Why should kids have all the fun?

Hawaii Nature Center’s typical programs have toddlers exploring a stream or kids searching for bugs and worms, but the sessions are not just for youngsters.

Last weekend a group of adults gathered for a coastal hike along the Wai­anae side of Kaena Point, the first of the center’s scheduled programs this season.

Led by hiking enthusiast Ken Suzuki, we made a pit stop at Keawaula Cave located just down the street from the trail head at the end of Farrington Highway near Yokohama Bay. After we tasted the fresh water in the cave, Suzuki directed our tour on to the natural reserve, pointing out native plants and birds and sharing some Hawaiian history.

The moderate 5-mile hike leads to the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve, which protects native birds, and to a beach where monk seals frolicked near the shoreline.

In winter, humpback whales frequent the waters surrounding the point. If you are lucky, a dolphin or two might be spotted. Lots of water and sunscreen were necessary since the trail doesn’t include shady areas.

Suzuki hopes that participants learn about native plants and what Hawaii has to offer during the Hawaii Nature Center hikes.

Hike participant Steve Poor, a retired history teacher, hikes regularly with the Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club but said that he experiences new things on every trek. "This was my first time in the cave, and it was unbelievable. That made my day," he said.

Hawaii Pacific University student Demel McDowell joined the outing, too. "We saw the monk seals in action, baby shearwaters and their eggs. It was great to see them relaxing in their burrows and not being harmed," he said. "This is something else. It’s just so peaceful here."