Kealia Trail to King Kong

Unwanted attention forced us to a different venue for today. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Analyn, Cisco, Ferlino, Tene and myself off at the airfield that will soon fall back into the hands of the Army. Tick tock.

Starting our way up the salt encrusted trail.

Going up the 19 switchbacks where we saw hikers coming up and going down, some familiar and some not so familiar.

Looking down at the fish pond that was once the rock quarry used to build … Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

… Dillingham Airfield, formerly known as Mokuleia Airfield. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Group photo at the top of the trail where we sought shelter from the blazing sun, left to right: Ferlino, myself, Tene, Analyn and Cisco.

If he’s not hanging off something, he’s not happy. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Heading up the hilly trail as it turned into the back of the sun.

Following the fence line back down to the trail. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Walking the wide open jeep road bordered by itchy California grass.

Chocolate milk reflections.

Not quite the Energizer Bunny, but A for effort.

Enjoying the fenced view of Makua Valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Following the fenced level trail before it turned into a sloped trail. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Cisco approaching the geodetic marker where we turned right to continue on the trail.

Entering the 658 acre Pahole Reserve that protects the native ecosystem. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Cisco making his way over the wooden fenced trail.

Switch backing our way up through the tinkling markers for native plants. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

The group skirting the new and improved snail habitat.

Breaking out into the eroded open section to scenic views of Makua Valley.

Resuming our hike on the surprisingly cleared trail.

Our photo break at the benched lookout was as brief as the thought to drop down to the picnic shed and pluck the refreshing tangelos in season.

Pulling ourselves up the hilly trail.

The group cresting the top of a hill and making their way down.

Group photo looking out towards Mokuleia Valley.

Analyn and Tene perched on the fence with Makaha and Makua Valleys behind them. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pushing our way through the insufferable jungle of uluhe ferns and thorny thimble berry bushes. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

We can see the road for the uluhe ferns.

Tene dropping down the steep section of the fence line. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pounding the paved road, at least we don’t have to walk all the way up to marker #78. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trading our short stay on asphalt for crumbly dirt and strawberry guava trees.

Tene going down the steep section of the ridge with the assistance of webbing that carbon dating failed to determine its age. No wonder, it’s not organic. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Looking ahead to the simian shaped rocks interrupting the forested spur ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Perched on top of the not so terrifying head.

Ferlino making his way down.

Happy Easter, hoping our brightly colored plastic eggs were filled with TP and face masks. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Contouring our way to the right where we slowly regained the ridge line.

Approaching the back of the huge boulder that got deposited on the ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Five and only five souls for our group photo by Ferlino Carinio.

The bottle capped trees guided our way down through the strawberry guava tree line.

Passing the BOWS pumping station.

Checking out the restored agricultural temple from a social distance.

Walking through the lo’i kalo (taro patch) meant to revitalize the lush valley.

Back on the road. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Heading out of the valley where we killed time with strutting peacocks and thorny plants until Jasmin picked us up. Mahalo!

Our 15.4 mile coast to coast hike covered ridges, mountains and valleys populated with overgrowth, fences and spectacular views all around. A nice grinder hike with a fun crew. Post hike meal at L&L Drive Inn where shakes were not on the menu.

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.

Tagged as: kaala road, kahuna cave, kealia trail, king kong ridge, kuaokala trail, makaha valley, waianae summit trail, wst