Birthday Trip to Hana

We decided to go back to our old tradition a birthday trip and decided it was time to take the girls to Hana.  Last year for the Hana Relay, I think my body was in too much shock from running 9 miles to enjoy the trip and it was really a 24 hour turn around.  This time we decided to head up on Friday and take a leisurely trip home on Sunday.  It was such a fun adventure with the family.  Both girls charged through fresh water caves, body surfing, swimming pools and a little vine swinging.  Kalia is just at the perfect age for adventuring and Maya really held her own.  Our little cottage was without TV and we decided to be completely unplugged (well we did bring the leapsters, which were played very little) for the weekend.  And you know what- it was pretty fun.  We did a lot of reading and card games at night and we were so tired from the day, we all went to sleep very early.

Looking down at Waianapanapa Beach

The girls getting in the caves at Waianapanapa!
Thank you Uncle Greg for those wet suits that we're putting to use- the water was cold!
But our girls swam around in that very chilly water,
Kalia even went deeper into the cave with Erik.
Next time we will bring our floaties, so we can all go swim back
in the cave.  We did bring our waterproof flashlight, which came in handy!

Erik & Kalia swimming back from their cave mission.

Checking out the cave down by the beach after a swim.

Shakas from the girls - peaking down from the top of the cave.

Kalia the Rainforest Girl!

Lava Rock Exploration

I LOVED this view- the tree was so cool!

Kalia was reading "The Mouse and Motorcycle"
and took it everywhere.  Our home for the weekend.

My view on my birthday morning:)
Erik brought the family birthday banner!

Banyan Tree on the way to the Pools.

These wetsuits really are the perfect thing for these chilly pools!

Erik paddling the girls on this fallen log to the waterfall.
I declared this the first stand up paddle board!

Erik & Kalia behind the waterfall.
Maya & I climbed up too, but only for a minute and then
she was ready to go.  But she did it- brave girl.
Hana is definitely a 7 year olds dream- it's really the perfect age.
Kalia was stoked to do everything!

Kalia swinging on a vine!

Upper Falls Hike
I had to get the sign- it was a vertical drop and Erik and I were freaking out a little bit.  But the girls really wanted to see the view, so we took them...very carefully!

Hiker Girls!

At the infinity pool above the 200' waterfall.
We had to do a slightly illegal gate climb to get to this area,
since it has been blooked off since our last visit.
But it was worth it, we had the pool to ourselves and the view- spectacular!

Looking over the 200' waterfall.
My palms are sweating thinking about it.
The water was low that day, so we felt very safe.