Kolekole Pass | Wahiawa, O'ahu

Want a short hike with a great payoff? Look no further than Kolekole Pass. In less than 20 minutes, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Wai'anae mountains as well as an amazing view of the Wai'anae Valley. It's far enough inland that you can't get a great view of the valley from the road, so this hike is a real treat.

The trail is located on Schofield Barracks (military base), so if you are military or have friends in the military who can accompany you, you will have no problem getting on base. If not, no worries! You can still get on base...make sure to have your ID and current car registration, etc.

live-fire training in the area.

after a few flights of steps, it's a fairly flat walk to the lookout. you'll pass a big rock that is rumored to have been the place where fallen chiefs were beheaded. the superstitious say it's bad luck to touch the rock, but i have seen many pictures of people touching the rock.

i didn't touch it...just sayin'.

scenic lookout: the first view you'll see on the trail, looking north. 

this is where we went wrong.  definitely confusing as you would assume 'danger' means don't go that way, haha!

we got lost on our first attempt here. approaching this area and sign (above), we kept walking straight (where you see those people coming from). it's a long road down to nowhere. instead, turn left and walk beyond the orange barricade.

and further along, stay to the left.

scenic point: better view looking north.

this is the "big meadow" i kept seeing on reviews.

it was much smaller and overgrown than the photos.

the main scenic point: looking west down into wai'anae valley. it would be amazing if they trimmed those bushes to provide a less obstructed view of the valley.

there are steep cliffs, so use caution and stay away from the edge.

see my periscope video of kolekole pass on katch.

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must see: yes, if in area

entrance fee: no

parking: yes

bathrooms: no

good for kids: yes because it's fairly short (< 3 miles) and flat

(you know your child best)

concession: no

approximate time needed: 45 min round-trip,

suggested items to bring: camera

tip 1: for a more challenging workout,

park on the street outside the barricades and brown signs and walk to the trail head for a little more distance.

tip 2: check out this facebook page for dates and times the trail will be open. it is usually not open when there is live-fire training.

what to do after: grab a yummy pie from sunny side bakery. they also serve local-style meals.

Schofield Barracks | Wahiawa, HI | 96857

Periscoping Tools

As a broadcaster, I'm always looking for ways to give my viewers the best experience possible. From lenses to tripods to microphones, there are things I've tested, things I look forward to trying out, and tips and tricks I've picked up along the way.

I'll keep you updated as we go along.

Since I mainly broadcast landscape scenery while hiking and adventuring in the mountains or while relaxing at the beach, I needed a phone case with a wrist strap and/or one that would protect my phone whether I dropped it in sand or water, or halfway down the mountain (heaven forbid!). I also needed a microphone that would reduce ambient noise and wind.

Here's what I currently use for broadcasting on Periscope.

The hitcase waterproof and shockproof case allows me to scope with complete peace of mind. By itself, the case has a strap that I can secure to my wrist. With the shootR pole, the case slides on and locks into place. Compared to a selfie stick, in which the phone could possibly be knocked out of the clamp, your hitcase protected phone isn't going anywhere.

hitcase pro+ action pack for iphone 6/6s includes:

100% waterproof/shockproof case

trueLUX super wide angle lens

shootR pole

stickR mount

railslide mount

(hitcase for iphone 5/5s here)

TYLT 2-pack portable battery charger

While I hate to admit that I use a selfie stick, I received one for Christmas from my secret santa, and it comes in handy in one situation: when I use the lapel mic. The plug for the mic is too big and doesn't fit with the Hitcase on (or any case)...and without the Hitcase, there is no shootR pole. Thus, the selfie stick.

lavalier lapel clip-on microphone

selfie stick

apple earpods with mic

(not shown)

Oh...and the most important periscoping gear? the aloha hat + ray-bans.

Do you use any special gear for broadcasting?

What's your essential tool?

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you might like these:

additional hitcase accessories:

Manoa Falls Trail | Honolulu, O'ahu

If you want a quick and easy hike, take the family to manoa falls trail. In less than a mile, you'll be rewarded with a waterfall with an impressive height of 150 ft. While there is a pool, it has been cabled off due to recent rockslides. Along the way, though, the tall canopied trees of the lush manoa valley are a sight to see...you'll even spot a bamboo forest.

most of the trail is covered.

the stream along the way.

if you hike after rain, the trail can get muddy and slippery. 

iced coffee while we wait for our pho.

Have you been to Manoa Falls?

Do you go chasing waterfalls?

see my periscope video of manoa falls on katch.

*          *          *

must see: yes

entrance fee: no

parking: yes, $5

bathrooms: yes (at snack shop)

good for kids: yes because it's fairly short, under 1 mile

(you know your child best)

concession: rainbow's end snack shop near parking lot

approximate time needed: 45 min - 1 hr round-trip,

depending on trail condition and time spent at the falls

suggested items to bring: insect repellent

tip 1: for a more challenging workout,

park on the street in the neighborhood and walk to the trail head for a little more distance. you'll also save $5 on parking.

tip 2: check out the lyon arboretum while you're there. there's a more challenging trail there. closed sundays.

what to do after: breakfast at morning glass coffee (busy on weekends) or lunch at pho viet restaurant.

37 Manoa Road | Honolulu, HI | 98622