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hiking in hawaii

… also known as the time my family and I had a brush with fame, but more about that later. Anyway it’s been a few months now since I was in Hawaii, but better late than never! Honestly, this family trip was one that was long overdue, and much needed after an emotional year for all of us. While I was excited to see what Oahu had to offer, getting to meet my family in America for the first time was also pretty special. I actually didn’t take many pictures on the trip, but we did find the time to hike!

To be completely honest, I wasn’t planning on climbing Koko Head at first. Hiking isn’t exactly my forte, and this particular trek has one hell of a reputation. My cousin mentioned that he only attempts it once a year, and he hates it every time (his words, not mine). With over one thousand steps straight up and down, he wasn’t exaggerating. I truly think the person who conceived this track must’ve been some kind of masochist. For starters, Koko Head’s not a normal trail. It’s actually an old railway track, with uneven steps and slippery dust covering the excuse for a staircase. Nevertheless, the view at the top is insane, and totally worth the struggle if you ask me.

Anyway, before we started my uncle caught wind that some important government official was coming to Koko Head that day. Big deal. We didn’t think anything of it… until halfway up the mountain, when freaking BARACK OBAMA and his daughter Malia appeared from behind us!! I swear, this story sounds more made up every time I tell it but I speak nothing but the truth. I’ll even show you the photos if you don’t believe me. Anyway, being from Hawaii and all Obama must have done this hike a thousand times in the past. He barely broke a sweat, only stopping to admire the view at the top for like five minutes before descending. To cut a long story short, that’s basically how my family and I got bragging rights for life.

A Christmas tree! No idea why someone would lug this thing all the way to the top, but it was a nice surprise after all that effort.

If you thought going down the mountain was any easier, you’d be dead wrong. In fact, I was probably more scared of falling and tumbling down to my untimely death, since it’s so steep! Nevertheless, I made it back in one piece. I have to admit, it was pretty satisfying to see just how high I’d climbed from ground level. I mean, look at this thing:

Earlier that day we also did the Diamond Head trail, aka Koko Head’s much more approachable sister. It’s also a lot more crowded, so taking a decent photo proved to be kinda difficult. I honestly don’t know what we were thinking conquering both in one day, but it’s possible! Take it from someone who only hikes once in a blue moon, haha.

Anyway, I’m seriously regretting not checking out the other trails on Oahu now. Hawaii’s gorgeous, and from what I’ve heard there are even more natural wonders to explore on the other islands. I’m definitely keeping that in mind for my next visit – and yes, you can bet there’ll be another one soon!