We took a hike in the mountains today, not as far as we expected, but it was still a hike in the mountains.

Trailhead

The barricade that failed to properly communicate and convey what exactly is closed. DLNR posted on May 9, 2024 that Moanalua Middle Ridge will be closed for a minimum period of 90 days during the ongoing dismantlement of Haiku Stairs. Luckily, we were not going that rutted route which should be shut down for a longer period of time to let it “heal.”

Kulana’ahane Junction

Walking on the trail that was partially submerged at the stream crossings and the rapid movement and volume of water in the stream that was communicated in the dead of night. We soon reached the junction that would lead us deep into the valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going under the thicket of hau tree branches blanketed by darkness.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Hiking up the steep loop trail pioneered by Chuck Godek and Erwin Jaskulski.

Red Hill Trail

We soon intersected with the Red Hill Trail which continued the steep lung busting climb.

Red Hill Trail

Centipedes or caterpillars. My money is on the latter.

Red Hill Summit

Reaching the summit as we broke through the cover of the jungle and darkness.

Red Hill Summit

Group photo before we headed down the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Sandra crossing the eroded and exposed section that is no longer hindered by the “tricky branch.”

Moanalua Saddle

Akira climbing down the pile of rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way down the constantly eroding character of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Sandra at the start of the “long slide” with the sunrise trying to break in the background.

Moanalua Saddle

Traversing over the undulating and often narrow ridge line.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Approaching the lowest point of the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

The rocks had been saturated by the heavy rains from the past couple of days and we decided that the slippery slope was best left for another day.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Slurping down a hot cup of udon noodles with beef does a stomach good. Thanks Chef Suzuki.

Kulana’ahane Summit

It was time to leave the mountains.

Moanalua Falls

The 460′ plus falls that only makes it appearance during heavy periods of atmospheric water vapor.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Sitting cross legged is crucial to maintaining mobility. Doing it above a small waterfall has no proven medical benefits.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going over one of 28 stream crossings.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Polar Bear Plunge – Hawaii version.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Walking in mud with black and white shoes. Just take my word for it.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Are we there yet?

All pau

Crossing over the last of seven bridges that afford safe passage from the swollen stream. Our aborted hike still had us covering 9.95 miles, which was still a respectable workout. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant. Lemon Crunch to go.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Sandra Walter, 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.

Met up with Chris, Marilyn and Tessa to hop, skip and jump over the saddles this weekend. It turned out to be more slip and fall.

Moanalua Valley

We crossed the seven bridges and Tessa grabbed a handful of ohi’a’ai from a neighboring stream.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Group photo with Rocky and his group who continued their hike on Moanalua Middle Ridge.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Going up the route developed by Chuck Godek and Erwin Jaskulski.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Looking at the saddle being bathed by the breaking daylight.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Making our way up the stiff and steep trail.

Red Hill Junction

No nana baket left behind.

Red Hill Trail

Looking out towards the $80 million per mile highway before tackling the four false peaks that lay ahead of us.

Red Hill Summit

Group photo at the top with Haiku Valley and the Windward coast behind us.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the summit for the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris scrambling over a badly eroded section.

Moanalua Saddle

The girls climbing down a steep rocky section.

Moanalua Saddle

Dropping in elevation as we worked our way around the wrap around views.

Moanalua Saddle

Some people leave their hearts in the mountains, others leave their skin behind. Nothing that some antibiotic and ankle support can’t temporarily fix.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going down the dirt corridor that is currently choked with overgrowth.

Moanalua Saddle

Standing on the oft-photographed rock.

Moanalua Saddle

Marilyn was just a couple humps away from our last summit for the day.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo at the scenic summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic toast to celebrate our abbreviated hike.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Chris going down the spur ridge into Moanalua Valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Hitting the valley floor and not looking forward to the 28 stream crossings and two miles of valley trail that I thought we had left behind earlier in the morning.

All pau

Thanks to Andrew who met us at the park with cold soda and something that resembled more of a first aid kit than the one we had in the mountains. Post hike meal at Max’s of Manila, where accented ordering prevented the timely delivery of our family style meal.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, Marilyn Bermudez, 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.

Back in the saddles this weekend. Turns out we didn’t get as much plurals as we wanted.

Moanalua Valley

Met up with Art and Tessa at the sea of beauty where the pitter patter of rain was our only company. We could have either dribbled our way up to the ridge or walked down the valley. We chose the latter option. Art wanted a reunion with the spiritual side.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Early morning hikers greeted the early morning campers.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Art testing the waters, lest we get swept away in a freak flash flood.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Just follow the glove when in doubt.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Preparing to go up the somewhat pitched slope carpeted with dead leaves and exposed roots. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

We must be in the uluhe zone.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Reaching the junction where the trail intersects with the Red Hill ridge trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Red Hill Ridge

We soon roused two campers from their slumber. Turned out to be Justin and Matt from Uloha. Small world.

Red Hill Summit

Going up and down the seemingly endless false summits before cloud soaked views of the Windward coastline greeted us.

First Aid 101

Tessa tending to her shin injury under the watchful eye of Art.

Moanalua Saddle

Descending the Western half of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the slightly eroded ridgeline with flanking views of Halawa Valley and beyond. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Art and Tessa making their way down the somewhat slippery rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Hikers in staggered elevation drops. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring and climbing our way down through the denuded spots on the ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa following the flow of gravity down the saddle. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Art running down the dirt corridor bracketed with uluhe ferns. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Tessa taking in the windy scenery. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Ascending the Eastern half of the saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Art coming up the Windward side of the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Dirt Triangle

Climbing up the Leeward side of the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Dirt Triangle

Tessa pulling herself up while Art waits his turn at the bottom.

Moanalua Saddle

Waiting in the wind. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa climbing to the top of the assorted boulder section.

Moanalua Saddle

Scampering our way up while keeping our a low profile as the winds rocked the crumbly rocks underfoot. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the crumbly rockface.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa contouring her way around the heavily eroded section.

Moanalua Saddle

Chilling at the first landing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the entire Moanalua Saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Can you hear the wind blow, and did you know your stairway lies on the whispering wind? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Art making his way to the last landing.

Stairway to Heaven

So, this is what heaven looks like? Covered with concrete, teeming with people and covered in clouds. Photo by Mike Karas.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing the short, muddy stretch between summits.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

We met up with one of several guides that were taking their paid charges up the trail. I think I need to re-evaluate my nickel business model.

KSRT

Dropping down to the defunct radar tower. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

View of the climber. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

View of the non-climbers. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Leaving the climbing gym behind us. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Approaching the two sets of powerline towers.

Tripler Summit

Relaxing and enjoying the panoramic views at the 2,760′ flat-topped peak. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Roller coasting our way to the next peak. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Bowman Summit

Leeward view from the 2,740 top.

KSRT

When the photographic proof doesn’t match the dramatic visualization. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Descending down from the clouds. I thought we left heaven behind us already?

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting and sliding our way down the narrow and crumbly ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

When climbing is preferable to contouring the obstacle.

Kalihi Saddle

Scampering along the sliding ledge. Photo by Art Young.

Dirty Slide

We found out that somebody had moved the anchor to a more solid group of trees. Mahalo! Photo by Art Young.

Dirty Slide

Tessa looking back as Art makes the climb down which offers a steeper drop than before.

Broken Wave

Was somebody having a pang of nostalgia? Photo by Art Young.

Broken Wave

Watching out for falling rocks, big and small.

Rock Triangle

Climbing down the rockface. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Rock Triangle

Watching Art making his way down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Mr. Lonely. Just missing the tree. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Tessa slowly spiking her way down the eroded section.

Rock Triangle

Going down the Windward side. Photo by Art Young.

Rock Triangle

Tessa looking for her next foothold.

Kalihi Saddle

Picking our footholds very carefully on the sliver of a ridgeline. Photo by Art Young.

Tabletop

Looking for her next scrap of a foothold.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking on the edge. Literally. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

It’s always hump day in the mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

Striking a pose. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Who’s gonna take my photo? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Witch’s Hat

Climbing up the conical shaped rockface. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back as Art makes his way down the steep and narrow ridgeline. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Witch’s Hat

Tessa giving thanks for our safe passage through the mountains.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the now not so conical shaped rockface.

Powerlines

Climbing down to the powerlines and our exit out through the valley. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

Mahalo to Lilyn for picking us up and dropping us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our saddles hike covered roughly 8.3 miles through crumbly ridges and spectacular scenic vistas. Great hike with good friends. Post hike meal at Pho Le. Somebody said they had the best spring rolls. Maybe they need to get out more. Just saying.

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.

Ferlino, Robin and myself decided to pay a visit to Heaven today.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Pounding the pavement. What happened to the jeep road?

Kulana’ahane Junction

We ran into Janell’s group who was going one way … Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kulana’ahane Trail

… and we were going the other way.

Moanalua Saddle

Real time weather forecast of clouds on the saddle. Photo by Robin Farr.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Ferlino and Robin going up the skinny section of the ridge.

Red Hill Ridge

Pushing towards the top of the rollercoaster ridge.

Red Hill Summit

We all brought our favorite chilled carbonated beverages to the summit.

Moanalua Saddle

Dropping down onto the eroded ridge and leaving the clouds behind us. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Moanalua Saddle

Have hiking stick, will hike.

Moanalua Saddle

The much improved views ahead of us.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the Western half of the Saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

A group of Korean hikers joined us at the top from the valley floor to soak in the expansive views.

Moanalua Saddle

The weather forecast for Heaven looked favorable.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way up on the Eastern half of the Saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

When the Windward climb doesn’t work for you, there is always the Leeward contour. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring on the Windward side with the H-3 below us.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way towards the Dirt Triangle. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Dirt Triangle

Climbing up on the Leeward side. Photo by Robin Farr.

Dirt Triangle

When one hiking stick is not enough. Photo by Robin Farr.

Moanalua Saddle

The weather forecast seemed to be holding.

Moanalua Saddle

There seemed to be less rocks holding this ridge together, as compared from the last visit. Photo by Robin Farr.

Moanalua Saddle

Ferlino climbing up the last “technical” climb up the ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Oh wait, let’s not forget the optional face plant section.

Moanalua Saddle

The view towards Hell.

Ka Hae Hawai’i

When you hike with Ferlino, it’s always Flag Day.

Moanalua Saddle

Panoramic view of the stairs coming and going.

Moanalua Saddle

And she’s buying the stairway to heaven. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking down at the Halawa Amphitheater.

CCL Building

The graffiti angel has fallen from heaven. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Fly by

For those that don’t want to run the risk of being ticketed or put the time in on the trail.

Stairway to Heaven

The couple that was hanging out at the top told us we arrived at the right time, as it was completely socked in before we got there. Lucky us.

CCL Building

Sporting the latest in eyewear fashion, the eyepatch sunglass. May lead to lopsided squinting.

Fly boy

We noticed a paraglider skimming the saddle.

KSRT

Leaving Heaven behind us.

Moanalua Middle Ridge

Mingling with other hikers on our downhill commute to the valley floor.

MMR

Ohia trees picture framing the view. Photo by Robin Farr.

MMR

Traffic jam. Passing on the left.

MMR

Ferlino and Robin coming down the eroded trail against the backdrop of the fluted ridges that composes the flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

MMR

A possible distant cousin to the now extinct tree-osaur in Kahana Valley.

Bark Park

Who wants a belly rub? Me!

All pau

Nine hours later and we were right back where we started from this morning.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike to heaven covered 10.35 miles through constantly changing and eroding terrain. Great hike with good friends. BOGO coupon dictated the venue of our post hike meal to be at the Cattle Company. We just had to wait over 30 minutes which helped to build our appetite up.

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

We decided to visit Hell today to help a friend reach her hiking goal.

Trailhead

Met up with Ani, Chris, Cisco, Ferlino, Janell and Jeremy at Kea’iwa Heiau State Recreation Area. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off. Laredo was running fashionably late. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Aiea Loop Trail

Pushing off on the rooted trail.

Aiea Loop Trail

No benchwarmers in this group as we continued on the loop trail.

Junction

When did the hike turn into a shirts versus skins?

Aiea Ridge Trail

Stepping foot on the 5.5 mile ridge trail. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Crossing the well trampled landslide section. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Catching the morning sun breaking over the mountains on our way up.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

The winds were noticeably stronger in the mountains today. We’ll take that over the forecasted rain any day!

Aiea Ridge Trail

Pushing up to the last major hill on the ridge.

Rainbow Man

Capturing the man in motion who ran up the trail to catch up with us.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Taking a group photo on the grassy clearing that provided commanding views of the Windward side. We couldn’t fathom how the “twins” were walking around with no shirts. Insulation envy. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Aiea Ridge Trail

We all had to stop and take a picture of this mossy encrusted ohia tree.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Chris stopping and smelling the clusters of lehua flowers. Watch out for the bees.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Janell and Jeremy coming around the power line tower as they climb up to the summit. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Aiea Summit

Mahalo to Chris for donating his labor and supplies to make a sign marking the top of Aiea Ridge.

Aiea Summit

Clear views to be had by all at the 2,805′ elevation.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The wind seemed to pick up and push us as we made our way off the summit and down the ridge.

KSRT

Today was one of the clearest all around views I’ve been privileged to witness in the mountains. It was just stunningly clear wherever we looked.

KSRT

Looking ahead to the fenced enclosure where the ridge starts to follow the curvature of the Ko’olau spine.

KSRT

Waiting at the fenced enclosure for the rest of the group as the sound of music followed us in the mountains. Somebody was not particularly pleased.

KSRT

It was quite a chore to take our group photo and not get blown down into the spongy valley. Jeremy and Laredo decided to go ahead of us and explore a spur ridge.

KSRT

Making our way up to the last hill against the backdrop of the Windward coast line. Did I mention how clear it was today? Crystal.

KSRT

I think Laredo finally left the music behind him. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

We soon saw a solitary figure watching our progress coming down the hill. Turned out to be Arnold who had come up from Moanalua Valley to meet our group in Hell.

KSRT

Jeremy finding out which way does the wind blow.

KSRT

Watching the rest of the group make their way down and across the spongy ground to join us at the stairs.

Stairway to Hell

Let the bubbly flow! Congratulations to Ani for completing the Ko’olau Summit Trail today. Great job! Photo by Arnold Yago.

Stairway to Hell

Group photo left to right: Jeremy, Laredo, Ferlino, Ani, Chris, myself, Cisco, Arnold and Janell.

Leave no trace

Fork retrieval for Chris, as one can’t expect to eat without proper utensils. We are not savages. Maybe a little unkempt, dirty and smelly. But we are still somewhat civilized. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Stairway to Hell

We hunkered down and ate our lunch in freezing Hell. Arnold soon took his leave of us to go back down to Moanalua Valley. Places to go, people to see. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

North Haiku Stairs

I had always wanted to hike to the bottom of the stairs but prior hikes did not afford the opportunity due to time or inclination. Today was a different story. The group as a whole had also never been to the bottom of the stairs and with the exception of Janelle, Jeremy and Laredo who decided to press on and go down Red Hill, we proceeded down the dilapidated stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

Making our way down the near vertical section of the steps.

North Haiku Stairs

Ani standing on the landing where most people take their pictures and turn back. Not us, we had a burning curiosity and daylight to spare. Photo by Chris Bautista.

North Haiku Stairs

Cisco shuffling through the knee high uluhell ferns.

North Haiku Stairs

Can you see the stairs for the overgrowth?

North Haiku Stairs

Dropping in elevation and gaining overgrowth many times over.

North Haiku Stairs

Treading carefully on the somewhat disconnected and angled stairs. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

North Haiku Stairs

Hanging on what’s left of the rusted railings.

North Haiku Stairs

The choking overgrowth is probably what’s keeping the rusting stairs together.

North Haiku Stairs

We soon hit a wall of impenetrable uluhell ferns and were forced to contour off the stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

Walk to the right, lean to the right. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

North Haiku Stairs

End of the stairs for us.

North Haiku Stairs

Different perspective of the H3 exiting and wrapping around the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

North Haiku Stairs

Time to go back up the stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

It was a steady climb back up through the overgrowth and deteriorating stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

Seems just a matter of time before some sections of the stairs fall off the crumbly ridge.

North Haiku Stairs

Back at the top of the stairs.

REI Bunker

We didn’t find any tents that were to our liking. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

KSRT

Passing by one of the A-frame foundations that once hung suspended antenna cables across the valley.

KSRT

Ferlino climbing out of Hell.

KSRT

Solitary, stunted loulu palm tree overlooking Halawa Valley. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Leaving the steadily shrinking geo marker as we made our way down to the saddle.

KSRT

Passing over the H-3. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

KSRT

Moanalua Saddle backlighted by the sun. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Red Hill Summit

Ani was determined to prove to us all that 45 minutes was not a figment of her imagination.

Red Hill Ridge

Making our way on the rollercoaster ridge. Ups and downs.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

We soon caught up with Janelle on the trail, who was nursing her knee. Misery loves company.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Going down the skinny section of the mossy carpeted ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Moanalua Valley being bathed by the sun. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Walking in the footsteps of Chuck Godek and Erwin Jaskulski, HTMC legends that pioneered this trail. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Everybody going their separate ways around this fallen tree.

Moanalua Valley

Fording the ankle deep stream to get on the Kamananui Valley Trail and the long walk out.

All pau

Chris and Ani raced against time to recover Janell’s car before the gates closed in Aiea. They were successful. Photo by Chris Bautista.

GPS Tracks

Our celebratory hike covered roughly 13 miles to hell and back, with gusty winds and clear views all day included. Great hike with good friends to help Ani finish the KST. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant. What? No oxtail soup! What’s the world coming to?

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.

Our last primer camping hike before the balloon goes up. Met up with Ben, Dale and Ethan at Moanalua Valley.

Trailhead

We followed other hikers going to the stairway. Different routes. Same end.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Greeting a steady stream of Korean hikers making their way out of the valley.

Kamananui Valley Trail

What? You can just drive into the trail and forego the walking? Sign me up for the next Hunter’s Education Class!

Kulana’ahane Trailhead

Yea, though we walk through the valley of the saddle, we will fear and respect her, malama ka aina.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Let’s not follow the arrow today.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

The group going up through the sea of uluhe ferns. Uluhell.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Picking up the trail in the guava strawberry forest. Bread crumbs would help when ribbons will not.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

We soon gained the ridge of Red Hill and huffed and puffed ourselves straight up to the summit.

Red Hill Summit

Steve Lin bumped into our group resting at the summit as he had come up behind us and was on his lonesome way to Stairway to Hell.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben and Dale dropping down into the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Yielding to other hikers making their way up the ridge to keep Steve company in Hell.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben making his way down past the “shaky tree.”

Moanalua Saddle

Looking out towards the CCL building perched on top of the mountain. It was still looking clear at the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben coming down to join us at the summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Ben giving us running commentary on the other hikers progress to hell with his thousand yard stare.

Moanalua Saddle

Time to tackle the better half of the saddle. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Moanalua Saddle

Dale climbing up one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben contouring his way around the ridge. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben and Ethan scrambling their way up on the Windward side.

Moanalua Saddle

Heading to the Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben and Dale contouring around the triangle. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Moanalua Saddle

Dale making his way up.

Moanalua Saddle

Just a couple crumbly sections between us and heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring around the Leeward side to gain the ridge line. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Moanalua Saddle

Dale scrambling up the rotten rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Watch out for falling rocks. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan making his way up.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben making his way up the five point of contact section with four points of contact. He did not honor the traditional way of climbing up.

Moanalua Saddle

All uphill from here.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the saddle. One down, two more to go.

Moanalua Saddle

Landing on the first pad, that used to anchor antenna cables that stretched 7,200′ across the valley. Engineering marvel of the day.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan with his one yard stare, noticed something was turned inside out. That’s how they roll in Virginia.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan leaving the pad for the summit. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben and Dale walking up the back stairs to the CCL building. Mystery solved.

Moanalua Saddle

Almost to the top.

Haiku Stairs

Group photo with views for days, left to right: myself, Dale, Ben and Ethan.

Haiku Stairs

Seeking shelter from the crisp winds while knocking the rocks from my shoes. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

We parted ways with Dale at the Moanalua Middle Ridge Junction. Good job on your first saddle, Dale! Thanks for the fun company!

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Ben making his way down the ridge line.

Moanalua Middle Ridge

Hello from the other side.

KSRT

Hello back. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Making our way down to the abandoned relay station. VT call home. Photo by Ben Hinders.

KSRT

Passing the power lines. No swings seen.

Tripler Summit

This would make a really, really good camp site. Photo by Ben Hinders.

KSRT

Heading to the summit of Bowman. Just passing through.

Kalihi Saddle

Do you see Ethan?

Kalihi Saddle

Oh, there you are.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben approaching one of the cracked and crumbly sections.

Kalihi Saddle

Going over the boulder that’s still somehow hanging on.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben and Ethan making their way around the loosely packed overhang.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the dirty rope slide.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben making his way down the slippery slope.

Kalihi Saddle

The wave’s ride is over.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben barreling down the hill.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking for the porta-potty. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing down the chossy rocks. Slowly.

Rock Triangle #1

Following the rope down to the Leeward side of the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben and Ethan standing on an eroded section. Heck, the entire ridge was practically eroded.

Rock Triangle #2

Looking for the stirrups to climb down. What the heck?

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way down the skinny ridge. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben preparing to descend down tabletop rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Bottoming out from the steep descent …

Kalihi Saddle

… then going back down.

Kalihi Saddle

Crossing over one of the more narrower sections of the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben approaching the Witch’s Hat. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Kalihi Saddle

Group photo on top of Witch’s Hat.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way down the backside.

Kalihi Saddle

We had spotted three hikers earlier milling about the power lines, worried that our reservations might be usurped, Ethan surged ahead to secure our place for the night. It was all for naught as the group was intent on pressing to Haiku Stairs. Ben continued his running commentary on the hiker’s progress with his used to be better thousand yard stare.

Camp Centipede

Hunkering down for dinner that was rudely interrupted by a slithering venomous arthropod making a beeline for my tent. Didn’t bother to count if it had 100 legs. I was too busy smashing it with a rock that it had come under from. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Camp Centipede

Good night from the saddle. The rain came down hard during the night. Sleep tight and don’t let the centipedes bite. Tent zipped up tight. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Camp Centipede

Good morning from the saddle. The rain had cleared up but left us with wet rocks. Gee, thanks. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Camp Centipede

I came back from pooping and found the campsite being rolled up. Time to mosey on down to the power lines.

Powerlines

Shout out to Dale for dropping Chris and Khym at the power lines trail to join us for a meet and greet hike. Not a saddle hike. Sorry guys.

Powerlines

Ethan ending his abstinence from soda after two years. Thanks to Chris and Khym for hauling up the soda and water.

Powerlines

The rocks were wet from last night’s pounding and the weather looked gloomy. Somebody was doggedly trying to convince us it was going to be a beautiful day. Second opinion. Third opinion. Better safe than sorry.

Powerlines

We may as well take a group photo as this is far as we are going to get on the saddle today. Left to right: myself, Ben, Ethan, Chris and Khym.

Powerlines

Panoramic view from the power lines. There was a “trail” that looked promising for another exploration hike.

Powerlines Trail

Dejected and disappointed, well maybe not everybody, we made our way down the trail and into Kalihi Valley.

All pau

Ben coming down the trail and detouring around the fenced building. Do not enter the open gate, it’s a trap. Mahalo to Ethan’s friend, Phil, for picking us up and shuttling us to our cars in Maunawili.

GPS Tracks

Even though our three saddles hike got abbreviated to one and half saddles, covering 10.05 miles through crumbly terrain and scenic sights with great company made it all worthwhile. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery. Not Lover’s Bakery. I never experienced standing room only at a restaurant until today.

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

My journey to traverse the Ko’olau Mountain Range began with a saddle and fittingly ended with another saddle today. I had no intentions of completing the entire Ko’olau Mountain Range when I first started hiking, it was just to get out and hit the trails. That all changed after one of our hikes, when the topic turned to connecting and finishing all the trails that made up the Ko’olau Mountains, the idea was then planted in my head and thus began my journey that ended today. Much appreciation and thanks to all my fellow hikers that have showed me new trails, shared advice, and kept me company in the mountains.

Head count?

This being a social hike, it was a chance to see old friends and make new friends. Our group of 19 hikers pushed off the Kamananui Valley Road in Moanalua Valley to begin our hike. It was surprising that we had the trail to ourselves on a Saturday morning.

Bridges and streams

There are seven bridges that once made up the carriage road that led to the Damon Estate tucked deep in the valley. No carriages for our dogs, just boots and sneakers.

Overloaded?

I must have missed a bridge. Group photo left to right: Chris C, Randy, Jose, Marvin, Troy, John, Bob, Lyzel, Ahnate, Kelly, Chance, Nani, Donald, Chris H, Ryan, Brian, Shane and Art. The rest of the road alternated between semi-dry to muddy.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Group photo at the Kulana’ahane Trailhead left to right, standing: Chris H, Art, Brian, Ahnate, Kelly, Lyzel, Bob, Donald, Randy, Shane, John, Jose and Chris C. Sitting, left to right: Chance, Ryan, myself, Nani, Marvin and Troy. All accounted for.

More steam crossings ahead

Headed into the valley. There are supposed to be over two dozen stream crossings. I didn’t keep count.

Rain gauge station

Somebody tagged the outhouse! Taggers and Litterbuggers beware! Night marchers are known to frequent hiking trails, even during the daytime. Please show respect by following three simple rules: Leave nothing but footprints (maybe webbing on sketchy sections). Take nothing but photos (okay the occasional banana or dragonfruit). Kill nothing but time (maybe the invasive flora and fauna).

Follow the signs and streams

The trail was well defined with signs and ribbons, hard to get lost on this trail.

Hau trees

Groves of hau trees, if not checked, can form an near impenetrable barrier. In the old days, Hawaiians needed the permission of the village chief to cut these tree branches.

Going upstream

The trail followed Kamananui stream as it meandered its way through the valley.

Watering hole

Taking a break before our climb up the mountain. Nobody wanted to jump into the pool today. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Unmaintained trail

Despite the sign, the trail looked remarkably maintained.

Short but steep

Nothing like a nice little cardio workout in the morning.

Dry chute

No raging waterfall today. Photo by Chris Chun.

Moanalua Valley

Looking back into the valley, to see how far we had come. Photo by Nani Dee.

Moanalua Saddle

Topping out in the middle of the saddle at 1,680′ elevation.

Haiku Valley

Click here for the larger image of Haiku Valley. The H-3 was unusually empty, due to Honolulu bound lanes closed for the weekend. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Saddle crew

Group photo left to right, standing: Art, Nani, Randy, Donald, Chris H, Ryan, Shane, Chance, Jose and Chris C. Left to right, sitting: Lyzel, myself, Brian, Bob, Marvin, John, Kelly, Ahnate and Troy.

Not coming?

Chance and Chris decided to return back down into the valley, reducing our group to 17 hikers.

Now the fun begins

We turned left towards Red Hill to begin our climb out of the saddle.

Skinny ridge

What would a saddle hike be without skinny ridges?

A little crumbly

Troy, Marvin and John coming down a crumbly section of the saddle. Photo by Art Millan.

Leeward side contour

The trail largely contoured to the Leeward side, avoiding the steep Windward drops.

Can you see the CCL building?

Looking towards the “better half” of Moanalua Saddle. Photo by Nani Dee.

Exposed rocks

The group scrambling over an exposed and rocky section of the saddle.

Hello?

Who are you calling?

Hello?

Oh me? Too funny. Photo by Nani Dee.

Overgrown

Heavy overgrowth marked this saddle section.

So close, yet so far

At the washed out section of the saddle, Marvin’s leg locked up. Continuing the climb was now out of the question.

Decisions

After discussing options; Marvin decided to head back down, with Randy and Nani keeping him company. Better safe than sorry. Photo by John Garrity.

Last steep climb

Climbing the last steep section. Photo by Art Millan.

Almost there

The rest of the trail slightly sloped as we made our way to Red Hill.

Red Hill summit

We were at the summit of Red Hill before we even knew it. It was that quick.

All the dots are connected

My Ko’olau journey was now complete. Cheehoo! Photo by Bob Tyson.

Going down Red Hill Ridge

The group making their way up and down the roller coasting Red Hill Ridge.

Ridges everywhere

Halawa and Aiea ridges sandwiching the H-3 to our right. Photo by Chris Chun.

Lyzel in a tree

Lyzel taking a break up in the trees.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Troy and Bob going down the spur ridge known as the Godek-Jaskulski trail, which drops down into Moanalua Valley.

Laundry day

Who brings a hangar on a hike? Lyzel, that’s who. Photo by Lyzel.

Back on the trail

Out of the original group of 19 hikers, 14 of us completed the loop. Only three miles left back to our cars.

Happy Birthday Bob!

Today Bob turned 65. Still kicking and hitting the trails, hope I’m that active when I get to be his age. He was also passing out ice cold beer like there was no tomorrow. Group photo left to right, top: Ahnate, Troy, Chris H, Chance, myself, Lyzel, Chris C, Donald, Marvin, Randy and Nani. Left to right, bottom: Shane, Bob, John, Kelly, Art, Ryan, Jose and Brian.

GPS Tracks

The 9.7 mile hike was my last segment needed to complete the Ko’olaus. Thanks to everybody that came out and kept me company. If I had to do it over again, I would do longer crossovers on the KST. Going up and down the long ridges to the KST, takes a lot of time and energy. After the hike, 13 of us hungry hikers descended onto Old Spaghetti Factory and replenished our liquids and carbs! Keep up waiter! LOL.

Ko’olau Journey

Click here for the larger image of my section hikes across the Ko’olaus. Map by Marvin Chandra.

I joined Marvin, Les, Lita, Matt and Robb on a “baby grinder hike” (Marvin’s words) from Aiea to Red Hill, with a descent into Stairway of Hell.

Keaiwa heiau

We stashed a couple of cars outside of Moanalua Valley Park and carpooled in Matt’s van to Aiea Heights. It is highly recommended to park outside both parks, as there is a strong chance that when you come down that the gates will be locked. The 17th century ruins of an Hawaiian healing temple was near the entrance of the Keaiwa Heiau Park, as we followed the road in.

Trailhead

The road led us to the top of the Aiea Loop Trail, where we also picked up Robb to round out the hiking crew.

Bench with a view

The trail sees heavy use by two legged and four legged hikers.

H-3

If you see the H-3, you went too far. Backtrack a bit and make a right up towards the ridge.

Halawa valley

Paralleling the H-3 as we made our way up Aiea ridge.

Looking back

The last clear view we had as clouds soon enveloped us on the ridge.

Powerlines

Looking ahead at the false summit which is marked by a massive powerline tower.

On the KST

We soon topped out on the Koolau’s. What a view! What view?

Cloudy views

Making our way on the narrow trail choked with vegetation, typical KST trail, the clouds would teasingly break apart to give us Windward views and take it right back.

Hawaiian mint

Marvin pointed out this endemic flowering plant, also known as Phyllostegia glabra.

Hiking in the clouds

Hiking in whiteout conditions is surreal and a bummer as no views are present.

Protected area

This small fenced area affords protection to a rare endemic bellflower plant known as Cyanea st.-johnii, that only grows on the Ko’olau Mountains. Didn’t see any today.

Partly cloudy

We can see again!

Rolling mountains

The cloud cover lifted her veil for a moment to reveal the Ko’olau Mountains in all her glory.

Ohia lehua

A red lehua blossom on an ‘ohi’a tree.

Sliding down the ditch

Making our way down the summit trail, we eventually scooted down a ditch where the hidden stairs soon popped into cloudy view.

North Haiku Stairs

Visibility was zero at the top of the stairs. The last time we were here, I had wanted to go down to the end of the stairs, but time constraints dictated otherwise. Was today going to be different?

Look to the left

As I dropped in elevation going down the stairs, the Windward views opened up.

Look to the right

Clouds hanging over the Ko’olau’s Mountains.

Stairway to Hell

Going down the stairs is a different experience than Stairway to Heaven, as railings and steps are missing or rusted to the point of dust. Gloves are highly recommended. Vegetation has reclaimed most sections. The stairs abruptly end at a steep cliff section, a view that was denied to me again. I think I got within a hair of the end, but Marvin called and said the group wanted to leave. Guess I’ll be coming back for another visit.

What goes down, must come up

I raced back up the stairs as fast as my legs and the stairs condition allowed me.

Leaving hell

Got back to the top of the stairs and was gassed out. Munched on my musubi and guzzled some water and then we headed out to catch up with Lita and Robb who had left earlier.

Geo Marker

No views again at the geo marker spot, as we made our way down the summit trail.

Halawa junction

Group photo clockwise: myself, Lita, Robb, Marvin, Lester and Matt. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Going down Halawa ridge

Lita and Robb decided to part ways and go down Halawa Ridge due to concerns about hiking in the dark.

Over the H-3

We picked up the pace as we resumed our hike on the summit trail, passing the H-3 directly overhead.

Red Hill junction

Taking a short break in the clouds.

Long and flat

Going down Red Hill Ridge was defined by a couple big hills and then roller coasting over smaller ones.

Going down the Godek-Jaskulski Ridge

We eventually turned left and made our way down to Moanalua Valley.

Kulana’ahane Trailhead

Time to break out the head lamps for the three mile walk back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Baby grinder my butt! The 13.03 mile hike over the rolling mountains of the Koolau’s resulted in a long day filled with clouds and intermittent views, but still a great way to end the day or should I say night?