Somewhere Over the Rainbow

So, the longer we are here, the more we realize how frequently we get to see rainbows.  Some weeks it is daily.  And often they are double rainbows.  Pace loves to point them out.  We even saw one over the ocean.  And just because there are rainbows it does not mean it is raining on you, although there is frequent rain this time of year.  Hawaii rain seems lighter more often than not and you just keep going with your walk or activities.
So we have done a total of three Hawaiian hikes, each of them different and beautiful in their own way.  Unfortunately we forgot the camera for the first hike, which was Waimano Loop trail. It was forested, but you started out hiking along a high ridge and then descended into the jungle near a mountain stream.  It was a beautiful easy hike, except the mud in the bottom made it a little slick and messy.  It was our first experience with hiking in the mountains here.
The second hike we did was out on Kaena Point coming from the north approach.  It is the westernmost point of the island and has a wildlife sanctuary at the tip.  Albatross and monk seals nest and rest there.  It was about 6 miles all together and the longest hike Pace has ever completed.  But he is a trooper, even if we had to prod him a little at the end.  But don't underestimate the power of Old MacDonald to bring spring to the step of a 3 year-old.

An old railroad used to be here

Enjoying the coast along the way

In the wildlife preserve

That is not a seagull, it is a nesting albatross.  They look similar, but an albatross is MUCH bigger

Wish I saw this picture before I ordered Christmas cards

Pace made a sand angel

Yes, I added two because they were both so cute

A monk seal, blending in with the rocks

A cool piece of coral we found

This weekend we discovered a new hike in our own back yard, right here on Schofield Barracks.  It took us up KoleKole Pass and then on to one of the shorter peaks.  We had great weather with clear skies so we could see for miles.  Definitely an area we will have to explore some more, without the boys.  The rocky ridges are a little scary with a toddler in tow.

The trail warning on post (they close it when they are actually doing live fire)

There were lots of warnings along the way

If you look closely you can see the Dole plantation in the background

Made it to the top

Also a couple weeks ago we did a bus tour through the army.  We drove around the whole island and saw lots of cool things and learned about the culture and history of the island.  We went to the macadamia nut farm, Hanauma Bay, Pali Point, and a few other stops.

Hanauma Bay

Look at those reefs

Pali Point, it was windy

See those people are getting blown away

Laie Point