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 had just hiked over 14 miles in the mountains last weekend, so why not walk over 14 miles this weekend?

Dillingham Fountain

Thanks to Jasmin and Lilia for dropping us off at the fountain that only operates from 6pm to 10pm to conserve water.

Kalakaua Avenue

Chico trying to get up close and personal with the carp fish that are prized for their varied color patterns and can fetch upwards to $20,000 per fish with the desired characteristics prized by collectors.

Kalakaua Avenue

Ferlino playing the free reed wind instrument that was developed in Europe with origins in China. Music to our ears.

Poni Moi Road

Approaching the volcanic tuff cone that is roughly 500,000 years old and was given the name Le’ahi by Hawaiians due to the mountain’s shape that resembles a tuna’s dorsal fin. It also is home to the hardest hike on the island and the ghost of Christmas past.

Diamond Head Road

Double reflections.

Makalei Beach Park

Chico, a practicing member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, looking to get his second one in the park that used to be private beach homes.

Diamond Head Road

Walking on the eroded walkway fronting the beach.

Diamond Head Road

Ferlino hanging off the railing.

Leahi Beach Park

Two monkeys hanging in the tree in the park that was once the Dillingham home.

Diamond Head Lighthouse

Passing by the red beacon that keeps wayward ships from grounding themselves on the coral reefs. The original 40′ lighthouse was built in 1898 and was later replaced by the current 55′ structure in 1917.

Kuilei Cliffs

Watching surfers riding the waves off Le’ahi or Diamond Head.

Kuilei Cliffs

Chico making friends on the walk.

Kuilei Cliffs

Hiding in plane sight, is this obscure bronze plaque that commemorates Amelia Earhart’s solo flight from Hawai’i to California in 1935.

Muriel Flanders Park

Sitting in the shadow of Diamond Head, is this small spit of a park named after a local philanthropist.

Operation Red Wings Medal of Honor Park

Ferlino stopping at the park that was formerly called Fort Ruger Park. It was renamed in honor of the 19 sailors and soldiers that perished in the operation that was named after a hockey team.

Kahala Avenue

Defying the sit-lie rule.

Kahala Avenue

Somebody else was defying as well.

Kealaolu Avenue

Teeing off for the annual Sony Open.

Aloha Island Mart

It seems on this island that everybody knows each other in the hiking community.

Waialae Avenue

Approaching the intersection where H1 Highway ends and Kalaniana’ole Highway starts.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Some people stump for political views, while others stump for photo opportunities.

Aina Haina McDonald’s

We grabbed some happy meals with identical squishmallows at the first golden arches in Hawaii that opened back in 1968.

Calvary by the Sea

I heard this Lutheran Church is a popular venue for weddings.

Kawaikui Beach Park

Powered strictly by physical exercise and carbon dioxide. No stripped mopeds were abused or removed in the making of this photograph. So put your camera away mister bystander.

Paiko Drive

Mari entering the wildlife sanctuary that is also called Sand Point. The area was named after an early Portugese settler named Pico, whose name eventually became Paiko.

Paiko Drive

Looking out towards what British sailors called Diamond Hill in 1825 due to calcite crystals on the nearby beach. It was later changed to Diamond Headland and shortened to what most people call it today.

Paiko Lagoon

Pre-recorded message being played for our convenience. Many beach communities are being restricted by people outside of Hawai’i who want the land all to themselves and will go to great lengths and deception to keep it that way, which always results in friction between the locals and the newcomers.

Paiko Lagoon

“Bushwhacking” our way through the small section of forested area.

Paiko Lagoon

Following the sandy shoreline.

Paiko Lagoon

We soon ran out of dry sand to walk on and had to go barefoot to traverse the small channel.

Paiko Lagoon

The rest of the group getting their feet wet.

Paiko Lagoon

Drying our feet on driftwood with background views of Koko Crater and Koko Head.

Paiko Lagoon

Fishing dog.

Paiko Lagoon

Some jumped.

Paiko Lagoon

Others got carried.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Are we in Hawai’i Kai? The Hawaiian land division of Waimanalo actually ranges from Kuli’ou’ou to Keolu Hills.

Maunalua Bay

Looking out into the bay that was once home to a 523 acre fishpond that spanned from Kuli’ou’ou to Portlock. The British called it King George Bay when they landed in 1786, but the name never stuck.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Crossing over the bridge that is at the mouth of the Hawaii Kai Marina that was formerly called Kuapa Pond.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Chico wooing his third one in order to enter the highest heaven as taught by the FLDS. This one just got dead flowers thrown on the side of the road. I guess we know where she stands in the hierarchy of life.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Crossing over the pedestrian bridge as we passed somebody enjoying their solitary lunch.

Leonard’s Malasada

We stopped at Koko Marina Center for some sugar coated fried Portugese pastry. Thanks to Chico for the tasty treats.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Burning off the recently acquired calories as we walked up the hill.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

The group found a red beaked bird that had flown its wings for the last time. Endemic or invasive?

Hanauma Bay

Group photo at the entrance to the popular marine bay that was once the playground for Hawaiian nobility and is now limited to 720 people daily from the unrestricted highs of 10,000 visitors a day.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Leaving the Toilet Bowl as we approached views of Koko Crater and the rugged coastline.

Lana’i Lookout

Group photo at the popular scenic point. Is that a whale breaching offshore?

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Where is the sidewalk?

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Going underneath the spandrel arch bridge that was built back in 1931.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Descending down to the rugged coastline that was being battered by high surf.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Never turn your back towards the ocean.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Going through the lava tube that would spit us out back on the highway.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

The girls waiting for us to come back. No venturing off the beaten path for them today.

Japanese Fishing Shrine

Group photo at the Umi Mamori Jizo shrine carved out of lava rock in 1940 that was dedicated to keeping fishermen safe from the often turbulent waters.

Halona Puka

We walked out further to explore a hole in the rocks.

Halona Blowhole

Watching the sea spray shooting out of the lava tube. In 2002, Daniel Dick decided to straddle the blowhole, despite warnings from bystanders and signs, the 18 year old was thrown in the air from the geyser and fell head first into the lava tube and drowned as a result.

Halona Cove

Marco?

Halona Cove

No Polo from the spit of sand that is also called Cockroach Beach.

Halona Blowhole

We took a group photo at the popular lookout since the geyser show stopped.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Approaching the popular bodyboarding spot known to Hawaiians as Wawamalu. The shore breaks attract bodyboarders and bodysurfers but the beach also accounts for the highest incidents of water-related spinal cord injuries on the island, earning it another nickname, “break-neck beach.” This is also President Obama’s favorite beach and the city council tried renaming the beach after him in 2014. Luckily, the move gained no traction with the public.

Sandy Beach

Somebody was not getting enough airflow to lift off. Get a motorized one pal.

Kealahou Street

Tessa checking out her haul for the day: North Face cap, Korean sunglasses and a Japanese charm.

All pau

We reached our cars at the cul-de-sac and caught the sunburst behind us.

GPS Tracks

Our longest section of the perimeter walk stretched over 14 miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Mama Pho, the less crowded of the Vietnamese restaurants.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, 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.

After catching the cloudy sunrise at the beach that ushered in the New Year, I met up with the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club at the Halona Blowhole parking lot. Every New Year’s Day, the club hikes the back of Koko Crater. After being told the obligatory “hike at your own risk” speech and the most dangerous part of the hike is crossing the highway to dodge rushing cars, we started off with a group that numbered in the 40s.

The knob

After we crossed the road, we climbed up the connecting ridge that lead to the main slope of Koko Crater. The trail naturally lead to the pointy rock formation sticking up from the crater rim or more commonly known as “the knob.”

The arch

This is a natural stone arch that spanned a gully. An advance party had strung up some rope to help us get over the arch. It was a nice touch as club members were wishing everyone Happy New Year as they helped us scramble over the arch.

The rim

As soon as we hit the knob, we made a left and started for the summit. I personally thought that hiking up the back crater of the rim was much easier than going up the tram tracks.

Scenic view

Once everyone was gathered at the top, some of the club members had brought along non-alcoholic champagne to toast the New Year. Another nice touch.

Going down

Here we are headed down the tram tracks and running into a bottleneck, as hikers going up and down meet at the part where the tracks bridge a gully. Some hikers elected to take the more sure-footed trail to the left as seen in the picture above.

"Secret" Tunnel

After we hit the bottom of the tracks, we took a trail that lead us past the Shooting Range, which was the driving reason the city tried to close the Koko Crater hike back in 2008. They cited the potential danger from errant bullets hitting hikers, even though there have been no reported close calls. Luckily, the city changed their mind about the closure, for now. After getting back on the highway leading back to the Blowhole, we passed a scenic sign point and then hopped over the guardrail into a gully. The gully lead us into a tunnel that went under the highway, luckily we entered while it was still low tide, I’m not sure if the tunnel is submerged during high tide, nor did I want to find out.

Splash

We walked in the semi-dark tunnel for about 15-20 feet before emerging on the other side to be greeted by waves crashing onto the shoreline.

Fishing Shrine

The Honolulu Japanese Fishing Club put this lava boulder with a Buddhist guardian, Jizo, carved into the West face in 1939. Overlooking Bamboo Ridge and Halona Point, the shrine was to protect the fishermen. Since 2007, Vietnamese Buddhists began to take care of the shrine after they placed a statue of Quan Am Nam Hai, a Vietnamese goddess on the South side.

Halona Cove

Looking down into Halona Cove. This beach is famous for the iconic scene with Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the movie “From Here to Eternity.”

Halona Blowhole

We approached the Blowhole from the beach side. Respectful of the ocean, we kept our distance from the natural lava rock spout that can shoot seawater up to 20 feet in the air. You can also see the white warning sign that marks where fishermen have drowned in the past. Back in 2002, a California tourist straddled the hole and got sucked in and died. His family filed a lawsuit against the State, claiming that not enough signs were posted to warn people about the dangerous conditions and also petitioned to have a metal grate installed over the hole. I’m sorry for his loss, but not for his lack of common sense. Why is that people can not just take accountability for themselves and their actions, and instead try to assign responsibility to others? The entire hike took around three hours and is relatively easy, it was a nice leisurely hike to start the New Year.