The Second time to The Rock Bridge

Rock Bridge – July 12, 2013 

My second time to the rock bridge had one simple mission: to photograph the bridge. Last time, the waves pounded the rock bridge making a photo opt. anywhere near the bridge dangerous. I hoped today we would get a better opportunity.

The small crew consisted of us OAG members, Erik, Aprille, as we tried to meet up at the Hanauma Bay parking lot. Erik and Aprille got in, however, I got turned away because the parking lot was full. I parked at Kokohead Park and walked up to the bus stop meeting Erik and Aprille.

Even in the hot sun, we hiked at a blistering pace, getting to the rock bridge in under 45 minutes. There, the waves sporadically crashed over the bridge making it easier to get a good shot this time. Erik seemed to want to walk on top the bridge. He took a bunch of pictures, but in his mind, he was going to find a way onto the bridge. I didn’t want to because I knew if I fell, that would be it. Believe me a fall into the water and the prospects of survival is gloom because the current is so rough.

Aprille’s thought was with me as we didn’t want to go on top of the bridge. As you may already know about waves, they are unpredictable. At times big waves don’t crash into the rocks that hard, and other times, small waves hit the rocks just right creating major splashing. Though the waves weren’t as big as the last time I was there, a big wave would hit the bridge every once in a while.

rock bridge

As Erik studied the wave’s behavior, it was apparent he was onto something. He noticed that when a massive wave hit the rocks, it would pull back intercepting other waves that were ready to crash onto the rocks. To be plain and simple, the waves were cancelling out each other which is the reason why the bridge wasn’t getting constantly slam with waves. His observation appeared correct. I believed him, sort of. Eventually we gathered enough courage and when a big wave hit and pulled out, we went for it. I was scared, but Erik was like hurry up. We took a picture and got back to a safe spot. In hindsight, we actually had another 20 seconds to take pictures, but we didn’t want to take that chance.

Next it was Aprille’s turn. Aprille was scared, but Erik was very confident in his strategy. Aprille, although tentative, was able to take a nice picture on the bridge. We stayed for a long time, these were the times I wish I had my camera. Since Hau’ula Loa in December 2012, I’ve been using my cell phone to take pictures. Hopefully, I’ll get my camera soon.

The walk back was tiring, but fast. Until this day, I really believe it’s unfair that we hikers get to see all these sites and others do not. I always thought that people can just go on the internet and search for these things, like Rock Bridge, but that's not true.