Mariner's Ridge - September 25, 2011 

* * As of January 2013, Mariner's Ridge access has been closed to the public.

After Olomana yesterday, I decided to take an easy day and take Shell and the kids hiking. In my mind, the next step for the kids to progress is Mariner's Ridge. The kids have done Manoa Falls, Aiea Loop, Tantalus Trails, Hau'ula & Papali, and many more basic hikes. Mariner's Ridge is a little more difficult than those trails. Although short, the ascent towards the summit needs some cardio and strength. It would prove to be a good challenge for the kids.

On Saturday night, I told the kids that we were going hiking in the morning. Mary wanted to bring her friend Charlize. I approved her request. I woke up early, got a coffee and waited for everyone to wake up. We all got ready and left the house at 9:30 am. We had to drive towards the end of Hawaii Kai and to Kaluanui Road, not really a pleasant drive with a car full of kids (people from the mainland who are reading this are thinking what the hell).

Mariner's Ridge is also called Kaluanui Ridge. The trailhead starts on Kaluanui Road in the Mariner's Ridge subdivision. So, I guess each name has its own case.

It was a beautiful day. The skies were clear. The weather was hot. The sun was shining. There was a gentle breeze. What more can you ask for! These are the days when a hiker should choose a summit hike.

Parking was limited on Kaluanui Road, so I knew that the trail would be packed with people. I led the charge on the trail. I was in the front and Shell was in the back. I went at a slow pace, but the kids had some difficulties with the ascent up the mountain. We took our time and in a little over an hour, we got to the summit via Mariner's Ridge.

I asked Shell if she would watch the kids, while I eye balled the saddle to the unknown peak. I scouted this peak last time I was at Mariner's Ridge and knew it was doable. Without hesitation, I went. I was very methodical. The descent was steep and the rocks were crumbly. There was also no rope, so I had to make sure my points of pressure were dead-on and my balance was perfect. With all my skills on point, I got down and walked along the saddle. I heard people at the top talking about me saying I was crazy. I laughed in my head because it wasn't that bad. I also heard Jared yelling “hi” to me. I waved back and focused on getting to the summit. In about 10 minutes I got to the summit and enjoyed the view all by myself. It was a nice view.

After a few minutes, I went back to Shell and the kids. Again, I was methodical and met Shell and the kids at the Mariner's Ridge summit. We headed back down and to the car. The kids wanted pizza, so we went to the Kona Brewing Company at the Koko Marina Shopping Center. They serve pizza and beer. Can't go wrong with that. After lunch, the kids wanted dessert. We went to Kokonuts to shave ice. Another great day of hiking on Oahu. These are the days you have to relish because they become special moments in life.