Shipman (Ha'ena) Beach Hike

You know you wanna!

The Shipman (Ha'ena) Beach hike is a fun, easy hike to do.  It will only take half a day and it's something that the kids may be able to do.  It is an approximately 2-hour round trip hike.  The hike is over lava rock and through forest.

Shipman Beach can be found on the Puna coast.  To get there, drive south down Highway 130 towards Pahoa.  Make a left on Kaloli Drive.  Drive to the end of the road and make a left.  Park your vehicle at the dead end.  Find the trail head most mauka (mountain side).  Anytime you encounter a "fork in the road," stay mauka.  If not, you will end up trail-less and boulder hopping along the coast.  If you get caught in this situation, don't worry.  There is no way to get lost, the hike will just take twice as long.  It's impossible to miss the beach when walking along the coast.

Sink hole!

Shipman Beach is an enclosed bay and is located in front of the Shipman property.  The beach is relatively small and the water is cool.  It is a sandy beach; the sand consists of a mixture of white and black.  There are also sink holes that can be found throughout the sandy beach.  Don't worry, the sink holes are probably only a maximum of two feet deep.  This might be a problem if you are a small child or dog (as my dog learned).  Shipman Beach is a beautiful place to hang out and enjoy.  If you are lucky, you might even spot an endangered Green Sea Turtle or Nene Goose.

Although Shipman Beach is great place to enjoy the beauty of the Island, it is not the greatest place to swim.  The water is relatively shallow, depending on the tide.  Also, there have been reports of people being sucked out by the current and into the deep blue.  How this happens, I am not sure, but supposedly if you go out too far, the ocean current can catch you and sweep you out through an opening in the rocks.  I have not personally seen it, but it happens frequently.  Most recently, a high school boy drowned.  Moral of the story is to use caution if swimming here.

You don't want to end up boulder hopping.

Tips and rules for hiking to Shipman Beach:

1. Stay on the most mauka (mountain side) trail.

2. Bring bug spray.  The forest part of the hike is usually wet and loaded with mosquitoes.

3. There are no restrooms or showers.

4. Keep dogs leashed as so they do not disturb the endangered Green Sea Turtles or Nene Geese.

5.  Use a sturdy pair of shoes as you will be hiking over lava rocks, through mud, and over slippery tree roots.

6. Don't swim too far out into the bay.

7. Respect private property.

8. Yes, there is a way to drive to the beach, but it is through private roads and property.  The roads are not open to the general public.

9. Do not disturb or go near the endangered wildlife.

10.  Don't go if it's raining or has recently rained.  It will be SUPER MUDDY!

The beach during low tide

The beach during high tide

My dog loves this place because there is little to no surf.

Pooped

Summit of Mauna Kea

View of Mauna Kea from Saddle Road

The summit of Mauna Kea is just an awesome place to go.  It is the largest volcano in the State of Hawaii and rises approximately 14,000 feet above sea level.  It is one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation.  Currently, there are 13 observation facilities on Mauna Kea.  The use of Mauna Kea for astronomical observation is highly debated because of it's cultural significance to native Hawaiians.  In addition, the volcano has flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.  Anyhow, if you are visiting the Big Island and have some time to spare (and access to a 4x4 vehicle), I would recommend this trek.

Driving up the mountain

The thing that locals like about Mauna Kea is that it is our only access to snow in the state. The summit usually receives snow during winter storms in February of March.  Many outsiders would not consider it quality snow.  It is wet, mushy, and after a while, it gets hard and icy.  As a tourist, I'm sure you wouldn't really get the appeal, but to many locals this is our only experience of snow.  So don't go for the snow.  Go for the view, go to see the massive telescopes, go for the natural history, go because it was and is a sacred place, but don't go for the snow.  You will be disappointed.

To get to the summit of Mauna Kea, you will need access to a 4x4 vehicle.  Most rental car companies will NOT allow you to take their rental cars up the the summit.  From what I know, the only rental car company that allows their 4x4 vehicles to be taken to the summit is Harper.  The same rule applies to taking vehicles down to Waipio Valley.  There are also numerous tour companies that go to the summit.  This would be a great idea, as their tour guides can tell you a lot more Mauna Kea trivia than I can.  It really is a place to learn.

I absolutely love this photo.  I will name it "Shining Heavens".

Quick tips:

1. It is advised that children under the age of 16, pregnant women, or people with certain health conditions NOT visit the summit due to an increased likelihood of altitude sickness.  Even people in good health can get altitude sickness.  Personally, I get a splitting headache after an hour or so.  The high altitide does not bother some people.

2. Stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center for at least ONE HOUR.  This will let your body acclimate to the high altitude and make it easier for your body to adjust when you get to the summit.

3.  For all you EXPERIENCED hikers, you can supposedly hike to the summit.  I would not recommend this for the average person.  There is also hiking you can do once at the summit to Lake Waiau.

4. Prior to visiting the summit, check the road conditions, as the road is sometimes closed due to poor road conditions (online or call 808-935-6268).

5. It's windy.  Bring a jacket.

6. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.  You are that much closer to the sun.  Fourteen thousand feet makes a difference, trust me.

7. Even though Mauna Kea is considered a volcano, it is dormant meaning that you don't have to worry about it erupting while you're up there.  It will be fine.

Submillimeter Array (SMA) interferometer

Up top

My little man

It's pretty common for people to take snow home

My big man at home

Waimanu Valley

Waimanu Vally hike.  This was the most epic adventure ever.  For any of you that like to hike and have a few days to spare, I would recommend this hike.  I must admit, I am not much of a hiker.  I almost died.  But the in-shape folks whom accompanied me didn't seem to have a problem.  A lot of locals have never even done this.  All in all, although I thought I'd never make it, I did, and it was one of the highlights of my life.



 

The decent into Waimanu Valley

 This is an approximately 8-mile hike.  It's the first mile that kills you (or killed me).  It is a steep, switchback climb up the ridge of Waipio Valley.  After that, there are a series of gulches, that in themselves wouldn't be that bad if you hadn't just climbed straight up a mountain.  After the gulches is the decent into Waimanu Valley.  My legs were shaking and I thought I would slide right down into the valley.  Luckily, I didn't.  It took our group approximately seven hours in, six hours out.  It could've been done faster had I not been there or if we took fewer/shorter breaks.

It was beautiful down there.  We were lucky enough to be graced with the presence of a Hawaiian Monk Seal and her pup.  It was awesome.  We stayed in the Valley for two nights.  On the second day, we hiked to the Waiilikahi Falls.  It was about a 2-hour hike and was well worth it.  I would definitely recommend.

If you are planning to do this hike, please make note of the following.

1. You must purchase a permit from the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

2. There is no potable water.  You must bring your own water or sanitizing equipment for the stream water.

3. Toilets are composting.

4. Do not disturb or go near the endangered wildlife including the  Hawaiian Monk Seals or Green Turtles.

5. Take out what you brought in.  Please clean up after yourself.

6. No cell phone reception.

7. Totally worth it.

The start of the hike is at Waipio Valley.  If you can get someone to drop you off in the Valley, that will save you time and energy.  If not, you will have to hike down Waipio Valley (steep hike down) and then start your 8-mile trek.  If you have the time and gear for this adventure, DO IT.  You won't regret it.


Waiilikahi Falls upstream of Waimanu Valley




The beach



Our campsite

Composting toilets weren't that bad...

Hawaiian Monk Seal with pup!

Pahoa Town

If you want to visit somewhere with character, visit Pahoa Town.  This place is awesome.  There are some small shops to browse through and a lot of good food to be eaten.  I really love this place.  I don't want to scare you off, but a lot of people consider it a hippie town.  But that's what makes it so cool!  And another good reason to check out Pahoa: it is on your way to Kalapana to see the lava.  Now you have no reason not to stop!  Some places to see in Pahoa:

I'm drawing a blank.  I can't name any shops, I only go for the food!  Soooo.... great places to eat in Pahoa (starting at top, the places I like the most):

Pesto pasta with grilled mahi mahi (top) and garlic shrimp linguine (bottom) at Kaleo's Bar & Grill

1. Kaleo's Bar & Grill - Great local food.  They have a great menu, with everything from burgers, salads, pasta, steaks, local cuisine... it's all good!

2. Pahoa Fresh Fish - I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!  I usually get a fish sandwich for about $6.  It's huge and will fill you up.  A little hole-in-the-wall, but absolutely fabulous.  And you get to pick which type of fish you want.  LOVE LOVE.  Side note: Stick with the fish, skip the crab cakes.

3. Mighty Sushi - At first glance, their prices seem high.  $12 for a roll of sushi.  But believe me, these rolls are BIG.  Some of you lame-os might even get stuffed off of one roll.  But for all you normal people out there, you could probably get full off of one $12 roll and one smaller (~$5) roll.  Not a bad price for sushi.

Eating at Ning's with my fellow friend and blogger, Lani.

4. Ning's Thai Cuisine - I'm not a huge fan of Thai food, but this place is good!  I like their soups.  If you're a heath nut, this is the place for you.

5. Paolo's Bistro - We don't have much decent Italian food on the island.  I really like this place though.  They make their own pasta noodles (I saw them rolling out my squid ink pasta!).  Good prices, and the pasta comes with soup.  BYOW(ine).

6. Luquin's Mexican Restaurant - Favorite place for the locals.  Nice place to drink up.

There are other places to eat, but these are my favorite.  And honestly, I haven't tried them all because I'm addicted to these restaurants.  Good stuff.

MY FAVORITE PLACE.

What could be more appropriate than starting off with my favorite place?  I absolutely love, LOVE the Maku'u Farmer's Market!  It is located near the town of Pahoa off of Highway 130.  Why do I love this place?  Because it has everything! It is less "touristy" than the Hilo Farmer's Market, but you will still be able to find something awesome and authentic to bring home.

I LOVE this farmer's market because I can get a lot of my food for the week for a fraction of the cost.  You can get fruits and vegetables; bread; goat cheese; eggs; plants; clothing; honey; lunch, breakfast, or brunch; coffee; jewelry; art; body care; "pre-owned" items; and souvenir-like knick knacks.  I, personally, buy fruits and vegetables, bread, honey, and sometimes, if I have extra cash, coffee.

Kona medium roast coffee from Divine Hawaiian Coffee & Gifts.  AMAZING.

What should you get from the farmer's market to bring home?  I suggest NO knick nacks.  For the most part, they are imported from China.  If you are on a budget, I would bring home some local honey, local coffee or macadamia nuts, homemade soap, homemade jam or jelly, or locally-made jewelry.  And definitely drink coconut water straight from the coconut (the stand furthest from the main parking area that sells bamboo, banana trees, and slippers)!  If you have extra cash to burn, I would by art by a local artist or Hawaiian coffee (my favorite is the Kona medium roast from Divine Hawaiian Coffee & and Gifts).  Tip: Kona coffee from the grocery store may seem cheaper, but it is most likely a blend, meaning that it is only 10% Kona coffee.  Don't waste your time, but the real (100%) stuff.

But my FAVORITE thing about this farmer's market is the food.  There are probably more than 15 food vendors.  BBQ, Mediteranean food, Mexican food, pizza, Hawaiian food, Samoan food, baked goods, crepes, Thai food, shave ice, smoothies, THIS PLACE HAS EVERYTHING.  I cannot name my favorite because it's all good.  Seriously.  And the best thing about eating here is that there is plenty of seating with free entertainment.

So if you're on the east side of Hawaii on a Sunday, check out the Maku'u Farmer's Market.  You won't regret it.  Sundays 8 AM to 2 PM.  Go early before they get picked over!