The plan was to end at Tripler but weather and other factors would have the final say in our destination today.
Aiea Loop Trail
Thanks to Roger for dropping us off at the “mysterious” park to start our before the chickens wake up hike.
Aiea Loop Trail
Stopping at the bench that was installed by Thomas Yoza and his biking buddies that overlooks Kalauao Valley.
Aiea Ridge Trail
Scott standing under the sign that he installed. Still waiting on the summit sign.
Aiea Ridge Trail
Looking out at the illuminated H3 highway, the most expensive interstate highway ever built per mile. Hawaii #1.
Aiea Ridge Trail
Hump day in the mountain. Add rain. Joy.
Aiea Ridge Trail
Contouring around the base of the power-line tower.
Aiea Summit
Group photo at the typical socked in 2,805′ summit.
Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)
Striking out on the wind and rain soaked ridge line.
KSRT
Are we going forward or backwards?
KSRT
Hard blowing rain and wind outside the native tree enclosure. Are we having fun yet?
KSRT
Catching a break in the clouds as we started coming down the ridge. Enjoy it while it lasts.
KSRT
The clouds started to saturate the area as we got closer to the bottom.
Stairway to Hell
Scott finally found it. No views. When the weather does cooperate, the scenery is just leaps and bounds from the other side.
KSRT
We sought temporary refuge in the bunker from the wind and rain that was slowly draining our body heat. Somebody had finally cleaned up all the tents, sleeping bags and other detritus that occupied the bunker since the days of 2015 when they were searching for the lost hiker, Daylenn Pua.
KSRT
The condition of these stairs stands in stark contrast to the other side.
KSRT
Steps are missing, rails are slowly disintegrating into rust and being reclaimed by Mother Nature.
KSRT
Climbing out of Hell.
KSRT
Neither wind nor rain nor heat nor mud nor overgrowth stays these hikers from the completion of their hikes.
KSRT
Pausing at the top of the hill where the weather had finally toppled the geodetic pole marker.
KSRT
One good point that with all this bad weather flying around, the bees won’t be bothering us on the trail.
Red Hill Summit
Rain, rain go away. Come again another day. Nursery rhymes don’t seem to work in the mountains.
KSRT
Chico getting himself out of the hole he fell in.
Moanalua Saddle
Making our way down the “easier” side of the saddle.
Moanalua Saddle
Chico lost five points for using the rope.
Moanalua Saddle
The constant erosion keeps changing the “character” of the KST.
Moanalua Saddle
Sliding down the slippery slope thanks to the rain.
Moanalua Saddle
The rain started to dissipate as we dropped in elevation down the saddle.
Moanalua Saddle
Scott dirt surfing his way down.
Moanalua Saddle
Akira lowering himself down with the trickling Moanalua Falls in the background.
Moanalua Saddle
Somebody could see us. Must be an iphone.
Moanalua Saddle
Scott standing on the scenic rock.
Moanalua Saddle
Roger! Somebody was missing the “Oh” part. Aida and Roger had hiked up from the valley to meet us at the summit and continue towards Tripler. Plans would change.
Moanalua Saddle
Almost there.
Kulana’ahane Summit
Thanks to Akira for the hot rice soup, does a cold body good.
Kulana’ahane Summit
Group photo as we decided to cut our hike short due to weather and mobility problems and hike down into the valley.
Kulana’ahane Trail
Making our way down the short, slippery slope.
Moanalua Falls
The trickle had turned into a white ribbon of water cascading down the multi-tiered falls.
Moanalua Valley
Hitting the valley floor and crossing one of 28 stream crossings. I don’t think anybody was counting.
All pau
The last of seven bridges before we exited the trail. I counted.
GPS Tracks
Our not so favorable weather for today’s hike covered 12 miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where I had another bowl of hot soup to warm up my cold body.
Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Roger Schiffman, Scott Peterson, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.
Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.
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