I had wanted to explore a different ridge descending from Poamoho Summit, but the best laid plans of mice and hikers often go awry.
Gate to Poamoho
Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Chris, Emily, Ferlino and myself off at the gate and Zack for driving us up the jeep road. Photo by Chris Bautista.
Jeep Road
We stayed under the speed limit so that none of us would get bounced from the back of the truck.
Trailhead
Group photo left to right: Ferlino, Chris, myself and Emily. Bees? What bees?
Halfway sign
We made our way up the mostly graded trail that were marked with pockets of blowdowns and muddy patches, until we took a short breather at the halfway point marked by the informational sign. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
Trail
Heading into the gully where we soon crossed the somewhat stagnant stream. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
Cline Memorial
Emily standing next to the stone monument that was hand carried piece by piece to the summit in 1978. Now that’s true friendship. Photo by Chris Bautista
Poamoho Summit
The photographer being photographed. Photo by Chris Bautista.
Poamoho Summit
Group photo at the 2,520′ scenic summit with valley views of Punalu’u and Kahana from end to end.
Poamoho Summit
Chris standing on the spur ridge with plunging views of Kahana valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)
We dickered and dithered about exploring the spur ridge, but soggy weather won out as we headed on the raised boardwalk to the cabin.
Poamoho Cabin
The cabin was showing her age, having been built in 1998.
Poamoho Cabin
Pole dancing and autograph signing were on today’s cabin agenda.
Poamoho Outhouse
I hear you knocking, but you can’t come out. Photo by Ferlino Carinio
Poamoho Cabin
The reports of the water catchment being bone dry were greatly exaggerated. Ferlino found out that the main valve in the back was turned off.
Poamoho Cabin
It must be the nearby compost that makes the local thimble berries grow so big. They almost look like strawberries.
KST
It’s always a treat to hike this storied and scenic stretch of the KST.
KST
Pushing through slight overgrowth on the Windward side of the trail.
KST
One of the most photographed spots on this trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio
KST
It’s hard to believe that beasts of burden once traveled on these trails. Now we carry our own burden. Longing for the good ole days.
KST
Can I cross the fence without photobombing anybody? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
KST
Winding our way through a small grassy meadow on the Leeward side. Photo by Chris Bautista.
KST
Emily climbing over the last gate on this stretch of the trail.
KST
Rounding the corner. Photo by Chris Bautista
KST
Looking out towards Pu’u Manamana.
KST
Heading towards a clump of native loulu palm trees which always loudly announces ones presence.
Pauao Junction
Ready to descend down the ridge into Kahana Valley.
Pauao Junction
But first, one more scenic picture.
Pauao Ridge
Emily descending down the ridge with views of Kaneohalani and Puu Ohulehule to keep her occupied.
Pauao Ridge
Making our way down the initial steep descent of the ridge. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
KST
Looking over at the ridge that will be explored another day.
Pauao Ridge
Going up the roller coasting ridge. False summit after false summit.
Pauao Ridge
Taking our lunch break as we all tried to find a comfortable spot on the narrow ridge line.
Pauao Ridge
When the tree becomes the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.
Pauao Ridge
Ferlino wading his way down through down a sea of uluhe ferns. Photo by Chris Bautista
Pauao Ridge
Photo spot.
Trail
We soon spotted the water tank and eventually made our way down the side ridge.
Slippery when wet
Sliding our way down the trail of lauhala leaves.
Kahana Valley
Hitting the valley floor.
H20 Tank
Trading the rough shod trail for a solid compacted road beneath our feet.
Kahana Valley
Who needs a selfie stick? Ask and Mother Nature shall provide.
Kahana Valley
We were just missing the tarp and smoke signals.
All pau
Leaving the valley where Jasmin was waiting to pick us up. Our Leeward to Windward hike covered roughly eight miles through some of the most beautiful views and rugged terrain on the island. Post hike meal at Ruby Tuesday’s as the prime rib was all sold out at Haleiwa Joe’s.
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.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Very nice hike. Thank you for the opportunity.
Aloha Ferlino,
Yup it was a super scenic hike. Thanks for coming!
Mahalo