Anyone who knows me knows I like to hike. So before going on my recent trip to Oahu for a friend's wedding (will post about this later), I did a lot of research on hikes near the Waikiki area. I found the perfect one, the Kuli Ou Ou Ridge trail. You go through a forested area (so that I'm in the shade. Anyone who knows me should also know that I hate being out in the sun for too long.) The trail was quiet, beautiful, steep, and had an excellent reward at the end. It was only a few miles round-trip, the perfect length since we all had to head back to Waikiki for a rehearsal dinner.
The beginning of the trail was nice, nice dirt path with a manageable incline. We then came upon an area with a lot of pine trees? Have no idea what they're called. Anyway, the needles carpeted the entire hillside and made hiking much more pleasant.
The next set of trees worth mentioning are, I think, ironwoods. The color of these pines are so saturated. Absolutely beautiful. My pictures don't really capture their beauty.
This entire time, there are areas of really steep terrain. They've built steps in some parts, but some of them are higher than my knees. I had to hoist myself up! Oh, and I forgot to mention that I brought my hiking sticks, but stupid stupid me left them in the car! They would have really helped!! Near the top, we walked along the ridge. This is about two feet wide and a LOOONG way down. If you're afraid of heights, this may not be the best thing to do. Actually, I'M kinda afraid of heights. Ho ho... It didn't bother me though. My eyes were focused on the summit.
The final part was steep but exciting. By this time, we were all huffing and puffing and have somewhat forgotten our competition with each other... kinda. (Oh yeah, only Jim and I were involved in this.) I was really excited to see the view from the top. Oh! It was absolutely breathtaking! We could see the rugged lush cliffs, the cities and farmland below, beautiful blue skies with soft fluffy clouds, and the sparkling blue and green Pacific. If it wasn't for our time crunch (had to make it back for a rehearsal dinner), we would have stayed a little longer.
In conclusion, I would totally recommend this hike to anyone who wants to do a quicky. It's challenging and beautiful and close to Waikiki! I'd say this is one of the best ones I've gone on. Good job researching, Josephine! Thanks!! =D
The beginning of the trail was nice, nice dirt path with a manageable incline. We then came upon an area with a lot of pine trees? Have no idea what they're called. Anyway, the needles carpeted the entire hillside and made hiking much more pleasant.
The next set of trees worth mentioning are, I think, ironwoods. The color of these pines are so saturated. Absolutely beautiful. My pictures don't really capture their beauty.
This entire time, there are areas of really steep terrain. They've built steps in some parts, but some of them are higher than my knees. I had to hoist myself up! Oh, and I forgot to mention that I brought my hiking sticks, but stupid stupid me left them in the car! They would have really helped!! Near the top, we walked along the ridge. This is about two feet wide and a LOOONG way down. If you're afraid of heights, this may not be the best thing to do. Actually, I'M kinda afraid of heights. Ho ho... It didn't bother me though. My eyes were focused on the summit.
The final part was steep but exciting. By this time, we were all huffing and puffing and have somewhat forgotten our competition with each other... kinda. (Oh yeah, only Jim and I were involved in this.) I was really excited to see the view from the top. Oh! It was absolutely breathtaking! We could see the rugged lush cliffs, the cities and farmland below, beautiful blue skies with soft fluffy clouds, and the sparkling blue and green Pacific. If it wasn't for our time crunch (had to make it back for a rehearsal dinner), we would have stayed a little longer.
In conclusion, I would totally recommend this hike to anyone who wants to do a quicky. It's challenging and beautiful and close to Waikiki! I'd say this is one of the best ones I've gone on. Good job researching, Josephine! Thanks!! =D
