Met up at the aviation hub that was in danger of being shuttered until the State was granted a 50-year lease last year from the US Army.

Makua Cave

Thanks to Jeremy and Roger who shuttled us from Dillingham Airfield to Kaneana Cave.

Makua Cave

Group photo to kick off our walk.

Farrington Highway

Looking at the cave that wasn’t meant to be explored today due to various reasons.

Farrington Highway

Edgar had the right mode of transportation today.

Farrington Highway

Checking out a drainage pipe. Lucky it wasn’t raining today. We didn’t want to get washed out to sea.

Farrington Highway

Drone time.

Keawa’ula Bay

Entering the Kaena Point State Park. This area is more commonly known as Yokohama Bay, one of the stories of how this place got its name was that Japanese laborers landed on this very beach to build the OR&L train tracks that wrapped around the island in 1897.

US Space Force

Live long and prosper. Despite some trekkers claiming that the logo for the newly minted branch of the US military was a copy of the Star Trek logo, the delta symbol was first used by the US Army Airforce in 1942. So it seems that Star Trek copied the military and not the other way around.

Keawa’ula Bay

Walking on the last sandy stretch of beach on the west side.

Kaena Point State Park

Can you see the heart for the hole in the ground?

Kaena Point State Park

A different view of the “heart” that perhaps was “stolen” in the love triangle legend between Pele, Hi’iaka, and Lohiau.

Kaena Point State Park

Testing out Edgar’s e-bike. Did it spark interest to purchase one? Roger joked I could do the entire KST with such a bicycle. Watt a bright idea!

Kaena Point State Park

Checking out a seal basking on the rocky shoreline.

Kaena Point State Park

That’s not the arch we’re looking for on this trail.

Kaena Point State Park

Somebody was so impatient.

Kaena Point State Park

Group photo at the arch, which is a favorite among rock boulderers.

Kaena Point State Park

Taking the high road as nobody wanted to contour along the rocky shoreline.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Entering through the predator-proof fence that protects 59 acres that are home to seabirds and native plants.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Walking through one of the last intact dune ecosystem in the islands.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Sightings of wedge-tailed shearwater and Laysan albatrosses.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Seeking shade in the concrete pyramidal tower that was erected in 1919 and fell victim to erosion in 1990.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Two questions. Who wrote that message and whom is it for? Anybody sitting in close proximity?

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Walking around the tide pools.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Group photo with the current lighthouse.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Walking the sandy corridor as we made our way out.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

The albatross has one of the largest wingspan of any living bird, reaching a span of close to seven feet. Dwarfed only by the Wandering Albatross, whose wingspan can reach between 8 to 11′.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Passing the Spirit Leap Rock or leina a ka ‘uhane on our way out.

Kaena Point State Park

Edgar waiting for us as we exited the fenced reserve. Perfect timing.

Kaena Point State Park

Walking our way on the rocky and rugged coastline.

Kaena Point State Park

Never turn your back on the ocean. Unless it’s for a photo opportunity.

Kaena Point State Park

One was fishing and one was camping.

Kaena Point State Park

Fish of a scale swim together.

Kaena Point State Park

We think big and we dream big. It’s all a dream. Welcome back to reality.

Kaena Point State Park

Staying our distance as we saw one of 400 monk seals thought to inhabit these islands.

Kaena Point State Park

Yielding to 4×4 trucks making their way on the bumpy road.

Kaena Point State Park

No sign of Hawaii’s native yellow-faced bees, which look more like black wasps than the European honeybees. They are crucial pollinators for the native plants and without them, the ecosystem could collapse.

Kaena Point State Park

Somebody commented that the trail route was “stupid.” To each their own.

Kaena Point State Park

Remnants of the railroad tracks and trestles that used to run from Iwilei to Kahuku. The 1946 tsunami damaged the tracks, although repaired, never recovered due to the growth of automobile traffic which shifted the mode of transportation in the islands.

Kaena Point State Park

There is a distinct difference between an arch and a puka. Case in point.

Kaena Point State Park

Somebody didn’t get the standing memo.

Kaena Point State Park

Trading the sandy road for hard asphalt.

All pau

Walking back to our cars parked at Kawaihapai (Dillingham) Airfield and the end of our blistering walk.

GPS Tracks

Our eighth walk around the island covered 10.9 miles in “the heat” that were tempered with intermittent clouds and breezy winds with good company. Post hike meal at Julie’Z, where somebody was asked if they don’t eat Filipino food, as they brought their own tuna salad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x6_8EIn7TE

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our walk #8.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Edgar Gamiao, Jeremy Cannone, Mari Saito, Roger Schiffman, Tessa Bugay and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

Met up with Aida, Akira, Chico, Mari, Susan, and Tessa under the shadow of the Maili Pillboxes to get our morning constitutional.

Kaukama Road

The cap heads are in the majority for our group photo.

Farrington Highway

Akira explaining the size of the nigiri sushi he had for dinner last night.

Farrington Highway

The scarecrow has taken up residence in the house.

Farrington Highway

Walking through the pebbly town that has the highest percentage of kanaka maoli or native Hawaiians on the island.

Farrington Highway

I didn’t know Groot was for sale.

Farrington Highway

CB soon caught up with us after parking at his brother’s place and test drove his 2D muscle car. If it only had one more dimensional layer.

Farrington Highway

Chico volunteering to be the human water gauge on the non-existent ledge that was also 2D as well.

Farrington Highway

No shopping cart rides today. The plight of the homeless on this side of the island is especially glaring. Not getting into politics and policy, but the fact that the majority of the homeless are Hawaiians is a pretty sad commentary on the state of affairs. If they want to get the ball rolling, they should camp at the State Capitol and all the key political leaders place of residence. That would get national news and force the levers of political power to start moving and actually do something that benefits not just the kanaka maoli but all the local residents that call this place home. Just my two cents.

Farrington Highway

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Farrington Highway

This particular canine did not want to sleep or lie.

Lualualei Beach Park

Looking for seashells or at least fragments of them.

Burger King

Nobody said “You Rule” or offered a cardboard crown. Ask and you shall receive.

FHB

Say Yes. Yes I can climb on the sign. Yessah.

Farrington Highway

Artwork or graffiti seen on the streets.

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Taking a photo with the 200 pound bronze bust of Braddah IZ, one of Hawaii’s most influential and successful singers.

Farrington Highway

Chico failed to get a HFD T-Shirt so he ran across the highway to join back with the group as the flags flew at half mast to honor former Representative Gene Ward who passed on April 4, 2025.

Farrington Highway

I guess this particular bus shelter avoided compliance with the sit-lie ban. No complaints from Chico.

Farrington Highway

Cotton is the new Rogaine.

Farrington Highway

Hey, those are my exact size!

Farrington Highway

The pilot showing how the helicopter chair is executed. Something may have been lost in translation.

Farrington Highway

The Flying Filipino not to be confused with Shane Victorino.

7-11

Stopping at the last outpost of snacks and refreshments before resuming our walk.

Mauna Lahilahi

We decided to do a detour and climb the world’s smallest mountain. But first somebody took their medication for clarification of their mind.

Mauna Lahilahi

It was Chico’s first and Mari’s second attempt at climbing this relatively diminutive peak.

Mauna Lahilahi

Akira guiding the girls up a relatively less steep section of the trail.

Mauna Lahilahi

This angle illustrates why it’s also called thin mountain in English.

Mauna Lahilahi

One step at a time takes one closer to the top.

Mauna Lahilahi

Leaving all the relatively steep climbing behind us as we plateaued near the summit.

Mauna Lahilahi

Aida overlooking Papaoneone Beach and its aging condos.

Mauna Lahilahi

We all made it to the 230′ summit with its panoramic views of the coastline and mountains.

Mauna Lahilahi

Leaving the summit behind along with Chico’s ex-sixth wife as we scrambled our way back down.

Mauna Lahilahi

We soon dropped back down to the base along with the volunteers who were hauling out all the rubbish that somehow finds its way here.

Farrington Highway

Just one question. Is this a silent or loud alarm?

Farrington Highway

Can you see the hikers for the flowers?

Farrington Highway

Picking the not so low-hanging fruit that was first introduced to the islands in 1824 by Captain Meek from Manila.

Farrington Highway

In search of shade.

Makaha Beach

Strolling around the beach which is where big wave surfing was born.

Farrington Highway

We decided to skip the arch at Kea’au Beach Park as the waves were hammering the coastline.

Farrington Highway

Akira balancing on the concrete dividers that separated the road and boulders from coastal erosion.

Kaneana (Makua Cave)

We escaped the sweltering heat and cooled off by entering the roughly 150,000 year old cave that was once underwater.

Kaneana (Makua Cave)

The cave reputedly is roughly 450′ deep and there are branching tunnels for those with a yearn to explore and headlamps. We had neither in stock today.

Kaneana (Makua Cave)

Legend has it that this was once home to the shark god, Nanaue who would lure unsuspecting travelers to his lair and have them for dinner. Not wanting to be shark bait, we soon exited the cool cavern.

All pau

Thanks to Dave for shuttling us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our hot as heck walk strolled us around 10.6 miles today. Fun walk with good friends. Post hike meal at Denny’s, where there was something for everybody.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Dale Yoshizu, Mari Saito, Susan Katz, Tessa Bugay and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

Met up with Aida, Allison, Ferlino, Jasmin, and Mari at the parking lot of McDonald’s to start our perimeter walk #9.

Kapolei

The combat medic saved the day for Mari’s shoes when he ran to Home Depot and gorilla glued her soles shut.

Maili

Mahalo to Chico for dropping our group off in the pebbly town that has the highest percentage of Native Hawaiians in Hawai’i.

Farrington Highway

Starting out on what was originally a walking route that connected people from Central and Ewa Beach to the West side. Repeating and walking in history.

Farrington Highway

Walking on the only artery that goes in and out of the Leeward coast and is considered one of the most dangerous stretches of roadway on the island for pedestrians due to its poor design. What are we doing again?

Mike’s Bake Shop

We stopped at this hole in the wall for some delicious morning pastries. This shop among two others was part of a violent robbery spree back in 2017 that all occurred within a 24 hour period.

Ulehawa Stream

The Hawaiian meaning of the stream is “filthy penis.” I guess that’s why its located in a stream, to wash it off.

Nanakuli Super

We stopped at the family owned and operated store since 1973, to browse and came out with candy canes filled with miniature bottles of fireball whisky. I bought one and somehow ended up carrying four.

Farrington Highway

Colorful artwork that covered the utility boxes on the sides of the road.

OR&L

Ferlino standing on the narrow gauge tracks whose trains and whistles have long been silenced.

Nanakuli

Spotted a honu (green sea turtle) bobbing in the rough waters.

Mermaid Cave

Ferlino dropping into Tunnels.

Nanakuli

Can you see the heart for the waves?

Nanakuli

The peeling paint makes it easier to see the heart.

Nanakuli

We followed the shoreline with the crashing waves on our way back out to the highway.

Nanakuli

When is a pillbox not a pillbox?

Nanakuli

Aida watching the surging water come in and out of the sandy cove.

OR&L

We continued our walk until a tree stopped us dead in our tracks.

OR&L

From 1889 until 1947, Oahu Railway & Land Company (OR&L) moved passengers and cargo from Iwilei to Kahuku on its 3 foot railway.

OR&L

First a tree and now a bicycle. Is somebody trying to derail our walk?

OR&L

We detoured and climbed out of the ditch to join back up to Dillingham’s legacy to Oahu’s transportation history.

OR&L

Where there’s a tree, you’ll find Ferlino on it.

OR&L

The girls crossing over a trestle with the Hawaiian Electric (HECO) power plant in the background.

Electric Beach

Group photo at the passive sign that now serves as a backdrop instead of regulating traffic back in the day.

Farrington Highway

We soon got off the tracks as it was leading us towards Ko Olina Resorts, which was formerly called Lanikuhonua (“where heaven meets earth”), and jumped back on the congested highway.

Farrington Highway

This Good Samaritan, a person that helps other people and especially strangers, stopped to ask if we needed assistance as she thought our car had broken down. Bless her heart.

Farrington Highway

Ferlino asked the owner of this rather imposing treehouse if we could climb it. Ask and you shall receive.

Tommy’s Treehouse

Some of us took the long way and others took the more direct approach.

Tommy’s Treehouse

The owner built this faux electric chair as he used to work at the nearby HECO powerplant.

Tommy’s Treehouse

The effort that went into building this treehouse took a period of three years and the attention to detail such as the “barnacles” on the tree limbs, crow’s nest, and the interior finishing’s all paid off for his kids and grandkids enjoyment. And obviously for curious passerby’s such as ourselves.

Tommy’s Treehouse

Leaving the highlight of the walk behind us.

Farrington Highway

Walking parallel against oncoming traffic.

Kalaeloa Blvd

Going down the home stretch where we successfully avoided the merging cars going onto the H1 highway to finish off our walk #9.

All pau

Post hike meal at the nearby Panda’s Express, home of authentic Chinese cuisine. Jasmin showed off her golf ball and thirty-one cents in loose change that she found on the walk. Still not enough to buy her even an eggroll.

GPS Tracks

Our walk covered 10.11 miles that was a mixture of railroad tracks, shoreline and paved roads. A fun day with good company.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Allison Banks, Ferlino Carinio, Jasmin Nepomuceno, Mari Saito, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

Thanks to Ka’eo for dropping Aida, Jasmin, Mari and myself off at Makua Cave to start our perimeter walk #8 around the island.

Makua Cave

We left the cave of Kane that was formerly inhabited by Kamahoalii, a shape shifting shark god that had an appetite for humans until he was destroyed by the local residents.

Farrington Highway

Finding a dime heads up is considered lucky and also an confirmation that you are on the right path.

Farrington Highway

Somebody was arriving fashionably late or more commonly known as Hawaiian time.

Farrington Highway

Jasmin found something on the roadside that was worth more than a dime.

Farrington Highway

Ferlino swung into his natural habitat and picked some tamarind seeds that were too sour for somebody’s taste buds.

Farrington Highway

Open table not to be confused with OpenTable.

Ohikilolo Ranch

Cattle and Kiawe trees waiting to be harvested for domestic and international consumption.

Farrington Highway

How wide is it?

Farrington Highway

The best time to go fishing with Kaena Point and her gleaming golf balls in the distance.

Farrington Highway

Why walk when you can run? Hooah!

Kea’au Beach

Keeping our feet dry.

Kea’au Beach

360 degree perspective.

Kea’au Beach

Hop, skip, and a jump.

Kea’au Beach

Coastal erosion at work.

Kea’au Beach

Hawaiian sea salt straight from the lava rocks.

Farrington Highway

Just missing the car.

Makaha Beach

In 1937, John Kelly and Wally Froiseth who were looking for lobsters, “discovered” the savage waves crashing onto the beach and the rest is history.

Makaha Beach

Enjoying the calm waters before the winter months.

Farrington Highway

Looking out at Makaha Stream that originates deep within Makaha Valley.

Farrington Highway

Art interpretation of a gecko, that should be hanging in the house and not outside.

Mauna Lahilahi

We detoured off the beaten path for a short hike up to what is also referred to as the smallest mountain and turtle rock.

Mauna Lahilahi

Starting our short hike up the thin mountain.

Mauna Lahilahi

Going the “harder” way.

Mauna Lahilahi

The others went the more direct way. To each their own.

Mauna Lahilahi

360 degree perspective on the 230′ summit.

Mauna Lahilahi

Jasmin with a sweeping view of Papaoneone Beach and the Hawaiian Princess Resort.

Mauna Lahilahi

Aida standing with distant views of Kea’au and Kamaile’unu Ridges in the background.

Mauna Lahilahi

Somebody started cramping while coming down from the mountain. The sudden altitude change back to sea level can do that to ones body. Or not. I’m not a medical doctor.

Mountain Magic Shave Ice

Enjoying syrup soaked shaved ice that was originally introduced to Hawaii by Japanese immigrant workers back in the early 1900s.

Farrington Highway

Umbrellas do come in handy on a walk.

Farrington Highway

The shark is seen by some Hawaiians as their ‘aumakua that were personal or family gods.

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Bronze bust of the “The Voice of Hawaii” that was dedicated in 2003.

Kaupuni Stream

Looking out at the Waianae Mountain Range in the background.

Farrington Highway

The most famous word from Hawaii when broken down means breath of life.

First Hawaiian Bank

Banker’s hours.

Tamura Super Market

We popped in the store that was founded in the 1920s and was originally called Tamura Shoten for some cold refreshments.

Farrington Highway

Mural of vintage cars.

Farrington Highway

Walking on the highway that originally started as a walking route for those wanting to access the West side from central and Ewa Beach side. Full circle.

Kaukama Road

Passing by the hill that is dominated by military fortifications known as pillboxes that were built back in 1923.

All pau

Mahalo to Jason for picking us up farther down the road than expected. Hitchhikers can’t be choosy.

GPS Tracks

Our perimeter walk covered 10.9 miles through the sun baked landscape. Post hike meal at Julie’z. Can I see that found phone again Jasmin? I guess it’s back to being lost.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Ferlino Carinio, Jasmin Nepomuceno, Mari Saito, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.