Life of Larisa or LOL

This week I explored the East side of O'ahu.  Tuesday, three of us hiked the infamous Makapu'u Puka and Wednesday, two of us hiked Makapu'u Tide Pools---both hikes were firsts for me.  The Makapu'u area of O'ahu in September is hot---the grass is brown, the breeze is almost non-existent, and the ocean and glorious Ka Iwi Coastline are the main scenic attractions.  I have hiked the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail numerous times (if you can even consider a paved trail wide enough for a truck to drive a hike).  I have also hiked to the Pillboxes/Bunkers at Makapu'u.  I have hiked down to Alan Davis Beach and Pele's Chair.  I felt like I had pretty well explored this little area of O'ahu.  Then all at once this week, I hiked to two new places also in the Makapu'u peninsula. Today I was invited to join my friend Mary on a hiking/swimming adventure---of course I said YES! We dropped the kiddos at school, hopped in the car and headed East.  We p...

If you spend anytime on the Windward side of O'ahu then you have heard the term "three peaks".  For some, three peaks refers to a local Craft Beer brewed in Kailua.  For others...it is a symbol of accomplishment, a badge of honor for hikers and rock climbers.  This past Thursday, my Thursday Trail led me to Olomana, the hikers famed "three peaks".  This post details my adventure to the top of the first peak...saving the second and third peaks for an adventure in the future. Olomona is one of those hikes that I kept trying to put off.  I was of the mindset that I would get to it eventually...or not.  It wasn't high on my "gotta hike" list.  I hadn't really given too much thought to this trail that is nestled between two Kailua residential neighborhoods, the entrance being up a paved private road on a golf course.  My regular hiking partner Mary had previous experience hiking this trail so I felt comfortable hiking this trail w...