We flew over to the Garden Isle to do another of my favorite activities, waterfalls! Actually it was on the bucket list for some of our friends who had never been to this particular watering hole.

HNL

Entertaining ourselves as we waited to board our twilight flight. We are easily amused.

Pacific Ocean

Flying the friendly skies. Wrong airline.

Kauai

Landed in Lihue, picked up our black jeeps, had dinner at a popular eatery and then checked in at Banyan Harbor Resort for the night.

Lihue

Day 2
Woke up before the crack of dawn, packed our stuff and made a quick pit stop to pick up food for the day. Too early for poke.

Wailua

Traversing the multiple stream crossings were a breeze now thanks to the improvements made on the Loop Road back in 2024-2025.

Wailua

Capturing the sunrise being filtered by the trees.

Wailua

It was a bumpy and muddy ride as we passed the Jurassic Park Poles on the roughly five mile unmaintained road. Contrary to popular belief, these are simply markers and are not leftovers from the original set. The actual gates were farther up the road and were demolished after the filming was done. No souvenirs for Hawaii.

Blue Hole Trail

Eleven clean shoes at the start of the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Somebody was really excited to be here.

Blue Hole Trail

Our first stream crossing. One of many more to come.

Blue Hole Trail

Slipping and sliding through the mud.

Blue Hole Trail

Passing a flowering Nun’s Orchid on the trail, it was the first tropical orchid to flower in England as it’s native to Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Blue Hole Trail

“What you doing in the water, squatting like that?” Based on the popular myth, the stream water would be turning a bright blue, much like her shade of beet red.

Blue Hole Trail

Leaving the urine soaked water behind us.

Blue Hole Trail

Morning mist.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny washing his face with the urine water. Oh wait, we are upstream, so he’s safe. Feel sorry for the rest of the group that were downstream.

Blue Hole Trail

Bible studies with the annoying church slut on the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Matt looking for the waterfalls at the end of the tunnel.

Blue Hole Trail

Taking a break as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up. No bathroom breaks.

Blue Hole Trail

Approaching the first major waterfall of the day.

Guardian Falls

Checking out the gatekeeper falls on the trail. Nobody took a dip.

Blue Hole Trail

The rest of the group were enjoying the stream life.

Guardian Falls

Some of us explored a side waterfall. Slippery when wet.

Guardian Falls

Making my way back to the group as I was feeling lonely, wet and cold.

Blue Hole Trail

Roger showing off his rock balancing skills.

Blue Hole Trail

We contoured to the left of the falls to regain the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Following the stream into the canyon.

Blue Hole Trail

Matt looking at a small waterfall.

Blue Hole Trail

So he decided to make a smaller one himself.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny didn’t feel the need to add any more waterfalls.

Blue Hole Trail

Rock hopping and scrambling our way up the stream.

Blue Hole Trail

The waterfall walls began to constrict as we hiked deeper into the canyon.

Blue Hole Trail

We left the stream as we climbed up to get back on trail. Matt boosted the rest of the groups confidence as he said this is where he almost died. Climb on!

Blue Hole Trail

The steady stream of pulsating helicopters above our heads became more incessant and irritating.

Blue Hole Trail

Chico making his way up the slippery rocks.

Blue Hole Trail

Going through the gate. Almost there!

Blue Hole Trail

Going down the hill as we could see the Blue Hole for the first time.

Blue Hole Trail

Allison using both ropes as she climbed her way down the slippery rocks.

Wailua Headwaters

Exploring this water soaked and moss carpeted canyon that was carved from constant rainfall from what was once the wettest spot on Earth, Mount Wai’ale’ale. Pictures don’t give scale to the canyon walls that soar thousands of feet to the summit. Something that must be experienced in person through hiking or riding in a tour helicopter. This was the first time seeing this place for Chico, Edgar, Kenny, Marilyn and Sandra as well. It did not disappoint.

Weeping Wall

Drone view of our partial group photo against the backdrop of the canyon walls weeping with waterfalls.

Blue Hole

This angle illustrates the reason why some people call it the “Blue Hole.” However, the weather was not cooperating by providing us with blue skies today. Instead it provided us with greyish-whitish skies and a steady diet of vertical-lift aircraft carrying tourists who only caught seemingly seconds of the Blue Hole. Hope it was worth it.

Blue Hole

Getting close to the base of the falls.

Weeping Wall

Matt getting real up close and personal.

Blue Hole

Time to take our leave of this natural waterpark that Mother Nature has gifted us.

Weeping Wall

Not so fast. Aida, Ferlino and Roger caught up to us and had to have their round of picture taking as it was their first time here as well.

Blue Hole Trail

Climbing our way back down to Wailua Stream.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny showing us how it’s done.

Blue Hole Trail

Passing a stand of ornamental banana trees. Not to be confused with Orientals. We also crossed paths with a pair of hikers who had started late and assured us they could hustle to make it back out before dark.

Blue Hole Trail

Somebody was glad that we had brought webbing on the trail.

Guardian Falls

Can this picture go on the blog? I guess.

Blue Hole Trail

You go that way and we’ll go this way.

Wailua

We drove out of the unmaintained road and switched Kenny with Mari at the airport. Post hike meal was at Hukilau Lanai where our group was split into two tables and checked out with fine dining prices. Overall despite some in the group getting lost, two hiking poles wrecked and Chico suffering a couple abrasions and cuts, the day went swimmingly. Our total mileage for the hike came out to a little more than four miles round trip, some others have quoted eight miles round trip. Whatever the exact mileage was, it sure felt like the latter one at the end of the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ced84n5DHWs

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Blue Hole hike.

Lihue

Day 3
Checked out of our Airbnb, stopped at the local bakery that has been around since 1965 to fuel up for the day and drove to Waimea.

Waimea Canyon

Looking into the Grand Canyon of the Pacific where the distant Waipo’o Falls could be seen.

Hale Manu Valley

Getting our bang for the buck out of our rental jeeps.

Hale Manu Valley

Matt grooming another Princess in the group.

Hale Manu Valley

We’re not getting muddy, right?

Cliff Lookout

Our muppet group photo. Who’s who? Rijah Dat! Something got lost in the translation.

Canyon Trail

You guys want to see a better view? Rajah Dat!

Canyon Trail

Running commentary. Do you want my spikes? No. I have webbing. No need. It’s all for the gram, right? No. Does he have insurance? Yes. Can I get a ride from the airport? Yes.

Canyon Trail

There’s no “I” in team. In this case, I guess there is.

Canyon Trail

Group photo with the backdrop of the canyon that was formed over 4 million years ago when the shield volcano collapsed and the river and rain did the rest.

Canyon Trail

Synchronized spinning.

Canyon Trail

Ascending hikers have the right of way over descending hikers. It’s not always true, but normally?!?

Canyon Trail

Descending towards the falls. I didn’t have to yield to any ascending hikers.

Canyon Trail

Scenic spots.

Canyon Trail

Climbing down the direct way to the falls.

Waipo’o Falls

The girls standing at the top of the head-water falls before it plummets down the canyon walls.

Waipo’o Falls

Matt trying to thread his drone through the arch. Close but no cigar.

Waipo’o Falls

Getting all wet on the second of the smaller upper tier of the falls fed by Koke’e Stream.

Waipo’o Falls

Matt’s dramatic drone shots of the two-tiered 800′ waterfall.

Waipo’o Falls

On the way out, some of the group checked out the first of the smaller falls with a plunge pool. No plunging today.

Hale Manu Valley

Looking up into the pear or plum blossoms may result in a bug falling into your eye. Luckily our resident RN was able to fish it out of Mari’s eye on an out-patient basis.

Waimea Canyon

We drove over to the lookout to take the typical tourist photos.

Waimea Canyon

Spotting two feral goats climbing the rocky cliffs of the canyon. These invasive species were introduced in the 18th century by Captain Vancouver in 1792 on Kauai.

Waimea Canyon

Goat see, goat do.

Waimea Canyon

Running commentary. Those are idiots! I won’t disagree with you on that. One idiot is one idiot. Two idiots are two idiots. Four idiots are a hiking group.

Waimea Canyon

Birds eye view.

Waimea Canyon

Drone views of the canyon that plunges over 3,000′ deep.

Waimea Canyon

The unofficial mascot of Kauai clucking their way around the parking lot and everywhere else, as the feral population exploded due to chickens being released during Hurricanes Iwa and Iniki.

Hamura Saimin

We drove over to Lihue to eat at the local saimin stand that has been operating since 1952. It even received a James Beard award, believe it or not.

Scotty’s Car Wash & Detail

Cleaning our jeeps in Kapa’a, where we even had City & County supervision to ensure that we didn’t miss any spots before returning them back to the airport and catching our flight home. Thanks to Scotty for letting us wash our jeeps at his place. Mahalo to Edgar for booking the Airbnb and Chico, Edgar and Roger for getting the jeep rentals. Amazing weekend with a fun group that was made even better as the forecasted rain failed to make its appearance.

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

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Waipo’o Falls hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, Mari Saito, Matt Vidaurri, Roger Schiffman, Sandra Walter 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 flew over to Mari’s favorite city this three-day weekend.

SFO Airport

Passing through the terminal that are adorned with painted wild red-crowned parrots of Telegraph Hill.

Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center

Early bird gets the parking stall.

Golden Gate Bridge

Starting our walk across the one mile suspension bridge that spans across San Francisco Bay.

Golden Gate Bridge

Looking down at the safety netting that was installed in 2017 to cut down on people jumping four seconds to their death by trauma or hypothermia. Fort Point can also be seen sitting on the promontory overlooking the entrance to the bay.

Fort Point

Photo of the seacoast fortification circa 1891 taken by James Schepp. Plans for the bridge originally called for the fort’s removal in the 1930s but it was redesigned to save the now historic site.

Golden Gate Bridge

Bug’s eye view of the South Tower.

Golden Gate Bridge

Marked safe from getting a speeding ticket.

Golden Gate Bridge

Looking down at The Needles, a rock formation primarily inhabited by seabirds.

Golden Gate Bridge

End of the bridge walk for us.

Vista Point

North side views.

Golden Gate Bridge

We crossed underneath the bridge to go back the other way. Or so we thought.

Golden Gate Bridge

Nothing to see here. Move along. The other side was reserved for bicyclists only. Besides, the views were on the ocean side.

Golden Gate Bridge

Bird’s eye view of the iconic bridge of San Francisco. If the US military had their druthers, the bridge would have been painted in yellow and black stripes instead of the now recognizable International Orange color.

Golden Gate Bridge

Fun fact: There are 27,572 wires in each of the two main suspension cables that are roughly three feet in diameter and weigh 24,500 tons.

Golden Gate Bridge

I thought there were only 128 light poles on the 4,200′ bridge. I guess we are off the bridge. End of the walk.

Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center

Wandering around the exhibits and shop before leaving so that the circling vultures could come home to roost.

Golden Gate Bridge

Contributing our toll fee to the daily revenue generated which is around $440,000. By contrast, the neighboring Bay Bridge rakes in almost $2 million daily.

Lombard Street

Driving our way down the eight sharp hairpin turns on a 27 degree grade down the crookedest street in the world. It’s actually Vermont Street, but Lombard Street has the better marketing machine.

Pier 39

Love is in the air, after all it’s Valentine’s Day.

Pier 39

Walking around the popular tourist attraction that was built in 1978, where we saw sea birds and lions, sampled chocolates and donuts, had clam chowder and crab sandwiches washed downed with the “better coffee” and ended with a magic act.

Alamo Square

Drove around the residential park a few times before snagging a questionable parking spot.

Painted Ladies

Soaking in the views of the “Postcard Row” of colorful painted houses that were built in the Victorian and Edwardian style popular in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Salesforce Tower

Mari next to the tallest building in San Francisco, topping out at 61 stories which translates to a height of 1,070′.

Salesforce Park

Strolling in the public park that are home to 600 trees and 16,000 plants.

Salesforce Tower

The skyscraper was originally known as Transbay Tower but was changed to its current name when Salesforce became the anchor tenant.

Salesforce Tower

We took the short gondola ride down instead of the elevator. The wait was significantly longer than the ride itself.

Waymo

Who’s driving?

Waymo

The self-driving car navigated the congested streets of San Francisco with great aplomb. No worries whatsoever.

In-N-Out Burger

No trip to the Bay area is complete without a stop at the popular fast food restaurant, that is still family-owned to this day to ensure quality control.

Home2

Home Sweet Home for the night.

Chinatown

Day 2

What better way to celebrate the year of the Horse than in the oldest Chinatown in North America?

Chinatown

Mari against the backdrop of Transamerica Pyramid that is the second tallest building in the city topping out at 853′.

Chinatown

Not my year.

Chinatown

Multiple vendors were selling bunches and branches of the “queen of flowers,” plum flowers represent the five blessings of longevity, prosperity, happiness, peace, and good luck.

Chinatown

Taking my picture against Tin How Temple, which is one of the oldest still-operating Chinese temples in the United States. Closed for the holidays. Even Taoist monks need a vacation.

Chinatown

We caught the colorful lion dance parading through the streets. The lion is not native to China, so the dance is thought to have originated in Persia or India.

Chinatown

What fortunes await us at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory? The Chinese fortune cookie actually originated in Japan and spread to America in the 1900s. Don’t ask for them in China. No fortune cookies for you!

San Francisco

The iconic cable cars of San Francisco are the world’s last manually operated cable-car system.

Cable Car Museum

Spending some time at the working museum that chronicles the history of the cable cars.

Chinatown

What?!?

Chinatown

Standing at the Southern entrance to Chinatown that is marked by the Dragon Gate that was built in 1969 as a gift from Taiwan.

Union Square

Checked out two of the four Hearts in San Francisco sculptures at the public plaza that is at the hub of upscale stores, restaurants, art and entertainment bordered by the homeless.

Union Square

Mari in front of the 85′ tall Dewey Monument that celebrates Admiral Dewey’s victory in the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898.

Waymo

Better than Uber.

Ghirardelli Square

Of course we had to stop here. The square was originally the headquarters of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in 1893, until they relocated to San Leandro in the early 1960s. In 1964, it was repurposed into a community of shops and restaurants.

Ghirardelli Square

Fed our savory and sweet tooth’s.

Waymo

Shotgun!

Trader Joe’s

Pit stop at the “neighborhood grocery store” that seems to be a magnet for Hawaii people.

California Academy of Sciences

Day 3
The forecasted rain finally showed up on our last day. What to do on a rainy day? We drove to Golden Gate Park to visit one of the largest natural history museums in the world.

California Academy of Sciences

We were greeted at the door by a replica fossil of a T-Rex with a Tiny Chef in its mouth.

California Academy of Sciences

Meandering our way through the over 400,000 square feet of over 46 million specimens. We were going to see a mere fraction of that.

California Academy of Sciences

Looking down at the Alligator Snapping Turtle, which are the largest freshwater turtles in North America.

California Academy of Sciences

Standing in simulated earthquakes that have rattled San Francisco in 1906 and 1989. We then walked over to the Morrison Planetarium to take in an immersive meteor crashing simulation.

California Academy of Sciences

Is that Tiny Chef dressed up in a wetsuit and ready to clean the stream?

California Academy of Sciences

Which watermarked photo shall we pick? We’ll take them all.

California Academy of Sciences

Judging by the long line, this must be the most popular exhibit.

California Academy of Sciences

Exploring the four-level dome that are home to over 1,600 live animals.

California Academy of Sciences

Passing by the aquarium teeming with marine life.

California Academy of Sciences

Probably a close runner up for the most popular exhibit, the African Penguins. Didn’t know they had penguins in Africa.

California Academy of Sciences

Checking for cavities or holes in my head.

San Francisco

Checking out. San Francisco, it was real. Until next time.

Photos taken by 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.

Our planned trip to summit the largest active volcano on Earth was scuttled due to lack of permits, so we just decided to explore some spots on the youngest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. No sense wasting a perfectly good three day weekend.

Teshima’s Restaurant

Our flight landed on the Keahole Point runway that was built on the 1801 lava flow and met up with Roger and picked up our Turo Jeep. Brunch was at the Japanese restaurant built in 1957 and consisted of American breakfast fare as lunch time was so close but yet so far.

Pebble Beach

We briefly stopped at Roger’s house and then drove down his neighborhood to start our coastal hike. Why walk when you can drive?

Puoa Point Trail

Roger and Aida using the stepping stones over the chunky and crunchy ‘a’a lava. Ow! Ow!

Puoa Point Trail

Mari passing through a stand of trees that offered the only shade on the trail.

Puoa Point Trail

Ferlino hanging off a tree. A force of habit.

Puoa Point Trail

Approaching the wave weathered rock formation that will eventually erode and allow the coastline to migrate inland.

Puoa Point

The power of the ocean as demonstrated by the high surf crashing against the rocks which continuously change the character of the coastline.

Puoa Point

Looking out towards one of numerous sea arches that populate the shoreline.

Puoa Point

Perched on top of the rocks as the ocean waters churned all around us.

Puoa Point

Can you see Roger for the waves?

Kaluahe’e Rock

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Do I want to be on the six o’clock news? Where is the nearest lifeguard station? How are the medical facilities on this island? Prudence was the better part of valor in this case of rough waters and lack of strong swimming skills.

Kaluahe’e Rock

Ferlino demonstrating the safer practice of hanging over terra firma.

Kaluahe’e Rock

Drone view of cable rock towards the group. Roger stated that an enterprising local strung up this cable wire during the height of Covid to secure his own fishing spot.

Puoa Point Trail

Walking over the different textures of pahoehoe lava.

Puoa Point Trail

Our search for the lava tube that descended vertically into the sea was called off due to lack of time.

Puoa Point Trail

Does Pele’s Curse apply to goat skulls?

Puoa Point Trail

I left my heart in Captain Cook or more accurately Kealakekua Bay.

Puoa Point Trail

On the way back, high surf completely drenched a particular Galaxy Phone and her owner. Electronic devices and seawater do not mix well.

Puoa Point Trail

Keeping out of the surf zone. I have an iPhone.

All pau

Following the trail back to our cars and dry clothes for some.

Manago Restaurant

The hotel has been closed as of 2023, but the restaurant is still open for business. The food and settings appear to have been frozen in time since the 1940s. Of course we had to sample their famous pork chops. Comfort food.

Manago Restaurant

Eating our dinner in the no-frills, rustic and old school eatery that won the 2023 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award, which has been described as the “Oscars” of the food industry.

Manago Restaurant

Group photo in the longest continually running restaurant in Hawaii. We retired to Roger’s house to play the card game of Shithead. The former winner declined to play and the host was declared the winner that night.

Day 2

Punalu’u Bake Shop

The next day, we had Chicken Papaya for breakfast that Ferlino had prepared the night before. Salamat. We then made the trip to Hilo which takes roughly two hours, on the way we stopped at the Southern most bakery in the US to sample the best malasadas according to somebody. I think she’s all wet. Oh wait, that was yesterday. It was actually ono (delicious).

Punalu’u Bake Shop

Chowing down our bakery breakfast before continuing the relatively long drive to Hilo.

Kulaniapia Falls

We picked up Scotty and rolled into what is billed as Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall. Mahalo to Scott for the suggestion to check out this place. They don’t take walkups as one might be trampled by the hordes beating a path to their door so to speak. Staff gave us a short briefing and initially I thought this is what we paid a Benjamin for?

Kulaniapia Falls

Two trails diverged in a bamboo forest,
And happy we could travel both
And looked down as far as we could
To where water flowed in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and a waterfall;
Though as for that the passing there
I doubted if we should ever come back.

Kulaniapia Falls

Making our way clockwise on the loop trail as we descended down towards Waiau Stream.

Kulaniapia Falls

Rearranged the furniture for our group shot from the pavilion.

Kulaniapia Falls

The landscape of the place has a strong Asian-inspired feel to the 22-acre property.

Kulaniapia Falls

In search of that “hot tub” that Scotty had pointed out earlier.

Kulaniapia Falls

I think somebody and their phone are marked safe from any “splashing” today.

Kulaniapia Falls

Scrambling downstream where I ran across multiple rappelling anchors bolted into the rocks. Optional activity that was not considered by the group due to lack of interest, time and cost.

Kulaniapia Falls

So close, yet so far. I didn’t want to pull an “Aida” and decided to stay put and dry.

Kulaniapia Falls

We explored a little more downstream to discover triple waterfalls.

Kulaniapia Falls

Flying Filipino on the rocks. Shaken, not stirred.

Kulaniapia Falls

We followed the trail to the main falls where others were engaged in the optional activities offered for a price.

Kulaniapia Falls

Group photo in front of the recorded 120′ falls. Some would dispute that number.

Kulaniapia Falls

Keeping the social distance of 20′ away from the falls where the height of the falls became less disputable.

Kulaniapia Falls

Making our way back to our cars which ended our “exhausting” less than a mile loop trail and dropped Scotty off at the airport to catch his flight back home.

Hilo

We had pho at Van’s Vietnamese Cuisine, visited the local Baskin Robbins, picked up an apple pie from the local supermarket that we never ate, sampled free cookies and coffee and even had time to clean the eco-system that was growing in the gutters.

Volcano House

Is that Episode 41? Hoping against hope. Come back next weekend.

Volcano House

We had a roughly one hour wait at the bustling building that has been around since 1941, but has its roots going back to 1846. Our dinner was pepperoni and wild mushroom pizza which was gobbled down in short order as Aida had to catch her flight back.

Highway 11

Driving back to Kona on the inky blacktop, we were surprised by the Blue Light Special. The police gave us a marked down speeding ticket. Not quite the sale we had been hoping for. Nobody was in the mood to play another card game of Shithead. So we all hit the sack.

Day 3

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

We arrived at the trailhead of the many furrowed hill while staying under the speed limit on our last day in Kona.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Why did the sheep cross the road? The sheep identifies as chickens, if it works for humans, why not domesticated ruminants?

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Approaching the jello mold hill as we soon traded the paved road for a jeep road.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Passing an abandoned structure, multiple guesses were tossed out as to the original use of the building.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Slowly gaining elevation on the hill.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Border control. No whistling allowed.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Dung beetle hard at work rolling cow shit into a ball to be buried for food storage which also plays a part in soil nutrition and seed dispersal. They are also quite strong as they can pull over 1,100 times their own body weight, which is the equivalent of an average person pulling four loaded city buses.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Cresting over the 4×4 road that are used by ranchers and students planting native plants and trees.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Approaching the steep section. Where?

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Looking back at the now steep section. Perspective.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

The cows had the right idea as they were sheltering for shade.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a

Ferlino approaching the summit.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a

Group photo at the 3,956′ top of the 100,000 year old cinder cone.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a

Drone views.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a

Looking out towards Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Descending off the cinder cone that sits on the North slope of Hualalai, the third highest peak on the island. Next on my list.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Looping back on the trail.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

All downhill from here.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

“Pulling” the cinder cone towards us. If only it was that easy.

All pau

Hop, skip and a jump and we were back to our car.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 6.68 miles with an elevation gain of 1,864′ and 3 hours and 26 minutes of hiking time.

Kona

We stopped to get our bag of the Kona version of Maui style chips and had a late lunch at the restaurant housed in a building that dates back to the 1930s. Looks like it.

The Coffee Shack

Enjoying our panoramic views of the Kona coast and the natural air conditioning afforded by the missing window pane.

Kona

We caught the sunset on the way to the airport to catch our flight back home and got upgraded to exit row seats as we all needed the extra legroom for our extremely long limbs. Many thanks to Roger for hosting us at his house, Ferlino and Roger for driving all over the island and everybody for the fun company. MLK weekend well spent.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Ferlino Carinio, Mari Saito, Robin Farr, Roger Schiffman, Scott Dea, 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.

Rain was drenching the islands for almost a week, you would think the stream levels would be overflowing. One would think.

Wahiawa

We all met up on the street that was named after the California Colony that was founded by families from the 31st state who came to farm pineapples and fruits in the early 1900s.

Wahiawa Hills

Edgar making his way down the heavily rooted and forested hill.

Wahiawa Hills

Following the thick rope down that ran the entire length of the slippery slope. Kudos to whomever carried and left it for others to utilize.

Wahiawa Hills

Passing through a farmed and managed area.

Wahiawa Hills

Our first crossing of the longest river in the islands.

Wahiawa Hills

Putting our glutes and quads to good use this morning.

Wahiawa Hills

Scott getting our bearings in the rolling hills. Multiple hikers have gotten lost and rescued in this lush jungle and one hiker never made it back.

Wahiawa Hills

Descending to our exit stream crossing.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Scott tying a yellow towel to an overhanging branch so that we would have a visual reminder where to get out, otherwise we would rack up extra mileage. Not the kind you can redeem either.

Wahiawa Hills

They don’t call this place Wahiawa Hills for nothing.

Wahiawa Hills

Group photo on the relaxing horizontal stretch of ground.

Wahiawa Hills

Matt standing in front of a Traveller’s Palm, despite his doubts. Google Lens confirmed the flowering plant. It’s on the Internet, so it must be true.

Wahiawa Hills

Keeping to the lower trail.

Wahiawa Hills

The group “exploring” in the hills. All trails eventually lead to the stream. Right?

Wahiawa Hills

Deja vu.

Wahiawa Hills

We are absolutely and positively on the right trail this time. That and a nickel will get us wet.

Wahiawa Hills

Getting ready at the launch point, as we inflated our floaties and put on our wetsuits.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Making our way to the stream which was full of water but not as deep as we had hoped.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

We have buoyancy!

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Floating lazily down a river.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Squirting water on suspecting passerby’s.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Adding more air to my floatie as it was already running low. Do I need to lose weight?

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

The mostly shallow river meant we had to cross the exposed rocks by foot or by butt.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Sandra on the rocks. Shaken and not stirred.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Scott banking off the bank, like a pool shot.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Nature’s wet’n’wild waterpark. Saved us $39.99 and standing in lines and subject to the exorbitant food and beverage prices.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Groot and the chain gang.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Kenny adopting the drag coefficient position to float down the river.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Swimming and tubing in the deep section.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Matt requiring assistance from the Kauai chapter of AAA. I would also require assistance.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Sandra riding the rocky class two rapids.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Back at the finish line sans my gopro. I was more than ready for terra firma. Keep my floatie. Thank you very much.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Deflating the floaties as we dragged our water soaked bodies out of the river that drains into Kai’aka Bay.

Wahiawa Hills

Climbing our last hill for the day.

All pau

Exiting back to our cars where Sandra recovered her banana from my truck that was still sitting there. No hungry chronics in this neighborhood.

GPS Tracks

Our hike/floatie ride covered 4.67 miles through the hills of Wahiawa with a fun group. Thanks to Scott for putting this together. Post hike meal at a local staple in the town, Dong Yang Inn. Under new management without the pupus that used to come with your entrees and everything is now packed to go. Still tasty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8upgtMVRd8

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our tubing/hiking day.

Photos taken by Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, Matt Vidaurri, Sandra Walter, Scott Dea 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 killed two birds with one stone by having our #15 perimeter walk and celebrating Tessa’s birthday all wrapped up in one day.

Hale Cantu

The group met up at Chico’s house while Santa checked out his Harley with his two elves as he gets ready for his Christmas Toys for Tots ride.

He’eia Kea Boat Harbor

Thanks to Blaine, David and Lilia for shuttling us to the only public pier on Kaneohe Bay to start our walk.

He’eia Kea Boat Harbor

Nothing beats watching a rainbow while sitting on your own personal potty. Autographed no less. Happy Birthday Tessa!

Kamehameha Highway

The rain started coming down on our walk. Doesn’t that trigger a Pavlovian conditioned response? Tessa is prepared.

He’eia Estuary

Cutting across one of 30 coastal reserves in the country that was established in 2017 to protect the 1,385 acres of coastal wetlands.

Kamehameha Highway

Exiting back to paved paradise.

Kamehameha Highway

Sharing the road and sidewalks.

Windward Mall

In Hawaii, Santa doesn’t get a plate of cookies, he gets a box of malasadas. Thanks to Kenny for buying us the sugar glazed Portugese doughnuts.

Windward Mall

Group photo in front of one of five Leonard’s malasada wagons spread across the island. Photobombers welcome.

Windward Mall

Rounding up Santa’s sleigh and reindeers.

Windward Mall

Santa and his nine reindeer all carted up and nowhere to go.

Windward Mall

You know Kenji and Aida and Roger and Allison
Cristy and Marilyn and Susan and Aileen
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?

Tessa the yellow-bucket Reindeer
Had a very shiny seat
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it pilau

Windward Mall

Then one humid Hawaiian day
Santa came to say
“Tessa, with your bucket so stink
Won’t you guide my sleigh today?”

Then how the reindeer held their noses
As they shouted out with glee
“Tessa the yellow-bucket Reindeer
You’ll go down in history”

Habilitat Hawaii Christmas Trees

No discount for Santa. They do offer assistance to people with funny faces.

Kamehameha Highway

When one has choices.

Kamehameha Highway

Snack break at one of 85,000 7-11 stores worldwide.

Kamehameha Highway

No! I don’t want to be your reindeer!

Kamehameha Highway

Group photo with the public display on the library and police station grounds.

Kaneohe

We detoured off the highway and took the side streets where we saw a muscle car and Christmas decorations.

Kaneohe

The group briskly walking through the passageway that cut through the neighborhood as we didn’t want to be reported for loitering.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Dale exiting the passageway onto the road that was funded in 1935 to create a scenic route along the bay.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Picturesque view of the largest sheltered body of water in the islands with the rugged Kualoa Mountains in the background.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Passing the Kokokahi site of the YWCA that was founded in the 1920s to promote racial unity.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Mari with the world famous beagle decked out in his holiday clothes who first made his appearance in 1950.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Santa parachuting into the neighborhood to deliver presents to the nice kids. Naughty kids get a lump of clean, beautiful coal courtesy of Trump.

Kaneohe Yacht Club

Group photo in front of the oldest continuously operating yacht club that was founded in 1924.

Kaneohe Yacht Club

Before and after.

Kaneohe Yacht Club

Pier photo.

All pau

Our walk has ended but the fun is just starting. Congratulations to Aida for finishing the last chunk she needed to complete the entire 140 mile perimeter walk around the island.

GPS Tracks

Our birthday perimeter walk #15 covered 6.65 miles. It was actually slightly higher, but edited out of consideration for the annoying church slut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veWikbFzB6g

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our perimter walk.

Hale Cantu

Warming up our pitcher’s arms.

Hale Cantu

A modern take of the TP tradition. These TPs are worth their weight in greenbacks.

Hale Cantu

Next time there is a hurricane warning, you know who is not making a run to Costco.

Hale Cantu

Thanks to everybody for bringing ono food for the pot luck and Mari for baking the birthday cake.

Hale Cantu

The pool shark known as Waialua Skinny showing us his skills.

Hale Cantu

Jingle Bells. Chico won but being the gracious host gave the prize to the runner up, Kenny.

Hale Cantu

Watching corn kernels explode into popcorn. The first commercial popcorn machine was invented in 1885, but the practice dates back thousands of years with the Native Americans.

Hale Cantu

LCR. Guess who won? Again! Karma must not be a bitch.

Hale Cantu

Kanak attack. Time to go home. Mahalo to Chico and Lilia for graciously hosting us at their home for Tessa’s birthday party. Thanks to everybody that came and participated and made it a fun day.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Andrew Hirai, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Cristy CM, Dale Yoshizu, Dave and Susan Katz, Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Roger Schiffman, 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.

Our sandbar sailing got cancelled due to mechanical and physical breakdowns and so we pulled a magic trick. We turned a two hour hike into a full day. How? Read on impatient ones.

Ka’a’awa

We all met up despite the annoying church slut saying it was raining and perhaps a waterfall hike was in order. What rain? 100000000000%!

Ka’a’awa

Left the highway and scrambled up a trail less traveled. No signs.

Ka’a’awa

Mere minutes later, we arrived at the first bunker that was currently being occupied. No open bunker today?

Ka’a’awa

Can you see the lion for the bunker? Let me hear your primal roar! Keep it quiet up there, people are trying to sleep!

Ka’a’awa

Sunday Showing was canceled, so we popped over to the next bunker.

Ka’a’awa

The second bunker was open for showing that showcased ocean views and cross ventilation. This was the affordable section of town.

Ka’a’awa

The view from the rock, can you see the group for the distance?

Ka’a’awa

Follow the arrow if you can see it for the group.

Ka’a’awa

View from the studio sized bunker.

Ka’a’awa

Go back out there and catch the rainbow. Be quick about it.

Ka’a’awa

I couldn’t even taste the Skittles. Let alone that the bag of sugared candy are missing blue and violet colors, so it would have been an incomplete taste test as nonsensical arguments goes.

Ka’a’awa

Leaving the man-made structure for natural rock formations.

Ka’a’awa

The hard part was over per Allison. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Whew.

Ka’a’awa

Looking down at Huilua Fishpond located in Kahana Bay, believed by some to have been built by the legendary menehunes.

Ka’a’awa

Short climb to the top of the ridge.

Ka’a’awa

Akira should be DJing instead of dancing.

Ka’a’awa

We got the mountain views.

Ka’a’awa

Tessa perched high on the rock with her ocean views.

Ka’a’awa

Cristy with her coastal views.

Ka’a’awa

Group photo on the overlook rock. How many people can perch on this spit of a rock, safely?

Ka’a’awa

Aida wanted to show off her dance moves too.

Ka’a’awa

Making our way down to the saddle.

Ka’a’awa

Hugging the cliffs as we made our way to the crouching lion rock formation. Hawaiian legend has it that the formation is actually of the demigod Kauhi’?makaokalani, or large dog that was sent from Tahiti to guard the area. He was trapped by roots and turned into stone when trying to escape the goddess Hiiaka’s siren song.

Ka’a’awa

“What we have here is failure to communicate.” I thought Allison meant we were doing the loop trail to Kahekili, she meant the loop trail back down. Oh well, let’s take a group photo before going up towards the rock formation.

Ka’a’awa

Scrambling up the rear of the “lion.” Or shall we call it a dog now?

Ka’a’awa

The girls were not going any higher.

Ka’a’awa

We coaxed and cajoled Kenny into joining us for the views to no avail. The acrophobia is still strong with this one. Work in progress.

Ka’a’awa

Standing on the head of the “lion.”

Ka’a’awa

Akira climbing down the direct descent. No contouring.

Ka’a’awa

Step back from the edge.

Ka’a’awa

Look who’s talking.

Ka’a’awa

360 views of the four of us shoved into this faint resemblance of a cave.

Ka’a’awa

Leaving the eroded section for greener pastures.

Ka’a’awa

Allison walking down the “runway.”

Ka’a’awa

Fond farewell to the “large dog” or “crouching lion”, however historically accurate or not you want to be.

Ka’a’awa

Somebody was making the most of their anniversary gifted IPhone 17 Max. Tessa’s birthday is coming up.

Ka’a’awa

Descending back down to civilization.

Ka’a’awa

Over and under going down the trail.

Ka’a’awa

Back on the road again.

Ka’a’awa

Talks of further explorations and lunch were abruptly cut short when somebody locked their keys in the trunk. Don’t blame the duck either. Googling and YouTubing didn’t help matters much either. Let’s eat. Better to think on a full than empty stomach.

The Crouching Lion

What better place to eat than at a restaurant named after our hike? ‘Nuff said.

The Crouching Lion

Sampling the culinary creations of the restaurant that just reopened last year after a decade of being shuttered. The dishes were small, pricey and tasty. We also had the freshest rice we ever had in our life per our waiter. Say what? We are in Hawaii right? Just had to check.

The Crouching Lion

Raise your hands if you have the keys to your car. Tessa, put your hand down! Our bellies full, Akira and I drove to Pearl City to Kalihi and back to Ka’a’awa to get his spare key. Road trip. The rest of the group would go look for that plane wreckage that Allison had told us about.

Ka’a’awa

The group spent over an hour trying to find the plane wreckage. They had a lot of time on their hands.

Ka’a’awa

Success!

Ka’a’awa

Exploring the wrecked fuselage.

Ka’a’awa

Posing in front of the plane that turned out to be a former movie prop, likely a Bristol Britannia from the 1950s.

Ka’a’awa

Everybody wants to be a pilot until the crash.

Ka’a’awa

Reunited!

All pau

Walking back to our cars, keys in hand, our day was finally over. That is how we turned a two-hour hike into a full day filled with fun, food, and good company that turned a bad situation into a good one. Now you know the rest of the story.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Cristy CM, Kenny Lui, 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.

The random dumping of rain over the weekend resulted in cancellation of the original hike and its easy peasy lemon squeezy replacement.

Manoa

We met up deep in Manoa Valley under a constant pitter patter of rain and paid our four dollars to park inside while somebody parked in the neighborhood.

Manoa

Going through the shipping container that leads to a picture perfect rainforest that has been the backdrop in many Hollywood productions.

Manoa

Walking through the gravel path that winds its way through the forest of trees.

Manoa

Kenny playing in the water colored by rain and runoff.

Manoa

The girls didn’t want to get any more wet, so they stayed on the trail.

Manoa

Close enough without dipping my big toe in the water.

Manoa

Clustered around the tree throne that was grown by Mother Nature and maintained by the State of Hawaii.

Manoa

Walking up the reinforced steps as we approached the 150′ waterfall that was a little more voluminous than usual due to the weekend rain showers.

Wahii Nui Falls

Group photo at one of seven waterfalls in the valley, this being the most popular, well-known and misnamed.

Manoa

A bug’s eye view. Watch where you step. Met up with Allison and her daughter on the way down.

Manoa

Leaving the Honolulu Makau Trail System where talks of visiting another waterfall at nearby Lyon Arboretum were quickly dropped due to lack of interest and water.

Paradise Park

Gaining admittance to the 76-acre bird park that opened in 1967 and shuttered its operations in 1994 due to low visitor count.

Paradise Park

Akira making use of one of multiple abandoned aviaries throughout the compound.

Paradise Park

Wanna be birds climbing in the Aloha Aviary, where they were given more space than the smaller aviaries.

Paradise Park

The roof was for the most part still non-permeable which allowed the group shelter from the rain.

Paradise Park

Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.

Paradise Park

I was half expecting a pack of velociraptors to emerge from the shadows in the dilapidated Kamehameha Amphitheater.

Paradise Park

The only thing that was lurking in the amphitheater shadows was these poison dart frogs that were introduced from Panama in 1932 to control the mosquito population.

Paradise Park

This unamazing untrained bird that flitted across the amphitheater stage sucked. No wonder the place shut down.

Paradise Park

Trying out the Coconut Margarita from the Snack Shop.

Paradise Park

Potential sighting of a night watcher? I think it came from Temu.

Paradise Park

Eyes wide shut or open?

Paradise Park

Taking what was left of the Menehune Trail as we returned back to the road, washed our muddy shoes upstairs and got back into our cars. Our short exploration around Manoa covered 2.56 miles where we saw the main waterfall and checked out the deserted bird zoo that can be yours for the princely sum of $21 million.

Manoa

Post hike meal at Nishi Moncho Ramen. The set meals were the best bang for the buck. Akira auditioned for the missing Ronald McDonald statue that was stolen by a solitary person in the middle of the night according to the employee. Think he can fill his red clown shoes?

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Kenny Lui, 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.

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.

Jeremy was our guide today in an area that he said was like his backyard or the back of his hand or the back of his head.

Kahuku

The group getting their safety briefing. Pay attention and take notes. Never mind the lunch time.

Kahuku

Interrupting Cristy’s nature call to take our group photo.

Kahuku

Walking up the road that leads to the abandoned buildings. You mean we can drive up there? Are we not hikers?

Kahuku

I hear you knocking (rocking) but you can’t come in.

Kahuku

WTF? This is not Nutella splashed all over me!

Kahuku

Cardio climb.

Kahuku

Off-roading down the trail.

Kahuku

Detour to get a view of the surrounding areas.

Kahuku

No rest for the weary. We must keep persevering despite being exhausted. Trying to stay true to the saying.

Kahuku

Plan B. Bushed but not beaten.

Kahuku

Connecting to the other ridge.

Kahuku

Alexis trying, unsuccessfully, to convey the feeling of anxiety that was coined in the 1920s.

Kahuku

The final push to the abandoned facility.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

Checking out the water tank as we explored the administration area of the site that operated from 1961 to 1970.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

Using ones imagination when attempting to engage in physical exercise with a non-functioning machine.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

Exploring Building 84 that was built to accommodate the addition of the HIP AR (High Power Acquisition Radar) equipment. Jeremy said that on a prior visit the building and its contents were all in order and now it’s completely trashed by others.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

Public school graduate.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

Checking out Building 70 that served as the Frequency Changer and Generator Building for the Nike missile battery.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

Walking in the foothills of Kahuku.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

Entering Building 80 that housed the cable system that connected the radar trailers to each other and to the launch site.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

Exploring what is considered the most intact of the original four Nike missile sites that once operated on this island.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

Going inside Building 63 which was the home of the pencil pushers.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

The most important building that was next door was Building 67, the place where the soldiers ate and slept.

Kahuku Nike Missile Site Complex

Do you want the lunch special? Nothing for me. Lost my appetite.

Kahuku

Most of the group had their fill of old and musty buildings so they passed on hiking down to the Launcher Area and elected to go back to our cars. Back in the day, Alaska and Hawaii were the only locations were the Nike-Hercules missiles were test fired. In 1966, a live fire test exploded over the Pacific Ocean and rained metal fragments on the town of Kahuku.

Kahuku

Running across dirt bikers using the track area that was established back in 1971.

Kahuku

Old skool. IYKYK.

Kahuku

Group photo at one of the few scenic spots on the trail.

Kahuku

Two way traffic on the road.

Kahuku

Chico pushing the next generation over the mound.

All pau

Sometimes it’s best to take things literally in life.

Haleiwa

Our exploratory hike of one the relics left over from the Cold War covered 5.78 miles through the foothills of Kahuku. Thanks to Jeremy and everybody for the fun hike. Post hike meal at Teddy’s Bigger Burgers where outside food and tax payer funded poke were welcome.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Chico Cantu, Cristy CM, Jeremy Cannone, Kenny Lui, 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.

Google Maps said our perimeter hike today should only register around seven miles. Not only humans make mistakes.

Kualoa Beach Park

We all met up at the park steeped in history as it was associated with Hawaiian royalty, refuge and spiritual significance.

Hau’ula

That was a long bus ride! You sure this is only seven miles?

Hau’ula

Some suspicious minded individuals had to conduct their own independent confirmations. Shouts of 9 and 10 miles rang out. Are we not hikers?

Kamehameha Highway

The place to get a real kanak attack. Too early in the day.

Kamehameha Highway

Navigating the Kaipapa’u Stream Bridge Replacement construction barricades and detours.

Kapalaoa Beach

Scott the swinger. That doesn’t look too hard.

Kapalaoa Beach

Train wreck in progress. Woman down! Don’t worry, I do this for a living.

Kamehameha Highway

On the Windward side, the shoulder is your sidewalk.

Hau’ula Beach Park

Bathroom break.

Kamehameha Highway

Looking for souvenirs. Look harder.

Kamehameha Highway

Crossing over Maakua Stream.

Kamehameha Highway

The only ones straddling this now stripped coconut tree are these thin shelled a’ama crabs.

Kamehameha Highway

Passing this honey stand, as this was the closest we were getting to the state park that harbors Kaliuwa’a, where a rockslide on May 9, 1999 killed eight people and injured many others. It has been closed to the public ever since that tragic day.

Hale Aha Beach

Monkey see, monkey do.

Kamehameha Highway

Splash of color on the road.

St. Joachim Catholic Church

Passing this simple clapboard church dedicated in 1919.

Kaya’s Store

Supporting local. This store has been around since 1946, where it started as a butcher shop and evolved into today’s convenience store.

Ching’s Punaluu Store

This local store has been in business even longer, since 1935.

Kamehameha Highway

Looking out towards Kahana Bay.

Kamehameha Highway

Skipped the shrimp and went straight to swinging.

Punalu’u Beach Park

Better than the bushes.

Kamehameha Highway

Even the ocean needs shade.

Kamehameha Highway

Makeshift marina.

Kamehameha Highway

The breath of life.

Kamehameha Highway

Paddlers in Kawa Stream.

Kamehameha Highway

Walking on the road that is constantly being eroded by the ocean and passing the reopened Crouching Lion Restaurant. Lunch?

Kamehameha Highway

“No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings.” – William Blake.

Kamehameha Highway

Snack stop at the 7-11 right across Swanzy Beach Park. Walking is hard work.

Kamehameha Highway

The popular slogan plastered all over the areas not yet touched by commercial and large scale residential development originated in the late 1960s on the North Shore side of the island.

Kamehameha Highway

Walking on the road against the backdrop of wind rippled waves.

Kualoa Sugar Mill

Standing against the ruins of the first steam-powered mill on the island that was built in 1863.

Kualoa Ranch

I guess this is the closest we are getting to Maui’s fish hook.

Kualoa Beach Park

Carrying a stick with two flags all day is hard work.

Kualoa Beach Park

Our last group photo of the day with Mokoli’i in the background. Hawaiian legend has it that the basalt islet is the tip of the tail of a giant lizard that was killed and thrown in the bay by Hi’iaka, the younger sister of Pele.

GPS Tracks

Our #12 perimeter walk covered 10.7 miles on the Windward coastline with fun company. Post hike meal at Pieology as the food court was all filled up.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Cristy CM, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, 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.