September marks 8 months that we have lived in Hawaii and there is still SO much exploring I have yet to do! Last Saturday, the hubby and I took an impromptu trip to the east side of the island where I've spent hardly any time (J went to college here so has a list of places he wants to take me). I happily played tourist while he drove and snapped some pictures of the scenery on the way.
(No filter,,,the colors really are this blue!)
(Some bathers found a hidden cove)
(Not the clearest picture, but this is J's favorite beach from college- Sandy. It's also the broken neck capital of the world, so make sure you're an extremely strong swimmer and listen to the lifeguards if you visit!)
Ok, actually our plan was to drive straight to a specific beach but on the way we passed this hike located on the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline and decided to pull over and enjoy it! Neither one of us had been before but had heard good things, and we are definitely glad we made the time! A round trip of 1.5 miles, the path is all paved (although not extremely smoothly) so you can wear flipflops (called slippers here!), and the views are breathtaking the whole way. Make sure you visit a bathroom if needed before you start the hike (none on property) and I would recommend bringing a bottle of water (neither of which I did and regretted both).
The first leg of the hike overlooks the crater of Koko Head.
Multiple types of cacti littered the hillside with the ever present ocean in the background.
Another little path winds down to this old (built in 1909), and still in use (by the US Coast Guard) Makapu'u lighthouse- we did not go this weekend but definitely enjoyed the view as we rounded a bend on our hike. I absolutely adore the red roof against the blue ocean with spots of green in the forefront!
Views from the top!
My love and me
After finishing our hike, we continued on to our originally intended location - Makapu'u Beach. We heard there was a swell so J was excited to do some body surfing (which we did, but don't have any pictures of), and we had a picnic, books, and chairs! With this view, what more do you need?!
Our final beach stop of the day (before sharing one pomegranate margarita and one coconut, both delicious and enjoyed with nachos at the eclectic and fun MexicoLindo's) was Lanikai. Some of the closest friends spent time in Hawaii and this was their favorite beach- I can't believe it has taken me this long to discover its beauty! The pictures don't even do it justice so you can see why it's their favorite!
I hope these little peeks into our life inspire you to explore the neighborhoods around you!
I hope these little peeks into our life inspire you to explore the neighborhoods around you!
Aloha,
Jodye
Jodye