Not a fan of hiking the same trail twice, Olomana to be specific. I asked Chris to show us the backdoor way to Anamolo or reverse Olomana, as he knows the route quite well.
Trailhead
We staged cars at the traditional start of Olomana on Auloa Road in Kailua. Then we drove into Waimanalo and parked on Waikupanaha Street, where further down the street Bumpy Kanahele and his Nation of Hawaii community lives on the 45 acres they got after their 1993 occupation of Makapu’u Beach. Group photo by Matt Vidaurri. Standing left to right: Bob, Chris, myself, Jasmin, Hiram and Matt. Sitting left to right: Rey and Brian.
Junction
Instead of taking the traditional Maunawili Demonstration Trail, we took the right at the junction to continue our hike.
Exposed roots
One can either run very fast over this section or gingerly pick their way across the eroded and exposed roots.
Makai view
Brian enjoying the makai (ocean) view after we broke out of the forest and onto the ridgeline.
Mauka view
Bob checking out what’s for breakfast at the Nation of Hawaii’s community, as we saw smoke going up into the sky. Could have been burning trash or smoking a pig.
Hello there!
The rest of the crew making their way up.
Ahiki
Looking at the backside of Ahiki, the third peak. Olomana is actually the name of the first peak, with Paku’i being the name of the second peak.
Let the fun begin
Arriving at the base of Ahiki. It was a couple of weeks since I’ve done any rock climbing, so it was fun scheduled all day.
To rope or not to rope?
There are ropes on some sections of all three peaks. Depending on your skill level and confidence, use them sparingly or none at all. What matters is being safe as you should test out all ropes before using them and even then, don’t rely on them 100% if possible. Because you never know when these ropes will give on you. It’s not a matter of if, just when.
You’re almost there!
The buzzing bees kept us company as we waited for the rest of the crew.
That pesky ladder
I chose not to use the ladder as we made the final push to the top of Ahiki.
Top of Ahiki
We all signed the guest book at the top. Time to get a new book as people are writing on top of other people’s comments.
Guess what we are supposed to be?
Give up? It was Matt’s idea to mimic Shiva, the Hindu deity that has four arms. We had, umm, 16 arms.
That rock looks fun
Coming down from Ahiki, I noticed a rock pillar. What could that possibly be used for?
Giving it the old college try
Who needs VRG (Volcanic Rock Gym) when you have the great outdoors? However, no soft mats to break your fall, unless trees count. Photos by Brian Leano.
Small rock, good view
Photo by Brian Leano.
How do I get down?
The hardest part of rock climbing is going back down. As Brian asked me, “Why do you put yourself in these situations?” I still don’t have the answer. Photo by Bob Tyson.
Climbing down to the keyhole
Bob climbing down to the keyhole rock formation. Another one to climb! I still don’t have the answer.
Top of the keyhole
I wasn’t about to do any yoga poses on top of the keyhole. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
The keyhole is now open
The rest of the crew making their way down to the keyhole. Now we were seeing more hikers coming and going. Olomana actually sees a lot of traffic, most go to the first peak and turn around. Not many go further to the third and final peak.
Leaving Ahiki behind
Bob climbing up to the second peak, Paku’i.
Steps to Olomana
Brian walking over the natural rock steps that leads from Paku’i to Olomana.
Butterfly Bob
As we waited for the rest of the crew at Olomana, I decided to photograph the fluttering butterflies that were around us. None would sit still for me. Bob then called me over as one landed on his hand and stayed there for several solid minutes! Bob has good sweat and odor or something!
Top of Olomana
The highest of the three peaks at 1,644′ elevation and the best in terms of sightseeing conditions.
Cover yourself! Have you no shame?
Chris had ripped his shorts earlier in the hike and luckily was not commando today. I know the feeling as I’ve ripped my pants in larger fashion and still continue to hike in them. I have no shame!
Pine needle break
Waiting for the rest of the crew to catch up.
All pau!
Last group photo at the traditional start of Olomana.
GPS Tracks
The 3.88 mile hike was a nice fun day with good company.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
We did the hike today and ran the keep roads and trails back to the start. 4 hours door to door. Great hike but I never look as comfortable as you on the faces! Lol
Aloha Joe,
Glad you enjoyed your hike + the weather was super nice today! Your smiles was inside! I got stuck shopping today!
Mahalo
i’ve gone done the rope ladder, but stopped short at the next edge. Short of energy & will & hiking partner. How is the climb/hike up to that section on this route, relative to the rest of it? Hard to tell from above.
Aloha Bob,
It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been up there, but after the rope ladder are a couple scrambling spots where you just watch your handholds and footholds. Hard to describe the condition as again, I haven’t been there in awhile. Hope this helps. Stay safe.
Mahalo