Pu'u O Hulu Kai - July 7, 2014 

I haven't done Pu'u O Hulu in a while. The last time I did this hike, I did it solo. Today was fun, albiet the oncoming thunderstorms. Today, Proo wanted to take her friend Amanda on this hike. E joined them as well. They got to an early 8 am start. Initially I bailed on the hike, because Mary and Jared felt sick. However with some prodding they were able to get out of bed and go to summer fun. I texted E and Proo that I was a go and drove to Maile to start Pu'u O Hulu Kai and meet them somewhere near the bunkers.

Pu'u O Hulu, the hill itself is somewhat by itself. I think it was connected to Heleakala at one time back in ancient Hawaii before major erosion. Things like this make you think how much water was flowing millions of years ago in that valley to separate Pu'u O Hulu from Heleakala. The Pu'u itself is split into two sections, one section is the Kai section and the other one is the Uka section. 

Proo and the crew were going to start from the Uka section and work their way towards the Kai section. I decided to start with the Kai section and meet them somewhere on the ridge. 

I parked on the side of the road and went up the HTMC way. If you’ve done this hike, you would know about this 10 foot climbing section which isn’t too hard but not easy for a novice hiker. I remember doing it when it was wet, and boy was it slippery. Today was dry, so it was no problem at all, actually pretty fun. More scrambling ensued and I hit the top and got to the first pillbox. I went to all the pillbox and continued on to meet Proo and crew on the ridge. It was hot today. After some time I heard E call out my name, I decided to rest and wait for them, forgoing the descent to meet up with them. 

While going back, we ended up at the pillboxes and took some nice pictures. I tried my gradient blue filter, but didn't know what I was doing, so the picture didn't turn out well. 

After taking pictures, Proo led us back down, she took the switchbacks route which I didn't know existed. It is safer this way down. Now I feel I can take my kids up here and watch the sunset one day. 

Our post hike meal, and it should be every post hike meal on this side of the island, was at Sushi Bay. Proo found out that her friend was there ordering take out, and told Proo that it was busy, so she put Proo name on the list. When we got there, we only had to wait 10 minutes to be seated. 

I swear, the Mix Don might very well be the best poke bowl on the island, bar none. It is a very good, a top notch poke bowl. 

This summer is getting to me. I'm burning out, but it's so much fun.