Aloha!
Been a while since we posted... but updates are coming... We did Manoa Falls again ( which I still have to add ) and 'Aihualama Trail with that hike. The pics and story are soon to come... in the next couple of days. Be patient, we are getting there!
E malama pono, a hui hou.
Koma & Kimi
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
In addition...
Aloha!
In addition to Kaleo's site "Island Trails" ( http://www.kaleolancaster.blogspot.com ) , check out Kevin's site "Hike Hawaii" ( http://www.schpishak.blogspot.com ). Both sites are very fun and informational. I will keep you up to date with our adventures/hikes as they happen, but these guys can do a little more than we can right now. Currently, I am reviewing their hikes for some that are easy enough ( and shaded enough ), for me & Kimi to still do right now. We have our first doctors appointment on Wednesday, but this Thursday is still open for adventure!
Hope everyone has fun, and looking forward to more adventures!!!
Koma & Kimi
In addition to Kaleo's site "Island Trails" ( http://www.kaleolancaster.blogspot.com ) , check out Kevin's site "Hike Hawaii" ( http://www.schpishak.blogspot.com ). Both sites are very fun and informational. I will keep you up to date with our adventures/hikes as they happen, but these guys can do a little more than we can right now. Currently, I am reviewing their hikes for some that are easy enough ( and shaded enough ), for me & Kimi to still do right now. We have our first doctors appointment on Wednesday, but this Thursday is still open for adventure!
Hope everyone has fun, and looking forward to more adventures!!!
Koma & Kimi
Friday, August 21, 2009
Well...
Aloha!
Sorry, no adventures this weekend. I have been sick for the last week, and the weather was rainy off and on. We were thinking of doing Manoa Falls & 'Aihualama Falls again, but there was cloud cover over the mountains all day. Didn't want to get caught in the rain half of the day. Gotta get to feeling better. Still have to work even though I'm sick! So, hopefully by next week I will feel better and we can get some more adventures in.
While Kimi and myself are kind of in our "downtime" from hiking, be sure to check out another excellent blog we have come across. It is by another resident of O'ahu, and he gets a lot of hikes in. The link is listed below.
Island Trails by Keleo Lancaster
http://www.keleolancaster.blogspot.com
Hope you find his post as enjoyful and informative as we have.
Until next time,
Happy Trails To You
Sorry, no adventures this weekend. I have been sick for the last week, and the weather was rainy off and on. We were thinking of doing Manoa Falls & 'Aihualama Falls again, but there was cloud cover over the mountains all day. Didn't want to get caught in the rain half of the day. Gotta get to feeling better. Still have to work even though I'm sick! So, hopefully by next week I will feel better and we can get some more adventures in.
While Kimi and myself are kind of in our "downtime" from hiking, be sure to check out another excellent blog we have come across. It is by another resident of O'ahu, and he gets a lot of hikes in. The link is listed below.
Island Trails by Keleo Lancaster
http://www.keleolancaster.blogspot.com
Hope you find his post as enjoyful and informative as we have.
Until next time,
Happy Trails To You
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
If nothing else...
Aloha!
If nothing else this week, we may revist hula dancing on Waikiki Beach, and maybe catch some of the fireworks that are held weekly at Hilton Hawaiian Village. The fireworks can be seen from pretty much anywhere along the coast in Waikiki and these activities are all FREE!
Being that we are on a tighter budget, saving for the baby and all, more free to low cost activities will be showing up in this blog. It is an ever evolving blog, but we still will try to stick to the basics. Many tourists that come here spend extra (unneccessary) money because they are on a limited schedule. Many activities they do are offered for low cost (if not free), but they do not have the time to search them out. Being that we live in this little slice of heaven (and have more time than money) this blog can help even more people than originally intended.
Any input (as always) is greatly appreciated!
Mahalo,
Koma & Kimi
Proud Parents to Be
komakimi@gmail.com
If nothing else this week, we may revist hula dancing on Waikiki Beach, and maybe catch some of the fireworks that are held weekly at Hilton Hawaiian Village. The fireworks can be seen from pretty much anywhere along the coast in Waikiki and these activities are all FREE!
Being that we are on a tighter budget, saving for the baby and all, more free to low cost activities will be showing up in this blog. It is an ever evolving blog, but we still will try to stick to the basics. Many tourists that come here spend extra (unneccessary) money because they are on a limited schedule. Many activities they do are offered for low cost (if not free), but they do not have the time to search them out. Being that we live in this little slice of heaven (and have more time than money) this blog can help even more people than originally intended.
Any input (as always) is greatly appreciated!
Mahalo,
Koma & Kimi
Proud Parents to Be
komakimi@gmail.com
Monday, August 17, 2009
Big News
Aloha!
Well, as I said in an earler post, we are going to be doing some easier hikes and other adventures. The reason for this? We are PREGNANT!!! Kimi has to keep her body temperature below 102 degrees for the health of the baby, so no hikes that are to demanding, or have little shade. Fear not, for we will still be doing shady hikes and other adventures (though they may be slower paced). We will be trying to find hikes where there is plenty of shade, and taking more breaks along the way. However, in keeping with the blog to help others out, most activities will still be things that most people would not normally see (especially tourists, or those new to the area). We are still here to help, but for the moment have to work within tighter limitations.
Mahalo or your continued support, and as always, feel free to contact us at any time with any questions or info that may help others.
E malama pono, a hui hou.
Well, as I said in an earler post, we are going to be doing some easier hikes and other adventures. The reason for this? We are PREGNANT!!! Kimi has to keep her body temperature below 102 degrees for the health of the baby, so no hikes that are to demanding, or have little shade. Fear not, for we will still be doing shady hikes and other adventures (though they may be slower paced). We will be trying to find hikes where there is plenty of shade, and taking more breaks along the way. However, in keeping with the blog to help others out, most activities will still be things that most people would not normally see (especially tourists, or those new to the area). We are still here to help, but for the moment have to work within tighter limitations.
Mahalo or your continued support, and as always, feel free to contact us at any time with any questions or info that may help others.
E malama pono, a hui hou.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Hurricane Felicia
Not the best adventure weather!
Aloha!
Sorry, everyone, but no real adventures this week. Hurricane Felicia was headed this way, and of course, it has to ruin my 2 days off. It has been raining off and on (mostly on) for a day and a half already. There was supposed to be a nice meteor shower last night with a smaller chance to see it tonight, but we can't even see the sky. Oh well, what can you do? We'll pick back up next week.
Koma & Kimi
Sorry, everyone, but no real adventures this week. Hurricane Felicia was headed this way, and of course, it has to ruin my 2 days off. It has been raining off and on (mostly on) for a day and a half already. There was supposed to be a nice meteor shower last night with a smaller chance to see it tonight, but we can't even see the sky. Oh well, what can you do? We'll pick back up next week.
Koma & Kimi
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Anniversary Weekend - Day 2 - Part 2 of 2
Aloha!
Welcome to the last half of our anniversary weekend. In keeping with the theme "romantic, cheap date", we start with dinner. Perfect date dinner? A PUKA DOG! We haven't tried one yet, you know they've only been open for 2 years 3 blocks away. Anyhow, best dog ever. What makes a PUKA DOG so awesome are the buns and the toppings. The bun is not like a regular bun. It simply has a "puka, or hole, in one end for the dog and the toppings. The bun is also kind of doughy like a manapua. The toppings are awesome. First you choose you dog (polish sausage or veggie dog). Then you choose your spice ( 4 levels from mild to hot-hot). Next choose your TROPICAL relish (mango, papaya, pineapple, coconut, etc). Finally choose katchup and mustard (lilikoi, gauva, etc). I had the polish sausage with spicy sauce, starfruit relish, and lilikoi mustard. Yummy. Kimi had the polish sausage with spicy sauce and gauva mustard. Not so daring for a first try. Anyhow, that is another tasty adventure we will revist. Next, a romantic stroll down Kalakau. Have to burn some calories and make some room for desert, so we walk to the other end of Waikiki to Cold Stone for some ice cream. Nice way to cool down before sunset after a hot day. Now just chill and wait for the show.
The show was pretty cool. I would recommend that you go see it. It runs 4 ays a week and is a little different each time. We definately had a good anniversary, Kimi said probably best ever!
La,la,la love is in the air...
Kimi & me getting our seat on the lawn.
The ceremonial blowing of the conch shell to begin the hula.
The band.
Hula girl.
Hula guy.
Welcome to the last half of our anniversary weekend. In keeping with the theme "romantic, cheap date", we start with dinner. Perfect date dinner? A PUKA DOG! We haven't tried one yet, you know they've only been open for 2 years 3 blocks away. Anyhow, best dog ever. What makes a PUKA DOG so awesome are the buns and the toppings. The bun is not like a regular bun. It simply has a "puka, or hole, in one end for the dog and the toppings. The bun is also kind of doughy like a manapua. The toppings are awesome. First you choose you dog (polish sausage or veggie dog). Then you choose your spice ( 4 levels from mild to hot-hot). Next choose your TROPICAL relish (mango, papaya, pineapple, coconut, etc). Finally choose katchup and mustard (lilikoi, gauva, etc). I had the polish sausage with spicy sauce, starfruit relish, and lilikoi mustard. Yummy. Kimi had the polish sausage with spicy sauce and gauva mustard. Not so daring for a first try. Anyhow, that is another tasty adventure we will revist. Next, a romantic stroll down Kalakau. Have to burn some calories and make some room for desert, so we walk to the other end of Waikiki to Cold Stone for some ice cream. Nice way to cool down before sunset after a hot day. Now just chill and wait for the show.
The show was pretty cool. I would recommend that you go see it. It runs 4 ays a week and is a little different each time. We definately had a good anniversary, Kimi said probably best ever!
La,la,la love is in the air...
Kimi & me getting our seat on the lawn.
The ceremonial blowing of the conch shell to begin the hula.
The band.
Hula girl.
Hula guy.
Happy Adventures!!!
Anniversary Weekend - Day 2 - Part 1 of 2
Aloha!
Welcome to Day 2, Part 1, of or anniversary weekend.
Today, we started with Ka'iwi Scenic Shoreline (Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail). Being that we take the bus, we caught the first bus to Sealife Park at 7 a.m. We arrive an hour later, and proceed across the street. I you go this way, use the restrooms at Makapu'u Beach beore going any further. There are no restrooms or water fountains from this point on. Bring plenty of water, as the trail is not shaded. (Ironic, huh? Plenty water, no restroom???) Anyhow, if you go in the morning, you can beat the heat of midday.
Once you reach the end of the paved trail, there will be 2 different lookouts. One looks down at Makapu'u Beach and Rabitt Island, and the other has a 360 degree panoramic view. Past these 2 lookouts, you can continue up the cliff for a truely awesome view. Cation: the winds can be strong and gusty. We had thought of hiking down the other side along a foot trail, however, the wind kept pushing me off balance when blowing across our backpack. I decided at that point it would be unsafe for us to continue on to the other side.
The trip that took us 2 hours to go up (with picture taking, and granola bar/water breaks) took us only 1/2 hour to retrace.
Oh, yeah, we still have to walk back to Sealife Park and wait for a bus home. Yay:( But there are Puka Dogs and hula in our near future.
Part 2...
The point of the cliff above the lighthouse is our final destination.
A.K.A. Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
Makapu'u Lighthouse
And again.
We had a fun hike:)
Welcome to Day 2, Part 1, of or anniversary weekend.
Today, we started with Ka'iwi Scenic Shoreline (Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail). Being that we take the bus, we caught the first bus to Sealife Park at 7 a.m. We arrive an hour later, and proceed across the street. I you go this way, use the restrooms at Makapu'u Beach beore going any further. There are no restrooms or water fountains from this point on. Bring plenty of water, as the trail is not shaded. (Ironic, huh? Plenty water, no restroom???) Anyhow, if you go in the morning, you can beat the heat of midday.
Once you reach the end of the paved trail, there will be 2 different lookouts. One looks down at Makapu'u Beach and Rabitt Island, and the other has a 360 degree panoramic view. Past these 2 lookouts, you can continue up the cliff for a truely awesome view. Cation: the winds can be strong and gusty. We had thought of hiking down the other side along a foot trail, however, the wind kept pushing me off balance when blowing across our backpack. I decided at that point it would be unsafe for us to continue on to the other side.
The trip that took us 2 hours to go up (with picture taking, and granola bar/water breaks) took us only 1/2 hour to retrace.
Oh, yeah, we still have to walk back to Sealife Park and wait for a bus home. Yay:( But there are Puka Dogs and hula in our near future.
Part 2...
The point of the cliff above the lighthouse is our final destination.
A.K.A. Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
Makapu'u Lighthouse
And again.
We had a fun hike:)
Happy Trails!!!
Anniversary Weekend - Day 1
Aloha!
Did things a little backwards this time, so the pics are first. Just scroll down to read todays blog.
The Lucoral Museum, located on Kuhio Ave in Waikiki.
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Trigger.
The U.S. Army Museum of Hawai'i, located at Kalia and Saratoga in Waikiki (next to the Hale Koa Hotel).
Did things a little backwards this time, so the pics are first. Just scroll down to read todays blog.
The Lucoral Museum, located on Kuhio Ave in Waikiki.
.JPG)
Trigger.
The U.S. Army Museum of Hawai'i, located at Kalia and Saratoga in Waikiki (next to the Hale Koa Hotel).
Aloha!
So, it's our seven year anniversary (8-6-09), and we decided to go out and do some fun "dating" activities. It seems to help you reconnect with each other. We had a good time.
Well, I guess I'm getting a little ahead of myself. Let's start at the begining.
Day 1-
The first place we decided to go is the Lucoral Museum. The museum is about 2 blocks from us, and we have never been there. Granted, it's not one of your big attractions, but it is pretty interesting.
The Lucoral Museum is a display of the worlds fine corals, gems, fossils, pearls, and other assorted items. We even saw a fossilized dinosaur egg!
After our first activity, it was time to go home and walk our dog and have some lunch.
Once we walked Trigger, and had a chance to grind, we headed to the U.S. Army Museum of Hawai'i. The museum was very interesting, and even talked about warfare of the first Hawai'ans to present day. We will have to visit the museum again, as there were to many unsupervised, unruly children for us to enjoy ourselves and finish the tour.
Yet another adventure to be re-explored.
Anyhow, for a FREE day of potentially interesting things, it's worth a try on either of these destinations.
E malama pono, a hui hou.
Koma & Kimi
Adventures
Aloha!
The title is Koma & Kimi's Hawai'ian Adventures. Yes, it was started about hiking in Hawai'i, but we also said it was about other adventures around the island as well. So, with that being said, we are begining some easier hikes and other activities. This week includes a hike, along with a few other activities. It was our seven year anniversary, so we had a peaceful 2 days together. We went out to explore Waikiki, and re-explore ourselves. Hope you enjoy the upcoming posts.
Koma & Kimi
The title is Koma & Kimi's Hawai'ian Adventures. Yes, it was started about hiking in Hawai'i, but we also said it was about other adventures around the island as well. So, with that being said, we are begining some easier hikes and other activities. This week includes a hike, along with a few other activities. It was our seven year anniversary, so we had a peaceful 2 days together. We went out to explore Waikiki, and re-explore ourselves. Hope you enjoy the upcoming posts.
Koma & Kimi
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wai'oma'o Stream Trail
Aloha!
Welcome to another "where the hell are we" adventure. We started todays hike with the same goal as last week, Wai'oma'o Falls & Ka'au Crater. Did we find it??? No, of course not! We started out good, but evidently took a wrong turn (who'd have thought!). We ended up on the trail following the pipe, but we never saw the falls and were about 2 hours in. I have heard the falls are only about 1/2 hour in. Wrong turn somewhere. Well, I put this up there with Mau'umea Ridge Trail (Lanipo Trail), just because this is the second trail 2 weeks that was unexpected. And by unexpected, I mean it was a successful hike simply based on the fact that we lived. It was a little unnerving, to say the least, to slip and have half of your leg hanging 1000+ ft in the air. No ropes, no nets, no nothing. Anyhow, before all that, it was a nice hike. If you go prepared, and that's your thing, great. If you think you're on a casual hike, not so great.
Well, here's some pics. Hope we get the REAL waterfalls next time.
Looking back from the end of Wai'oma'o Road.
The biggest waterfalls we saw:(
The next 2 are me then Kimi on our way up Wai'oma'o Stream.
Welcome to another "where the hell are we" adventure. We started todays hike with the same goal as last week, Wai'oma'o Falls & Ka'au Crater. Did we find it??? No, of course not! We started out good, but evidently took a wrong turn (who'd have thought!). We ended up on the trail following the pipe, but we never saw the falls and were about 2 hours in. I have heard the falls are only about 1/2 hour in. Wrong turn somewhere. Well, I put this up there with Mau'umea Ridge Trail (Lanipo Trail), just because this is the second trail 2 weeks that was unexpected. And by unexpected, I mean it was a successful hike simply based on the fact that we lived. It was a little unnerving, to say the least, to slip and have half of your leg hanging 1000+ ft in the air. No ropes, no nets, no nothing. Anyhow, before all that, it was a nice hike. If you go prepared, and that's your thing, great. If you think you're on a casual hike, not so great.
Well, here's some pics. Hope we get the REAL waterfalls next time.
Looking back from the end of Wai'oma'o Road.
The biggest waterfalls we saw:(
The next 2 are me then Kimi on our way up Wai'oma'o Stream.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Plans for tomorrow...
Aloha!
Tomorrow we head out to find Ka'au Crater and Wai'oma'o Falls. This week we plan on accessing this trail through a different route than last week. The directions that we got from Google last week did not seem practical. Everything was fenced off private property, except Mau'umea Trail. And 1500ft down the mountain didn't look like a logical way. So, we will be starting our hike in Palolo Valley. This is a longer walk to get to than Google said, but then again I guess it's not shorter if you can't get there at all. We probably will not make it all the way tomorrow, as we have a carnival to go to in the evening at Magic Island, but if we can even find the trail on try #2, I will be happy!
Wish us luck!
E malama pono, a hui hou.
Koma & Kimi
Tomorrow we head out to find Ka'au Crater and Wai'oma'o Falls. This week we plan on accessing this trail through a different route than last week. The directions that we got from Google last week did not seem practical. Everything was fenced off private property, except Mau'umea Trail. And 1500ft down the mountain didn't look like a logical way. So, we will be starting our hike in Palolo Valley. This is a longer walk to get to than Google said, but then again I guess it's not shorter if you can't get there at all. We probably will not make it all the way tomorrow, as we have a carnival to go to in the evening at Magic Island, but if we can even find the trail on try #2, I will be happy!
Wish us luck!
E malama pono, a hui hou.
Koma & Kimi
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Mau'umea Ridge Trail (Lanipo Trail)
Aloha!
Hike of the day? Well, not what we expected! Our plans today were to try to find Ka'au Crater and Wai'oma'o Falls on the way. What we got was Mau'umea Ridge Trail a.k.a. Lanipo Trail.
From the reading I have done after we got home, this is one of the most difficult trails on O'ahu. It is not the longest, on perhaps the most dangerous (although it did have a lot of loose footing and parts of the trail were no more than 1 foot wide with up to 2000ft drops on each side), but it is a rollercoaster! Most mountain hikes are up one way, and down the other. Not this little gem! Up, down, up, down... you get the point. At 3.7 miles to the summit (which we didn't make today), it takes a longer than normal time to hike. Average time estimates for this trail are about 2 1/2 hours to cover the 3.7 miles one way. We made 1 1/2 hours. Long enough for today, especially being that we were looking forward to an easier hike today, and had no idea of what to expect when we started out on this trail.
The trip there was not so bad. It was still fairly early, about 9 a.m., and was overcast with a light drizzle. The way back was another story. By this time the rain and clouds had burned off, and the beautiful Hawai'ian sun was shining in ALL of its glory. We took about 3 short breaks on the way there, and about 10 longer breaks on the way back.
Now, don't get me wrong, the views are worth it (and we didn't even make it to the summit). But, this is a hike you need to be ready for. No novice hikers here. This is considered a more difficult trail. But in retrospect, now we think we can handle anything! Well, we will see how we feel tomorrow. Already pretty sore and burned. Oh yeah, don't forget sunscreen. Not much in the way of shade along this mountain ridge.
All in all, worth it. Get back to the country every once in a while. It will put things into perspective.
Until next time, happy trails.
A view of Diamond Head just before the trailhead.
Don't know yet what's ahead, but we're going to find out!
Kimi posing at the first scenic lookout on the trail.
Waikiki Beach from the trail.
Diamond Head from the trail.
Hike of the day? Well, not what we expected! Our plans today were to try to find Ka'au Crater and Wai'oma'o Falls on the way. What we got was Mau'umea Ridge Trail a.k.a. Lanipo Trail.
From the reading I have done after we got home, this is one of the most difficult trails on O'ahu. It is not the longest, on perhaps the most dangerous (although it did have a lot of loose footing and parts of the trail were no more than 1 foot wide with up to 2000ft drops on each side), but it is a rollercoaster! Most mountain hikes are up one way, and down the other. Not this little gem! Up, down, up, down... you get the point. At 3.7 miles to the summit (which we didn't make today), it takes a longer than normal time to hike. Average time estimates for this trail are about 2 1/2 hours to cover the 3.7 miles one way. We made 1 1/2 hours. Long enough for today, especially being that we were looking forward to an easier hike today, and had no idea of what to expect when we started out on this trail.
The trip there was not so bad. It was still fairly early, about 9 a.m., and was overcast with a light drizzle. The way back was another story. By this time the rain and clouds had burned off, and the beautiful Hawai'ian sun was shining in ALL of its glory. We took about 3 short breaks on the way there, and about 10 longer breaks on the way back.
Now, don't get me wrong, the views are worth it (and we didn't even make it to the summit). But, this is a hike you need to be ready for. No novice hikers here. This is considered a more difficult trail. But in retrospect, now we think we can handle anything! Well, we will see how we feel tomorrow. Already pretty sore and burned. Oh yeah, don't forget sunscreen. Not much in the way of shade along this mountain ridge.
All in all, worth it. Get back to the country every once in a while. It will put things into perspective.
Until next time, happy trails.
A view of Diamond Head just before the trailhead.
Don't know yet what's ahead, but we're going to find out!
Kimi posing at the first scenic lookout on the trail.
Waikiki Beach from the trail.
Diamond Head from the trail.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Jackass Ginger
Aloha!
O.K., so it's been a few weeks, and a few setbacks, but we finally made it to Jackass Ginger. Jackass Ginger is on the Judd Trail. Once you reach the trailhead for Judd Trail, simply descend to your right toward the stream. You will see a trail marker. Cross the stream at this point. On the other side of the stream, you will see another trail marker. This indicates that the trail goes upstream and downstream. Proceed downstream for a short while, and you will be at Jackass Ginger. This is a small local swimming hole. There is a rope swing, and part of the falls can be used as a slide.
*CAUTION* As with any inland water in Hawai'i, leptosporosis is always a concern. Swim at your own risk.
As for the trail, it is a loop trail. If you continue past Jackass Ginger, you will eventually come full circle back to the trailhead. About halfway through the trail, you will see another marker. This is for the Nu'uanu Trail. Continue straight past this marker to stay on Judd Trail, or go right to start a new adventure. As of this post, we have not hiked the Nu'uanu Trail yet. This will be a future adventure, and we will inform you when we make this hike.
While on the Judd Trail, keep your eyes open. Parts of the series "LOST" were filmed here. Check out http://www.lostvirtualtour.com/ for comparison photos with scenes in the show.
Happy Trails.
Someone about to slide down.
Jumping from the rope swing.
O.K., so it's been a few weeks, and a few setbacks, but we finally made it to Jackass Ginger. Jackass Ginger is on the Judd Trail. Once you reach the trailhead for Judd Trail, simply descend to your right toward the stream. You will see a trail marker. Cross the stream at this point. On the other side of the stream, you will see another trail marker. This indicates that the trail goes upstream and downstream. Proceed downstream for a short while, and you will be at Jackass Ginger. This is a small local swimming hole. There is a rope swing, and part of the falls can be used as a slide.
*CAUTION* As with any inland water in Hawai'i, leptosporosis is always a concern. Swim at your own risk.
As for the trail, it is a loop trail. If you continue past Jackass Ginger, you will eventually come full circle back to the trailhead. About halfway through the trail, you will see another marker. This is for the Nu'uanu Trail. Continue straight past this marker to stay on Judd Trail, or go right to start a new adventure. As of this post, we have not hiked the Nu'uanu Trail yet. This will be a future adventure, and we will inform you when we make this hike.
While on the Judd Trail, keep your eyes open. Parts of the series "LOST" were filmed here. Check out http://www.lostvirtualtour.com/ for comparison photos with scenes in the show.
Happy Trails.
Someone about to slide down.
Jumping from the rope swing.
Looking forward...
Aloha!
We are looking forward to our next adventure. Next week we are planning to hike Judd Trail again. This time, we plan on hiking the complete trail. This hike will most likely take place on 7-15 or 7-16. If all goes as planned, which it usually dosen't, we will make the entire loop. Judd Trail is a loop trail (it begins and ends in the same place forming a loop), and is the home of Jackass Ginger. Jackass Ginger is a local swimming hole with a rope swing and a rock "slide".
In case you haven't read our other posts, we have been misdirected for 2 weeks as to the location of Jackass Ginger. On a recent hike, we finally found the trail, but went in the wrong direction. This time we think we know where we are going, and should finally make it. Wish us well, and hope we don't get chased by any more big dogs or something worse! We will keep you updated, and of course, have some new pictures to show.
We are looking forward to our next adventure. Next week we are planning to hike Judd Trail again. This time, we plan on hiking the complete trail. This hike will most likely take place on 7-15 or 7-16. If all goes as planned, which it usually dosen't, we will make the entire loop. Judd Trail is a loop trail (it begins and ends in the same place forming a loop), and is the home of Jackass Ginger. Jackass Ginger is a local swimming hole with a rope swing and a rock "slide".
In case you haven't read our other posts, we have been misdirected for 2 weeks as to the location of Jackass Ginger. On a recent hike, we finally found the trail, but went in the wrong direction. This time we think we know where we are going, and should finally make it. Wish us well, and hope we don't get chased by any more big dogs or something worse! We will keep you updated, and of course, have some new pictures to show.
A few pics...
Aloha!
Just to let everyone know, we take public transportation to most of our destinations. This is the extremely cheap way to go. Being that a bus pass costs $50 dollars per month per person, it is much cheaper than owning or renting a car. However, this means that we don't get "front door service". So, occasionally, we have to walk a little ways to reach the trail. No worries. Sometimes the views getting to your destination are beautiful as well. Below I have shown a few pics from the last bus stop on the way to Judd Trail to Judd Trail itself.
Just to let everyone know, we take public transportation to most of our destinations. This is the extremely cheap way to go. Being that a bus pass costs $50 dollars per month per person, it is much cheaper than owning or renting a car. However, this means that we don't get "front door service". So, occasionally, we have to walk a little ways to reach the trail. No worries. Sometimes the views getting to your destination are beautiful as well. Below I have shown a few pics from the last bus stop on the way to Judd Trail to Judd Trail itself.
Now that we are caught up...
Now that we're caught up on our trips, I will be posting regular blogs on our excursions. Typically, we have been trying to go out once a week. However, weather and health do play a role. Unfortunately, we got a double whammy this week. Kimi is sick and the weather has been rainy. These things happen, even in paradise. Anyhow, check back regularly for new adventures, or feel free to leave some suggestions of your own. And as always, feel ree to contact me with any questions you might have, and I will respond as soon as possible.
E malama pono, a hui hou.
Take care, until we meet again.
komakimi@gmail.com
E malama pono, a hui hou.
Take care, until we meet again.
komakimi@gmail.com
Queen Lili'uokalani Botanical Gardens
Aloha!
Welcome to Queen Lili'uokalani Botanical Gardens. OK. So it's not really a hike. But with the small waterfall on the Nu'uanu Stream running through it, it makes a nice place for a picnic. After you finish one of the other hikes nearby (ie. Judd Trail, Kapena/Alapena Falls), this is definately a nice place to stop for lunch if you were just doing a short morning hike. On one side of the stream is the majority of the botanical gardens, and the other side is shady with lush grass perfect to throw down that picnic blanket. Or, if just relaxing with a book is your thing, there's not much better of a place in Nu'uanu. Truly a relaxing retreat from the nearby busy downtown Honolulu.
Welcome to Queen Lili'uokalani Botanical Gardens. OK. So it's not really a hike. But with the small waterfall on the Nu'uanu Stream running through it, it makes a nice place for a picnic. After you finish one of the other hikes nearby (ie. Judd Trail, Kapena/Alapena Falls), this is definately a nice place to stop for lunch if you were just doing a short morning hike. On one side of the stream is the majority of the botanical gardens, and the other side is shady with lush grass perfect to throw down that picnic blanket. Or, if just relaxing with a book is your thing, there's not much better of a place in Nu'uanu. Truly a relaxing retreat from the nearby busy downtown Honolulu.
Judd Trail
Aloha!
Finally, we found Judd Trail. After 2 weeks of being given wrong directions, we made it. This is a nice hike that runs partially along the Nu'uanu Stream. The day we got here, we were on a limited time schedule and could only hike part of the trail. Though we didn't make it to our goal destination of Jackass Ginger, it was still a nice hike. There will definately be another segment on this trail in the future. Jackass Ginger is a locally famous swimming hole along this trail. This will have to wait for another day.
Caution about the trail: heed warning signs. There is private property very close to the trail. Stay on the trail and out of other peoples yards. Unfortunately, when going upstream, we did not know the trail was on the opposite side of the stream. We ended up running from someones large dogs as we quickly tried to hop slippery rocks across the stream. We didn't really need that adrenaline rush.
Oh, by the way, parts of the series "LOST" was filmed along this trail as well. Check out http://www.lostvirtualtour.com/ for comparisons in scenery.
Small falls near the trailhead.
This is where we should have been on the other side.
This is the area where the dogs chased us.
Kimi walking through the bamboo.
We were somewhere up there.
Finally, we found Judd Trail. After 2 weeks of being given wrong directions, we made it. This is a nice hike that runs partially along the Nu'uanu Stream. The day we got here, we were on a limited time schedule and could only hike part of the trail. Though we didn't make it to our goal destination of Jackass Ginger, it was still a nice hike. There will definately be another segment on this trail in the future. Jackass Ginger is a locally famous swimming hole along this trail. This will have to wait for another day.
Caution about the trail: heed warning signs. There is private property very close to the trail. Stay on the trail and out of other peoples yards. Unfortunately, when going upstream, we did not know the trail was on the opposite side of the stream. We ended up running from someones large dogs as we quickly tried to hop slippery rocks across the stream. We didn't really need that adrenaline rush.
Oh, by the way, parts of the series "LOST" was filmed along this trail as well. Check out http://www.lostvirtualtour.com/ for comparisons in scenery.
Small falls near the trailhead.
This is where we should have been on the other side.
This is the area where the dogs chased us.
Kimi walking through the bamboo.
We were somewhere up there.
Kapena Falls & Alapena Falls
Aloha!
Hike of the day... Kapena Falls & Alapena Falls. We happened to come by these falls accidently. We were on our way to another adventure, and our bus driver dropped us off at the wrong stop. We followed directions he gave us upon getting off the bus, and ended up finding these little beauties. Located just off the Pali (virtually under it), these small falls are a favorite swimming spot for local kids. Not to mention, parts of the series "LOST" was filmed here. (Go to http://www.lostvirtualtour.com/ for these sites along with others we have hiked.) The hike is easy, and there are 2 trails leading to the falls. The upper trailhead is the most dangerous, but only because you have to walk along the busy Pali for a few minutes. The lower trailhead is through a cemetary in Nu'uanu. Nothing spectacular as waterfalls go, and the area needs some cleanup, but overall a relaxing place to go for a short hike.
Some of the locals at Alapena Falls.
Kimi posing by Alapena Falls.
Alapena Falls again.
A local kid diving into the pool at Kapena Falls.
Some local boys swimming in Kapena Falls.
Hike of the day... Kapena Falls & Alapena Falls. We happened to come by these falls accidently. We were on our way to another adventure, and our bus driver dropped us off at the wrong stop. We followed directions he gave us upon getting off the bus, and ended up finding these little beauties. Located just off the Pali (virtually under it), these small falls are a favorite swimming spot for local kids. Not to mention, parts of the series "LOST" was filmed here. (Go to http://www.lostvirtualtour.com/ for these sites along with others we have hiked.) The hike is easy, and there are 2 trails leading to the falls. The upper trailhead is the most dangerous, but only because you have to walk along the busy Pali for a few minutes. The lower trailhead is through a cemetary in Nu'uanu. Nothing spectacular as waterfalls go, and the area needs some cleanup, but overall a relaxing place to go for a short hike.
Some of the locals at Alapena Falls.
Kimi posing by Alapena Falls.
Alapena Falls again.
A local kid diving into the pool at Kapena Falls.
Some local boys swimming in Kapena Falls.
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