Bloom Where you are Anchored

Have you hiked to the arch on the side of Koko Head? It's a quick little hike with a little challenge getting to it at the end. Wear shoes with some tread. When we hiked it last Sunday at sunrise, the trail was dry and gravely so it was a bit slippery. But the views are are worth the effort! Start by parking at the Halona Blowhole lookout. Cross the road and head towards Hanauma Bay about 200 yards, you'll see a man-made stone wall on your right, climb up there to begin the trail. The trail is easy to follow right up to the Koko arch. When you get up to the arch, hike alongside the left side to get under it.  Happy trails!  <script data-ad-client="ca-pub-3155612495653989" async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

Have you done the Old Pali Road hike lately? What do you like most about it?  I decided to hike it yesterday and started at the lookout at the hairpin turn on the Pali Highway (Highway 61) Kailua bound after you come out of the tunnels.   You can park for free at the lookout and follow the signs and trail towards Maunawili Falls. About 5 minutes down the trail you'll see a sign pointing towards Maunawili Falls going left and stairs going up which will take you to the Old Pali Road.  It was about 3.5 miles from the lookout parking to the Pali Lookout at the end of the Old Pali Road hike and back.  Beautiful scenery from the Old Pali Road, well worth the journey. Some rolling hills throughout the hike, nothing too strenuous.  Recommend for beginner to average hikers.  If you're looking for a bigger challenge, you could continue on to the Pali Puka from the Pali Lookout, but that's for experienced hikers, and for another post!  Please respect the land and plants and wildlife.

If you don't mind some heights and a good climb, I'd recommend this quick hike, about a mile up to what people like to call "pride rock" as seen in this picture. Pu'u Ohulehule is a great shaded hike and you only need to go about a mile to get to the rock viewpoint.  You can continue on from that point. See the free AllTrails App for more information on continuing the trail Park near 48 Haupoa Street in Kaneohe. It was easy to park there, no other cars on a Friday afternoon at 130pm and we quickly found the trailhead behind the concrete barrier in the picture below at the very end of Haupoa.  Please be respectful of how you park and be quiet as it is a residential area. The trail was very well marked the whole way with little pink tie on markers. There's some ropes and even a hose tied up next to the steep parts if you want to use them. Not always needed. After we hiked we stopped at this super close "Waiahole Poi Factory" roadside eatery. They gave