Bonzai Sushi Bar

The Hubs and I had a random date night this weekend. We hopped in our car, put on some Mumford & Sons and enjoyed the ride to the North Shore town of Haleiwa. I've been having some major sushi withdrawals since being here. Odd right? I've tried multiple places on this island and hated every single place. 

This little joint changed everything.

Super busy, and very small but worth every penny.

{Hawaiian Roll, Hawaiian Poke-the best I've ever had, Crispy Ahi Roll}

We were pleased with them all.

SAKE!

I have a feeling we will become regulars.... 

We decided to take a stroll afterward. I believe this artist's work can be seen all over Oahu, but you mainly see it in Haleiwa/North Shore. 

The sky was incredible this particular evening. Unfortunately, my camera didn't capture the full beauty of it, so you have these blurry photos to enjoy.

*ps- we live by Yelp ratings., but sometimes Yelp is wrong. This place deserved way more than 3.5 stars.

Stairway to Heaven

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

{aka- Haiku Stairs}

"The trail began as a wooden ladder spiked to the cliff on the south side of the Haʻikū Valley. It was installed in 1942 to enable antenna cables to be strung from one side of the cliffs above Haʻikū Valley to the other. A building to provide a continuous communication link between Wahiawā and Haʻikū Valley Naval Radio Station was constructed at the peak of Puʻukeahiakahoe, elevation about 2,800 feet (850 m). The antennae transmitted very low frequency radio signals from a 200,000-watt Alexanderson alternator in the center of Haʻikū valley. The signals could reach US Navy submarines as far away as Tokyo Bay while the submarines were submerged.^[2][3] Testers for RCA picked up signals on Long Island, and the signal also reached India, 6,600 miles (10,600 km) away.^[3]

When the Naval base was decommissioned in the 1950s, the United States Coast Guard used the site for an Omega Navigation System station. In the mid-1950s, the wooden stairs were replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps — by one count, 3,922 steps. The station and trail were closed to the public in 1987. Some hikers ignore the No Trespassing signs and continue to climb, contributing to the local community's misgivings about reopening the structure. The City and County of Honolulu has stated that there is currently no plan to open the stairs for public use, citing liability concerns." -Wikipedia

THIS is how we celebrated our birthdays this past weekend. Ya know, just two badass rebels. Okay, fine. I won't lie... I can't believe I was actually doing this/did this and was pretty darn nervous the entire way up. You have to get to the trail before 3/330AM to make it before the guard gets there. Otherwise he will tell you to turn around. So we headed out at 1AM, got to the trail about 2AM, snuck past residential area and crossed over the gates that block this trail. It was so sketch walking through this trail in pitch black. You have to go a certain way and it's understandable now, why many end up getting lost. Luckily we had someone with us who had done it a few times already and so thankful for that! And that it didn't rain.

 View from the first platform.

 

 We made it up the 3,922 steps and at 2,800 feet elevation!!! It was FREEZING.

Waiting to see if we would get to see the sunrise. It was so cloudy and the mist was so creepy! Waiting was not fun. We were one of the first ten people up there. It was crazy to see how many people behind up made the trek up. There had to be like 50 people up there at one point!

The old satellite. I can't believe people did this in shorts. Oh and we saw some people in flip flops.

We decided to beat the crowd and make our way down to get better views of the sunrise.

 Looking back at the very top and what we had just accomplished!

 

 Walking through the bamboo forest back to our car.

 

 So happy we got to share this moment together. Hawaii has changed me, in the best ways possible!

 *I do not condone doing this, as it is illegal. It's up to you if you'd like to take the risk. Should you decide to, please be respectful of the residents, don't litter, be careful and do your research so that you are prepared for all that this hike entails.

 

some beach, somewhere...

A Dog's Life...

Love my baby so much!


ps- we move into our new home today! so thankful. what a crazy two weeks it's been!

Kealia Trail {Attempt}

Last Wednesday Jax and I set off to meet our new friend and hiking buddy, Katie, at Kealia Trail. This was a trail that both of us had never been on before so it was an adventure to see what it would be like. It's a very different hike than the others in Hawaii, full of switchbacks, dry but plenty of beautiful views. 

Our first hike together!

Unfortunately, we only made it halfway up the hike. Poor Jax baby was getting very overheated. It was SO hot. 

We definitely plan to attempt this hike another day, but much earlier in the morning!

It's so fun meeting great people whom you can share your interests and beauty of the island with! 

Looking forward to the next time, Katie!

*If you and your dog are into running/hiking, a RUFFWEAR Roamer Leash is a must! This was our first time using it and I love it. I have heard/read many great things about this leash as well, so far so good!

Stop, Hammertime!

Saturday night the Hubs and I met up with some friends at the Pier on the Marine Base to do some night fishing. It was so beautiful out! We grabbed us some tall boys and a 6 pack and had our fingers crossed to catch some fish and hopefully some baby hammerheads! 

I got to reel this bad boy in!!! 

 "hurry up and take the picture before it bites me!"

So cool, right?! I'd love to do some deep water fishing. It's on my bucket list. 

Have you caught a shark before? Done deep water fishing?

Don't worry, no baby hammerheads were harmed. You have to throw them back into the water.

Hiking Alone

It's my goal to hike at least once a week. Sadly, I have like zero friends who enjoy hiking so I am forced to do it by myself. Which, has turned out to be okay. I am going to start bringing Jax along with me on the hikes that allow dogs so that should bring some fun to it!

Last week I hiked the Lanikai Pillboxes again. Got to try out my new hiking shoes too. I need to make it there for a sunrise! Sleep got the best of me. A stunning view that I will never get tired of.

A little lighthouse

I've recently been adventuring on hikes by myself. Ones that of course I am familiar with so I don't wind up lost and sleeping in the jungle with wild boars. The Army sucks the life out of my man and I get bored with staying inside on an island all day! I revisited Makapuu Lighthouse. Such a pretty day. Next time ill be bringing Jax with me! Wish me luck.

Two is better than one

Hot fudge sundaes and a sunset date.