The Adventures of Chinaman's Hat

When we were young and living on Oahu, Mom would take us down to a beach not far from our house called Kualoa Park. Chinaman's Hat is a little island about 500 yards off the shore in Kaneohe Bay. I loved that little island, and remember wanting so badly to go out to it and explore. But for some reason I could never understand, Mom never would let me...I was 6 years old, after all, and that was almost grown-up! So of course one of the things on my "to see" list while in Hawaii was that beach and my beloved Chinaman's Hat. Only this time...I wasn't going to be satisfied with just looking at it from the beach.

Checking out our destination.

We walked most of the way out on top of the reefs. Thanks to Caleb and John for letting us take their camera with the underwater housing - we were able to take pictures.

Heading out...with the mountains behind us.

Almost there...

These flowered paths were lovely to walk through on the way up, in spite of the thorns that wanted to grab us.

The rock cliffs were a bit more difficult. But do-able. And soon - we reached the top!!!

The geological survey marker on top of the island.

Suze enjoying the view from the top.

It was amazing to be on the top. I've lived a dream now, and enjoyed every moment of it.

Getting up to the top required some scrambling and scratches. Of course it was worth it, but we knew getting down would be more difficult.

Dad was trying to find an easier route to the bottom, but when he got this far, it was sheer drop.

Mom's dad, Grandpa Bob, died before I was born in a diving accident. His ashes were spread on Kaneohe Bay, so Tera and I dropped some flowers from the island into the water in rememberance of him. We both wish we could have met him. He sounds like a wonderful man.

After the Chinaman's Hat Adventure we went to have dinner with the Armsbys and Crislers. Very fun to reconnect with neighbors from 30 years ago. Kari was Tera's best friend when they were three and four years old and they've infrequently stayed in touch after all these years. She has married a great guy and they have two adorable little girls and we had a delightful evening. Thank you so much for your hospitality and friendship. It's rare in our lives to have people that remember us from way back when. What a treat!!!

~ Sage