Sunrise on the winter solstice
Say Hawai'i and people conjure up the usual images: drinks in coconuts, ukuleles, Spam sushi. They rarely think of all the great hiking that the islands have to offer. We've slogged through miles of mud in a torrential downpour on the Nu'alolo Cliff Trail in Kauai and marveled at the silver sword-dotted moonscape of Haleakala on Maui, but one of the coolest outings around is Koko Crater, literally out the front door of Elizabeth's folks' house.
Koko Crater has a commanding presence on the east side of the island
For several days after arriving in Honolulu from Bangkok I haven't been able to sleep the whole night through so on the solstice I decided to check things out before breakfast. As it turned out I got in two laps up the railroad ties (1,045 in all) before sunrise then scooted out along the ridge line completing a full circle above the crater.
Only 1,000 to go!
Sunrise from the summit
To complete the loop you drop into a plumeria grove and ascend the bougainvillea slope
Solo dork shot in early light
Exposed ridge line on the north side of the crater
Motto for every Dawn Patrol: use the night to get more day!
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