Hoomaluhia Camping - June 21-22

We always talked the talked about camping. But the idea never really materialized until now. Trying to become a stronger hiker, I tried to become one with nature. This motivated me to get started and try find a place to camp. The experience surviving nature's elements is key in overnighters. In hindsight, I should have chose something more second class. Instead, I chose one of the best campsites on the island ~ Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens.

The prep took a month. I had to reserve the campsite and buy all the materials, plus food. Getting all the materials becomes pricey. I spent over $200 getting the tent, camp light, air mattress, and other items. The food cost another $150. The first time will always be pricey, once we've accumulated all our stuff, the cost of camping would be much cheaper.

We had the campsite from June 20-23, but decided to stay only from June 21-22. Since we are novices, we wanted to see how things would work out and set ourselves up for success.

Joining our family was Malia's good friend Marissa. I've never been to Hoomaluhia; I know the HTMC hikes it and people say its one of the most beautiful places on the island. When we got there, we checked in and drove to our camp spot, Kahua Kuou. There are two other campsites, but I chose this one because it was right by the lake. The place is a top notch camping site. The area for camping was rather large. The bathroom was nearby and we had running water.

Initial setup took about 30 minutes. We quickly set up the tent, canopy, and air mattress. Then we took all of our stuff out, put it in the tent. Michelle and Jared gathered wood. After set up we decided to go to the lake. The walk to the lake was about 5 minutes. It was beautiful! Seemed like we were in the mainland. As I would come to find out this lake was man made because they built a dam to prevent flooding. Across our vantage point, we could see nearly hundreds of people fishing on the other side of the lake.

We needed to get ice, so Jared and I went to Foodland down the road to get ice and food. When we came back I decided to make a pizza snack. The disposable grill I bought was sub par and my pizza burnt. I have to remember to bring our own grill next time.

After pizza, we drove around the premises to explore the park. The campsite next to us is the Lehua campsite. From the campsite there is a 20 minute loop walk through a muddy forest. Everyone was disgusted by the mud in their slippers no less. I just laughed. The Lehua campsite had running water where we could rinse off.

From the Lehua campsite we did a quick drive up to a lookout called Kilonani Overlook where a water tank was located. At the lookout, there was a sign about the formation of Hoomaluhia. What caught my eye was Pu'u Lanihuli and some massive waterfall chutes that came down it. I'm coming here when it rains really hard to take some amazing pictures. The kids played around the area;Jared hurt his leg and started crying. Michelle and I carried him down to the car as he cried and cried saying he broke his ankle.

I wanted to explore more, but knew we couldn't because of Jared's leg. So we just drove around and checked out the Nui Makai campsite and took the road till its terminus.

When we got back, I was so tired and took a nap. Don't know how long I was asleep? But after, we went to the lake. This was great as it was after hours and nobody was there. We were in awe at the beauty this place offers. The picture adjacent to the mountains is money. I wanted to take some night shots later I told everyone. We walked back to the part of the lake where we could feed the ducks. I think its a moment Michelle will never forget. The ducks just came up to us wanting to be fed. They weren't shy. Michelle made a statement that she wanted to stay here forever. She really liked the place.

It was near dark going back. I made teriyaki burgers for dinner. It was okay, but the grill wasn't magical. The big hit was the smores around the campfire. It tasted so good! We decided to play glow sticks and I took streak shots. The kids were amazed at the photos. After glow sticks, we went to bed around 9pm. I remember falling asleep fast. It rained hard during the night, but we were dry as the Coleman 6 person tent I bought was great. I woke up in the middle of the night and went to the bathroom. After coming back, I couldn't sleep, all I could think about was taking night shots. That thought faded and I fell back asleep. I woke up to the bird chirping and quickly started breakfast.

The breakfast was amazing a classic Hawaiian staple; Portuguese sausage, eggs, and rice. We made the rice the day before and it was still good in the morning, a strategy will use for next time. After breakfast we sorta relaxed until fishing. Joining the fishing adventure were OAG's - Daniel, Bernice, Allison and her boyfriend John. I borrowed poles from the office and we took the 15 minute walk down to the lake.

Initially the fish were hungry and everyone caught at least one red fish. Then the fish got smart and didn't bite. Malia and Marissa caught the most fish at 6 catches. Jared wanted to catch the tilapia, but fell short. He was upset. For us, It was so relaxing here, we have to do this again we thought to ourselves.

We took the hike back and said our goodbyes. Instead of barbecuing again, we took the drive to the Waiahole Poi Factory where Michelle was craving kalua pig and fresh poi. This place has some of the best Hawaiian food on the island. I was so stuffed eating my regular lau lau and kalua pig combo plate. Michelle wanted to stay another day, but the kids weren't having it. We decided to pack up and head home.

Unpacking and cleanup took a long time. I'd say about 2 hours, but it was worth it. I listen to my headphones and took my time. Michelle did the clothes, dishes, and put away other stuff.

I think we need to camp here again. For now, maybe it would be good to explore other campsites of Oahu.