We did this hike about 4 years ago.....Talk about an ADVENTURE...

We did not have the pink ribbon markings... I"m glad someone did that...This hike is not for the lesser of a hiker...7am is a good time for it takes a good half day if not longer, but once you get thru the tunnels to the falls and so on it is a wonderful hike.....Just remember you have to go back!!! Bamboo sticks you do need... Ran into a mud bath up to my knees.............Sucked the shoes right off my feet :( Was never so glad to see the car when we got back....What a day to remember!!

We did this hike on 8/12/07. It was my 50th birthday, and was surprise present from my wife who flew me in from San Diego for the experience (and other sights offered by Kauai).

Having no idea of what to expect other than the description in the Ultimate book, it was without a doubt one of the most memorable adventures of the trip. Aside from being very muddy and choked with vegetation (all the better to give the true "adventure" feel), the hike isn't that difficult. It is slow, and at times requires the talents of a contortionist, but does not have the extreme inclines or declines that make things technically dangerous.

I did slip on one of the narrow wet clay edges and was greeted with a safety net of vines and roots that line the way. Thank god for the dense and sturdy vegetation. Without the roots, it was a sheer drop about 30 ft to the rocks. After that, I noticed that much of the trail is like this.

Surprisingly, there were few mosquitos or other bugs, or for that matter the typical nasty plants that you usually find in the jungle. Lots of flowers all around, wild passion fruit and the rain was a welcome relief from the workout.

I wore the latest in water shoes from Merrill, and found them to be the ideal footwear. Light, good traction, impervious to water. Just expect your feet to get wet. (don't bother wearing socks) I also did the hike in shorts so I wouldn't have sagging wet long pants drooping down. My legs survived very well with only a few minor scratches. Long sleeve nylon Columbia shirt worked well to protect the arms from scratching and sunburn. I wouldn't change the gear choice if I were doing it again.

It took about 3+ hours to get to the first tunnel. We walked it to the end, and turned around because it was getting late. From the entrance of the first tunnel back to the trailhead, we cut the time down to two hours.

So, if a guy that has now been invited to join AARP can blast the trail you can too. No whining.

The hiking shoes(complete with socks stuffed in them), cooking pot, blanket etc. were still there. Where is the owner?

Also,it would be a good idea to rent a jeep when you go because the road to the trailhead had people getting stuck (even with 4wd), but mainly because they were not experienced off-roaders.

Aloha,

I just did this hike and posted photos on my blog.

Part 1: http://great-hikes.com/blog/?p=181

Part 2: http://great-hikes.com/blog/?p=226

I have to say, your description of the two trails is confusing to me. There are several use trails from the exit of the first tunnel to the river, and after crossing, from the river up to the second tunnel. It's not that difficult to find and all of them work more or less.

That blog is so great!!! Thanks so much for all the great pics and info. I would love to try that hike some time.

What an adventure....you all must be CRAZY!!! I'll be thinking of you as I sip my umbrella drink on the beach watching the waves.... :)

COtravelers, I'm with you. Sending you a virtual Mai Tai.

Aloha,

Just got back from Kauai where I attempted this hike for the second time. The first time was 2004 with my 13 year old son. …mac.com/skymick/…20Hike.html We have hike much more vertically challenging terrain but still felt this to be our most difficult hike yet. We lost our cell phone along the way and decided to abandon the hike at the Hanalei River the first time, only because we did not know the time and were afraid to be caught in the dark. This time we crossed the river and after about an hour searching for the last tunnel had to give up again. We were devastated to not reach our goal and decided to never attempt again. But now after reading your well informed directions we might have to give it another shot next summer. Thanks...