Makaua - December 22, 2015 

It was raining!  Doppler radar showed heavy showers on the windward side of the island. This seemed like an opportunity to do Makaua (Hidden Valley) Falls. I was hesitant, but went for it. I would go alone today. As I passed the fire station, I could see two tiers flowing, so I drove back to Swanzy Beach Park to park.

I parked in the parking lot and made my way up the road past the fire station. The trail was ribboned well because HTMC just cleared it a few days ago. As the trail started to cross the stream, I put on my microspikes. In a few minutes, I notice myself slipping. I checked my spikes, they were broken! Apparently, it had been broken for a while now, and I forgot to fix it. 

I continued on with just one spike. I then hit the lower falls, it was flowing pretty well today, way more than the last time I went years ago. I had some trouble going up the falls, but focused and got through it. 

The falls were pumping. It was amazing! The second tier wasn't flowing as much, so next time I have to come when both the second and third tier are flowing.  I spent a good 20 minutes there taking pictures and admiring the falls before heading back. 

The waterfall obstacle was much easier going down. I'm not sure if I was able to remember all the holds, but I seem to be able to do it. After the obstacle I saw two tourists. The guy asked, "how's the view?". I told him, "You're in the valley, there is a waterfall, but no view". He asked, "Am I going to get wet?". I told him yeah, "sure thing". Tourists, they have no idea. 

I finished the hike, drove home, and made a turkey pesto sandwich. I still have to master making pesto.