HWK changed my life... no joke.

If you're wondering what HWK is... you can see and learn about them here; HWK face book or here; my first HWK blog post.

Now that the formalities are out of the way ;) Lets talk LaniKai Pillboxes!! FlyBoy was a BOULDERING MASTER today on the Spencer Butte Trail. I reminded him of the first time he had to boulder...

Sitting on a pillbox is always a highlight. 

Pill boxes are littered ALL over the island (possibly islandS, I assume they were used on neighbor islands as well). They were used in the 1940's as military look outs. Luckily, for us, they were abandoned. I'm sure for, newer, better, more technological ways of detecting intruders.

What's left behind? Fabulous hiking adventures ending in a glimpse of history first hand as we look out over the waters surrounding Oahu. Much like those Service Members of days gone by.

My first Pillbox hike was Lanikai, I strapped MoonSeeker to my back and dragged my other two kids up the hill. Actually WestWind was a force to be reckoned with, as she always is on the trail. FlyBoy however, was stumbling and tripping over loose gravel and getting very frustrated at it. SO we learned how to boulder. GAME CHANGER! We practiced using hands, feet and bum to traverse the trail, rubble, and loose mountain bits. He did admirably.... and has enjoyed bouldering since.

FlyBoy loving his time on the LaniKai Pillbox hike.

LaniKai pillboxes starts at a marked trailhead in the community.

Parking can be tricky, especially now that parking zones and signs have changed and are being enforced. So PLEASE do your research and park legally.

Further info can be found on AllTrails.com.

Once you start up the trail, it's fairly straight forward.

Starting out!

Mom. Take my picture with those islands.

Epic sunsets if you time it right. Which HWK always does ;)

It's mostly up ;) and once you see the ocean just keep it on your left as you ascend and on your right as you descend. If I remember correctly, there were 2 pillboxes to visit.

Hiking With Keiki was a life force that sustained me through some rough waters of military life. I'll never stop singing their praises, recommending their group, posting about fun memories or dreaming about the days when I might be Hiking With Keiki again.

What hikes do YOU love? Hawaii or not! Let us know. I wanna see ALL THE HIKES!

ING
!jen