I conquered the mountain in the back of Manoa Valley. I did it! I successfully walked in and out...without the aid of friendly firefighters, EMTs, or suggested rescue helicopters.
Why might I need any of those aids you wonder? It's not a hard trail. It is uphill, it has slippery roots, when it rains there is mud...but of all the hikes I now have under my belt, Pu'u Pia is not particularly dangerous or difficult.
Unless...you are me five years ago. Unless you are tired, baby wearing your ten month old, wearing subpar tennis shoes, and trip on a slippery root that then pulls you down abruptly, twisting your foot and ankle into an awkward unnatural position. Then this trail is the worst and leaves you filled with anxiety.
But on an overcast Tuesday, with my bestie and now five year old (not necessary to wear) with me, I conquered. I persisted. I completed Pu'u Pia. I can proudly check it off my list.
I armed myself with high quality hiking boots (to protect my ankles), a camelpak (to stay cooly hydrated), a hat (to protect from possible stray branches), and support from my best gal pal (to sidetrack me from creeping into anxiety mode).
This hike offers strawberry guava for the tasting (during summer months), colorful flowers (year round), views of the unique Manoa treetops, and a vista view of downtown Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean at the end/top of the hike.
Which is also the place to take silly yoga pose pictures with said bestie...
If you'd like to read about the first time I tried this hike, check out my post entitled:
"Sprain, Sprain Go Away" from June 27, 2012.
I've come a long way! And this was just the beginning...Pu'u Pia was the first of two hikes I accomplished on Fat Tuesday!
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