I call this home, "Path to the Ocean!" Please double click to see up close!  Do these people have money?  Well, if you live in Kahala, you do!  Even though I lived nearby as a child, I never really explored the area.  "The Walking Hawaiian" is giving me a chance to realize something I thought about, but never acted upon!

This challenging jaunt of 5.10 miles, was actually done on 12/20/15.  Historically,  King Kamehameha's canoes made many landings in this area when he made his assault on Oahu in 1795.  He defeated Kiana, king of Oahu in a decisive battle of Nuuanu. Afterwards, native Hawaiians began settling there.  Following the Great Mahele land division, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop became the sole owner of this land.  Turned over to Bishop Estate Trust after her death, much of the land remains under it's stewardship.

I was not alone punishing my feet as longtime friend, Roberta, joined me in this adventure.  An animal lover, she posed with this cute mailbox guarded by a Siamese cat.  She loves discovering Oahu just as much as me and tries to accompany me as much as she can.

Beautifully designed gates guard massive mansions with cameras positioned toward the road.  I believe that we were a popular video this day!  HaHa!  The wood looking gate was ACTUALLY wood.  Because I thought that it must be painted to look like wood, Roberta ran her hand across it to be sure.  Well, I was sure that police cars would soon be arriving to question some inquisitive walkers!

My favorite gate of the day was the last one.  The colored glass inlays made a interesting pattern on the gate as well as it's shadow.  Correct me if I am wrong, but, I think that there is a heart in the middle!  Aloha is love, so maybe this gate is saying, "Aloha!"

Love was definitely in the air, as a beach-side wedding was taking place as we were passing Kahala Beach.  As you can see, what a beautiful locale for a special occasion.  I wish the happy couple many joyous years together.

While studying the map, I saw many road-like extensions, makai (towards the ocean) of Kahala Ave.  I discovered as I walked, that these are public access ways to the ocean.  Hawaii believes that all beaches are for everyone, and no landowner can claim the beach.  The City and County of Honolulu decides locations for public access and intermittent passageway must be provided. Please go back and look at the map and see how many there are!  We actually walked one of them to make sure!

Always free to view and admire is the never-ending glory of the flowers of Hawaii.  I have always seen at least one per walk in the years I have been "the Walking Hawaiian!"  It never ceases to amaze me of the diversity of the Hibiscus!

I admire the levity in naming this home "Hale five 0!"  "Hale" means house and the five-0 could be the play of words akin to Hawaii Five-0 or it could mean a home in the 50th state.  Anyways, with the New Year fast approaching, I hope that levity will be a part of it and I wish you all the very best this coming year.  

Not surprisingly, this will be the last blog for the year of 2015 with the total mileage this year adding up to 13.33 miles and with the Grand total of 739.05 miles covered since starting 'the Walking Hawaiian." As you know, I have moved to Colorado in September of 2014 and try to get a walk in every time that I visit Hawaii.  Hopefully, 2016 will allow me many more blogs!  Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! (Happy New Year!")

Walking to the end of Hopeloa Pl., this empty lot with a magnificent panoramic view took my breath away.  I knew then, that I had to show this to you in the form of a video.  The light tradewinds whispered as I took the video.  Enjoy!

Surfing in Waikiki, my daughter needed a drop-off and so walking in Kahala was a logical step since it's so near to Waikiki.  I did forget that Kahala has rolling hills and this walk can be challenging!  Taking 5.17 miles, I completed a decent amount of area.  Being my neighbor hood as a youth, I have NEVER walked OR drove through this part of Kahala.  Fascinating!

Seeing a pointed roof peeking out near the entrance way of this home, I started visualizing what could be under it.  The high, lava rock wall, hid whatever lies underneath.  My imaginings are a Hot whirlpool tub, protected by the roof, or a lovely sitting area, with comfortable chairs and tables with a bar nearby.  What do you envision?

Whimsical and unusual, I loved the play of colors and it was surrounded by Pikake!  I'm sure that the home must smell heavenly!

The bright yellow ilima, (flower of Oahu), the fiery-red Royal Poinciana tree and the rooty Banyan tree makes for beautiful sights while walking.

My favorite gate for the day!  What I really like is the shadows it creates!  The  Kohola (whales) are swimming in an ocean of cement.  Not poetic, but accurate!  HaHa!

Using chalk as their medium, a garage door became the canvas for this budding artist!

Obviously, this horse doesn't know how to swim!  Decorating the front of a home, somebody got creative!  Of course, if you were made of cement, flotation devices could be helpful!  HaHa!  Hoping for some levity in your day!  Smile!  A Hui Hou! (Until we meet again!)

I'm pretty excited and telling everyone live or inanimate (whoever will listen!) that I have just completed TWO SOLID YEARS of doing The Walking Hawaiian!  Walking a total of 659.10 miles and acquiring 10,000+ views, I feel like celebrating! 

First of all, I want to sponsor another CONTEST with the prize being a hand-made (by yours truly) felt Easter egg that you can fill with candy and use year after year!  You get to pick which one of the four you want! 

Enter by putting the date and year of your own personal favorite "Walking Hawaiian" blog in this comment section and you will be entered in the drawing!  The drawing will be held on Friday, April 18, 2014.  So you have less than a week to enter!  Hurry!

As motivation, I want to share with you my own personal favorites this past year.  Click on the date to link immediately to my favorites!

March, 16 2014. - Ford Island, I bravely rang a ship's bell and instantly regretted doing it!  Find out why!

February 27, 2014 - Kaka'ako, the artistry of the painted mural on the walls of businesses wowed me!

February 14, 2014 - Makapu'u lighthouse road had dramatic views and I saw WHALES!

January 10, 2014 -  Newtown, Aiea had so many strange sights and beauty too!

November 18, 2013  - Fort Shafter, walking on Parks road which is nestled deep in the valley was peaceful and lush with older homes full of character!

September 2, 2013  -  Niu Valley was a desire coming to fruition by exploring it fully with all the interesting gates, gardens, driveways, mailboxes and cars!

May 7, 2013 -  Diamond Head road introduced me to Reuben, a fellow Hawaiian and craftsman.  Also, the walk was full of history!

April 11, 2013  -  Kahala-Kaimuki is my old stomping grounds and it brought back so many memories!

So, what have I learned doing "The Walking Hawaiian" the past year?  Most importantly, never lose your passion in life!  Even though friends, family, health and other activities will wrest for your time, make sure to make time for your passion!  Then you will wake up every morning enjoying your life's journey.   With me, you won't have blisters!  Aloha no! (Lots of Love!)