Having promised myself that I would tackle the descent down the third peak of Ahiki ever since we did Olomana almost two years ago, today was the day to cash that check. Glenn, Chris and myself all met right before the bridge on Auloa Road and started the hike around 6:30am.
Climbing the rockface
Glenn and Chris climb the last major rockface before the first peak of Olomana. It turned out to be a very nice sunny day with scattered clouds in the sky, which also made the hike hotter than most of our previous hikes that had extensive cloud cover.
Top of Olomana
Best seats in the house, as far as panoramic viewing from Olomana. This is the highest of the three peaks and the one that affords the best vantage to check out the stunning views from Kaneohe to Makapuu.
Panoramic view from Olomana
Click here to see the larger panoramic image.
Looking at Olomana from Paku'i
Descending down from the first peak, the trail pretty much to the third peak gives way to dirt and loose rocks.
Climbing down from the second peak
Chris scrambling down the second peak after finishing rappeling down the first part of the peak, with other hikers coming down the second peak right behind him.
In the saddle between Pakui and Ahiki
Glenn and Chris taking a break in the saddle between the second and third peaks.
Keyhole rock formation
Ever since I saw the keyhole rock formation on our first hike up Olomana, I had always wanted to climb into the hole and get my picture taken. It’s way easier to climb from the backside and a lot safer too.
Top of Ahiki
We arrived at the third peak of Ahiki around 9:30am and promptly signed the hiker’s log while munching on beef jerky and drinking lukewarm water.
Rockface #1
Going down the backside of Ahiki, the first rockface we encountered had a small rope ladder that was more of a hindrance than a help in my opinion. You have to balance yourself just right as the rope ladder is not rigid and is constantly moving, so if one is not careful, you could end up getting hurt coming down that short ladder.
Rockface #2
Chris and Glenn climbing down the second rockface.
Rockface#3
Going down the third rockface was aided by a somewhat tattered blue and white rope anchored to the rocks. Needless to say, we didn’t put much of our weight on the rope coming down. We also met three hikers that were coming up from the Waimanalo side, one of whom was Nate Rubio or The Hobbit.
Rockface #4
This part of the rockface was the toughest part in my opinion. As you go over the ledge, you really can’t see the footholds coming down, so you have to put all your trust and weight on the rope going down until you get to your first foothold.
Rockface #5
Chris coming down the last and longest major rockface.
All pau!
After we all made it down the backside of Ahiki, we took the right junction that led us into the ravine where we eventually went up the hill following the ribboned branches. When in doubt, stay right held particularly true on the trail going back. Towards the end, we lost the main trail and decided to take the straightest line which led us onto the 7th hole of the Royal Hawaiian Golf Course. And what luck we had, as there was also a complimentary drinking water station right by the greens. We didn’t bother to ask if it was just for the golfers or hikers. Ice cold water never tasted so good after six hours of hiking!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
All thanks to the GPS on a particular phone..that help us out of that jungle!.. lol
That’s right, you got the modern dowsing rod in your hands! LOL
Awesome report. Today I tried to traverse the 3 peaks, had a funny thing happen. I followed the flagged trail off to the right from the main Olomana trail, a little above the concrete house and tree. But I turned off that trail WAY too soon, and ended up climbing the main peak via a subsidiary ridge that met the main trail shortly below the crux vertical step (roped, popular, etc.). This was a fairly scary ascent, with a couple of crux rock climbing moves I wasn’t too happy about! But anyway, I hit the main, 2nd, and 3rd summits, and descended the backside. I followed all pink flagging right when there was a fork (once), then after a pretty long walk made it back to the main Olomana trailhead.
Oh yeah, GPS would have aided me tremendously. I didn’t want to make a “first ascent!!” :p
HI Michael,
Thanks for visiting and glad you enjoyed the post. Way to go trailblazer and bushwhacker! Main thing is you had fun and came out safe! Hope to see you on the trails one day!
Aloha