Life of Larisa or LOL

Eight o' eight state of mind---the Hawaiian Pyramid Trail offered expansive westside views, a mini Hawaiian flag, moderate graffiti, and a hot rocky landscape up to Pu'u Heleakala, better known as the Hawaiian Pyramid. If you are looking for a hike offering you a break from the Eastside forest and city scape views---you will love this steady inclined hike located at the back of a small neighborhood in Nanakuli (meaning "look at knee", "knee inspection", or "pretend to be deaf"...wildly different interpretations!) on O'ahu's westside.  The pictures let you know that the terrain is hot and dry at this time of year (mid August).  I would love to revisit this trail again in cooler, winter months when every peak and valley is lush and green.  As it was, this trail was still enjoyable due to the immediate and consistent views of the Pacific Ocean.  Within five minutes of steady uphill rock climbing, when we turned around, we alrea

Wednesday morning at Wa'ahila.  This was another second chance hike.  I first did this trail at the beginning of the summer with my good friend Sarah and my youngest son Zach (before he entered kindergarten and when he was always my hiking sidekick).  Yesterday, I hit the trail with one of my Friday Morning Coffee Companions, Lisa...and no kiddos.  As you can imagine, the first time on this trail with a kid vs. my second time on this trail without kids...very different experiences.   The first trek on this trail resulted in a pretty bad fall (I bruised one side of my body) when I inadvertently headed down the wrong path and slid on some pine needles.  After I dusted myself off, laughed at my silly mistake, and caught my breath, we continued down the trail only to have Sarah's favorite hat blown off her head and the side of the mountain in a large whooshing gust of wind.  A few minutes after that, we got rained on.  That was the first time on this hike. Whe

A day of seconds.  Second day of full kindergarten for my youngest son Zach.  Second week of High School for my oldest son Gabe.  Second trip to climb/hike the Koko Crater Arch located across the street from the famous Halona (lookout) Blowhole in East Honolulu. Second trip also to the Hiking Hawaii Cafe in Waikiki for after hike nourishment.  Seconds are pretty cool.   Our initial hike intention was to celebrate "Back to School" with finally conquering the Makapu'u Puka Trail.  Much to our dismay, upon arriving at the parking area for this exciting adventure, we saw  an officer of the law sitting inside his vehicle waiting to give tickets to those who might venture onto property that technically is not for hiking.  Sigh.  Time for Plan B, or the second choice .  Off to a less trespass-y trail nearby, Koko Crater Arch.  I was happy to take my Thursday hiking partner on this totally unshaded, rock filled path to Hawaii's own natural rock arch.