Chris and Kevin joined me today on a short and fun exploratory hike around the affluent Portlock area. I picked them up from the small dirt lot by the Hanauma Bay bus stop and drove past McMansions to park on Hanapepe Loop.

China Walls

Walking down the grassy slope of Koko Kai Beach Park and making our way through the trees, revealed a scene of high tides lapping at the base of the rocks. I had mis-read the tide table and had should have started the hike several hours later instead of at 9:30am. Oh well, time to get our feet wet.

Cave exploring

Kevin and myself exploring one of the numerous caves that dotted the coastline. Photo by Chris Hiona.

The other side

We briefly considered trying going through the cave, but decided to contour around the rocks instead. There is even some kind of bizarre goat skulls lookout on top of these rocks!

Jumbled rocks

There was one rock formation jutting out into the ocean that forced us to time the waves so that we could safely pass around it. It would also help to have tabi’s or reef walkers while walking on these slippery slabs of rocks, we just had to take it slow and safe.

Wave action

The waves were pounding the rocks today. Never turn your back on the ocean as the waves and currents can drag you out in the blink of an eye. On top of that, we were hiking during high tide!

Hello there!

The waves over countless and repeated poundings gave this area it’s unique carved look.

Spitting Caves

No spitting today. Didn’t see any jumpers willing to take the plunge from where Chris and Kevin are standing at. I heard you have to time it just right. There have been drownings in this area and China Walls over the years.

Leaving civilization behind

Leaving behind the million dollar homes with the million dollar views as we ascended up Koko Head.

Headed up Koko Head

As we were climbing up, there was a commotion in the water behind us. It turned out to be several whales breaching the water, quite the show.

Paraglider

We saw several paragliders catching thermals off the rocky skin of Koko Head and circling and skimming above  our heads.

Circle of LIfe?

Top of Koko Head.

Makai bound

Walking down the clearly marked trail and leaving the communication towers behind us.

Honeycombed rocks

As we made our way down towards the ocean, we met a mountain biker who was coming up! Talk about making your own trails.

Land Bridge

Three of us sitting on this often photographed land bridge with the water churning like a washing machine below us. It seems to have become quite the spot to get your picture taken at lately. We were no different.

Koko Head Marker

Taking a pose next to this weather beaten obelisk with Koko Crater and Makapu’u in the background.

No charge for locals

Chris showing us the “back door” to get into Hanauma Bay.

Forgot our snorkels!

Here we are in the clear and cool waters of Hanauma Bay and no snorkels!

Coned off

As we walked up towards the parking lot, we noticed an Hawaiian monk seal sunbathing on the sand, oblivious to all the attention it was gathering from the beachgoers.

GPS Tracks

The 4.24 mile hike was a fun little excursion. Time well spent.