Shark's Cove

I had many diving adventures back in June 2009. I felt that I should share them. Usually Shark's Cove is a trove of hidden jems. During the summer months it is very easy to swim since there is no current nor waves. However, during the winter months it becomes extremely dangerous and potentially deadly with waves averaging 15 feet to 50 feet hitting the exposed reef.

This day back in 2009 I went chasing after several fish. Keep in mind that I was only swimming and snorkeling. Shark's Cove is a protected reef and fishing is prohibited by law in this area.

I swam to the middle of the cove through a school of silver fish and eyeballs. They tickled me ears as I swam through them which caused me choke and gag on water. I had to calm myself a bit and stop laughing because I didn't want to have a panic attack in 30 feet deep of water.

The Hawaiian Humunukuapa'a or Trigger Fish. They are very protective of their mates and their egg nest. I stumbled upon a couple of them and they chased me away.

The fish on the very top is a Unicorn Fish. It blends almost perfectly with its ocean background. However, underwater you can see neon blue stripes that line it's fins. My camera did not catch it but these fish are brilliant underwater.

These are Manini or Convict Tang. They are very beautiful and friendly. I was able to swim with the school of fish without frightening them or getting chased.

Shark's Cove is one of the cleanest beaches on the island of Oahu. As you can see, the coral is pretty much dead. This raises the concern of pollution. Pollution from obvious sources like plastic bottles, aluminum cans and fishing lines but also pollution from unseen sources. Unseen sources such as chemical run off from the land, and raw sewage dump into the ocean. This all plays a factor in the decline of coral populations. As you can see, 3 of 4 species seen on this blog page depend on coral as its food source. If the coral dies, then these fish die. If these fish die then we will have food shortages and nothing pretty to watch underwater.

Manana Trail to Boy Scout Shelter 2.5

Back in September I took a little hike up Manana Trail in Pearl City to the Boy Scout Shelter. I didn't make it the summit this time but I certainly enjoyed the view.

After 15 minutes of walking down the Manana Trail you come to this little sign. To the right is Heart Attack Hill which leads to the nasty Waimanu waterfall. (There are lots of boars and rotting fruit down there. It smells great!) However, if you make a turn to the left then you will be heading up the summit trail. I have seen alot of hiking families wanting to go down to the waterfall of nastieness but ended up taking a wrong turn because they missed this sign. They were quite disappointed that they were on the summit trail. However, I prefer the summit trail any day of the week to the boar's nest waterfall.

You will walk in the forest for about 20 minutes until you come to a clearing. If you do this little forest walk right at dawn or twilight you will get to see great flocks of African Parrots. You can't miss them! They are beautiful, green and extremely noisey. For such a small bird they certainly do make alot of noise. I feel bad for people living up on Pacific Palisades. I'm surprised no one has started hunting the African Parrots. However, for bird lovers like myself, its quite a treat.

There are several liliquoi vines growing on this trail with bright, beautiful purple flowers. Mongoose tend to hide in these bushes so don't be surprised if you hear something growling as you hike near.

You will soon leave the forest and start up the ridge portion of the trail. It looks steep but its really not too bad. Take note of the signs concerning pig hunters shooting at anything that moves and does not wear bright clothing. I haven't been shot at yet.

When you get closer to the Boy Scout Shelter you begin to see all of Pearl City and Makaha. The grass resembles silver tinsil waving in the wind.

I could see my apartment complex from the ridge.

Everone's hiking speed and stamina is different. It took me about an hour and half to reach the Boy Scout's Shelter. On this particular hike I was too pooped to go any further. However, I have seen some pretty hearty hunters carrying 100 pounds worth of pork on their shoulders come down this trail.

There is a second trail that veers off of Manana about 1 more mile up. You can tell when you reached it because there is a low growing branch that will hit you on the head. Then, as you rub your forehead and look right to cuss at the tree, you will see that the tree stands next to a pig hunter trail that goes down the mountain. I haven't attempted the pig hunter trail yet and I heard it was difficult.

I have seen pig hunters go down the beginning of Manana 3 miles ago with new shoes and come up this particular trail barefoot because the soles came off of their shoes. Now that's a trail! I have been meaning to explored it since on the next ridge there appears to be an entire coconut tree forest. I have been meaning to go get some coconuts. However, for now, I will just have to settle for the Boy Scout's Shelter.