Mount Ka’ala to Kamaohunui Ridge to Waialua

Jon Medrano had sent me a link to this video, which was the inspiration for today’s hike. Met up with Chris B, Chris C, Jon, Matt and Rebecca deep in Waianae Valley.

It was still dark as we pushed off the much hated road that leads to the Waianae Ka’ala trail trailhead. Copper thieves must have struck in the area, as illumination was noticeably absent. Save for the twinkling stars.

Giant spider webs and moths were our only company on the trail. No sign of Richard Gere.

We followed the trail that were profusely marked with purple caps and ribbons.

The group taking a break at the 2,720′ junction. What’s for breakfast?

Click here for the larger image.

Halfway there. Just warming up.

The crew making their way over the two boulder sections.

Group photo at the highest mountain on the island, left to right: myself, Rebecca, Matt, Jon, Chris C and Chris B. Photo by Chris Chun.

Rebecca making her way though the ancient Hawaiian forest ecosystem, home to many rare endemic fauna and flora.

Matt collecting water to test for future hikes. Then an Australian accent chimed in “I don’t understand you Americans, we just drank straight out of the stream back home. What’s the big fuss?”

The crew exiting the 1,100 acre cloud forest.

Free cookies and a ride down. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

We skirted the fenced installation and began to make our way down the ridge.

Leaving Mount Ka’ala. The clouds would soon follow us down the ridge, much to our dismay.

The long ridge down. We just didn’t know it yet.

The trail up to this point was still somewhat passable with little effort. That was about to change.

Looking out towards Schofield Barracks.

The trail quickly disappeared into a dense tangle of blackberry thorns and uluhe ferns. Rebecca soon parted ways with us and returned back down Ka’ala.

Looking down in the valley, we clearly saw the wrecked remains of a B-24 bomber that crashed in the forest shortly after takeoff in 1945 from Wheeler Airfield. Another hike for another day.

Click here for the larger image.

Chris chatting with a neighbor on the other side of the fence. Is the grass greener?

Typical ridge hiking. Multiple short ups and downs.

We saw this fleeting rainbow down in the valley.

The metal eyesore extended as far as the eye could see, or more accurately as far as the clouds would let us see.

Group photo. Where’s the view? Photo by Chris Bautista.

Let’s see. That tree looks familiar. Let’s not follow those blue ribbons. Hmmm, we seem to be on the right track.

The fence was gone for now. Webbing took its place. As we dropped in elevation, we left behind the clouds and began to see what was around us.

Click here for the larger image.

We climbing that?

Easy peasy. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Matt popping the pimple.

Chris contouring the ridge on the Windward side.

Hiking on top the ridge.

Jon making his way down the ridge.

The ridge rose and fall with multiple false summits to mark each passing.

Are those metal poles staked on the ridge?

The crew climbing out of the saddle. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Are we there yet?

Chris C and Matt making their way over a eroded section of the ridge. Where’s that fence when you need it?

We waited for the chopper to fly in our prime rib and clam chowder. In vain. Photo by Chris Bautista

Chris B and Chris C approaching a summit we thought was Pu’u Pane. Thought.

Jon climbing over the fence to begin our descent down the spur ridge.

Rock climbing galore ahead.

Looking out towards the sugar town of Waialua and the tourist town of Haleiwa.

Chris C responding to a milk shortage. Watch out for the bark shavings!

Chris B about to make his way down.

Rated to 4,000 pounds. Should be enough. Wait, how much do you weigh again? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Chris C hugging the rock as he makes his way down.

The crew between moments of concentration and relaxation as they made their way down.

That was a fun ridge. Not finished yet.

Chris C and Matt coming down a steep section.

Click here for the larger image.

The setting sun reflected off the shimmering windmills in the distance.

We soon got off the ridge to be met by blocking tree lines and head high California grass. Bushwhacking. Night bushwhacking. Complete with wild life.

Eventually we bushwhacked our way to the stream, which offered a respite from the suffocating overgrowth. Photo by Chris Chun

Our last obstacle was a fast flowing stream that fluctuated from knee to waist high depth. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

After our white water stream crossing, we walked out through the gated housing area and made our way to Matt’s staged truck.

Our West side hike to North shore hike covered 10.22 miles through rugged terrain and beautiful scenery. Epic hike with a great crew. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. Missing my prime rib and clam chowder.

Tagged as: bog, faa, kaala, kaala natural area reserve, kamaohunui ridge, kaukonahua stream, north shore, waialua, waianae, waianae summit trail, wst