We all met up at He’eia State Park but the gates were still closed, so instead of staying parked on the blind curve, we moved to He’eia Pier to start our walk.

He’eia Pier

Fishing for rainbows. They were biting today.

Kamehameha Highway

Wait for us! The bus was 10 minutes early, must be a new driver.

Waiahole Poi Factory

Come back in two hours for that Sweet Lady of Waiahole.

Kamehameha Highway

Going over the rickety bridge that crosses Waiahole Stream.

Kamehameha Highway

Lucky there’s no cop around to give us tickets. We need to slow it down as we need to be aware of vehicular safety.

Kamehameha Highway

Dale found a penny heads up on the side of the road which meant a lucky penny which in turn meant good luck. The superstition originated when ancient people thought metals were gift from gods and could ward off evil. Heads represent good and tails represent evil. Yin and yang. Must be true as we didn’t get tickets for speeding on the road.

Kamehameha Highway

Blending in with the graffiti.

Kamehameha Highway

Looking out towards Kalahaku Teeth, a Windward ridge less traveled.

Kahalu’u Stream

Chico trying to go “live.”

7-11

Only one supported local by going to the Hygienic Store, the rest of us got our snacks from one of 85,000 convenience stores across the globe. We found out that chickens love chichi dango, who would’ve known?

Kamehameha Highway

Passing by several shrubs of the Puakenikeni or ten-cent flower, as that is what they sold for in leis during the late 1800s to mid 1900s. The fruits are not edible and are best picked to produce more flowers.

Laenani Beach Park

A pet goat. Do not pet the goat.

Laenani Beach Park

Group photo sans the photographer.

Laenani Beach Park

Drone view before being interrupted by the caretaker.

Laenani Beach Park

The guys trying out their athletic prowess, only one got the cigar. Granted, he had youth and height on his side.

Laenani Beach Park

If Groot can’t be here physically, he can be here in sticker form.

Kamehameha Highway

We watching you brah! Put down that ulu (breadfruit) now!

Kamehameha Highway

Tessa found three dimes, but they were all tails up. Maybe she should donate it back to the road.

Kamehameha Highway

I got to stop rocking the boat.

Kamehameha Highway

Red Skull got his feet wet to swing the day away.

Kamehameha Highway

The girls decided to keep dry and take a photo with the nearby tree.

Kamehameha Highway

How many people can fit on this creaking platform before we all get wet? Let’s not find out.

Kamehameha Highway

Cristy looking out towards the small boats anchored in Kaneohe Bay.

Kamehameha Highway

Drone view with no interruptions.

Kamehameha Highway

Halloween is still dead and decomposing in Kahalu’u.

Kamehameha Highway

Where are the sidewalks when you need them?

Kamehameha Highway

Kenny’s balance was good enough to keep him dry.

He’eia Kea Harbor

Group photo at the only public pier and boat ramp on Kaneohe Bay.

GPS Tracks

Our shortest and #14 perimeter walk in terms of time and miles covered 4.9 miles through the Windward coast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxbeI8pmhYI

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our perimeter walk.

He’eia Kea Pier General Store & Deli

We had our lunch on the waterfront. Chico, Edgar, Marilyn, Mateo and Scott decided to not continue with the group to drive over to the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.

Byodo-In Temple

The rest of us managed to find parking here and there and got free admission to the smaller scale replica of the original Byodo-In Temple near Kyoto, because we have “relatives buried in the park.”

Byodo-In Temple

How many people does it take to ring the three-ton peace bell? Must be a State job.

Byodo-In Temple

Burning incense to purify the mind and surroundings as we entered the Phoenix Hall that houses the 18′ Lotus Buddha.

Byodo-In Temple

Feeding frenzy.

Byodo-In Temple

Group photo in front of the temple that was built in 1968 to mark the centennial anniversary of Japanese immigration to Hawaii.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Chico Cantu, Cristy CM, Dale Yoshizu, Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Scott and Mateo Dea, 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.

We all met up at the Kualoa Beach Park to start our perimeter walk this morning.

Kualoa Beach Park

A certain furry four legged hiker joined the group of Aida, Akira, Alexis, Chico, Cristy, Mari, Tessa and myself on the sprawling 153 acres.

Kualoa Beach Park

Big shadows and small shadow.

Kualoa Beach Park

Going over the wall. Legally.

Kualoa Beach Park

Walking on the beach with the islet of Mokoli’i in the background. The island used to be part of Kualoa Ranch as it was purchased in 1850 from King Kamehameha III for $1,300.00 ($53,996.00 today). It was purchased by the City in the 1970s.

Kualoa Beach Park

Stumping for Groot. Represent.

Secret Island

Arriving at the NOT secret and NOT island. It’s just a beach with certain amenities that you can only use if you’re part of a tour package.

Secret Island

Group photo at one of the docks with Kualoa Mountain in the background.

Secret Island

Walking over to the next dock.

Secret Island

Disappointed the sign doesn’t say “Secret Island.” Marketing 101.

Secret Island

Brah, you get license to drive boat? Nevamine!

Secret Island

Survey says … WOOF!

Kualoa Beach Park

On our return trip back, we were approached by these two braddahs who asked who owns the Black Honda? One guess and one guess only. Thanks to Charlie and Elijah for their aloha!

Kualoa Beach Park

Talking story with Elijah, turns out his dream is to hike from Pupukea to Waiahole.

Kualoa Beach Park

Seeing is believing. I have been saying for years that chickens live and sleep in trees. Nobody believed me until today.

Kamehameha Highway

Groot piggybacking on Chico.

Kamehameha Highway

Some of us wanted free coffee, so we had to recall Alexis who had zoned in on her music and was far ahead of the group.

The Macadamia Nut Outlet

Group photo with the obliging statues.

The Macadamia Nut Outlet

Sampling the free coffee and macadamia nuts.

Kamehameha Highway

Back on the road. And he’s got a dog too. Double threat.

Coral Kingdom

Stopping at the tourist trap, I mean spot on the way. The huli-huli chicken sure smelled good.

Coral Kingdom

You need smoke in order to follow it.

Coral Kingdom

Browsing and puffing and drinking.

Kamehameha Highway

It sure is hot today.

Waikane

We turned off the highway to do a short and easy hike. Those words will come back to haunt me. Saw a hapai (pregnant) pig with her own guard dog. Nobody is messing with this pua’a (pig).

Waikane

The group going up the trail. Somebody was saying we don’t have hiking shoes, only walking shoes. Hiking is a form of walking.

Waikane

Chico helping Mari across a slippery section. Who said this hike is easy?

Waikane

Moli’i Fishpond in the background, which is one of only four original Hawaiian fishponds on the island.

Waikane

Scrambling up the Southeast Ridge of Pu’u Ohulehule, most hikers know it as Pride Rock as an obvious reference to the Disney movie, “The Lion King.”

Waikane

Aida on her approach to the top, walking shoes and all.

Waikane

The “classic” Pride Rock photograph.

Waikane

The “new” Tree Monkey photograph.

Waikane

The group relaxing and being chilled by the refreshing trade winds.

Waikane

Overlooking Kualoa Ranch and its domain.

Waikane

Can you spot Akira below the rock shelf?

Waikane

Time to head back down.

Waikane

Where’s my hiking stick?

Waikane

Two ropes are better than one.

Waikane

Where’s that second rope when you need it?

Waikane

Group photo with the Hawaiian flag that was adopted in 1845 and now represents the 50th state in the Union.

Waikane

Sliding our way down to the exit.

Kamehameha Highway

Sign me up.

Kamehameha Highway

Groot channeling his inner Musk.

Kamehameha Highway

The girls checking out the roadside refreshment stand. Tourist prices.

Kamehameha Highway

Fail. Go back to rapelling.

Kamehameha Highway

$10 Coconut. Cristy was thirsty.

Kamehameha Highway

Everybody needs shade from the hot sun. Where is that portable AC?

Kamehameha Highway

There’s gold in them thar tilipia filled waters.

Kamehameha Highway

Chico went to get shave ice. The rest of us went to get lunch. Hangry.

Waiahole Poi Factory

Lunch at the establishment that started as a poi factory in 1905 and then became the current restaurant in 2009.

All pau

Taking the air-conditioned bus back to our cars at Kualoa Ranch.

GPS Tracks

Our #13 perimeter walk covered 7.5 miles that also included two short hike detours that everybody did even with walking shoes. Awesome day with fun friends.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Chico Cantu, Cristy CM, Mari Saito, 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 Chico, Jen, Laredo, Lilyn, Mari, Quan, Tessa, and William for our third leg of the perimeter walk today.

Waiahole Poi Factory

We took our group photo that we missed from the last walk after Chico and Lilia staged the truck at Kualoa Beach Park.

Kamehameha Highway

It was too early to get a treat of Sweet Lady of Waiahole, so we pushed off on our walk.

Kamehameha Highway

What’s that? I forgot something? My medication?

Kamehameha Highway

Tessa rubbing elbows with the legend.

Kamehameha Highway

Somebody’s on the wrong side of the bridge.

Waikane Store

Pop Quiz: What is Chico doing?
A) Panhandling from a passing car
B) Looking for free samples
C) Getting his truck keys

Kamehameha Highway

We saw these and other signs that loudly proclaimed “The People United Will Never Be Defeated” and “No Development Keep the Country Country” and “New City…What A Pity! No Development.” The problem dates back to the 1880s when Lincoln McCandles and brothers arrived in the islands and began drilling artesian wells to feed the sugar industry and in the process amassed considerable land holdings. Fast forward to 1974, when his daughter attempted to to urbanize 1,337 acres in Waiahole and Waikane Valleys with local developer, Joe Pao who promised affordable housing with his “New City” development. Sounds familiar? Massive protests erupted and was temporarily simmered when the State purchased 795 acres in Waiahole Valley to manage the land. Fast forward to 1987, when the Housing Finance and Development Corporation was created to promote affordable housing, the predecessor to today’s Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation. The HHFDC claims they are running a deficit managing the water resources and below market rents for the approximately 100 valley residents and must raise rents to stay solvent. Both sides have retained lawyers and are slugging it out in court. Who will win? Most certainly, the side with deep and corrupt pockets will prevail against the residents.

Kualoa Ranch

Entering the cattle ranch and tourist attraction that sits on over 4,000 acres. This valley was considered sacred to ancient Hawaiians and was purchased by Dr. Judd from King Kamehameha III for the sum of $1,300 in 1850. That would be $50,560 in today’s money.

Kamehameha Highway

Passing through the often seen Coral Kingdom Shop & Restaurant but never visited.

Kamehameha Highway

When the traffic mirror doubles as the selfie mirror.

Kamehameha Highway

The public picking of parya (bittermelon) leaves.

Kualoa Ranch

Looking for the private tour.

Kualoa Ranch

Group photo in front of the 50′ artistic representation of Manaiakalani, Maui’s fish hook that was used to capture the sun.

Mokoli’i

Looking out towards the basaltic islet in Kaneohe Bay that was once owned by the Judd-Morgan family until the City & County of Honolulu purchased it back in the 1970s.

Chinaman’s Hat

Group photo in front of the conical shaped island. Advocates are pushing to erase the name of Chinaman’s Hat as it’s not culturally correct and politically offensive to some. But for most locals, it will always be called that.

Kualoa Sugar Mill

Wandering through the ruins of the first sugar mill built in the islands during 1863-1865. Due to lack of rainfall, the mill ceased operations in 1871 and was left exposed to the elements where it sits today.

Kamehameha Highway

Leaving the prominent Kualoa ridge behind us. I wonder if anybody has ever climbed that mountain?

Kamehameha Highway

The fish were biting today.

Kamehameha Highway

Bunker exploration. Where’s Scotty?

Kamehameha Highway

The color of death.

Kamehameha Highway

When there’s no sidewalk, one has to walk on the bridge.

Kamehameha Highway

Roadside summer snacks. Lychee was introduced to Hawaii in 1873 when Ching Chock brought the evergreen tree from China and planted it on the Afong property on the corner of Nu’uanu and School Streets.

Kamehameha Highway

Chico got his own summer snack. Free shave ice!

Ka’a’awa 7-Eleven

Motorists yielding to pedestrians. Refreshments at the convenience store that was originally named Tote’m Stores and later changed to reflect the operating hours. Time to change again?

Kamehameha Highway

No touch the girl or the golf cart?

Crouching Lion Inn

Trying to see the resemblance of the rock formation above the shuttered eatery. Originally built as the Larsen residence in 1927, it was converted to a restaurant in 1952 and closed in 2008 due to cesspool violations.

Crouching Lion Hike

Where is the trailhead?

Kamehameha Highway

Clucking like a chicken.

Kamehameha Highway

Bridge crossing.

Kahana State Park

I still haven’t found a working pay phone yet.

Kamehameha Highway

Words to live by.

Kamehameha Highway

View of Kahana Bay.

Kamehameha Highway

Swinger.

Kamehameha Highway

Walking on the road next to traffic. The Handi-vans were especially too close for comfort. I think they were looking for future customers.

Punalu’u

Group photo at the beach park. The town name means “coral dived for” or “spring dived for.”

Punalu’u

We may have walked on the wrong side of the bridges, but never jumped from them.

Punalu’u

End of the road for us. Food outside.

Punalu’u

Drinks inside. Pay inside too.

Punalu’u

Eating on the beach. Laredo preferred to sun on the beach.

Punalu’u

Quan trying to burn off her caloric intake.

Route 60

Everybody have exact change? Three dollars.

Route 60

Time to get off the bus and give the riders some relief.

Kualoa Beach Park

Happy Birthday Mari!

Kualoa Beach Park

Pinay Hat.

McDonald’s Temple Valley

Thanks Chico for the soft serve ice cream cones!

Chico’s Bar

One shot for the road.

GPS Tracks

Our fun walk covered 10.4 miles through the Windward coastline.

Photos taken by Chico Cantu, Jen Odence, Lilyn Avendano, Mari Saito, Quan Haberstroh, 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 Chico, Jen, Laredo, Lilyn, Mari, Quan, Tessa and William for the second leg of our perimeter walk.

Kaneohe Bay

Group photo where picking of the plants is not allowed.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

How many people does it take to pick a mango from a neighbor’s house when the tallest person watches from the sidelines?

Kaneohe Bay Drive

A bunch of bananas, not just talking about the botanical berries.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Click your heels together three times and you’re still on Kaneohe Bay Drive.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

All that was missing was a half drunk cup of coffee. Preferably Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

The shopping cart races. Trying to qualify for a spot in the Idiotarod.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Best to stay retired.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Look But Don’t Touch. This is not the neighbor’s house.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Bathroom break for some at the Golden Arches.

Kaneohe Stream

Watching the tilapia swim upstream and preventing an unsafe and unsteady walk across the bridge.

Kamehameha Highway

Searching for a working pay phone amongst the roughly 3,600 iconic blue boxes that are scattered throughout the island. Viiz Communications bought all the pay phones from Hawaiian Telcom back in 2017, and agreed to rebrand them but looks like they decided to just leave them to rust away.

Kamehameha Highway

Trying to get a paid advertisement.

Kamehameha Highway

When you just can’t get enough.

Kamehameha Highway

Chico demonstrating that slats will not prevent him from sleeping on the bus bench. For a minute.

Kamehameha Highway

Fire trucks yielding to pedestrians before turning into King Intermediate. No emergency.

Kamehameha Highway

Joggers crossing the He’eia Stream.

Kamehameha Highway

I guess the sidewalk was too crowded for somebody.

Shoreline Trail

Taking a break from pounding the pavement to be closer to the ocean.

He’eia Estuary

Looking out at the wetlands that are slowly being restored by volunteers to support native birds and other species that used to thrive in this habitat.

He’eia State Park

Partial group photo at the entrance to the 18.5 acre state park.

Kamehameha Highway

When you have too much time on your hands.

Kamehameha Highway

Somebody needed some beach time.

Kamehameha Highway

Our walk got crashed by Scott and Rose who were looking for a shortcut.

Kamehameha Highway

Back on the road again as our ranks swelled by one. The other one drove off to find a parking spot. More shortcuts.

Kamehameha Highway

Looking out at the extremely low tide in Kaneohe Bay.

Kamehameha Highway

Where is the sidewalk?

Hygienic Store

Thanks to Chico for buying us ice cream at the landmark that was once the company store for Hygienic Dairy that was founded back in 1907.

Kamehameha Highway

Playing with plastic swine.

Kamehameha Highway

I hear you knocking, but you can’t come out.

Kamehameha Highway

Traffic mirror selfie.

Kamehameha Highway

We need to pick up the pace, we are not even registering on the radar speed sign.

Kamehameha Highway

Crossing over Waiahole Stream.

Waiahole Poi Factory

Lining up to get our lunch at the centuries old establishment that has seen life as a poi factory, art gallery and present day restaurant.

Waiahole Poi Factory

Most of the group ate their fix of Hawaiian food while Laredo sunbathed as his adoring fans honked at him from the street.

Kamehameha Highway

Thanks to Lilia for picking us up. Enjoying riding in the back of the truck while we can as Senate Bill 1040 would seek to ban such ridership based on faulty logic by Senator Lee that traffic fatalities are on the rise but very few deaths can be attributed to riding in the back of a truck. Classic case of politicians trying to justify their political existence.

All pau

Laredo has left the house!

GPS Tracks

Our second leg of the perimeter walk covered almost 11 miles through the Windward stretch of the island with a fun group.

Photos taken by Chico Cantu, Jen Odence, Lilyn Avendano, Mari Saito, Quan Haberstroh, Scott Dea, 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.