We picked up from where we left off last weekend. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Aida, Aileen, Ferlino and myself off near the trailhead in Manoa. Time waits for no man, especially the bus driver. Side note about raw milk. Proponents say that drinking raw milk which is taken straight from the cow, chilled and bottled, contains beneficial bacteria, enzymes and raw fats that promote digestion and general health. Opponents say that raw milk contains bacteria and pathogens which makes it unsanitary and potentially dangerous. Raw milk sales are currently illegal in Hawaii for human consumption, hence the sticker.
Pu’u Pia Trail
Back to our roots.
Pu’u Pia Trail
Descending down the slippery slope.
Waiakeakua Stream
Crossing the streambed.
Manoa Middle Trail
My first time going up the trail. Infinitely better.
Manoa Middle Trail
Looking back at the wide and vast valley that was once home to taro patches but now are home to million dollar homes.
Manoa Middle Trail
Climbing through suffocating swathes of uluhe ferns, which are native and not invasive as one would think when suffering from constant contact with the false staghorn ferns.
Manoa Middle Trail
Visual obscurity was increased due to settling cloud cover.
Manoa Middle Summit
Ferlino enjoying the pork adobo he had brought to share with Tessa. More for him now.
Manoa Middle Summit
Group photo with Windward views.
Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)
The moisturized winds started to batter the ridgeline as we set foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains.
KSRT
I think we forget sometimes that we are on the edge of a 2,000′ plus cliff clinging to the vegetation.
KSRT
Trading in for wider terrain as we crossed the wind swept meadows.
KSRT
Cardio climb.
KSRT
Steep and muddy going up.
K2
Standing on one of the two “large testicles” as Hawaiian legend would have it, a giant threw his testicles (kona hua nui) at a fleeing woman that he desired, but escaped him. Self castration at its finest.
KSRT
Traversing between the schweddy balls.
Konahuanui Summit
Socked in at the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountains.
KSRT
Pushing through the mud that was populated by highly fragrant but invasive yellow ginger plants.
KSRT
Losing elevation as we dropped from the summit.
Piliwale Ridge
Descending down the sliver of a ridge, pioneered by Silver Piliwale, a full blooded Hawaiian.
Piliwale Ridge
Aileen scooting her way down the steep descent.
Piliwale Ridge
The cloud cover soon started to break apart as we dropped lower on the ridgeline.
Piliwale Ridge
Following the rope down.
Piliwale Ridge
Contouring around the ridge to get back on the trail.
Piliwale Ridge
Panoramic views of the Windward side.
Piliwale Ridge
Well, this is awkward.
Piliwale Ridge
The dirt terrain soon gave way to hard rocks.
Piliwale Ridge
Aileen guiding Aida through the downclimb.
Piliwale Ridge
Climbing the roots down.
Notch
Hello from the other side.
Notch
Looking back at the seemingly impossible steep ridge. Things are not always what they appear to be.
Notch
Our last group photo.
Maunawili
Walking through the valley steeped in history that started out as agricultural and cattle ranches that have slowly been replaced by golf courses and homes.
All pau
We overshot our planned exit and became a traffic hazard. Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up.
GPS Tracks
Our windy hike covered 5.15 miles with good company. Post hike meal at Kenko-ya where apparently eating other peoples food happens.
Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Ferlino Carinio, 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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