Mau’umae Trail to Wiliwilinui Trail ( Lanipo Windward Scout )

Lanipo Windward ridge was last reportedly done by HTMC hiker Dick Davis in the 1940s when he lost all his fingernails going down. Ouch. I wanted to scout out the ridge for a possible future hike. Joining me today were Jose, Ryan and Thessa.

We parked at the top of Maunalani Circle and found two condoms on the ground. Used. At least somebody had safe sex.

The beginning of the trail is sandwiched between a BWS tank and somebody’s private property.

It was a rainy day on the ridge. Can’t catch a sunny break.

The Lanipo trail has been described as a rollercoaster hike. A light version of the Manana Trail. Up and down. Repeat until you get to the top.

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Group photo at the bench left to right: Jose, myself, Thessa and Ryan. Sound advice that was posted: Never hike alone, carry a cell phone, and leave your hike plan with someone.

Strawberry guava trees fruiting along the trail.

Ryan and Thessa looking at some red flowers nestled amongst dead branches that caught their eye.

Something you only see in the morning or after a good rain. We had both.

Where’s the rum? BYOB on the trails.

It’s all about perspective. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

The third waterfall cascading down from Ka’au Crater.

Looking out all the way to Diamond Head.

A fiddlehead.

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Ryan and Jose going up the last hill to the summit. The rollercoaster ride has ended. Please remain seated until the car comes to a complete stop.

The cloud deck was skipping and skimming the top of the Ko’olaus. Caught a rare glimpse of Olympus not capped in clouds.

A severe infestation of gnats or flies replaced the rain at the 2,520′ summit. Bring back the rain.

A bumblebee chose this branch as its last resting spot.

Jose spotted this peculiar looking beetle that had some white stuff clinging to its body. Imperial bug trooper.

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The gnats or flies were feeding off the fruits and seeds of the ‘ie’ie woody climbers. I think we ended up feeding on some of them.

Back on the rollercoaster. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Keep your arms and legs on the Leeward side at all times.

Approaching Lanipo summit and Windward ridge. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Socked in summit. What are we looking at?

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Doesn’t look that bad. So far.

Jose coming down the ridge.

Some pretty hairy sections further down. Warrants further scouting from the bottom of Aniani Nui Ridge that connects to the backside of Ahiki. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Side view of Lanipo Windward Ridge. Steep and sketchy. I know other hikers have scouted it from top and bottom and decided it was too dangerous to complete. Something to chew on.

Going down to the cluster of HECO power lines.

Little known fact is that Ryan works for HECO.

Imagine working up here. Must be nice to get choppered into work, instead of taking the bus.

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Ryan and Jose making their way up the last hump.

Another socked in summit. Typical day on the Ko’olaus.

Headed down the Wiliwilinui trail.

Familiar trail footing, slats buried into the hillsides to retard erosion.

Looking at the path we had traveled from Kainawa’aunui to Wiliwilinui on the Ko’olau Mountains.

Made use of a popular swing at the bottom of the stepped trail. Look under the seat to find clues to other swings.

The rest of the trail down was a dirt road. Wide open. Nice change of pace.

We passed the connector trail that descends down into Wailupe Valley. Another hike for another day.

The trail afforded us one last view of East Oahu ranging all the way to Koko Crater.

Headed towards the trailhead gate.

Going up an access trail which leads to several WW2 bunkers and gun turret emplacements formerly known as Battery Wilridge (Kirkpatrick) that were built in 1942.

Thessa sliding down to the first bunker.

This bunker could have been the control station. The holes seen in the recessed area were possibly data and power lines for a naval computer. Computer in 1942?

The second bunker was much larger and possibly had a powder room that contained the magazine/conveyor belt that fed the shells to the guns.

We followed the powder room where it lead to this barbette, which once housed an 8″ gun turret that was removed from the carrier USS Lexington.

This was one of two 8″ gun batteries. We could not locate the other. There are numerous tunnels that connect to other bunkers on this ridge, but most of them have been walled off by private owners that own some of them.

One of the bunkers sitting next to somebody’s house that was converted into their private man cave. Tours? Release the hounds Mr. Smithers.

Our hike clocked in at 6.44 miles. Got to explore two new trails and scouted out a potential third one with a great group. Post hike meal at Big City Diner. Love Uncle Ray’s Poke.

Tagged as: battery wilridge, bunkers, koolau mountains, koolau summit ridge trail, ksrt, lanipo, lanipo windward, mau'umae trail, true lanipo, wiliwilinui trail