I tagged along with the Oahu Hikers Group to explore a new trail in Kailua. We met up at Aikahi Park Shopping Center and split into two groups. It was going to be another hot day.
Trailhead
Our group consisting of Jose, Khym, Ryan, Thessa and myself headed down a dead end street to start our hike. The other group consisting of Becky, Bill, Chris, Karen, Maggie, Tara and Toby went up the access road further down the street. We decided to take the scenic route.
Follow the ribbons
Ryan was guiding the group, as he and Chris had just flagged the trail yesterday.
Looking back
Our slight elevation gain gave us a peek towards the Moks or Mokulua Islands in the distance.
Water tank
We soon came upon a fence almost hidden in the tall grass, that enclosed a colorful graffitied abandoned water tank. An old gate served as a ladder to climb up to the tank.
On top
Group photo left to right: Jose, Khym, myself, Thessa and Jose. Khym and Thessa are on the other side of the structure, barely visible through the window.
Going down
Looking at the top bunkers where we would meet up with Chris’s group.
Who’s Pero?
After climbing down into the tank, we discovered the floor was covered with empty spray paint cans and water bottles. A recycler’s dream and cleanup crew nightmare. Photo by Khym Ansagay.
Appreciating art
Thessa getting up close and personal with some of the graffiti.
Leaving the tank
We followed the fence out to resume the trail.
Microwave antenna
No rocks to climb. This will do. Photo by Thessa Bugay.
Hello?
Khym entering the bunker below the microwave antenna.
Nothing to see here. Move along.
Two small sectioned rooms made up the bunker. No homeless. Oh wait, I forgot this is Kailua.
Panoramic View
Click here for the larger image.
Access road
The road that Chris’s group was taking to the bunkers.
Bunker bound
Our trail to the bunkers.
Girl on the roof
Checking out the views of Mokapu Peninsula, home to the Marine Corps Air Station and several fishponds, that separates Kaneohe Bay from Kailua Bay. Oh yeah, the painted girl looks nice too. Photo by Khym Ansagay.
Kaneohe Bay
Khym saw what he thought was a backpack in the bushes. Jose fished it out and the backpack turned out to be a folding chair, which he used to watch the rain showers sweep through Kaneohe Bay and Moku o loe or Coconut Island.
The other group
Both groups taking pictures of each other. Classic.
The Mad Hatter
Going down the rabbit hole.
Tag team
Taggers self representation? Photo by Karen Latzka.
Reunited at the top
Group photo at the bunkers standing left to right: Karen, Bill, Jose, Ryan, Chris, Maggie, Tara, Becky and Toby. Kneeling left to right: Khym, Thessa and myself.
Hear any buzzing?
Tara and Becky making their way along the fenced communications site. No sightings of winged barbed insects.
Your pic …
The group standing next to a thicket of communication towers. Everybody got 4 bars?
… for mines
My arms are getting tired. Photo by Chris Hiona.
Geodetic marker
Pu’u Papa’a means scorched hill. Yeah it was pretty hot up here.
Long road down
Road going down. Stairs going up. Ridge going down and up. Hiking cycles.
Where? There!
Chris giving directions. Follow the ridge. Pass a stand of pine trees. Go down towards Kalaheo School. Pass the painted rock. Stay to the right of the bike ramps. Got it? Good. Photo by Khym Ansagay.
Coming down the hill
Becky decided to join our group as the road was getting old. Chris’s group watched us for awhile before going back down.
Mahinui ridge
Our group walking on the ridge. Split views of Kailua and Kaneohe. Photo by Chris Hiona.
Breaking in the bench
Literally.
Rolling hills
Approaching the next hill, we saw what looked like a bench at the top. Really? Is this a state trail?
When do we get to sit?
Somebody dragged this rocking chair up here. I guess they really wanted a chair to enjoy the view. Photo by Khym Ansagay.
Windward views
The town of Kailua filled the views; with Mokulua Islands, Olomana and the Ko’olau Mountains taking a backseat.
Pine trees
I remember somebody mentioning pine trees. Who was that?
Kapa’a Valley
The view looking into Kapa’a Quarry and Valley, with Nu’uanu Saddle in the background. Photo by Ryan Leano.
Olomana
Headed down towards Kalaheo High School. Photo by Ryan Leano.
Painted rock
The trail passed the blue and orange painted rock, that is annually “refreshed” by the senior class of Kalaheo High School.
Bike ramp
Where’s my Schwinn when I need it?
Headed out
Dirt meets road.
All pau
We popped out in the neighborhood and started to walk back to the shopping center. Couple blocks later, Chris’s group picked us up in their cars. Saved us two blocks of walking. Mahalo!
GPS Tracks
Short and sweet hike at a little over two miles. Got to explore a new trail and meet new faces. Can’t ask for anything more than that. Post hike meal at Aloha Salad. Trying to eat healthy. Still miss my Outback.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey! Just wondering how did you contact the hikers group? I would love to go on a hike in a group so it’s much more safer.
Mahalo,
Heidi Geiger
Aloha Heidi,
Most of them were friends of mines and we just hiked together. Yes, it’s much safer and more fun to hike in a group. If you need one, let me know.
Mahalo
Have you done it starting from Kalaheo High School? I read you could park in the back of their lot and that there’s a ribbon on the fence marking the way up to the painted rock.
Howzit,
Nope haven’t done it from Kalaheo HS, let me know if you do it and how it goes.
Mahalo