Hurricane Hone which eventually dissipated into a tropical storm but was still lashing the islands with torrential rain aborted my KST hike, so I met up with Aida and Roger, Akira and Tessa, David and Susan, and Scott to do a relatively “safer” hike in the rain. Even Chico showed up due to him mistaking Colorado for Texas.

Paradise Park

We arrived deep in Manoa Valley as the forecasted rain made its appearance, given that this was a waterfall hike, it should have come as no surprise to anybody. Even the parking lot attendant showed up early to collect the four dollar fee.

Trailhead

Entering the valley that are home to seven waterfalls, we were just interested in visiting Wai’ihii Nui which means trickling water in Hawaiian. But now people just call it Manoa Falls. Easier on tourist tongues.

Manoa Falls Trail

Passage through an abandoned shipping container that replaced a bridge back in 2022, gave us a few seconds of respite from the rain.

Manoa Falls Trail

Walking through the mixed rainforest that has been the backdrop for Hollywood films such as Jurassic Park and Tears of the Sun to name a few. This valley also served as the backdrop of the last gasps to restore the Hawaiian Kingdom. The 1895 Wilcox Rebellion started off with Robert Wilcox and several hundred Hawaiians who sought to restore Queen Lili’uokalani to the throne. In skirmishes and battles that started out in Waikiki, then on to Diamond Head where government forces actually shelled the volcano slopes to dislodge the royalists, then moved to Mo’il’ili and finally to their eventual defeat in Manoa.

Manoa Falls Trail

Can you see the throne for the crowd?

Manoa Falls

Group photo in front of the 100′ or 150′ waterfall. Depends on what sources you use.

‘Aihualama Trail

Time to gain some elevation. 1,547′ to be exact.

‘Aihualama Trail

Akira entering the first gate on the trail.

‘Aihualama Trail

Chico climbing one of the banyan trees on the trail. The first banyan tree was planted in Lahaina in 1873 and was a gift from missionaries that brought it over from its native land, India. It has since spread to all the major islands.

‘Aihualama Trail

Rooting our way on the trail.

‘Aihualama Trail

Our only views on the hike from the landslide area.

‘Aihualama Trail

The power couple walking through the section of bamboo forest. Bamboo was first introduced to the islands by the Polynesian settlers and later by immigrants from Asia. The versatile grass can be used for crafts, tools and shelter. It can also be used as a head rest.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Scott passing through another gate.

Nu’uanu Lookout Trail

We took a short detour to the lookout to see if we could capture a view, as some in the group had never seen the vista.

Nu’uanu Lookout

Views of the valley were denied to us at the 1,600′ lookout. We did get strong winds and pelting rain as a consolation prize.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Why use the map when I can read a book? I didn’t go to public school just for lunch.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Walking on roots beats walking in puddles.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Walking on the boardwalk beats walking on roots and in puddles.

Junction

Susan showing us her land navigation skills. We are here.

Manoa Cliff Trail

I think somebody promised us mountain views.

Manoa Cliff Trail

I guess this counts as a mountain view.

Tantalus

Why did the hikers cross the road? To walk like a duck and quack like a duck if nothing else.

Moleka Trail

David passing underneath a sprawling mass of trees that overshadowed the trail.

Junction

We soon arrived at a junction that required critical thinking. Do we take the longer way which is shorter or the shorter way which is longer? Say what?

Maikiki Valley Trail

The bullet holes or critical thinking made us retreat from the longer way which was shorter to the other way. My head hurts.

Maikiki Valley Trail

Do you want to borrow my book? Old school.

Maikiki Valley Trail

Round and round we go until we go down the correct trail.

Maikiki Valley Trail

Carrying my very own hiking bindle. I just need a train to complete the picture.

Maikiki Valley Trail

Obviously, these are not rolling stones. They are much older than 62 years of age.

Kaneaolole Trail

Chico and Susan playing in the water, carefree of contracting any form of Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread by urine from infected animals. The water did not turn blue, so they were safe.

Kaneaolole Trail

Play Taylor Swift music loudly and carry a big stick.

Kaneaolole Trail

Crossing the bridge that soon dropped us down into the Hawaii Nature Center.

Kaneaolole Trail

Three’s a crowd.

Kaneaolole Trail

Wash day for some.

All pau

Your left, your left, your left right left! Cadence flashbacks for some.

Manoa

Will the real clown please stand up? Post hike meal at Red Pepper’s Korean BBQ where hot spicy soup warmed a body good.

GPS Tracks

Our waterlogged hike covered eight miles and was successfully completed despite the lack of a book, long being short, short being long and aloha being upside down. Good fun with a great group.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, David and Susan Katz, Roger Schiffman, Scott Peterson, Tessa Bugay, 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.

Met up with Analyn, Cisco and Mia at the Manoa Falls parking lot just in time to feed the feral chickens strutting around. Strut then crow later.

Manoa Falls Trail

We passed a busload of hikers at the trailhead as we entered the lush forest.

Manoa Falls Trail

Stepping up the well maintained trail.

Manoa Falls

Despite the steady rain, the falls was just a fraction of the volume that it could put out under inclement conditions.

Aihualama Trail

We left the falls before the crowds congested the area and made our way across the section of slippery tree roots that cascaded down the trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Zig zagged our way up before connecting to the tree rooted trail that passed through the rustling bamboo grove.

Nu’uanu Overlook

Group photo left to right: Analyn, Mia, myself and Cisco, where we started to catch head from the winds at the 1,600′ overlook. Not to mention the pitter patter of water droplets falling from the grey skies.

Trail

Contouring our way up the mountain …

Trail

… before it became a steep and muddy climb to the top of the Ko’olau Mountains, just shy of the K2 summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Contending with the overgrowth and the breezy winds wafting their way over the spine of the Ko’olau mountains.

KSRT

Mia coming down one of many peaks on the rollercoasting ridge line.

KSRT

Panoramic view between the peaks.

KSRT

Cisco discovered Analyn’s favorite inch worm in a ball of spongy moss.

KSRT

Looking ahead to our soaked and socked in lunch spot.

Manoa Middle Summit

Turning the tables. Let’s see whose head is harder, shall we? Photo by Mia Garrison.

KSRT

Shaking off the chills and kanak attack as we resumed our hike on the rainy ridge line.

KSRT

We detoured off the ridge and onto the Leeward contour trail that provided temporary relief from the cold blustery winds.

KSRT

Back on the rocky ridge line for a short while before dropping back onto the Leeward contour trail. Photo by Mia Garrison.

KSRT

When involuntary leg contractions stalls your forward progress, nothing that mustard can’t fix by temporarily halting ones misfiring nerves.

KSRT

Crossing over to Pu’u Awaawaloa or as it’s more commonly known, Mount Olympus.

Awaawaloa Summit

Standing on the denuded area of the summit for our group photo.

KSRT

Descending from the 2,486′ peak as we continued our hike along the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

KSRT

Looking into the long valley of Palolo. Photo by Mia Garrison.

KSRT

Approaching the powerlines that straddle Ka’au Crater.

Ka’au Crater

Group photo overlooking the tuff cone filled with marshy water that feeds the three waterfalls running down the sides.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Scrambling our way up the muddy and rutted trail.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Cisco going down the severely eroded and rutted trail that gives Moanalua Middle Ridge a run for its money.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Analyn showing us the incorrect way of using a rope and the correct way of posing for a picture. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Taking the trail that avoids the waterfalls on our way down. We experienced enough water on our hike today.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Crossing one of many streams in the valley before we found our way out.

All pau

We ended our cold and rainy hike that fell short of the original plan, but for me the company always matters more than the hike itself. Thanks to Chris for picking us up deep in Palolo Valley.

GPS Tracks

Our 8.7 mile hike covered waterfalls, ridges, mountain summits and valleys. Post hike meal at Pho 27, where we slurped down hot bowls of noodles to chase the chills away.

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.

We were in search of somebody’s white whale today. Met up with Stuart at the Pali Lookout. Somebody overslept. So off we went.

Trailhead

Stuart scrambling up the surprisingly dry trail.

Scenic point

Typical blustery day on the Pali. We also ran into Ted “Marathon Man” Calvero who was taking sunrise snaps.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The trail was teeming with hikers coming and going. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Pali Notches

Stuart making his way down the first notch.

Pali Notches

The winds started to kick up a notch and the clouds became more voluminous.

Pali Notches

Stuart climbing down the second notch.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Wind breaker time. My insulation was sorely lacking. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Double shaka. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nipple

Single shaka. Times are tough.

Chimney

Sweeping up the chimney. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Chimney

Stuart pulling himself up.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Rock scrambling ahead.

Contour

I swear this ledge gets smaller every time I step foot on it. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Contour

Throw me a life line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Is that tree dead or alive?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Another white whale sighted.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back towards the shrouded peak of Lanihuli.

Konahuanui Windward

Time to go fishing.

Konahuanui Windward

Stuart was the hook and line. I guess I was the sinker. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Back on the trail again. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Stuart heading towards the socked in summit.

Dragonfly

Endemic or invasive? Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Mud Wall

Stuart climbing up.

Piliwale Junction

Deja vu.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Heading to the summit of the tallest mountain on the Ko’olau Range.

Konahuanui Summit

Which direction is the scenic view? That way?

KSRT

Looking for the mystical mojo amongst the twin testicles.

K2 Summit

Got mud?

Trail

Taking our leave of the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

Trail

We got a view. Cloudy view. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Overlook

We soaked in the views and then made our way down the Pauoa Flats Trail. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

‘Aihualama Trail

The rustling bamboo grass provided our company and cover going down the trail.

Manoa Falls

The burning question is, are the falls 150′ or 100′ high?

All pau

Anybody missing a collapsible container doubling as a doggy water dish? Nope? Score for Stuart.

GPS Tracks

Our fishing expedition covered 5.29 miles. Thanks to Stuart for waking up and keeping me company. We’ll be back to catch that other white whale. Mahalo to Chris for picking us up. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery. Prime Rib Special doesn’t start until after 5pm. Good to know.

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.

Blustery conditions pushed Chris, Kailon and myself off the mountains and into Manoa Valley for Plan B. More waterfalls. I just can’t get away from them lately.

Trailhead

Early birds get free parking.

Manoa Falls Trail

Kailon going up the stone steps.

Manoa Falls #1

A good place to stash water and a sweater.

Manoa Falls

Time to climb some trees. Tree roots to be exact.

Manoa Falls

Kailon climbing up nature’s ropes.

Manoa Falls #2

We left the crowds and a pair of shoes behind us as we started hiking up the seemingly never ending stream of waterfalls.

Manoa Falls

Rooting up the mountain.

Manoa Falls

Chris making his way up the tricky rock face.

Manoa Falls

Chris making his way down …

Manoa Falls #3

… to another waterfall. Time to start counting and contouring.

Manoa Falls

We contoured and climbed too far up …

Manoa Falls

… and overshot at least two waterfalls.

Manoa Falls #6

Looking for tilapia. Nothing but guppies. Who brought the fishing poles?

Manoa Falls #7

Looking for mynah birds. Nothing but mosquitoes. Who brought the bug spray?

Manoa Falls

Chris and Kailon scrambling up on the vegetated side of the waterfalls.

Manoa Falls #8

Tickle of a trickle coming down the wall.

Manoa Falls #9

The flow was better from the top. So was the view.

Manoa Falls

The water coursing and carving its way through the boulder laced stream.

Manoa Falls #10

A waterfall spilling down into the seemingly sluggish stream.

Manoa Falls #11

Top down point of view. Photo by Kailon Tyndzik.

Manoa Falls

Looking back at the slowly rippling stream flowing down the mountain.

Manoa Falls #12

Chris on the left …

Manoa Falls

… Chris on the right.

Manoa Falls

Does this count as a waterfall?

Manoa Falls #13

A rare sight in the mountains. The bare footed hiker.

Manoa Falls

The rest of us not sure footed hikers relied on our micro-spikes to purchase traction on the moss and wet slicked rocks.

Manoa Falls #14

Chris hugging the side of the rocks in his bid to stay dry.

Manoa Falls #15

Sprinkle of raindrops.

Manoa Falls

Chris rock hopping up the stream.

Manoa Falls #16

Splatter of raindrops.

Manoa Falls

The stream being split into twins.

Manoa Falls

Native flora.

Manoa Falls #17

Kailon took a slip into the water and rebounded back faster than one can say iPhone.

Manoa Falls #18

Shallows to the deep end. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manoa Falls

Solitude in the stream. Soon to be interrupted.

Manoa Falls #19

Public water fountain.

Manoa Falls

Chris meandering his way upstream.

Manoa Falls #20

The stream falling down the mountain seems to be the only reason stopping the jungle from completely covering all traces of her rugged character.

Manoa Falls

Colony of bamboo orchids.

Manoa Falls

We can see the the summit. False.

Manoa Falls #21

Scattered tree branches amidst the oftentimes dense jungle added to the colorful clutter.

Manoa Falls #22

Chris climbing up the waterfall.

Manoa Falls #23

Is this the final waterfall? Let’s take a group photo.

Manoa Falls #24

Kailon bare footing it up the waterfall.

Manoa Falls

Chris coming up one slippery rock at a time.

Manoa Falls

Kailon passing the weather beaten and water logged rope around the rock.

Manoa Falls #25

Maybe this is the last waterfall. Let’s take another group photo.

Manoa Falls

As our hike penetrated further into the mountain, the overgrowth seemed to close in as we approached the top.

Manoa Falls #26

This has got to be the last waterfall. One more group photo.

Manoa Falls

The approach contouring up the waterfall was somewhat steep and further complicated by mud, moss slicked boulders and suffocating ferns.

Manoa Falls

Deep in the jungle.

Manoa Falls #27

Wrong. Chris climbing up the last waterfall.

Manoa Falls

The clouds hung suspended near the mountain top, diffused and stayed by the thick canopy.

Manoa Falls

The source of the stream?

Trail

Our departure from the falls was greatly hastened by a relatively fresh cut trail. Most likely the work of the amazing HTMC trail clearing crew.

Trail

Chris pointing out another seemingly freshly cut trail on the other side of the mountain.

Trail

Looking into the misty ridges and valleys.

Trail

Where will this trail take us?

Trail

Civilization sighted.

Trail

We soon intersected with the trail that comes down from K2.

Upper Lulumahu Falls

The valley was populated with scattered hikers, here and there.

Trail

Chris and Kailon stepping over trees dislodged by a landslide.

Trail snacks

Still in season.

Trail

Kailon hopping over a tree on our way down.

Nu’uanu Valley overlook

Group photo overlooking Nu’uanu Reservoir, Saddle and Valley.

Trail

Taking the high and low road back down.

Aihualama Trail

Under and over the trees scattered on the trail.

Aihualama Trail

Visually impressive roots cascading down the hill.

Manoa Falls

Kailon recovered his sweater, we washed our mud off and took our final group photo.

Manoa Falls Trail

Two way traffic going down the now bustling trail.

Manoa Falls Trail

Looking back at another waterfall deep in the valley.

All pau

Time to put the shoes back on. Awesome adventure that covered over six miles up and down the mountain with an amazing crew. Post hike meal at Serg’s Mexican Kitchen. The soda costs the same next door.

Postscript: I was contacted by his sister, Laycie Love, several weeks ago advising me that her brother, Kailon Tyndzik, had been struck by a hit and run driver on Kauai and was battling to stay alive. He unfortunately passed on February 20, 2025. Even though I only hiked with this bruddah once, he struck me as a very positive young individual who had so much ahead of him and then his whole life was taken away by a reckless killer, Salvin Hilario. He was only 30 years old, I didn’t realize he was only 21 years old when he hiked with us. Such a senseless tragedy. Rest easy and fly high with the angels. If you want to support his memory and legacy, his gofundme page is linked here.

Note: I have been made aware the some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. It is not advisable to hike to waterfalls during heavy rain as one will be at risk to flash flood conditions and falling rocks. 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.

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.

Mari and I took a page from Stuart Balls “The Hikers Guide to O’ahu” for our Sunday hike. The directions were spot on as we have never set foot on what can be a confusing trail system with multiple junctions.

Trailhead

Cars and hikers were streaming into the Maikiki Forest Recreation Area when we pulled into the lot. A bathroom, washing area and trail information are located at the trailhead. How convenient. Not used to these amenities on a hike.

Kanealole Trail

We took a left at the first junction where native plants marked with descriptive signs lined the trail.

Between a rockwall and a stream

The soothing sounds of Kanealole stream kept us company for a short stretch.

Rabbit hole

Mari heading deeper into the forest.

Maikiki Forest

Climbing and clinging vines covered the trees.

Fair weather hiker

Who brings an umbrella to the hike? At least it’s the “Storm” umbrella.

Maikiki Valley Trail

We climbed up the trail to the left after we let a pack of hunting dogs come down. Something else was coming down. Rain.

Nahuina Trail

It was mango season. No mangoes for us, as the decomposing fruits littered and scented the trail. Fat bugs. We climbed a couple steep switchbacks and took a right at the junction.

Tree fungi

Mountain mushrooms feeding off the many fallen trees.

Tangled trail

Pockets of hau trees sprinkled the trail along with the tree canopy, provided spotty cover from the rain.

Botanical trail

White ginger flowers.

Tantalus Drive

Look both ways before crossing. Have hiking stick, will hike.

Kalahawaine Trail

We walked down the road a short distance before finding the next trail, formerly called Manoa Cliff Trail.

Hunter check in

No dogs. No check in.

Bench view

At least the rain stopped.

Snail trail

No silver trails spotted.

Bridge crossing

Hmmm, what is the load limit?

Toll trail

Watch out for the hiking trolls.

Tree trail

Just treeing around.

Junction

We continued straight on the trail past the junction that contours around Tantalus.

Stair trail

If you see stairs on a trail, safe bet is that it’s part of the Na Ala Hele trail system.

Ditch trail

One foot in front of the other. Left. Left.

Pauoa Flats Trail

We turned left at the junction.

Rooted trail

The trail became heavily rooted and muddy.

Nuuanu trail junction

We passed the junction that comes up from Judd trail and continued straight.

Ahuilamu Trail junction

A bamboo grove marked another junction that goes down to Manoa Falls, where we continued straight on the flats trail.

Bamboo trail

Feels like Kyoto. Well to some people.

Nuuanu Valley overlook

We met another group that were already at the 1,600′ summit. Clouds sprinkled with rain were our views for today. The trail to Konahuanui would have to wait another day.

Going back down

Back on the muddy trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

We went straight on the connector trail to make our way back.

Banyan tree trail

The trail took on a more pronounced pitch.

Switchback trail

Bends in the trail made it easier to go up the steep climb.

Manoa Cliff Trail

A closed gate marked a native reforestation project. Keeping out feral pigs since 2009.

Puu Ohia Trail junction

We passed the junction that goes up to Tantalus and continued straight on the cliff trail that soon left the gated area.

Traffic trail

Korean hikers seemed to be out in force today on the trails. Annyeong haseyo!

Bench view

Sitting on the Manoa Cliff Bamboo Rest Bench.

Fern trail

Lush ferns cascaded and covered the mountain side.

Round Top Drive

Mari coming down to the end of Manoa Cliff Trail. Watch for traffic.

Moleka Trail

Why did the hiker cross the road? To get to the other trail.

Bamboo trail

Back in Kyoto.

Twisted trees

Climbing up the side of Pu’u Kakea.

Maikiki Valley Trail

We reached the junction and turned right on the valley trail.

Tree trail

Hiking in one of the 17 forest reserves on the island.

Maunalaha Trail

We reached the last junction on our hike today.

Rocky ridge

Mari making her way down the steep ridge that was filled with fragrant eucalyptus trees.

Going down

We made our way back down to the trailhead.

All pau

We are ready for Mount Fuji!

GPS Tracks

The forest loop involved eight trails that covered 8.25 miles. Post hike meal at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Cold and hot ramen with pork cheeks.

Got an invite to rappel Manoa Falls from Rob and Katy. Never visited Manoa Falls. Never rappelled a waterfall. Double check.

Water Iris

Jose and I waited for the rest of the crew which included Katy, Madeline, Orrin, Reuben and Rob to show up; so we spent our time swatting away mosquitoes and taking a survey about koa forests. Old or new? Old.

Trailhead

We shared the trail with a steady stream of tourists and locals.

Trees

The trail was shaded by a lush forest of eucalyptus, bamboo, guava and banyan trees.

Manoa Falls

After less than a mile, we reached the base of the 150′ falls. Orrin and Rob made their way through the crowds and plunged into the pool to cool off.

Up the trail

We left the popular watering hole and continued up a side trail.

Climbing

The trail turned quickly from horizontal to near vertical.

Top of Waterfall #1

Looking out to Manoa Valley. No crowds up here.

Waterfall #2

We picked up the trail to the right of the falls.

More climbing

More vertical climbing up rocks and tree roots. One tree even had a boulder stuck in the branches.

Going down

Madeline climbing down a roped section. One at a time.

Going back up

Jose climbing up a rock face.

Waterfall #3

We continued the trail to the left of the falls.

Bushwhacking

Good to have an arborist on the hike. Hand saw doesn’t hurt either in helping to clear the trail.

Top of fall #4

Katy and Orrin setting up the rope for the first rappel of the day.

Cast away

Katy throwing the rope over the falls.

Rapelling down

Madeline following Katy down the falls.

Does that look right?

I got recalled from the edge to make sure my ATC was set up correctly. Better safe than sorry.

See you at the bottom

After everything checked out, I rappelled down my first 30′ waterfall.

Next

Reuben making his way down.

Making it look easy

Katy rapelling down.

Rapelling up

Rob making his way back up the waterfall with the aid of an ascender.

Hanging by a rope

Orrin was the last one down using the double rope rappel.

Setting up

Rob and Orrin setting up the next rappel.

Practice makes perfect

Still need more practice. Lots of practice. Photo by Orrin Nakanelua.

Waterfall #3

Jose making his way down to the base of the third 50′ waterfall. The pool was waist deep and cold. Ice cold.

Last waterfall

The guava tree was solid. No worries.

Slippery when wet

Tabis helped to “walk” down the waterfall.

Coming down

Rapelling down the 70′ waterfall. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Two selfies for the price of one

Group photo left to right: Reuben, Katy, Rob, Madeline, Orrin, myself and Jose.

Look both ways

Which GoPro to look at? So many choices.

Skip the trail

Talk of rapelling off the main waterfalls was quickly replaced by rapelling off a tree. Just as fun.

No hands

Orrin lowered me down. He did all the work. I was just along for the ride. Mahalo.

Root down

Jose rapelling down the trail.

Back on the main trail

Thanks to roping down the trail, we were back on the valley floor in two shakes. Aihualama Trail? Another hike for another day.

Manoa forest

Headed back to our cars through the primordial looking forest, guess that’s why they shot some scenes of Jurassic Park here.

Ice cream!

Orrin warming up for his next wedding gig.

GPS Tracks

The hike into the falls and up the falls and down the falls covered a short 2.18 miles. I will never look at a waterfall the same way again! Thanks again to Rob and Katy for the rapelling invite. I may even get my own harness!