Koolau State Forest
To get here, once you have climbed the trail described in the Makawao
State Forest, (about 2 miles long) hang a left. If you go right you will be at a pair of
reservoirs...don't go this way. However an easier way to get here would
be to drive to the top of Olinda Road in Makawao, (about 5 miles),
climb over the gate at the road's end, pedal a bit more, climb another gate
and keep on straight on the fairly level gravely road passing the reservoirs,
heading eastbound.
Getting here from Makawao involves a 3000' vertical climb whether you do it
from the paved Olinda Road or the trail through the Makawao State Forest.
In this picture, Matt leads the way.
About a mile down the road is a gate. Climb over it.You are now in Koolau
State Forest, an exotic rain forest. This area is a watershed for "Upcountry"
Maui. Off to the sides down the hill, are large water pipes. This road is usually very wet,
lots of puddles, running water, some mud and a few technical sections.
About 2.5 miles down the road are a couple of reservoirs. This area is frequently
rained on or in the clouds. Here I am at one of reservoirs at the end of the
ride, at 2.8 miles. (From the top of the trail through the Makawao State Forest)
Here's a look at the Wakamoi Flumes. Its carries water from the eastern slopes
of Haleakala to drier Upcountry Maui.
Fuchsias, giant hapu ferns, azaleas and a whole bunch of exotic air plants live in this
moss covered, almost impenetrable land.