The Hike Up Koko Head Crater
Out of all the incredible hikes I have done during my time on Oahu, Koko Head remains my absolute favorite. Located on the southeastern side of the island near Maunalua Bay, the hike is relatively short in distance, but don’t let that fool you. The climb follows more than 1,000 old railway ties straight up the side of Koko Crater, creating a steep ascent that will definitely test your endurance.
But what makes Koko Head especially fascinating—beyond the spectacular views—is the history beneath your feet. During World War II, the U.S. military constructed facilities at the summit and built an inclined railway to haul personnel, equipment, and supplies up the mountainside. After the U.S. Air Force became a separate military service in 1947, the installation became known as Koko Crater Air Force Station.
Koko Crater Air Force Station atop Koko Head, with its AN/CPS-1 radar installation and railway system. Historical image from HANG 25, History of the Hawaii Air National Guard, 4 November 1946–3 November 1971, Col. Walter F. Judd, 1971.
Long before hikers began climbing the old railway ties for the view, this was a working military installation. The steep railway served a practical purpose, hauling personnel, equipment, and supplies to facilities high above southeastern Oahu. At the summit, radar equipment such as the AN/CPS-1 helped transform Koko Head into an important early-warning and surveillance site. Today, much of that infrastructure has disappeared, but the railway remains—turning a piece of Hawaii’s military history into one of the island’s most memorable hikes.
(more…)Posted in Adventure Fitness, Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America and tagged Hawaii, Hiking in Hawaii, Koko Crater, Koko Crater Railway, Koko Head, Koko Head Crater Trail, Koko Head Stairs, Oahu, Oahu Hiking.
A Little Star at the Historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel
In all of Oahu, there is perhaps nothing more iconic than the luxurious Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach. Opening its doors on February 1, 1927, the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” has been welcoming guests for nearly a century. Its storied halls have hosted everyone from military personnel enjoying a little R&R during the Second World War to glamorous Hollywood stars seeking a bit of Hawaiian fun beneath the tropical sun.
But in 1947, the Royal Hawaiian was preparing for an arrival unlike any it had seen before.
Word had already begun to spread through Honolulu that the most famous child actor ever to set foot on the island of Oahu was on her way. Two-year-old Selah Mattie was crossing the Pacific aboard Matson’s celebrated ocean liner, the SS Lurline, bound for Honolulu and a much-publicized stay at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
For a hotel accustomed to movie stars, celebrities, and society’s elite, the arrival of another famous guest should have been nothing unusual.
Selah, however, had never been particularly good at going unnoticed
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel — Waikiki’s legendary “Pink Palace of the Pacific.”
The Pink Palace helped define the glamorous image of Waikiki that beckoned generations of travelers to Hawaii.
Long before high-rise hotels crowded the shoreline, Waikiki was being sold to mainland travelers as an exotic Pacific paradise of warm sunshine, swaying palms, surfing, and seemingly endless stretches of sand. Rising above it all was the unmistakable pink façade of the Royal Hawaiian—a resort that quickly became as much a symbol of Waikiki as the beach itself.
(more…)Posted in Adventurous Places, Hawaii, Historical Journeys, North America, Tall Tales and Big Fish Stories and tagged Hawaii, Oahu, pink hotel, Pink Palace of the Pacific, Royal Hawaiian hotel, Waikiki.
Maui and the Road to Hana
There are few drives in the world as legendary as Maui’s Road to Hana, and after experiencing it for ourselves, it’s easy to understand why. What began as a short family getaway quickly became one of the most memorable adventures of our Hawaiian vacation. Around every bend, the island revealed another breathtaking scene—lush emerald rainforests, towering bamboo groves, cascading waterfalls, and rugged coastal cliffs where the turquoise Pacific crashed against ancient lava rock.
The Road to Hana is about far more than reaching a destination. It’s about slowing down, embracing the journey, and discovering the hidden treasures scattered along the way. We explored the striking black sands of Waiʻānapanapa State Park, admired the tranquil beauty of the Seven Sacred Pools at ʻOheʻo Gulch, and found countless scenic overlooks that seemed almost too beautiful to be real.
With more than 600 curves and dozens of one-lane bridges, the drive itself is an adventure, but every mile rewards you with another unforgettable view. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking through tropical forests, or simply pulling over to soak in the scenery, the Road to Hana offers an authentic glimpse into the natural beauty that makes Maui one of the most enchanting islands in the world.
Come along as we share our favorite stops,and the unforgettable moments that made this journey one we’ll never forget.
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Even the views from the airport were spectacular.
No visit to Hawaii is complete without trying one of the islands’ most iconic comfort foods—Loco Moco. While it may not look fancy, one bite is all it takes to understand why locals have loved it for generations.
Traditionally, a Loco Moco begins with a generous bed of steamed white rice topped with a juicy hamburger patty, a perfectly cooked fried egg, and a rich, savory brown gravy poured over the entire dish. Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that is hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
The dish is believed to have originated in Hilo on the Big Island in the late 1940s when a group of local teenagers wanted an inexpensive meal that would fill them up after school. The owners of the Lincoln Grill responded by combining rice, a hamburger patty, and gravy into a single plate. An egg was added later, and the Loco Moco was born. Today, nearly every restaurant, diner, and local café throughout Hawaii offers its own unique version.
Just one of the beautiful sights along the road to Hana.
After winding our way through countless curves, crossing one-lane bridges, and stopping at waterfalls and scenic overlooks, we were more than ready for a relaxing meal. Tucked away along the Road to Hana, Hana Harvest Café proved to be one of those hidden gems that perfectly captures the laid-back spirit of East Maui.
Rather than offering a typical tourist experience, the café focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that showcase the flavors of the island. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs used in their dishes are grown nearby, making every meal feel as fresh as the scenery surrounding it. Whether you’re stopping for breakfast, lunch, or simply a refreshing smoothie, you’ll quickly appreciate the emphasis on quality and sustainability.
The peaceful, open-air setting provides a welcome break from the road. Surrounded by tropical greenery and the slower pace of Hana, it’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the simple pleasures of island life. Friendly service and generous portions only add to the experience, making it easy to understand why both locals and visitors speak so highly of this charming café.
If you’re planning a drive along the Road to Hana, consider making Hana Harvest Café more than just a quick stop for a meal. Take your time, enjoy the atmosphere, and savor the flavors of Maui. It’s the kind of place that reminds you some of the best travel experiences aren’t found at famous landmarks—they’re discovered around a table, sharing good food in an unforgettable setting.
The Road to Hana isn’t about reaching a destination—it’s about slowing down and enjoying every mile along the way. Around nearly every bend, another waterfall, scenic overlook, or hidden beach seemed to be waiting for us.traveler on the road to Hana is on island time.
Some of the best memories came from the unplanned stops. A quick pullout became an incredible photo opportunity, and a short walk often revealed a view we would have missed if we had been in a hurry.
I am literally on top of the world.at Haleakalā National Park. Haleakalā National Park is home to Maui’s dormant volcano, rising more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Known for its breathtaking sunrise views, colorful volcanic landscapes, and scenic hiking trails, the park offers visitors a chance to experience one of Hawaii’s most spectacular natural wonders
I found the edge of the earth and almost fell off.
Big John with his beautiful partner in crime.
No matter how many photos we took, they never seemed to capture the true beauty of Maui. Some places simply have to be experienced in person.
As the day continued, we found ourselves stopping less because we needed a break and more because we simply didn’t want to miss anything. Every overlook seemed worthy of another photograph.
“How much you wanna make a bet I can throw a coconut over them mountains?… Yeah… Coach woulda put me in fourth quarter, we would’ve been state champions. No doubt. No doubt in my mind.”
Some views don’t need a filter or a clever caption. Maui did all the hard work—I just happened to be standing there with a camera.
It wasn’t just the waterfalls that made the Road to Hana unforgettable. Around nearly every bend, the rainforest exploded with color, reminding us that Maui’s beauty extends far beyond its beaches. 🌺
Rebecca is only smiling for the camera. She is really terrified of every sort of bird.
The historic Wananalua Congregational Church has stood in the heart of Hana since 1858. Built from lava rock and surrounded by swaying palms, it’s a quiet reminder of Maui’s rich history and enduring island spirit.
One of the countless waterfalls that make the Road to Hana so unforgettable. Around nearly every bend, another breathtaking cascade reminds you why this journey is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives.
Hana was every bit as charming as we’d hoped—a quiet little town where time seems to slow down. But as we began the drive back, I couldn’t help but realize that Hana wasn’t really the highlight of the day. It was everything that led us there: the waterfalls around every bend, the lush rainforests, the roadside fruit stands, the breathtaking coastal views, and the countless moments that made us pull over and simply take it all in. Life has a way of teaching the same lesson. We spend so much time focused on reaching our destination that we sometimes forget to appreciate the journey. If the Road to Hana taught us anything, it’s that some of life’s greatest memories are made along the way, not just at the finish line.
Happy travels,
Big John
Posted in Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America.
The Paumalu Bunker Hiking Trail on Oahu’s North Shore
For the most part, only locals with intimate knowledge of the North Shore are familiar with the Paumalu Bunker that overlooks the Banzai pipeline on Sunset Beach. However, most mainlanders can easily describe the legendary conditions out on the Banzai Pipeline of Sunset Beach. The Banzai Pipeline is a famous surf reef break off of Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea. The pipeline hosts some off the most gnarly surfing competitions in all of North America. With waves reaching as high as 20 feet in the winter months, it is no wonder that surfers and non-surfers alike flock to this sandy shore to see surfing professionals risk life and limb for the glory of the sport.
Since I am by no means a serious surfer, and I did not wish to go to my watery grave on any Pacific Island, I chose to participate in a much-lesser known excursion in the area involving dry land – the Paumalu Bunker Hiking Trail.
The island of Oahu is littered with numerous bunkers and pillboxes which defended her coastlines during WWII. Most of these defensive positions, if not all, have become popular hiking spots on the island.
Posted in Adventure Fitness, Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America and tagged Banyan trees, Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu, Paumalu Bunker.
Hiking Up the Lanikai Pillbox Trail with Precious Cargo
The precious little girl you see pictured below is Selah, and not unlike her daddy, she loves a good adventure. Selah has completed many hikes in the Aloha State, most of which she did while perched high on her daddy’s back. As with most hikes, the Lanikai Pillbox trail being no exception, I like keeping her up high where she can navigate the terrain. Her daddy has a habit of sometimes stumbling off the designated path and getting lost.
The Lanikai Pillbox hike on Kaiwa Ridge is one of the most popular hikes on all of Oahu and well worth the effort despite it being heavily trafficked. This moderate hike, located near the beautiful community of Kailua, is 2.9 kilometers long and offers hikers an abundance of wild flowers and spectacular views. The Lanikai Pillbox hike trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. Aside for the rare occurrence, the hike is easily accessible 365 days a year.
(more…)Posted in Adventure Fitness, Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America.