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.

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Fantastic Food Trucks and More Scenes from the North Shore

Anybody who has spent more than a few days on Oahu will tell you that some of the best food on the island is found inside food trucks on the North Shore. These colorful restaurants on wheels first began springing up around Honolulu in the 1970s. Back then it was mainly burgers, hotdogs, and the traditional Asian cuisine. Now-a-days, a person can satisfy any cravings whether it be from zesty street tacos to wasabi-flavored poke bowls.

Some of the best food trucks on Oahu are found on the North Shore, directly across the street from Shark’s Cove. (more…)


Posted in Adventurous Places, Great Dining, Hawaii, North America and tagged , , , .

Deep Inside Waimea Valley and a Deadly Game of Checkers

I was deep inside the Waimea Valley, and beads of sweat streamed down my brow as I carefully plotted my next move. If I moved diagonally to my right, I could capture my opponent’s stone while landing on a square beyond the reach of his advancing pieces. My options were rapidly disappearing, so this move had to work. If it did, I would force him into a corner, leaving him to play purely on the defensive. He would be pinned against the ropes, and victory—along with that sweet taste of freedom—would finally be within my grasp.

Big John keeps his poker face as he plays a very deadly game of checkers.

With a trembling hand, I gingerly lifted my white coral stone from the slab. I paused, just long enough to steady my nerves and lock eyes with my captor. I wanted to witness the humiliation on his face as his lowliest prisoner defeated him at his own game. I wanted every member of the tribe to see the mighty warrior humbled by the village waterboy.

Oh, he would be sorry.

Sorry he had taken me prisoner.

Sorry he had forced me to haul water down from Holik Amoli Mountain during the hottest part of every day.

Sorry he had made me dance each evening in that scratchy grass skirt and coconut bra simply to amuse the village grandmothers.

Yes… he would be very, very sorry.

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Scenes from Haleiwa and the North Shore

Located on Oahu‘s North Shore, in beautiful Waiaula Bay, lies the “malahia” (laid-back) surfing community of Haleiwa. This small town, full of unique shops and eateries, is the first thing visitors will encounter right before reaching the North Shore. Since pregnancy and surfing aren’t recommended by most physicians, Rebecca and I spent the day staying out of the water and exploring the chill scenes on dry land.

The Aloha General Store was voted as having some of Oahu’s best shave ice! (more…)


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