Hanauma Bay

You can hike around the far ridge! 8 miles! Future destination!





On Sunday, my roommate CJ, his long time friend, and I went to Hanauma Bay. It's an official nature preserve and a popular tourist spot located on the East side of the island, just beyond Hawaii Kai. The bay is filled with underwater life, coral reefs, fish, turtles... to much disappointment no sharks, lobsters, star fish, crabs, octopus... just a variety of sea life. You have to watch a short 10 minute video about preserving the sea life before gaining entrance. It's a short walk down to the bay area. You can rent snorkel gear, or just lay out on the beach. The snorkeling is easy since the entire bay is relatively shallow. You just have to make sure you don't step on any of the coral so be sure you're comfortable snorkeling before going in too far.

We say a lot of various fish and a turtle. They're so chill, very relaxing to watch.... slow moving, calm and going with the flow.

It's a great place for a family trip and introduction to sea life and snorkeling. The official site is below.

Welcome to the Hanauma Bay

My friend George from my friends underwater disposable cam.

Later George.

Mt Olympus (partial)

So Nicole and I started this trip after having a nice breakfast at Wailana Coffeehouse. Reminded me of a Jersey diner but of course a more Hawaiian oriented influence. Had a Mahi Sandwich. Anyway, I'm just going to post pics since I don't have the full trail details at this point. Enjoy!


Part of the ascent towards the summit. A lot of descents and ascents.

Nicole on an interesting tree off to the side of the trail. It was just protruding out.

My turn!

Slippery climb up

Another descent on the way to the Summit

Having fun with nature! An interesting cubby on the way back.

Hike is physically demanding. Will return to finish the other half!

Likeke Trail (kinda), Likeke Waterfall

(view from above the Pali, early on in the trail, taken at "Pali 2" waypoint on the map)

Trails: Likeke Trail (part of)
Distance: 3.8 miles (one way to the end, you will want to turn around around 3.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: unsure, see elevation profile for an idea
Hiking time: 2 hours 15 mins (for the one way trip from the trail head to the highway)
Area: Off the Pali, near Kailua and Kaneohe
Trailhead: Pali Outlook (north bound overlooking Kailua)
Directions (via bus): Take the 56 or 57 to the first stop after the descent to Kailua. Trek back to the Pali Lookout and you'll see a sign for the Mauanwili Trail
Sights: Likike Waterfall, Kaneohe, Kailua, Pali Lookout
Recommendations for hike: Bug spray!!! I got so many bites. A snack and water. Towel or bathing suite if you want to wade around in the pool. Go in the morning. Afternoon gets very muggy. Though you're not in the sun too much, you want some for the hike to the trail head if you're going by bus.

Yellow Path - Trail
Green path - walk from bus stop to Pali Outlook
Magenta Path - Walk back via highway

This profile is only for the trail path (yellow path in above pic).

First off, the statistics above way not be accurate. Use them as a guide rather than true numbers, if you want to go on this hike. It's usually a to and back hike long the trail but my one way path was extended and rerouted.

T afternoon, i ventured off to do a mild hike. So via bus to the Pali Outlook.
This trail started off interesting enough. It was a bit confusing until you reach the actual Likeke Trail. First off, from the trail head, take the Maunawili Trail at the right end of the Pali Outlook. You'll soon come across a junction that indicateds Mauanawili Trail to Waimanalo. Instead, take the stairs to the right and it'll follow the Pali Highway (going back towards Honolulu). At one point there is an opening where you can get a great view of Kaneohe and Kailua. Follow the trail and you'll be hiking along a fence on your right. I was a little confused about the next steps. At the end (or so it seems), you can see a paved road in front through some brush and the Pali Highway on the right. Go down to the right and underneath the highway. You'll find some rope and wooden steps to go under the highway. This was pretty fun. Just something different that you don't find on hikes. Continue on the trail which is relatively clear and you'll be on a paved road which is Old Pali Rd. Continue to follow it and you'll intersect another road that is bending around the corner. If you look to the far left, you'll see a short stone wall. Just beyond it is the entrance to the hike. From here the path is clear.

A short hike up with a handful of twists and back down and you'll come across another junction. I imagine some of this trail to be muddy after rain fall so becareful. Go left and you'll head towards the waterfall. The straight route will go to the golf course. I fortunately found a group to follow. Otherwise I may not have caught it. The waterfall is mild. Very small pool. There were a bunch of people just chilling. Supposedly, a lot of locals and tourist come to the falls. It's less than a mile from the trailhead. It was pleasant but not exciting. So onto the hike.

It winds around the foothills constantly descending into a gulch and rising out of it. I jogged part of it until I tripped and did a dive like I was stealing 2nd (not that I would really know but it's what I imagined it to be like). My knee is still a bit inflamed and hands have abrasions. Not a good start. So the trial continues to repeat itself, dipping into a gulch, crossing a small stream here and there, hiking out of it and... well it repeats. There are some nice spots where you can see Kaneohe and look back to the Pali (see pics below). There are 2 or 3 outlooks like this.

So after the last outlook, the trail continues. I believe you're supposed to turn back but I continued. I should have known since the trail was less worn. I was walking through a lot of low lying brush and some even to my chest. But the path was clear enough to be a trail. The entire trail was marked with pink ribbon and it continued and so did I. I started getting annoyed... thinking... where could this possibly lead. Well my thoughts were on the right track but I wasn't. After another mile or so, I come to the end. Guess what? Nothing there. Just a highway in the way. There was a spot where you could descend and go under the highway but I was so annoyed at that point that I decided against it. I was far out enough and didn't want to walk to far back.

So I backtracked a bit and took some time, finding and hopping a fence where I reached a highway. Wasn't as easy it sounds. I remember it being much easier as a kid. Also a 10 lb backpack doesn't help but I think that last part is just an excuse. Walked a couple miles back and ended my trip. Going on another trip tomorrow so I can't where my legs out.


Interesting set of trees in the beginning of the trail before crossing the Pali Highway.

You're on the right track, keep going!

Rickety old stairs. They were stable enough. This lets you get under the Pali Highway to old Pali Rd.

View from under the Pali Highway


Old Pali Rd.

Random flower along the trail

Entrance to Likeke trail

Likeke Falls ("Fall" waypoint on the map)

Odd plant

uh.... part of the trail

This was interesting. All of the trees were brushed in a single direction. I thought trees typically grow vertical to the earth not to the ground. Like if you're on a steep hill, the trees will be pointing up and angled to the ground. Guess I'm wrong.

View from one of the first openings

Kaneohe Bay (from "002" waypoint on the map)

Not sure what highway but I was really trying to capture the mountains in the back. (from "002" waypoint on the map)

See that strip of highway in the high center. That was the starting point or around there. (from "002" waypoint on the map)

Aiea Valley Loop Trail

Trail: Aiea Valley Loop Trail
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 ft
Hiking time: 2 hours
Area: Aiea Heights
Trailhead: End of Aiea Heights Dr inside of Keaiwa Heiau Recreation Area
There are two directions you can take. The lower one is more of a climb.
Directions (via bus): Take the 11 from Alapae Transit stop near the west end of Kapiolani Blvd. and it will take you to Aiea Heights Dr. Get off right before it turns off the road (or after like me). The Alapei transit stop can be reached by multiple bus routes. Coming from Waikiki, you can take the 2, 13, or B City Express get off at Kalakaua Ave and Kapiolani Blvd, and hop on to the 3, 9, or A city express to get there. There are probably alternate routes as well.
Sights: Views into neighboring valleys and ridges. Spots overlooking




First off, new toy, Garmin 76s cx handheld GPS!! It's a bit bigger than I expected but great for gathering data. Has an active tracker and provides me with coordinates, elevation, distance, mph (moving average and overall average), and more. I can save all the data to an microSD card and the device connects to computer via USB cable. The software, Mapwource allows me to track the path and easily view an elevation profile. No specific function to extract the images. Just had to print screen and paste to paint. It's relatively easy to use though I'm sure there is a lot to learn. I've only had for two days. You can set and/or upload waypoints, routes, maps. The navigation is not so smooth but good for a handheld. Excellent battery life off 2 AA batteries.
I was possibly going to use an iPhone for the same purpose unfortunately the battery life was a big factor. After reading many reviews, one of the better altimeter applications will drain your battery in 4-5 hours.

This hike is pretty straightforward. It's not difficult at all and has gently rolling climbs and descents. It's not as long as I thought it would be. One of the guides said 5 miles and the trail head says 4 1/2 miles but my GPS only tracked 4.1. I started on the lower entrance which is marked as Keaiwa Heiau Loop Trail. I would recommend it for any beginner hikers who want a long stroll. Not recommended for your first hike although it isn't too tough. It's just 4 miles so you may want to start on something shorter.

The trail is clear and you don't need a guide to get through the loop. There were certain moments where the path seemed to split. If you just follow the more worn path, you'll stay on track. In most of the splits, it's just to get to a higher point for a better view.



It starts off with a slight descent through some narrow paths. I always enjoy these types of terrains. As you slowly climb to the other end, you'll find fallen trees in your path that I ducked under or climbed over. This was very common along the entire trail and you some of them are actually completely cut for you (should have grabbed a pic). Others have a wedge cut out to help you step over. A majority of the trail hugged the inner valley but there were a number of opportunities to grab a view of the south ocean and Kalihi valley. There were some paths off the trail Great sights of the Likelike Highway. Of course, fantastic views of the neighboring ridges. There weren't too many distinct plants but then again I'm not familiar with them in general. It's just something that doesn't catch my eye.

Likelike Highway through Kalihi Valley



Looking back towards to Aiea area (I think).

On the way back towards the beginning of the upper entrance there was an out of place flower reaf. I also noticed on my way back through the recreation area 3 stray cats. They looked like house cats but... eh... well I'm not sure.







View from the road on the way back.

Overall, the hike was casual. The most tiring part was getting to and from the trail head. The bus drops you off 2 miles from the trail head. I ended up walking more on the road then I did on the trail. It wasn't so bad though.

Manana Trail to Waimano Pool

Trail: Manana Trail
Distance: 3 Mile (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 700 ft
Distance and elevation information courtesy of Stuart M. Ball Jrs "The Hikers Guide to O'Ahu"
Hiking time: Took about an 1 hr 15 mins to get to the pool. Not quite sure of the return trip. Think it was about 1 hr and 30 mins.Area: Pearl Ridge
Trailhead: End of Komo Mai Drive
Directions via bus: The 53 bus will take you all the way to the area. It's practically the last stop on the westbound route. Get off at the corner of Komo Mai Dr. and Aukulu. It was about an hour or so bus ride from Ala Moana center. It's about a 1/2 mile walk from there.
Sights: Valley and ridge views, not too expansive though, small waterfall, small pool. Interesting hike. Steep descent/hike on second half of trail.


So another hike this Sunday. The trail head begins at the dead end of Komo Mai Dr. It's past residential area. If you're taking the bus, make sure you get off the corner of Komo Mai Dr. and Auhuhu St. The streets all sound the same around there and I got off a hand full of stops earlier. Komo Mai Dr. is all uphill going towards the trail head around that area.

It's a pretty nice view from the trail head as seen above. The first 1/4 or 1/2 mile or so is on a black top road. At first it seems like a very casual hike . I was in slippers going to the falls. Not recommended as it gets steep later. As you continue, you'll fine little outlets on the side where you can overlook parts of the valley. You can see the Pearl City area from certain spots but it's just a glimpse. You're mostly gazing into the valleys. The first 3/4 miles of the trail is relatively flat. There are so minor climbs and descents but it's so slight that you could jog it.

Part of the first 3/4 of Manana Trail.

Another in the same vicinity.

Soon after you'll reach a little hill. It looks like it veers into two different trails but either way will get you to your next point. 3/4 mile it you'll reach a sign. Go right towards the Waimano falls/pool. So begins the steep decline. It seems like it never ended. I should have changed into shoes here but thought I'd be okay.


It's tough to capture the depth.

My camera was in my bag next to my frozen water. Lens fogged up...

After descending for another 3/4 miles, winding through the valley, climbing down rocks, and at one point you'll come to a clear fork in the path. I heard that both paths will take you down to the pool eventually. The right one winds around to the stream and you can follow it up (courtesy of 2 random hikers I ran into). The descent is pretty interesting. It's not like other hikes I've done. What really distinguishes it, is the narrowness of the path. You really are just trekking through the mountain and branches are constantly in your way. The path is clear enough though. Lots of guava trees (good to provider more support while hiking down). No bamboo forest this time. Certain parts are a bit muddy. I can imagine the whole descent being slippery after it rains. T Soon you'll finally reach the lower pool area. There was a trickling waterfall that creates the top pool, runs into a small pool, and into the final one where I jumped in. You can hike around to the top area. There are some ropes to help you out. The locals said that it usually isn't this mild and that the water is usually clearer. Eh... I'll take what I can get. So I chilled out in the pool area for awhile... jumped in a handful of time.. didn't swing on the rope. Chatted with some locals. There was a big group of kids chilling there to. Like 10 of the just jumping in and they decided to make a fire in the drier areas. That would have been nice growing up. Other locals that said he grew up coming to the falls.

The lower pool facing the so called waterfall.

Upper pool. Weak waterfall.

Middle and lower pool, looking down, back to waterfall.

Someone jumping from one of the higher points. About 20 to 25 ft. No go for me this time. Not after hurting my back on the jump at Maunawili falls.

After hanging out for an hour or so, decided to head back. Jeez, maybe I was just tired and had no energy... only had a granola bar this morning... the climb back up was so tiring. It was steep, and for 3/4 mile with little breaks. Calves were killing me by the time I made it back to the easy part but I'm back.


This was actually one of my favorite hikes. It was a good mix of a shallow ridge in the beginning to a steep decline. Also like the fact that you're descending into the valley as opposed to hiking up to a ridge. Good change from other hikes. It's exhausting coming back though when you already tired. Plus the waterfall and swimming hole at the end is a nice bonus. I'll eventually go back.

Nuuanu to Monoa

Trails: Judd Memorial trail, Nuuanu trail, Puoua Flats Trail, Aihualama trail, Monoa Falls trail
Distance: 4.3 miles - see breakdown below. Another guide (link in a paragraph below) states its 5.39 miles away. Not sure why though. They say the Nuuanu trail part is 2.08 miles long and there are some additional distances for the parts on the beginning and ending road.
0.6 of the 0.75 mile loop of Judd (rough estimate, probably slightly underestimated)
1.5 miles of Nuuanu Trail (I believe it's the whole trail)
0.1 miles on Puoua Flats trail (extremely rough estimate)
1.3 miles of Aihualama trail (once again I believe I hike the whole trail)
0.8 miles of Monoa trail (whole trail)
Elevation gain: At least 1500 ft. It's hard to say. There were quite a few hikes and descents. Adding up the trails doesn't seem accurate.
Miles and distance courtesy of Hawaii's website, "Na Ala Hele - Hawaii Trail System," https://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/home.php
Time: Approximately 3 hours and 1/2, non-stop. Minor breaks. Quick pace for first half. Slower in the dark.
Trailhead: Nuuanu Pali Dr (Nuuanu Valley) . Clearly marked on right side of road (heading North). There is room for parking on the side. You can also start on the Manoa side at Paradise Park (entrance to Manoa Falls Trail).
Directions: Since I don't drive I'm not sure the quickest route. Find the Pali Highway. Go North. Veer off of Nuuanu Pali Dr and continue up the windy road til you see a trailhead on the right. You'll pass a gated community around a bend. It's not too far from there.
By bus (from Waikiki): Take the 4 bus that stops along Kuhio going towards Eva (westward). It will take you through town, go up the Pali, and veer off to Nuuanu Pali Dr. It will connect to Old Pali Dr. Get off before or after this intersection and walk up Nuuanu Pali Dr.



So this evening at around 6 p.m I set out an mini adventure, hiking from Nuuanu via the Judd Memorial Trail over to Moana valley. It would be a series of trails, starting with Judd Memorial Trail, passing Jackass Ginger Pool, a right onto Nuuanu trail, a 2 mile hike with switchbacks and a ridge over to the Tantalus area (i think), taking a left onto Puoua Flats Trail for less than a quarter mile, veering right to Aihualama Trail which leads directly into Monoa Falls Trail. Click here for a link to a pdf file showing the trail. It's on the 3rd page. The directions are in reverse. I forgot my hiking guide, so I supplemented it with this.

Took about 3 and 1/2 hours. Sorry no pics. My SD card was left in my laptop. Plus half the trail was in darkness. I'll go back during daylight to capture some of the views. I'd be interested to really see what I was hiking through.


So darting out of work at 4 p.m. I walked a bit and caught a bus to what I thought was the trail head. Well I fell asleep on the bus and was awoken by the bus drive saying "last stop." Fortunately, the last stop was in the vicinity of where I wanted to be, or so I thought. After consulting a friend, I backtracked a couple of blocks and started heading up Nuuanu Pali Dr, a twisty road climbing out of the valley. There were some spectacular houses, spread out, randomly placed along the sloped sides of the roads, surrounded by nature.
Soon enough I reached the trailhead. I started Judd Memorial loop which was nice enough, very casual stroll through a forest. Nearby, I witnessed to people swimming in the Jackass Ginger Pool. I didn't veer off to check it out. Maybe some other time. I had only so much daylight and though I wanted to hike in the dark, I'd like to minimize it to some degree. I figured the full moon would provide enough light.
Found myself going onto Nuuanu trail, a quick right off of the Judd Memorial Loop. This was the beginning of the tough part. I'd say it was like 20 switchbacks traversing the mountain side... jeez... had a steady quick pace for half of it but I guess I pushed myself a bit too much initially... rested a bit here and there for a minute. Great hike... no open views along the way up but I wasn't paying close attention to the scenary.
Closer towards the top was beautiful. At one point, you can see both valleys, Nuuanu and a minor one that is covered in greens. You can catch of glimpse of the Pearl City area and what I thought was Waikiki. This was the favorite part of the hike. The sun was practically set so it had a grey overcast type of light. Windy and cool (by Hawaii standards). Hiking along the ridge I saw the Pali Highway lit up. Just a long trail of parallel lights. It actually reminded me of a night ski slope. It winded and stretched in a similar manner.
So the adventure begins... curving around the ridge I saw ahead, an entrance to what looked like a cavern. The trail was just heading back into the mountain. The way the trees covered the trail... I couldn't see the trail... it just disappeared into darkness... there was little light anyway... as I entered, it wasn't so dramatic... glimmers of light peering through. Enough to still hike without a flashlight. Just more forest... crackling branches... roots devouring the ground... sounds of birds... and shortly after sounds of crickets.
Little by little, the day was gone. I cracked a light. At first, I paused, simply to look around. I was surrounded by darkness. My mini Mag light revealed a fragment of the forest. I shut off the light for a moment... slowly spinning around... trying to focus my eyes.. it was useless. My field of vision was gone. The moonlight? Good luck. Perhaps if I were on a hike along the coast or up on the ridge it would provide a path. Not here though. So I trekked through the darkness. Knowing the general path but not always knowing the terrain. I often found myself surprised with my footing, stepping on roots or in mud unexpectedly. I was still trying to hike as fast as I could. As intriguing and quite honestly... fun as it was hiking in the dark, I had no idea how much further it would be. I assumed another hour or so but thought the night would argue otherwise. So I continued... one of my major concerns was missing the next trail. I know I wasn't supposed to follow this one forever. It would just take me deeper into the mountains. I had moments of paranoia, considered turning back but knew i was more than half way through. So I marched on. Quite honestly, in situations like this, it wasn't so tough. I had a light, the path was relatively clear. The only thing you can do is to continue in one direction.
I finally came across the intersection, Puoua Flats trail. It sounded familiar. The ground was uneasy, covered in roots, creating minor ditches for my foot to knock against. It was uncomfortable dredging over them, my ankles twisting in all directions to keep my balance. It was a short trail luckily.
Veered off to Aihualama Trail. I know I had been there before. I recognized that intersection. Puoua Flats trail took me to the summit on my Tantalus hike (last hike 2 weekends ago). At that moment, I decided to take that trail and head back. I feared that the light would die and I'd be trapped. I wouldn't be able to move in the dark without stumbling down the side of the mountain. If my memory served me right, there would be a road nearby. Along the trail, I descended multiple switchbacks. At every turn, this looks familiar, i'm on the right track. Then it soon became, i don't remember this... there weren't as many rocks here... or there should have been some more brush coming up.... no, it looks familiar... i'm still on the right track. Before I knew it, I was lost. I knew I was descending down, so it would take me down somewhere. As it traversed the mountain and hugged the mountains curve, I hoped for a small stream with a minor crossing. It never came. I was simply reminded that I was in the middle of nowhere, the sounds of crickets, slight rustlings along the forest floor. In light of my recent revelation, paranoia bombarded me. I started gathering some dry bamboo leaves... it seemed that it would retain a flame if I needed. Wrapped in a bungee cord, I gathered a substantial amount. Yes paranoia makes you do silly things. Some may argue that it was a smart move just in case but I had no idea if it would even work. Once again, the best thing I could do was move forward.
So it had been over an hour in the darkness... it seemed much longer... before I knew it... i know these rocks... and I continued down. In the distance I heard water. I recalled a stream from my previous hike. I had to be nearby an entrance to one of the many hikes of Tantalus. I climb over some more rocks along the trail and look to the left. The sound of the waterfall was within my sight (well if I could see that far it would have been) and I saw the danger sign by the waterfall. I was at the top of Monoa Falls Trail. Victory!!!!
The rest was just a casual hike, the trail was easy and my mind was at ease. Irionically at one point, there was a strong breeze, trailed by a loud slow eerie creek of a tree. It really startled me and sent a chill down my spine. Soon enough I was in a residential area. Perfect timing too. The bus came by in the next 5 mintues. Had a steak.. heading to sleep... gotta be up in 6 hours. G'night!

Smoking...

Okay so I've been a bit sick lately. Nothing major. Started earlier in the week. Slightly congested. Friday got a slight temp though... no worries... bed rest and significantly better now. Still slightly congested like in the beginning. Almost full circle. That's not the point of the post though.

So on Saturday, I was on my way to Kapiolani park. It was a little after noon.... I had been in the apartment for the past day and a half. Needed to go out. Still had a slight fever... thought some sun would to do me some good. As I was walking on Kuhio.... I pull out my pack of cigarettes... 3 left... i gotta buy another pack. Normal thought process when I'm down to a couple of cigs.
Thinking about that now, it's odd how we condition ourselves. Like a couple of weeks back... more like a month. We were waiting for some food outside of this restaurant Phuket Thai in a Mililani town center. It's in an outdoor mini mall. I light a cigarette and then realize that there's no smoking in the area. Well actually first looked around and so a large population of families and kids.... so wanted to go to the parking lot to finish... then realized i wasn't supposed to be smoking. So I stroll on to the parking lot maybe 50 ft away and finish my cigarette. The point of the story, it didn't even cross my mind to just put out the cigarette and have it some other time. I HAD to have it then. As always.... I digress.
....so going back to my original story.... do i? I'll make this my last 3... it was a casual though... one that has never held any truth in the past. For one reason or another, it's stuck... now for those who want me to quit... don't get so excited. It might just be some anomaly... cause nothing's really changed in my mind... don't know why the sudden brash change in mindset. It wasn't because I was sick... I've smoked through the worst fevers, colds, bronchitis... and whatever minor illnesses I've had in the past 10 years... It puzzles me further why this time around, every thought about going to buy a pack is quickly opposed with a conscience... impeding me from actually doing so. Normally, I wouldn't have a conscience about it and the rare moments that I had were quickly dismissed. I suppose I'm just trying something new... or possibly losing my mind... they say any sudden change in mannerism or mood is often an alert for
It partially has to do with a product I bought, an electronic cigarette. It's a nicotine inhaler that mimics the feel of smoking. The distinction is that it has a vaporizer which gives for the added effect of inhaling and exhaling vapor. Nothing is burning though. It's called the NJOY Npro. Link It's the closest thing to a cigarette that I could find. I originally tried it a couple months back as a way to cut down on my cigarette intake. But I soon lost it... it dropped down an elevator shaft and my building wanted $200 something for some to go look for it. A new kit would have been cheaper. Retail for a bit over $100. It came with 2 batteries so I still had one. What I really needed as the vaporizer or atomizer piece which at the time was not sold separately. Now it is and I picked one up last week. I'm not really cutting down on nicotine though. In fact I might be getting more. I can go through a cartridge per day. The fact that it's smokeless allows me to smoke it anywhere.. which is convenient.. but also allows me to smoke it anytime... which I tend to overdue now. We'll see... I'll let you know when I buy a pack of cigarettes. Some may be thinking by saying that I'm already going to do so and hence guaranteeing my failure to quit.