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A Hike Through the Waihe'e Valley Rainforest - "Swinging Bridges"

By John Fischer, About.com Guide

7 of 10

Swinging Bridges

Swinging Bridge Waihe'e Valley

Swinging Bridge - Waihe'e Valley

Photo by John Fischer
This hike through Waihe'e Valley is often referred to as the "Swinging Bridges" hike. A little over a mile along the path, we came to the first of two plank-and-cable bridges that we would have to use to cross over the Waihe'e River.

The first bridge is the shorter of the two and is not as high as the second. In fact, if the volume of the river is low, you can actually walk across the river at this point as our guide chose to do.

The rest of our group braved the bridge and, despite everyone having to stop midway when my glasses fogged up, we all made it across without incident.

When we arrived at the second bridge, the river's flow was significantly stronger due to the rain, not so much on us, but higher up in the mountains. This bridge, while longer and higher, is more taut than the first bridge and easier to cross.

The planks on both bridges were slippery and loose in several places. Our guide showed us where to be extra careful and kept a close eye on each of us along the way.

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