Marvin put together another fun hike today, this one was Pu’u Piei out in Kahana Valley. We all met at the first parking lot and please silence your cellphones for the hike, as phone reception is zero in this area. The group consisted of Marvin, Chrissy, Hiram, Julz, Matt, Nani, Ray, Rob and myself. Photo by Julz Pruett.
Kapa ‘Ele’Ele Trail
The trail is a 1.2 mile loop that passes a fishing shrine and a lookout, today it was just going to take us to the ridge. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
Follow the leader
We followed the trail into an open clearing and turned left into the forest. The trail soon led us to another junction, where we took another left to gain the higher ground.
Photo break
About halfway up the ridge, was a wide washed out clearing that served as an impromptu break area. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
Rain forecast – 100%
Matt and I soon separated from the group and made our way up to the top of the ridge, where we turned left to head to the summit. We soon saw a rain shower making its way around the coastline. Yes, we did get soaked.
Pu’u Piei Summit
The summit of Pu’u Piei is postage stamp sized and overgrown. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
Panoramic view from the summit
The outstanding views of Kahana Bay and Valley. Photo by Nani Dee.
Smoking mountain
Making our way back down to the group on the now slippery and muddy trail.
Leaving the summit
Another rain shower gave us a second good soaking. No wonder Kahana is one of the wettest valleys on the island. We soon met up with the group at the top of the junction and hiked up ahead to join Hiram as we continued on the Makai part of the ridge. No other takers wanted to join us on some fun rock scrambling. Next time.
Strike the pose
Matt took off his shoes to get better purchase on the small square footage of this thumb of a rock. I had climbed up earlier but didn’t trust my wet soled shoes to stand on the rock without slipping and falling over.
Which way?
Hiram checking out webbing left by previous hikers. We elected to simply hike up and over. Straight to the point.
Nice views!
Typical rocky ridgeline. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
Rock climbing
We noticed paragliders circling over our heads as we had our fun and they had their fun.
Fun, fun, fun!
We got another sprinkle which made the rocks somewhat slick, so we took our time.
Bugs eye view
Going down the first notch. You can either free climb and go down the front or contour to the left and use these handy ropes. Due to the rainy weather, we decided that ropes were our friends.
Birds eye view
Try not to put all your weight on the ropes, as these particular ones went over a small rock wedged between bigger rocks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
First notch
I heard a fellow hiker fell off the first notch while free climbing and plunged about 100′. While these rocks seemed more solid than on other trails, you just never know.
Second notch
We came down the second notch by contouring to the left and then working our way down towards the middle of the notch.
Downclimbing
We got our last sprinkle of the day as made our way down the last set of rocks. Once again, ropes were our friends due to the slick rocks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
Punaluu Valley
The Army in WW2 had Jungle Training Camps in Kahana and Punalu’u Valleys.
Checking out the views
The fun rock climbing is over! Time to relax and check out the scenic views of Kahana Bay and Valley.
Back to hiking
This part of the ridge was heavily overgrown with vegetation.
Leaving the rocky ridge behind
I can see why the valley and surrounding areas are so green and lush with vegetation what with all the constant watering that Mother Nature provides.
Last group photo
Our last group photo together. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
Trail snacks
Snacking on the abundant, ripe and chilled guavas on the trail. Spit out the seeds.
The ridge going down
The trail ends at the last spur ridge going back down into the valley.
Paragliders
Watching the paragliders circle lazily above the ridges, made me want to try that one day. It looks like fun!
Back on the road again
Hiram popping out of the bushes as we followed Kamehameha Highway back to our cars. Lunch at Uncle Bobo’s!
GPS Tracks
The fun filled scramble was a short 3.75 mile hike, but well worth the climb!
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