I tagged along with the Oahu Hikers Group to explore a new trail in Kailua. We met up at Aikahi Park Shopping Center and split into two groups. It was going to be another hot day.

Trailhead

Our group consisting of Jose, Khym, Ryan, Thessa and myself headed down a dead end street to start our hike. The other group consisting of Becky, Bill, Chris, Karen, Maggie, Tara and Toby went up the access road further down the street. We decided to take the scenic route.

Follow the ribbons

Ryan was guiding the group, as he and Chris had just flagged the trail yesterday.

Looking back

Our slight elevation gain gave us a peek towards the Moks or Mokulua Islands in the distance.

Water tank

We soon came upon a fence almost hidden in the tall grass, that enclosed a colorful graffitied abandoned water tank. An old gate served as a ladder to climb up to the tank.

On top

Group photo left to right: Jose, Khym, myself, Thessa and Jose. Khym and Thessa are on the other side of the structure, barely visible through the window.

Going down

Looking at the top bunkers where we would meet up with Chris’s group.

Who’s Pero?

After climbing down into the tank, we discovered the floor was covered with empty spray paint cans and water bottles. A recycler’s dream and cleanup crew nightmare. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Appreciating art

Thessa getting up close and personal with some of the graffiti.

Leaving the tank

We followed the fence out to resume the trail.

Microwave antenna

No rocks to climb. This will do. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Hello?

Khym entering the bunker below the microwave antenna.

Nothing to see here. Move along.

Two small sectioned rooms made up the bunker. No homeless. Oh wait, I forgot this is Kailua.

Panoramic View

Click here for the larger image.

Access road

The road that Chris’s group was taking to the bunkers.

Bunker bound

Our trail to the bunkers.

Girl on the roof

Checking out the views of Mokapu Peninsula, home to the Marine Corps Air Station and several fishponds, that separates Kaneohe Bay from Kailua Bay. Oh yeah, the painted girl looks nice too. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Kaneohe Bay

Khym saw what he thought was a backpack in the bushes. Jose fished it out and the backpack turned out to be a folding chair, which he used to watch the rain showers sweep through Kaneohe Bay and Moku o loe or Coconut Island.

The other group

Both groups taking pictures of each other. Classic.

The Mad Hatter

Going down the rabbit hole.

Tag team

Taggers self representation? Photo by Karen Latzka.

Reunited at the top

Group photo at the bunkers standing left to right: Karen, Bill, Jose, Ryan, Chris, Maggie, Tara, Becky and Toby. Kneeling left to right: Khym, Thessa and myself.

Hear any buzzing?

Tara and Becky making their way along the fenced communications site. No sightings of winged barbed insects.

Your pic …

The group standing next to a thicket of communication towers. Everybody got 4 bars?

… for mines

My arms are getting tired. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Geodetic marker

Pu’u Papa’a means scorched hill. Yeah it was pretty hot up here.

Long road down

Road going down. Stairs going up. Ridge going down and up. Hiking cycles.

Where? There!

Chris giving directions. Follow the ridge. Pass a stand of pine trees. Go down towards Kalaheo School. Pass the painted rock. Stay to the right of the bike ramps. Got it? Good. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Coming down the hill

Becky decided to join our group as the road was getting old. Chris’s group watched us for awhile before going back down.

Mahinui ridge

Our group walking on the ridge. Split views of Kailua and Kaneohe. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Breaking in the bench

Literally.

Rolling hills

Approaching the next hill, we saw what looked like a bench at the top. Really? Is this a state trail?

When do we get to sit?

Somebody dragged this rocking chair up here. I guess they really wanted a chair to enjoy the view. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Windward views

The town of Kailua filled the views; with Mokulua Islands, Olomana and the Ko’olau Mountains taking a backseat.

Pine trees

I remember somebody mentioning pine trees. Who was that?

Kapa’a Valley

The view looking into Kapa’a Quarry and Valley, with Nu’uanu Saddle in the background. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Olomana

Headed down towards Kalaheo High School. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Painted rock

The trail passed the blue and orange painted rock, that is annually “refreshed” by the senior class of Kalaheo High School.

Bike ramp

Where’s my Schwinn when I need it?

Headed out

Dirt meets road.

All pau

We popped out in the neighborhood and started to walk back to the shopping center. Couple blocks later, Chris’s group picked us up in their cars. Saved us two blocks of walking. Mahalo!

GPS Tracks

Short and sweet hike at a little over two miles. Got to explore a new trail and meet new faces. Can’t ask for anything more than that. Post hike meal at Aloha Salad. Trying to eat healthy. Still miss my Outback.