1,036 Steps

1,036 is the number of "steps" to the top of Koko Crater.  We say "steps" because there's a bit more actual footsteps involved, but there are currently 1,036 railroad slats that guide the way up the outside of the crater.  We know this because R counted every one.  (Some kind people have come through before us and indicated each hundred, but those numbers are now incorrect because some slats are missing.  Next time we'll bring the White Out.)  Regardless of the number of steps this was a steep hike.

Koko Crater is on the southeastern side of O'ahu.  It is a remnant of the last active volcano on O'ahu about 10,000 years ago and is approximately 1,200 feet in height.  The military used the top of the crater for some unknown purpose (perhaps a lookout?) and the "trail" is really the former railway track used to transport people and supplies.  On our journey up the 1,036 steps we passed, and were passed, by people of all different fitness levels, from uber-athletes who ran up and down (?!) to Japanese tourists in flip-flops.  Now, we can run ten miles on a Saturday without (much) whining, but fifty steps in and . . . whew!  Somewhere in the middle of the journey the land drops out for about sixty steps and one must take care to not tumble through the slats.  One step at a time became our motto.  That and rolling our eyes at the runners passing us.

At the top we were rewarded with a great view of Hawaii Kai, Hanauma Bay, and inside the crater. There were also old military-created structures for climbing. Or laying on to stare at the clouds.

The way down was no picnic either, especially the area with no ground underneath. R took those steps as if she was going down a ladder, much to the chagrin of the people following us. But soon enough we were back at sea level rolling our eyes at the girl who was turning around to head back up.

Of course the view and the triumph were not reward enough. We needed shave ice from our (and Obama's) favorite Hawaii Kai spot.