Jasmin joined me today for an easy loop holiday hike on the East side of the island.

Pahua Heiau

We skirted the former Hawaiian agricultural temple to connect to the trail.

Taking the higher road

I think the trail is down here. But to each their own.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Looking back at the shrunken Kuapa Pond, that used to be home to schools of mullet but now is home to flotillas of pleasure craft.

Kamiloiki Ridge

We crossed paths with two sunrise seekers coming back down from the summit.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Preparing to plunge into the ironwood forest when I noticed these little golden hued flower puffs on the trail.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Jasmin roasting imaginary marshmallows over an imaginary roaring campfire.

Kamiloiki Ridge

I didn’t have to use my imagination. I was resting under an honest to goodness lean-to shelter. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Stacks of fungi going vertical on a tree stump.

Camp Awesome

We got the pots and pans. All we need are the plastic lawn chairs!

Kamiloiki Summit

Something splendid to witness.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Always notice these miniature bouquets of multi-colored flowers in the mountains.

KSRT

Walking on the exposed ridge line as we approached the saddle.

KSRT

Jasmin dropping into the saddle.

KSRT

Off trail with views of Manana (Rabbit) and Kaohikaipu (Turtle) Islands. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

KSRT

Jasmin popping up at the top of the saddle, with the Waimanalo coastline behind her.

KSRT

Approaching the former Nike-Hercules missile site now dwarfed by the towering communications tower.

(New) Dead Man’s Cat Walk

Not improved. No scenery whatsoever. Major letdown.

Original Dead Man’s Cat Walk

It actually looks better without the concrete. Au naturel.

Hidden Stairs

We went down Allison’s Stairs as far as we could go, until a wall of overgrowth stopped us in our tracks, so we retreated back to the top. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Hidden Stairs

Branching off down a termite riddled and rickety wooden stairs that also lead to nowhere. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

BBQ

What makes a hike complete? A BBQ! Propane not included.

All pau

Jasmin walking back to our ride out of the valley, while taking in views of Koko Crater and Koko Head on our way down.

GPS Tracks

Our short, sweet and scenic hike covered a scant 3.77 miles. Next stop. Zippy’s.

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.