The original plan was to head West, but with the impending demise of the iconic stairs, some in the group wanted to visit it for one last time.

Haiku Valley

We all gathered at Allison’s place, some had a bite of pizza to eat and then shook the papaya trees on our way down the hill. Just needed some chickens and moringa leaves to round out the pot.

Haiku Valley

Jasper seeing us off on the trail.

Haiku Valley

Who brings a bag to the hike? Must be his superhero costume packed inside.

Haiku Valley

Leaving the relative obscurity of the bamboo forest as we made our way out.

Haiku Valley

Somebody would rather do the photographing instead of being the one photographed as we hit the access road.

Haiku Valley

Walking on the road less traveled. We hope.

Haiku Valley

Can you smell that? Is that Cheech and Chong near the abandoned shack?

Haiku Valley

Group photo under the shadow of the H3 highway at the entrance to the stairs.

Haiku Valley

Workers used to ride in this cable car to the peak, climbing Haiku Ladders was not the preferred option. Photo taken by Dave Jessup, Ted Urquhart, and John Flanigan.

Haiku Stairs

Is that a welcome sign greeting us?

Haiku Stairs

Who needs hiking shoes? Not Darryl. No socks to wash.

Haiku Stairs

The first stair module had already been removed by Nakoa Companies in preparation for the eventual dismantlement of the entire stairs.

Haiku Stairs

Circumventing around the structure which was invented by Charles Barnard in 1844.

Haiku Stairs

The rest of the group making their way around the chain link fence and slippery rocks.

Haiku Stairs

Going up the longest incline stretch of the stairs. Following in the footsteps of Bill Adams and Louis Otto, the Navy sailors who pioneered the route and climbed to the peak in 21 days back in 1942.

Haiku Stairs

Hikers practicing proper trail etiquette.

Haiku Stairs

We ran across Aileen, Haig and Lennard who had climbed up earlier to bear witness to a denied sunrise.

Haiku Stairs

Mona looking back towards the ridge that is home to Stairway to Hell.

Haiku Stairs

Allison navigating through the twisted sister section of the stairs that was damaged in a landslide back in February of 2015. The death of the stairs was greatly exaggerated by the fourth estate.

Haiku Stairs

Akira and Sandra with the backdrop of the H3 highway as it disappears into the Ko’olau Mountains. The Tetsuo Harano tunnels are 4,980′ long Kaneohe bound and 5,165′ Halawa bound.

Haiku Stairs

A day late and a dollar short. One is supposed to stretch before the hike. Better late than never.

Haiku Stairs

What’s that saying? “In a group, you only need to be faster than the slowest one to escape.”

Haiku Stairs

Group photo on the first platform.

Haiku Stairs

Back in 2020, a group over several days carried and assembled a trampoline on the first platform. While they got a lot of heat for it, nobody was hurt and it was all taken down the same day. No fuss, no muss.

Haiku Stairs

Tessa climbing down so that others may get their 15 minutes of IG fame.

Haiku Stairs

Chico on Profile Rock.

Haiku Stairs

Anybody missing a phone?

Haiku Stairs

One of the last known sightings of the endemic Lobelia gaudichaudii or Ko’olau Range lobelia circa 2011. A survey conducted in 2018 concluded that none of the woody shrubs no longer existed in the area. Photo provided by Sean Pager, Friends of Haiku Stairs.

Haiku Stairs

Practicing for when the stairs will no longer be here.

Haiku Stairs

Climbing our way to heaven.

Haiku Stairs

Enjoying the expansive views while we can.

Haiku Stairs

People perceive that you have a good chance of having a higher IQ when seen wearing glasses. However, without the lens, the pendulum swings the other way.

Haiku Stairs

Passing Chris on his way down the stairs. He had come up from Moanalua Saddle as he preferred hiking the safe route.

Haiku Stairs

Sandra at the top of the next platform.

Haiku Stairs

Hello from the next ridge over! Akira and I decided to check out the thin ridge which could have used a set of stairs.

Haiku Stairs

Going up the short flight of stairs to the Hoist House.

Haiku Stairs

This one is off the Scoville chart.

Hoist House

Never stop exploring. Ridge for another day.

Hoist House

Outside looking in.

Hoist House

Inside looking out.

Hoist House

There were not any available trees to climb, so the boys made do with what they had on hand.

Hoist House

Akira climbing over the roofless shelter.

Hoist House

How the structure looked back in the day. Photo taken by Dave Jessup, Ted Urquhart, and John Flanigan.

Hoist House

Leaving the graffitied building behind us.

Haiku Stairs

Have big hand to fill.

Haiku Stairs

Foot not big enough either.

Haiku Ladder

The original stairs known as Haiku Ladder, was constructed out of wood and later replaced by galvanized metal in 1955. Some of the original wood ladder sections are still scattered at the bottom of the hill. The Navy maintained the radio site from 1943 to 1970 and then it was reconfigured as part of the OMEGA radio navigation system from 1971 to 1997 and managed by the Coast Guard, where it was eventually shut down due to the advent of GPS which rendered the OMEGA system obsolete. The City acquired ownership in 1997 and spent $875,000 to fix the stairs in 2002 to eventually open it up to the public. However; the issues of access, trespassing and liability stalled any chances of opening the hike to the public. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously in 2021 to remove the stairs after decades of misinformation, neighborhood complaints about trespassing hikers, lobbyists using their influence, multiple landowners that failed to come to a consensus and nobody wanting to take ownership of the stairs. The powers that be just wanted the “problem” to go away. Mayor Blangiardi announced in April of 2024 that Nakoa Companies was awarded a $2.6 million contract to take down the entire stairs. The same company that fixed the stairs in 1997 and took down the swing in 2016. Something finally happened, but not in favor of the hiking community. Photo taken by Dave Jessup, Ted Urquhart, and John Flanigan.

Haiku Stairs

Climbing up the last steep section.

Haiku Stairs

Looking down at the rest of the group making their way up.

Haiku Stairs

Approaching the CCL (Communications Control Link) Building and the terminus of the 3,922 steps. The count is actually less due to people taking steps home as souvenirs.

Haiku Stairs

Chris coming back up from the stairs.

Haiku Swing

Somebody had constructed a chain swing between the two poles at the summit circa 2015, however, due to a viral video in 2016 that showed a hiker slipping from the seat and dangling near a seemingly precipitous drop, which was just camera angles, the city swiftly took down only the poles the next day as an intrepid group of hikers had earlier taken down the swing. Urban legend has it that the swing is sitting in somebody’s yard.

CCL Building

Three of us decided to climb up to the moss slicked concrete roof that are home to the now defunct microwave antennae.

CCL Building

Sandra wanted to leave a lei on the antenna structure as the winds and rain shook and swept the area.

CCL Building

Rain soaked view of the top of the structure.

CCL Building

The rest of the group had retired to seek refuge from the sweeping rain showers as the unmasked hero cooked banana lumpia for us.

CCL Building

Champagne and Banana Lumpia at the summit. Where’s the Coke?

CCL Building

Some tourist was being frisked and somebody was being frisky. Hey, I thought that was Spider-Man’s job!

CCL Building

Group photo inside the structure. Spasiba!

CCL Building

Back in the day, the building housed equipment that provided emergency communication back-up for the ground link with Pearl Harbor, Ford Island Naval Air Station, Wahiawa Naval Radio Station and Lualualei Naval Radio Station. Now, Spider-Man uses it to hang out with his friends.

CCL Building

Our group photo at Stairway to Heaven at 2,820′ elevation.

Stairway to Heaven

The stairs gained even more publicity when it was featured in the Magnum PI episode “J. “Digger” Doyle” that aired back in 1981. The 15 minutes of fame is probably what lead to the decision by the US Coast Guard to shut it down in 1987 after the stairs were trashed and vandalized.

Haiku Stairs

Back outside to play in the rain as we made our way back down.

Haiku Stairs

Goodbyes are always hard. For some, harder than others.

Haiku Stairs

Coming down the cloud and rain soaked Stairway to Heaven.

Haiku Stairs

Approaching the Hoist House on our way down.

Haiku Stairs

Descending down the stairs as we dropped in elevation and gained the views back at the expense of the clouds.

Haiku Stairs

By some conservative estimates, thousands of hikers make the climb up and down the stairs annually. Despite erroneous claims that the stairs are dangerous, there has never been a single death on the stairs, except one person that died of a heart attack in 2012. According to HFD’s own statistics, 41 people needed to be rescued from the stairs during a period from 2010-2022. That averages out to three rescues a year. In contrast, Diamond Head in 2022 saw 40 rescues alone in just a year’s period.

Profile Rock

Mona soaking in the views one last time? Perhaps.

Haiku Stairs

One of the most asinine comments made by a local politician came from City Councilwoman Esther Kiaaina who stated in April 2024, that the removal of the stairs will restore the beauty of the scenery. “This is a manmade contraption on a natural valley,” said Kiaaina. “Restoring the valley and providing a natural setting so that people could remember what Haiku valley was.” Well, she might as well advocate for removing the major eyesores that have marred the beauty of the amphitheater valley and its surrounding areas. Namely, the homes and H3 highway to name a few. The saying “follow the money” to trace political corruption and influence rings true in this case. Of the five council members up for reelection in 2024, Esther Kiaaina collected the most money at about $79,000, according to her campaign filing. One has to wonder if any of her donors have a stake in the stairs removal? Enquiring minds want to know.

Haiku Stairs

If GPS hadn’t made the OMEGA station obsolete in 1997, there would have been a steel mesh cage that would have covered the H3 highway through the valley. It was thought that the electromagnetic waves would interfere with anybody that had a heart pacemaker. Talk about timing, otherwise the valley would have looked completely different than it does today.

All pau

Walking back to our cars in the rain. Elephant ears optional.

GPS Tracks

Our up and down hike on one of the island’s most storied trails covered a little under three miles. Some in the group were hoping against hope that the stairs will be preserved for future generations. Has the final chapter be written on the stairs? Only time will tell. Post hike meal at Saito & Pho where East Asian meets Southeast Asian food.

Photos taken by Agnes Bryant, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Daryl Cacatian, Ferlino Carinio, Monaliza Guillermo, Sandra Walter, 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.

Why do two hikes when you can do just one? Why see only one stairway when you can see both? Rhetorical questions aside, that is how we found ourselves at top of Aiea Heights this morning. Thanks to Chris for dropping us off.

Aiea

Campers and chickens were sleeping as we walked up the road that was slowly being illuminated by the breaking sun.

Aiea Loop Trail

Turning off the loop trail, we were treated to a colorful cascade as the sun torched the mountain peaks.

Aiea Ridge

Multiple downs …

Aiea Ridge

… and multiple ups.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Taking a short break at the 2,441′ grassy peak.

Aiea Ridge

Heading into the home stretch of the 5.5 mile ridge trail.

Aiea Ridge

Coming up the last hump on the ridge.

Aiea Ridge

Aida enjoying the sweeping views of the windward side from the grassy clearing.

Aiea Ridge

Milling around the base of the power-line tower.

Aiea Ridge

The group finally got enough of the eye candy views and started making their way down.

Aiea Ridge

You can take the man out of the ironworks, but you can’t take the ironworks out of the man.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the 2,805′ clear summit.

Aiea Summit

William trying to talk to the locals. Perhaps it was his Midwestern accent that was getting lost in translation.

Ko’olau Summit RIdge Trail (KSRT)

The group contouring on the leeward side of the ridge under clear skies.

KSRT

Stunning views to be had all around as we traversed the ridge.

KSRT

Views like these are icing on the hiking cake.

KSRT

Contouring around the fenced native plant enclosure. I have yet to see one, then again I don’t know what I’m looking at either.

KSRT

Descending down into the verdant windswept pastures of hell.

Stairway to Hell

Group photo at the stairs that the US Navy started but never finished. The views were uncommonly clear and striking.

Stairway to Hell

William tried talking to the locals again. A hint of pidgin thrown in for good measure. No luck. What kind of neighbors are we?

KSRT

This place is going to hell in a handbasket.

KSRT

Climbing out of hell for greener pastures.

KSRT

Overlooking the engineering marvel that was the most expensive interstate highway ever built back in 1997 at a cost of 1.3 billion. The current rail system costs pegged at over 12 billion will easily eclipse it and make H3 look like a bargain.

Red Hill Summit

Group photo at the terminus of the trail that starts down in Moanalua Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

The group traversing over the crumbly section with the tree trip hazard in the way.

Moanalua Saddle

Descending down the western half of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

It was just a walk in the park. A windy park.

Moanalua Saddle

Following the serpentine ridge to the next summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo in the “pocket” of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

The winds started to pick up as we began our ascent of the Eastern half of the saddle. I turned my cap backwards, not to emulate athletes or rappers, but to serve as a hiking windsock.

Moanalua Saddle

When hiking turns back the clock to when we used to drag our knuckles.

Moanalua Saddle

Just when I thought was out of the elevator service, they pull me back in.

Moanalua Saddle

Minding the huge windward drops on our right side.

Moanalua Saddle

Somebody was glad to be back on relatively level ground.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching the most well known obstacle this side of the saddle – The Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

Oh, I get up with a little help from my friends and some extra webbing.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up a particularly chossy section of the ridge. The gusting winds had blown the assist ropes to the far right side. Time to recover them.

Moanalua Saddle

The ropes were returned to its rightful place for the rest of the group to use.

Moanalua Saddle

Chico pulling himself up one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Passing a cascade on our right that feeds the main Moanalua Falls.

Moanalua Saddle

Chico traversing over an eroded section of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

The start of the “other” stairs to heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Knockin’ on heaven’s back door.

Moanalua Saddle

Closing the gap to the CCL building with its distinctive dual microwave antenna perched on the top.

CCL Building

Group photo at the top of the stairs that the city wants to keep. Demolish. Keep. Demolish. Bipolarism at its finest.

Stairway to Heaven

We started going down the 3,922 steps as weeks ago I was contacted by a quasi-official entity that wanted me to count and verify the number of steps for possible future wasted resources. They were also going to pay me. Check’s in the mail. Yes, I’m also the type that believes that I have a snowball’s chance of hell in winning the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. There is one born every day.

Stairway to Heaven

The windward views were indeed heavenly on this day.

Stairway to Heaven

Who’s keeping count? Chico?

Stairway to Heaven

I believe at this point, William gave up trying to communicate with the locals. Instead he made an impassioned plea to save the stairs. I think it fell on deaf ears.

Stairway to Heaven

Catching the setting sun behind the mountains.

Stairway to Heaven

It took two Navy men in 1942, 21 days to climb from the bottom to the top to install the original ladder. Thanks to their pioneering efforts, travel time is now measured in hours instead of days.

All pau

Thanks to Lilia for picking us up at the exit point. Post hike meal had to be someplace quick as most of the group didn’t want to sit and wait for their food. Fast food. McDonald’s. Drive-Thru.

GPS Tracks

Our back to back stairways hike covered 10.1 miles with almost perfect weather conditions with good company.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, William Mayo 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.

I decided to do a solo outing today and see how far my legs would take me in the mountains.

Kulana’ahane Junction

The darkness in the valley gave my legs added fleetness as I made it to the sign in under 30 minutes.

Red Hill Summit

Making my way to the 2,237′ top after being rained on for the most part of the ridge climb. Luckily, the rain paused as I summited. Thank heavens for small favors.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Looking back at the Western half of the ridge line that I had just came down.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Quick selfie in the middle of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring around the most famous obstacle on the saddle, the Dirt Triangle. I had startled two feral pigs in the bushes earlier on the ridgeline. First time I have ever seen pigs on the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking down at the original Naval Radio Station that was built in 1942 from one of the antenna anchor sites, the bomb proof building is now known as the Omega Station after the US Coast Guard took it over in 1975 until it was decommissioned in 1997.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the ladder that connects to the lesser known Stairway to Heaven.

CCL Building

I had the top all to myself. I saw a couple hikers descending down the 3,922 metal steps that are now slated to be dismantled as the city could not find a common ground between the various parties involved to save the stairs.

Moanalua Middle Ridge

The rain followed me down the scarred ridge, where slats installed by Ted Calvero and friends have helped to retard the erosion.

MMR

Checking out the Manono tree which has survived largely due to the efforts of Ted Calvero and friends. Before their timely intervention, the tree was being used to pull and lower hikers down and it was slowly being strangled and eroded to death.

MMR

Slippery slope.

MMR

This is the picture of over trafficking by hikers on the ridge line. Believe it or not, most of the ridge was actually flat with vegetation on top at one time. Now it’s a wasteland of deeply rutted trenches that scar the topography. And it’s only going to get worse as the stampede to see the Stairway to Heaven intensifies as news of its impending removal circulates among the international community.

MMR

Looking into Moanalua Valley, the original site of the planned H-3 highway until a court ruled in 1977 that the area was a National Historic Landmark and exempt from any construction.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Dropping off the ridge and crossing the parched stream bed as I made my way back out on the Kamananui Valley Trail.

All pau

I met up with Tessa in the park who was my ride if I had continued my mountain traverse, but she was nice enough to drop off a cold carbonated beverage and freshly baked goods for my consumption. Mahalo!

GPS Tracks

My solitary day in the mountains covered 10.7 miles that was covered with a mixed bag of inclement and sunny weather. Not a bad way to spend the day.

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.

I put together this hike to help somebody tackle this particular saddle, but they ended up staying home instead. The show must still go on; so met up with Art and Aya at Moanalua park in the early morning.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Art and Aya crossing one of seven bridges that span the trail. Chris was running fashionably late. Surprised?

Moanalua Valley

Chris catching up with us on the trail. Speedy Gonzales.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Ducking and weaving our way through the hala grove.

Moanalua Falls

Looking at the dry falls to our right as we made our way up the short and steep spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Segregated group photo by gender. I guess the all gender movement hasn’t migrated to the photographic world.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris climbing up the first crumbly rock section. Many more to come.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Why climb, when you can contour on the Windward side.

KSRT

What’s going on here?

Moanalua Saddle

Aya and Art regaining solid ground on the ridge line.

Dirt Triangle

Traversing our way to the most famous obstacle on the saddle.

Dirt Triangle

Aya pulling herself up.

Dirt Triangle

Art making short work of the crumbly obstacle.

Moanalua Saddle

Aya at the top of the dirt triangle and enjoying the views.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going up another crumbly pile of rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back to the other side of hell. The flip side of heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris scrambling up the hot mess of rocks that passes for a crumbly ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Almost there.

Moanalua Saddle

I don’t need no string on a twig to climb this!

Moanalua Saddle

Panoramic view of the saddle overlooking H3 freeway below us in Haiku Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the stairs that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the backdrop of the Waianae Mountain Range as we made our way up the dilapidated stairs.

Moanalua Saddle

The stairs soon petered out to be replaced by a cable that lead us to the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Are we in heaven yet?

Stairway to Heaven

Danny, Quan, Roseann and Tessa had taken the stair shortcut to meet us at the top.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Wishing Art and Chris both belated happy birthday wishes in heaven. How long will it take before somebody recognizes the guy in the shades being hand fed and sitting on top of the building?

CCL Building

Come out and join the crowd!

CCL Building

Group photo left to right: Roseann (stuffing her face), Aya, Chris B, Art, Yuki, Chris F, Quan, Danny, Tessa and myself.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Some eat with forks, others use their fingers. To each their own.

KSRT

We soon took our leave of the summit as Danny and Tessa went back down the stairs and Chris F and Yuki went back down the ridge.

KSRT

Pointing to our exit destination.

KSRT

Roseann enjoying the views.

KSRT

Making our way down to the landmark defunct radio tower.

KSRT

Some preferred to get “shocked” …

KSRT

… while others chose to remain grounded.

KSRT

Chris in between poles.

KSRT

The group climbing up to the grassy knoll.

Tripler Summit

Group photo left to right at the 2,760′ summit: Art, Roseann, myself, Quan, Aya and Chris.

Tripler Summit

Wait! Let me apply my facial before we leave. Does it contain serum or semen?

KSRT

The group traversing to the last summit before the descent down into the saddle.

Bowman Summit

Taking a quick bite and naps before our “serious” hiking starts.

KSRT

Leaving the summit for harder pastures ahead.

Kalihi Saddle

The group coming down the grassy slope.

Stepping Stone

This rock was made for sitting.

Slippery Slope

Somebody needed additional traction and decided to put it on the crumbly side of an exposed cliff with a huge drop. Well, maybe not that huge.

Dirty Slide

I need a helping hand! Or was that a pair of good hands?

Dirty Slide

That was fun! Let’s do it again! Just pass the wipes.

Broken Wave

Going with the flow of the falling rocks.

Broken Wave

Aya climbing her way down one crumbly rock at a time.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing and contouring down the side of the crumbly ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Quan making her way down the tricky climb.

Rock Triangle #1

Roseann going down the hardest climb on this side of the saddle.

Rock Triangle #1

Quan climbing her way down the near vertical section of the rock face.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris watching the rest of the group making their way down.

Rock Triangle #1

Roseann watching Art with her open mouth, I mean eagle eyes.

Hot Wheels Track

Chris giving YawYaw#1 a helping hand to cross a particularly narrow section.

Kalihi Saddle

Quan keeping her center of gravity low by scooting down the narrow and uneven ridge line.

Rock Triangle #2

Climbing our way down on the exposed Windward side.

Rock Triangle #2

Don’t rain any rocks on my parade!

Tightrope

Applying downward pressure to my forward movement, as I didn’t want to experience any downward movement.

Table Top

Art and Roseann climbing their way down the jumbled rock pile.

Standing Wave

Before one can walk, one must learn to crawl first.

Kalihi Saddle

Walking and scooting our way on the narrow strip of rock and dirt bordered on one side by shrubbery and the other side by an exposed drop to the highway.

Scenic Point

Aya striking a pose.

The Hump

Is today Wednesday or Sunday?

Kalihi Saddle

Chris climbing his way down the ridge line.

Witchs Hat

Quan striking a pose before the final up climb.

Witchs Hat

Roseann making her way up the conical shaped rock face.

Witchs Hat

The last tricky down climb.

Witchs Hat

Watch out for snapped webbing!

Camp Centipede

Our last group photo before hiking down into the valley.

Powerlines

Reflecting.

Powerlines Trail

Who brought a headlamp?

All pau

Thanks to Richie and Tessa for meeting and picking us up at the gate. Good job to Aya and Quan for popping their cherry saddles on our 7.59 mile traverse through crumbly terrain, spectacular scenery and good company.

Post hike meal at Zippy’s, one of the few places that was nearby and still open for business at this time of the night. You know service standards are slipping when you send back your lukewarm oxtail soup to get it heated and it comes back at the same temperature. Somebody was too hungry to care and would have slurped down the soup even if it was ice cold. The joys and pangs of hunger.

Photos taken by Art Young, Aya Asanuma, Chris Bautista, Quan Haberstroh, Roseann Fai, 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.

A couple guys wanted to go to heaven, who am I to deny somebody eternal bliss?

Moanalua Valley

Somebody is sleeping in on this Sunday. It’s already past 0730.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Where there are hunters …

Kamananui Valley Trail

… there’s hunting dogs.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Passing through pockets of dense tree groves and 28 stream crossings.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going up the short and steep slope with a trickling falls in the background.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Looking back at the valley that contains five distinct forest types and over nine miles of streams. This was also the original corridor for the H3 highway, but a sacred petroglyph rock stopped the development in its tracks.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Nature’s air conditioning was cranked up something fierce at the panoramic summit.

Moanalua Saddle

Clambering up the first crumbly rock pile. More to come.

Moanalua Saddle

Why climb straight up when you can contour on the Windward side?

Dirt Triangle

Ryan climbing up past the anchor tree that has since been displaced and uprooted.

Moanalua Saddle

Enrique reaching the top of the last major crumbly rockpile.

Moanalua Saddle

Ryan leaving all the hard parts behind us. The price of admission comes with some blood, sweat and tears.

Moanalua Saddle

We took a short break at one of the platforms that used to support the antenna cables that were strung across Haiku Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Ryan going up the back door to heaven. Knock Knock. Who’s there? God. God who? God dammit open these stairs back to the public!

CCL Building

Group photo with the legendary Rainbowman who was also in the company of a female. Staying true to form.

Stairway to Heaven

Fallen angels. I don’t know about the angels part.

Hoist House

Let’s do that spur ridge. I see no ridge. I hear no ridge.

Stairway to Heaven

Coming down the 3,922 steps, which are slated to be demolished by the City sometime in the near future after repeated inflated budget costs and pushbacks. Stay tuned.

Stairway to Heaven

We could have been there instead of here. Next time. Promise?

All pau

Our hike covered 7.57 miles through crumbly and windy conditions, complete with helicopter flyovers and stunning scenery all around. Thanks to Quan for picking us up. Post hike meal at Kenko-ya where yosenabe was good for the soul.

Photos taken by Enrique Chavez, Ryan Meyer 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.

Somebody’s apiphobia with well stung reasons found us back in the saddle again.

Trailhead

Thanks to Quan for dropping Katie, Lilyn and myself off on the side of the highway.

Powerlines

The kid gloves are off. The $5 safety gloves are on for what some claim is the hardest section of the KST. The jury is still out on that.

Powerlines

Looking ahead to the saddle whose summit was sheathed in clouds. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Starting our day off right. Forget the waterfall hikes. This is where it’s at. LOL.

Witch’s Hat

When a hat doesn’t look like a hat. From the backside. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Witch’s Hat

Climbing up our first obstacle of the day. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Witch’s Hat

Katie making her way to the top.

Witch’s Hat

What goes up, must come down. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Witch’s Hat

When a hat looks like a hat. From the frontside.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view from the iconic spot. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking ahead to our climb up the saddle.

Tabletop

Climb or contour. Go big or go home. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Walking on a tightrope of a ridge.

Rock Triangle

Katie going up the Windward side of the rock face. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Rock Triangle

No time to check out the jaw dropping views behind us.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Now we have time.

Rock Triangle

Katie spotting me with her GoPro. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Rock Triangle

No elevator services required. It warmed the cockles of my heart.

Broken Wave

Katie scrambling up the hill whose small rocks and dirt constantly move underfoot. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Broken Wave

Putting one foot in front of the other and you will get to the top.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring in the grassy fields.

Dirty Slide

Going up the slippery and sliding hill that requires upper body strength in abundance. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Dirty Slide

Lilyn coming up the saddle that she described as her favorite hike. Still feel the same?

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way around the Leeward side of the heavily eroded ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing our way out of the dusty saddle.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing the several false peaks before the summit of Kahuauli. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bowman Summit

Congrats to Katie for completing the three saddles of the KST. We were going down the backside of another as a bonus. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Going down the rutted trail also used by HECO workers as marked by their heavy duty ropes.

KSRT

We are not climbing. We are not trespassing. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Going up towards the peak that towers above the Windward neighborhoods and valleys.

Puu Keahi a Kahoe

Making our way up to the eerily deserted CCL building. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Stairway to Heaven

We were not walking down the flight of 3,922 steps. We were taking the easier way down.

Stairway to Heaven

Going down the backside.

KSRT

Checking out the views from one of several platforms that once housed antenna wires that were strung across the valley. Engineering marvels of its day. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Lilyn coming down the overgrown stairs.

Jump

Photo bomber. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

The candid face hiking.

Moanalua Saddle

Perched at the scenic overlook. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Why climb down when you can jump down.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the most eroded section of the saddle. Which is not saying much; as the whole saddle is slowly falling apart, rock by rock, dirt by dirt. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie spotting Lilyn with her GoPro.

Moanalua Saddle

Scooting our way down the crumbly ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Lilyn mindful of her footing coming down the rock pile after Katie dislodged a rock. Rock by rock. Piece by piece.

Dirt Triangle

Contouring our way down the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Dirt Triangle

Trying to take a photo and not get hit by falling rocks. Multi-tasking at its finest.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the biggest and most well known obstacle on this saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring down the Windward side. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie making her way along the narrow strip of dirt that passed for a trail.

Moanalua Saddle

What are we looking at here? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Human anchor pressed back into service. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

The candid face at rest.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving the saddle behind us.

Kulana’ahane Summit

All smiles. Done with the saddles. Time to head down. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going down into the valley that are home to five distinct forest types and nine miles of streams. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Nobody kept track of the stream crossings. It was hard enough to keep track of the seven bridge crossings.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Heading into one of many hau tree groves that dotted the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Valley

End of the trail. We still had that seemingly never ending road to walk out. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

All pau

End of the road. We piled into my truck and headed to our KST party.

Post hike meal

We met up with Aida, Allison, Analyn, Anne, Ed, Janell, Laredo, Quan, Sally and Tessa at the not so secret spot to have our celebration to thank everybody for their support during our KST one shot hike. Thanks to everybody for cooking, coming out and putting up the makeshift tent.

Post hike meal

Despite the fact that it literally rained on our parade, it was good times with fun company and scarfing down the chicken and papaya, oxtail soup, pancit and cheesecake.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered 7.8 miles that had us passing through heaven and ended with good friends and ono eats. Not a bad way to spend the day.

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.

Some of us went to Hell and some of us went to Heaven today. Some of us got two for the price of one. Just depended on how much sweat and tears one wanted to pay for the price of admission.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Quan and Lilyn for dropping Jennifer, Katie, Tessa and myself off at the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area where only campers and chickens populated the park.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking towards all the ridges that connect to the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Nobody was edited out of this photo.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Traversing the open saddle. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Enjoying the scenic views from the 2,441′ hill. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Basking in the manmade and natural views.

Aiea Summit

A lot of sign waving was going on, I just wanted to make my mama saimin.

Aiea Summit

Taking out the trash and possibly releasing my frustration on somebody that was not here to share the load. LOL.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the 2,805′ summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Looking back at all the Windward valleys with their ridges and peaks.

KSRT

Hiking on the windswept ridge with views of Kaneohe Bay ahead of us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

We contoured around the protected plant enclosure where some of us almost got blown down into the valley.

KSRT

This valley, that had stunning views stretching all the way as far as H3 snaking through Halawa Valley.

KSRT

Working our way back towards the ridge.

KSRT

Going up and down false peaks that delayed the scenic gratification. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Almost there, just past this small peak. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KSRT

Going down the grassy ridge with sweeping views. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Welcome to Hell. May your stay be a pleasant one.

Stairway to Hell

The best stairway view. Hands down. You just have to work a little harder for these views.

KSRT

Panoramic view as we left Hell.

KSRT

Jenn going down the stairs that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KSRT

The girls making their way along the rusted cable. Everybody’s tetanus shots are up to date?

KSRT

Climbing up what’s left of the last stair section that is slowly rusting away. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Leaving hell behind us as we warmed up. Quite the contradiction. Photo by Jennifer LaRochelle.

KSRT

Traversing the ridge line with spectacular views of the valleys and mountains around us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Our ending destination as framed by the rusty geodic marker.

KSRT

We found two things on the ridge today, one was anticipated and the other was unexpected. I found somebody’s black jacket with camera inside that was returned to its rightful owner. Katie found or perhaps, roughly 30 bees found her and left a stinging impression. Props to her for keeping her head and not panicking and running off the ridge. My webbing didn’t reach that far. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Red Hill Summit

Anybody got benadryl? The swelling and itching would come later. Photo by Jennifer LaRochelle.

KSRT

Leaving the summit for crumbly ridges. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Scooting our way down the crumbly edge of the cliff.

Moanalua Saddle

Passing the small meadow on our left as we descended down the ridge. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie and Tessa climbing their way down.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way through a patch of trees. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Jenn lowering herself down slowly the crumbly section.

Moanalua Saddle

Uki grass is your constant companion and friend in the mountains. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa on the scenic rock. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie coming down the rocky ridge line. Photo by Jennifer LaRochelle.

Moanalua Saddle

Are we supposed to be contouring or climbing?

Moanalua Saddle

The girls coming down the last hill on the Western half of the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

It was the end of the road for Jenn and Katie as they went down to the valley floor. Kudos to Jenn for working through her anxiety of doing cross overs. She handled the ridges like a champ. Our group still grew in size with the addition of Aida, Ed, Lilyn and Sally who met us at the top. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo left to right: Lilyn, Sally, Aida, Tessa, me, Jenn, Katie and Ed. Photo by Sally Chow.

Moanalua Saddle

Starting our climb up the Eastern half of the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

My webbing stayed in the pack this time around. Photo by Sally Chow.

Moanalua Saddle

Lilyn contouring on the Windward side. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Moanalua Saddle

Aida pulling herself back up to the ridge line. Photo by Sally Chow.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the exposed and eroded ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Panoramic view of the valley and mountains. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back to see that Matt had caught up with us from the valley floor. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Sally on the contour with views of Moanalua Valley.

Dirt Triangle

Climbing up the biggest obstacle on the saddle. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Dirt Triangle

Lilyn pulling herself up. Photo by Sally Chow.

Moanalua Saddle

Ed making short work of the rocks. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

The group slowly making their way up the saddle to make room for the others that were coming up from the contour climb. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

There are humans up there! I’m glad Sally pointed that out, otherwise I might have confused them with aliens or animals. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa coming up the crumbliest section of the saddle. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

We also met up with two other hikers who patiently waited for our group to ascend before they could descend. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Sally going up the short and tricky climb with the help of some dental floss. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa pulling herself up with the last rope on the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

Lilyn stretching her glutues maximus to pull herself up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

We took a leisurely break at the first landing, did calisthenics, munched on moon cake and chilled due to delays at our bottom connection.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa climbing up the ladder. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Having fun on the stairs. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

Perhaps too much fun.

Moanalua Saddle

Sally going up the backside to the world famous attraction that is still bound in purgatory as to its fate. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Moanalua Saddle

Matt coming up the hill where the stairs was replaced with a rusted cable. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

The group approaching the CCL building. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Moanalua Saddle

Sally climbing her way up to Heaven. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Stairway to Heaven

Group photo by Matt Vidaurri in Heaven.

Haiku Stairs

No feces was actually dropped in the making of this photo. Nor did anybody actually get blown away. We also had to take the most direct route down as some of the group had problems with their IT bands and to preclude any medical rescues, we were forced to take the off limits stairs down. Hiking disclaimer.

Haiku Stairs

Leaving Heaven behind us with heavenly views ahead of us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Haiku Stairs

Lilyn’s jump shot. Not a trampoline jump. Close enough. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Haiku Stairs

Sally coming down the stairs while others had their photographic moments being taken. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Haiku Stairs

Approaching the hoist house where somebody was already droning out. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Hoist House

Getting buzzed, in a good way and not a stinging way.

Hoist House

Stemming, sitting and standing.

Haiku Stairs

Waiting for the rest of the group at one of five landings. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Haiku Stairs

One way traffic coming down the stairs. Photo by Sally Chow.

Haiku Stairs

Approaching the last landing that interrupts the 3,922 steps to Heaven. This landing also temporarily hosted a trampoline that was brought and built and dismantled all in one day by a creative group several months ago. While they received a lot of flak and hate, I fall in the minority and heartily applauded their achievement. Nothing was disturbed on the man-made structure, nobody got hurt and people had fun. Just my two cents. Photo by Sally Chow.

Haiku Stairs

Going down the stairs as it lead us underneath the engineering marvel known as the H3 freeway. Photo by Sally Chow.

All pau

Somebody needs to call the City & County and let them know of this potential tripping hazard. Photo by Aida Gordon.

GPS Tracks

Our bookended stairways traversal covered over 9.4 miles through hell, purgatory and heaven. Another fun adventure with good friends in the books. It was Ed and Sally’s first time on this saddle and they hiked it like it was an old friend. Thanks to Allison for driving us back to our cars. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where we were seated with the gay husband and family under the same roof. Oxtail soup was still on the menu. Hot soup does a body good.

Video by Matt Vidaurri of our Moanalua Saddle hike.

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.

The current global pandemic had scuttled my plans to hike the Mount Blanc Trail in Europe, so that’s how I found myself with Anne and Tessa on the fragmented remnants of the Ko’olau Shield Volcano in Hawaii.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Day 1 Saturday – Thanks to Aida for dropping us off as we hiked up the dark and deserted road.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

All hands on the tower that has the largest lens of any lighthouse in the United States. Walking back down the paved road, we met another hiker who surprised us coming up the trail and I fell in the ditch while texting. An auspicious start to our hike.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Going up the rocky trail that was kept in navigational perspective by the shimmering coastal lights and our headlamps.

Makapu’u Puka

Pit stop at the prominent hole in the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Shaka sunrise

Anne greeting our first sunrise of the hike. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hang gliding platform

I believe I can fly. I mean, hike. No drugs allowed on this hike.

KSRT

Going through the fenced enclosures.

KSRT

Leaving the communication towers and former Nike air missile defence site behind us.

KSRT

The girls dipping into the saddle under the withering sun.

KSRT

The ironwood forest granted us temporary shade as we made our way out of the saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Breaking out onto the exposed trail.

Kamiloiki Summit

Sweeping views of the Waimanalo coastline and inviting blue-green waters greeted us at the top. No stop at Camp Awesome today.

KSRT

Making our way through the hardscrabble terrain of this section that is usually scorching hot and the least favorite section of the KST for me, but thankfully it was overcast and relatively cool today.

KSRT

Walking through the feathery ferned forest that always makes me forget that I’m hiking on the KST for some reason. We barely crossed paths with two other female hikers going the opposite way as well. I think they were avoiding us.

Mariner’s Summit

Did my cap shrink or my head get bigger? My money is on the latter.

Kaluanui Summit

Group photo at the abandoned summit with views of the Southern spine of the Ko’olau’s, Olomana and other points of interest.

Mariner’s Summit

Climbing down from the 1,361′ top.

Hahaione Pyramid

We saw three hikers milling around the 1,594′ triangular peak. We declined to join them for the sake of social distancing.

Hahaione Powerlines

Mahalo to Janell for stashing water on the trail.

Between a rock and a hard place

Tessa trying to squeeze her way through on the trail. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pictures Plus

A picture is worth a thousand words. In her case, make it 10,000 words. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Are we there yet?

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Group photo at the usually bustling 2,028′ summit. Where is everybody? Has the zombie apocalypse finally happened? Something close to it. COVID-19, the apologetic apocalypse.

KSRT

Climbing our way up the severely eroded hill. Ropes included.

KSRT

Approaching the oft photographed spot that was lacking a tent and a hiker. Any volunteers? Where is yawyaw#2 when you need her? Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

We passed Pu’u O Kona with a slight pause to take in the cloud covered views before resuming our traverse on the numerous small hills that populated the ridge line.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Taking in another cloud obfuscated view at the barren 2,520′ knob.

KSRT

Approaching the communications tower that signaled the end of our day. We passed the 1,597′ summit and dropped down a bit to reach our camp site.

Camp Wiliwilinui

We reached the heli-pad around 1530. Kudos to Aida, Ed, Sally and Somphet for hiking to our campsite to bring food and drinks that was much appreciated.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Our door dash drivers departing down the mountain.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Good night from our temporary home in the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Day 2 – Sunday. We woke up to a slightly chilly and cloud soaked morning. Cooked up breakfast, broke down camp and pushed off around 0715 on the trail.

Kainawa’aunui Summit

Brief stop at the 2,520′ terminus of the roller coasting ridge. Glad we were not going on that ride today. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Anne scooting her way down the big hill. Sometimes it’s better to go with the flow of gravity rather than resist relativity. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Preparing to transition from standing to scooting. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Catching fleeting valley views before the clouds snatched them away. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The day was turning out to be rather nice as the clouds were melting back into the sky.

KSRT

Tessa pushing her way through chest high overgrowth on the trail. It’s all a matter of perspective. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Looking ahead to the powerline towers that ring one of three tuff cones on this island.

KSRT

After bringing somebody back on the trail as she either wanted to fetch water or go home, we all made our way down the rutted trail.

Ka’au Crater

Peering into the marshy crater that is sandwiched in between civilization and the base of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ka’au Crater

Snack break at the top of the rim. In fact, this is the hike where I first met yawyaw #1. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The mountains are calling and we answered. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

The girls climbing towards the notch of Olympus.

KSRT

Anne climbing her way up the steep hill to have an audience with Zeus. Sorry, wrong mythology. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Awaawaloa Summit

Group photo by Tessa Bugay at the 2,486′ top.

Wa’ahila Ridge Trail

Walking down the severely rutted trail that would give Moanalua Middle Ridge and Ka’au Crater a run for their money.

KSRT

Making our way on the uluhe smothered trail that afforded grand views of Manoa Valley and points beyond.

KSRT

Threading our way around the stand of pine trees blockading the ridge line.

Manoa Middle Summit

Tessa on the terminus of the ridge that drops down into Manoa Valley. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

The girls passing a small meadow on their way up.

KSRT

Mesmerized by the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains that was colored in different shades of green. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Climbing false peak after false peak. The suspense just drags in the mountains.

K2 Summit

We bumped into Bill, Chris and Shirley who had just come up from the Pali and were on their way down to Manoa Middle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Butt grab

Some mountain traditions must be maintained.

KSRT

Traversing between the two large, hairy testicles.

Konahuanui Summit

Uncommonly clear day on the highest peak that soars to 3,150′ on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Piliwale Junction

Passing the spot where the Windward ridge drops down into Maunawili Valley.

Mud Wall

Going down the slippery slope. Right after this, the mountains grabbed a souvenir from my head and sent it down the side of the ridge. Not wanting to give up my sun protection, I scrambled down and recovered my cap.

Nu’uanu Saddle

No rock climbing today.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The girls climbing down the ridge that looks steeper than it actually is. Rear view hiking.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We contoured the rock face that had sent a friend falling 300′ down into the trees and survived over eight years ago.

Chimney

Tessa oscillated on her way down as the bigger pack threw her balance off.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The girls decided to contour the nipple instead of going up and over. Taking the scenic route.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We delayed our arrival at the lookout due to unwanted visitors at the bottom.

Camp Pali

Thanks to Aida, Art, Lilyn and Quan for bringing us vittles and all the fixings. It was much appreciated. Lilyn also brought a portable shower which Tessa promptly drained all the water while still lathered in shampoo, so Quan had to finish her off with a jug of water. Teamwork. Team KAT + Q.

Camp Pali

Goodnight and don’t let the night marchers bite. Photo by Anne Fai.

Trash Day

Day 3 – Monday. Mahalo to Quan for bringing us breakfast fresh out of a fast food eatery. We greeted a city and county employee on our way to the trail. Lost in translation. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Tessa coming up the pine needle carpeted trail.

Depend

Somebody was having a bad case of incontinence due to her internal or external bladder leaking. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pali Puka

Trying to capture the whole hole. Framing and perspective somehow got lost in the process. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Welcome to the jungle, we got fun and games. All day.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking ahead to our destination in the heavens. Photo by Anne Fai.

Nu’uanu Saddle

My right hand had swelled up to fatty proportions, due to a bee sting the day before, as I must have brushed against a flower in pollination. This allowed me to grab more of the rocks, albeit a little lopsided. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Anne scrambling her way up.

W

Making our way to the 23rd letter in the alphabet. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Deviled egg

Tessa literally sucked in her smashed boiled egg. Killing two birds with one inhaler. Photo by Anne Fai.

Donkey Kong

The girls dropping and contouring their way down the side of the letter shaped obstacle.

W

Anne and Tessa finally climbing down after looking for a non-existent contour.

Anvil

Preparing to drop down on the moveable rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Anvil

Anne hugging the side of the cliff as the trail was barely wide enough to hold our feet.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Huffing and puffing our way up the last steep section on this side of the saddle.

KSRT

The girls making their way to the heavenly summit that was surprisingly clear of any swirling.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the 2,700′ hill with sweeping mountain and coastal views.

KSRT

Leaving the summit after our lunch break. Somebody almost took the trail down to Alewa Heights. Thoughts of bailing must have been still swirling in her head.

Kalihi Saddle

Following the ridge line as it curved down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls carefully climbing their way down.

Dirt Dragon

Petting what’s left of the dragon. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls scooting their way down the crumbly mess.

Kalihi Saddle

The saddle’s so windy, I got to wear shades. Borrowed shades. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls coming down through the thicket of woody climbers.

Lanihuli Wall

Descending down the near vertical flank of the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lanihuli Wall

The other descent option, the suicidal climb down the can opener. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lanihuli Wall

Following the white rope on our way down the ridge’s flank as we contoured our way back to the ridge line under the ominous rock jutting out from the can opener. One day it’s going to pop and I hope nobody is around.

Kalihi Saddle

Less texting, more hiking. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne scooting down the unstable pile of rocks, as it literally shed rocks each time one of us crossed over.

Kalihi Saddle

Popping the pimple on my way up. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne contouring around the sliver of a rock pile.

Doorstop

Working for Allstate. You’re in good hands. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Bunny Ears

Standing on one ear.

Bunny Ears

Sitting on the other one. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving the bunny ears behind us as we didn’t find any rabbit’s foot either on the trail.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne heading out to Shark Fin. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Powerlines

We were not going to make heaven today after all.

Camp Centipede

Many thanks to Art and Ben who delivered Filipino sardines, haole cooked rice and drinks. No centipedes crawling around today. My hand had puffed out to maximum tightness, Anne gave me some Benadryl to reduce the swelling. Tessa said if my swelling didn’t go down soon, I should go see a doctor. Do doctors still make house calls? In the mountains?

Camp Centipede

Our camp site overlooking the home of the wallabies. We went to sleep as strong winds and rain tested our tents. One would fail. Somebody was praying that rain storms would lash the mountains so hard that she could go home. Thankfully her request was not answered. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

Day 4 – Tuesday. We not only woke up to the sun breaking through the clouds but daylight breaking through my tent. At least my swelling had gone down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

The clouds didn’t look too inviting as they rolled through the saddle, so we stayed put until more favorable weather conditions manifested itself. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

Shout out to Lilyn and Quan who swung by our camp site to loan me her tent. Back in business.

Kalihi Saddle

And just like that; the sun came out to play, so we pushed off around 0900.

Witch’s Hat

Anne climbing down the conical shaped rock that is perhaps closely related to the witch’s toes.

Kalihi Saddle

Slowly making our way across the crumbly ridge line.

Rock Triangle

Anne climbing her way up the Leeward side before working her way up the rock face. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Broken Wave

Looking back at the narrow and eroded ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne was either practicing her ninja skills or spider skills. Either way, she needs more work. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Dirty Slide

Pulling myself up the slippery slope. Some would argue this is the hardest obstacle on this side of the saddle. The jury is still out on that as well. Photo by Anne Fai.

Dirty Slide

All the hard parts were behind us now as we just had to climb up to the 2,740′ summit of Kahuauli.

KSRT

No stops at the overgrown summit of Bowman or the flat and open 2,760′ summit of Tripler before running across the defunct radar tower.

Stairway to Heaven

We topped out at Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe before traversing the short muddy trail to heaven, which was lacking the usual live souls. Photo by Anne Fai.

Stairway to Heaven

The skies soon cleared and we were treated to heavenly views at the 2,480′ summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Thanks to Allison and Laredo for stashing water and snacks for us. The rats had helped themselves to some of the tasty vittles. More for them, less for us.

Moanalua Saddle

Coming down the dilapidated stairs that time forgot.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down what some would argue is the more eroded of the three main saddles. The jury’s still out on that one too. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Anne spotting Tessa as she climbed down the crumbly and steep section.

Moanalua Saddle

Hugging the rocks as we climbed down, some more tightly than the others.

Dirt Triangle

Anne contouring her way down the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving all the main obstacles behind us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa coming down one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Going up and over the last hump for the day. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

We reached the summit around 1630, set up camp and watched the setting sun torch the tips of the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Catching the fiery sunset and making noodles for dinner. Just another day in the mountains.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Going to bed as the city lights in the background provided our night lights. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Day 5 – Wednesday. We cooked our breakfast, broke down camp and pushed off around 0800 on the trail.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way up the relatively easier side of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa climbing out of the saddle. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

We passed Red Hill Summit and crossed over the H3 as it sliced through Halawa Valley below us. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Going down the rusted stairs that took us to hell. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Following the broken stairs to hell as we got a slice of heavenly views on our way. It was a good contrast. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Hell

Group view at the more scenic stairway. No arguments. Hands down.

KSRT

Climbing our way out of hell.

KSRT

Dropping down and contouring our way around the fenced plant enclosure. I still have yet to see the protected plants.

KSRT

Looking into the wind blasted and cloud tinted valley views. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Getting back on the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Anne reaching the 2,805′ summit at high noon with surprisingly clear views. Despite having more than enough time on our hands, we called it a day. It would turn out to be good timing in the end.

Camp Aiea

Set up camp and picked up our supplies that Aida, Ed, Sally and Somphet had brought up earlier in the week. Much appreciation for the assistance guys.

Camp Aiea

We had a lot of time on our hands and feet due to our early arrival. Who brought the playing cards? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Day 6 – Thursday. We broke down camp and with our packs a little heavier, hit the trail at a little past 0700.

KSRT

Putting our heads down as we started the major cardio section of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Hills after hills. Our mountain workout.

Waimalu Summit

We paused to take our group photo on the flat grassy plateau that was largely devoid of trees, just a lot of wind.

Waimalu Meadows

Going down the spongy spur ridge as we dropped below the cloud cover.

Waimalu Meadows

The largest grassy meadows on the Ko’olau Range. Often called mythical and magical. Both doesn’t do it justice.

Waimalu Meadows

Looking at the windswept meadows with the palm trees tucked into its nooks and crannies.

Waimalu Meadows

Anne getting back on the ridge line.

Waimalu Meadows

One last look before the clouds swallowed her back up.

KSRT

The clouds came back to keep us cool and under cover.

KSRT

Descending down into the saddle to meet a familiar face and a frozen coke.

Waimano Summit

Group photo at the 2,160′ summit that looks into Waihe’e Valley. Art had hiked up to meet us and join our hike to the end. Unfortunately, he sprained his ankle on his way up and had to turn around. We made the best of the situation and cannabalized his supplies. Including a can of spam. Something that yawyaw #1 would regret.

KSRT

Slow scramble out of the saddle. It’s hard to get back in the groove when you’ve been sitting in one spot too long.

KSRT

We passed the landmark landslide as we continued our traverse on the ridge line.

KSRT

Looking back at the clouds streaming over the mountains from Windward to Leeward.

KSRT

Tessa walking on the fence for a change.

KSRT

Following the sometimes confusing spur ridge to the meadows. Photo by Anne Fai.

Eleao Meadows

Anne passing the red haired stepchild of Waimalu Meadows at the 2,654′ top.

Camp Manana

Having dinner at the typical socked in summit. We just had to look at each other for the views.

Camp Manana

It was a tight fit, but we shoehorned our three tents onto the 2,660′ knob. One was more sheltered than the others. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Day 7 – Friday. We woke up with no centipede surprises, ate breakfast, broke down camp and hit the now clear trail around 0745.

KSRT

Passing by the distinctive moss encrused ohia tree. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Coming down the tricky turn. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

The Corner

Descending down into the land of creek and clouds. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

The Corner

Brushing our teeth and filtering water for our hydration needs. Water was for the most part clear and while not running, was not exactly stagnant. Good enough for our purposes.

KSRT

Anne ducking under the moss encrusted tree tunnel. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Walking into a postcard. The views on this side are just too pretty for words and not enough justice for pictures.

KSRT

Approaching the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Losing elevation, that we will soon have to gain back. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waiawa Gap

Anne found a hat to keep the glove company. Photo by Anne Fai.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping down the grassy and spongy flank of the ridge that was dotted with native palm trees.

Waiawa Gap

What? We not stopping here! Get bees flying all over the place!

Waiawa Gap

Let’s make like a bee and buzz off!

Waiawa Gap

Climbing our way out of the gap.

KSRT

Choosy moms choose Jif. Nom nom, mama make me mama saimin. Dumpster diving for “rubbish rice.”

KSRT

Sweeping panoramic valley and ridge views.

KSRT

Passing a distant cousin of Waimalu Meadows.

KSRT

We soon caught the only rain showers on our entire hike through the mountains. Thankfully Mother Nature kept it a short visit at 30 minutes.

Kipapa Summit

No flying geese were spotted at the 2,786′ socked in summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Anne coming down the hill.

KST

Walking across the ridgeline against the backdrop of Waiahole, Waikane and Kahana valleys. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Rusty

Dropping down into the former site of the Kipapa Cabin, now our campsite for the night.

Camp Rusty

Good night and don’t let the rusty metal bite. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Rusty

Day 8 – Saturday. Leaving our last camp site that we would need to use a tent. Looking forward to communal living in the cabins. I also woke up to a swollen left hand, guess the bees wanted to make it a complete pair.

Waiahole

Walking through a mixture of ferns and clidemia undergrowth that was shaded by the stand of sugi pine trees.

KST

Standing on the notch with the Waianae Mountain Range in the background. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Selfie Stick Junction

It works better with a phone. Just saying.

Tree of Life

Approaching the back of the meadows that are home to horizontal and vertical sugi pine trees.

Tree of Life

Taking photographic advantage of the uncommonly clear meadows.

KST

Pulling our way up the ridge line. And then there was the disagreement on where to get off to get back on the trail. Let’s take the hard way.

KST

Holding hands and singing kumbaya on the trail. Just don’t let go.

KST

Views of Kahana Valley.

KST

Views of a dirty hiker. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Crossing the well-trodden landslide.

KST

Traversing what is arguably the most scenic stretch of the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

The easily missed metal stake that marks the junction.

KST

Making our way on the ridge line.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Lunch break at the original terminus of the KST.

Do not feed the animals

Rare sighting of the Ko’olau goose and common sighting of the fence line.

KST

Enjoying a relatively wide section of the trail.

Pauao Junction

No views of Kahana and Punaluu valleys for us today.

Happy dance

The gate. The gate. We’re home!

KST

No dancing. Just take our picture. Photo by Anne Fai.

KST

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) used dynamite to carve these trails from the steep cliffs back in the 1930s. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Cabin

We got to the cabin around 1415 and the party of Analyn, Bill and Shirley arrived shortly after using two legged drive to come up the five mile road.

Log entry

Leaving our comments in the storied cabin books.

Poamoho Cabin

Girls just want to have fun.

Poamoho Cabin

Somebody was smacking their lips over Foodland’s salt’n’vinegar chicken wings. Served up with surprisingly tasty instant mashed potatoes with gravy. Somebody needs to learn to drink in moderation.

Camp Poamoho

Hear that? Count your lucky stars that you can’t. Somebody was snoring so loud they would have put a drunken sailor to shame. Even hearing the rats fight outside was infinitely more preferable.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 9 – Sunday. We cleaned up the cabin, harvested some taro and headed out at a little past 0800.

Poamoho Cabin

The vegetable farmer showing how she carries her heavy load. That’s using your head. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Anne following the fence to the summit.

Poamoho Summit

It’s hard to believe, but back in 1941, the US Army proposed paving the entire trail to the summit. Luckily it never materialized as the summit would have been overrun with people crowding one of the best scenic spots on the island. Too late. You should be here!

KST

We said goodbye to our friends as they went back down the Poamoho trail, as we continued on the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

KST

Coming up the trail to the fence. Go right to stay on trail. Go left to explore. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Meandering through the mountains with majestic views all around us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

No, I don’t want to shake your hand. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Sometimes it feels like we are cattle being fenced in the pastures.

Boot Junction

Kicking it up.

KST

We crossed the spongy meadow to reconnect to the fence on the other side.

KST

Climbing down the ravine that spills out into a waterfall.

KST

Mud. Our constant cloying companion on the Northern KST.

KST Junction

Going down the rabbit hole. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

If I push this one, my f*cking feet go inside too! My knee. My ankle. Kenji, I’m really stuck! I no more energy. Wait, my shoe is right there! I need to take off my bag. The running commentary was hilarious.

Papali Junction

Taking a well deserved break after almost a half hour of sole sucking mud.

KST

Back on the trail.

KST

When the overgrowth almost swallows you on the trail.

KST

Showing off our mud dipped shoes. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Sitting on the scenic rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Life Alert

My back sore. My knees sore. How am I going to answer nature’s calls?

KST

Tessa climbing out of the hole that signaled we were close to the cabin.

KST

The fence. The fence. We’re home!

Koloa Cabin

We arrived at the open cabin around 1530 and cooked up chicken gumbo and mashed potatoes for our dinner. Somebody spilled the gravy.

Log entry

Same message, different cabin. We went too sleep early again or tried too as some of us didn’t have earplugs.

Koloa Cabin

Day 10 – Monday. Waking up to our last day in the mountains. We made a big bowl of combined saimin, cleaned the cabin and left around 0800.

KST

Tessa swinging over the fence line go get back on the muddy trail.

Koloa Cabin Mud Run

I think I was the only participant in the mud race. I guess I won. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Walking on the uluhe carpeted trail.

KST

Leaving the fence behind and something else. What could it be? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lost & Found

Anne realized she had left her phone somewhere back on the trail, so she backtracked a bit and luckily found it.

KST

Crossing the bowl shaped depression to regain the ridge line.

KST

Following the trail as it wound its way through the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Laie Summit

Looking for views from the 2,240′ foxhole.

KST

We resumed our hike on the most overgrown section of the KST.

KST

The overgrowth was only up to our knees at the start. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Traversing the countless switchbacks through the mountains.

Malaekahana Junction

Somebody almost missed the junction. Need to slow down and smell the glove. Photo by Tessa Bugay

KST

Looking at the windmills pinwheeling in the distance.

KST

Halfway there! Time for lunch. Photo by Tessa Bugay

KST

You want some of mama’s saimin?

KST

Plunging back into the overgrowth that was a mixture of uluhe ferns, strawberry guava trees and other plants that constantly tried to keep us at bay.

KST

Breaking out into the much needed fresh air.

KST

Are we there yet?

NSFW

I needed to go potty, but since the girls surged ahead with the wipes, I had to use my potty mouth instead. Diarrhea of the mouth.

Pu’u Hina

Finally empty and relieved, it was all smiles at the 1,896′ summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

The girls coming down the summit. Almost home.

Black Junction

A big thanks to Janell and Quan for meeting us with celebratory drinks that came in different flavors.

Black Junction

Our journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range had come to its conclusion. Thanks again to Team KAT and our friends that supported us on our hike, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Black Junction

Trying to douse ourselves and each other with champagne was harder than it looked.

Black Junction

We collected our liquid leftovers and took a final group photo before heading down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pupukea

Taking the trail back to civilization.

Pupukea

Making our way down the graded footpath that was strewn with fallen tree branches of assorted sizes.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Somebody just couldn’t wait to get out of their hiking shoes as we also crossed paths with a lot of mountain bikers.

All pau

Thanks to Katie and Richard for picking up three ripe hikers and two hitchhikers up, if somebody could just figure out how to open the doors and also to Dale that looked out for any furry rodents so that we wouldn’t get bitten.

GPS Tracks

Our hike across the entire Ko’olau Mountain Range covered the distance of two marathons, a little over 52 miles. It was quite the mountain marathon. Priceless memories with good friends.

Post hike meal

Agnes, Aida, Art, Bill, Chris, Dale, Janell, Jenn, Katie, Lilyn, Quan, Richard and family and Shirley joined us at Haleiwa Joe’s, the one in Haleiwa and not Kaneohe, for our first civilized meal in 10 days. Thanks to Jenn for the fragrant leis that worked hard to mask our pungent odors and to Lilyn for our one shot patron for the one shot hike.

Post hike meal

Mahalo to Dale, Quan and the waitress for our hefty cut of cow dinners. Thanks again to our friends for coming out and their support! It was quite the adventure and experience.

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.

Back to back KST completion hikes saw us back at the world famous Haiku Stairs. Mahalo to Quan for dropping Aida, Lilyn, Tessa and myself off at Aiea. Thank goodness we didn’t get lost from Kahalu’u. Photo by Art Young.

Haiku Stairs

Climbing up the steep stairs while attempting to recover something of important medical value that we had lost on our last unexpected trip.

Trampolining

I don’t see a bright future in mimicry for these girls. Jumping jacks is not the same as bouncing up and down.

Hoist House

Catching sight of the CCL building perched on top of the ridge line.

Hoist House

Hope that pulley doesn’t fall and give somebody a bad headache one day. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Hoist House

Lilyn capturing the sun. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Haiku Stairs

The upper landing and stairs were clogged with campers catching the sunrise.

Haiku Stairs

Yielding to the traffic on the stairs. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Group photo left to right: Aida, myself, Tessa and Lilyn.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Taking our leave of the popular camping spot.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Looking ahead to the noticeable man-made infrastructures topping the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Leaving the defunct radio tower behind us.

Tripler Summit

Shadows on the summit. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Bowman Summit

Group photo at the 2,740′ summit. The last one we would step foot on today.

Kalihi Saddle

Getting ready to drop in on the saddle. Hang on tight. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting our way down the narrow strip of dirt that passes for a ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring on the crumbly Leeward side. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

This was either a nail biting or butt clenching moment for Lilyn. Only her manicurist or proctologist would know. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at our steep and crumbly descent from the summit.

Dirty Slide

Enjoying the ride down. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring our way back to the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Passing the non-existent wave on our way down. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Tessa coming down one crumbly rock at a time. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Lilyn coming down the Leeward side of the hardest rock triangle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a mynah bird! It’s a drone! … Photo by Aida Gordon.

Rock Triangle

… It’s Lilyn! Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

One yawyaw and two substitutes at the bottom of the obstacle.

Kalihi Saddle

Going down the Hot Wheels Track. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way over the crumbly, uneven and narrow ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

I never get tired of these views. I suppose that’s why I’m a frequent visitor.

Rock Triangle

Lilyn climbing down on the Windward side. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Rock Triangle

Tessa looking for her next foothold. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

To scoot or to walk? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

This is not your father’s dirt dragon.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way to the place where no reservations are required. First come, first serve. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Tabletop

The girls climbing down through the rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Riding the wave of a ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

It’s always hump day somewhere in the mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

Soaking in the views at the iconic photo spot. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Aida coming down the steep and rocky section.

Witch’s Hat

Scrambling up the pointy obstacle in under two minutes. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at the steep drop that we had just climbed down. Never fails to disappoint. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Witch’s Hat

Art had come to meet us and was expecting a continued hike to the Pali and all he got was this ghetto candle. It’s the thought that counts. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Witch’s Hat

Best wishes on your birthday with a real candle.

Witch’s Hat

Lilyn going down the backside.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way over the still surprisingly narrow ridge line. The saddle was not over yet. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Lilyn working her way towards the knob. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Are we done? Am I finished?

Slacklining

We had time to kill so I decided to see if I could make a better go at mimicry than the girls. It’s best that I keep my day job. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Services rendered

That, and a nickel, will get me a can of Coke. Wait a minute! Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Powerlines

Group photo at the terminus of our hike. All smiles. We weren’t going to the Pali after all.

All pau

We were going to the Pali after all, but by mechanized means. Thanks to Quan and Sally for picking us up. We also found a iphone and turned it over to our AT&T contact.

Pali Lookout

Does anybody have a bottle opener? Since somebody didn’t get the twist off caps. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pali Lookout

Pouring champagne on Lilyn to celebrate her completion of the KST. Congratulations! Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Katie, Narissa, Petra, Quan, Chris and Sally for joining the champagne celebration.

Post hike meal

We grabbed food from Pampanga Kitchen and found out that persistence pays off when you want those halo-halos. We all retired to Casa Avendano where some had shots that took them to hell without even setting foot on the hike itself, some of us picked fruit from the neighbors yard, blondie went off the inebriated deep end and wrestled quite vigorously for her phone, Art showed off his dancing skills while enjoying a real birthday cake, and Agnes swung by with free eggs in hand, while some of us practiced our city and county skills while trying to figure out how to set up a tent and all these activities were papered over with a very direct, loud and opinionated New York accent. Fun times had by all.

GPS Tracks

Our 4.15 mile hike through heaven and down a crumbly saddle marked the end of the road for Lilyn’s KST completion. Cheers and congratulations again to her.

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.

It was time to break in another saddle cherry. At this rate, I should go into the edible business.

Wilson substation

Thanks to Quan for dropping Analyn, Kip and myself off on the side of Likelike Highway where we walked up the mosquito infested service road to start our hike.

Powerlines Trail

Working our way up to the powerline poles that supply electricity to the Windward side.

Powerlines Trail

It was quite breezy once we hit the exposed ridge, so somebody had to put on additional layers to stay insulated.

Kalihi Saddle

Working our way up the ridge. So far, easy peasy. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic views of the Windward side that can’t be beat.

Kalihi Saddle

Just missing the spiced rum. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

Witch’s Hat

Climbing up the backside, which is considerably shorter than the front side. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

Witch’s Hat

Kip making his way down the front side of the pointed rock.

Witch’s Hat

Analyn posing at one of the most photographed spots on this side of the saddle. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

Hump Day

It’s only Sunday. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking forward to our uphill climb. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

Kalihi Saddle

Photographing the photographer on the skinnier section of the skinny ridge.

Tabletop Rock

Bypassing the webbing and climbing up directly. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

Tabletop Rock

Analyn making her way up. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

Kalihi Saddle

Watching our step as we climbed our way up, as every foothold and handhold are suspect due to the crumbly nature of the saddle.

Rock Triangle #1

Climbing up the Windward side. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

Rock Triangle #1

Kip pulling himself to the top.

Hot Wheels Track

Passing over the eroded section that overhangs the ridge.

Rock Triangle #2

Working myself up the Leeward side. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Rock Triangle #2

Analyn looking for her next handhold as she makes her way up. Photo by Kip Mizushima

Broken Wave

The ground going up was extremely slippery underfoot due to the loose rocks. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Kalihi Saddle

We soon left the ridge line to contour on the Leeward side which gave us temporary refuge from the winds that were blowing up to 40mph. Quite a dramatic departure from two weeks ago when the winds didn’t even tickle us. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Dirty Slide

Looking for the webbing in the suffocating and overgrown dry grass. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Dirty Slide

Analyn pulling herself up with webbing that I thought gets longer when you pull on it, but this one was shorter than previous trips.

Dirty Slide

Vidi sedere venero. Not as catchy sounding as veni vidi vici. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

Kalihi Saddle

Crossing the section where the trail is eroded and slanted down towards the valley.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way up the serpentine ridge to Pu’u Kahuauli.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

I always appreciate the views when the clouds are just hanging over the mountains and how it keeps them at bay on one side.

KSRT

Hello from the other side.

Bowman Summit

Group photo at the 2,740′ peak, left to right: myself, Analyn and Kip.

KSRT

Leaving the summit as we hiked the multiple short ups and downs.

Tripler Summit

Analyn and Kip at the 2,760′ grassy clearing.

Hot Seat

Is this thing still active? Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Analyn and Kip leaving the 2,820′ benchmark to begin the slippery and muddy slope to heaven.

CCL Building

Making our way to the only sheltered building on the ridge.

KSRT

Kip with the backdrop of Kalihi Saddle. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Stairway to Heaven

This is what Heaven looks like from 2,480′.

Stairway to Heaven

Did I mention the wind was blowing hard? Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Stairway to Heaven

We had planned to go down Moanalua Middle Ridge; however Analyn’s knees were bothering her, so we decided to go down the most direct route, which happened to be the stairs. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Stairway to Heaven

Going down all 3,922 steps, give or take.

Stairway to Heaven

But first there was a photo shoot going on almost every single step of the stairs. Slight exaggeration. Photos by Analyn Baliscao.

Stairway to Heaven

The landslide that time forgot and the colorful character that nobody can forget.

Stairway to Heaven

Making our way down on the vertical section of the stairs. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Haiku Ladder

I can’t believe that some of the original wooden ladders that were staked into the cliff side in 1942, are still lying around at the bottom. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

All pau

Our saddle to heaven hike had gusty winds, heavenly views and a rainbow at the end. Sweet little hike with great friends. A big mahalo to Laredo for meeting and dropping us off at our truck. Post hike meal at Pho My Vi where hot soup does a body good.

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.