Another hike up Pu'u O Hulu

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 Pu'u O Hulu Kai - July 7, 2014


I haven't done Pu'u O Hulu in a while. Last time, I did it solo. It was fun, besides the oncoming thunderstorms. Today, Aprille wanted to take her friend Amanda on this hike. Erik joined them as well. They got to an early 8 am start. Initially I bailed o the hike, because Malia and Jared felt sick. However with some prodding they were able to get out of bed and go to summer fun. I text Erik and Aprille I was a go and drove to Maile to start Pu'u O Hulu Kai and meet them somewhere near the bunkers.

Pu'u O Hulu, the hill itself is somewhat by, itself. I think it was connected to Heleakala at one time back in ancient Hawaii before major erosion. Makes you think how much water was flowing millions of years ago in that valley to separate Pu'u O Hulu from Heleakala. The Pu'u itself is split into two sections, one section is the Kai section and the other one is the Uka section. 

Aprille them were going to start from the Uka section and work their way towards the Kai section. I decided to start with the Kai section and meet them somewhere on the ridge. 

I parked on the side of the road and went up the HTMC way. Last time I remember the 10 foot climbing section. I remember doing it when it was wet, and boy was it slippery. Today was dry, so it was no problem at all, actually pretty fun. More scrambling ensued and I crested at the first pillbox. I went to all the pillbox and continued on to meet Aprille them on the ridge. It was hot. After Erik called out my name, I decided to rest and wait for them, forgoing the descent to meet up with them. 

Going back, we ended up at the pillboxes and took some nice pictures. I tried by gradient blue filter, but didn't know what I was doing, so the picture didn't turn out well. 

Going back down, Aprille took the switchbacks route which I didn't know existed. It is a safer this way down. Now I feel I can take my kids up here and watch the sunset one day. 

Our post hike meal, and it should be every post hike meal on this side of the island, was at Sushi Bay. Aprille found out that her friend was there ordering take out, and told Aprille that it was busy, so she put Aprille name on the list. When we got there, we only had to wait 10 minutes to be seated. 

I swear, the Mix Don might very well be the best poke bowl on the island, bar none. It is so good, top notch poke bowl. 

This summer is getting to me. I'm burning out, but so much fun. 

using my 14mm lens, good wide angle


sushi bay

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