Year in review: The incredible hikes
I’ve always enjoyed hiking, but 2011 was the first time I really challenged myself to get off regularly traveled paths such as Diamond Head and Mariner’s Ridge, and hit some of Oahu’s many ridge trails. Thanks to my good friend and hiking enthusiast, Will Lee, I tackled some of Oahu’s most challenging climbs and ridges, and enjoyed stunning views.
I’ve lost my breath, fallen countless times, and trudged through both rain and mud, but it was exhilarating, and I can’t wait to tackle more of these hikes in 2012. I’ve also made some great friends along the way, meeting as complete strangers at the beginning of trails, only to bond and become friends by the end. Hikers are a cool bunch of people!
So if you too would like to experience some of Oahu’s lesser known trails, here’s a recap of some of my favorite trails from 2011.
Stairway to Heaven
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My first hike of the year technically started in 2010, on New Year’s Eve. The famous Haiku Stairway hike (aka Stairway to Heaven) consists of over 4,000 steps, most of them nearly vertical. We started at 5 a.m. to avoid being stopped by security, since the trail is technically closed.
Here’s a shot of the last vertical section.
It’s been a few months since my last hike, and I’m already itching to get back on the mountains. For lots of great information on how to find trails or to just join up with other cool hikers, visit the Oahu Weekend Hikers page on Facebook.
