We had an idea where we wanted to go, the Haleakala Crater, however, we didn't quite make it there.
Instead, we headed North to Kalului, then went East to Pukalani. We started with all intentions of going to the crater, but after getting up onto the Haleakala Highway, we took a detour, and drove past the turn to the crater state park. Instead, we called an audible and decided to try the Polipoli State park.
After missing the turn to Waipoli Road (and it was easy to miss), we turned around and then started to the park.
Along the way to Polipoli was the All'i Kula Lavender Garden. Although we didn't stop, the garden was absolutly beautiful. Neither of us have ever seen anything quite like it. All lavender in various stages of growth, in manicured and well cared for gardens. It was amazing. We didn't snap any pictures because I didn't have the camera handy. That and Marta was trying to dodge gliders, who make their landings near the gardens. I had to serve lookout. Excuses, excuses.
The first thing that hits one once you get past the gardens are the trees. Most of the trees have a very unusual, yet striking color. Marta and I theorized what the color could be from; the dirt, vog (volcanic smog), smoke and soot from the the fire, but we never did find out the truth, nor did we really care. They make for some great pictures.
The road quickly became steep. Single lane road with multiple spots along the way to pull over. Switchbacks became very frequent, one about every 75 to 120 feet. After a while, we ran into some locals hiking down the road. It was very overcast and getting colder as we went further. Neither of us packed any pants. The couple also told us that there was a big fire in Polipoli a few years ago. They didn't want to discourage us, but warned us that there really wasn't a whole lot to see on the front side of the park because of it. So after driving about another 1/2 mile, we pulled over, put on our shoes and hiked up the road a little bit.
I think we may have hiked about 1/8th of a mile, but in that 1/8th of a mile, we probably gained 500-600 feet in elevation. The clouds did clear a few times, which allowed us to take some pictures, but we mostly were amazed with the clouds weaving in and out of the forest.
We snapped some pictures and then hiked back down to the Jeep. We headed back down the Haleakala Highway where we stopped and shot some pictures of Marta's favorite tree. Trees like this were seen every now again, but throughout the whole trip, we did not see one as big, nor as beautiful as this one.
We ended the day with a very nice anniversary dinner at Pacifico's. Coconut, Macadamia Nut encrusted Mahi-Mahi is a dish you all must simply try, as words cannot describe just how good this dish really is!
More pictures here.
