Friday, February 6, 2009

Lahaina-Pali trail



Last weekend we hiked part of the Lahaina-Pali trail. The trail was used quite a bit during missionary times, in the early 1800's, to travel between the Lahaina/Olowalu area and Maalea, and eventually on to Wailuku.












This trail was used until the 1950's when the Honoapi'ilani Highway was built. The highway now goes all the way from Honolua (almost the northernmost tip of Maui) to Wailuku (which is closer to the valley region). You can see a bit of it in this photo, as well as the neighboring island, Lanai.

















The trail itself was pretty steep, but the views of Lanai, as well as of the 'Au'au Channel (where the Humpback Whales are currently visiting) were wonderful.












Here is a view of the island, Kaho'olawe, framed by the scraggly branches of some Kiawe trees.













Kiawe trees were introduced around 1828, on the island of Oahu and have since spread very quickly to other parts of the Hawaiian islands. They make a good shade tree, except for on the beach, since they have thorns. . .

















The trail was pretty open and exposed most of the way though with lots of rolling red and green hills.













These beautiful red terracotta colored rocks were about a mile or so up the trail.

















There were also some smaller rocks scattered throughout the hills, all along the way.
















This group of rocks made a good resting spot and offered a great view of the reefs below and some people who were kayaking, snorkeling and sailing. And we even saw some whales! In fact, the tiny white spot above Katie's head may actually be a splash from a whale. . .

















A view of the southern slopes of Haleakala below some low hanging clouds.

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