Met up with Allison, Chico, Ferlino, Laredo and Tessa at the Neal Blaisdell Park to explore some spots around the island. Thanks to Scott for the beta on some of these places.

Pearl Harbor Historic Trail

Sharing the path with bicyclists. The trail began as an ambitious venture under Mayor Harris back in 2001 to revitalize the shoreline communities by upgrading the existing bike path and extending it all the way to Nanakuli. Sad to say, it stalled and died a quiet death due to low priority and lack of interest.

Pearl Harbor Historic Trail

East Loch views.

Pearl Harbor Historic Trail

I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat.

Pearl Harbor Historic Trail

Passing by the HECO Waiau Power Plant that was built back in 1938.

Pearl Harbor Historic Trail

The boys keeping their balancing skills in line.

Pearl Harbor Historic Trail

Will the real scarecrow stand up in the middle of the taro and watercress patches. The sign we just had passed warned about contaminated fish and shellfish. No connection?

Pearl Harbor Historic Trail

We saw a member of the local chapter of Broke Ass Angels.

Pearl Harbor Historical Trail

Where there is a tree, there will be Ferlino.

Pearl Harbor Historical Trail

The home of extra ballots and ballots for the dead. Democracy at work.

Pearl Harbor Historical Trail

I guess it’s better than throwing them over power and telephone lines.

Drainage Canal

Dropping down into the network of over 670 miles of underground pipes and channels that discharge directly into the coastal waters to prevent flooding in built up areas.

Drainage Canal

Walking through the unfiltered runoff water and debris.

Drainage Canal

A race of one.

Drainage Canal

Pray that a sudden discharge doesn’t eject you from the pipe. That would be actually funny.

Drainage Canal

Flying flock of birds.

Drainage Canal

Tessa picked some seed pods from a nearby Pithecellobium Dulce tree. Supposedly good for treating diabetes among other things.

Drainage Canal

Tossed a Tupperware container to a lady on the bridge behind us. Thought she was a crazy cat lady.

Drainage Canal

Chico eating a jabong fruit that he found unwashed in the canal. Nobody else wanted a piece. All for him.

Drainage Canal

Passing a towel rack. Nobody was that sweaty or desperate.

Drainage Canal

Entering a dark tunnel filled with a solitary centipede.

Drainage Canal

Sample of some of the graffiti we saw down in the canals and tunnels.

Drainage Canal

Light at the end of the tunnel.

Drainage Canal

Chico and Laredo tossing the pigskin.

Drainage Canal

Walking in the relatively dry section.

Drainage Canal

Climbing out of the channel.

Kamehameha Highway

Walking parallel to the road that was opened back in 1921. Many names were considered such as Lei Ilima Drive, Aloha Drive and Rainbow Road among others before finally settling on Kamehameha Highway.

Pearl Highlands Center

We had a late breakfast of fried chicken in the food court.

Drainage Canal

Looking for the blue barrel so that we could drop back down into the channel as we saw neighborhood groups picking up rubbish in the area. No blue barrel. Maybe they picked it up? No worries, we have webbing to lower ourselves down.

Drainage Canal

I don’t need no stinkin’ webbing.

Drainage Canal

Chico outgrew the toy, but never his childhood.

Drainage Canal

Exploring one of the drainage pipes.

Drainage Canal

End of the tunnel for us.

Drainage Canal

Group photo with a swimming hole below us.

Kamehameha Highway

Climbing back to civilization and motorized traffic that we had to cross.

Wat Thai of Hawaii

Stopped at a Buddhist temple that was bustling with people as there was also an open market selling textiles and food.

Wat Thai of Hawaii

Thai Tea hit the spot.

Wat Thai of Hawaii

None of us were Buddhists, so we respectfully left. Allison and Laredo decided to end their day of exploration with us. Do we smell or something?

McDonald’s

We spotted a member of a group that helps each other recover from addiction and convictions through religion. Amen.

Kaiser Estate

Heard this historic house is still up for sale. You get certain tax exemptions with it being on the historic register.

Portlock

Ferlino hanging out in the tree that used to have a swing to enjoy the sunsets.

Portlock

Different modes of traction across the slippery moss covered rocks.

Portlock

Checking out the only private harbor and boat house on the island. Must be nice.

Portlock

The boy was so excited as he caught his first fish. Papio?

Kaiser Estate

Visiting hours are the second Saturday of each month. Today is Sunday.

Portlock

Drinking coconut water straight from the nut. Hawaiians call it niu and they were introduced to Hawaii hundreds of years ago.

Spitting Caves

We checked out the famous cliff jumping spot where adventurous souls jump 70′ into the ocean. No takers today. Chico decided to climb down and check it out for himself.

Spitting Caves

The waves were pounding today and spray was shooting out of the cave like a reverse blowhole.

Spitting Caves

Chico timing the waves so he doesn’t get washed out to sea.

Spitting Caves

Monkey see, monkey do.

Spitting Caves

We decided to venture further to where the fishermen had set up their poles.

Spitting Caves

Chico and Ferlino climbed down the ladder to check out the conditions.

Spitting Caves

Tessa standing on her fishing perch.

All pau

Climbing back up the short, steep and slippery trail to our car where we ended our fun day.

Photos taken by Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, 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.

Chris and Kevin joined me today on a short and fun exploratory hike around the affluent Portlock area. I picked them up from the small dirt lot by the Hanauma Bay bus stop and drove past McMansions to park on Hanapepe Loop.

China Walls

Walking down the grassy slope of Koko Kai Beach Park and making our way through the trees, revealed a scene of high tides lapping at the base of the rocks. I had mis-read the tide table and had should have started the hike several hours later instead of at 9:30am. Oh well, time to get our feet wet.

Cave exploring

Kevin and myself exploring one of the numerous caves that dotted the coastline. Photo by Chris Hiona.

The other side

We briefly considered trying going through the cave, but decided to contour around the rocks instead. There is even some kind of bizarre goat skulls lookout on top of these rocks!

Jumbled rocks

There was one rock formation jutting out into the ocean that forced us to time the waves so that we could safely pass around it. It would also help to have tabi’s or reef walkers while walking on these slippery slabs of rocks, we just had to take it slow and safe.

Wave action

The waves were pounding the rocks today. Never turn your back on the ocean as the waves and currents can drag you out in the blink of an eye. On top of that, we were hiking during high tide!

Hello there!

The waves over countless and repeated poundings gave this area it’s unique carved look.

Spitting Caves

No spitting today. Didn’t see any jumpers willing to take the plunge from where Chris and Kevin are standing at. I heard you have to time it just right. There have been drownings in this area and China Walls over the years.

Leaving civilization behind

Leaving behind the million dollar homes with the million dollar views as we ascended up Koko Head.

Headed up Koko Head

As we were climbing up, there was a commotion in the water behind us. It turned out to be several whales breaching the water, quite the show.

Paraglider

We saw several paragliders catching thermals off the rocky skin of Koko Head and circling and skimming above  our heads.

Circle of LIfe?

Top of Koko Head.

Makai bound

Walking down the clearly marked trail and leaving the communication towers behind us.

Honeycombed rocks

As we made our way down towards the ocean, we met a mountain biker who was coming up! Talk about making your own trails.

Land Bridge

Three of us sitting on this often photographed land bridge with the water churning like a washing machine below us. It seems to have become quite the spot to get your picture taken at lately. We were no different.

Koko Head Marker

Taking a pose next to this weather beaten obelisk with Koko Crater and Makapu’u in the background.

No charge for locals

Chris showing us the “back door” to get into Hanauma Bay.

Forgot our snorkels!

Here we are in the clear and cool waters of Hanauma Bay and no snorkels!

Coned off

As we walked up towards the parking lot, we noticed an Hawaiian monk seal sunbathing on the sand, oblivious to all the attention it was gathering from the beachgoers.

GPS Tracks

The 4.24 mile hike was a fun little excursion. Time well spent.