Life of Larisa or LOL

Summer time on O'ahu, the perfect time for hitting the trails.  No matter how often I hike, there are always new places and trails to experience and explore.  Just as soon as I scratch one hike off of my "to do" list, another one appears to take the old ones place.  Maunawili Ditch Trail is a trail I had not yet hiked, so it was on my list, as I am diligently trying to hike all the trails .  In doing some online research about this trail I discovered that it is the only trail in the Na Ala Hele state trail system that officially allows horses. In fact, all the blogs I read prior to going on this trail recommended bringing a horse to do this trail instead of hiking in on foot. I didn't have a horse readily available (maybe next time), but I did have my kids, the bestie, and her kiddos.  So, off we went on a windward adventure to Maunawili Ditch Trail.  This trail is flat, great for all levels of hikers (young, old, fit, unfit, fast, slow). ...

Na Ohia Falls, better known as Kalihi Ice Ponds, was a quick, wet, slightly muddy adventure to a three tiered waterfall not far from the sights and sounds of the city.  The Tuesday Trio (Marina, Sarah, and myself) set out for the Ice Ponds on a slightly overcast morning where a drizzle greeted us as we stepped out of our car and headed across the oldest wooden plank bridge towards the start of this *Officially Closed* trail.  Rumors of a gate guard and no trespassing signs did not deter us from our adventure agenda. A quick search on Google can get you to where you need to be to begin this less than two mile journey into the lush forest in the back of Kalihi Valley.  Parking can be limited for this waterfall hike, but luckily we were early birds and there during the week, so we had no issues.  I had heard about this hike from a couple of other hiking friends...all of whom agreed the falls were very stunning in person. The beginning of the trail r...

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 Turt...