Paved Hiking Trail

[Hawaii Kai, Hawaii]

I’ve developed a new Thanksgiving tradition: every year, I embark on a sunrise hike along the captivating Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail. For anyone seeking an invigorating and memorable experience, I cannot recommend this adventure enough.

Before the first hints of daylight, I eagerly wake and head to a Hui rental car. The cool morning feels refreshing and the pre-dawn darkness gradually transforms into soft hues of pink and orange as the sun starts to rise. The drive towards the looming Koko Head is nothing short of mesmerizing, and its grandeur fills me with awe. The winding highway, with its spectacular views of the mountain and ocean, adds an element of thrill to the journey.

As I arrive at the trailhead, the paved path beckons me forward. While the trail is considered easy, the long uphill incline is a challenge to conquer. You never truly comprehend the dare until you're face to face with the looming ascent. But each time, I find myself eagerly embracing the grueling climb.

Although I'm relatively fit, I haven't worked out in a while, so I had to pace myself. The hike, including moments of wonderstruck photo-taking, takes roughly an hour and a half at a moderate pace. My heart rate picked up as I climbed, feeling the burn in my legs and the slight shortness of breath. A group of young kids were behind me, and I was extra motivated to at least stay ahead of the kiddos!

Despite the physical challenge, the stunning views unfolding around me were incredible. The ocean sparkled below, and the lush green hills contrasted with the vibrant sky. The higher I climbed, the more breathtaking the landscape became.

And, like clockwork, the jaw-dropping sunrise vistas at the summit serve as an unequivocal reminder that every ounce of sweat and effort is undeniably worth it.

After conquering the climb and working up a serious appetite, I headed to Ono Seafood in Hawaii Kai. Trust me, their poke is to die for – my favorite is fresh ahi and salmon on white rice, yum! With over 4,000 rave reviews on Yelp, it's clear I'm not the only one who thinks so. I then took my delicious meal to a nearby beach and just chilled out, letting the sound of the waves wash away any remaining stress while I enjoyed my meal. It was pure bliss.

So, when you get a chance, lace up your sneakers and hit the Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail. I promise it'll be a memorable adventure! And don't forget to treat yourself to some Ono Seafood afterward – you won't regret it!