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Kalalau Trail - Glimpsing Paradise

Written by Nadine Zangerle on . Posted in USA

Before we started for the whole Kalalau Trail we did a day trip to Hanakapi’ai Beach and Hanakapi’ai Falls. The path was slippery but ended at a massive waterfall with a big refreshing pool. For us it was a bit too cold to swim since it was still early morning.

Back at our camp we prepared everything for our 11 mile trail at the next morning. At 6 o’clock we got up to beat the crowd and the heat. Well, for the crowd there where not a lot on the trail after Mile 5 since most people enjoyed a quick day tour.

We met Andy, who lives on O'ahu and we enjoyed his company. Since we had the same travel speed he joined us for the rest of the day. The scenery was breath taking and we felt like touching paradise. There were some hairy passages, narrow trails with a steep cliff but we made it safely to Kalalau Beach.

After setting up our tent we decided to do another 6 miles to find the refreshing pool from the big pond. Later that day we explored the caves at Kalalau Beach and watched the beautiful sunset.

Since we didn’t bring our sleeping mats to save weight it was way to hard to sleep in the tent. So we decided to take our sleeping bag and slept at the beach. Watching million of stars we dosed off into a short night.

The next morning we started at 6 o’clock again and did a quick side tour to the Hanakoa Falls. Actually it wasn’t so quick since we got lost first and than Michael lost his hat and we went back to search for it.

Between Mile 5 and 4 it got a bit painful in our legs but the last miles we got back to speed. Since we couldn’t get any camping permit for this night we luckily found a fantastic big beach where we set camp. The locals didn’t mind and we enjoyed another awesome beach and night sky.

For the whole Kalalau Trail (one way) we took 5 hours and 15 minutes. In 3 days we did 38 miles and enjoyed every single step.

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Kauai – the Garden Island

Written by Michael Zangerle on . Posted in USA

After a stop over in Nadi / Fiji, we flew to Kauai / Hawaii. Friends of us recommended this island as a hikers dream. Camping at beaches is the way to experience this island. So we got a car and rented camping gear with Cheryl from Kaui Camper Rental.

The first two nights we stayed at the Polihale State Park, with a 27 km (17 miles) beach and dunes. It was fantastic to lie in the sand and watch the night sky. After 15 shooting stars I ran out of wishes.

First we explored the south of the island and hiked in the Waimea Canyon. From different lookouts we had a very good glance at the beautiful Na Pali coast. So we got closer to our dream to hike along the Na Pali coast, the famous Kalalau Trail.

It is nearly impossible to remember all this Hawaiian names, so here are a view trails and lookouts we did: Waimea Canyon Lookout, Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout, Pu’u Hinahina Lookout, Ni’ihau Viewpoint, Koke’e Museum, Kalalau Lookout, Pu’u o Kila Lookout with the view at the Kalalau valley (biggest valley at Na Pali), trek to the Waipo’o Falls on the Canyon Trail.

You see, the names are a bit difficult and it is getting better. We come to this later.

Since we planned to do the Kalalau Trail, which is 17.6 km (11 miles), we needed a backpack. Travelling with scuba gear is no fun, I can tell you. So we called Cheryl and she was so sweet and borrowed us her high tech backpack with sleeping backs and air mattresses – for free.

It was time to get our camping permits but since it was Labor Day we couldn’t get any for Sunday and Monday. Well we will find something. But first we try some different brews at the Kuna Coffee Factory.

The next days we followed slowly the coastline and stopped at stunning beaches like Po’ipu and Gillin’s Beach, afterwards Secret Beach and Secret Lava Pools, Anini Beach, Hanalei Bay in Princeville and many more.

At the Kilauea Lighthouse we could watch spinner dolphins and sea birds and after we have seen so many signs we had to try this famous Shave Ice. We stopped at Ha’nea Beach Park for two days to plan our Na Pali coast trip.

You can read more about our Kalalau Trail in a separate report. Don’t miss it, so check out our homepage soon.

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Our backs are packed….

Written by Nadine Zangerle on . Posted in Vanuatu

… we are ready to go.

Two months ago we decided to resign our contract in Vanuatu and leave after 6 months. Several reasons led to this decision but mainly because we had the feeling to be on a dead end. So we decided to continue with our adventures.

It seamed that our dog Tanna could feel the change and got more and more attached. Douglas, our cook prepared something special for us before we left. He cooked Bunja: kumala, sweet potatoes, chicken, island garbage, tomatoes, onions and garlic in coconut sauce, rapped in banana leaves. The whole thing had to be cooked for 1 ½ hours in the ground, covered with hot stones.

The last day we did a hand over to our boss. It was not easy to say goodbye to the people and embark the boat. We will miss them all and especially our little dog. Our heart felt heavy and we tried to focus on our coming adventure.

Sitting on the boat we turned around once in a while to get a last glimpse of the island. Just to make sure that every little detail will be branded in our memory. But how could we forget such a magical place?

The evening before we left we met with our staff for some kava and beer and were surprised that everybody came. We were so overwhelmed for their thanks and gifts, they all touched our hearts. And we touched theirs.

Afterwards we went out for dinner with Olive and Tommy and had a very open talk. They both were so sad and when we said goodbye we all had tears in our eyes.

Why does it always have to be so difficult to move on again? Thank you for meeting those special people.

Lukim yu back again my friends!

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