Did you know there are Bunkers Near the Top of Kaena Point?

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Kaena Point Bunkers - January 7, 2017

I wanted to do this hike for a while since last year. The OAG's seemed to want to do this hike as well. Its not hard, so it seemed that almost everyone wanted to come out and do the Kaena Point bunkers. Joining the hike today was Michelle, Allison, Erik, Aprille, Darren, Janice, and Erik and Aprille's friend Christian. 

We met at Erik's house at 7:40am and took two cars to Kaena Point. Daniel was already waiting for us. Yesterday I text Daniel that Erik would take his 4WD to the the gate and we would have a short walk to the point. He was ecstatic. However, when we got there, we needed a combination code to get through the gate. Unfortunately we had to walk in. 

The goals today were to get to the point and then go up the ridge to the bunkers and hopefully get to the summit of Pu'u Pueo. 

Its January, so this is a great time to see whales, monk seals, and albatross. I think the shearwater birds come in March. When I used to hike Kaena with Ed and Pearl City High School every March, the shearwaters were there, but I didn't see any today. 

It took us about 1 hour to get to the point. Relaxing on the beach were 3 monk seals. We saw pods of whales about 1 mile out, however it was hard to get a good camera shot of them. 

After a 30 minute rest at the point, we headed out of the enclosure and up Pu'u Pueo. The hike is steep, but safe. There were 4 bunkers at different levels of the ridge. It started to get hot at this point. After we got to the last bunker we took a bunch of pictures. Past the bunkers was this rock outcrop which Michelle wanted to stand on. We continued further so she could get a picture. 

Dozens of people started making their way up the bunkers. It is a really popular hike. Going back was really hot, I think everyone got sun burnt. It has been a while since I've gone on a hike, I was so tired and had to take a nap when I got home.  

Michelle and I on top Pu'u Pueo

rock outcrop


Waianae side

Boo

Albatross flying towards us

Monk seals hanging out at the point (right corner)

on top Pu'u Pueo

Rare blooming of Maiapilo (p.c. Darren)

Group Photo (pc Erik)

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