A Morning Memory Triggered by the Koʻolau Mountains
A Morning Spark
It’s amazing where inspiration comes from. I opened my computer this morning to a breathtaking image — an aerial view I recognized instantly. Those dramatic ridges could only belong to the Koʻolau Mountain Range on Oʻahu.
Yes, I know. You already know I love Hawaii. But here’s the twist: I’ve only been to Oʻahu once. My heart belongs first to the Big Island, then to Maui. Kauaʻi is still waiting for me.
Before I get to the mountains, here are my quick impressions of the four most‑visited islands.
My Take on the Four Big Islands
- The Big Island — Kīlauea, volcanic energy, and Parker Ranch. My favorite.
- Maui (The Valley Isle) — My nickname: #1 Tourist Stop. Lots to do, lots to see, and plenty of upscale accommodations.
- Oʻahu (The Gathering Place) — Chaotic, urban, crowded. Great attractions, but one visit was enough for me. Pearl Harbor is a must.
- Kauaʻi (The Garden Isle) — Said to be the most traditional and the most natural. I haven’t been yet, but everyone insists I’ll love it.
The Mountains That Look Carved by a Giant Hand
Back to that screensaver photo.
The Koʻolau Mountains run along the eastern edge of Oʻahu — the eroded remains of a single shield volcano. Thirty‑four miles of ridges and deep green troughs.
To me, it looks like a giant hand dragged its fingers down the mountainside, leaving those dramatic grooves behind. Once you see it, you never forget it.
The Wind, the Cliffs, and a Battle in the Clouds
My sister and I explored this area on our trip in 2007. We started at Nuʻuanu Pali, on the recommendation of our Pearl Harbor guide. I think he hoped we’d hire him to take us, but we couldn’t coordinate schedules, so off we went on our own.
“Pali” means cliff, and Nuʻuanu is the site of a brutal turning point in Hawaiian history. During his campaign to unite the islands, King Kamehameha I drove the opposing warriors up the cliffs until many fell — or were forced — over the edge. Storyboards at the lookout help visitors understand the gravity of what happened there.
And the trade winds? They’re no joke. The same winds that keep Hawaii comfortable on hot days become fierce at the Pali. We laughed ourselves silly trying to walk without being blown sideways. Crawling back up the path didn’t seem like a bad idea.
Ghost Crabs, Teasing Birds, and Chinaman’s Hat
After leaving the lookout, we drove down to the base of the mountain and stopped at a small beach park. We watched ghost crabs — tiny, transparent little things — scuttle across the sand and vanish into holes like magic.
The park was full of those silly white birds (cattle egrets), and they were the ultimate tease.
Every time I tried to get a close‑up photo, they stepped just out of reach. They’ve clearly been tormenting tourists for years.
A more cooperative subject was Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoliʻi), the little cone‑shaped island sitting just offshore in Kāneʻohe Bay. But the real star of the park was the mountain itself, those unforgettable “finger marks” rising behind us.
If You Go to Oʻahu…
Step away from Waikīkī and the North Shore waves for a bit.
Go feel the force of the trade winds at the Pali.
Stand before the Koʻolau cliffs and let your imagination run wild.
Close your eyes and you might even hear echoes of that long‑ago battle — a true turning point in Hawaii’s history.
