Feeling energized from the ocean and breakfast we back tracked to the start of Kalalau Valley and headed inward and followed a trail. We kept following a trail for about 45 mins and came across a few stream crossings while doing that. After about an hour we were unsure of where we were in terms of finding "Big Pool". We walked some more and after 15 minutes we ran into a person which I asked for directions for. He kind of gave me the run around and kind of was spacey but after his directions we were headed in the right direction.
In Kalalau Valley there are so many trails that are cut by people that it's really easy to get lost if you want to get somewhere (IE: Big pool or Davis Falls also known as Waimakemake Falls). We walked through a few camp sites with no one there and it seemed like there were a lot of people living back there. Even on Kalalau Beach there we at least a dozen or so individuals that actually were there for over a month.
When we finally reached "Big Pool" we hung out, swam in one of the deepest, bluest, fresh water pools I have ever swam in. After we swam in the pool we layed on the black hot rocks to warm our bodies up. After about an hour there we decided to make our way back to camp.
We got back to camp around 4 ish and decided to wash up for dinner and have dinner on the beach. We watched the sunset with everyone in our group and all shared our last few dehydrated food. After the sunset we broke out the popcorn hot chocolate and hot tea. Stars came out and it was a very gorgeous night to be laying there on the beach. I know I'd wanna come back just for that. We turned in early and decided to wake up and break down camp at 6 am.
The next morning we all were packed up and ready to leave. We met by the bathrooms for one last bathroom break before we'd make our way to Ke'e beach. Good thing we left early because the famed "Red Hill" didn't have a single beam of light on it just yet. We quickly made our way to Hanakoa with in mind that Keahi would leave us a note under the bench where he spent the night a few nights ago. When we got to Hanakoa Keahi left me a note saying "Ryan Ke'e". Which meant he made his way out to Ke'e beach and would wait for us there. We took a break at Hanakoa to eat a really early lunch, rest and fill up our water bottles.
After Hanakoa I felt as though I was gonna die! The trail felt longer than ever with my 30+ lb pack and after 8 miles or so I was complaining! I told my girlfriend that I just wanna be pushed off the cliff! After my complaining we hit Hanakapi'ai beach where the ocean was so inviting. Neal, Jason and I hit the water.
In the shore break at Hanakapi'ai usually people don't dare swim in the waters. There is actually a plaque put up for how many deaths had occured at the beach. But the waves were smaller than the first day and really calm. I took some video with my Gopro, look how clear the water is. After half an hour in shore break we decided to make the last two miles to Ke'e beach. Thank God those 12 miles were done!
When we got to Ke'e we had arrived a little earlier than anticipated. We had to wait a little for the cab to come and pick us up, so we swam and snorkeled at Ke'e Beach. Around 4 the cab arrived and we said our farewells to the group. Katie Jenny and I waited for Christian to pick us up because he was just getting off of work. We called Keahi because we hadn't seen him at Ke'e beach and didn't know where he was. Keahi actually hiked out the day we left him and was actually staying at a hotel with a couple of friends! We went to pick him up and dropped him off at the airport.
I decided to stay a few more days and spend some time with Katie exploring the island. Stay tuned for that!
"Big Pool" chilling.
Group photo in Kalalau Valley.
I don't recommend those socks!
Looking back onto Kalalau Beach
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