Pillbox Hike
Day one of my vacation and somehow I was convinced to do physical activity. I realized this after I was halfway up a trail over in Kailua, sweat soaked and regretting why I decided flip flops were okay. The trail was short but steep. Within minutes I saw the first military pillbox perched on the hill. It was subjected to local Hawaiian graffiti making it look less formidable than it’s previous life. If you don’t know what these are, they’re the concrete bunkers you see in the movies mowing down soldiers storming the beach. Yes, like in Saving Private Ryan. Add pretty colors and decades of wear and you got yourself some Kailua grade pillboxes. Pillboxes used as rest stop for locals and, what I want to believe, clever tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of the island. We got there in the evening and watched the sun set behind the mountains under the clouds. Not a bad way to start this vacation. My feet felt otherwise given that I went for run earlier.
For eating we went to two places, first my favorite omusubi place called Iyasume and a Vietnamese restaurant called, Aloha Pho. I had wrote about Iyasume before so I’ll skip over it and talk about aloha pho. Why the hell did I want a hot bowl of soup on a sunny Hawaiian day? I have no clue. My appetite wants what it wants. It turned out to be a good idea. The place was inside a small strip mall where I had hot pot last year. Pretty sad it was no longer there. But I did remember seeing this little Vietnamese place last year. Only took 12 months for me to try it out. Great portions without forfeiting taste. That’s what most people may remember, but for me, it was the little things. Like how they give you a good selection of greens for your pho and how the peanut sauce for the summer rolls was a step above. Little things that can make your dining experience that much better. I’ll have to come back here when I’m nice and hung over.
In the meantime, I need to get off my feet.
Iyasume Musubi
2410 Koa Ave Ste 4
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 921-0168
Verdict: My favorite place to stock up on food for post hike and post surfing happiness.
Aloha Pho
2320 S King St
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 941-1170
Verdict: It’s alright, would go back for a quick fix. But rather go to Pho Bistro.
These were thick and check out the sauce. That’s how you make a good dipping sauce. Thumbs up from this happy eater. $6.00USD
People lazing around, on top, and even inside this structure. But don’t worry, families were up here. No need to fear junkies making this their new found home.
Once you’re up, the climb isn’t that bad anymore. I think there’s another pillbox along this path, but the second one was all you needed to get to for the view.
Can’t imagine the size of the machine gun that was mounted here.
Not sure why people on write on nature. Man made stuff, sure I get it. One tree… sure? Well I guess this was trying to be informative. Thanks!
Decent bowl, but keep the hoisin and chili sauce close. You may need it. But if you’re hungry, a large bowl would be fine, unless you’re famished. In that case, they do offer an extra large. More than enough if you’ve ordered appetizers. $9.50USD
This raw beef salad was a great mix of textures and flavors. My favorite dish, but I did wish they had sliced the beef a little thinner. $12.00USD
The magical combo that simply works. Not sure why the other places don’t try to imitate this. It would make my walk to this place a lot easier. But you can’t mass produce good old fashion love for making this stuff. $1.88USD
If you’re not a fan of spam, you’re out of luck. Just kidding. They have non-spam items for you infidels.