Waimano Falls (Illumination Hike) – July 3, 2013

Many months ago, OAG member Sensei found some cool pictures on the Internet portraying beautiful waterfalls that appear to illuminate.

The OAG’s put their minds together and actually figured out how to do it, in theory. We put our plan into action. Sensei bought glow sticks, which is the primary tool to make this cool effect. Then we decided on a place to shoot, which would be Waimano Pools. We created a simple plan 1) hike at sunset 2) set up tripods and cameras at the bottom of the falls 3) runners go to the top dropping glow sticks, while the others at the bottom retrieve it, simple right!

With a solid plan, we just needed a good time to hike. However, everyone seemed to be busy + Proo was in the Philippines. We wanted all OAG members to be on this hike because of the epicness. In the end, we decided to 'just do it'. But we would call it practice.

Today was the day! Joining the group were OAG members, Sensei, The Judge, Janice, E, & I. Also, we added Young Kumu who just came back from Kaho’olawe a day ago.

We started at sunset, 7:30 pm, on the Manana Trail. This would be my first time on Waimano in 2 years. The trail was muddy, a good sign, as it meant water...the falls would be flowing. It took us a while to get there, Young Kumu and I mistakenly took a side trail which led to climbing down some small waterfall chutes. We realized our mistake after the third chute. We backtracked and got back onto the trail, hiking further to meet everyone at the falls.

Excitement was in the air. Since this was “practice”, we decided to practice some shots in the pool. We set up our tripods and cameras, then Sensei dropped his glow sticks in the water. After a few shots, we did some adjusting with lighting and camera settings. In about 30 minutes, we were ready. This just added to the excitement. It was time to capture the illuminated waterfall.

The Judge and I were the runners and brought the glow sticks to the top of the falls. We communicated with walkie talkies, brought by E, who was well prepared for this hike. The countdown began and The Judge dropped the sticks into the water. I watched it spill over the falls, as the OAG's were taking pics. There it was! Money!

After a few more shots, we packed up and left. I was excited to see how the pictures turned out. It was about 11pm already. Adrenaline was kicking in because we all knew we did something exciting.

After the hike, we went to Zippy’s in Waiau and talked about our hike and OAG moments, all the while looking at our hiking pics.