Return to Kualoa Ranch Oahu

I returned to Kualoa Ranch on the Windward side of Oahu with Gabby and Brian in February.

The ranch has so much to offer guests.

We decided to do some horseback riding. 

 We decided on the hour ride, which was really about 45 minutes. 

Maybe next time we'll go for the 2 hour ride!

The views were spectacular and the tour guides really great.

So much fun!

We had a windy picnic lunch at Waimanalo Beach Park 

Then we walked the Makapuu Lighthouse trail.

Gabby was convinced that I lied about the length and elevation of the climb- but we got there!

Brian was a little freaked by the wind at the top, but he didn't blow away!

Rain moving inland

This is worth the climb!

If you want to see more pictures of this hike check out my earlier blog post.

Makapuu Lighthouse trail 

One of the coolest scenic lookouts is at Halona Blowhole.

To see more pictures at the Blowhole check out this earlier blog post. 

Blowhole

USS Missouri

In November, Ken and I toured the USS Missouri, the battleship most famous for hosting the signing of the document ending WW2.

It was a really fascinating tour, I learned so much.

Signatures on the document of surrender

Place of the signing on deck 

The retired ship is located in Pearl Harbor.

 On March 31, 1992, the Missouri was decommissioned for the final time; the last active service battleship in the world, her departing officers and crew the last battleship sailors. 

The placement of the ship is symbolic as it watches over the Arizona Memorial in Pearl harbor, 

These two ships represent the beginning and end of US involvement in WW2.

The guns stay ready to protect the fallen of the Arizona.

Equally fascinating as the signing was the story of a kamikaze plane 

which hit the ship during the war.

Photograph capturing the plane hitting the ship.

A proper burial at sea requires a flag, 

so seamen stayed up all night sewing a Japanese flag to bury the pilot with.

Seamen giving the pilot a proper burial.

There were pictures and letters from kamikaze pilots, they were so young!

Pictures from around the ship

If you ever get to Pearl Harbor, touring the Missouri is definitely worth the trip.

Ka'ena Point, Oahu

Again, I'm moving a recent trip up to the front of my list. 

My mind says, post your Hawaii experiences in order. 

But, my heart fell in love with this place and I can't wait to share it with my few :( followers!

Okay, I always knew Oahu had a Northwestern tip, but I didn't know how to get there!

When gabby was here she wanted to visit a few Lost locations.

So, we trekked off with some Map Quest directions and stumbled upon this gem!

We decided to take Ken there for lunch Gabby's last day here.

This was our lunch view...

By the way, here is a picture of the "Other's Camp" from Lost.

It's a YMCA Camp Erdman :) 

So, a few days later Ken and I decided to take the Vette to the Point. 

It's a very rural drive compared to much of Oahu.

Beautiful drive!

We met some friends on our way home for coffee at Green's Coffee Farm.

What a fun time!

That place needs a blog post of it's own! Delicious!

Me, Isabella, Andrew, and Maria

Now for the real post: The Hike

We decided to return the next weekend to hike the trail.

We arrived about 8:30 AM

You can drive so far- then to get to the real Northwest corner, you have to hike 3 and a half miles each way.

The payoff at the point is a 

59 acre natural area reserve.

The hike was absolutely gorgeous.

We definitely needed a lot of water and sunscreen (no shade)

Next time we'll do the hike even earlier in the morning and bring more water. 

The walking was fairly rocky, I was glad I wore my hiking boots.

There's a high path and one near the water.

We did both.

With a permit you can drive a 4 wheel drive vehicle. 

We saw a some people fishing and a few campers.

High Path

Now: The Reserve

Ecosystem Restoration Project.

• It is home to nesting seabirds, monk seals, and other native coastal species.
• One of the largest seabird colonies in the eight main Hawaiian Islands is found here. Recent surveys have estimated approximately 2,000 seabirds use Ka‘ena Point as their breeding grounds, and many more than that use the area as a place of refuge.

The reserve is fenced off to prevent unwanted animals in.

It is an albatross nesting area.

We saw quite a few albatross.

All I could think of was the Albatross Air from the Rescuers!

I'm sure there is a story behind this cement building right at the point.

Wish i knew it!

 It was such an amazing experience sitting on the rocks and watching these monk seals. 

This video is worth the watch!

As you can see we were having a blast!

Okay, I need to stop myself- I could share many more pictures. I think you get the idea!

Can't wait to go back.