Met up with Aida, Alexis, Art, Edgar, Jen, Lilyn, Marilyn, Quan, Scott and Tessa in Central Oahu to explore abandoned bunkers and tunnels.

Waikele Towers

Going through the fence single file.

Waikele Towers

Climbing up the ladder single file.

Waikele Towers

The rest of the group making their way to the top against the background of the Waianae Mountain Range.

Waikele Towers

Catching the breaking sunrise at the top of the tank.

Waikele Towers

All feet on top of the ventilation hole?

Waikele Towers

Drone view of the tank.

Waikele Towers

Alexis descending down into the inky darkness.

Waikele Towers

Group photo in the heavily graffitied tank.

Waikele Towers

The sounds inside the tank were amplified and reverberated to excruciatingly annoying pitches that would drive most people mad if stuck inside for any long period of time.

Waikele Towers

Looking up towards the pseudo-skylight.

Waikele Towers

Climbing out of the tank.

Waikele Towers

Approaching one of six watch towers that once stood guard over the former Naval Ammunition Depot, Waikele Branch.

Waikele Towers

Climbing up the ladder that topped out at the platform that is slowly rusting away.

Waikele Towers

Looking out over the approximately 120 caves that once held military explosives, including nuclear weapons. Now they are being used for commercial and personal storage units.

Waikele Towers

Anybody else coming up? Crickets.

Panakauahi Petroglyphs

We collected Chris who was running fashionably late and drove to a neighborhood where we walked down a steep ditch that funnels runoff water to the Panakauahi Gulch.

Panakauahi Petroglyphs

Chris rolling down with his one wheel drive.

Panakauahi Petroglyphs

Approaching the engineering marvel at the bottom of the gulch.

Panakauahi Petroglyphs

Tessa sitting on a rock that probably does not gather any moss.

Panakauahi Petroglyphs

Sitting on top of the four tunnels.

Panakauahi Petroglyphs

Walking through one of the tunnels that were littered with rocks, some of considerable heft. The power of raging water is not to be trifled with lightly.

Panakauahi Petroglyphs

Exiting the other side to search for petroglyphs.

Panakauahi Petroglyphs

Scott fruitlessly looking for the rock carvings that was of seemingly questionable age.

Panakauahi Petroglyphs

Group photo looking in.

Panakauahi Petroglyphs

Group photo looking out. We increased our heart rate and worked our glutes on our way back up the steep ditch.

Waikakalaua Subway

We parked in another neighborhood where we saw several shedding trees that looked like colorful art.

Waikakalaua Subway

Climbing down into the tunnel entrance.

Waikakalaua Subway

Walking in the tunnel …

Waikakalaua Subway

… that soon branched off into different directions.

Waikakalaua Subway

Art channeling his inner hamster.

Waikakalaua Subway

The start of the steep descent down into total darkness. Hand rails included.

Waikakalaua Subway

Bottoming out.

Waikakalaua Subway

Approaching the 8′ dropoff.

Waikakalaua Subway

Group photo.

Waikakalaua Subway

Chris in the top crawl space.

Waikakalaua Subway

Patience is a virtue when taking group photos.

Waikakalaua Subway

Panoramic view of the graffitied exterior.

Waikakalaua Subway

Playing peek-a-boo amidst the concrete baffles.

Waikakalaua Subway

What goes down, must go back up.

Waikakalaua Subway

Exiting the tunnel.

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

We parked in another neighborhood where the spirt of Christmas was still alive.

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

Looking down into the neighboring suburbs.

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

Walking on the service road that is slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature.

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

Negotiating the wreckage that was partially blocking the entrance to the bunker.

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

Quan coming around the wrap around doors that resembled a giant Hot Wheels Track.

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

Walking up the stairs and past the wall that was defaced with the ancient symbol that was hijacked by the Nazis.

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

The view from the blocked corridor.

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

Walking down the corridor that was lined with a pair of tracks or grooves that was onced used to transport military goods?

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

Breathing in acceptable amounts of asbestos dust and other stuff that’s best left unknown.

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

You keep a knocking but can’t come in. Or not.

Lower Waikakalaua Bunker

Exiting the bunker as we made our way back to the cars.

Waikakalaua Flume

Somebody let the dogs out as we walked down the concrete ditch where some things are best seen with the camera than the naked eye.

Waikakalaua Flume

Chris warming up.

Waikakalaua Flume

Life imitating art.

Waikakalaua Flume

Tessa getting friendly with Mario. Not the guy from Windows Hawaii.

Waikakalaua Flume

Look Ma, No Feet!

Waikakalaua Flume

Top down view. Let the gimp out.

Waikakalaua Flume

Gecko eye view of the group down below.

Waikakalaua Flume

Group photo from the bottom up.

Waikakalaua Flume

Hanging by her good hand.

Waikakalaua Flume

Name that videogame character. It’s not pac-man.

Waikakalaua Flume

Chris peering through one of the drainage holes.

Waikakalaua Flume

Panoramic view of the area. We ate lunch at the nearby shopping center where the group split into three parties depending on food preferences.

WW2 Bunker

Taking the road to pineapple fields and one of four coastal batteries that used to operate during WW2.

WW2 Bunker

Built in 1912 or 1913? The sun can play tricks on ones eyes.

WW2 Bunker

Aida walking in the field of fruits that originated in South America, was introduced to Hawaii in 1813 by a Spanish ship pilot by the name of Don Francisco de Paula Marin who also planted coffee, cotton, mangoes and grapes. The US annexation of Hawaii in 1898 and the canning technology paved the way for Dole, Del Monte and Maui Land and Pineapple to eventually supply 80% of the world’s canned pineapples.

WW2 Bunker

Approaching the battery commander’s station where a couple kids with dirt bikes were hanging out.

WW2 Bunker

Standing on top of the bunker whose 8-inch turret guns were once trained on the north shore beaches to repel the Japanese invasion that never came.

WW2 Bunker

Art is obviously one of the people that doesn’t like pineapple on his pizza.

WW2 Bunker

Drone view.

WW2 Bunker

Pineapples being delivered by an amazon drone. Technology is simply amazing nowadays. In the old days, you would have to pick them by hand.

WW2 Bunker

Drone view. Only four were paying or vying for attention.

WW2 Bunker

Climbing down from the bunker was harder for some than others.

WW2 Bunker

Art checking out the shaft.

WW2 Bunker

Climbing down into the darkness.

WW2 Bunker

Low clearance.

WW2 Bunker

Dropping down into the plotting room.

WW2 Bunker

Further progress was stymied by a wall of dirt.

WW2 Bunker

One of many spiders that are the sole remaining inhabitants of the bunker.

WW2 Bunker

Most of the ceiling had long since collapsed to the floor.

WW2 Bunker

Climbing towards the light.

WW2 Bunker

Exploring other shafts that lead to closed off ammunition rooms.

WW2 Bunker

Art sliding backwards into the crack in the ground.

WW2 Bunker

Further progress was stalled by a boulder that was blocking the door that would only permit people with ectomorph bodies to pass.

WW2 Bunker

A bird nest in the hand is worth two in the bush. A corruption of the English proverb.

WW2 Bunker

Avoiding traffic and a red truck made us thirsty so we headed to McDonald’s for some ice cold refreshments.

Battery Palailai

Parked in another neighborhood where we did the low crawl to take the shortcut.

Battery Palailai

There are a lot of snacks to eat on trails. Berries. Mangoes. Mountain Apples. Strawberry Guavas. Cow Patties. The nutritional value varies with each item.

Battery Palailai

Making our way to the bunker.

Battery Palailai

Stepping foot on Fire-control station “B.”

Battery Palailai

Looking out towards possible invasion routes.

Battery Palailai

Walking on the outside of the bunker that was active from 1942-1944.

Puu Palailai

Drone view of the four level bunker.

Battery Palailai

Many tried out to be the next Club Femme Nu Pole Dancer. Only the fireman from Kauai got the spot. The rest had to settle for Club 939.

Battery Palailai

Staggered group photo.

Battery Palailai

Group photo with the background of Makakilo.

Battery Palailai

I thought segregation ended back in 1965?

Battery Palailai

360 view from the pole dancer tryouts.

Battery Palailai

All feet on the survey marker as we left the bunker.

Battery Palailai

Headed back down to the suburbs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDs12bwe0ZE

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Battery Palailai hike.

Battery Makakilo

We parked in the last neighborhood for the day and had our parking valet watch the cars while the rest of us hiked up the road shared with bikers coming down the hill.

Battery Makakilo

Quan pushing her way through the overgrown trail.

Battery Makakilo

Drone view.

Battery Makakilo

Interior view.

Battery Makakilo

Our last group photo of the day.

Battery Makakilo

Office view.

Battery Makakilo

Somebody put a lot of effort to build this personal bunker for the zombie apocalypse.

Puu Makakilo

Practicing the tradition that started in Trinidad. The bar was not set low enough.

Puu Makakilo

Church in the mountains. Doesn’t hurt to have a cooler at your feet. Doesn’t hurt even more if the cooler was actually filled with ice cold beverages.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0Lpuep2ogc

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Battery Makakilo hike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs15W9zZ_gM

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Bunker Holoholo hike.

Thanks to Scott for showing us the eight different spots that totaled a little over nine miles. Post hike meal at Thelma’s, where we all ordered our own separate entree’s. Some more than one. That person didn’t get enough pineapple on the trail and had to make up for his caloric deficiency incurred through slow jogging on a dusty field. Ever hear the expression “Eat my dust?”

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Alexis Catarina, Art Young, Chris Bautista, Edgar Gamiao, Jen Odence, Lilyn Avendano, Marilyn Bermudez, Quan Haberstroh, Scott Dea, 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.

We didn’t have any pumpkins to carve or candy to give out, so we went exploring around the island today.

Times Coffee Shop

Met up with Aida, Art, Ferlino, Lilyn, Marilyn, Quan and Tessa at the restaurant not associated with the supermarket and waited for our table while chickens, ducks and native birds mingled outside.

Waimanalo

Quan doing what she does best. Not quite sure what that is. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimanalo

Met up with this nana baket that was either trying to water the water or feed the fishes. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimanalo

Standing on a historic turtle pond that used to feed Hawaiian chiefs. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimanalo

Art trying to peek over the wall and get a look at the sprawling three acre estate that will include three homes, two pools and a guard post. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimanalo

Ferlino jumping off the seawall that is being allowed to further erode the beach. If you have $61,400 and your last name is Obama, you too can get a 55 year easement.

Waimanalo

Postcard perfect. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimanalo

Not approved. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waimanalo

Approved. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Waimanalo

Is the tree or the group leaning? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Makai Pier

Enjoying the unobstructed view underneath the concrete pier built in 1973. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Makai Pier

This spot is popular with fishermen, divers and apparently cartwheelers. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Makai Pier

Trying to find the fulcrum on a piece of driftwood. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Entering the man-made structures where it seems that almost every square inch are covered with colorful graffiti. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Art walking through the rubble strewn painted corridor. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Trick or treat. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Looking up at one of the ventilation shafts. Mother Nature is reclaiming her territory. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Wondering if my tetanus shots are up to date. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Aida contemplating if reanimated corpses really do exist or if the sign is fake. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Yes, Virginia there are zombies or somebody just didn’t get enough sleep. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Walking through a thicket of trees to reach the other defaced buildings. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Passing resemblance? Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Dentist at work. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Relax, I’m a Doctor. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Only one person had good manners and didn’t point fingers. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Show me the money! Say it back!

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

What a big mouth you have! Look who’s talking! Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

It puts the lotion in the basket, or it gets the hose again.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

One has to wonder what purpose these structures served? Military? Civilian? Extra-terrestrial? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Ferlino hanging by his fingertips. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

Walking our way out through the semi-light filled corridor.

Hawaii Kai Graffiti

The blasting furnace heat on our way out made some people walk faster and others not walk at all. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers

Dressing up as hikers doesn’t get you any free candy around here. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Spitting Caves

Walking our way down through the low rent section of the island. Photo by Art Young.

Spitting Caves

Looking out at the largest and deepest ocean on the planet and the hardest hike on the island as well.

Spitting Caves

Making our way down to the cave. Photo by Art Young.

Spitting Caves

What happened to three points of contact?

Spitting Caves

I guess that went out the window. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Spitting Caves

The rest of the group watched us from the top in case we got washed out to sea. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Spitting Caves

Sunlight hitting the salt water droplets at a 42 degree angle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Spitting Caves

The regurgitated water coming out of the cave erased the rainbow with a loud burp. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Spitting Caves

We were waiting for more rainbows when this kid fell out of the sky and landed with a big splash. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Spitting Caves

He took the most direct route back up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Spitting Caves

We saw several snorkelers and swimmers offshore.

Spitting Caves

Basking in the scenic views of the curved cliffs and blue-green waters. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

All pau

We witnessed an evolutionary miracle when the refugee from the Planet of the Apes first took to bipedalism. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Mahalo to Ferlino for driving us around the island. A trick cut our hike short which worked out as Ferlino’s van decided to quit working. Luckily a mechanic was on site. Post hike meal where the personal servant got the bucket of fried chicken for our caloric consumption.

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.

I joined David on an impromptu after work hike to a WW2 bunker. This was a first for me. Hiking in work clothes.

Small hill

The most dangerous part was crossing the freeway filled with pau hana drivers going home. Made sure we made eye contact. Road kill didn’t sound appetizing. After that it was a short and rocky climb to the top. Photo by David Concepcion.

Coastal Defense

This site once housed one of the aft main 14″ gun turrets salvaged from the USS Arizona that was sunk at Pearl Harbor. Photo by David Concepcion.

Bunkers

David entering the two tiered bunkers.

Light out. Light on.

It was headlamp time. Pitch black conditions. The military long stopped paying their electric bill.

Climbing down

Going down the rabbit hole. Photo by David Concepcion.

Looking up

We had to descend 6 ladders that took us down about 120′ below the surface.

Briefing Room

Meet up for the Zombie Apocalypse. Photo by David Concepcion.

The Dusty Mile

Going down the long narrow corridor that connected assorted rooms. Kicked up a lot of fine dust as well.

Bathroom humor

Or was that scatological humor? Photo by David Concepcion.

Fill in the blanks

Missing the cake fresheners. Photo by David Concepcion.

Less claustrophobic

The corridor widened along with the increased dust intake. Hack. Cough. Photo by David Concepcion.

Smokey was here

Only you can prevent bunker fires. Photo by David Concepcion.

Storage

This cavernous bunker filled with corridors, levels and assorted size rooms was the largest that we have explored to date. Photo by David Concepcion.

Turret room

Entering the turret room that was directly below the top site that once housed the gun turret. Photo by David Concepcion.

Spiral stairs

The elevator was not in working order. Photo by David Concepcion.

Ladder to the top?

Locked shut. Photo by David Concepcion.

Chute?

Delivery method for the one ton shells to the top?

Another storage room

Possible powder room where they stored the 110 pound silk bags of propellant. Photo by David Concepcion.

Boiler

Every bunker needs heat and power. Photo by David Concepcion.

Daylight

We saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Photo by David Concepcion.

Out

Squeezing through. Photo by David Concepcion.

All pau

The bunker exploration was a brief trip back in time and we took lungfuls of dirt home as souveneirs. Post hike meal at Outback. Wait time – 45 minutes. Scratch that. Tex-Mex food at Chili’s. Photo by David Concepcion.

Wishing to explore the iconic symbol of Hawaii but wanting to stay away from the high heeled hordes that flood Diamond Head daily, I decided to literally borrow a page from a published list that details the many other ridges of Diamond Head.

Full moon

Met up with George and Glenn at the trailhead that was sandwiched in between expensive real estate. Parking is not free.

Abandoned reservoir

Grafitti, trash and shrubbery have taken over. Photo by Glenn Toyama.

Hello?

Looking up, we saw the tourists gawking at the sights below them.

Follow the cable

Cables are laid out on some of the ridges and the entire crater rim.

A ridge too far

Another ridge to explore for another day.

Ratty ropes

Climbing up the rocky face, ropes are present but not needed. Photo by George Vuong.

Looking back

The ridge we had just climbed up.

Good morning Waikiki

The sun was casting its reflection across the waters of Waikiki.

Crowded at the summit

Lots of leg room here. Group photo left to right: Glenn, myself and George.

Down the stairs

We went down the stairs to connect back to the rim.

Fire control station

Looking back at the four level command post that was completed in 1911.

On the rim

George on the ocean side of the rim.

Diamond Head Lighthouse

Keeping the ships away since 1899.

Pillbox junction

The last exposed bunker on the ocean side of the rim.

Coming up

Glenn checked out the lower level of the bunker. No homeless reported. But we did see what looked like several homeless camps in the gullies of the outside crater.

Another bunker

Looking down at one of the two bunkers that are emplaced below the rim on the ocean side.

Looking back at the rim

The sun was slowly chasing the shade away.

Crumbly way down

George and Glenn making their way down the loose and crumbly trail.

Concrete way down

A roughly poured concrete strip goes down from the bunker to Diamond Head road. Read that people use this to run up to the crater rim.

On the road again

We popped out on the road and began walking to the next ridge that would take us back to the rim.

Going back up

Figuring out which ridge to go up. A guy shouted to us that we were going up the wrong way and lots of people have been helicoptered out going this way. Really?

Contouring the concertina wire

The two lower bunkers were heavily ringed with rolls of concertina wire which forced us to contour to the sides to avoid death by a thousand cuts.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Back on the rim

It was getting hot on the exposed rim.

Search light bunker

Looking into the last extant bunker that used to house one of six search lights.

Twin bunkers

Followed the trail down between two former anti-aircraft bunkers that led us to the Kahala tunnel entrance.

Road less traveled

Took a side road that hugged the crater.

Storage tunnel

One of seven storage tunnels bored into the crater walls.

Back up

The road eventually terminated and we followed the closest ridge back up to the rim.

Ala Wai Canal

Looking at Ala Wai Canal, created in 1928 that drained the swamps and created the Waikiki that we know today.

Blown away

It was a windy day on the rim. Claimed my boonie hat. Time to visit the surplus shop.

Scrambling up

George going up a rock face on the rim.

Clear day

The Ko’olau mountain range in the background.

Balancing

George traversing a narrow section of the rim.

Urban sprawl and crawl

A sea of urbanization spilling from the mountains to the ocean.

Scooting the rim

George going across the last narrow rim section.

Scenic point

Views of Waikiki and the Waianae mountain range in the background.

Tourists

We completed the rim loop at the lookout. More tourists.

Claustrophobic?

Glenn felt a little claustrophobic going through the dimly lit tunnel. Lucky it was a short walk.

Traffic jam

It was a chore navigating the crowd of high heels, slippers and dress shoes.

Abunai!

Going out the Kahala Tunnel.

GPS Tracks

Hiking the crater rim covered 4.7 miles under hot, crumbly and fun conditions. So far, explored seven ridges and fourteen more left!

Still stuck on baby hikes. Thanks to my ribs. Parked at the Makapu’u lookout, where Mari started her hike on the lighthouse trail and I started from the lookout. We would meet at the top.

Makapuu Lookout

Leaving the lookout behind, as I made my way up near the sea cliffs.

Kikaida bunker

One of many bunkers left over from WW2.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

No rock climbers?

Approaching the Makapu’u crag, which has about 10 routes going up. Take your pick.

On belay?

Looking out towards Manana island, a restricted seabird sanctuary.

Bunker hill

A complex of three bunkers commands the high ground.

Lighthouse lookout

Making my way down to the lookout overlooking the lighthouse.

Love locks

Skirted around the lookout to start my climb down to the lighthouse. Good samaritans have cut off most of the love locks that were placed on the lookout fence. Two that missed the bolt cutters.

Makapuu ridge

The fun way going to the lighthouse.

Makapu’u Point

The easternmost point on the island. This point is actually the end of the Eastern Ko’olaus.

Bulging eye

Property of the US Coast Guard.

The lighthouse trail

The other trail to get to the lighthouse.

Lighthouse lookout

A drone was lazily buzzing overhead as I climbed back up.

He works there

That’s what a mother was telling her kid when they spotted me coming back up the ridge.

Lookout view

Mari and myself at the lookout.

Whale watching season

No humpback whales spotted.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Going back down

The long boring road back down.

GPS Tracks

The short and sweet morning hike around the Makapu’u Point area covered 2.55 miles. Post hike meal at Sweet E Café. My wife loves their stuffed French toast. Just don’t love the long wait.

Having done Koko Crater to death, it was time to mix it up a bit today. I picked up Glenn from Koko Crater Botanical Gardens and drove around East Oahu to find a suitable place to ascend up the tuff cone from a different approach.

Trailhead

We parked behind Kaiser High School and found a construction road to gain access to the base of Koko Crater.

Ravine

A ravine presented the least resistance to starting our hike. As we hiked deeper into the ravine, resistance presented itself in the form of thick vegetation.

Out of the ravine

Glenn climbing out of the ridge to escape the overgrowth.

Heavy overgrowth

From the frying pan into the fire. More overgrowth.

Kuapa Pond

Looking back at the now diminished Fishpond Wall. Hard to believe it once covered 523 acres. Something had to give way for Henry Kaiser’s suburban vision.

Koko Crater Puka

Looking up at the puka. Hard to find, as most people walk right over it when hiking the rim.

Lepidoptera season

Butterflies were flittering and fluttering all around us.

Litter

Higher up, remnants from the WW2 bunkers were strewn on the slopes.

Splash of color

Purple flowers amidst a sea of green and reddish brown.

Hawaiian Picker

Glenn found what looked like to be an antique bottle. Maybe not. Dirt makes everything look old.

Rock face

Glenn climbing up the “hardest” section of the ridge.

Summit view

The view at the top, looking out towards Diamond Head.

Four legged hiker

Most of the four legged hikers put their two legged owners to shame on the tracks coming up.

Coming up the tracks

Jasmin took the “easy” way coming up the tracks to meet us at the top.

The less traveled path

We went down the sheeted rock trail that paralleled the tracks on the left. The tracks were bustling with rush hour hikers, while we had the zipper lane all to ourselves.

Koko Crater

Leaving behind Koholepelepe, the original Hawaiian name for this cinder cone, which translates to traveling vagina or fringed vulva. According to legend, Pele was being pursued by the pig demi-god, Kama-pua’a. Pele’s sister, Kapo sent her traveling vagina to lure Kama-pua’a away so that Pele could escape. Looking at Koko Crater on Google Maps, the resemblance to the Hawaiian name is obvious.

Koko Head Shooting Complex

Glenn had someplace to go and Jasmin was tired from her night work. I continued the hike solo by dropping behind the shooting range and followed the highway out.

49er ridge

I soon climbed up a spur ridge dubbed “49er ridge”, this is the same spot where the lava tube goes underneath the road and out to the rugged and rocky shoreline.

Trees, but no shade

The lower part of the ridge was covered by thickets of hard and sharp trees.

Hot, hot, hot

It was a scorcher of a day on the slopes of Koko Crater.

Rock dike

This section reminded me of the arch, but without the arch.

Looking back

Just one of many ridges that leads up to the crater rim. So many to explore.

Rock caves

Interesting rock caves formed by wind and erosion?

Too close for comfort

Scrambling up the ridge, the loud gun reports from the shooting range seemed uncomfortably close.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Going down the rim

Hiking down the open and exposed crater rim.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Dropping down into the crater

The crater floor is home to a botanical garden and horse stables. Come for the tracks and stay for the trees and horses.

Koko Crater GPS Tracks

The fun, short and hot hike covered 3.83 miles. Many more spur ridges and caves to explore on the crater.

Lanipo Windward ridge was last reportedly done by HTMC hiker Dick Davis in the 1940s when he lost all his fingernails going down. Ouch. I wanted to scout out the ridge for a possible future hike. Joining me today were Jose, Ryan and Thessa.

Trailhead

We parked at the top of Maunalani Circle and found two condoms on the ground. Used. At least somebody had safe sex.

Corridor

The beginning of the trail is sandwiched between a BWS tank and somebody’s private property.

Mau’umae ridge

It was a rainy day on the ridge. Can’t catch a sunny break.

Walking up

The Lanipo trail has been described as a rollercoaster hike. A light version of the Manana Trail. Up and down. Repeat until you get to the top.

Looking back

Click here for larger image.

Steve Becker bench

Group photo at the bench left to right: Jose, myself, Thessa and Ryan. Sound advice that was posted: Never hike alone, carry a cell phone, and leave your hike plan with someone.

Trail snacks

Strawberry guava trees fruiting along the trail.

What’s that?

Ryan and Thessa looking at some red flowers nestled amongst dead branches that caught their eye.

Dew drops

Something you only see in the morning or after a good rain. We had both.

Captain Morgan?

Where’s the rum? BYOB on the trails.

Shaka rainbow

It’s all about perspective. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Waterfall

The third waterfall cascading down from Ka’au Crater.

Palolo valley

Looking out all the way to Diamond Head.

Baby fern

A fiddlehead.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Almost there

Ryan and Jose going up the last hill to the summit. The rollercoaster ride has ended. Please remain seated until the car comes to a complete stop.

Mount Olympus

The cloud deck was skipping and skimming the top of the Ko’olaus. Caught a rare glimpse of Olympus not capped in clouds.

Kainawa’aunui summit

A severe infestation of gnats or flies replaced the rain at the 2,520′ summit. Bring back the rain.

One less pollinator

A bumblebee chose this branch as its last resting spot.

What the?

Jose spotted this peculiar looking beetle that had some white stuff clinging to its body. Imperial bug trooper.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Cloudy summits ahead

The gnats or flies were feeding off the fruits and seeds of the ‘ie’ie woody climbers. I think we ended up feeding on some of them.

On the KSRT

Back on the rollercoaster. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Koolau Summit Ridge Trail

Keep your arms and legs on the Leeward side at all times.

Lanipo Windward

Approaching Lanipo summit and Windward ridge. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

True Lanipo

Socked in summit. What are we looking at?

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Scouting

Doesn’t look that bad. So far.

Lanipo Windward

Jose coming down the ridge.

Checking it out

Some pretty hairy sections further down. Warrants further scouting from the bottom of Aniani Nui Ridge that connects to the backside of Ahiki. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Looking back

Side view of Lanipo Windward Ridge. Steep and sketchy. I know other hikers have scouted it from top and bottom and decided it was too dangerous to complete. Something to chew on.

Cloudy ridge

Going down to the cluster of HECO power lines.

That’s my name

Little known fact is that Ryan works for HECO.

HECO power lines

Imagine working up here. Must be nice to get choppered into work, instead of taking the bus.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Almost to the last summit

Ryan and Jose making their way up the last hump.

Wiliwilinui

Another socked in summit. Typical day on the Ko’olaus.

Communications relay site

Headed down the Wiliwilinui trail.

Steps

Familiar trail footing, slats buried into the hillsides to retard erosion.

Looking back at the Ko’olaus

Looking at the path we had traveled from Kainawa’aunui to Wiliwilinui on the Ko’olau Mountains.

Swingers

Made use of a popular swing at the bottom of the stepped trail. Look under the seat to find clues to other swings.

Easy trail

The rest of the trail down was a dirt road. Wide open. Nice change of pace.

Connector trail?

We passed the connector trail that descends down into Wailupe Valley. Another hike for another day.

One last view

The trail afforded us one last view of East Oahu ranging all the way to Koko Crater.

Hike pau?

Headed towards the trailhead gate.

Not yet

Going up an access trail which leads to several WW2 bunkers and gun turret emplacements formerly known as Battery Wilridge (Kirkpatrick) that were built in 1942.

Bunker #1

Thessa sliding down to the first bunker.

Exploring

This bunker could have been the control station. The holes seen in the recessed area were possibly data and power lines for a naval computer. Computer in 1942?

Bunker #2

The second bunker was much larger and possibly had a powder room that contained the magazine/conveyor belt that fed the shells to the guns.

Camouflage

We followed the powder room where it lead to this barbette, which once housed an 8″ gun turret that was removed from the carrier USS Lexington.

Looking down

This was one of two 8″ gun batteries. We could not locate the other. There are numerous tunnels that connect to other bunkers on this ridge, but most of them have been walled off by private owners that own some of them.

Rich mans bunker

One of the bunkers sitting next to somebody’s house that was converted into their private man cave. Tours? Release the hounds Mr. Smithers.

GPS Tracks

Our hike clocked in at 6.44 miles. Got to explore two new trails and scouted out a potential third one with a great group. Post hike meal at Big City Diner. Love Uncle Ray’s Poke.

I tagged along with the Oahu Hikers Group to explore a new trail in Kailua. We met up at Aikahi Park Shopping Center and split into two groups. It was going to be another hot day.

Trailhead

Our group consisting of Jose, Khym, Ryan, Thessa and myself headed down a dead end street to start our hike. The other group consisting of Becky, Bill, Chris, Karen, Maggie, Tara and Toby went up the access road further down the street. We decided to take the scenic route.

Follow the ribbons

Ryan was guiding the group, as he and Chris had just flagged the trail yesterday.

Looking back

Our slight elevation gain gave us a peek towards the Moks or Mokulua Islands in the distance.

Water tank

We soon came upon a fence almost hidden in the tall grass, that enclosed a colorful graffitied abandoned water tank. An old gate served as a ladder to climb up to the tank.

On top

Group photo left to right: Jose, Khym, myself, Thessa and Jose. Khym and Thessa are on the other side of the structure, barely visible through the window.

Going down

Looking at the top bunkers where we would meet up with Chris’s group.

Who’s Pero?

After climbing down into the tank, we discovered the floor was covered with empty spray paint cans and water bottles. A recycler’s dream and cleanup crew nightmare. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Appreciating art

Thessa getting up close and personal with some of the graffiti.

Leaving the tank

We followed the fence out to resume the trail.

Microwave antenna

No rocks to climb. This will do. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Hello?

Khym entering the bunker below the microwave antenna.

Nothing to see here. Move along.

Two small sectioned rooms made up the bunker. No homeless. Oh wait, I forgot this is Kailua.

Panoramic View

Click here for the larger image.

Access road

The road that Chris’s group was taking to the bunkers.

Bunker bound

Our trail to the bunkers.

Girl on the roof

Checking out the views of Mokapu Peninsula, home to the Marine Corps Air Station and several fishponds, that separates Kaneohe Bay from Kailua Bay. Oh yeah, the painted girl looks nice too. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Kaneohe Bay

Khym saw what he thought was a backpack in the bushes. Jose fished it out and the backpack turned out to be a folding chair, which he used to watch the rain showers sweep through Kaneohe Bay and Moku o loe or Coconut Island.

The other group

Both groups taking pictures of each other. Classic.

The Mad Hatter

Going down the rabbit hole.

Tag team

Taggers self representation? Photo by Karen Latzka.

Reunited at the top

Group photo at the bunkers standing left to right: Karen, Bill, Jose, Ryan, Chris, Maggie, Tara, Becky and Toby. Kneeling left to right: Khym, Thessa and myself.

Hear any buzzing?

Tara and Becky making their way along the fenced communications site. No sightings of winged barbed insects.

Your pic …

The group standing next to a thicket of communication towers. Everybody got 4 bars?

… for mines

My arms are getting tired. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Geodetic marker

Pu’u Papa’a means scorched hill. Yeah it was pretty hot up here.

Long road down

Road going down. Stairs going up. Ridge going down and up. Hiking cycles.

Where? There!

Chris giving directions. Follow the ridge. Pass a stand of pine trees. Go down towards Kalaheo School. Pass the painted rock. Stay to the right of the bike ramps. Got it? Good. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Coming down the hill

Becky decided to join our group as the road was getting old. Chris’s group watched us for awhile before going back down.

Mahinui ridge

Our group walking on the ridge. Split views of Kailua and Kaneohe. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Breaking in the bench

Literally.

Rolling hills

Approaching the next hill, we saw what looked like a bench at the top. Really? Is this a state trail?

When do we get to sit?

Somebody dragged this rocking chair up here. I guess they really wanted a chair to enjoy the view. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Windward views

The town of Kailua filled the views; with Mokulua Islands, Olomana and the Ko’olau Mountains taking a backseat.

Pine trees

I remember somebody mentioning pine trees. Who was that?

Kapa’a Valley

The view looking into Kapa’a Quarry and Valley, with Nu’uanu Saddle in the background. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Olomana

Headed down towards Kalaheo High School. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Painted rock

The trail passed the blue and orange painted rock, that is annually “refreshed” by the senior class of Kalaheo High School.

Bike ramp

Where’s my Schwinn when I need it?

Headed out

Dirt meets road.

All pau

We popped out in the neighborhood and started to walk back to the shopping center. Couple blocks later, Chris’s group picked us up in their cars. Saved us two blocks of walking. Mahalo!

GPS Tracks

Short and sweet hike at a little over two miles. Got to explore a new trail and meet new faces. Can’t ask for anything more than that. Post hike meal at Aloha Salad. Trying to eat healthy. Still miss my Outback.

Holidays are nice. No work. No school. For most people. Lucky us. Mari and I made the long drive out to the North Shore to do an easy hike.

Trailhead

The trailhead was not marked but we easily located it to the left of the gate that separated the parking lots of Sunset Beach Elementary School and Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park.

Nice open trail

Mari walking on the trail that started off fairly wide and level.

Tree climbing?

Banyan trees make wonderful climbing gyms. Not today.

Uphill

We soon gained elevation quickly as the muddy trail became steeper. Rope was strung out between the trees to help from falling on your butt and to help pull you upward. Take your pick or none at all.

Bat cave

A shallow cave partially covered in cascading banyan tree roots greeted us at the top.

Choose wisely

The trail eventually forked. We took the left trail. Gone are the candy cane ribbons that other hikers have mentioned. Christmas has left the hills. I explored a little of the right trail which I believe is part of the six mile Kaunala-Ehukai trail that makes its way to Pupukea. Another hike for another day.

Ocean view

The trail eventually opened to ocean views on our left. There seemed to be multiple trails that branched out from the main trail.

Dew drop

Dew drops hung from pine needles as we made our way along the trail.

WW2 Bunker

The trail eventually led to the first military bunker, that had a “bench” on top. Trivia fact: Bunker comes from the Scots word for bench.

Green things in the way

Surfers were absent from Pipeline, Ehukai and Gas Chambers, surf spots that can be somewhat seen from the top of the pillbox.

Exploring

Half expected to find homeless living inside the bunker. Pleasantly surprised to have only found brightly colored graffiti splashed on the inside walls and beach views.

Down we go

Took the trail to the left of the bunker as we made our way down the ridge looking for better views.

Heed the sign

We didn’t see the “keep out” sign when we first made our way down.

Tetanus shots up to date?

That would explain the barbed wire fence. But why is the opening wide enough that a truck could drive through? Okay, maybe a SMART car.

Peace bunker?

We traded elevation loss for open views when we came across this smaller bunker.

Rock stop

Only the skinny may enter.

Exploring bunker #2

Same interior decorator(s)?

Waianae Mountains

Good morning!

GPS Tracks

The 1.84 mile hike was a sweet and short trail on the North Shore that quickly gives up her two military bunkers from WW2 and ocean views of popular surfing spots.

Rain, rain – didn’t go away. The torrential rains that had soaked the Windward side earlier in the week forced us to cancel our planned hike of Ohulehule in Kahana Valley and replace it with a hike on the WST (Waianae Summit Trail). We decided to take a page from DGC and start segment hiking the WST, beginning with Kaena Point.

Christmas came early

Rain showers passed over as we parked at the far end of Dillingham Airfield, putting the hike into question. It cleared quickly, so we piled into Matt’s van to drive to the end of Mokuleia to start our hike. Group photo left to right: Will, Matt “Bah Humbug”, myself and Marvin.

Slip’n’Slide

The long jeep road to the trailhead was mud central, as we some trucks drifting and sliding through the liquid dirt as we slogged our way through.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

It was a windy day on the North Shore. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Spirit Rock

Passing through the fence that protects the bird populations, we saw a rock known as Leina ka ‘Uhane. Ancient Hawaiians believed departed souls would plunge into the ocean for eternity from this rock.

Up the mountain

The hardest part of the hike was climbing up this hill, made easier by the overcast clouds and cool winds. Photo by Will Lee.

Eye of the hikers

Sitting on top of a graffitied bunker. The striking eye was painted by the Irish artist known as Eoin.

Bunker view

Kaena Point in the background. Didn’t see any monk seals sunbathing.

Last bunker

As we climbed our way up, we could see the Mokuleia and the Waianae coastlines from our vantage point.

Almost there

It was a perfect day to hike as it was heavily overcast and windy as heck, otherwise it would have been a scorcher of a day. Sometimes it pays to hike after a heavy rainstorm.

Looking back

Our last glimpse of Kaena Point as we made our way to the top.

Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station

After having seen the KPSTS (Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station) or golf balls from Keawaula or Yokohama Beach so many times, we were going to finally see it in person.

Life imitating art

This sign gave me flashbacks from my last hike. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Follow the paved road

For a change, I didn’t mind walking on a paved road while hiking. It was a nice paved road. I wish our city streets were like this road. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Tee time?

Matt wanted to play with a really big golf ball. His club wasn’t big enough.

Golf Ball

Excuse me, what time do the tours start?

Practicing how to levitate

Will and Matt trying to float above the concrete coated hill.

Everybody come here

Walking past the guard shack, a MP (Military Police) stopped us and questioned us as to where we came from. After hearing our story, he said that we were supposed to be escorted down the Satellite Tracking Station Road to Keawaula or Yokohama Beach on the Waianae side. He let us off with a one time warning. Happy Veteran’s Day!

Approved trail

The MP said to go down this trail and cross the ravine to the last tracking station or golf ball. We happily complied. Otherwise our hike would have been abruptly terminated.

Look both ways before crossing

After bushwhacking in the woods for about half an hour, we found ourselves right back from where we started! So we plunged back into the woods and paralleled the road until we were out of sight from the guard shack.

Back on the road again

The paved road eventually turned into a jeep road.

Goodbye golf balls

Looking back at the last cluster of tracking stations or golf balls.

Scenic point

Group photo with the Waianae coastline in the background.

Kuaokala Access Road

We were now on the Kuaokala Access Road that traverses a public hunting area. Hmm, did we have on bright clothing? Oh yeah, we had Hawaiian Santa with us. We were covered.

How wide?

This section of the trail was wide enough to drive a semi through it and then some!

Picnic table break

We took a short break at this picnic table. Photo by Will Lee.

Hmm, who has the right of way?

This mountain biker was the first person we saw today, besides the MP.

Matt of the hill

The views of the valley were starting to open up, especially if you were standing on top of a rock.

Makua Valley

Group photo looking into Makua Valley. It is believed that this valley was once inhabited by the Olohe, hairless, red-skinned people separate from the Hawaiians. They were skilled in lua or the ancient martial art of bone breaking. A good reason to keep out of their valley.

WST junction

The trail continues until you reach the WST junction to the right. We kept on going straight. Another hike for another day.

Right, right, left

There were three clearly marked junctions indicating which direction to head to Kealia trail.

Falling rocks

I thought it would be a good idea if we photographically illustrated the falling rocks sign at the Kealia trail. A plan not well thought out. Luckily we only picked up small pebbles. As the rocks were thrown up in the air, one hit me on my nose. Lesson learned.

Dillingham airfield

Coming down the 19 switchbacks. I lost count after two.

Beware of falling rocks

The switchback trail was littered and strewn with rocks of various sizes.

Fish farm?

There seemed to be a trail cut into the mountains above this fish pond?

Kealia trail

All pau!

GPS Tracks

The hike was 11.52 miles long. Surprisingly it did not feel like a grinder, as the trail was pretty much flat for the whole distance and the nice cool weather helped as well. After the hike, we drove to Dong Yang in Wahiawa for some good Korean food.