Kauai: KAYAKING THE WAILUA RIVER + MUDDY HIKE TO SECRET FALLS (June 6, 2014) [10-minute video compilation] Hawaiian Sling was the name of our kayak. What they said was a moderate 2-mile round trip hike through the Wailua rainforest, original home of the first Hawaiians (who paddled from the Marquesas Islands to Kauai almost 1500 years ago) was a f*^€ing UP-TO-YOUR-KNEES IN MUD, mosquito-infested, MESS, with very hazardous mangrove roots. We were grateful to walk across streams, which I called natures washing machine. On the plus side, we learned about the flora and fauna of Kauai’s most sacred area. We got up at 5:30 AM so we could check in by 7:45 AM to paddle 4 miles on the Wailua River, which is the only navigable river in Hawaii. This peaceful river winds through a tropical garden paradise of abundant palms, ferns, flowers and wildlife. We paddled past Kamokila Village, where the opening scene from the movie, “Outbreak,” was filmed. It is also a cultural village depicting the Hawaiian civilization back in the 17th century. Then, we came to the North Fork, which is the same fork that goes through the property of the Hindu monastery and temple. We kayaked through the Garden Isle’s most beautiful jungle river until we came to the trail head for Secret Falls. The final portion of the hike was to the enchanting Uluwehi SECRET Waterfall, which descends 125’ into a natural pool surrounded by rocks and vegetation. We took a refreshing dip and played in the pool which was once only reserved for a king! The sacred Wailua was the land of ali’i (kings) and was once the center of chiefly power on the island. This royal center was the political, religious and social center of Kauai’s chiefs who resided in this area. The Wailua Complex of Heiaus is a National Historic Landmark, located on the hillside above the Wailua River. Check-in time was 7:45 AM, and we finished at 1:15 PM and went to Starbucks. The 5.5 hour trip included lunch. We ate Hawaiian style turkey sandwiches plus fresh pineapple, Cheetos and Fritos, cookies & bottled water. Our Kauai guide, Thomas, answered many other questions about this beautiful island. Kayak Adventures...Allen Carrier also posted 13 photos to this album...
Posted on: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 06:48:46 +0000
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