We March in behind Tex , passing hikers returning from their descent. An ominous old wooden sign warning of the dangers of taking your dog on this trek was a snapshot of what was to come . Surely it can’t be that tough ? I dismiss it as a sign put their by locals to dissuade the ever stream of tourists that park their cars at any possible space ,traipse through the neighbouring streets , across driveways until reaching a small bush opening that takes them up to Kiawah Ridge . As soon as our eyes adjust it becomes apparent that this hike might be best suited to Mountain goats . A steep dusty hill face covered with chewy old ti- tree ( not sure what the trees were ) , hikers climbing almost on hands and knees ( some were ) , loose stones and even an old worn down rope that some people were using to pull themselves up . Tex and I looked at each other with a smile , I looked back at Emma ;she looked at me with a stiff jaw ,a small head shake followed by a long exhale . “Shit here we go kiddies , time to sweat up .”
As soon as we get to our hotel I’m itching to get out on the street to go for a wander . It becomes a theme on our stay . Every night the feet would pull up pretty sore . The morning ritual of getting a coffee was tough enough . The queues outside of the coffee shops often ran 20 deep . Lining up for stuff is a pet hate of mine and something that I should be used to by now . Lines or queues , whatever you want to call them are common place in the States . I couldn’t do it . I was happy to walk a couple of blocks to get out of the tourist hotspots in order to get my fix . I must say the coffee in Oahu was pretty good . Melbourne good ? No , but it is definitely better than most of the stuff you’d find on the mainland US .
Waimea Falls on the North Shore was the 1st of three walks/treks that we took . A casual walk along a river that winds through beautiful manicured gardens ending up at a waterfall and swimming hole .
Although the kids whinged pretty hard , they were more than happy to jump in the water and swim under the Waimea falls .
On our drive back from the North Shore Tex insisted we do the famous Pillbox hike at Lanikai Beach . I was unaware that Lanikai Beach was such a beautiful location and a popular one at that . I would definitely consider staying here for a couple of days as an alternative to Waikiki beach . Lanikai beach was busy , real busy and no wonder when you’ve got postcard tropical beachfront , top end realestate , cafes ,corner restaurants and bars to wet your whistle .
“I don’t think we can do it .”I sighed . We’d just driven our 3rd circuit of all the surrounding streets looking for a car park . Tex was about to implode . His “whole holiday was now ruined “ , I was informed .The joint was pumping with beach goers and hikers all squeezing into a corner of housing bordered off by Kaiwa Ridge and the much desired Lanikai beach .
Eventually we retreated to the beach car park and struck luck when a car reversed out just as we entered . A palpable disappointment quickly turned into excited anticipation. It would add half a mile to the walk but it’s worth it .
The Pillboxes are actually observation bunkers used for the maritime era near the end of WW2 . Now they are popular hiking destinations throughout the island . The walk isn’t actually too long at all . After a steep strenuous start it tapers off to a slow ascent that tracks along the Kaiwa Ridge . Once on the ridge the cooling sea breeze is a welcome respite . On the early climb the sun drew out any of the previous nights alcohol …and then some .
The Pillbox walk at Lanikai beach was a nice little win for our adventures on Oahu . The reward for a short strenuous walk was the breathtaking panorama at the top of Kaiwa Ridge . Chinamans Hat , Lanikai Beach ,incredible turquoise water . Hawaii as a paradise …..the view confirmed it . A nice little swim at the bottom would top off the day
Diamond Head …. It’s the last day , we fly out at lunchtime . Emma and I creep out of our room just after 6am . I drive the 3miles or so to the Diamond Head trail entrance , still wiping sleep out of my eyes .
I can’t even remember what we paid but I think it was a$10 entry . The Diamond head trail isn’t a long walk but it has its moments .When the sweat starts to glisten on your forehead at 630am and you look up to see another 100 steps to climb you know are awake now .
The trail is pumping with early morning traffic . By the time Emma and I reach the top there is a line waiting to access the viewing platforms and the main pillbox . Covid 19 or not ,it was shoulder to shoulder ,sweat included .
Even though the kids whinged and plenty of it , going out of our way just a little bit was well worth it . Diamond Head trail is just minutes from Waikiki . The Pillbox walk is in the beautiful Lanikai Beach , about a 40 minute drive from Waikiki .I definitely recommend the coastal drive .
Lanikai Beach is a must day trip if you go to Oahu . Waimea trail is on the North shore .The kids loved the waterfall and the swimming hole …Well hound dogs ,it’s always good to get away from the pool deck when you’re on holiday . A little adventure allows extra reward when you get back at the hotel
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