Prior to reaching it, I noticed fresh boot prints in the mud. They looked only days old and were heading down the trail. I asked in utter astonishment. After a sharp bend in the footpath, I encountered a thicket of guava trees and woody clidemia. I told myself as I halted to remove saw, loppers and bolo knife from my pack.
Long pants are highly recommended, however.
Although rarely used, Kawailoa has a special place in my heart. It is a classic CCC trail constructed with incredible human effort. University Of Hawaii Press, 1993.