Laie to Pupukea

What was supposed to have been a friend’s last section to complete the KST turned out to be just another day in the mountains. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Ferlino and myself at the Laie Falls trailhead where we also saw Allison, Anne, Art, Chris, Cisco, Janell and Tessa. Meeting hiking friends at the same hiking trails was getting to be a habit. Not a bad habit to break. Photo by Art Young.

Some of the guys helped unstuck a truck on the rocks. Just needed a lot of elbow grease. We had time to kill as somebody was running late.

Janell checking for her permit as we waited in the bushes for the straggler.

Cisco checking out the shelter just in case, but the rain forecast stated 14% probability. So we should be good. Famous last words. Photo by Anne Fai.

Heading up the heavily rutted trail that only dirt bikers can love. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

We were now in the 14% rain zone as we approached the grove of pine trees. Forgot my umbrella. Photo by Allison Banks.

No side trip to the falls today. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Going up through the trail that cut a swath through the thick carpet of uluhe ferns. Photo by Art Young.

Allison and Janell on the trail cut into the side of the ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

The trail switching to the other side as we approached the summit. Photo by Art Young.

It was getting lonely at the top, as the rains had left us but cool winds kept us company. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Summit life. Never a dull moment. It was also Janell’s first time up here.

Group shot in the foxhole, left to right: Cisco, Allison, Ferlino, Anne, Art, myself, Janell, Chris and Tessa. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Leaving the 2,240′ summit. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tessa heading into the wild untamed country of the Northern KST.

When the overgrowth is taller than you, you know it’s going to be a long day.

Can you spot the hikers for the loulu palm trees? Photo by Anne Fai.

The overgrowth was more pronounced on the sheltered Leeward side of the trail. Photo by Anne Fai.

Cisco going through knee high overgrowth. Photo by Art Young.

Pushing our way through the wispy overgrowth.

The glove was looking a little limp. Not getting enough action in the mountains.

Enjoying the Windward side of the trail.

Some people come prepared. And then you have Art. At least we won’t starve in the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Back on the trail after our short break.

Following the trail as it meandered through the mountains. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

The group rounding one of many bends in the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

How do you feel about this trail? Anne let her finger do the talking.

The group traversing the trail with the windmills pinwheeling in the background. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Tessa disappearing into the uluhe overgrowth.

It was time put a dent in those canned goods. Spreading the wealth around aka pork and beans.

Halfway there. The worse half of the bushwhacking was yet to come.

Taking pictures on the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Where are my pictures?

Plunging our way through the uluhe infested corridor of strawberry guava trees.

I don’t know which is scarier, the uluhe or uki.

When you’re in over your head.

Taking a break from the punishing overgrowth. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Allison and Cisco up to their necks in overgrowth. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Group photo at the benchmark.

Heading down the trail. Photo by Anne Fai.

Trying to scare the COVID19 away. Photo by Chris Bautista.

The official end of the KST. Wish you could have been here Matt! Well, at least I didn’t have to carry the champagne around the whole day. Photo by Chris Bautista.

When a tree falls in the forest, all it does is block the trail. Photo by Anne Fai.

Leaving the trail to pound the pavement going back down.

Landslides are taking a toll on the military road that is slowly reverting back to Mother Nature. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Wait, who’s going to take our picture and why are we sitting so close to the edge? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

I didn’t get enough air time. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up at the end of the congested road.

Our 12.9 mile hike through the most overgrown section of the KST was made bearable by the good company of friends. Post hike meal at Casa Carinio’s where we got to eat home made Chicken Papaya. Not enough to go.

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: black junction, koolau summit trail, kst, laie summit, laie trail, maleakahana junction, pupukea trail, puu hina