I never really even noticed that there were two rock out-cropping off of Ford Island until today.  Believe it or not, they have names!  On the left is, "Mokuiki," and the larger rock on the right is called, "Mokuhui."  "Moku" means "Island" and "iki" means "little," and "hui" means "joining!"  It makes a  lot of sense when you put it all together.

There she goes again!  Off on another tangent!  Sorry, folks!  My daughter kindly accompanied me on my walk today, and I thought that Aiea Heights was not the place for her to start!  So, a quick re-route developed as she really hasn't toured Ford Island. At 3.47 miles,it made for an interesting walk for both of us, and not as challenging.  For the week total, a lengthy 20.38 miles with a grand total of 298.78 miles!

Upstairs is an open lanai setting with views of the parked sailboats, the leeward side of the Island and canoe paddlers.  "Schooner's" is a wonderful place to de-stress eating good food, drinking cold beverages and watching a Hawaiian sunset!

Is Donna lucky or what!  Catching the tail-end of this drenching rain storm, I used my umbrella for a few sprinkles and then for shade as the sun shined brightly afterward.

Here is the view of Aiea and Aiea Heights from Ford Island.  The housing to the right is Halawa Heights.  When the weatherman talks about "Mauka"(mountain) showers, this is what he means.

I call it the "Golf Ball!"  Moored at Ford Island to resupply and attend to maintenance, this floating radar can be positioned anywhere in the ocean. You can't help but notice it!

Sunk in the attack of Pearl Harbor, here are the remains of the U.S.S. Utah.  Not as famous as the "Arizona" memorial, probably because the death toll wasn't as large, 6 officers and 52 enlisted men died during the attack. Sunk within minutes as a torpedo bomb hit port side, causing immediate listing, then the moor rigging broke under the strain making the battleship roll over completely. Please double click and read the details of this ship.

These are identifying tags for the trees here on Ford Island.  Every number is different and everyone has one.  Why?  I've tried to find information, but came up with a big, fat zero.  Anybody know why?

This was not part of my walk, but on the way back home.  Please double click to see that the "white" thing you see in the car behind us is NOT a gloved hand on the steering wheel, but a socked foot!  Yes, he was driving with his foot and talking on the phone.  Hoping you do NOT see something like this on your drive home!  Aloha!(Bye!)

Usually regal and majestic, this lion looked creepy!  With only red, dripping paint on the head and vampire like fangs and glowing white eyes, it looks more like a demon, and I'm not lying!  HaHa!

Completing the lower section of Aiea entailed only 3.22 miles.  Although the map I was using was incorrect in a few areas, a redirection of route enabled me to finish what I needed.  You'll see a few XX's on the map as one is for private property and the other doesn't even exist!  Anyway, Aiea Heights Drive beckons me for tomorrow, so wish me luck!

What were they thinking?  I've got a bone to pick with many homes in my journey today.  A purple home?  You can't tell from this picture, but, it's a BRIGHT purple!  It stung my eyes!

Did they run out of money?  The two story structure is the back section of the house.  Double click to see that it really needs help!  Maybe they could of painted it the same color at least!

My grade for "Curb Appeal" would be "F," as a four car garage is more important to this resident.  The house must be back there somewhere.  If they wanted to sell the home and this is the picture they put for an advertisement, it would never sell!

Normally, I have residents watching me as I trek down dead end streets.  But today, the chickens and roosters were keeping a sharp eye out for me.  I got rather close and they weren't budging, not the normal reaction.

Hoping for speedier mail?  Well, this mailbox isn't going anywhere, no matter how many flames you put on it!  HaHa!

I know that egg shells provide nutrients to the soil, but putting it on top of the plants? Can someone please enlighten me?  Is this a leftover from Easter?  Well, at least they should have colored it!

Cascading into the Kalauao stream, the bougainvillea in many, bright colors brought beauty to my eyes and makes a long journey worthwhile.  May beauty make it's presence known to you today!  E malama pono!(Take good care!)

The rich, bold colors reeled me in to take it's picture.  Not knowing what variety of flower it was, I leaned in closer.  Upon inspection, I found out that it's FAKE!  My Bad!  "The Walking Hawaiian" was totally fooled!  Double click the picture to see for yourself!

Not looking too far on paper, I planned to finish an area, so that very soon I'll conquer the heights!  Well, with all the backtracking and my superb lack of mathematical skills, this blistering jaunt turned out to be 6.72 miles.  Talk about dragging towards the end!  Oh, well!

I've always wondered about this CRAZY graveyard between Moanalua Freeway and Kamehameha Highway.  Only today, risking life and limb walking between on-ramps and off-ramps to the Freeway did I finally find an answer.  There is only one way in and one way out, and I don't normally go that way.  You must head makai(toward the ocean) on Aiea Access Road,drive in this pull out, and leave pulling out on the other end.  I always take the on-ramp to Moanalua Freeway prior to this pull-out.  It's called, "Aiea Cemetery" and the engravings all look Japanese.

I loved the beautiful mural on "Aiea Elementary" public school and the stained glass windows on the "St. Elizabeth Catholic Church" private school.  Please double click the pictures and see the details!

An interesting business that both works on cars and feed you at the same time!  How is the food?  I don't know because I have never eaten there before.  Anybody got an opinion of the food?

Being "The Walking Hawaiian," I've learned many things.  One of them is that you CAN walk most places!  But some places can be pretty hairy!  The first picture shows a walkway right next to the freeway.  Would you want to walk there?  Not me!  The second picture shows a little walkway along Kamehameha Highway leading to the crosswalk crossing the Aiea access road.  Yes, pupule(crazy) Donna walked that!  These cars are tearing down that road.  I waited until they all passed, then crossed the street.

Okay, this one is REAL!  When I first viewed it, I thought that it might be a variety of "Umbrella plant," but, upon closer inspection, the leaf structure and bracts are very different.  I have no idea what this is, but it sure is pretty!  Have a PRETTY nice day, folks!  A Hui Hou!(Until we meet again!)

This van is checking you out while you are checking it out!  HaHa!  Advertising a recycling drop-off, I loved the pretty, long lashed eyes painted on the headlights. "Hi-5" means the 5-cent deposit fee that can be redeemed at various recycling areas. Items also have the Hi-5 symbol on them.  Bring the empty Hi-5, get some sweet cash!

Today looked like a good day to try the heights, so, back to Aiea I went.  I hope that I'm not mixing everybody up.  I just don't feel like getting drenched while walking.  There's plenty more streets to choose from, you know!  Anywho, today garnered 3.52 miles and crossing over the H-1 several times was giving me vertigo!  I look forward to the challenge of Aiea Heights drive as the views should be spectacular!

Three sides of the same home, it was so unusual that I had to show you the complete picture.  I think that the owner was not too pleased with me as I saw her near a window no matter which side I was taking the shot.  She sure got around pretty fast!  Then I started watching for cops!  HaHa!

I kept getting the feeling of "deja vu" with this home.  The bare bones of this house reminds me either of housing at Fort Ruger (KCC now) back in the 40's or maybe homes near Bishop Museum.  Although the roof is different, the architecture is familiar and ancient.  It may be similar to homes built in the time of the monarchy.

 These three homes gave off the same vibes!  By the way, they were all in close proximity of each other.  Notice the many long, tall windows and the porch entrance way.  Two of them look renovated and the third needs some love.  Still, the bare bones of these homes are structurally solid and it reminds me of a time when quality and craftsmanship was important.

Who is Alvah A. Scott?  A longtime resident and leader of Aiea, he was responsible for the establishment of the Aiea gymnasium and facilities to provide recreational outlets for the young people of the community.  He believed that a progressive and attractive community attracts the best and the brightest to stay there.  The school is dedicated to this outstanding leader of the Aiea community.  Hoping that you learn something new everyday too!  Aloha!(bye!)

I had to make a double take when I saw this sign!  0 for $20 (printed T-shirts) and 20 for $20(unprinted T-shirts) so, I think I'll take the unprinted shirts!  HaHa!  Actually, there is a tiny "1" that would make it 10 for $20.  This bested the last bargain T-shirt shop who sold 8 for $20.

Gazing out my window today and seeing mauka(towards the mountain) showers, I decided that Kapalama, which is more makai (toward the ocean) would be a better choice to walk in!  Transecting a previous route, I trekked 3.45 miles through businesses and schools.  Talking with a lot of business people, it took me longer than usual which made my daughter a little concerned.  Thank goodness for cellphones!

Posted previously, I didn't know what this flower was!  Investigating "Watanabe's Floral Shop" today, I saw it for sale!

Called, "Celosia Cockscomb," I have to admit that it does look like a cocks comb.  Check out the price!  Two for $9.99!  I hope that the residents of the home that grew this plant sells it to this flower shop and makes lots of $$$$$

Talk about $$$$$ Check out the price per Peony!  $10 per flower!  At first, I was interested in inspecting the safflower since I use "Safflower oil," but the Peony is my personal favorite, then I looked at the price!  I want to invest in a Peony farm!  I'll be rich, Rich, RICH!!

If you are a handyman, you can save $$$$ by buying appliances and electronics here.  A "seconds" shop, these are display models, returned items, missing a piece, not in the manufacturers packaging and a great deal cheaper if you are not bothered by this.  I loved the sign! $ave (dollar sign) Co (cent sign on the C.)  Ingenious!

Do you have a futon that doesn't look very nice?  Well, cover it up with either solid colored or Hawaiian print upholstery fabric!  Add a few complimentary pillows and voila!  A nice sofa!  Zippered closures and machine washable, a good way to salvage a dilapidated futon cushion.

"The walking Hawaiian" is being crazy! Yes, I was walking along this path.  The other side was worse, believe it or not!  And I wasn't wearing my bright, neon yellow construction shirt!  I practically ran to get out of this area!

Pimped out and looking hot, I walked by this van and had to include it in today's blog.  I think that you could take it hunting too without a worry!  HaHa!

Recently in the news and in contention of the law, this business buys tobacco, and will roll up the cigarettes for you at 200 cigarettes for $29.99.  They don't pay the cigarette taxes, and neither do you as they pass the tax savings to the consumer.  I'm just glad that I don't smoke, not only for health reasons, but for the cost alone in these tough, economic times.

DOGGIE BAG!  For real!  A doggie in a bag.  This dog was carried like a shoulder bag on his master and was very comfortable and I'm sure this doggie was enjoying the rest and the view!  I hope that rest and great views will be in store for you today!  Aloha ahiahi!(Good evening!)