A road goes to high point of Maui, Haleakala Crater (over 10,000') in Haleakala National Park. Interesting one-day hikes into crater via Halemauu and Sliding Sands trails, or backpack through Crater, staying at cabins (reserve well in advance) or campgrounds (permit required). To follow trail thru crater to Hana Road would require advance arrangements (perhaps with a tour bus company) as traffic Is light and hitchhiking illegal in Maui. Additional hiking described in Guides, including climb of Puu Kukul, high point of other "half" of Maui.
Most ocean swimming is calm altho in 1969 good body surfing was found on Hwy. 30 north of Holokihau at small cove 50 feet below the highway. Best swimming is in fresh water pools along Hana Road as well as in the Oheo Gulch ("Seven Pools"), both below and above the road (latter area reached from Makahiku Falls overlook). Interesting hike to continue on to Waimoku Falls.
Camping (strictly regulated) is available in 3 state parks (advance permit) and 2 county parks (advance permit & fee). Again, a fallback is the two National Park campgrounds, one en route to Haleakala summit (which may be full) and one in the Seven Pools area (no drinking water), both free without permit.
Island of Kauai
The "Hiking Guide to Kauai" is worth purchasing. Both Kokee and Waimea State Parks offer numerous hiking trails including some backcountry camping (check latest regulations re permits). To climb Mt. Walaleale, high point of Kauai and wettest place in the world, requires skillful navigation with compass, map and marking tape to negotiate miles of swamp and access is discouraged at present. Most famous trail is the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pall coast. The reward for the 12 mile round trip day hike to Hanakoa Falls is a good swimming pool, fantastic scenery (in addition to the local "nude" beach at Hanakaplai, 2 miles in) and all the guavas you can eat. Or one can backpack for 2 or 3 days (permits required) and continue on another 5 miles to Kalalau Valley and beach. (Total distance one way to Kalalau without side trips is 11 miles.) Boots and bathing suits are the appropriate attire for this low altitude hike!
Altho the best beach weather is on the "dry" side, at Polihale State Park, the swimming is often too rough and even though it is more likely to rain, the ocean between the Pavillion County Park and the pier on beautiful Hanalai Bay still provides some of the most enjoyable body surfing In the above 3 islands at least. Advance permits are required for all campgrounds on Kauai; fortunately camping permits for County Parks can be obtained from police stations outside of regular business hours. Fees are charged; state parks are free.
- -
The Island of Oahu was not visited in 1978 but was worth a couple of days of sightseeing in 1969; for hiking and camping information contact the appropriate agencies on Oähu. Areas recommended for body surfing (in 1969) were Koko Head Beach Park, Makapuu Beach Park and Waialee Beach. The drive down the east coast of Oahu is one of the most beautiful in all the Islands; Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center are probably worth visiting; and with luck you will see surfboarders in action at famous Makahu Beach. The island of Mobokai was not visited either time but has a state park where camping is permitted and both county and state park agencies have offices there.ALOHA!
