Manoa Falls and Cacti Ball

It's been a while.  We've definitely been keeping busy here in Hawaii.  The whole month of January James was away in California for training.  I spent my time with friends and work.  It definitely helped to pass the time.  He's been back for a month and we've definitely done a lot. 

Trail head start to Manoa Falls

In the heart of Honolulu, opposite the beach, there are mountains.  One weekend, James and I decided to hike up to Manoa Falls.  I've heard a lot of things about this fall, but never went.  I'd say the hike was pretty easy.  I really like it because it's shaded the entire way!  It's really tropical and green, so I felt like I was in the rain forest.

Lots of lush green and shade

These trees are huge!

The trail is pretty much paved the entire path and we saw families walking with their kids, so it's definitely doable.  The trail itself is probably no more than 2 miles.  Up hill of course to get to the falls but remember, what goes up, must come down.   

The fall itself wasn't too spectacular.  It hadn't rained all too much before we came, so the water wasn't flowing over, but we did see water enough.  Apparently there as a mud slide a couple years back that dumped a bunch of minerals to the bottom.  They sectioned the falls off with rope with a warning saying we shouldn't go in. 

Manoa Falls

I have to say, it did take us a little while to find the trail.  Turns out East Manoa Fall Road is different from Manoa Falls Road.  You'd think people in Hawaii would find different names for streets!!  When we finally found the trail head, we saw parking for $5.  I don't think so!  James and I found a spot a little way down the road.  It's okay.  We can walk 50 yards for free parking. :) 

About two weeks later James and I attended the Cacti Ball.  James is part of the Cacti Battalion.  They're all deploying shortly, so the unit put on a ball.  Yay for getting dressed up.  There wasn't too much dancing, but it was fun nevertheless to get dressed up for an evening.  We took pictures too.  Definitely felt like it was prom! :-P 

Cacti Ball

There are a couple more weeks left before James deploys for a year.  We have some fun activities planned, so I'll definitely keep you all posted!