Kaena Point (yokohama side) – March 1, 2013

What more could I have asked for. Hiking during work. Ed worked on a grant targeting awareness of our environment. He got about $750 to sponsor a field trip to Kaena Point. Almost all the money went towards getting a bus. Nonetheless, 78 students and 8 teachers signed up for the field trip.

The plan today was for us to start on the westside near Yokohama Bay and proceed to Kaena Point. Before hitting the fence, we would be debriefed by DLNR, after the gate we would do some volunteer work, then eat lunch at the point. The last part of the day would be to hike the Mokuleia side and wait for the bus pick up.

My job today was to be the sweeper, which I took seriously. We split up into 4 groups, each group spaced 5 minutes apart from each other and had a lead and sweep. The groups went at a quick pace and reached the fence line in no time. There, the DLNR volunteer explained to us the happenings at the point. It didn’t interest me too much.

On our way to the point, we stopped and did some volunteer work. We pulled some Australian Salt Bush weeds. These weeds are invasive and cover native plants. Pulling these weeds was easy enough, however there were a lot of them. We made massive piles of Australian Salt Bush which would be carried out by DLNR workers at another time. Near the invasive salt bush, were Ohai Trees. These trees were plentiful on the west side back in the day. However, it became endangered some years ago. Restoration efforts made a big difference as now it is plentiful at Kaena Point.

We also had a chance to meet the albatross taggers. These people tag the albatross by grabbing them and holding their beaks. They must be charmers because the albatross don’t fight with them. We also had a chance to pet the albatross, their feathers are so soft.

After volunteering, we made it to the point. The sand is such a nuisance, hard to get traction. Lunch at this point is always a treat. There were a few monk seals sun bathing and albatross flying around.

The hike back was uneventful, like it always when hiking the Mokuleia side. I was surprised that everyone was able to make it out with very little problem. I guess these students can handle the 5 mile trip.

We made it back to Pearl City High School at 3pm. If this becomes a yearly thing, I’m going every year.