Poamoho Trail to Manana Ridge Trail

The original venue of this weekends camping hike changed, but we still found ourselves in the mountains.

Thanks to Sandra for driving us up the six-mile bumpy jeep road after work.

Stepping foot on the mostly graded trail that the US Army proposed to pave all the way to the summit to allow vehicle access in June of 1941. WW2 saw that the plan would never come to fruition.

Traversing over one of the larger landslides that had wrecked and temporarily closed the trail back in March of 2021.

Making our way through the side gulch where we soon heard running water. I have to stop and use the bathroom. I’ll catch up with you guys later.

Crossing the stream that also meant that we were less than 10 minutes from the summit.

Passing the rock monument that was built in 1978 by Geraldine Cline’s friends who all carried a rock to the summit to build the memorial in her memory.

Group photo at the 2,520′ grassy hump with sweeping views of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys. The typical gale force winds (39-54 mph) at the summit did not disappoint.

Walking on the boardwalk which was slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature.

Leaving the exposed Windward side for the sheltered Leeward side.

Somebody’s wishes of cold beer in the fridge would sadly not happen. Wish for something more realistic next time. Like a cold carbonated cola.

We changed clothes, filtered water, made dinner, talked story and turned in for the night in the oldest cabin on the KST. Our shelter kept us dry from the elements and long-tailed rodents scurrying outside.

Saturday, July 27

Taking our leave of the four bunk cabin that was very hospitable to us. Thank you.

It’s hard to believe that pack mules used to traverse this trail.

Checking out the splendid Windward views that never fail to disappoint, that is when they don’t disappear into the clouds.

Attempts at letting the rest of the group know about the ridge that drops into Kahana Valley fell on deaf ears.

Following the fence line meant to keep out invasive pests which destroy the endemic fauna and flora. The only question is from which way are they being stopped?

Photo of the only known extant KST Goose. Pet it lightly boys. Keep it around for future generations.

We left the fence line above us as we continued to contour below the mountain.

Group photo at the 2,360′ spot with commanding views of Kahana, Ka’a’awa, Hakipu’u and Waikane Valleys.

The relatively untouched valleys provided an awesome backdrop.

Approaching the split in trails. It’s best to take the higher road in this case.

Hey, where did the new guy go? Oh, there he is.

Looking out towards a single, stunted Loulu palm tree, the only native palm tree to the islands. No, it’s not the coconut tree, which is currently being devoured by the rhinoceros beetles.

Contouring our way around to the Leeward side and hopefully refuge from the battering winds.

The only documented capture of the many slips, trips and falls we all had on the overgrown, shifting and uneven terrain.

Raindrops are fallin’ on my GoPro. Slippin’ on the hike. Nothin’ seems to dry. Those raindrops are fallin’ on my GoPro. ‘Cause I’m never gonna stop the rain. By complainin’. Should’ve just smeared rainx.

One of multiple fence crossings to stay on the trail.

Rounding the bend on one of the few stretches of trail that was wide and flat.

Descending down the fenced ridge line as the clouds denied us any surrounding views.

Working our way through the patch of Japanese Sugi Pine Trees.

Group photo with the horizontal leaning Japanese Sugi Pine Tree that is slowly creeping up on the side of the hill.

The funneled winds attempted to delay our departure from the lush and verdant valley.

Passing through another clump of Japanese Sugi Pine Trees.

The guys were more excited upon the discovery of water puddles than the nearby proximity of the campsite.

Ryan in the thick of the pine trees native to the land of the rising sun and often planted around temples and shrines.

The guys trying to turn chocolate milk into drinkable water.

Leaving the sheltered campsite as we made our way on the exposed ridge line.

Climbing our way up the hill.

Where tomato becomes tomatoe. Contouring and meandering in the mountains now gives way to relatively straight up ridge line traversing.

Somebody was bummed that they had just lost their water bottle. Guess it’s time to pay another visit to Ross.

Trying not to get blown off the mountains as we descended down from another peak.

Climbing up to another peak was extremely taxing with the wind and rain being thrown our way.

Taking a much deserved break from the whipping winds as we did an unexpected convoluted detour off the trail.

An unexpected but welcome surprise.

The timing of our arrival was most fortuitous as pounding rain and violent winds paid us a visit as soon as we stepped foot into the shelter.

Sunday, July 28

We took our leave of the cabin that provided us with safe and sound shelter through the night. Small and beady eyes outside confirms that Hawaii has a big rat problem. The travails involved in getting here probably meant no future visits.

Finding our way back on the treacherous trail.

Back on familiar territory.

Descending down the narrow saddle bordered by steep Windward drops and Leeward landscape dotted with shrubs and stunted trees.

Climbing our way up to higher ground and more solid footing.

Scott enjoying his time on the Ko’olau Range.

Passing through one of many meadows in the mountains.

Climbing my way up to our break spot.

Ryan and Scott going through the tree tunnel as we dropped off the ridge line.

The weekend soaking of the mountains had recharged and replenished the creek, resulting in clear and flowing water.

Rounding the landmark moss encrusted ohia tree.

Traversing the wind and rain soaked ridge line.

Approaching the last summit on the trail for us.

Group photo at the 2,660′ massive knob that was socked in, allowing for temporary teasing glimpses of the views below us.

Leaving the wild weather of the KST for much calmer elements as we descended down “the best of the ungraded Ko’olau Ridge Trails.” Not my words.

Somebody seemed to be in a hurry to see man’s best friend. Or perhaps we just smelled badly?

Ryan approaching the gate that marked we had hiked a little over two miles from the summit.

We had a little over 3.5 more miles left on the trail. They could not go by fast enough.

I was actually missing the winds as we made our way down the mountain with elevated temperatures.

Something familiar caught the eagle eye of Ryan. Shortly after this sighting, Amber met up with us on the trail bearing cold soda and spanish sausages. That was a much welcome caloric intake and psychological boost.

Kudos to the person(s) that installed these steps to help retard trail erosion.

Passing through the eroded section as we worked our way towards the exit and civilization.

We got out of the trail around 1733. Just in time for dinner.

Our weekend camping hike covered anywhere from 18 to 21 miles, depending on whose GPS tracker you asked. Despite the challenging weather and terrain, any hike you can safely finish is a good hike in my book. Fun times with old and new friends. Post hike meal at Beastside Kitchen. Great tasting food without the live music. Thanks Ryan.

Photos taken by Ryan Meyer, Scott Peterson and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

Tagged as: camp rusty, corner, kipapa summit, koolau summit ridge trail, koolau summit trail, ksrt, kst, manana ridge trail, manana summit, pauao summit, poamoho cabin, poamoho summit, poamoho trail, schofield-waikane summit, tree of life, waiawa gap, waikane-waiahole junction