Gloomy weather conditions scratched another return to the saddle for Christine, Yoly and myself. Luckily Christine knew of a trail that was on my to do list. Yoly dropped out due to gas problems, not talking about the intestinal sort.
Jeep road
We drove to the end of the island as we started our hike in the Mokuleia section of the rugged park that hugs the coastline.
Trailhead
Turning off the main road as we headed towards the dry grass and shrubs that fringed the base of the mountains.
Manini Pali Trail
Headed up what All Trails calls the “rough cousin of Kealia Trail.” I can partially see the resemblance.
Manini Pali Trail
Making our way up the switch backs.
Manini Pali Trail
We lost the trail for a bit and decided to go up the most direct route instead.
Manini Pali Trail
Back on the trail again.
Manini Pali Trail
It was hot and humid going up the dry grassy trail. Wishing I was on the saddle instead. Photo by Christine Galiza.
Manini Pali Trail
The picture spot. Photo by Christine Galiza.
Manini Pali Trail
A little bit of rock scrambling lay in store for us.
Manini Pali Trail
Ocean to ocean view, one of the benefits of living on a small island in the Pacific.
Manini Pali Trail
All the uphill climbing was now behind us, just like the inviting blue ocean. Photo by Christine Galiza.
Cow Trail
Stepping foot on a trail made by cows?
Cow Trail
We spotted pink ribbons scattered throughout the dry brush.
Cow Trail
No signs of any four legged domesticated ungulates.
Golf Ball
Tracking space junk since Statehood.
Road
The ten minutes that was most filled with anxiety.
Lookout
Life imitating art.
Kaena Point Ridge
Christine leaving the solar observatory station.
Kaena Point Ridge
The start of our rocky climb down. Photo by Christine Galiza.
Kaena Point Ridge
Group photo at one of the bunkers that populate the ridge line.
Kaena Point Ridge
Making our way to the last bunker before dropping off the ridge.
Kaena Point State Park
Following the fenced trail on our way out.
Kaena Point State Park
Christine climbing through the vehicle barrier.
Kaena Point State Park
Shall we go back up again? Perhaps not. Photo by Christine Galiza.
All pau
Our cars were still intact and baking in the hot sun upon our return. Thanks to Christine for taking me on a new trail. Post hike meal at Jerry’s Pizza where you go big or go home. We went big as we were hungry.
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.
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