[Part 1] [Part2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5]

Less than a week prior, I received a late night text message from fellow Lost Trailblazer, Jenelyn Castillo, “Maui for Martin Luther King weekend (14-16)? Haleakala perhaps???” Though I LOVE camping at Haleakala, I basically responded that it could drop to near freezing temperatures… as the last time I camped in the crater “during the summer,” it was ~ 38 degrees at night. Consequently… East Maui Waterfall Marathon / Camping trip FOR THE WIN!!!

After some accommodation coordination by Jenelyn and her Maui resident friend Miro, we were set to camp at Whispering Winds Bamboo farm in Kipahulu. The leased farmland is not a designated campground and is privately owned, with the majority of the farmers there being residents on the property. Not knowing much logistics or details about the campsite itself, packing for this trip was somewhat difficult. However, the one detail I was assured was that we were “camping near our truck…” which comforted most of my concerns.

Welcomed by an amazing sunrise, Baron Yamamoto, Joshua Serrano [808 Goonies], Jenelyn and I arrived on the first flight into Kahului. Oh, and TWO 4-door Toyota Tacomas (one with 4-wheel drive) were waiting to be used at our leisure for the Maui adventure.

After picking up supplies from Walmart and Safeway in Kahului, we headed east on the Hana Highway towards Kipahulu. We did stop at enumerate roadside waterfalls (documented in the next entry) along the way, which is why I was glad to find out how luxurious our accommodations on the property were at the end of a long day…

We were actually camping in the yard of a small, unoccupied one room “hale” (house or home), and were also allowed to use a large, covered “lanai” (patio or porch). An outdoor sink and shower (supplied from diverted stream water) was available for use throughout our stay, however the nearest flushing toilet was a 5 minute drive down the road… I guess we “could have” dug a latrine, but it may have been frowned upon by the residents.

Aside from the remote lavatory… the property was the most lavish “campgrounds” I have ever resided on… if even qualified as one, haha.

At least we still stuck to eating camp food… though I did feel somewhat guilty having a cooler full of cold Boddingtons for the entire trip. lol.

Camping in Kipahulu was amazing, hands down. Awesome weather and being so close to Hana and all of the hikes, waterfalls and coastal scenic locations we sought out to find… just couldn’t have been more convenient. Mahalo nui loa to Miro and Jenelyn for setting up the camp and transportation logistics. Much thanks to my other camp buddies as well, as finding all of the awesome spots was definitely a team effort! I’m thinking Molokai next? Or maybe Haleakala Crater since it will be warmer in the summer!!! 🙂

Keep in mind this is a 5 part series (see top of page), including camping, waterfall hikes and other adventures… For more photos the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery. Thanks for visiting and come back again soon!