Over the past extended Memorial Day weekend, Patrick Rorie led a group of hikers to the beautiful and remote Wailau Valley. For it's size, the group was remarkably diverse - joining HTMC members from Oahu were a few guests from Maui, Molokai and the mainland. Four guys hiked in and out, while some of us backpacked in and returned by boat. Another group observed the beautiful coastal scenery from the boat both ways - though, getting in and out of the boat at Wailau was an adventure in itself! Sorry, no pics on that - would need a waterproof camera.

From the base camp by the beach, we enjoyed shorter hikes to waterfalls, along the coast and for the best views, up the Olokui ridge. Paka, a veteran of numerous hikes in the area, describes the whole adventure with authority and great writing aptitude in a separate article - below are just some photos showing parts of the journey. Mahalo to Jim for formatting them into easy downloadable thumbnails on the web page - you are welcome to click on the ones you are interested in.

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		547 ....leaving, on a propeller plane... (with a view of Hanauma Bay and Koko Crater)
		551 Molokai fish ponds are seen from the first part of the trail ascending up to the ridge. As that part was cleared by Paul, Patrick and others recently, going up was easy.
		571 First rewarding views of Wailau Valley after reaching the top of the trail
		574 The imposing Olokui mountain envelops the left side of the valley.
		563 * Descending into the valley
		580 The plot (or is it vegetation?) thickens - can you see Lisa plowing through?
		588 First camping spot in the valley - Olokui mountain in the background
		604 Hiking further, time for a refreshing dip in the best swimming hole of Wailau stream
		619 After joined by the "boat people", larger group took a side hike to several beautiful, cascading waterfalls
		623 The backpackers seem happy - perhaps because the heavy load was off their backs during the side trip? Matt, Barney,Randy, Met and Keith in the back, Patrick and Lisa in front.
		630 The kitchen an food provided by the boat people - great job, Larry & Co.
		640 Reading ghosts stories at night, Gretchen tried to scare us all!
		642 A beautiful morning at the beach
		654 Birds protecting their nests on the west side of the beach
		656 Larry, always taking care of logistics, started fishing early in the morning
		667 * What a catch!
		662 Morning in the valley
		678 * Morning hike along the coasts - views towards Pelekunu and Kalaupapa .
		674 Looking back towards Wailau
		704 Passing through rock formations, Christine returning from the coastal hike to Wailau
		712 Paul from Molokai showed us all what a strong will and some extra time can do against some extra pounds!
		724 Hiking up the Olokui ridge, views of Wailau Valley expand. Wailau trail drops from the cloudy end of the valley towards the stream and then parallels it through the jungle towards the ocean
		727 Wailau beach - view from an afternoon hike up the Olokui ridge
		737 Switching between the photo and video cameras, time to relax on the Olokui ridge. Video turned out more entertaining.
		747 Late afternoon sunshine colors Kahawaiki stream side of the valley.
		756 Time for the last bonfire
		760 Halawa Bay - the group returning by boat is unpacking in hopes that the baggage was not soaked while floated to the boat at Wailau. Dave, Matt and Sandy in the foreground.
		763 First group back at the Molokai airport - John, Hui, Gretchen, Gay, Larry and Christine.