Bellows Loop Trail

Our O'ahu weather hasn't been the greatest.  Rain, clouds, wind...they have kept us off the beach and off the trails the past couple weeks.  On a recent Saturday we found ourselves across the island, in what seemed like the one area that was less cloudy, less rainy, and less windy...so we both hiked and beached in the same general area at Bellows Air Force Base.

Our choice in beaches varies according to the age of our kids at the time, the height of the waves, if it's rained recently, and if we are wanting to use our stand up paddle board or not.  There's lots that goes into factoring a beach outing for us...and for me, the main thing that helps in my decision making process? What is good to eat and hike nearby.

Bellows Loop Trail met all the requirements needing to be met for me and my boys.  The trail is close to one of their favorite beaches, the trail is not long or rigorous, and it is close to some of the most delicious vegan food you can find on island from Ai Love Nalo in Waimanalo.

There are three different routes for the Bellows Loop Trail, all the paths begin at the same starting point which is across from a big recreation center on the private side of Bellows AFB.  The routes are all essentially similar, they are just varying in lengths---from 1.1 miles to 2.1 miles to 2.8 miles...none of which are very long at all, especially on the flat surface that makes up this trail system.  Of course the kids happily thought we would just do the 1.1. mile trail and then hit the beach, the true goal for them.

I had a different idea.  I kept their minds occupied with conversations of what we were seeing along the route and before we knew it we were continuing on past the 1.1 mile marker, past the 2.1 mile marker and on to the 2.8 mile mark.  Almost three miles wandering through some forest, marsh lands, along an old deserted air strip, with views of Olomana, the Ko'olau Mountain Range, and old Bellows Airfield.

This trail is not the most glamorous, beautiful, strenuous, or long hike---but it was another trail to discover.  None of us had ventured along this path before and it was nice to hike with my family without too many complaints of "are we done yet".  Along the path there were several informative signs about the wildlife and plant life that can be found in the area along and near the trail.  All we saw, however, was butterflies and a lone mongoose.  No pigs, no kolea (even though these plover birds are said to flock when rain is imminent), no people, nothing. The day we hiked was pretty uneventful.

Sometimes an uneventful hike is nice---it reminds you that hikes, like life, don't always have to be filled with danger, a hard climb, or the perfect view.  A hike can be simple and ordinary and help you appreciate something more exciting and beautiful the next time around.

We probably won't come back to this trail anytime soon, but I'm glad we did it and checked it off of our never ending list of hikes to do.  This hike is perfect for kids---there's so much space for them to run, roam and explore carefree.  This trail may become muddy in parts if there has been a lot of rain recently, but otherwise it can be done with your favorite pair of hiking shoes or your favorite pair of rubbah slippahs (it's that easy). This trail would be great for joggers (just watch those knees on the asphalt portion).  This trail is also great for those who enjoy military history and exploring a portion of O'ahu that seems to still be strongly connected to the past.  And finally, this trail is great for those who aren't ready for big hills and climbs.  This is probably the flattest trail on island...the only thing flatter?  A trip to the mall and walking from store to store.

Since the loop trail wasn't the best cardio workout, we had to be mindful about what we put in our mouths afterwards...a chia seed pudding fruit parfait seemed like the perfect guilt free treat.  We ate the rainbow and shared smoothies and a tofu poke bowl (essentially a salad). The kids ate fruits and veggies and liked it.  Lol.  So, I take that back on returning to this hike...I'll gladly do this hike again if I know that afterwards I can indulge in a vegan treat from Ai Love Nalo!

Hike to eat...my 2018 motto...