Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, Sandy Beach and Old John and The Sea

Before leaving Canada, I had spoken to my daughter, Shayla about things to do while vacationing in Hawaii. She told me about the Makapuu trail, which is a 2.0 miles return hike. To reach the Summit, you have to travel along paved path that also leads to a lookout over the lighthouse. Elevation gain is 500 ft and well worth the trip. My only problem with the hike is actually getting to it. The transit bus drops you off at Sea Life Park and then you have to carefully cross the highway and be mindful of the weaving traffic that is zooming by. Once at the actual entrance to the park, the need to pace yourself in hot, humid and dry conditions is evident. There are no washrooms and no water, so be prepared ( I would not recommend flip flops). This trail is wonderful to view migrating humpback whales in season from November to May. Once at the lookout, we met another couple who had come for a wedding in Hawaii. While exchanging conversation, the man spotted a bird in flight and tried to determine what kind it was. A sound came from above it and he remarked what a unique noise it made. Suddenly passing by us was a helicopter, the propeller noise which he had somehow mistaken coming from the bird, actually came from the aircraft. Honestly, it took all I had to not burst into laughter. Later, I googled the bird we had seen and was amused that it was called "Tropic," from which I think its new name should be "Tropic thunder." After looking at the mini lighthouse and taking several pictures, we departed for Sandy Beach. We arrived as the waves were rolling in full force. After some fun of trying to bury my boyfriend in the sand, I spotted a man using a net to try and catch fish. What struck me was his appearance. He was disheveled, with flowing gray strands of hair, which matched his silver beard. He stood out from all of the chiseled muscular bodies surfing and the families sharing in sand castle art. I looked at my boyfriend and smiling, I said, Now, I bet you he has a interesting story. For those who know me, I thrive on both telling a tale and listening to one. I approached him with ease and asked him how the fishing was. Nearly a half hour later, I was thrilled to know I was right about my assumption. John was his name and the stories he told us, I simply cannot repeat, out of respect to those he mentioned. He had led a colourful life; part-time gardener, part-time petty thief. He has amassed a fortune, yet lives the life of a pauper. The irony of our meeting came when after admitting a not so innocent lifestyle, he gave us tips on how to protect our own belongings. With a twinkle in his blue eyes, reminiscent of the sea, John shook our hands, grabbed his net and set off on another adventure. As his weathered feet sunk into the sand, I poignantly wondered whose footprints those really belonged to.