A Gem of a Hike in Hawaii Kai

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Pu'u O Kona - February 12, 2017

Last time I did this loop was near 6 years ago. This time I was going to take Michelle on this hike. Rain pounded the island yesterday, but in the forecast was great weather and only 10% chance of rain. It was a go!

Joining Michelle and I on the hike today was a huge group. It was Erik, Darren, Aprille, Bernice, Jana, Katie, Ryan, and Josh. Last time I did a hike with Josh was about 6 years ago, nearly the same time I did this hike. 

We met at the 7-11 and then drove to the trailhead. We started up Kuliouou West. It took us about 30 minutes to hit the crest of the ridge. It was a little hot today. The summit appeared clear as day. Michelle did well on the way up to the summit. Pu'u O Kona is the showcase of East Honolulu. There is really no better hike on this side of the island. It took us about 3 hours to summit. Near the eroded section were some nice natives including an Ohia tree with yellow flowers. Michelle went up the eroded section and almost froze, but I assured her it would be okay. It took us about 3 hours to summit. 

Yellow Ohia

Michelle on her way up the eroded section


We were socked in bad. We waited for it to clear but it was a no go. We crossed over to Pu'u O Kona where we took a nice picture. From Pu'u O Kona, it took 30 minutes to Kuliouou State Trail. We took a break as a lot of people summitted. Going down Kuliouou was fast, only 1 1/2 hours or so. 

probably my best shot


right before Kuliouou


We said our goodbyes and drove to Pieology Pizza. Service was shitty, but the food was good. Good to be out on the trails, it was a fun hike. 

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