

We hiked back at a fast pace. Nate shook some mountain apples off a tree and ate them. He tends to eat all types of fruits that the environment provides as he doesn't food on his hikes. 

We had a post hike meal at the Waiahole Poi Factory where he tried to eat the Kanaka Nui. That is one big platter. You'll have to go there to see it for yourself. This is my third time at the Waiahole Poi Factory this summer and every time it gets better and better.

Hopefully everything goes well for Nate, he seems to be doing okay. Best of luck to him. 

Upper Hamama

Waihe'e falls

Upper Waihe'e falls

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