Ka'ena Point Trail Hike

Trevor and Ku'uipo went to Ka'ena Point Hiking Trail.

The trailhead begins on a dirt road where Farrington Highway comes to a complete stop.  There is a makeshift parking lot and signs that mention not to leave valuables in the vehicle and to lock your car.

The trail was muddy at 7am and Ku'uipo wore white running shoes, the only athletic shoes Ku'uipo has in Hawai'i.  They were given to her and she doesn't care whether they stay dirty or clean.  She did bring along a pair of flip-flops, or as the locals say, "slippahs," because her former walk to Kea'au Beach Park caused a gnarly blister to the back of her heel.

About a quarter of a mile into the walk, Trevor saw a spot he wanted to take a picture at, and realized his phone wasn't with him.  He had to turn back.  Ku'uipo could not keep up with his fast gait, So she opted to run to the car.  He mentioned the phone may be on the ground, on the top of the car, or on the dashboard.

Thankfully, the phone was on the dashboard.  Ku'uipo and Trevor commenced their journey into Ka'ena Point Trail.  When they got to the initial area Trevor realized his phone was missing, they took a picture.

The hike was mainly a muddy pathway with the occasional view of an old defunct railroad track and the beautiful Pacific Ocean banging against lava reefs below.

Along various areas were jeep and big truck owners doing plenty of fishing.   About halfway to the end, a few small trails off the actual trail were made and Ku'uipo and Trevor tried them.  Due to the large rocks and brush, these areas made perfect latrines for hikers and were apparent by the human waste left behind.  It's best to stay on the main track to avoid accidentally stepping in waste.

At about 75% to the end of the trail, the cliff and railroad tracks were destroyed by a tsunami in 1946.  At some point the driveable road becomes just a pedestrian width of trail and then becomes a bit more hazardous as you incline over the side of the mountain to head toward the Nature Reserve.

The Nature reserve is gated but entry is possible through double sliding gates.  Inside there are nesting Wedgetailed Shearwaters.  They are a grey bird that nestles in burrows in the ground.

Ku'uipo also saw and became excited over what she assumed were ginormous Seagulls.  She she mentioned seagulls didn't get that big in California, that the seagulls in California looked like pigeons compared to Oahu's seagulls.  Come to find out, they were not seagulls at all, but Laysan Albatrosses.

After passing the birds area, the end has an old bunker colored in graffiti.  Ku'uipo and Trevor spent time looking around from the bunker and enjoying each other's company in the form of PDA.

Trevor and Ku'uipo on bunker

Ku'uipo and Trevor with North shore side behind them

After some time on the bunker, a gentleman who was visiting with his family told Trevor and Ku'uipo to quietly view the monk seals below.  After a picture with the monk seals Trevor and Ku'uipo headed back to the beginning.

Monk seals

Trevor and Ku'uipo

Laupāhoehoe rocks (basalt stones)

Naupaka Kuahiwi