The Hiking Club at the high school has been busy this past semester since it was started in August by juniors Lauren Okuda, Kylie Ancheta, and Rhyan Cobb. They have been on three adventures so far: Lanikai Pillbox, Likeke Falls, and a Thanksgiving morning “Turkey Trek” sunrise hike on Kuliouou Ridge Trail.
Faculty club advisor and English teacher Jonathan Kempe appreciates how each hike is memorable in its own way due to the conditions of the trail, who’s hiking and what the weather is like on a particular day. “The Turkey Trek was memorable. Not only is Kuliouou considered by some to be one of the top hikes on the island, starting before sunrise and hiking with headlamps made it an even more special experience. Lanikai Pillbox was memorable because it was our first hike, it was a beautiful day, and we went out for açai bowls afterwards. Likeke Falls was memorable because it’s a waterfall hike, and as soon as we reached the falls, people started climbing through and around the waterfall,” wrote Kempe.
Okuda wanted to be part of a hiking club because she loves hiking with her friends and is always excited to see new sites. “I enjoyed all our hikes but my favorite memory is when I was first introduced to Mr. V’s daughter, and she growled at me,” wrote Okuda. English teacher Dawson Vorderbruegge, known as Mr. V to his students, joined the students with his children on one of their hikes.
Looking ahead to the new year, Kempe has some ideas for future hikes but will let the club leaders choose the hikes. These options include the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail, Mount Olympus, Kokohead, and Makapu’u Point Lighthouse. “I believe the club will continue next year. It’s really just about people who like exploring the outdoors and who are interested in sharing that with others. I know Kylie and Lauren love exploring nature, and it’s fun to see their excitement when someone new signs up for a hike,” wrote Kempe.
“My favorite moment on the first hike we went on was when we were on the pillbox and enjoying the breeze,” wrote junior Paisley Chung.
“My favorite memory was hanging out with my friends while hiking and making memories along the way! We went on a waterfall hike and it was so much fun because we got to climb to the waterfall and I could really tell that everyone was having fun being together and in nature!” wrote sophomore Kate Regain.
“My favorite moment is when we were hiking at Likeke falls and our group sang Disney songs, and we also played around at the waterfall,” wrote sophomore Shaila Terry.
