Turtle Bay "LOST" Trail

Lost in Paradise is how I would describe yesterday's beach/forest trail that led us past crabs climbing on rocks, mongoose dashing across the trail, horses around the stables, a lone Pillbox, and finally to an iconic Banyan Tree famous for recurring roles in the television series "Lost" and an appearance in "Pirates of the Caribbean".

My mother-in-law was on island visiting for a week, so Marina, Sarah, and I took her on a hiking adventure...followed up by a thirst quenching Bacon Basil Bloody Mary.  I have previously explored trails with my mother-in-law.  We have trekked through mud and mosquitos at Manoa Falls, walked up a windy Makapu'u, huffed up Hau'ula Loop, strolled the North Shore's Waimea Falls and Kahuku Point.  So, this visit was no different.  We found ourselves hiking pals again for two separate trails this trip, the Turtle Bay "LOST" Trail being the best of the two.

This trail begins in the far corner of the Turtle Bay Resort property near the Horse Stables.  We weren't sure of exactly where we were headed, so we walked the shoreline for a bit, caught a glimpse of the stark white Pillbox around the bay and headed towards it.  As the beach became more rock than sand, we veered farther away from the shore and towards the woods where we saw the first of several signs literally pointing us in the right direction.

This trail provides shade, continual views of the ocean, a fun destination to keep you motivated, and wildlife for those who love to see animals along the trail.  Although we were walking in the forest, our path was sand.  I would recommend this trail for beginner hikers, children, and if you are short on time---it won't take you all day to reach the Pillbox and the Banyan Tree.  I would also suggest this trail for those interested in hiking and taking a dip in the ocean.  At any given point along this trail, you could hop into the ocean to cool off, relax, or ride a couple of waves (size determined by the time of year).

We were only hiking for about twenty minutes or so before reaching the Pillbox or Bunker.  We had a very fun time exploring the inside...read as, smelled of urine and I bumped my head exiting the Pillbox.  After those shenanigans, we had to try climbing on top.  Here's where it really got interesting.  Hiking in Hawaii in general requires some rock climbing, bouldering, skirting river rocks, using ropes up waterfalls surrounded by rocks...you get the picture.  And while climbing is sometimes challenging, there are usually nooks and crannies for your to place your feet and hands to help you maneuver up.  NOT the case for a relatively flat, cement structure called a Pillbox.  And for those of us who are upper body strength challenged...well, it's even more ridiculous.

Although the Pillbox is not very high off the ground, I still needed assistance from my mother-in-law Kathi, and Sarah.  Marina was busy laughing and taking pictures.  Who knew hiking was so funny.  The top of the Pillbox was wonderful and worth getting a boost up.  We could see Turtle Bay Resort in the distance, the entrance of Kawela Bay, a lone fisherman, and the bluest ocean and skies we have seen in quite some time.

After a Pillbox photo shoot and laugh attack, we headed on around a deserted Kawela Bay and on to the "Lost" Banyan Tree.  Pictures can not do it justice.  It is the largest tree ever.  It is beautiful and majestic and famous and a playground and fun and so worth checking out.  We explored under, around, inside, outside and still didn't get to all the possible branches there are to climb and swing from.

This was not a difficult trail, (in fact, it could probably be done in rubbah slippahs), but I really enjoyed it.  It was peaceful.  There was a good breeze and vibe that I can see will bring me back here again soon.

As we exited the trail, we skirted the other side of the Stables and stumbled upon an even better view of the horses grazing in a field of yellow flowers.  It really was a perfect day for a hike along the beach and through the woods to the Pool Bar at Turtle Bay we go!

Since our hike coincided with Kathi's last full day of her trip, we felt it would only be right to treat her to a poolside/beach side cocktail.  If you live on O'ahu and drink adult beverages, I can not stress enough how imperative it is that you get yourself up to Turtle Bay Resort and order the Bacon Basil Bloody Mary.  First, the name is an alliteration, so you are already winning.  Second, the view at the Poolside bar is everything you live in Hawaii for.  Third, there is bacon and alcohol, together in a glass.  Fourth, that bacon has magical properties---it was all at once sweet and spicy and the perfect texture and dipped in alcohol!  I think Bacon actually means sent from heaven.

When your hike and your post hike beverage are so perfect, you worry about your post hike meal.  Something is bound to go wrong.  Technically something did, we were all set to have a delicious vegan meal from the Beet Box Cafe in Hale'iwa, but when we got there, they were closed for spring cleaning.  Plan B.  We headed down the road to Sprout Sandwich Shop in Hale'iwa.  And the winning hike and winning after hike drink and meal came to a perfect finale with the Sproutwich vegan sandwich.  My next hike/meal adventure is going to have a lot to live up to.