Capturing the Moment

  Even on misty rainy days Lanikai can have its own batch of sunshine. The weather turned beautiful and sunny as soon as we started the hike.    The pillbox hike heads into the brush back behind the luxurious neighborhood of Lanikai. A bright pink sign tells you that you are on the right path. After a steep climb the hike emerges on the open ridge line. Beautiful views of Lanikai beach and the offshore islands greet you at each new stopping point. It's important to keep an eye on the trail though as a false step could lead to long tumble down the mountain.   Three old military pillboxes are set on the high points of the ridge. Colorful graffiti lines the concrete structures. It provides a lot of color to an already colorful scene. I've taken a picture of Heidi sitting on top of this structure before but the lighting today was perfect.   We continued on past the second pillbox where the ridge line turns away from the coast and heads back towards enchan...

  The entrance to this popular east side Oahu hike can be found near the private golf course just up from Lanikai town. A bright and colorful sign post points you in the right direction and away from private driveways. I have often looked up from Lanikai beach and seen people working their way up this ridge line to a series of old military pillboxes. We finally had a windy, rainy day with no chance for surf of scuba so we decided to tackle this hike.   It turned out to be a relatively short hike, with some steep uphill sections, but overall not too tough. I think at a slow pace even families with small kids could do it. There are some very steep drop offs to one side of the trail but luckily the wind was blasting onshore and pushing us away from the dropoff. The view of Lanikai beach and the Moke Islands just offshore was breathtaking. It also looks like it would be a perfect spot for watching the sun rise. Hold on to your hats, its gonna be windy! Living on the ...