Ha'ena "Shipman Beach" hike with kids!

                            

 
 For this past week's outdoor adventure, we ventured just down the road and hiked into Ha'ena Beach. Also known as Shipman Beach, this beautiful white sand oasis is a 2.5 mile hike through the jungle, opening out to a breathtaking view of the ocean. It never gets old, because every time you hike this, you feel a renewed sense of yourself, in complete connection with nature and the ocean! I took videos and photos to document our time on the trail, as my kids always have interesting pointers or thoughts to share:)!
One interesting part of the hike, are the historic walls, overgrown with moss and dating back to the 1800's. This trail is an ancient hiking path, which adds to the sense of excitement as one journeys onward. What were those people's thoughts so many years ago and did they feel the same as they finally saw the ocean? Another fascinating feature of the trail, is the World War Two bunker located near the end and presenting history yet again, but in a different light this time. These men, hunkered down and waiting to defend, would be feeling a very different sense of anticipation! We finally reached the ocean after endless stops to "smell the flowers" and snack breaks:)!
 
   Every time we reach our destination, the kids have that same reaction of wonder and awe, in seeing the ocean and the beach. I could feel the fresh, ocean breezes caressing my face and hear the imminent thunder of the waves, thrashing their way through the channel, rushing in and out between the quiet lagoon and open ocean. We were here at last and joined by just a small group of others relaxing and playing in the water. One could spend hours here, but even 1.5 hours felt magical.

After cooling off and playing in the sand, it was back on the trail before sunset arrived! In our short time there, we saw the incredible Honu or Sea Turtles, basking on rocks near the open sea. We saw the Nene, our Hawaii state bird preening feathers and eating a leftover pie of fruit. And the utmost part of this entire experience, was realizing that no matter how tired we felt, our kids, Bear and Addy, would never forget these times! After all, hiking to the ocean and a white sand beach is magical not only for them, but us as well! Zen restored, we hit the trail, with plans to return another day. The afternoon light was gently waning and our minds were cleared.