Waking up at 4:00 AM on Saturday morning, March 20, with the rain pounding on the roof of my house. I was nervous. Were we prepared? Would all the arrangements go according to plan? Was there sufficient flexibility in the schedule for needed adjustments? With thirty-five scouts and adults going to Maui divided into three groups with strict rules concerning group size, I was anticipating changes that would need to be made and how to communicate them to the group. The departure at the airport was smooth. All the bags were claimed and were in good condition. The Trans Hawaiian Bus and van were available as reserved. The food and drink selection was incredible. Thanks to Jessica Burns (Matt Kamada’s Aunt), Phyllis Kamada and Mike Kamada and many others for donating and working out the incredible logistics to provide the food at the airport.
The Bus left the airport at about 9:30 AM and we began the trip up to the Summit of Haleakala. Stopping at Hosmer’s to drop off the 30 mile group and get fuel from the Min’s. Everything was going according to plan, except the weather. As the Van left with the Mr. and Mrs. Min, Andrew Min and Mr. Villarosa and Bryson Villarosa, and it disappeared into the mist, I realized it was too late to cancel the adventure. The 12 Scouts and Leaders on the 50 mile group proceeded to Park Headquarters and got the permit and then proceeded to the Summit.
Visibility at the Summit was incredible, we could see clearly all the way to Mauna Loa. The hue’s from the volcanic cinder in the crater in contrast with the azure blue sky made my soul sing with to the tunes from the "Sound of Music". NOT!!!!
As we departed from the bus, we were greeted with 35 degree temperatures and wind gusts of about 50 miles per hour. We huddled in behind the shelter of the bus, arranging our ponchos, backpack covers, hats, gloves for what seemed to be an eternity. Final photos were taken, and we trudged to the trail. Sliding Sands was bitter and cold. The normally picturesque volcanic formations had been transformed into a scene from Terminator, the cinder cones with mists surrounding them seemed surreal. I thought of Dante’s Hell (without the heat). We met the Min group about 3 miles down the slope. At the base of Sliding Sands Trail, the group snacked and planned how to get 10 miles in. We hiked towards the Kapaloa cabins and back through the a’a lava, past the bottomless pit. We arrived at Holua at about 5:00 PM having covered about 9.2 miles. We set up camp and found a stable which was used for a kitchen area. We had planned to communicate with the other groups at 5:00 unfortunately the radio did not work.
Water came from bathtub used for watering livestock. We boiled it and prepared our dehydrated meals. Some scouts chose to eat trail mix in the comfort of their tent, rather than brave the elements to prepare a more substantial meal. The rain and cold were relentless. Hypothermia was a real concern. A small group bundled in the stable under the dining fly to keep warm. By morning those with garments and sleeping bags too wet to continue went to Hosmers Grove. The rest of us continued to Paliku.
The hike to Paliku was through volcanic cinder, a’a (rough pointed lava rocks), and pasture like conditions. In many places the trail was about 2 feet lower than the ground surface. Ohelo berries were abundant. For more mileage, at the trail junction between Paliku and Kapaloa cabins, we hiked for about one-half hour towards Kapaloa. Then we proceeded to Paliku. We crossed smooth pahoehoe (smooth) lava, and it was difficult to follow the trail. Coming into the cabin area there was a majestic view with three cacading waterfalls, a rainbow, and the lush green grass welcoming us.
The wind was howling as we set up camp. The plan was to cook in front of the tents, some cooked in front of the cabin. We found the cabin was left open and it was tempting to consider sleeping in the cabin on a warm, dry bunk. But we roughed it, suffering through another night of cold, wet conditions. The next day was to be our most challenging.
The dreaded Kaupo Gap. Carrying wet tents and clothes added considerably to the weight of the packs. But a funny thing happened. The sun broke through the clouds just as we were hiking out of the crater. Clothes dried, spirits improved with the weather and blisters blossomed. We were greeted at the Kaupo Ranch by the Min group and we all continued to the Huialoha Church. (The signpost at the Kaupo trailhead said it was 5.5 miles to Paliku.) The Kamada’s and Burns had prepared stew, which was a great way to refresh and reenergize the group.
In the morning to make up for the short hike the prior day we hiked back to Kaupo Store and two miles towards Kihei. Mr. and Mrs. Min provided outstanding ground transportation support and provided us with cold water and meals throughout the rest of the hike. Mrs. Min distributed wiliwili beans to show hikers achieved the two miles and we then continued through to Kipahulu. At Kipahulu, we were joined by Mr. Hong, Kawamoto, and Dunn and Trevor Boesch, Andrew Lum and Dane Lee. Chicken dinner was again provided by Mrs. Kamada and Burns. Now all the 50 milers were weary. One more day.
We got an early start and trekked past the tropical rainforests, waterfalls, small taro patches, farms and estates. We arrived in Hana at about 2:00 PM. Finally completing the entire 50 mile trek. The 30 mile group joined us on schedule. What a reunion!! The Kamadas and Burns again treated us to an outstanding lau lau feast. We took showers and collapsed under the stars.
It was a great trip. We met the challenge. We had great support. I may even do the trip again. A special thanks to the Kamadas, Burns, Mins and all the adults who gave up their spring break to participate and support the challenge of hiking Haleakala.
