Kawainui Marsh Trail

The Kawainui Marsh lies behind Kailua.  A levy separates the marsh and Kailua and there is a path and sidewalk running the length of the levy.  It's a nice place for a relaxing stroll with a beautiful view of the Ko'olau Mountains and a chance to see a variety of Hawaiian birds and ducks.  The paved sidewalk is great for strollers, scooters, and beginning bicyclists so this is also a great place to get some exercise with kids in tow.

We've been taking our kids and their bikes and running/walking along with them.  When I'm paired with my daughter I'm either trying to keep up with her or stopped trying to persuade her to keep going, but as she improves I'll be able to keep up a more steady pace.

There is no shade along this trail and it can get pretty hot in the middle of the day.  We prefer to go in the morning or late afternoon.  This is a pretty popular trail, especially during those times of day, and you might see a friend or two along the way.

Do it yourself on Oahu
Location:  This trail can be accessed from either end.  The access point to the Kaneohe side of the trail is at the mauka (mountain) end of Kaha Street (off of Oneawa St.).  The access point for the other end is off of Kailua Road shortly after you leave Kailua town heading towards Castle Hospital.
Hours:  There aren't hours for the trail, but the park and its parking lot at the end of Kaha Street are closed from 7pm to 7am.
Parking:  There is parking at both ends of the path.  There is a parking lot in the park at Kaha street and a pull-out to park in off of Kailua Road.
Facilities:  There are porta-potties in the park at the end of Kaha road.  There are no facilities along the trail.

Scenic Sunday: Croton Leaves

Scenic Sunday...because I never get over the beauty of these islands.

I love all the different colors on this croton bush.

Lanikai Pillbox Hike

My holidays were filled with lots of eating and now I'm feeling the need to get out and get active.  Anyone else feeling the same?

The Lanikai Pillbox Hike, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a great place to get some exercise and enjoy some amazing views.  It's a steady uphill climb and will give you a good workout, especially if you are trying to keep up with your 6 year old like I was.  

The first part of the trail is the steepest and the rocks and dirt are loose, but after a bit the trail gets easier and the beautiful views begin.

This is a popular trail with people of all ages.  It's not without it's dangerous spots and has some high drop offs and slippery areas (we came across a lady who had slipped and was waiting for a rescue by the fire department), but with a little bit of caution it can be a safe and fun adventure for the whole family.  A few pictures can describe it better than I can so here's an example of a steep drop-off in front of the hikers pictured:

And here's what it looked like hiking that section.  There's plenty of space to keep away from the edge of the drop-off.  Our 6 year old hiked the whole trail on his own and our 3 year old hiked most of it with my husband behind her holding both of her hands for support.

At the top of the trail are two pillboxes that make a great place for panoramic photos and/or a snack.  You can climb in the pillboxes and sit on top of them.  The last time we hiked this we went to both pillboxes and I think our entire adventure last about two hours which includes all the time we spent hanging out at each pillbox.  I've read that you can take the trail past the second pillbox and it will take you down the other end of the ridge and then you can walk back to your car on the neighborhood streets but I haven't done that.

I'll end this post as I began, by saying this is a great little hike if you want to get some exercise and see some amazing scenery.

Do it yourself on Oahu

Location:  The Lanikai Pillboxes are on Kaiwa Ridge which is behind the community of Lanikai.  

Directions:  From Kailua, head southeast past Kailua Beach Park and the boat ramp.  Stay along the coast and head into Lanikai.  At the Y, stay to the right on Aalapapa Drive.  Then take a right on Kaelepulu Drive.  Find street parking here and then walk up the street.  Just before the road enters a gated community you'll see a road that goes off to the left.  Take this road to the trailhead which is off the right side of this unnamed road.

Parking:  Street parking along Kaelepulu Drive.

Facilities:  No restrooms or other facilities here.

Other:  As mentioned in the post, this trail is steep and has drop-offs in some locations.  Use caution and you'll have a fun and safe adventure.  I'd recommend taking water and wearing sunscreen.  If your kids are like mine, taking snacks will help you have happy hikers.

Cost:  Free

January 7 & 8, 2012: Weekend Events

If you thought the holidays were over, guess again.  The Christmas train at Pearlridge Mall is operating through this weekend and the Japanese Cultural Center is hosting a New Year's event.  You can also celebrate The Three Kings Day with the Puerto Rican Association of Hawaii.  Last but not least, there will also be a Lion Dance at Kailua Public Library.  The details for these events are all on the Weekend Events Page.  

If you know of events I missed, please feel free to share them with others in the comments to this post or on my Facebook page.  

Have a great weekend!