Met up with Jasmin, Rebecca and Thessa at the Makapu’u Lookout to start our tidepool hike. We also bumped into the Oahu Hikers Group that was crossing the highway to hike to the Tom-Tom trail. Small island. Photo by Thessa Bugay.
Stay in the shade
We scrambled up the rocks to beat the sun breaking over the mountains. It was a hot day with no trade winds.
Charlie’s Angels?
I was the odd man out in the group. Literally.
Leaving the lookout
After making it to the top and passing the string of WW2 bunkers, we made our way down to the lighthouse lookout.
Headed down to the lighthouse
Going down the fun and scenic route. This is not the tourist trail.
Makapu’u Lighthouse
Group photo left to right: Rebecca, myself, Jasmin and Thessa.
A ridge too far
Contemplated going all the way down the crumbly ridge to the ocean, the termination of the Eastern Ko’olaus. Another hike for another day.
Going back up
Going back up to the lighthouse.
Hitchhiker
A gray, mottled and luminous ladybug was found on my shirt.
Makapu’u Lighthouse trail
We followed the white picketed fence out to connect back to the main trail.
Bathroom break
Looks can be deceiving.
Down to the tidepools
We turned down at the whale watching sign to begin our descent towards the rocky ocean coastline.
Dragon’s Nostrils
A much better show than the Halona blowhole, as you get two for the price of one. Just don’t straddle them.
Crashing waves
Don’t get too close or turn your back towards the ocean.
Coastal hiking
After the show was over, we followed the rocky coastline out.
Bird cave
Disturbed two pigeons in the cave. That would explain the heavy abundance of guano on the ground. Treaded carefully.
Looking out
The cave provided a short relief from the blazing sun.
Hug the rocks
The waves were churning and splashing, so most of us decided to stay away from the shoreline as much as possible.
Out of harm’s way
Leaving behind all the folks lazily lounging in the mermaid pools. Tempting. No swim shorts. Time to move on.
Stay dry…
Some of us climbed up that rock.
…or get wet
Jasmin decided to roll up her pants and wade in the tidepool. Anything to get wet.
Go high or low
We came across two locals that had no shade or water. When asked how long more it was to the lighthouse trail, they wisely gave up and turned around.
Honeycombed rocks
Interesting rock formations along the coastline.
Pele’s chair
Last time I was in this area, saw a monk seal sunbathing. No such luck today.
The trail out
Time to head back to our cars and get out of this heat.
GPS Tracks
The short and hot hike covered 3.38 miles on mostly rocky footing. Post hike meal at Teddy’s Burgers. They aren’t that much bigger.
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