Kahekili (near Ka’a’awa)

Lois, a good friend of Aunt Awesome’s (also known as my Zia Joanne), came to O’ahu to check out places for her Qi Gong retreat in January and called us up to do a hike with her. She is in her early 70s (in the orange headband), as is her brother Paul who chose this hike and led us on it. His partner Victoria (who is shaka-ing) and Lois’ co-facilitator Rachel (in the cute sundress) also joined the excursion. Take a good look at this group and who is in the know on what this hike entails and how they are dressed, as opposed to the rest of us!

This hike does not have switchbacks. It is VERY vertical, and we had to use ropes to pull ourselves up in several places!

Lois impressed the heck out of us, not missing a beat even in the more treacherous spots.

It’s covered the whole way, climbing boulders and scrabbling up dirt in the jungly terrain, until you get close to the first hilltop summit.

But once you reach that summit, the views of the Ko’olau Mountain Range and Windward Shore make the effort all worth it!

After that beautiful but strenuous hike, Troy and I took our time on the way home, stopping at a few refreshing roadside attractions.

First we had an ube lattes and mamaki tea at Hala Tree Cafe

Then we stopped at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts, which had some yummy samples and LOTS of chickens.

And finally we stopped at Olomana Orchids Nursery, where we chatted with the owner Peter for quite a while. I selected this gorgeous orchid, which is a hybrid created by Peter’s dad. It’s 25 years old! Guess how much he charged me? $12

Mahalo, Peter! I’ve named my new orchid friend Petey after you 🙂