Walk around Oahu (Koko Crater to Waimanalo Beach)

We spent Girl’s Day wrapping up our perimeter walk around the island.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

A man’s got to know his limitations.

Does it look more like a chicken than a chair?

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

Group photo at the top.

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

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

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

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

Somebody needs to get with the program.

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

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

Some stayed and some dribbled down the cliff.

Going down the express way.

Agnes hopping off the rock.

Approaching the lighthouse that was built in 1909.

What happened to the railings?

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

Can you see the hiker for the tree?

Group photo at the southeasternmost point of Oahu.

When you got to go, you got to go.

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

We went looking for whales but caught rainbows instead.

Karen showing us her climbing chops.

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

Rainbow breath, better than bad breath.

Karen peering out from one of the well camouflaged pillboxes.

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.

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

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

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

Back on the road again.

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

Drone view of the pier built in the 1960s.

I left the close quarter flying to the chopper pilot.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Tagged as: ka'iwi shoreline trail, kaiona beach park, kapaliokamoa, koko crater, makai pier, makapu'u lighthouse, makapuu, pele's chair, sandy beach, sea life park, waimanalo beach park, wawamalu bridge