Lanikai Pillboxes

So after seeing some waterfalls, the next hike on the list was a ridge hike. I got my friend to pause her studying for the day and come join me and the church group. Driving through the Pali Tunnels we were hit with some heavy fast-moving rain. I looked at my friend and we both had the same thought, maybe todays not a good ridge hike day. But we pressed one with hopes of clearer weather on the other side of the island. We reached the parking area and walked the short distance to the hike start. When the other ladies joined us, there was talk of cancelling due to possible rain. My hope was still high and we decided to try it out since we were already there.


New shoes meet old dirt

I had read reviews of this hike and all mentioned the "cardiac hill" that you get to almost immediately. We were huffing and puffing and sweating up a storm on the barren and dusty "hill". Loose dirt and lack of stable bushes made it hard at points. Good thing my new shoes had the traction they did. My friend was doing well in her slippers (but then again, she's a pro). Once over that, the hill leveled out to a more "easier incline". Don't get me wrong, it was still an incline, just not one that would blow the arteries in my neck. About half way up, the clouds were still blocking much of the sunshine and the smell of rain was in the air.




the beginning of the ocean side rain clouds

My friend and I scuttled up to the first pillbox just as large raindrops started to blow in the wind. The rest of the group decided not to brave the rest of the hike and had turned around at the half way point. Well, the rain was coming in faster and harder, but it felt good to just admire the view and let our pounding hearts subside. As we rested and hid from the rain, we pointed out landmarks and named the ones we knew.

After sitting for 5 minutes, I decided to look around the pillbox and see what the cloud pattern was forecasting. To my horror, those fast moving clouds that we had come across driving over were pressing in and showed no sign of withdrawal. The ocean was partially blocked out by dark rain clouds as well. Because this was a bare ridge hike, wind and rain can play a huge part in safely ascending and descending.




Moku Nui and Moku Iki

I turned to my friend, and the fear in both our eyes told us our joy ride was at its end. We quickly shoved our phones into the driest parts of our backpacks, and picked our way down. Within a very short time, rivers of muddy water ran between and around our feet. Wind and rain blasted on us from all sides and soon we were wet. About the halfway point, our hair was completely soaked and we were having a challenging time getting down the hill.

When we got back to cardiac hill I had a terrifying thought that we could easily sprain our ankles. With little to no shrubs to grasp onto, waterfalls of mud now enveloped the once dry hill we climbed. A hiker in front of us directed us to go to the far side in order not to slip as much. Just as I made my way over, I completely lost my balance and slipped. It was like a slow-motion of skating on all fours. Thankfully my hands and feet were able to keep the rest of my body off the ground. I sighed a bit of relief as I looked at my cut hand. At least I didn't have a muddy butt!



short but sweet moment

Even though we should have been terrified the entire way down, both me and my friend wished that we had a go-pro attached to us to film this great feat. We laughed at how our siblings think of us at "boring". Ha! We were pushing the envelope on crazy and deadly and we loved it! We were almost at the bottom as screeching and giggling rang from our open mouths. There was just a mud filled blacktop when we exited the hike, as all the mountain seemed to be pouring out onto the street. Running to my car we were in ankle deep water. I quickly grabbed a few handy beach towels from my trunk, took off my soaking shoes and jumped into the car. When we finally got our breath back, we looked at each other with wide eyes. "That was fun!" We checked our phones and tried to dry them off.

Since we were not able to reach the other pillboxes, we felt a bit gypped from the hike. Looking like drowned rats, we put on a motely array of dry clothes I had in my car and headed into town. Searching for a coffee shop offering warmth and shelter from the continuing downpour, we found a cute place tucked away in a small strip mall. After getting our drinks we decided to head back home.....the scenic way.

Makapu'u Tidepools, Waimanalo

Driving past Waimanalo, I felt like I had been transported back home. From the jacked up trucks to the old single wall houses, everything breathed simplicity and comfort above all. Compared to the nearby city of Honolulu, the quiet town of Waimanalo seemed unscathed by the busyness over the mountains.


lava rocks are my friends

The sun was peaking out the of the clouds more as the day progressed and we went further away from the Lanikai area. We pulled over and stuck out toes in the water by the Makapu'u area.


Rabbit Island and Kaohikaipu Island

We continued our journey around to Sandy's Beach where we jumped in for a quick swim. Obviously, I feel that this hike was not completed as we only made it to the first pillbox. Pictures were also lacking as, well, I was trying to live and not kill my phone with water.



Until I am able to try again, memories of this adventure rapturously play back in my head. If I'm going to fall, I'd most enjoy falling while laughing. Lanikai Pillboxes, we shall meet again!