Due to popular demand, does two people count? The perimeter walk around the island was re-started. Clockwise.

Waimanalo Beach Park

Mahalo to Ferlino who picked up Aida, Akira, Mari, Robin, Tessa and myself from Taco Bell and shuttled us to the area that was probably one of the first spots on the island explored by Polynesians, where Dave and Susan were waiting to round out the group.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Walking into the blinding sun, better than driving.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

The group trying to catch a glimpse of the turtle in the water.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Hello? We are waiting for our Presidential Letter of Appreciation. Hello?

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Walking past the dead chicken as we made our way down the beach transit corridor.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

High tide.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Look who caught up with us after catching the sunrise at Koko Crater.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Metaphorically speaking we are all just pawns in the game of life.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Chris texting a photo to the State DOT Highways Division.

Makai Pier

Transitioning from asphalt to sand as we made our way to the facility built by the State in the 1960s to support marine research.

Makai Pier

Group photo underneath the 600′ long pier.

Makai Pier

Group photo against the Windward backdrop.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. I’m not sure that includes adding rocks to a plastic package to make it something that it is not.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

I think somebody was not too happy that Chris was taking over his side hustle.

Makapuu Beach

Looking out towards the seabird sanctuary that was once actually inhabited by rabbits in the 1880s after it was introduced by John Cummins, owner of Waimanalo Plantation, as a hobby as he didn’t want them to damage his sugarcane crops. Instead they destroyed the ecosystem on the island and were removed in the 1970s.

Makapuu Beach

Ferlino jumping over an rock enclosure that was humming with activity.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Back on the highway.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Somebody was having a bad hair day. Let’s make it right with a hairbrush from the highway.

Makapuu Beach

Don’t drink and hike.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Just hanging out.

Makapuu Lookout

Leaving the scenic lookout for climbing pastures.

Makapuu Lookout

We climbed past WW2 pillboxes embedded in the lava landscape as we made our way up.

Makapuu Lookout

Akira climbing in the footsteps of Alex Honnold. Baby Honnold.

Makapuu Lookout

Looking out towards Rabbit (Manana) Island. In 1904, it was one of the spots being considered for the lighthouse that would later be built at Makapuu Point.

Makapuu Lookout

Forced perspective.

Makapuu Lookout

Chris and Ferlino decided to go off-trail.

Makapuu Lookout

Partial group photo at the top of the lookout.

Makapuu Lookout

Taking the most direct route down. Is this where the KST ends or begins? Inquiring minds want to know.

Makapuu Lookout

Should I go this way or that way?

Makapuu Lookout

Selfie with the navigational aid that sits on the most southeastern point on the island.

Makapuu Lookout

David and Susan climbing their way down to more level footing.

Makapuu Lookout

Ferlino away from the crowds on the trail.

Makapuu Lookout

Susan behind the barrier whose origins date back to WW1.

Makapuu Lighthouse

Group photo of the 46′ tall lighthouse that was built in 1909 and fully automated in 1974. Thanks to the USCG “Coastie” who happened to intersect with our group.

Makapuu Lighthouse

Looking back at the concrete tower that houses the largest hyperradiant lens in the country. When the lighthouse was finished in 1908, the lens had to be hauled up piece by piece with block and tackle from a ship down below as the road had not yet been built.

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

An aerial view of the site in 1959 when the lighthouse was operated by the USCG until 1974. This area was used by Federal marshals to protect witnesses who were testifying against local crime boss, Wilford “Nappy” Pulawa during 1974-1975. He was sent to a mainland prison for two years on tax evasion. Same way they got Al Capone. Don’t mess with the IRS. In 1987, Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele occupied the area and was later evicted after a standoff with HPD SWAT. The State later razed all the dwellings except for the still standing oil house. The same Bumpy Kanahele who would go on to occupy Makapuu Beach in 1993 for over a year before Governor Waihee hammered a deal that gave Kanahele and his group 45 acres above Waimanalo in exchange for ending his occupation. Photo by the USCG.

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Some folks need to get with the program.

Kaiwi Shoreline Trail

Going off the beaten path.

Kaiwi Shoreline Trail

Approaching the rock formation called Kapaliokamoa or cliff of the chicken as we made our way down the rocky trail.

Pele’s Chair

Climbing up against gravity.

Pele’s Chair

It’s called a chair for a reason.

Pele’s Chair

Partial group photo on top of the volcanic rock that bears a passing resemblance to a chair that was the last seat of Pele, volcano goddess, before she left the island.

Pele’s Chair

Going with the flow of gravity.

Alan Davis Beach

Robin was the only one who decided to test out the waters.

Alan Davis Beach

The group descending down to the secluded Kaho’ohaihai Inlet, before rambling off into the dry grassy fields.

Kaiwi Shoreline Trail

Balancing on the bridge over Kaloko Inlet. Best when medicated.

Kaiwi Shoreline Trail

Leaving the trail as we made our way back onto the highway.

Sandy Beach

The group taking a much needed sugar break from the punishing sun.

Sandy Beach

Culvert view.

Halona Blowhole Lookout

There was a map of the island which would come in handy if we were lacking a book, AllTrails or critical thinking.

Halona Cove

Looking down into the small protected bay also known as Cockroach Cove and Eternity Beach.

Umi Mamori Jizo

Akira standing next to the Japanese Fishing Shrine that was erected in 1940 to “protect” local fishermen. It was eventually “taken over” by Vietnamese Buddhists in 2007 who keep up the place and leave food and flower offerings.

Bamboo Ridge

Puka view.

Bamboo Ridge

Looking out towards Halona Blowhole. She wasn’t spouting today.

Bamboo Ridge

360 degree perspective.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Walking on the narrow shoulder as we walked into incoming traffic with only inches of asphalt separating us.

Kawaiakaiea Bridge

Chris and Ferlino decided to explore a bridge nearby.

Kawaiakaiea Bridge

Graffiti galore.

Ihiihilaukea Bridge

The majority of bridges in this area was built in the 1930s.

Hanauma Bay

Mari next to the entrance of one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The park is now regulated and restricted to 720 guests a day, down from its highs of 3,000 to 10,000 visitors a day.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

I think your safety check is expired.

All pau

We ended our hike in the parking lot at Taco Bell. Thanks to Robin for dropping everybody back at Waimanalo Beach.

GPS Tracks

Our re-started perimeter walk covered 9.8 miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Greek Marina. It’s all Greek to me.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, David and Susan Katz, Ferlino Carinio, Mari Saito, Robin Farr, 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 spent Girl’s Day wrapping up our perimeter walk around the island.

Hawaii Kai

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.

Sandy Beach

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

Kalaniana’ole Highway

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

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

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.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

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

Wawamalu Bridge

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.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

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

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

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.

Pele’s Chair

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

Pele’s Chair

A man’s got to know his limitations.

Pele’s Chair

Does it look more like a chicken than a chair?

Pele’s Chair

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

Pele’s Chair

Group photo at the top.

Pele’s Chair

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

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

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

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

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

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

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

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Somebody needs to get with the program.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

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

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

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

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Some stayed and some dribbled down the cliff.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Going down the express way.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Agnes hopping off the rock.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Approaching the lighthouse that was built in 1909.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

What happened to the railings?

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

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

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Can you see the hiker for the tree?

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Group photo at the southeasternmost point of Oahu.

Makapu’u Cliffs

When you got to go, you got to go.

Makapu’u Cliffs

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

Makapu’u Cliffs

We went looking for whales but caught rainbows instead.

Makapu’u Cliffs

Karen showing us her climbing chops.

Makapu’u Cliffs

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

Makapu’u Cliffs

Rainbow breath, better than bad breath.

Makapu’u Cliffs

Karen peering out from one of the well camouflaged pillboxes.

Makapu’u Lookout

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.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

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

Sea Life Park

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

Makapu’u Beach Park

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

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Back on the road again.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

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

Makai Pier

Drone view of the pier built in the 1960s.

Makai Pier

I left the close quarter flying to the chopper pilot.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

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

Kalaniana’ole Highway

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

Kalaniana’ole Highway

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.

Waimanalo Beach Park

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

All pau

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.

GPS Tracks

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.

We didn’t have any pumpkins to carve or candy to give out, so we went exploring around the island today.

Times Coffee Shop

Met up with Aida, Art, Ferlino, Lilyn, Marilyn, Quan and Tessa at the restaurant not associated with the supermarket and waited for our table while chickens, ducks and native birds mingled outside.

Waimanalo

Quan doing what she does best. Not quite sure what that is. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimanalo

Met up with this nana baket that was either trying to water the water or feed the fishes. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimanalo

Standing on a historic turtle pond that used to feed Hawaiian chiefs. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimanalo

Art trying to peek over the wall and get a look at the sprawling three acre estate that will include three homes, two pools and a guard post. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimanalo

Ferlino jumping off the seawall that is being allowed to further erode the beach. If you have $61,400 and your last name is Obama, you too can get a 55 year easement.

Waimanalo

Postcard perfect. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimanalo

Not approved. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waimanalo

Approved. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Waimanalo

Is the tree or the group leaning? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Makai Pier

Enjoying the unobstructed view underneath the concrete pier built in 1973. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Makai Pier

This spot is popular with fishermen, divers and apparently cartwheelers. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Makai Pier

Trying to find the fulcrum on a piece of driftwood. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Entering the man-made structures where it seems that almost every square inch are covered with colorful graffiti. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Art walking through the rubble strewn painted corridor. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Trick or treat. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Looking up at one of the ventilation shafts. Mother Nature is reclaiming her territory. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Wondering if my tetanus shots are up to date. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Aida contemplating if reanimated corpses really do exist or if the sign is fake. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Yes, Virginia there are zombies or somebody just didn’t get enough sleep. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Walking through a thicket of trees to reach the other defaced buildings. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Passing resemblance? Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Dentist at work. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Relax, I’m a Doctor. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Only one person had good manners and didn’t point fingers. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Show me the money! Say it back!

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

What a big mouth you have! Look who’s talking! Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

It puts the lotion in the basket, or it gets the hose again.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

One has to wonder what purpose these structures served? Military? Civilian? Extra-terrestrial? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Ferlino hanging by his fingertips. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Walking our way out through the semi-light filled corridor.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

The blasting furnace heat on our way out made some people walk faster and others not walk at all. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers

Dressing up as hikers doesn’t get you any free candy around here. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Spitting Caves

Walking our way down through the low rent section of the island. Photo by Art Young.

Spitting Caves

Looking out at the largest and deepest ocean on the planet and the hardest hike on the island as well.

Spitting Caves

Making our way down to the cave. Photo by Art Young.

Spitting Caves

What happened to three points of contact?

Spitting Caves

I guess that went out the window. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Spitting Caves

The rest of the group watched us from the top in case we got washed out to sea. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Spitting Caves

Sunlight hitting the salt water droplets at a 42 degree angle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Spitting Caves

The regurgitated water coming out of the cave erased the rainbow with a loud burp. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Spitting Caves

We were waiting for more rainbows when this kid fell out of the sky and landed with a big splash. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Spitting Caves

He took the most direct route back up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Spitting Caves

We saw several snorkelers and swimmers offshore.

Spitting Caves

Basking in the scenic views of the curved cliffs and blue-green waters. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

All pau

We witnessed an evolutionary miracle when the refugee from the Planet of the Apes first took to bipedalism. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Mahalo to Ferlino for driving us around the island. A trick cut our hike short which worked out as Ferlino’s van decided to quit working. Luckily a mechanic was on site. Post hike meal where the personal servant got the bucket of fried chicken for our caloric consumption.

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.

This was our first hike towards completing the entire Koolau Summit from Makapu’u to Pupukea. Of course we plan on breaking it up into manageable chunks, not everybody can be Chase Norton. Mad props to that guy for hiking the entire Koolau Summit in eight days. I parked my car at the top of Kaluanui Road where the hike would end and my friend picked me up and we all met at the Makapu’u Lookout to start our hike. This was our first hike as a group that one of us called the Four Horsemen which included Glenn, Chance, Jason and myself.

Makapu'u

We made our way up the ridge following the chain link fence that had danger signs plastered over them. Looking back, we saw Makapu’u Point which means “Bulging Eye” in Hawaiian, sandwhiched in between the Makapu’u Lighthouse on the left and Pele’s Chair on the right, a natural rock formation that in Hawaiian legend, was the last place Madam Pele left on Oahu before settling on the Big Island. Speaking of fire, this part of the trail has zero shade, so it’s best to lather on the sunscreen or be prepared to be seared lobster red.

Sea Life Park

Further up the ridge, we were treated to views of Sea Life Park and the islands of Manana (Rabbit Island) and Kaohikaipu (Turtle Island). The sounds of barking seals from Sea Life Park punctuated the morning silence as we made our way up the ridge.

Early Goats

We followed the rocky ridgeline as we passed numerous interesting rock formations, some of which looked like jagged teeth protruding from the ground. We also noticed a herd of goats that were keeping an eye on us from the next hill over.

Rock climbing the Makapu'u Puka - Not

We also started dropping altitude as the ridgeline gradually dipped towards the Makapu’u Puka. Hawaiian legend has it that a warrior named Kaulanaakaiole threw either a spear or shot an arrow at a rat that created this hole or puka.

Three monkeys on a platform

After passing the puka, the ridgeline started to climb again as we gained elevation and reached the top. We passed some old Army barracks atop Kamehame Ridge that is now home to a teen program called Winner’s Camp. We then passed a rickety looking platform used by hang gliders and then came across another one where we clowned for the camera. 

Robin's Nest

The trail turned left from the second hang glider platform and we followed the stairs down and hung a right onto a paved road that led to the old Nike Missile Site, which was last used in the mid-60’s. Eventually a locked gate blocked us from continuing further up the road, but a hole in the fence on the left side allowed us to continue. From one of the abandoned towers that we climbed, we peered directly down into the Anderson Estate, which became famous for being used as “Robin’s Nest” in the popular 80’s TV show, Magnum PI.

Down in the saddle

After poking around the old Nike Missile Site, we picked up the somewhat indistinct trail masked in heavy bushes behind the last building and eventually went down a saddle that dropped several hundred feet in elevation. We then climbed out of the saddle up towards a clump of ironwood trees that provided much needed shade to have our lunch and enjoyed the views of Waimanalo.

Kamiloiki Ridge

We stopped briefly at Kamiloiki Ridge to see Mount Olomana and tried to locate Bumpy Kanahele’s 45 acre sanctuary, otherwise known as Pu’uhonua o Waimanalo.

Headed down the ridge towards the Tom-Tom trail

It is very easy to miss the right turn, ribboned branches and all, that will keep you on the Koolau Summit Trail and headed towards Mariner’s Ridge. We found this out as we continued to walk straight on the trail from Kamiloiki Ridge, luckily we figured it out pretty early and backtracked to the right turn. The trail rollercoasters until you reach the top of a hill where there are three poles, this marks the spot where the Tom-Tom trail descends down into Waimanalo.

Mariner's Ridge

As we pushed on past the Tom-Tom trail, the ridge went down and up a couple more times until we reached the top of Mariner’s Ridge. After that, it was a short and sweet stroll back down the trail towards our car on Kaluanui Road and next stop – Zippys.