Walk around Oahu (Kualoa to Waiahole)

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

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

Big shadows and small shadow.

Going over the wall. Legally.

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.

Stumping for Groot. Represent.

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.

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

Walking over to the next dock.

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

Brah, you get license to drive boat? Nevamine!

Survey says … WOOF!

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!

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

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

Groot piggybacking on Chico.

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.

Group photo with the obliging statues.

Sampling the free coffee and macadamia nuts.

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

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

You need smoke in order to follow it.

Browsing and puffing and drinking.

It sure is hot today.

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).

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

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

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

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.”

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

The “classic” Pride Rock photograph.

The “new” Tree Monkey photograph.

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

Overlooking Kualoa Ranch and its domain.

Can you spot Akira below the rock shelf?

Time to head back down.

Where’s my hiking stick?

Two ropes are better than one.

Where’s that second rope when you need it?

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

Sliding our way down to the exit.

Sign me up.

Groot channeling his inner Musk.

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

Fail. Go back to rapelling.

$10 Coconut. Cristy was thirsty.

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

There’s gold in them thar tilipia filled waters.

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

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

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

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.

Tagged as: coral kingdom, kamehameha highway, kualoa beach park, macadamia nut outlet, pride rock, secret island, southeast ridge, waiahole poi factory, waikane