North Shore Exploration: Kick off to Summer with Hiking and Camping

There's no better way to celebrate the end of school and the start of summer and the Fourth of July long weekend than heading outdoors for some hiking and beach camping fun.  Every summer we manage to dedicate a weekend to "roughing it" at a campground just past Kahuku on O'ahu's northern shores.  This year we ended up reserving a camp site a few minutes up the road from our standard spot.  For two nights and three days, the Malaekahana State Recreation Area in La'ie was our home away from home.  We set up our tent, prepared our campfire and settled in for a relaxing couple of days with our favorite camping buddies.  This campout was BOYS ONLY (except the two moms).  One thirteen year old, one eleven year old, and one five year boy plus parents made up the camping crew.

So we were active all day long.  Surfing, boogie boarding, body-surfing, beach combing, sand castle building, kite flying, rope swinging, camp fire lighting, meat eating...if it involved action, we did it.  I even snuck off site for a moms hiking excursion.  We made good use of a small amount of time.  Despite a few dark clouds, it only rained for a few minutes here and there---not enough to ruin any gear or thwart any fun.

The grounds at the state recreation area were wonderful!  We were all a little happily surprised at how clean the bathroom facilities and campsites themselves were.  All of our many camping neighbors were friendly as well.  There were other families, young couples, and even friends celebrating a milestone birthday in the surrounding campsites.  This was a diverse set of campers in a semi-confined space, but it all worked out without any tension, lack of privacy, or loud disturbances.  Everyone was so mild mannered and easy going, we almost missed it when the Fire Department, Ambulance, and Police showed up to deal with another camper who accidentally hit their head!  We still don't know the full story.  

The beach at this state recreation area is fantastic.  There are just enough waves at this time of year for the older kids to enjoy, but safe enough for those of us who just want to cruise in a giant floatie.  It was also nice looking down the beach and seeing only one or two other people---no crowds!

If  an entire day at the beach doesn't interest you, there are several hiking trails only minutes from this particular camping area.  I had previously done the Hau'ula Loop Trail but had never hiked the Ma'akua Ridge Trail which begins a few feet up and to the left of the Hau'ula Trail.  Ma'akua Ridge  Trail begins across from a large, long wall of amazing graffiti.  Before wandering into the forest, be sure to check out the wall of art.  This ridge trail starts out low at what appears to be a dry stream/creek bed.  We easily navigated across since there was zero water flowing...however, it would be quite difficult to cross with heavy rain in winter.  After crossing the faux stream, the trail is a series of switchbacks through the forest.  And then you arrive at a look out that is off the switchback trail.  There are two benches at the lookouts---one at a higher point than the other.  The benches were probably the most interesting thing on this hike.  We did see fruit, flowers, one other set of hikers, and cool big rocks, but overall this hike was just okay.  I probably wouldn't go back out of my way to do this hike again, but if I'm camping in this area again and needing to move my feet, I'll return. We did almost four miles (two in and two out) on Ma'akua Ridge Trail.

By the third day of camping, we had explored the land and the sea and it was time for some sky exploration---with the coolest kite ever, the Pirate Ship kite.  The five year old (and the dads) really enjoyed sailing the skies with this deluxe kite.  And the string only got unraveled all the way and tangled one time.  Yay!

It was so nice to get away this past weekend.  The boys all enjoyed themselves and we didn't even need a T.V., phone, or game system to keep them smiling and entertained---just some sticks, some fire, some sand, and the ocean.  If only every weekend could be filled like this.  Being unplugged (except Mom who was documenting it all on her phone) was perfect for reconnecting and remembering why we choose to live in Hawaii where we can access nature and warm weather year round.  

Hope your summer adventures can be filled with friends, family, and unplugged fun outside~