Olowalu Stream Hike…
Deb and I have been here before…back in 2015 when we crossed the West Maui mountains from the Iao Valley side. This time we hiked up Olowalu stream as far as time would allow. We only got just short of 3-miles up stream before our turnaround time. Lots to see and explore. From old water diversion stuff, to cool basalt columns, to even a climbing wall. We turned around at what appeared to be remnants of a homestead…including a long rock wall and pieces of a cast iron sink.
Doing this hike really brought back memories from our trip down this drainage back in 2015 which we call the Warrior Trek.
Parking spot…
It’s ok to be on the road but both sides is private property…
Hmmm…
We think remnants of an old irrigation system, which seem to be all over in the mountains of the Hawaiian islands.
Water diversion stuff…
Climbing wall (crag)…
…complete with bolts and hangers…
Pretty elaborate fence to keep the feral pig and goats from travelling up-stream…
Cool basalt formation. Similar to what I’ve seen here in the cascades…
More stuff…
Looks like remnants of a homestead. See the cast iron sink w/ legs and stacked rock wall…
On the hike back we noticed wood dust at the base of the tree snags. We then noticed the wood being pushed out of what appeared to be worm holes…pretty cool!
Nearing where we parked, there is a wall of petroglyphs…
Today’ route…
Hi Karl, your treks in the Olowalu area look adventurous! We live in Kahana and I’d like to explore some of the canyons more. Olowalu is tricky because of all the private property around there. Looks like you found the public access though. Can you give more details on where you parked and started your trek? Did you see any game while you were out, goats, pigs, deer? Mahalo
Hi Marc,
I can send you my GPX track, if you are able to use. I use the Gaia App. This track starts where we parked, and follows the road up the canyon where it eventually turns into the trail. It’s all pretty straight forward and easy to follow. As long as you stay on the road, there should be no issues. If you see a sign that says “Private Property”, it means the land on either side of the road is private…not the road itself. Yes, the property owners would like you to believe that they own the road, but they don’t… My motto in these types of area’s is…Just act like you know what you’re doing, and keep walking…
We parked at a large gravel triangle intersection, with no issues.
Hope this helps.
Karl
Aloha Karl,
We did this hike today and passed the basalt formation and the old wheel you mentioned as “more stuff,” but had to turn around as we were not sure how much longer we had to go. About how much further would you say the old homestead is from that last spot? Additionally, since you’ve come down this stream for the Warrior Trek, we’re there other finds past that homestead of any intrigue? Thanks in advance from an adventurous local!
Hope,
I sent you an email…