Take
a Hike!
by Linda Pascatore on 21 August 2005
We recently had a great time on two Sierra Club hikes. We saw parts
of the island we hadn’t seen, learned a lot, and met interesting
people. We have lived on the island for four years, and don’t
know why we haven’t done this sooner.
looking north across the top of the Wailua River gorge
near falls
When we first moved to Kauai, we went to a few of the tourist hot
spots on the island. We also went on a few hikes with friends who
were long time residents. Then, when we had visitors, we just kept
taking them to those few familiar spots. It is almost embarrassing
how little of the island we had seen in the past four years.
hikers nearing the falls along the Wailua River after
climb down from rim
This changed recently when we joined the Sierra Club. A few weeks
ago we hiked to the bottom of Wailua Falls. We took a longer winding
way down, and then went straight back up the cliff, with the help
of some ropes and steps cut into the hillside.
Linda Pascatore & Juan Wilson at pool below Wailua
Falls
You know when you are at the lookout at the top of Wailua Falls, and
sometimes you see people at the bottom? Well, we hiked down and were
able to swim in the beautiful large pool right under the falls! It
was fantastic. We had a picnic lunch at the bottom, and talked to
very friendly and interesting people.
view of north westas Sierra Club hikers arrive at base
of Wailua Falls
We were surprised
to find that the vast majority of folks on the hike were a cross section
of local people--not tourists. We learned interesting facts and Hawaiian
names of plants and trees from other hikers and from our Sierra Club
guides. One woman taught us a chant in Hawaiian, with hand motions.
Here is the loose English translation:
Earth, Sky, Sea and Stone
We thank you for your Sacredness
lookingeast to Kipu Mountains from the lawn of the
NTBG Headquarters
The second hike was through the National Tropical Botanical Gardens.
This was a great educational opportunity, as our guide was Bob Nishek,
who works at the gardens and shared his wealth of knowledge about
the plants and trees; and their origins, history and uses. We started
at 4pm, and ended up at Lawai Beach before sunset. We had our picnic
lunches there, and walked back out by the light of the full moon.
a landscaped portion of the upper gardens at the NTBG
in Lawai Valley
What a beautiful experience! We encountered some old friends from
the last hike, and met more open, friendly, and very interesting local
people.
hiking
south towards lower gardens along NTBG maintenance road
We are sold on Sierra Club hikes, and will be joining them at least
once a month. We are looking forward to seeing and learning about
more of our island, and cementing friendships with this great group
of people. Try it--maybe we’ll meet you at the next hike!
Sierra Club hikers pause at grove of 40 year old ficus
trees in lower gardens of NTBG
Adult nonmembers are asked for a donation of $5.00, while participants
under 18 and Sierra Club members are asked for $1.00. The Sierra Club
provides a great opportunity to experience safe hikes in a group with
experienced hikers and guides. All hikes are rated for level of difficulty
and round trip distances are provided.
Upcoming hikes include Waipo’o Falls, Okoehao Trail, Mahaulepu,
Kealia Beach, Powerline Trail, Kuilau Ridge, Makleha Springs, and
Nualolo-Awaawapuhi Loop. For details about the hikes, membership,
and Sierra Club Hawaii chapter projects check out their website at:
for Kauai hikes:
www.hi.sierraclub.org/Kauai/kauai-hikes.html
For State chapter:
www.hi.sierraclub.org
for snail mail:
Sierra Club Kauai Group: Hawaii Chapter
PO Box 3412, Lihue, HI, 96766
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