My friend Kristin and I headed out to waimanu valley for a two night backpacking trip. This is a view of Waipio valley where the trail starts.

The 8 mile trail went up and down over many small valleys which really gave our legs a good workout. Almost every spot along the trail was beautiful in its own way.

We were greated by a beautiful waterfall on the final decent into Waimanu.

And here was our resting place for two nights. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Our campsite was only 100' from a beach where we lounged and played in the surf, end even exchanged Thai and Shiatsu massages on the beach!

We took an excursion up to the biggest waterfall in the valley. The trail went through a patch of awapui ginger which is what awapui shampoo is made out of. When you squeeze the flower a mildly sweet smelling soapy substance comes out. To be able to wash the sweat and salt from the ocean with fragrant natural soap in a pool under a waterfall was one of those ultimate blissful hawaiian moments in paradise.