We were only able to hike four miles in, but we enjoyed every second of it. Thank you for checking out the video, I hope it gives you some incentive to visit the amazing island of Kaua’i.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Hōkūle’a mission, it is to sail around the world in a canoe that is free of any modern technical advancements. This means the success of the mission relies on the crew and its knowledge of navigation via the stars. No easy task to say the least.

I was fortunate enough to be a guest upon the canoe they call the Hōkūle’a, to understand better what their mission and goals are as an awareness campaign. What I learned is that the crew is made up of passionate and impressive lovers of the ocean and the history and culture of Hawaii. I learned that the Hōkūle’a is fueled by the passion of sustainability, not just for Hawaii but the entire world. “If we view our Earth as an island, our only voyaging canoe in the sea of space, it becomes apparent that we must change course to ensure a healthy, sustainable world.”

The group of people I met on the canoe carried the true spirit of what I interpret to be the spirit of Aloha. They were warm, receptive, and happy to share their knowledge and passion of the Hōkūle’a and its mission. They were truly genuine, and when you encounter that it becomes contagious.
Although warm and receptive, the crew was also very quick to put the new crew members to work. This is me trying to master the art of steering the Hōkūle’a, while at the same time pretend that my arms weren’t tired. I don’t believe I’m doing a very good job at either of the tasks.

We learned a little of what it takes to make the Hōkūle’a sail, how to navigate by the stars and what stories are associated with certain constellations based on Hawaii beliefs. I’ll be honest, some of the Hawaii stories are more entertaining than their Greek counterparts, and so are the storytellers who shared them.
Although this post is not as timely as it should have been (I really need to get better about that) the subject matter could not be more perfect for what is happening today. At the release of this post, an oil slick covering 2,500 square miles of ocean (and growing) is the nerve shattering reminder that our Earth is continually being endangered by its population. To truly be amazed at the magnitude of this spill, compare the spill to the size of your local town by using the application called the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Map, which I found on the Hawaii Blog.

The Hōkūle’a message could not be more critical of a movement, in a more critical point in time. After all, we’re all in this one canoe called Earth together.

To stay up to date with the Hōkūle’a and its powerful message, please visit their site, their Twitter page, and their Facebook page. Mahalo.

One day maybe, but unfortunately I haven’t made a strong enough commitment to pursue climbing in Hawaii (other than the black rocks at Waimea) but that’s something I’m planning on changing really soon.

On this one day we got a chance to climb with some sizable swell to our backs. Mark and Suzi were visiting us from Colorado and although Mark wanted to surf, Suzi wanted Mark to live. Being that the three of us were all climbing guides in the Adirondacks, some bouldering at Waimea turned out to be a great (and safe) alternative.
Pipeline in all its glory, firing barrel after wicked barrel.

Waimea wasn’t so glorious that day, but it was big. So big that most of the beach was closed to the public and almost nobody was in the water. Except of course for the crazies that enjoy getting pounded into the sand by some 20+ foot beach break. Somehow, you can’t help but appreciate it.

Mark OPT trying to get a better look at the waves (while simultaneously trying to show off his bouldering skills).

Things can get pretty competitive when you pin ex-teammates back together again.

Some others joined in the fun, and some climbed too high and needed our help to get down.

We had a blast with Mark and Suzi… wish you were still, here.

This peak was no picnic. After two moderate peaks, this one takes it to the next level. After completing the second peak you have to rappel down a rocky path using a rope that someone (I hope they were good at tying things) tied onto a tree. The decent from Peak 2 to Peak 3 is the greatest elevation drop of all the ones you have to take. Then of course you have to climb Peak 3, which is the steepest and most difficult of them all. It’s steep, rugged, and definitely not for the beginner hiker. My only tip is to bring lots of extra water, and make sure you save some energy for the way back.  Also…  it’s one of the most fun hikes I’ve done on Oahu so go train, and go kill it!

The decent begins.

Jack going down.

After a tricky decent, the real challenge begins.

What goes down, must come up.

Sick photo op.

David Chat, deep in thought, and stuff.

A fellow hiker offered to take a shot of the Olomana Crew, we accepted.

Captain Jack.

Chat thinking twice about another risky drop.

Ropes make these drops a little less scary. A little.

A view along the way.

The Beast itself.

That’s all folks!

After some much needed rest, a bag of stinky beef jerky (stinky is a good thing), some trail mix and  ice water, we decided to press on to tackle the second peak. We were beginning to get tired and a little hot, but the thought of turning back after one peak was too unsettling. Especially for our fearless leader David Chat, who had already reached the second peak on a previous ascent and was excited at the thought of a conquest of all three. I was excited at the idea of the conquest of more jerky.

Getting tired… but still climbing.

Lush ya’ll… lush.

Monkey business on the summit of the second peak.

Second peak done. We were only standing upright for the pic.

A view of the “butt-kicker.” Stay tuned for Peak Three…

Hawaii has what seems to be an endless selection of hikes and trails that span from coastal views to plush rain forest. I’ve been doing my best to tackle them one by one (whenever the ocean is flat anyway) but I feel like I would have to live here for 30 years to even make a dent. But after tackling the three peaks of Olomana, my body may have to rest for a while before I get back on track.

Along with extreme elevation changes, Olomana has a number of different environments that you experience. I dug it.

A view from the top of Peak One. Even though it took almost two hours to get here, we’re not even close to Three. Yikes.

This hike is SERIOUS business. Please, no monkey business.

The descent begins… tackling Peak Two of the mighty Olomana. Stay tuned…

Our home in Vegas.

Some weird stuff happened in Vegas. Check out @NealKido

Notice the strategic hand-in-pocket placement. Yup you guessed it, model school.

Bigger than my body gives me credit for.

Vegas was good fun. But after watching “The Hangover,” we all decided we’re due a second trip with some new twists. To be continued…