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.