Somebody waited five years to finish this section. Good things come to those who wait.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Alex and Lilia for dropping Chico, Katie and myself off at our starting point today.

Pali Puka Trail

Inside or outside trail?

Pali Puka

Group photo in the hole in the cliff, that was witness to the Battle of Nu’uanu in 1795 that saw Kamehameha take over the island of Oahu.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Climbing up the short and slippery slope to regain the ridgeline.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the breaking sunrise over Olomana.

Incisor Rock

Time to put the spikes on to floss the slippery tooth.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the crumbly ridgeline.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making our way down the constantly changing character as erosion takes its toll. What’s here today, gone tomorrow.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Approaching the 23rd letter of the alphabet.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pausing on the grassy hill overlooking Nu’uanu Reservoir #4 which was built in 1910 for flood control and water supply for the surrounding areas.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Katie descending down the flank of the hill to regain the ridgeline.

W

Contouring and climbing our way on the triple diked obstacle.

W

Making our way down the sliver of rock and dirt that seems a tad more slender on each visit.

Anvil

Whipping winds were blowing dirt into any exposed open orifices. Anybody got Visine?

Anvil

Chico pulling himself up the constantly crumbling hill that is still more preferable than the original contour route IMO. To each their own.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Our group making our way up to the hill after the long climb.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back as we saw the three trail runners catching up to us.

KSRT

Making our way towards the summit known as Swirling Heavens.

Lanihuli Summit

Adriana, Stacy and Susana soon caught up with us at the 2,700′ top and decided to join us to the finish line. The more the merrier.

KSRT

Descending from the summit against the expansive backdrop of the Windward coastline.

KSRT

Chico putting his ScuttleButt to good use on the grassy hill.

Kalihi Saddle

Sliding our way down into what some hikers argue is one of the hardest sections of the KST. I would argue it’s Diamond Head, but then again the iconic tuff cone is not part of the mountain range system.

Dirt Dragon

The group riding the dusty creature that is near the brink of extinction.

Kalihi Saddle

Susana and the rest of the group balancing our way down the skinny and crumbly ridgeline that is seemingly held together with grass, uki and woody climbers.

Lanihuli Wall

Katie descending down the long drop on the flank of the ridgeline.

Lanihuli Wall

Waiting for the rest of the group to descend down the wall which is notorious for falling rocks, I can bear witness to that.

Lanihuli Wall

The girls contouring their way around the Can Opener.

Can Opener

Katie and Susana under the shadow of the Can Opener and what I like to call the “Bulging Fridge.” A sizeable rock that seems to jut out inch by inch every time I pay a visit to this spot. Or maybe I just have an active imagination.

Can Opener

Group photo at the scenic saddle spot.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way down the brittle ledge.

Kalihi Saddle

Katie making her way down the near vertical drop.

Pimple

It was too windy to pop the pimple today, despite a willing volunteer.

Doorstop

Climbing queue, as Adriana and Stacy wait their turn.

Doorstop

Stacy approaching the top of the wedge shaped obstacle.

Bunny Ears

Pete Clines the legendary hiker was the one that gave these “silly names” to these obstacles on Kalihi Saddle so as to make them less intimidating.

Bunny Ears

Katie striking a pose on the mushroom rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Living life on the edge. Or as skydivers would say, “If you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.”

Kalihi Saddle

Searching for the triangle shaped obstacle.

Shark Fin

Thar she is!

Powerlines

Victory dance at the finish line. Congratulations Katie on completing the KST!

Powerlines Trail

Descending down into Kalihi Valley, that are home to a colony of Australian rock wallabies, that escaped from the private zoo of Richard Trent in 1916. The last survey conducted in the 1990s pegged the marsupial population to number in the 70s.

Kalihi Valley

Never let your feet touch the ground.

All pau

Walking out to the highway where we were picked up by Alex and Lilia.

GPS Tracks

Our KST completion hike covered 2.97 miles through two saddles and unexpected company. Congratulations again to Katie for a finish that was long in the making. Post hike meal at Nalu Health Bar & Cafe where I was pleasantly surprised by the menu offerings.

Photos taken by Adriana Hunter, Chico Cantu, Katie Lockerton, Stacy Paquette, Susana Escobar 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 former marine joined our saddle hike today who improvised, adapted and overcame with aplomb. Semper Fi.

Pali Lookout

Oh the weather outside looked frightful, but the hikers were so delightful, and since we’ve no place to go, Ferlino took us to the pali’s sheer cliffs which was so dreadful back in 1795 that claimed hundreds if not thousands of lives in the battle that lead to the eventual unification of the Hawaiian islands. We hopped over the rock wall that was thoughtfully repaired so that we wouldn’t trip over it under the cover of twilight.

Pali Lookout

Coming up the short and steep trail with the Pali Highway and tunnels behind me that was opened to the public back in 1962. Before that, there were no tunnels, just 22 hairpin turns that allowed people to traverse the narrow road from the Windward side to the town side. And before that, the Pali was just a cliff trail that had to be traversed with ropes and ladders. Times have changed.

Pali Puka

Chris trying to take the perfect sunrise shot through the puka in the rocks.

Pali Trail

Climbing our way up the steeply rooted and rocked hill laced with ropes for the assist.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Breaking out onto the narrow ridgeline that afforded a sweeping view of the rising sun as she lit up the landscape below us.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We saw a faint rainbow left over from the rain showers that had washed over the mountains earlier in the morning.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the chossy rocks through a combination of hand and footholds, uki grass and questionable ropes. Preferably in that order.

Incisor Rock

Paul straddling the narrow rocks. The ax that was once wedged in these rocks had taken their leave of the mountains. Perhaps by man or nature.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Time waits for no man. That man is Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the expansive views of the Windward side.

W

Approaching the 23rd letter in the alphabet to discover that the rope had snapped in several places.

W

Cresting the top of the first hill.

W

Descending down the steep flank.

W

Contouring and climbing through the double v shaped rocks using hand and footholds, uki grass, questionable wire and ratchet straps. Preferably in that order.

W

We both came down our own ways on that skinny finger of a mountain.

Anvil

Chris wanted to climb the hot mess of rocks, since the shaky anvil rock had finally bit the dust. A decidedly crumbly route. That’s a hard no.

Anvil

We had to trust the ropes coming down as it was now secured to another shaky tree or rock. It was a long roll down if things had gone the wrong way.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The hard parts were behind us as we traversed the cloud soaked ridge line. During the hike to the summit, I had clumsily hyperextended my left leg, tenderizing my knee and ankle. The hard parts were now ahead of me.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the summit of the massive mountain that is aptly named swirling heavens, more like socked in clouds today.

KSRT

Descending from the 2,700′ summit as we slipped under the cloud cover.

Kalihi Saddle

The wide terrain soon funneled into the classic narrow saddle ridgeline.

Dirt Dragon

Chris and Paul standing and sitting on the shell of its former self.

Dirt Dragon

What exactly is holding this pile of rocks and dirt together? I don’t think we want to know.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody almost took an unexpected one way ride down to 911 territory.

Lanihuli Wall

Dropping down the steep flank of the ridgeline.

Lanihuli Wall

Contouring our way around the Can Opener and back to the ridgeline.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking our group photo under the shadow of the bulging refrigerator rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Coming down the “rock terrace.”

Pimple

Paul climbing down as Chris couldn’t wait to pop the pimple.

Doorstop

Going up the rockface that always seems to shed rocks every time I see it.

Doorstop

Climbing up the hardest obstacle on this section, everything left was “relatively” tamer.

Bunny Ears

Traversing between the two definitely not fluffy rock faces.

Bunny Ears

Paul hopping over the mushroom rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking down at one of the most expensive interstate highways ever constructed that was primarily built to connect Pearl Harbor to the Kaneohe Marine base.

Shark Fin

We dropped off the ridgeline to contour around and popped back out where we couldn’t see the fin for the mountain.

Shark Fin

Looking back at the dorsal shaped rockface.

Powerlines

Approaching the powerlines that marked the end of the Lanihuli side of Kalihi Saddle.

Powerlines

My knee and ankle were throbbing at this point, so I threw in the towel while Chris and Paul continued up the Bowman side of Kalihi Saddle and exited out through Tripler ridge.

All pau

Thanks to Ferlino for picking me up on the side of Likelike Highway and taking me back to Kaneohe.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered 3.09 miles for myself and slightly longer for Chris and Paul who had pushed a little further out to Moanalua Valley. Blessed with great weather and good company. Post hike meal for myself was leftover sinigang soup at Casa Carinio. Mahalo to Ferlino who also picked up Chris and Paul in Moanalua Valley.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, Paul Smith, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

We returned to the saddles for unfinished business and trail maintenance. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Valley

Thanks to Quan for dropping Art, Lilyn, Narissa and myself off in the land of wallabies.

Powerlines

We gained the ridge where the wind almost drowned out the snap, crackle and pop of the power lines above us. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Shark Fin

Approaching the dorsal shaped rockface that Pete Clines “gave silly names to these menacing pinnacles.” Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody was drowning in the Windward views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Narissa contouring off the ridge line and gaining a brief respite from the howling winds.

Kalihi Saddle

The winds had seemingly cranked up a couple notches from our last weekend visit. Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody got stung. Watch out for the bees Art!

Beehive

What bees? Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking on the edge.

Bunny Ear

Sitting on the edge. Photo by Art Young.

Bunny Ear

The group climbing up the second “silly” pinnacle.

Bunny Ear

Going up one crumbly rock at a time. Luckily the gusting winds kept us from overheating. Photo by Art Young.

Bunny Ear

The group scooting their way down the backside or frontside. Perspectives.

Bunny Ear

In between the ears. No coverage. Just a lot of wind passing through. Photo by Art Young.

Bunny Ear

Going up the last of the upright and relaxed pinnacle.

Doorstop

Narissa making her way down one of the harder pinnacles on the saddle. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Doorstop

Art climbing his way down the wedge shaped pinnacle. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pimple

Contouring our way around a rather thin piece of real estate. Photo by Art Young.

Pimple

Looking back as we left the Doorstop behind us.

Pimple

Elevator service is alive and well in these mountains. Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way out of the notch.

Can Opener

Climbing up the “terraced” steps to our lunch spot. Photo by Art Young.

Can Opener

Group photo with the backdrop of all those “silly” pinnacles we had climbed. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring below the Can Opener with the menacing sofa sized block of rock just waiting to fall out.

Lanihuli Wall

Going up the grassy slope scattered with rocks of assorted sizes. Photo by Art Young.

Lanihuli Wall

Narissa coming up the lower tier with the backdrop of the saddle behind her.

Lanihuli Wall

Lilyn pulling herself up the steepest part of the wall. Photo by Art Young.

Lanihuli Wall

The group contouring their way back to the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

With a little help from my friends. Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

Battling the fierce winds as we climbed up the ridge.

Dirt Dragon

The group straddling the sliver of its former dusty self.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing out of the saddle. One down. One more to go.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Time to take a panoramic photo of the Windward views. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

How many false peaks to the summit? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lanihuli Summit

Greg ran into our group as he was coming up behind us on the saddle and went down the Kapalama Trail.

KSRT

Ready to drop into the next saddle. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group resisting the urge of gravity to just go with the flow on their descent. Photo by Art Young.

Anvil

Nobody captured my “action movie” move. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Anvil

Narissa didn’t need any action moves and simply stepped over to begin her climb.

W

Climbing up the sliver of a rockface. Photo by Art Young.

W

The group climbing and contouring their way around the triple dike obstacle.

W

Going up the Leeward side offered us brief shelter from the battering winds. Photo by Art Young.

W

Art waving at us to come back so we can re-take the action movie.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Narissa making her way up the eroded and crumbly ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Lilyn trying not to get tangled in a web of her own making.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group descending down the narrow ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Incisor Rock

Lilyn watching Narissa making her way down.

Incisor Rock

No climbing. Just contouring. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Narissa climbing down from one of many rocks on the saddle.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Trying to be one with the tree. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the last hill on the saddle. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Narissa going down the slippery slope. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Puka

Final group photo of the day.

Pali Puka Trail

Looking down at the historical pali (cliff) where over 700 warriors were either pushed or jumped to their deaths after being defeated by King Kamehameha’s army.

Pali Lookout

Mahalo to Quan for bringing us frozen cokes and picking us up. Super windy hike that saw everybody having a good time and finishing safely. Post hike meal at Easy Que where we were joined by Aida and Quan. Taste wasn’t up to snuff according to a certain picky eater. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

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 supposed to be a promising day to be in the mountains today. A sucker is born every minute.

Trailhead

Thanks to Barry for dropping Aida, Art, Chris, Marilyn, Quan and myself off at the Pali Lookout. Somebody woke up late and still forgot their spikes. See you on the next hike.

Pali Puka Trail

Quan scrambling up the short and stiff climb. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pali Puka Trail

Catching the breaking sunrise that was textured with the drifting clouds.

Pali Puka

Marilyn making her way to the hole in the cliff.

Pali Puka

Group photo left to right: Marilyn, Quan, myself, Aida, Chris and Art.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The group making their way up the steep contour littered with blowdowns and loose under footing.

KSRT

Climbing our way up through the forested flank of the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida at the top of the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Cloudy and windy conditions greeted us on the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida pulling herself up the first of many humps. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Trying to keep our balance on the skinny ridge without getting blown off. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing down past the leaning tree of Nu’uanu.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group making their way up and over the rugged ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Incisor Rock

Quan hugging the boulder as she makes her way down. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Incisor Rock

Aida contouring the rock shaped tooth. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Lehua blossoms

Passing a cluster of the endemic red stamen flowers. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Everybody was busy climbing while Chris checked into Instagram. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group climbing up the crumbly ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Gaining elevation as the moisture laden clouds enveloped the ridge line and released its cargo. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Are we having fun yet?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hiking in the clouds.

W

Can you see the 23rd letter for the clouds? Photo by Aida Gordon.

W

Dropping off the hill to contour our way around the fourth-to-last letter of the alphabet. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

W

Don’t look down!

W

Contouring and climbing our way up and over the rock obstacle. Photo by Art Young.

W

One will be amazed to find the assortment of climbing aids in these mountains. Wire. Printer Cable. Webbing. Rope. Twine. String. The best climbing aids are a few good friends.

W

Going down the narrow spire of a rock. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

W

Aida climbing down as the winds were whipping something fierce. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group making their way to the what many think used to be another puka (hole) in the mountains before erosion took its toll. Photo by Art Young.

Anvil

Quan going down the point of no return where a small section of the trail had been washed away from a landslide. Actually, there was a point of return which the girls took to double back down to the Pali. Mahalo to Narissa for picking them up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Anvil

Art making his way down the one way trail. Gender segregation.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris climbing his way out of the saddle.

Lanihuli Summit

White out conditions at the 2,700′ peak. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Stick with the original plan or go down with Chris?

Kapalama Trail

Heading down the trail as rain showers saturated the ridge. Good call on Plan C.

Kapalama Trail

When plants provide amusement for others. Photo by Art Young.

Jackson’s Chameleon

Sighting of the invasive species that got its name from the first Governor of Kenya. Photo by Chris Brower.

Napu’u Mai’a

We dropped almost a 1,000′ in elevation as we took in the views from the 1,831′ hill.

Kapalama Trail

Walking down the pine needle carpeted trail while hearing multiple choppers overhead and sirens in the distance. Unanswered calls. Dark thoughts. Unfounded thoughts. Photo by Art Young.

Kapalama Trail

Nearing Na Pueo Park as the city views unfolded before us. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

We met up with two hikers going up the mountain who were training for the Kalalau Trail, which is still on my bucket list. Thanks to Quan for picking us up.

GPS Tracks

Our Independence Day hike covered a little over five miles that included a crumbly ridge line, inclement weather, good company but no fireworks. Somebody finally got to finish this section, while two others have to come back one day when trail and weather conditions are more favorable. Post hike meal at Pieology.

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.

Met up with Chris, Cinja and Tess to tackle another saddle this weekend. Thanks to Quan for dropping us off at the Pali Lookout. Back open for business. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trailhead

Skirting the fence that was part of the border wall meant to reduce unwanted migration. Same outcome. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Trail

Enjoying the city lights from our perch on the pali.

Pali Puka

Group photo in low light conditions.

Trail

Cinja straddling one of many blowdowns on the trail.

Trail

Climbing up the slick rocks peppered with blowdowns and shifting rocks underfoot. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Trail

Tess climbing up to the ridge line. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking ahead to the saddles. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Catching the breaking sunrise over Olomana and Pali Notches.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Flow with the saddle and bend with the trees. Some sage zen hiking advice. Just ran out of words to write.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing around the incisor rock. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring around the incisor rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The dense cloud cover masked the drops and the sporadic sprinkles kept the underfooting slightly moist.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Cinja climbing up the saddle with the seemingly steaming ridge line behind her.

Nu’uanu Saddle

On bended knees, we shall still continue our hike. Photo by Chris Bautista.

W

We could finally see the 23rd letter of the alphabet through the clouds that reduced visibility to near zero. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the soggy hill.

W

We dropped down and contoured our way around the rock faces. Photo by Tess Cochran.

W

Climbing up and over the last two “fingers.”

W

Tess making her way down the tall and skinny rock face. Photo by Chris Bautista.

W

Chris and Tess climbing down from the alphabet soup. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Anvil

Somebody saw the rock move. Good to know that ones anchor point is somewhat unstable.

Anvil

Tess dropping down the side of the grassy cliff towards the sliver of a trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trail

Climbing our way up through the thorny bushes and back to the ridge line. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way up the eroded and steep hill. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving one saddle behind as we traversed a couple small hills swathed in deep green uluhe ferns to our midway point. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Summit

Enjoying our no views at the 2,700′ summit.

KSRT

The group coming down from the swirling heavens.

Kalihi Saddle

The clouds soon cleared and the showers stopped as we dropped down the ridge line. Everything is going to be alight now. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Hello Kalihi Saddle!

Kalihi Saddle

One of the few times one can stand instead of scooting. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Tess back to scooting her way down the crumbly ridge line.

Dirt Dragon

Riding the legendary creature that was a shell of its former self. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Capturing the various modes of movement along the saddle. To each their own.

Lanihuli Wall

Dropping off the saddle as we contoured down the flank of the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Wall

Crabbing our way towards the second drop. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Wall

The group coming down the last section of the “wall.”

Kalihi Saddle

Please keep all arms and legs inside the ride until we come to a complete stop.

Can Opener

Group photo under the shadow of the bulging refrigerator.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing our way down the crumbly landscape.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way down to the next set of colorfully named climbing obstacles. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Always a tad trickier downclimbing an obstacle. Helps to have another set of eyes and longer legs. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Pimple

Climbing up the narrow and crumbly rock face. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pimple

Human anchor pressed into service. My nickel fee must be too cheap. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Pimple

Tess contouring her way around the blister of a rock pile.

Doorstop

Just call me Otis. Photo by Tess Cochran.

Doorstop

Chris tried a different way coming up, but fell back on the usual route. Photo by Tess Cochran.

Bunny Ears

Are those ears on your head or are you just glad to see us? Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Bunny Ears

There was nothing soft and fuzzy about these obstacles.

Bunny Ears

Cinja making her way towards the mushroom rock. No psychedelic experiences included, maybe just psychologically scarring.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing on the edge. Edgier. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic shot of our office view today. Air conditioning included.

Kalihi Saddle

The group about to contour off the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Shark Fin

Looking back at the last major obstacle on the saddle as the dorsal shaped rock became more clearly defined from this perspective. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Powerlines

We saw a group of waterfall explorers waiting for us ahead. Photo by Tess Cochran.

Powerlines

Heading down towards the terminus of our hike. Who has the Coke? Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

When the people you intend to scare end up having a good laugh instead. Fail.

Trail

Group photo left to right: Aida, Lilyn, Quan, Art, myself, Cinja, Tess and Chris.

All pau

When you have too much time on your hands. Idle hands are the hiker’s workshop. Thanks to Breanna and Somphet for picking our group up and shuttling us back to our cars. Photo by Aida Gordon.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered barely three miles with new and old friends. Post hike meal at Pieology. Some of us still had to stuff our face with McFlurry’s.

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.

To begin this story, I have to rewind the clock back six days as Chris asked me to chronicle his KST one shot from South to North. Bear with me as I wasn’t with him until the last day. LOL.

Makapu’u Puka

Day 1 Sunday, November 8, 2020 – Tessa dropped Chris off at Makapu’u to start his journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Nothing like a cold bottle of caffeinated cola to start ones day.

Sunrise

Catching the sun rising over the bulging eye.

Kamehame

Chris and his shadow to keep him company on the hike. It also pays to talk to oneself on the hike as well.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Safety tip: Always wear a hard hat while hiking to avoid being conked on the head by those falling pine cones.

Kamiloiki Summit

Enjoying the views of the Waimanalo coastline.

Tom-Tom Summit

Don’t worry, keep hiking.

Mariner’s Summit

Chris left the hard hat behind for other hikers that are a little bit more safety conscious.

Hahaione

Taking a picture as it will last longer.

Lost & Found

Chris found Quan’s cap that was lost on an earlier hike.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Setting up tent at the helipad. Home for the night.

Sunset

Capturing the sun as it goes down over the communications tower.

KSRT

Day 2 Monday, November 9, 2020 – Dropping in between the valley.

Sedan Rock

Contoured and met back up with the ridge line.

K2 Summit

No views at one of the testicles. Hold and cough.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Coming down the cloud soaked ridge line.

Chimney

Taking a break from selfies and taking a shoefie instead.

Chimney

Looking back at the hardest obstacle on this saddle as Chris made his way down past the notches and down to the lookout.

Camp Pali

Lilyn, Quan, Tessa and myself met up with Chris after work to give him food, drinks and company. Quan got her cap back as well. We left before the night marchers came out. Sleep tight.

Pali Puka

Day 3 Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – Looking for those views.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Going up the crumbly saddle as the clouds rolled in from the ocean.

W

Chris about to contour and climb the donkey kong obstacle.

KSRT

Climbing out of the saddle and onto more solid footing.

Lanihuli Summit

Clear views at the 2,700′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking another break from the selfies as Chris gets ready to ride the dirt dragon.

Lanihuli Wall

Testing out the new webbing.

Can Opener

Chris at the iconic photo spot, right before he got stuck going up the Doorstop. Elevator services were offline.

Doorstop

Looking back at the steepness that is Lanihuli Wall. Best appreciated in person from far away.

Bunny Ears

Coming off the pair of hills and heading towards Shark Fin. Getting hungry for Chinese food.

Powerlines

Dropping down towards the middle of the saddle as Chris pushed on. No rest for the weary.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the conical rock face.

Rock Triangle

Heading towards the hardest of the rock triangles. But first, Chris had to flash a shaka.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading towards the summit of Bowman after polishing off the saddle.

Tripler Summit

To camp or not to camp? Too early.

Stairway to Heaven

Only one soul in heaven today.

Food Pantry

When the rats are more thirsty than you.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going down the stairs that time forgot.

Dirt Triangle

Somebody made use of the yellow rope that was sitting up there.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Chris pitched his tent on the summit with sweeping views of Halawa Valley and points beyond.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Day 4 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 – Catching the morning valley views.

Red Hill Summit

Still no closure after five years. Sad for the family.

Stairway to Hell

Never enter Hell without your tetanus shot.

REI Outlet

The selection was quite sparse. They need to stock up.

North Haiku Stairs

No views. Just shaka views.

KSRT

Rounding the bend around the fenced plant enclosure.

Aiea Summit

The man and his sign.

KSRT

Catching the Windward views.

KSRT

Rolling hills ahead.

Waimalu Meadows

The winds were blowing something fierce and snatched Chris’s phone out of his hands and flung it a good distance. Lucky it landed on the spongy ground and not off the cliff.

Waimano Summit

Home for the night with views overlooking Waihee Valley.

KSRT

Day 5 Thursday, November 12, 2020 – Looking back at the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Eleao Meadows

Fence by fence, they will take over the mountains.

Manana Summit

End of trail? Not for Chris.

Corner

Last chance for H20.

KSRT

Approaching Waiawa Gap.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping into the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

Waiahole Windward

Reminiscing about the ridge from bushwhacking hell.

Kipapa Summit

Where the KSRT becomes the KST. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Tree of Life

Windy as usual. Stay here long enough and you too will become bent over.

KST

Keep the country country.

KST

Soaking in the spectacular Northern views.

Schofield Waikane Junction

To camp or not to camp? There were still a couple hours of daylight left. Press on.

KST

The rare Ko’olau Goose is getting long in the tooth and shorn of feathers.

Pauao Junction

Chasing the sun.

KST

The notch that dynamite built.

Poamoho Cabin

Home for the night.

Poamoho Cabin

Watching the sunset.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 6 Friday, November 13, 2020 – The morning sun streaming through the windows provided the wake up call in the mountains.

Poamoho Summit

Enjoying one of the best views on the island.

Cline Memorial

How many more miles do I have left?

KST

Going my way?

KST

Lobelia in bloom.

KST

Lobelia along the fence line.

Da Boot Junction

Surprising that the boot has held up this long.

KST

Lobelia in the meadows.

KST

The fence line following the convoluted topography of the KST.

KST

Lobelia overload.

Rabbit Hole

Slogging through more mud pits.

KST

Following the fence line to Papali.

Papali Junction

Running into Charlie at the summit. Small world.

KST

They don’t call this section the muddiest for nothing.

KST

Native loulu palm trees interrupting the ridge line.

KST

Sunbather or sacrificial lamb?

KST

Let’s get in one more mud bath, shall we?

Koloa Cabin

Open for business, despite the rumors.

Koloa Cabin

What’s for dinner? Oxtail soup? Prime rib, crab legs and asparagus? Salmon and Poke? Let’s get back to reality. Filipino sardines and rice it is.

Laie Trail

Day 7 Saturday, November 14, 2020 – Tessa and I met up at the trailhead to hike the six mile trail to the summit to meet Chris and continue with him to the finish line.

Koloa Cabin

Last day to be in the mountains!

Laie Trail

Tessa told me to wait at the summit for her, as she had to fertilize the mountains.

Laie Trail

Going up the humid, overgrown and wet trail. The joys of hiking.

KST

Chris leaving the cabin for the summit.

Laie Trail

The woman of the mountains.

KST

The man of the hour.

Laie Summit

Group photo in the foxhole. Chris got his requested Coke and snacks. Much needed nourishment after seven days in the mountains.

KST

Leaving the 2,240′ summit for the most overgrown section on the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Making our way on the trail as the windmills pinwheeled in the background.

Maleakahana Junction

The glove that Chris left many years ago to replace the green sign that used to mark the spot.

KST

Winding our way through the lush landscape. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Halfway there and time for our lunch break.

KST

Tessa disappearing into the uluhell overgrowth.

KST

Tessa pulling Chris’s leg and then some.

KST

Pushing up the last hill through the strawberry guava corridor.

Puu Hina

Group photo at the summit overlooking the North Shore.

KST

Heading down to the finish line.

Black Junction

My traditional champagne dousing of the finisher. This time Chris got two for the price of one. Major congratulations to Chris Bautista for his second KST one shot (first documented both ways, North-South and South-North) and his sixth overall finish of the KST. #beastmode.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

We didn’t expect to see this individual when we popped out of the trail.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

You have cold beer in your backpack? Chris’s best buddy.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Swinging my way down the road. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Greet and scare. Aida, Lilyn and Quan were waiting in the bushes to surprise us. It worked for some.

All pau

Group photo left to right: Lilyn, Quan, Chris, myself, Tessa, Arnold and Aida. It was high time for somebody to take a shower as well.

Post hike meal

Dale also came up to congratulate Chris on his accomplishment. Thanks to the gang for bringing us cold drinks, pizza and chicken. Mahalo to Quan for making Chris a Corona lei. That beer didn’t help him catch any chickens. Also found out that chickens will eat their own kind. Fried to boot. Thanks to Lilyn for driving us to the showers and back to our cars in Laie.

Post hike meal Round 2

Chris, Tessa and myself then drove to Waianae for the WST one shot turned KST one shot party as well at Bill and Shirley’s house. One shot for the one shot team. Chris could finally dig in to oxtail soup, prime rib, crab legs, grilled asparagus, poke and mashed potatoes. Thanks to Shirley for giving me the only Coke in the house. Mahalo to Analyn for the oxtail soup to go order. Fun times with Analyn and Chris, Liezl and Micah, Mia, Matt, Mike and Amber.

GPS Tracks

Chris’s traversal from Makapu’u to Pupukea covered over 52 miles in seven days. Amazing accomplishment Chris! Props to you my friend.

GPS Tracks

Tessa and I hiked 12.8 miles in nine hours through some of the worst overgrowth this side of the KST. Fun times all around with good friends during and after the hike. Thanks to all that came out to support Chris. Mahalo!

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.

Deja vu. I found myself back doing the same hike from last weekend, this time to help Bill and Shirley finish their KST for the first and second time respectively. Thanks to Lilyn for dropping Analyn, Bill, Matt, Shirley and myself off at the tourist-less attraction. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Pali Lookout

Making our way up the rocky and steep climb with artificial illumination.

Pali Puka

Looking into nature’s window on the mountain. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Ducking and weaving our way up the flank of the ridge. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

KSRT

Bill climbing his way to the top of the ridge line. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Waiting for the rest of the group. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Dropping into the saddle.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Brisk winds and cloudy conditions were our company on the hike.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Catching the Windward views. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring and climbing on the saddle. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Incisor Rock

No slipping off the rock this time. Got video as well. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Incisor Rock

Bill contouring on the Windward side as the others waited their turn.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Masking and social distancing on the hike.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Bill enjoying a flat section of the ridge line. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Back to the up and down climbing.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Grabbing what views we could since the clouds decided to hang out.

W

Bill approaching the climb to the second main obstacle on the saddle. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

W

The group on their way up.

W

Hello from the other side. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

W

The group climbing and contouring their way around the cloud soaked rock faces.

W

It was getting crowded at the top. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

W

Making our way slowly down the narrow rock face.

Anvil

Bill using all available resources on his climb down. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Analyn pulling herself up the severely eroded hill. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Traversing between the false peaks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Lanihuli Summit

Our group photo at the top of lani “no-can-see” huli. Photo by Bill Yogi.

KSRT

After our late breakfast, we resumed our hike in the misty mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving the clouds behind us as we dropped in elevation down the ridge. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Kalihi Saddle

Bill walking on the ridge line through clumps of uki grass, the mountain grass that will save your life one day.

Dirt Dragon

Trying to figure out how to fit five people on this mound of crumbly dirt.

Dirt Dragon

Four people sitting and one standing. That’s how you make it fit. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading down the ridge, one of my favorite hikes. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Kalihi Saddle

The group climbing over the ridge smothered with native woody climbers.

Kalihi Saddle

The group scooting and hiking down the exposed and barren section of the ridge. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Lanihuli Wall

Getting ready to climb down the side of the ridge, but first take our photo. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Lanihuli Wall

Looking back at the steep flank we all descended. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Lanihuli Wall

Analyn going down the shorter and second tier.

Kalihi Saddle

Analyn contouring below the bulging can opener.

Can Opener

I guess the girls were not ready. Of all people not ready to get their picture taken. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing down the crumbly hill to climb another crumbly hill. Saddle hiking.

Pimple

Looking ahead to the rock faces that were ahead of us. Colorful names makes it more fuzzy and less intimidating. Or so the theory goes. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Doorstop

Climbing to the top of the wedge shaped rock face. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Doorstop

Extra webbing is always appreciated.

Bunny Ears

Nothing soft and fuzzy about these “ears.” Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Bunny Ears

I believe somebody “suggested” that since I visit this area quite frequently, that I should at least have the decency to clear the trail of any offending overgrowth. No comment.

Bunny Ears

Climbing down the last rock face of the pair.

Kalihi Saddle

Bill traversing the exposed skinny ridge line with steep drops down to the highway. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Shark Fin

The girls climbing down the dorsal shaped rock face.

Powerlines

All smiles as the journey to complete the KST had come to its conclusion. Congrats to Bill and Shirley for their first and second KST completions respectively!

All pau

What KST finish would be complete without the celebratory champagne dousing? Exactly. Although one was more enthusiastic than the other about the waste of perfectly good alcohol. Perhaps walking back up the service road in bare feet had something to do with it. Bill was also Lucky #13. As in the 13th person I have helped finish the KST. I guess that would make Shirley #14. Oh wait, I only count first timers and not repeat business. LOL. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Post hike meal

Thanks to Analyn for bringing the ono-licious lumpia and pancit and Bill’s stash of cold beverages. Good enough to take home for leftovers. Mahalo to Chris for picking us up and taking us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered a little over three miles in bi-polar weather with great company. Another KST completion hike in the books. Congrats again to Bill and Shirley!

Video by Matt Vidaurri of Bill and Shirley’s KST final 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.

It was time to help another friend finish her last section of the KST today. Thanks to Sally for dropping Aida, Cisco, Somphet and myself off in Chinatown to start our hike. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pali Lookout

Scrambling up the steep and rooted climb under the cover of darkness.

Pali Puka Trail

Somphet making his way on the narrow trail bordered with thick growth on one side and steep cliffs on the other.

Pali Puka Trail

Aida approaching the towering rock edifice. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Pali Puka

Outside looking in.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing and contouring our way up through the scattered blowdowns.

KSRT

Cisco pulling himself up to the ridge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the sunbeams streaming through the clouds as they scattered across the valley floor.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way down the first hill on the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at Olomana framed between the ridge line and the Pali Notches.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The distinctive summit of Lanihuli in the background, our halfway point. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Somphet leaning in the same direction as the tree. Being one with nature.

Incisor Rock

Climbing up the tooth shaped rock. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Incisor Rock

Contouring around the narrow edged rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way up to the Leeward side of the ridge, where the winds were absent and the trees in abundance. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida cresting at the top of the ridge with verdant views of the Windward side in the distance.

W

Approaching what I now call “little Olomana.” Photo by Aida Gordon.

W

The crew contouring and climbing down the backside, mindful of the drop.

True Pali Notches

Climbing up and over the middle “tooth.” Photo by Aida Gordon.

Donkey Kong

The rest of the group coming down from the skinniest and tallest of the three “teeth.”

Anvil

Dropping down from what some people think was once a puka or hole in the ridge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Anvil

Aida’s turn at descending the steep and concave wall.

Nu’uanu Wall

Contouring our way up the thimble berry infested trail that took us back to the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the steep and eroded section that was once easily passable. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Somphet pulling himself up the ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

You can’t pay me $20k to do this again. Can I quote you on that? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

KSRT

The group traversing over a couple false peaks to get to swirling heavens.

Lanihuli Summit

We lucked out with clear views from the 2,700′ top. Group photo left to right: Cisco, myself, Somphet and Aida.

KSRT

Leaving the summit as we climbed up our last false peak before dropping down into the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Dropping in elevation as we slid down the grassy ridge line. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

Following the curvature of the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Parts of the ridge were smothered in woody climbers which provided a help and hindrance at often the worst possible times.

Kalihi Saddle

The other parts were bald of vegetation and often were cracked, crumbly and eroded.

Kalihi Saddle

A solitary lehua flower clinging to a well weathered ohia tree. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Dirt Dragon

Making our way down to a part of the ridge that was particularly skinny, eroded and crumbly more than any other section. And we were going to sit on it. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Dirt Dragon

Angles.

Kalihi Saddle

Traversing on another patch of exposed ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting was the main mode of movement on the ridge coming down.

Lanihuli Wall

Dropping off the ridge line as we contoured the suicidal descent down the Can Opener. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Lanihuli Wall

The group controlling their descent coming down.

Lanihuli Wall

Looking for those footholds.

Lanihuli Wall

Waiting for those footholds. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Lanihuli Wall

Cisco coming down from the multi-tiered climb down the wall. Photo by Somphet Chanhpheng.

Kalihi Saddle

Aida contouring her way back to the ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Group photo at the scenic spot that stretched all the way to the summit of Kahua’uli and Heaven.

Can Opener

Slowly making our way down the crumbly and shifting rocks, lest we tumble and fall off.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing down to our next set of obstacles. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

The blowing winds threw dirt in our face and made sure we kept our center of gravity low to the eroded ridge coming down.

Pimple

Playing human anchor again. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pimple

Somphet and Cisco scrambling their way to the next obstacle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Doorstop

Spotter at the top. Hiker in the middle. Spotter at the bottom. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Doorstop

Aida pulling herself up to the top.

Kalihi Saddle

Coming down from the doorstop and making our way towards the bunny ears. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Bunny Ears

Aida coming down the crumbly bunny ear. Nothing soft and fuzzy here.

Kalihi Saddle

Perched on the arch. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Bunny Ears

Aida between the last bunny ear and the mushroom rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Somphet and Aida hiking over the loose rocks and scattered tree roots on the ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

Some enjoyed the spectacular views, while others seemingly concentrated on the trail views. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Traversing the skinny ridge to the dorsal shaped rock face. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Shark Fin

Aida downclimbing the last obstacle on the saddle.

Powerlines

Descending towards the middle of the saddle which also marked the terminus for our hike today. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Powerlines

Payment for services rendered. A shiny nickel. And I wonder why I’m still not financially independent. Photo by Somphet Changhpheng.

All pau

Traditional dousing of top shelf champagne on the willing victim. No expenses spared. Congratulations to Aida for completing the KST in its entirety. Photo by Somphet Changhpheng.

Post hike meal

Mahalo to Sally and Ed for picking us up on the side of the highway, reeking of alcohol. We retired to Lilyn’s driveway where Aida got lei’d and snacked on baked goods. No venue was spared for Aida’s celebration.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle traversal covered roughly 3.28 miles that marked the end and completion for Aida’s KST journey. Congratulations again!

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

I had wanted to do this particular route for awhile, but always had to abort due to weather, lack of time or lack of will. I was determined to finish it this time around. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Art, Ferlino, Lilyn and myself off. Photo by Barry Lau.

Pali Puka

We ran into two other hikers who had come up earlier to enjoy the sunrise. Photo by Art Young.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Lilyn climbing over one of the numerous blow downs that littered the side of the ridge as we made our way up.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Our short cardio climb was soon rewarded with relatively clear views of the saddle and the coastline. Photo by Art Young.

Sunrise

The breaking sun washing over the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Art trying to keep his balance. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Incisor Rock

You guys can either climb or contour. Choose wisely. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Incisor Rock

Art making his choice. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Nuuanu Saddle

There were many gnarled and twisted trees blockading the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Nuuanu Saddle

Lilyn against the scenic Windward background.

W

I think the alphabet letters are out of sequence. Photo by Art Young.

Donkey Kong

The group threading their way through the triple diked formation.

W

Lilyn watching Ferlino climb down the 23rd letter of the alphabet.

Anvil

Trying to get the Captain Morgan pose down. Not quite there yet. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Anvil

Art dropping down the near vertical rock face. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Nuuanu Saddle

Lilyn contouring her way back to the ridge line.

Nuuanu Saddle

Climbing up the heavily eroded section that has seen better days. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lanihuli Summit

No views at the swirling heavens summit, so we all sat down for our group photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KSRT

Coming down from the 2,700′ top.

Kalihi Saddle

Following the ridge line as it curved away from the ocean. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kalihi Saddle

What happens when one leg stops and the other keeps on going. Pop. Not a good sound you want to hear while hiking.

Dirt Dragon

The new social hiking.

Kalihi Saddle

Using my kung fu death grip as I climbed down a crumbly section. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lanihuli Wall

The group getting off the ridge line as forward progress was halted by severe erosion.

Lanihuli Wall

Going down the near vertical flank. One has to see it from a distance to appreciate the vastness and steepness. Photo by Art Young

Lanihuli Wall

Lilyn coming down from the longer and first tier of the wall.

Lanihuli Wall

Ferlino against the dramatic backdrop of the saddle and coastline. Photo by Art Young.

Lanihuli Wall

Going down the second and shorter tier of the wall. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lanihuli Wall

Lilyn contouring back to the ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Group photo left to right: Hawaiian Flag, Ferlino, Art, Lilyn and myself.

Can Opener

Taking our leave of the bulging rock behind us as we climbed down the crumbly base.

Pimple

Lilyn climbing up without popping the pimple. Photo by Art Young.

Pimple

Contouring around the crumbly rock formation.

Doorstop

Lilyn approaching the biggest climb on this side of the saddle. Photo by Art Young

Doorstop

The group coming down the backside of the wedge shaped rockface.

Bunny Ears

Art still trying to maintain his balance. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bunny Ears

Ferlino watching his footing as he climbs down. Photo by Art Young

Bunny Ears

Lilyn going up the sharp and angular hill. Photo by Art Young.

Shark’s Fin

Art and Ferlino coming down the dorsal shaped rockface. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Stuck between a rock and a hard tree. Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way down the last steep rock climb this side of the saddle.

Powerlines

We unfortunately lost Lilyn who decided not to press her luck and bailed down the powerlines trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Camp Centipede

Group photo with the reconstituted crew left to right: myself, Analyn, Barry, Tessa, Art and Ferlino.

Kalihi Valley

Art practicing leave no trace behind.

Knob

It was time to resume our hiking, in staggered spurts it would seem.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way towards the backside of the conical shaped rockface. Photo by Barry Lau.

Witch’s Hat

The group climbing up at staggered intervals to minimize falling rock exposure.

Witch’s Hat

Ready to come down, with or without a broomstick.

Kalihi Saddle

Is it hump day yet? It is on the saddles. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Art and Ferlino making their way across a particularly eroded section. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Analyn climbing in the mountains despite just getting off from working night shift. Beast or crazy mode.

Rock Triangle

Art climbing up from the Windward side. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way on the Hot Wheels Track as we approached another climb. Photo by Art Young.

Rock Triangle

Barry climbing up from the Leeward side.

Kalihi Saddle

The broken wave is no more.

Dirty Slide

Tessa scrambling up the grassy flank of the ridge. Photo by Art Young.

Dirty Slide

Barry pulling himself up the slippery slope. Some would claim this was the hardest part of the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring our way around the crumbly rocks. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing up the sliver of a ridge that widened as we approached the summit.

Bowman Summit

Are you tired? Funny guy.

Bowman Summit

Practicing our social distancing. Still need to work on it.

KSRT

Hiking over a couple more hills to the next summit.

Tripler Summit

The painted rock was still sitting pretty on the markers.

KSRT

Leaving the 2,760′ summit using the HECO installed safety ropes as we made our way down the rutted trail.

Radar Station

Approaching the now defunct radar station. Photo by Barry Lau.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Are you tired? Still trying to be funny.

CCL Building

Barry approaching the cloud soaked graffitied WW2 structure.

CCL Building

Panoramic view inside the building.

CCL Building

Who was talking sh*t? Not us! Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Stairway to Heaven

Group photo on the stairs. The original plan to descend down the ridge was scuttled by somebody’s injury so we had to take the shortest route down.

Stairway to Heaven

Making our way down the 3,922 steps, give or take a few. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Leaving heaven. Photo by Art Young.

Stairway to Heaven

Approaching the roof-less hoist house. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Stairway to Heaven

Is anybody counting? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Climbing the stairs down to the last landing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Analyn coming down the final steep section of the stairs. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

All pau

Walking our way out. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

GPS Tracks

The 6.1 mile path to heaven was paved with crumbly ridges, cloudy and heavenly views and great company. Mahalo to Jasmin for picking us up and thanks to Analyn for making the delicious oxtail soup that we had for our post hike meal. Oxtail soup to go please.

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.

Over 20,000 people were participating in the 36th Great Aloha Run today, while the three of us decided to spend it in the mountains. Thanks to Ivy for dropping Barry, Krissy and myself off at the Pali Lookout to start our hike.

Pali Puka Trail

We started from the deserted Pali Lookout and made the short and steep climb up to the Pali Puka, which we skipped and contoured around the imposing rock edifice.

Trail

Krissy climbing up the flank of the ridge that were littered with blowdowns.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We soon gained the ridge line and started our hike on the crumbly saddle.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Leaving the breaking sunrise over Olomana behind us.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Passing the tree that was bent by the gusty winds. As long as it didn’t bend us.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Barry about to climb around the tooth shaped rock. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer

Nu’uanu Saddle

To climb or to contour?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Barry making his way down the crumbly rocks. One rock at a time.

W

Looking ahead to the cloud soaked Donkey Kong.

W

Barry hanging off the side of the cliff looking for the trail.

W

Climbing up the sliver of a letter. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

W

Question of the day. Who is Mario and who is Donkey Kong?

W

The winds were blowing something fierce as we climbed down.

Anvil

Barry dropping down from the lost puka of the Pali.

Anvil

The contour trail after the anvil has eroded to almost nothing. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pushing our way through the thimble berry thorny bushes on our way back to the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Barry climbing up the severely eroded section of the saddle that was once easily climbed.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hikers in the mist.

Lanihuli Summit

We took a short break in the swirling heavens.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving the summit behind us to go down another saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Dropping from the summit where the clouds soon cleared to reveal the Windward views. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Kalihi Saddle

Barry taking advantage of the woody climbers that carpeted the crumbly ridge line.

Dirt Dragon

The dragon that Krissy slayed. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Dirt Dragon

Taking our leave of the crumbly and rotten rocks. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Kalihi Saddle

Sliding and scooting was the par for today’s hike.

Kalihi Saddle

Barry staying focused on the ridge and not so much the views. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Lanihuli Wall

We left the ridge line to scoot our way down the grassy flank.

Lanihuli Wall

Going down one at a time to avoid raining rocks. Not a good forecast for hikers. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Lanihuli Wall

Barry making his way down the longest tier of the wall.

Lanihuli Wall

The iconic view of the can opener framed by the backdrop of Stairway to Heaven.

Lanihuli Wall

Contouring our way back to the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Semi-group photo with Kalihi Saddle and points beyond.

Can Opener

Leaving our crumbly break spot.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the start of our colorful climb up all the different rock faces. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Pimple

Contouring around the crumbly rock face. Don’t pop the pimple.

Doorstop

Barry climbing up the biggest rock face on the saddle. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Bunny Ears

Climbing down one ear …

Bunny Ears

… and going up the other one. Photo by Barry Lau.

Shark’s Fin

It was still safe to be hiking on the dorsal shaped ridge line. The bark was worse than the bite.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking at Heaven in the distance, our original destination. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Kalihi Saddle

Are we there yet?

Kalihi Saddle

We soon saw the powerlines that marked the end of our hike. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Powerlines

Climbing down to take a break where somebody had to roll over to get back up. It doesn’t pay to sit for too long.

Service Road

Getting off the mountain and back to civilization. While we didn’t get a medal and T-shirt, we did get good company and fresh air. Not a bad deal. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Likelike Highway

Thanks to Ivy for picking us up on the wrong side of the road.

All pau

Barry paid his nickel fee for the saddle hike which slowly put me on the road to financial independence. Post hike meal at Pampanga Kitchen where I was finally able to sample their Filipino food that I had heard so much about. It did not disappoint.

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.