Rock Bridge Hike

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Rock Bridge – May 19, 2013


This attraction became popular within the past few months. The hiking community has promoted the rock bridge and so everyone has to do it, right!

 

To get there is not too easy. Initially, I thought it was an easy hike to do. But after today, it is apparent that it is more on the intermediate level and caution should also be warranted.

 

With my mom taking the kids to the zoo because of military appreciation day, Michelle and I went to check the rock bridge out for ourselves. But, we needed to finish the hike by at least 1:00pm because we had reservations at Adega, a Portuguese/Brazilian restaurant in the Chinatown District.

 

We took the long drive to Hanauma Bay, paid the $1 for parking and started hiking the ridge. It was very hot today, with hot wind blowing on the exposed ridge from time to time. A few months ago, I got a gps track from Will and Marvin. It helped out today as it guided us in the right direction.

 

After getting to a certain point on the ridge, it is somewhat obvious that the hike goes in a loop of sorts. A hiker has a choice to go clockwise or counter clockwise. We chose to go clockwise, which is the correct choice as it was less strenuous.


At this point of the hike, Ihi’ihilauakea Crater comes into view as a sign mentions its presence. Instead of going around the crater, we had to veer off and go down a steep rock embankment towards the ocean. Need to be kind a careful on this spot as a fall could mean a tumble.



As we neared the shore, it took a while to find the rock bridge. Today’s surf was crazy strong and going near the breaking waves did not look like a good idea. After a while of looking, I tried to find a picture of the rock bridge on my iPhone. I tried to match the picture with what I saw in front of me. Atlas, it was found, but the waves were crashing so hard, that it meant death if we went any nearer. I took a picture from afar and that was that.


crazy surf
 
The hike back up was a struggle for Michelle. Her legs were tight, luckily she didn’t cramp. After a little over an hour, we finally completed the hike. I guess I have to go back when the tide is low so I can get a good shot of the rock bridge.

don't go here, its junk

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