We went knockin’ on heaven’s door to finish off the saddles for some friends. However, surfing and congestion canceled the call of opportunity for them. Met up with Lilyn and Marilyn at Moanalua Valley Park where we saw shadowy figures underneath the pavilion. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Kamananui Valley Trail
Crossing the first of seven storied bridges that was built for the family of the Damon Estate that used to live in this valley.
Pohaku ka Luahine
Standing nearby the rock of the old woman that stopped the construction of the H3 highway through this valley. We also met the shadowy figures in the light of day that turned out to be Al, Chris, Jimmy and Joy. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Kulana’ahane Trail
Is this the way to Diamond Head? For a nickel, somebody shouted out. I think I have competition.
Kulana’ahane Trail
Stairway to Heaven was locked up. Should we turn around? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Kulana’ahane Trail
Crossing the first of 28 stream crossings. Yes, we counted.
Kulana’ahane Trail
The water levels were remarkably low and somewhat stagnant. Good for stream crossings.
Kulana’ahane Trail
Chris at the #13 crossing after coming through the thicket of hau trees.
Kulana’ahane Trail
Our final stream crossing before beginning our ascent up the spur ridge.
Kulana’ahane Trail
Al looking at the impressive waterfall chute, even more impressive if it was flowing.
Kulana’ahane Trail
Going up the short and steep climb towards the top. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Kulana’ahane Summit
Please read before proceeding. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Kulana’ahane Summit
Group photo left to right: Al, Joy, Jimmy, Chris, myself, Marilyn and Lilyn at the terminus where Lilyn and I parted ways with the rest of the group that went back down the same way. Do we smell?
Moanalua Saddle
Hiking our way to Stairway to Heaven. The less traveled way. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Moanalua Saddle
The start of our crumbly climb up the ridge line.
Dirt Triangle
Frayed rope + chossy rocks = aborted climb. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Dirt Triangle
Lilyn coming up the contour where the anchor tree has since toppled over.
Moanalua Saddle
Clambering over the rocks. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Moanalua Saddle
Lilyn climbing up the last crumbly and steep section.
Moanalua Saddle
Looking out towards another dry waterfall chute and possible future hike. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Moanalua Saddle
The poor man’s dirt dragon.
Moanalua Saddle
Checking out the other lesser known stairs across the valley from the first landing.
Moanalua Saddle
Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming the stairs. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Moanalua Saddle
Coming up the back stairs with the Waianae Mountain Range in the background.
Moanalua Saddle
Making my way to the top that were teeming with hikers, mostly foreign by their tongues. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Stairway to Heaven
Lilyn on top of the swaying and deteriorating structure that still supports the twin microwave antennas now used as photographic props.
Stairway to Heaven
Group photo away from the crowds.
Stairway to Heaven
Looking down at the soon to be demolished 3,922 steps? There is a good chance that the troubled Honolulu Rail Transit will be completed before these stairs are taken down.
Stairway to Heaven
Talking to the tour guide. I think he charges more than a nickel. Price of living in paradise. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)
Back and forth discussion as to our three possible exit routes eventually led us down the trail that we both hadn’t set foot on in years. Chicken sounds not included.
KSRT
The splendid saddle views. Unfortunately we were just viewing them and not experiencing them today. Cue in the chicken sounds. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
KSRT
Hiking in the remarkably dry trenches. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Moanalua Middle Ridge (MMR)
Traffic jam that has been routed away from the Manono Tree that is clinging to life thanks to the efforts of Ted Calvero and friends.
MMR
Looking back at hikers on a rope and rolling rocks.
MMR
Leaving the crowds behind us as we descended down towards the valley. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
Kulana’ahane Junction
Is this the trail to Stairway to Heaven?
All pau
Hiking back on the valley trail where we met up with some old timers from HTMC and talked story for a spell. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.
GPS Tracks
Our incomplete saddle hike covered a tad over 10 miles with mixed fun company. Post hike meal at Big Kahuna’s where the milkshakes are no longer made, but the garlic cheese balls are still on the menu but not ordered.
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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