So since the Obamas are in Kailua right now and everytime I try to drive anywhere, the traffic is stopped dead, I decided to try a hike that I've seen listed in my guidebooks that is right in my neighborhood. Hiking might not sound like a big deal for most people, but I was seriously intimidated. I don't have much hiking experience... the only two hikes I can recall are 1) At Girl Scout Camp, which was awful. The troop leader yelled at us and I got attacked by mosquitoes. Then 2) "Hiking" in the Redwoods with Camilla and Luke last year. I don't this really counts as hiking, since it was a paved road, and I was wearing a dress and flip-flops. And the only reason I agreed to do it was because they promised me there was a chalet in the woods that served beer and had board games (It was heaven.) But still, it was uphill! So that counts, right?
Anyway, the guidebooks said this hike was "Short & Easy" so I figured it was a good enough place to start. Short and easy fell to the wayside as I got lost finding the start of the path. If you have any idea how small my neighborhood is, you would be impressed that it was possible for me to get lost here. But eventually I found a side-street with a huge country club and golf course and I had no idea existed. And is about half a mile from my house. I know, pathetic. When I got to the start, I noticed quite a few other people starting the hike as well as coming down the path, so I felt better that I would have people to follow. I also noticed a number of families with small children on the trail, so that made me feel pretty confident -- if they could do it, I could too.
Long story short, it was HARD. The beginning was really steep, basically climbing straight up with nothing to grab onto. But after a bit the slope became much more gradual, and there was a nice breeze off the ocean. And the views were aaaamazing. Plus I have to admit it, I really had fun climbing. So I think I've been converted to hiking...
View from the first look-out point. You can see the golf course at the country club that I never knew exisited.
At the peak of the hike are two "pillboxes." I had no idea what that meant, but apparently they are military bunkers that were installed on the mountaintop during World War II. Basically just small square concrete buildings. Here's a view from just above the first pillbox.
Right next to the first pillbox, view of Mokulua islands. The pillboxes were the only spot on the hike that had any shade, which was much appreciated.
Inside the pillbox, ladder to go in and out.
Inside again...
Those are stands for where the military would shoot their guns out. So cool.
These pillboxes basically just felt like the best forts ever from childhood. I loved seeing them, and the views were incredible.
View to the north toward Kaneohe and the Ko' olau mountains range.
This view is standing at the first pillbox, looking up toward the second.
View down over Lanikai and the Mokuluas. I tried taking a photo of my house but there's a big tree that covers it from above.
View toward Waimanalo.
View from the 2nd pillbox, looking down at the 1st, as well as Kailua and Kaneohe Bay.
Once I got near the top, I couldn't believe that people bring little kids up there. It's so steep and doesn't seem too safe. To be honest, although it was stunning, it kind of reminded me of some place that you'd see on Dateline or 48-Hours Mysteries where the husband pushes the wife off a cliff for life insurance. Good thing I'm single :)
All along the walk down I kept seeing butterflies fluttering around, it felt a bit like a Disney movie.
The Lanikai Pillbox hike was a fantastic way to start 2010. Best workout I've had in a long time, and I only slipped a couple of times coming down the mountain. Maybe my weak ankles, lack of balance, and zero stamina could improve after all :)
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