I met up with Justin and Thessa to hike a ridge pioneered by Silver Piliwale, a renown hiker known for his legendary treks through the mountains.
Maunawili Trail
A short cardio puff up the trail as we were treated to a view of Olomana being backlit by the morning sun.
Piliwale Ridge
Just a little over 2,300′ separated us from the top of the mountains. Let’s start hiking.
Piliwale Ridge
Something new. Reading material. #4 – We have at least seven hours of daylight. We are good to go.
Piliwale Ridge
Justin and Thessa by the notch.
Piliwale Ridge
Come on over. Photo by Thessa Bugay.
Piliwale Ridge
#2 – Justin putting his shoes spikes to good use as he traverses past the notch.
Piliwale Ridge
Splash of color on the ridge. Photo by Thessa Bugay.
Piliwale Ridge
#6 – Justin using his gloves to get in touch with some rocks.
Piliwale Ridge
Panoramic view of the Windward side.
Piliwale Ridge
Somebody actually laid webbing near the base that runs up the ridge and stops just shy of the junction. Props to whomever took the time and expense to do this.
Piliwale Ridge
Justin looking for those hot bees.
Piliwale Ridge
#1 – Weather looking good. But don’t call me Guy Hagi.
Piliwale Ridge
#5 – Thessa coming up the ridge. Photo by Justin Hirako.
Piliwale Ridge
We don’t need rope where we’re going. Just lots of uki grass will do. Photo by Thessa Bugay.
Piliwale Junction
Group photo by Justin Hirako where the two ridges meet.
KSRT
It was just a hop, skip, and a jump to the highest point on the Ko’olau Range.
KSRT
Group photo by Justin Hirako on top of Konahuanui – large testicles in Hawaiian.
KSRT
Looking out towards the other “testicle.”
KSRT
Looking back at the other “testicle.”
KSRT
Group photo by Justin Hirako on K2.
Konahuanui Trail
Panoramic view of the Leeward side.
Konahuanui Trail
Making our way down the trail.
Konahuanui Trail
I had a sudden urge to cough.
Konahuanui Trail
Something tells me that HTMC has been here.
Nu’uanu Overlook
Group photo by Justin Hirako. Watch out for those boomerang branches.
Aihualama Trail
Walking down into Na Ala Hele country.
Aihualama Trail
Climbed a ridge. Might as well climb a tree too. Photo by Justin Hirako.
Aihualama Trail
Take the pretzel. Going to need it. Tons of switchbacks ahead. Reminded me of Kuli’ou’ou and Kealia Trails. Not a big fan.
Aihualama Trail
Banyan trees = tree houses.
Manoa Falls
A trickle of a fall. Photo by Justin Hirako.
Manoa Falls Trail
Traffic on the trail. Photo by Justin Hirako.
All pau
One should always stretch after a hike. Photo by Thessa Bugay.
GPS Tracks
Our short hike over the mountains covered 5.92 miles. Not a bad way to spend the day. We popped into the snack shop to see if there was anything tasty to try on our way out, but ended up walking out because nobody would take that “special” picture. Post hike meal at Steak Rave. A hole in the wall. Seating was limited.
Note: I have been made aware the 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.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Where is the “inside store” epic scene episode.. I would never think the Kenji I know would pull such joke. LMAO ????????
Yes Thessa, be careful you might be the next “victim.” Haha.
I’ll be sure to have my camera ready to capture those “special” moments in the future!
You snooze, you lose Justin. Got to be quick on the draw.