KoleKole Pass

You'll have to forgive me for the first few posts not being in the order the we actually did the hikes. We've already done 5 or 6 and I decided to start with the one that was freshest in my memory.

KoleKole Pass, Schofield Barracks
1-1.5 Hours roundtrip
3.8 miles
Novice-Advanced

This past Sunday we did KoleKole Pass. The pass starts on Schofield Barracks, which is an Army post for those of you who do not know. You must either have access to the post or get a pass on base to do this. You drive down Trimble Road until it turns into Kolekole and go until you get almost to a gate. You will see a small parking area on the left and from there the start of the trail. This trails starts by ascending rather quickly up old wooden stairs. Make sure to stop any time you see an opening to take in the views. We did not see any views that were not breathtaking.

These were our first views. We had only been hiking a few minutes.

As you continue along the path you come to the most unique boulder I have ever seen. While planning the hike I came across information about the boulder, called Pohaku Hupeloa. The description I read mentions a bowl shaped part of the rock and details the legends that surround it. When I photographed it, it looked  amazingly like a boar to me. What do you think? Can you see it?

After this portion of the hike, you continue down the path. You will see a few caution signs. It is important to  note that this area is used by the military and you should use your best judgement when venturing out. It is also for this reason that the trail is closed off a lot of the time. This is also where you start seeing that there are many other paths or little offshoots that you can explore. I suggest trekking a little ways down all of them, if you have time, to check out the views. We came to a communications tower and on the right I noticed this amazing tree that had fallen over. I plan on coming back to this spot to take some amazing pictures of my kids, in something other than hiking clothes.

Isn't it perfect?! 

Back on the path, we wondered around the left side of the tower and came upon two paths. We took the one on the left because we could tell that it was ascending into the mountains, where the other path was very clearly going downward. We did walk down just a bit to check it out. The trail forks a little ways up and we continue on the left. I imagine the right path would eventually go up to the peak. Eventually, we came to a clearing. As soon as I stepped out into it, it took my breath away. It was incredible, but as we wondered to the right out to get a better view it only got better.

Panoramic of the view from the clearing

Hubby and our youngest down this cliff a bit that over looks the valley 

Looking into the valley from the very edge

From here we continued along the back, which narrowed in a few placed and then opened up onto a trail that wraps around the mountain. We climbed up rather than continuing on. There are trees that line that part of the mountain and their roots make for stairs, so-to-speak, that made our ascent fairly easy, even for the kids.

We climbed up fairly high and stopped to take in the views. We could see the tower that we had passed near the beginning of our journey marking how far we had come, nearly 2 miles. We decided to make this our turning point because, although the trail continues, it become an advanced hiker trail, which is by no means suitable for our young kids. It is a hike that is on our to-do without kids list.

This hike was kid friendly and provided some amazing views. I am sure we will venture up this one again :)

Disclaimer: All of this information is based on my personal experience. Please use your best judgement and caution when hiking. Do research before going out and plan ahead. BE SAFE.

Aloha

Hawaii. Just the name conjures images of crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, and flower leis. But Hawaii is so much more than that. It's a culture. Its rugged and wild, yet a buzzing metropolis at the same time. It's a local community mixed with a tourist hot spot. It's the beach and the mountains. And for now it's home.

My family and I have been on this island, Oahu, for nearly 5 months now. And although I know this "home" is only temporary, as we are a military family, I plan to make the most of my time here. I refuse to be that person who lived in paradise, yet saw and did nothing. I want to explore. I want adventure. And I want memories. Memories of amazing views, gorgeous sunsets, and family adventures. I want my kids to experience a world outside of TV and video games. I want them to really live. I want them to see me (and my husband) exploring and taking risks, so that they will follow our lead. So that one day, they will be risk takers, when they know the rewards will be worth the risk. So that they will live active lives. And so that they will have memories to share with their children one day, that will inspire them to make new adventures and new memories.

My children inspire my love for life. And here is where the memories begin.

It's okay. You can live vicariously through me. I won't hold it against you. :)