Hawaii Real Estate | Hawaii Relocations | Hawaii Home Buying & Selling

With 3922 steps going to the crest of the Koolau Mountains the Stairway to Heaven has long since been a favorite in the past for hikers though now it is closed to the public. Why the past?  Obviously, it is dangerous with some parts of the climb at a 90 degree angle.

This particular mountain peak is known as Puu Keahiakahoe and the stairs were built out of wood during World War II in 1942 for the U.S. Navy's Haiku Radio Station and the VFL antenna.  The first structure that was erected on top of the mountain housed the cable and pully system (winch) and brought supplies to the war watch standers.

The "Omega" Station operated as Hawaii's transmitting facility for the Loran (acronym for LOng RAnge Navigation)-C Navigational System and used primarily for ocean and coastal navigation. Of course GPS (Global Positioning System) will totally replace the Loran C and definitely provides better accuracy for world wide coverage.

After constant rain and wood rot the stairs were replaced with metal stairs some years later. Even with metal,the stairs rusted  and many were missing and broken so in 1987 the City and County of Honolulu closed the stairs officially.

Since the trail and stairs are now off limits to the public you will get fined and made to appear in court for trespassing. Not only that but it's very dangerous so stay off anyway.  There are other hiking paths that you can enjoy around the island so it's better to be safe than sorry.

Maybe I'm just a little regretful because I didn't take that hike up the Stairway to Heaven in younger years.

Oh, majestic mountain

That we view from afar....

While we were driving over to Kaneohe (on the northeast side of our island of Oahu) yesterday, I pondered on thoughts of where we were going, who we were spending Christmas with and what the real meaning of a holiday was.

I thought, It really isn't about the tangible stuff we call gifts. It's about the present. It's about the fact that I live and I will die but what's more important is what I do in between that matters. The now.

So, what was important yesterday?

The beauty that surrounds me every day that I sometimes do not appreciate caught up with me.  We all get tied up in everyday life and the expectations of others. Our businesses, our personal relationships and just the whole hustle and bustle of each holiday.

 So what made yesterday so special?

Mentally, I stopped.  I took out my camera and started to enjoy the ride and the beauty that all around me. The beauty that is there right in front of me each and every day. I was in awe and snapped many a picture to capture this moment in time.

I was but a small being traveling amongst the majestic mountains before me.

I was in the middle of a man made highway high above ground and heading to the tunnels through those majestic mountains to get to the other side. 

 Life is so short I thought.

A ray of sunshine peeking through the mist and clouds to show the sleepy coastal town below me;

a picture perfect show that will plant a seed in my memory bank.

A view from atop that allowed me to feel the greatness of the view before me;

for being someone so small and seemingly so insignificant in such a vast world of beauty.

I will remember this day of sharing hopes, dreams and a bright future.

All because I stopped to appreciate all before me that went beyond.....

Stuff.

P.S.

I did save this tangible gift from my daughter to share with you for the very last. It served more than the purpose to give comfort to my feet and just a gift. My daughter and I share a common bond.....holding on to the kid inside in a grown up world.

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    Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she KNOWS and serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Laniakea Beach on the North Shore of Oahu and best known as "Turtle Beach" where the Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle) lay on the beach sunbathing. You can read more about the turtles in The Endangered Hawaiian 'HONU" (Green Sea Turtle) and Laws that Protect It

Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu is best known for their Winter Surf Contest "Quicksilver Big Wave Invitational in memory of Eddie Aikau and you can read more in A Haiku & The Big Jumping Rock at Waimea Bay- North Shore of Oahu  . 

Kaena Point can be reached on the North Shore of Oahu past Mokuleia Beach or from the West Side of Oahu past Yokohama Bay. It is not accessible by care and there is a hiking trail around the edge. You can see the outline in the previous picture and read more in HAWAIIAN LEGENDS: Kaena Point, Waimea Valley, and Two Heiau's

Hope you enjoyed the short tour of the North Shore of Oahu on a Sunday morning.

We had a beautiful morning!

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves all Hawaii Home Buyers and Sellers on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

There are just too many words for a stunningly creative pose of an orchid. I continued my quest for orchid blooms and once again found myself at the Kam Swap Meet across from Pearlridge Shopping Center this past Wednesday. Scoping out the isles of wares I frantically eyed each vendor quickly until I found my favorite orchid man.

With a large white truck he unloads hundreds of blooming orchids with colors galore!  

Gazing at this blooming orchid (above) I was immediately entranced by the swirls and curls as if each bloom were waving hello to me. That meant I had to buy it. lol.

I wanted a couple more and kept looking and wondering about the lavender array of colors before me. This gorgeous bloomer had it's mouth open and then screamed, "take me home"!  I picked another one with buds and will show you all later but I really wanted to share these as they were just so beautiful.....for a Sunday :) :)

Imagine the possibilites in my garden.

By the way, Kam Swap Meet has everything from local produce, plants, wares, hawaiian crafts, jewelry, clothing and more. For hours and info click here> Kam Swap Meet

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman