Manoa Falls

We left Pearl Harbor and within minutes of getting in the car, Ryan was out. We had chosen lunch today to be one of our few dining out meals, but packed extra sandwiches just in case. We were really wanting some sushi while in Hawaii, so we decided to try another hole in the wall place that was highly rated in our guide book. Seriously, the revealed series is THE BEST! We were not disappointed with Irifune, a quintessential Hawaiian-Japanese fusion restaurant well known and frequented by Honolulu locals. The guide book told us that when you say Garlic Ahi, most Honolulu residents think Irifune, and since they hadn't let us down in the past recommendations, we stopped by and got a mixed plate with the garlic ahi and some sushi to go. We passed Kaitlyn a pb&j and drove up to the neighborhood where the Manoa Falls trail begins. Again, the food was great and the sushi was just what we were craving. After Ryan woke up and ate lunch, we started out for our hike.

While we sat in the car eating our lunch, we seriously thought about not doing this hike. It was raining, the trail was known for being a mess due to the rainforest-like climate, and we were going to the Hale Koa Luau at 5. Since it was our last day and we didn't know when or if we would ever get back here, we forged ahead and decided it would be worth the hike in the rain. We figured that if we didn't do it, we would regret it.

Again, the kids were awesome little hikers. The trail was slippery and definitely steep in some parts and there were lots of muddy falls and stumbling. The rain stopped, but the mud continued. Ryan was all laughs and in hog heaven with all this mud and climbing, until we got to the bamboo forest. Being the picture taker that I am, I wanted to get a picture of the kids in the bamboo forest. Ryan started crying and didn't want to go, so I thought if I went with him it would be better. Wrong! He was hysterical. He was so upset and we couldn't figure out why. I was a bit irritated that we only got pictures of his fit, but figured we would try again on the way back down. Now I am so glad we decided to take pictures of him in hysterics because it tells a really funny story.

About 10 more minutes into the hike, this time with a little boy who doesn't want to be put down, we find out why he was so upset. Turns out he thought I said BABOON forest. He thought there were baboons in there and all he could think about was the scary mandrill that hangs out with the baboons on the pages of one of his books. A baboon forest! Poor boy. After that we were able to explain to him what bamboo was and he was fine on the way back down. Still wanting to be held, just in case, but happy. We still laugh about this any time we think about baboons or bamboo. Take the time to check out the look on his face in the slideshow below.

Again, the view at the top of the trail was worth the trek. And the trashed shoes (we brought old ones that we ditched in Hawaii for the kids and for me, and Bill's were saved by the miracle of an OXY Clean bath). And the stained clothes, all of which came clean (except Ry's white shirt) with a couple soaks in the OXY Clean bath as well. Shocking! What a beautiful waterfall! In fact, the trek was quite rewarding as well. The vegetation changes as we climbed and was so lush and green. I couldn't help but take pictures. Pictures, that again, don't do this beautiful island justice. The sounds, the smells, the feel of the air. This place is truly paradise. On the walk back to the car, we were rewarded, yet again, with another beautiful Hawaiian rainbow.

Slideshow of Manoa Falls Pictures