The most dangerous and secluded hike I did in Hawaii was Ka'au Crater Trail, hidden up behind fancy suburbs a few miles outside of downtown Honolulu. My friend and I had trouble finding the entrance, but before long a little boy rode up in his noisy and expensive motorized car and pointed at the many "DON'T COME HERE" signs with a patronizing smile. Well, in we went.
Instantly we were enclosed in lush foliage, and began picking our way through the mazelike hike in a search for the top.
The below is a banyan tree, common in Hawaii. They have aerial prop roots and can branch out in great networks.
Before long we came to the first of the hike's three waterfalls. I was very careful taking this photo, but I could feel as I got nearer to the edge that it wouldn't take much to send me on an unstoppable slide over the edge.
But that was safe compared to what came next. The hike continued into denser foliage along a very narrow path that began to wind around the outside of the mountain. We came to a point where the path was gone. It simply stopped for some feet, replaced by nothing but vine-covered rockface and empty air.
My friend nimbly hopped the chasm and turned back with a happy smile. "Come on!" I knew that if I tried to jump and didn't make it, I would probably die. Ultimately I ended up climbing across the rock wall, trembling and reminding myself of that old advice not to look down. My foot slipped at one point, but finally I made it to the other side.
Eventually we came to the second waterfall.
Then caught some glimpses through the trees.
And at last, came to the infamous steep third waterfall climb.
We didn't rest long. We were still filled with adrenaline from our chasm crossing.
We climbed and climbed, and climbed, and finally hit the top!
Suddenly, after hours enclosed in close green quarters, we were gazing over a beautiful crater with grasses waving in the wind.
It was the most dangerous, but one of the most rewarding, hikes I've ever done.
The waterfall edge photo gave me goosebumps. It seems like a nice hike, weird insects pn a tropical environment like this would creep me out.
I've posted hiking photos today too. Take a look when you have time.
Upvoted your Rockies post! Really nice photos.
Thanks.
What kind of gear did you pack? From the pictures it looks like you traveled lightly for just a day hike. Also, what was the distance you hiked and the time it took? A jungle makes for a tough walk so I'm curious about your hiking pace.
I just took water, my phone, and a pocketknife, if I remember correctly. Probably it was about 5 hours. I'm not sure of the distance because it was a while ago. There wasn't much vegetation in the way of the path, so what made it tough was the ups and downs and slipperiness.