Yesterday we hiked a rollercoaster. Let me explain. We knew that this hike was going to be a challenge because it was listed as four miles each way, but what-the-heck we were going to give it a try. Hiking the half mile through the park to the trail head seemed like a cakewalk after the Kuliouou Trail. 
In my last post, I talked about climbing 800 feet and huffing and puffing. Given that, I’m not sure what made us think that hiking the Kuliouou Ridge Trail was a good idea. The hiking guide said that the trail climbed 1200 ft. – we did okay on the 800 ft. climb. We can totally do this. It’s not that much higher right?
The trail starts out at the end of a small neighborhood with little parking so we had to park a quarter of a mile down the road, but hey what’s another quarter of a mile? We strapped on our backpack, water bottles and hiking hats and started out. At first this trail was much like the Aeia trail with gradually ascending switchbacks up the side of the mountain 
and beautiful scenery along the way.
We continued along occasionally checking our GPS to monitor our progress and feeling pretty good about ourselves. Though there was a fair amount of huffing and puffing again, we were already at 900 ft. and hanging in. 
A while later, going by our GPS and the time that we had been hiking, we were just about at the end of the trail when we came to a small shelter. As we rested a bit, some hikers on their way back down said that the views were fantastic and worth the effort. We asked how much further and one said “You’re about half way there. After several long moments of shock and dismay, Tom questioned him and the guy revised his statement saying well, maybe we were about 3/4 of the way. One of the others then said in a very ominous voice , “Good luck with the steps.” Wonder what that means?
They moved on and, being pretty determined and possibly a bit stubborn, so did we. About 20 minutes later we found out about the steps. There were 266 of them and they went straight up the mountain another 400 ft. I thought I was going to have to be airlifted off.
After stopping every ten steps to breath – stubbornly, determinedly, and gasping for air we made it to the top, and as promised, the views were spectacular!!!!
After a long rest and soaking in the magnificence of our surroundings, the question became, “How do we get back down?” We discussed hurling ourselves over the edge but decided that that was a little extreme, so we started the long journey down, and down, and down…
We eventually made it (on very rubbery legs). It took us about 4 1/2 hours and our GPS said that the rise in elevation was 1800 ft. – a guide book we looked at later confirmed that. It didn’t make my legs feel any better, but at least it made us feel better psychologically.
Anyway, we headed to a nearby park for a late lunch – Aloha burgers of course.
The park was lovely, quiet and a perfect place to decompress.
Then home for a little beach time and cocktails.
Aloha
Today was another hiking day, and we chose the Aiea Loop for today’s adventure. We drove to the Aiea State Park which is near Pearl City. The park is located near the top of an old crater, is heavily wooded, and is beautiful. The trail leads up about 800 feet to the top of the crater and then travels around to the other side before it descends back to the entrance – maybe that’s why they call it a loop trail.
Anyway walking in Tidewater area of Virginia (very flat and near sea level) doesn’t prepare you for hiking in the mountains. Never-the-less we embarked on this new hike with vigor and self-assurance.
Along with elevation issues, parts of the trail itself were a challenge.
Despite the climbing, huffing and puffing and obstacles, we hiked through fragrant eucalyptus and evergreen forests. With panoramic views everywhere… peaceful and very Zen.
When we go back to the picnic area, we cooked Aloha burgers on our brand new $17 Wal-Mart grill. 
It doesn’t get better than this.
;”>And to end this day’s blog – not another sunset, but a moonset taken very, very early this morning. Aloha
Let me explain the difference between a “walk” and a “hike”. When we’re walking the neighborhood, on sidewalks or paved roads, it’s a walk. When we’re off-road on a trail, then it’s a hike. We’ve done a lot of walking on this trip, but today was our first hike.
We started out early – 7:00 – because it gets hot and humid fast around here. Anyway, we drove about 7 miles to the head of the Kealia Trail. As trails go this is a pretty easy one – not a lot of climbing or change in elevation.
One of the great aspects of hiking along the coast is the spectacular views.
We hiked to Kealia Point where there is a wildlife preserve and a lighthouse. It’s a very pretty area.
However, the lighthouse did not match the romantic picture I had envisioned… . Modern technology…heavy sigh…
Still, we got to see some of the wildlife. Two monk seals were snoozing and basking on the shore.
As we headed back we got to see a Shearwater nesting near the trail.
On the drive home we stopped by a very cool cave.
CharliExplores 