Nihoa Gulch (Crystal Canyon) to Kaena Point

We decided to explore a well-trafficked canyon on the North Shore side today. Met up with Chris, Dale and Ferlino at a secluded beach in Mokuleia. Somebody overslept.

Thanks to Cisco for the beta on this neat little canyon tucked away in Mokuleia.

We fled the tsunami and hiked inland through the waist high California grass to find a giant heart shaped rock lying on its side.

Trying to figure out if we stumbled across a Blair Witch Project. We did not want to become part of a pseudo-documentary.

Ribbons are always helpful, especially if they are leading you in the direction that is desired.

We explored a side trail that lead us to the reclusive mountain panda in his natural habitat. Still searching for that even more elusive wallaby.

Fleeing the panda’s habitat after he got testy with me for failing to provide him with his daily sustenance of bamboo leaves, stems and shoots. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Dale heading into the mouth of the canyon.

Who needs ropes, when you have roots. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Ferlino climbing up the well rooted wall.

Climbing higher and deeper into the gulch. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Dale skirting the black stagnant pool using the anchored ropes.

We went up some extemely thick rope, like the ones that used to be found in school’s gymnasiums. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Chris climbing his way up. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

I heard this is usually the end of the trail for most, but I was determined to see if we could connect to the Waianae Summit Trail that was somewhere above our heads. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Scrambling our way out of the canyon. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bushwhacking our way out of the gulch.

We picked up a faint pig trail and started following it.

The trail was not leading us to the promised land, so we picked what looked like the path of least resistance to the top.

Going up a rather steep climb that was somewhat obstructed by dense low lying tree shrubs that hindered passage. So much for the path of least resistance.

It was a mountain burner going up, but it was somewhat tempered by the breezy trade winds.

The pine tree grove ahead looked like a promising spot to rest a spell.

Chris and Dale climbing up the ridge.

Taking a much needed break after our cardio puff up the hill. Group photo left to right: Ferlino, Dale, myself and Chris.

Looking down into Camp Erdman, where I spent many a summer as a kid. Good times. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

We scouted out which trail looked most promising and then headed off in that direction.

Exploring a nicely appointed camp site; complete with fire pit, firewood, and hammock set ups. Too bad camping wasn’t on the agenda today.

We followed tire tracks from the camp site, which soon lead us to a jeep road.

Ignoring multiple junctions, as we stayed true to the main road or what we thought was the main road.

We heard a lot of 4x4s off-roading in the trails above us. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

The jeep road eventually intersected with the Waianae Summit Trail (WST). I always wondered where this particular road led too. Now I know the rest of the story.

We saw several mountain surfer trucks pass us on the way from Peacock Flats.

Taking the higher road as we passed heavy machinery parked on the side.

Since we were not of the ungulate family, we were able to gain passage to the other side of the fence.

Hiking down the picturesque tree lined trail.

Following the fence line into the more exposed and rocky section of the trail.

Looking down into Makua Valley. The rugged beauty of the Waianae Mountains has a different character than the refined nature of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Standing on a little rock perch. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Making our way up to the Ironwood forest.

Dale passing the signed marker on the trail.

Panoramic view of the trail as it rimmed the valleys below us.

The group coming down the highway of a trail.

Taking a break at the picnic shelter, courtesy of the BSA. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

We need to get off the reservation.

Weaving, crawling and ducking was the order of the day. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Along with the burrowing and tunneling through dry and scratchy head high buffalo grass as well. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

We met and briefly talked story with an older couple and their hunting dogs on the trail.

Roaming through cattle country. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

When is our tee time?

Rainbow to our right.

Tracking the sun since 2011.

End of the road for us.

This marked the spot where Chris could finally say he finished the Waianae Mountain Range. Time to celebrate. Sorry no champagne this time. Thanks to Ferlino for carrying a cold Pepsi. But wait, let me drink some before it goes to waste!

Congratulations to Chris for completing the Waianae Summit Trail, both mountain ranges finished.

We took our hurried leave of the summit and started to make our way down the rocky ridge.

Chris looking back at the Waianae coastline.

This bunker has seen better days.

Looking back at the Mokuleia coastline wrap around the ridge.

Waiting at the second bunker. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Dale taking a picture of Ferlino coming down the ridge.

The eyes have it, even the alien eyes.

Panoramic view from ridge to point.

Approaching the last bunker.

Chris and Ferlino coming down the mountain.

Dale ready to follow part of the 2,133′ fence out towards the Mokuleia side of the reserve.

Leaving the 59 acres of protected sand dunes, native fauna and flora.

The jeep road going out was populated with 4x4s, mountain bikes and other fellow hikers.

What was supposed to have been a short, exploratory day turned into a full days hike that covered 13.55 miles. Fun day with a great group. Another amazing accomplishment for Chris today. Post hike meal at Dong Yang Inn. You say meat jun, they say meat chun. The reports of their closing have been greatly exaggerated. Anybody want to chip in and buy a Korean restaurant?

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.

Tagged as: crystal canyon, kaena point, kuaokala trail, nihoa gulch, waianae summit trail, wst