We all met up to do a hike that fell short of its intended goal due to multiple distractions.

Makapu’u

Thanks to Jimell and Lilia who dropped us off after some last minute adjustments due to somebody’s alarm clock not working.

Makapu’u

Hiking by artificial illumination.

Sea Life Park

Looking down into the artificially illuminated marine mammal park.

Makapu’u

Following the path along the rocky cliffs.

Makapu’u

Looking out towards the two seabird sanctuary islands and Makai Pier.

Makapu’u

Okay, you can turn off your headlamps now.

Makapu’u Puka

Outside the puka.

Makapu’u Puka

Inside the puka.

Makapu’u Puka

Rocket revolution. We finally left the gathering place after hearing the retired chopper pilot talk about his wartime stories on and off the battlefield. I only heard six times. I leave that to ones imagination.

Makapu’u

It was another windy day in the mountains.

Makapu’u

Can you see the hiker for the puka?

Makapu’u

The girls posing by the ladybug tree.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Looking ahead to another hill that had to be climbed.

KSRT

The butterfly whisperer. Ferlino didn’t whisper enough as it was a common passion butterfly. I have yet to see a endemic Kamehameha butterfly in the wild.

KSRT

Akira and Mona checking out the cave as Ferlino flies the Hawaiian flag above them. The history of the flags origins goes back to when Britain and America both had vested interests in the islands so the flag has elements of the Union Jack and the stripes represents the eight major islands of Hawaii and Old Glory.

KSRT

Somebody stuck their head where the sun does shine.

KSRT

Cardio climb up the last big hill.

KSRT

Mona stuck herself in a hole that she could get out of.

KSRT

Somebody was tracking us. Somebody that was bright yellow and very loud.

KSRT

Can Camper and Winner come out to play?

KSRT

Somewhere in the mountains, it’s always Christmas. Just the singing is off-key. We soon met up with Tessa who had gotten off the night shift to join us.

KSRT

Group photo on what many people have now been erroneously calling Dead Man’s Catwalk. I guess it’s the new Dead Man’s Catwalk.

Kamehame Road

Walking up the road that used to be home to radar towers that once controlled the Nike missile battery known as OA-32 that was located at Bellows Air Field during 1961-1970.

Hidden Stairs

Aileen and Tessa hanging out.

Hidden Stairs

Group photo on the stairs that lead to nowhere and whose original purpose is still a mystery to some of us.

Kamehame Road

Our “social media” hike clocked in under four hours and covered only 2.15 miles at this point. We decided to drop to the road and take an impromptu meal break where fence climbing, medicinal smoking and dancing were ongoing as the hiking mojo slowly evaporated.

Dead Man’s Catwalk

Standing at the site of the original lookout that was demolished due to it being an attractive nuisance and to make way for telecommunication progress.

KSRT

Group photo at the scenic lookout.

KSRT

Picking our way on the trail as we passed one of the former radar towers.

KSRT

Group photo by an agave plant whose roots, sap and juice are used to make medicine that can be taken orally for flatulence among other things. Did somebody say flatulence?

KSRT

Dropping into the saddle.

KSRT

Going off the trail to explore a seemingly precariously balanced rock on the side of the mountain.

KSRT

Trying to find the center of gravity.

KSRT

Val making good use of her recently purchased Insta360.

KSRT

The girls making their way back on the tricky contour.

KSRT

Back to hiking. Isn’t that what we came out for today?

KSRT

Group photo at the lowest area between the two peaks.

KSRT

Climbing our way towards the stand of pine trees above us.

KSRT

Lunch spot with a view of the Waimanalo coastline.

KSRT

Some of us played in the pine needles …

KSRT

… while others played in the trees.

KSRT

Stretching our legs after another long pause as we resumed our hiking with urbanized views of Kamiloiki Valley.

KSRT

Reason #34 we are not making it to Wiliwilinui today.

Kamiloiki Summit

We were just passing through, with fleeting awesome Windward views.

KSRT

Jumping from one grove of pine trees to another small group of pine trees.

KSRT

Just missing the cardboard box.

KSRT

That’s not the way.

KSRT

This is the way.

KSRT

Climbing our way to the ridge line summit that are home to a series of power line towers that range all the way to Ka’au Crater and are part of the southern corridor.

Tom-Tom Summit

Some of us got comfortable and took a break while Aileen, Akira and Ferlino decided to go climb a rock.

Bells Tower

The trio going down the spur ridge to climb what is commonly called Dorito’s or Bells Tower.

Bells Tower

Ferlino watching Akira start his climb up the tower.

KSRT

Somebody got a little too comfortable in the mountains.

Bells Tower

Hard to tell from the angle, but Akira and Ferlino took a selfie from the top.

Bells Tower

Aileen and Ferlino making their way off the inverted cup shaped rock.

KSRT

Making our way out of the rocky and exposed area as we headed into the forest.

KSRT

Brushing against the relatively feathery soft laua’e ferns.

KSRT

Climbing our way to the last summit of the day.

Kaluanui Summit

Group photo at the 1,640′ peak more commonly known as Mariner’s Ridge Summit.

Mariner’s Ridge Trail

Making our way down the trail that Kamehameha Schools shut down years ago on December 6, 2013 due to the neighbors complaining about excessive foot traffic in the area.

Mariner’s Ridge Trail

Never argue with a man that has a knife and that hasn’t taken his medicine.

New Mariner’s Ridge Trail

Going off the established trail and onto the trail also used as a loop for Hahaione Pyramid.

Hahaione Valley

Crossing the dry streambed as we climbed out of the valley and walked down the road.

All pau

Waiting for Jasmin and Lilia to pick us up before the neighbors gave us more stink eyes.

GPS Tracks

Our relaxing day in the mountains covered 5.52 miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Liko’s Tap & Table where somebody got to celebrate their birthday again. On the house.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Kennard Capili, Monaliza Guillermo, Tessa Bugay, Val Wang, 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.

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

Pahua Heiau

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

Taking the higher road

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

Kamiloiki Ridge

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

Kamiloiki Ridge

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

Kamiloiki Ridge

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

Kamiloiki Ridge

Jasmin roasting imaginary marshmallows over an imaginary roaring campfire.

Kamiloiki Ridge

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

Kamiloiki Ridge

Stacks of fungi going vertical on a tree stump.

Camp Awesome

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

Kamiloiki Summit

Something splendid to witness.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Jasmin dropping into the saddle.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

(New) Dead Man’s Cat Walk

Not improved. No scenery whatsoever. Major letdown.

Original Dead Man’s Cat Walk

It actually looks better without the concrete. Au naturel.

Hidden Stairs

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

Hidden Stairs

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

BBQ

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

All pau

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

GPS Tracks

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

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

Today we gave our feet a rest and let the rubber meet the road. Met up with Chris, Glenn, Justin, Marvin and Thessa as we explored not so hidden and not so secret spots on the island. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Hidden Bunkers

Looking at a shortcut up to the mountains. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Hidden Bunkers

Wandering in the woods. Thanks to Cisco and Dale for the info on these hidden bunkers.

Hidden Bunkers

The stairs going down to the dark, dank and deserted bunkers.

Hidden Bunkers

Marvin about to cross over the rubble landslide.

Hidden Bunkers

Skylight. Ventilation to release the trapped musty and foul odors.

Hidden Bunkers

I guess when you have to go, you have to go. I hope they at least wiped and washed their hands.

Hidden Bunkers

Father … Photo by Justin Hirako.

Hidden Bunkers

… and son. That time forgot. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Hidden Bunkers

It was time to leave the concrete corridors littered with spent paint cans, emptied beverage cans and discarded human detritus, inorganic and organic. Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Hidden Bunkers

Almost every square inch of exposed concrete was tagged.

Hidden Bunkers

One last group photo by Justin Hirako.

Hidden Stairs

Thanks to Khym for the info on these stairs.

Hidden Stairs

Playground for adults? Photo by Justin Hirako.

Hidden Stairs

Fake climbing leads to cuts and scrapes. No visit to the karst today. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Hidden Stairs

Real climbing leads to a fake cave. Photos by Marvin Chandra.

Hidden Stairs

Trying not to slip and slide down the chossy rocks. Some were more successful than others. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Hidden petroglyphs

Marvin walking into the light.

Hidden petroglyphs

Coastal erosion constantly at work. Never turn your back on the ocean. She’ll snatch you away in the blink of an eye.

Hidden petroglyphs

Thanks to Marvin for pointing out the non-existent petroglyphs. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Hidden petroglyphs

Rebuilt and retagged.

Manoa treehouse

Go away. No free spirits. Just hippies here. Take your yuppie drink with you as well.

Tantalus treehouse

All trails lead somewhere. Like a treehouse.

Tantalus treehouse

View of Diamond Head, the hardest hike on the island, bar none.

Tantalus treehouse

Creaking and popping. Wait, what is the weight limit? Photo by Justin Hirako.

Tantalus treehouse

Time to leave. Others were waiting to burden the tree with their weight as well.

Tantalus treehouse

I think the weight limit has been exceeded.

Tantalus treehouse

Not all roads lead one back down faster than the trails.

Heart Cave

Blowing kisses. Photo by Justin Hirako

Heart Cave

Who brings an umbrella to a hike. Excuse me, road trip. Marvin, that’s who. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Pipe

Flushed to the light.

Pipe

Inside and outside. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Pipe

One last look before we enjoyed our post hike lunch meal at Tacos and More. No more unlimited salsa.

Tunnels

The mermaid caves were standing room only. So we found our own caves. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Lighthouse

Can we skip the entertainment and head straight to the food?

Lighthouse

Walking in the sand and being sprinkled by the rain.

Lighthouse

Steering hikers clear of obstacles since 1933. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Lighthouse

No sunset for us. We had to make do with the lights from the passing ships. Post hike dinner meal at Denny’s. No banana. No split. Great way to spend the day with good company.