A Once in a Year Occurrence: Lahaina Noon

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Kaipapau Bunkers - July 15, 2016

Today was Lahaina Noon, when at 12:37pm this year on July 15th a person or thing standing straight up will not cast a shadow. The science behind it is unknown to me, however it is a cool phenomenon, a phenomenon which only happens twice a year on each Hawaiian Island. 

Today was also David's birthday where he turns 70 years old. He can still hike with the best of them. 

Jared and I met at Daniel's house where David and Daniel were waiting. Can you believe it took over 1 hour to get to Hau'ula from Mililani. We hopped in David truck and drove one minute down a road to the Kaipapau trailhead. I've never done this hike before, so it was a treat for me. 

After the Board of Water Supply road, we got on the trail and only hiked for about 5 minutes before hitting a junction which led us up the ridge. It was very hot today. We went in and out of gulches and up and down some peaks for about 45 minutes until we hit the first bunker. Trees obscured the views, so we went to the next bunker. The view is amazing! You can see all of Kahuku-Laie to the left and up to Kahana to the right. 

on road

David and Daniel said new sign

View of Koolauloa

1st bunker

We set up our tripods and got ready. After that, we played the waiting game. To pass the time, we had cake for David at the bunker. It was time, Lahaina Noon. It was hard to figure out. We tried to stand straight up. You could see the shadow disappear but not too well. We shot a lot of video, hopefully it turns out. 

eating cake for David's birthday

David's present

Lahaina Noon, Jared no shadow

David's picture of no shadow

David's picture of eating cake

Going back was fast. However, Jared and I miss the junction and started headed up a peak. I realized our mistake and told Jared to head back. Jared got nervous and panicked. I told him never panic when lost, retrace your steps and find the right way. It was a good moment. 

Post hike meal was a treat today because it was at Papa Ole's who serves their Hawaiian Plate only once per month on the 3rd Friday. I ate the whole fucking plate. It was amazing. You get laulau, rice, poi, chicken long rice, lomi, squid luau. 

Papa Ole's Hawaiian Plate

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