Due to popular demand, does two people count? The perimeter walk around the island was re-started. Clockwise.

Waimanalo Beach Park

Mahalo to Ferlino who picked up Aida, Akira, Mari, Robin, Tessa and myself from Taco Bell and shuttled us to the area that was probably one of the first spots on the island explored by Polynesians, where Dave and Susan were waiting to round out the group.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Walking into the blinding sun, better than driving.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

The group trying to catch a glimpse of the turtle in the water.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Hello? We are waiting for our Presidential Letter of Appreciation. Hello?

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Walking past the dead chicken as we made our way down the beach transit corridor.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

High tide.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Look who caught up with us after catching the sunrise at Koko Crater.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Metaphorically speaking we are all just pawns in the game of life.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Chris texting a photo to the State DOT Highways Division.

Makai Pier

Transitioning from asphalt to sand as we made our way to the facility built by the State in the 1960s to support marine research.

Makai Pier

Group photo underneath the 600′ long pier.

Makai Pier

Group photo against the Windward backdrop.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. I’m not sure that includes adding rocks to a plastic package to make it something that it is not.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

I think somebody was not too happy that Chris was taking over his side hustle.

Makapuu Beach

Looking out towards the seabird sanctuary that was once actually inhabited by rabbits in the 1880s after it was introduced by John Cummins, owner of Waimanalo Plantation, as a hobby as he didn’t want them to damage his sugarcane crops. Instead they destroyed the ecosystem on the island and were removed in the 1970s.

Makapuu Beach

Ferlino jumping over an rock enclosure that was humming with activity.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Back on the highway.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Somebody was having a bad hair day. Let’s make it right with a hairbrush from the highway.

Makapuu Beach

Don’t drink and hike.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Just hanging out.

Makapuu Lookout

Leaving the scenic lookout for climbing pastures.

Makapuu Lookout

We climbed past WW2 pillboxes embedded in the lava landscape as we made our way up.

Makapuu Lookout

Akira climbing in the footsteps of Alex Honnold. Baby Honnold.

Makapuu Lookout

Looking out towards Rabbit (Manana) Island. In 1904, it was one of the spots being considered for the lighthouse that would later be built at Makapuu Point.

Makapuu Lookout

Forced perspective.

Makapuu Lookout

Chris and Ferlino decided to go off-trail.

Makapuu Lookout

Partial group photo at the top of the lookout.

Makapuu Lookout

Taking the most direct route down. Is this where the KST ends or begins? Inquiring minds want to know.

Makapuu Lookout

Should I go this way or that way?

Makapuu Lookout

Selfie with the navigational aid that sits on the most southeastern point on the island.

Makapuu Lookout

David and Susan climbing their way down to more level footing.

Makapuu Lookout

Ferlino away from the crowds on the trail.

Makapuu Lookout

Susan behind the barrier whose origins date back to WW1.

Makapuu Lighthouse

Group photo of the 46′ tall lighthouse that was built in 1909 and fully automated in 1974. Thanks to the USCG “Coastie” who happened to intersect with our group.

Makapuu Lighthouse

Looking back at the concrete tower that houses the largest hyperradiant lens in the country. When the lighthouse was finished in 1908, the lens had to be hauled up piece by piece with block and tackle from a ship down below as the road had not yet been built.

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

An aerial view of the site in 1959 when the lighthouse was operated by the USCG until 1974. This area was used by Federal marshals to protect witnesses who were testifying against local crime boss, Wilford “Nappy” Pulawa during 1974-1975. He was sent to a mainland prison for two years on tax evasion. Same way they got Al Capone. Don’t mess with the IRS. In 1987, Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele occupied the area and was later evicted after a standoff with HPD SWAT. The State later razed all the dwellings except for the still standing oil house. The same Bumpy Kanahele who would go on to occupy Makapuu Beach in 1993 for over a year before Governor Waihee hammered a deal that gave Kanahele and his group 45 acres above Waimanalo in exchange for ending his occupation. Photo by the USCG.

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Some folks need to get with the program.

Kaiwi Shoreline Trail

Going off the beaten path.

Kaiwi Shoreline Trail

Approaching the rock formation called Kapaliokamoa or cliff of the chicken as we made our way down the rocky trail.

Pele’s Chair

Climbing up against gravity.

Pele’s Chair

It’s called a chair for a reason.

Pele’s Chair

Partial group photo on top of the volcanic rock that bears a passing resemblance to a chair that was the last seat of Pele, volcano goddess, before she left the island.

Pele’s Chair

Going with the flow of gravity.

Alan Davis Beach

Robin was the only one who decided to test out the waters.

Alan Davis Beach

The group descending down to the secluded Kaho’ohaihai Inlet, before rambling off into the dry grassy fields.

Kaiwi Shoreline Trail

Balancing on the bridge over Kaloko Inlet. Best when medicated.

Kaiwi Shoreline Trail

Leaving the trail as we made our way back onto the highway.

Sandy Beach

The group taking a much needed sugar break from the punishing sun.

Sandy Beach

Culvert view.

Halona Blowhole Lookout

There was a map of the island which would come in handy if we were lacking a book, AllTrails or critical thinking.

Halona Cove

Looking down into the small protected bay also known as Cockroach Cove and Eternity Beach.

Umi Mamori Jizo

Akira standing next to the Japanese Fishing Shrine that was erected in 1940 to “protect” local fishermen. It was eventually “taken over” by Vietnamese Buddhists in 2007 who keep up the place and leave food and flower offerings.

Bamboo Ridge

Puka view.

Bamboo Ridge

Looking out towards Halona Blowhole. She wasn’t spouting today.

Bamboo Ridge

360 degree perspective.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Walking on the narrow shoulder as we walked into incoming traffic with only inches of asphalt separating us.

Kawaiakaiea Bridge

Chris and Ferlino decided to explore a bridge nearby.

Kawaiakaiea Bridge

Graffiti galore.

Ihiihilaukea Bridge

The majority of bridges in this area was built in the 1930s.

Hanauma Bay

Mari next to the entrance of one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The park is now regulated and restricted to 720 guests a day, down from its highs of 3,000 to 10,000 visitors a day.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

I think your safety check is expired.

All pau

We ended our hike in the parking lot at Taco Bell. Thanks to Robin for dropping everybody back at Waimanalo Beach.

GPS Tracks

Our re-started perimeter walk covered 9.8 miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Greek Marina. It’s all Greek to me.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, David and Susan Katz, Ferlino Carinio, Mari Saito, Robin Farr, 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 spent Girl’s Day wrapping up our perimeter walk around the island.

Hawaii Kai

Met up with the gang and parked near the only golf course on the eastern side of the island. We then walked to the starting point, some lawbreakers didn’t want to walk on the sidewalk. The crowd that I hang out with, hope it doesn’t rub off on me.

Sandy Beach

We caught the breaking sunrise at the birthplace of modern bodyboarding in the islands.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Leaving the extinct tuff cone behind us, also commonly confused with Koko Head. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

We decided to avoid being potential roadkill and elected to make our way on the trail that is part of 340 acres of State park that is supposed to be kept in its wild and natural state for perpetuity. No beach side luxury homes for the affordable market.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

The group walking on the roughly one mile sandy trail that leads to Makapu’u.

Wawamalu Bridge

Akira figuring out anyway to stay high, whether its elevated or medicinal. The bridge is named after the area that means shady valley in Hawaiian.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

Approaching the lava rock formation known as Kapaliokamoa or Cliff of the Chicken. However, most people know it as Pele’s Chair.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

The group nearing Ka’ili’ili Bay also commonly known as Alan Davis Beach after the man that founded Wawamalu Ranch in 1922. We could also see a solitary hiker perched on top of Pele’s Chair. Monkey see, monkey do.

Pele’s Chair

Climbing up to the vantage point where the other islands of Molokai, Maui and Lanai can be seen on a clear day.

Pele’s Chair

A man’s got to know his limitations.

Pele’s Chair

Does it look more like a chicken than a chair?

Pele’s Chair

It was getting crowded at the top as Agnes was the last to join us.

Pele’s Chair

Group photo at the top.

Pele’s Chair

What goes up, must come back down, with a little help from her friends.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

Leaving the last seating of the volcanic goddess as we climbed our way up.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

Some in the group straggling behind to catch the splendid views from the rugged coastline.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Joining the roughly one mile paved road filled with two legged and four legged hikers.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Somebody needs to get with the program.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Standing tall before falling down. Luckily, a dog was there to save Chico from himself.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Group photo at the lookout before some of us decided to touch the lighthouse up close and personal.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Some stayed and some dribbled down the cliff.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Going down the express way.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Agnes hopping off the rock.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Approaching the lighthouse that was built in 1909.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

What happened to the railings?

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie!

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Can you see the hiker for the tree?

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Group photo at the southeasternmost point of Oahu.

Makapu’u Cliffs

When you got to go, you got to go.

Makapu’u Cliffs

Passing the WW2 pillboxes on our way down to the lookout.

Makapu’u Cliffs

We went looking for whales but caught rainbows instead.

Makapu’u Cliffs

Karen showing us her climbing chops.

Makapu’u Cliffs

While some of us practiced our climbing down below, the rest took panoramic pictures topside.

Makapu’u Cliffs

Rainbow breath, better than bad breath.

Makapu’u Cliffs

Karen peering out from one of the well camouflaged pillboxes.

Makapu’u Lookout

Contributing to the collection of ahu (pile of stones) scattered throughout the area that was put up by passing parties as evidence that they had been here at the spot named after a Tahitian god that had eight bright eyes.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Walking on the narrow shoulder as we shared the common artery with bicyclists and motorists.

Sea Life Park

Dale standing near the entrance to the aquatic park that first opened in 1964.

Makapu’u Beach Park

We took a bathroom break and took in the nearby views of Manana (Rabbit) and Kaohikaipu Islands, both seabird sanctuaries.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Back on the road again.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Edgar pointed out the volcanic rock (pohaku) protruding out of the water is one of many heiaus (temples) around the island.

Makai Pier

Drone view of the pier built in the 1960s.

Makai Pier

I left the close quarter flying to the chopper pilot.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Back on the highway with views of the divided hill that are an erosional remnant from the Ko’olau Volcano.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Hello? We are political canvassing for the Republican Party. Can we come in and have a word? Hello?

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Akira smoking the cigarette from the pack of Crowns that Tessa had found on the side of the road. Can’t beat the real thing. High high.

Waimanalo Beach Park

Congratulations to Mari for completing the final segment of the perimeter walk around the entire island of Oahu.

All pau

Group photo at the end point. Much appreciation and thanks to all the friends that kept us company on the 14 walks and providing the logistical support for the drop offs and pick ups.

GPS Tracks

Our last perimeter walk covered roughly 6.35 miles that completed the 140 miles around the island. Post hike meal at Kalapawai Market where indoor seating was secured and a mix and match of deli food, 7-11 food and sidewalk food was enjoyed by the group.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our final walk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQzc6g0aRGw

Photos taken by Agnes Bryant, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Dale Yoshizu, Edgar Gamaio, Ferlino Carinio, Jasmin Nepomuceno, Karen Bischoff, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Monaliza Guillermo, 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 took a break from the mountains and pounded the pavement today. Ever since I had read about Denby Fawcett’s hike around the island back in 2013, I had always wanted to follow in her footsteps so to speak.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

The group pushed off from Chico’s house but not before we had to take an obligatory group photo as the sun started to brighten the morning skies.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Walking past the tree silhouetted by the fiery sky.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Trail snacks. Come back when enough ethene gas has been released to turn the starches to sugars.

Kawainui Canal

The highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range was strikingly clear, the day we decided to hike below its shadow.

Kainui Drive

Walking down the street lined with coconut palm trees, which are not native to Hawaii despite what many think.

Kainui Drive

Muscovy duck out of water.

South Kainalu Drive

Motivational message from across the street. “You are amazing, remember that.”

South Kainalu Drive

Passing a collection of tiki statues that were arranged in a semi-circle, perhaps to mark the boundary of somebody’s property, like back in the old days? Except this is not your ancestor’s heiau.

Kawainui Canal

Draining the marsh into the bay.

Wanaao Road

Somebody detoured to the yard sale to find edible medicines.

Ka’elepulu Canal

Draining the estuary into the bay.

Keolu Drive

At 15,000 square feet, Keolu Skatepark is one of the largest on the island.

Keolu Drive

Walking up the hill where the three peaks of Olomana, Paku’i and Ahiki loomed ahead of us.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Passing a highly invasive roadkill. Introduced from India in 1883 by sugar plantation owners to control the rat population that was eating their sweet exports for lunch, but instead the carnivorous critters wrecked havoc on the native fauna and flora to this day.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Introduced in 1955 by Ernest Morgado, huli-huli (turn) chicken has been a perennial fundraiser fixture around the island.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Somebody needs to take the Duke Aiona banner down. Old news.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Sharing the shoulder with bicyclists.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Can somebody come out and play?

Kahawai Stream

Passing the somewhat sad looking stream and across the street was Shima’s Market which is the only grocery store in this Windward community that was also acquired by Times Supermarket in 2008. We also dropped in at Waimanalo Shopping Center to check out the statue of Akebono, the Waimanalo native who went on to become one of the grand champions in sumo wrestling in Japan, but found out it was moved years ago to some spot in Waikiki.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Will the real bus stop please ring the bell to get off. We also passed Bellows Air Force station which serves as a training and recreation area for the military.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Passing the 27 acres where horseback mounted riders still play the “Sport of Kings” on the weekends.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Walking through the rural community where for the most part, country is still country.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Does anybody have a quarter? Do I even have a ring tone? Can I get operator assistance?

Waimanalo Beach Park

We stopped pounding the pavement at the bay that has the longest uninterrupted white sand beach on the island. Thanks to Lilia who arrived at the perfect time to pick us up.

GPS Tracks

Our 10.6 mile walk was the first installment on circling the island that was done with color-coordinated good company. Post hike meal at Kalapawai Cafe & Deli where the fresh catch was the last dish to land on the table.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Windward Walk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-C5NyDXStM

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Quan Haberstroh, 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.