If you have traveled from Hana Highway toward mile marker 41, you have seen some beautiful falls especially if you stopped and took a stroll along the Pipiwai Trail. Now, back on the highway you may wonder what is ahead. To answer that question, there is plenty.
Just a short distance past mile marker 41 is a small road that will take you to Palapala Ho’omau church. This is the final rest place of Charles Lindbergh. You can find his grave by walking through the cement posts and past all the older graves. If you wish to stay a bit longer, you may enjoy the small park behind the cemetery or a bit farther and you will love the view of the jagged coastline.
The last waterfall on this journey is just ahead. Alelele Falls is around 1/3 mile past mile marker 39. You will notice a white bridge with a sign stating Alelele. You will be able to choose from several different trails that will take you on a stroll of around 5 to 10 minutes to the Alelele Falls. You will have to cross over a small stream; however, it is worth it even if you do get your feet wet. The fall is 40 to 50 feet high and is one of the cleanest and coolest waters you will find. The pool is pretty easy to walk through even barefooted as it only has tiny pebbles. However, if you cannot swim you may not wish to jump right in since the pool is six feet deep.
It you look up on the hill from the pool, you will see Popoiwi Heiau, which is a religious structure, built not by Hawaiians, but by those that was here long before. The unique structure is a sight to see especially when you realize just how old it is since it was here around 700 years before the Hawaiians.
There are many carvings on the tiny islands northwest of the main Hawaiian islands of the inhabitants prior to the Hawaiians.
At mile marker 35, there is a dirt road that will take you to the ocean, an old church, and cemetery. Normally, you can drive back there even in a car unless it has been raining heavy. You may catch a glimpse of a Hawaiian monk seal or two. The church does have restrooms if you so need by now.
If you go just a bit farther down the highway, you will see the Kaupo Store. This will be your last stop for anything to eat such as soda pop, chips, candy, or maybe a camera, clock or other souvenir.
A great place to stop to enjoy a break is at mile marker 32. You can site here and look back at where you came to see the Kaupo Gap. This canyon was created from the flowing lava, as was the other side that you cannot see from here.
If you wish to take a swim, the best place for ocean swimming can be found at mile marker 31. You will have to walk about 2/10 of a mile or use a 4WD to get there. This trail will take you to Nu’u Bay. Snorkeling is pretty good here as long as you stay on the left away from the shoreline.
Huakini Bay is just before you get to mile marker 30. This is where many people love to sit and listen to the sounds of the waves hitting the stones found along the shore. If you are the adventure type, you may wish to try to locate the petroglyphs that according to an archeological report are written on the walls.
Keep going because at mile marker 29 you will see the Pokowai Sea Arch. It would be best to wait to pull over until you arrive where the road descends down to the shoreline.
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