Met up with Aida, Allison, Mari, Mona and Tessa at Dillingham Airfield for our perimeter walk#7 around the island.

Dillingham Airfield

Group photo at missed opportunities.

Farrington Hwy

Entering the remote coastline park.

Kaena Point State Park

The team building rope course. Do we need supervision? Adult supervision?

Camp Erdman

Passing by the YMCA camp that was built back in 1926.

Kaena Point State Park

Entering the area that is restricted to 4×4 vehicles with free permits or 2×2 with no permits.

Kaena Point State Park

Allison suggested the scenic coastal trail instead of the monotonous jeep road. Good choice.

Kaena Point State Park

I’m glad we left our 4×4 trucks at home.

Kaena Point State Park

Passing fishermen on the sandy dunes.

Kaena Point State Park

Looking at a train trestle, remnants from the narrow gauge railroad tracks that was built by the Oahu Railway and Land Company back in 1889.

Kaena Point State Park

Mona trying to look natural. Nothing worse than a forced pose.

Kaena Point State Park

Hawaiian monk seal basking on the beach. These mammals are endangered and endemic to the islands. They got their name from their short hairs on their head which resembles a monk.

Kaena Point State Park

Somebody is not a morning mammal.

Kaena Point State Park

Going slightly off trail.

Kaena Point State Park

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

Kaena Point State Park

Passing a rocky cove where I was encouraged to climb down and stand on a spit of a rock. I’m easily manipulated.

Kaena Point State Park

360 degree photo of the rocky cove.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Entering the reserve that was established in 1983 to protect one of the last intact dune ecosystem in the islands.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Looking at what I believe is the Leina ka ‘Uhane rock, where recently departed souls would take the plunge into the ocean on their way to heaven.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Observing a pair of nesting Laysan albatross and a chick preparing for fledging, where they exercise their impressive six foot wingspans for their maiden voyage out to sea.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Walking on the sandy trail with Kaena Point Ridge in the background.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Approaching the old and the new lighthouse in the loosest sense of the word. The fallen one that was built in 1919, fell victim to vandalism and was toppled circa 1987.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Seeking sheltered shade from the sweltering sun. This place is after all called, the heat for good reason.

Allison’s White Coral Beach

Allison may have got the credit, but Tessa got the photo.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

A chick with incomplete molting of its feathers, giving it an appearance of an old bird.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Exiting the predator-proof fence that was constructed back in 2011 to protect endemic fauna and flora.

Kaena Point State Park

Let’s go this way! Guys?

Kaena Point State Park

Tessa checking out one of the rocky coves that dot the shoreline.

Kaena Point State Park

The others took the high road.

Kaena Point State Park

Walking on the train tracks of history that once ran from Iwilei to Kahuku. The Aluetian Islands earthquake of 1946 spawned a tsunami that destroyed some of the tracks that was rebuilt, but the sugar workers strike of the same year and the rising use of cars lead the company to shut down operations in 1947. Parts of the railroad still saw use by shipyards, tourists and the military until the 1970s. Today, a small section of the rail in Ewa is maintained and operated by the State and the Hawaiian Railway Society.

Kaena Point State Park

Arch your backs for the arch photo!

Kaena Point State Park

Hello from the other side.

Kaena Point State Park

Mona taking in the picturesque views of the rugged Keawa’ula side of the coastline.

Kaena Point State Park

I thought vehicular access was prohibited? Maybe they want to see the coastline from a tumbled and upside down point of view. The driver did compliment my t-shirt by uttering “New Zealand. Yassss.” in the best surfer stoner voice this side of Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Kaena Point State Park

We’re not done yet?

Kaena Point State Park

We left our hearts at Kaena Point.

Kaena Point Space Force Station

Live long and prosper. Get some crazy glue for the girl on the left. Despite the logo for the Space Force appearing to have boldly gone where Star Trek went before, this was based on earlier Air Force Designs. So no George Takei, you will not be getting any royalties. I also messaged our pickup, Jason who was not responding. Oh oh.

Farrington Hwy

Did one of you guys drop something? I also called Chris, who luckily was not hiking and getting over a hangover. Pickup secured.

Farrington Hwy

What goes in.

Farrington Hwy

Must come out.

Farrington Hwy

Shoefie view of the drainage pipe.

Farrington Hwy

Group photo on the pipe wall.

Makua Military Reservation

Passing by the 760 acres that the US Army back in 1964 paid the State of Hawaii a dollar to lease the land for 65 years. Talk about a steal, literally and figuratively. The Army wants to keep the valley for training and others want them out when the lease ends in 2029. The history of this valley for military training stretches back to the 1920s, when WW2 struck the islands, the military took total control of the valley and promised that when the war was over, the land would be returned. Broken promises.

Kaneana Cave

Entering the 150,000 year old cave that was formed by sea erosion and is roughly 100′ high and 450′ deep.

Kaneana Cave

Exploring the upper and lower tunnels of the cave.

Kaneana Cave

Hawaiian legend has it that this cave used to be the home to Nanaue, the Shark God that developed an appetite for human flesh. He would lure unsuspecting travelers into the cave and then kill them and leave them to rot for three weeks before making a meal of them. He was eventually caught and killed.

Kaneana Cave

Another story is that the Hawaiian syndicate used to dispose of their victims here. Their spirits are supposed to still roam and haunt this area.

Kaneana Cave

Hawaiian chanting soon filled the cave chambers which slightly delayed our departure.

Kaneana Cave

Last group photo of the day as we waited for Chris to pick us up. Mahalo again CB!

GPS Tracks

Our hot as heck hike that took us around the island covered 11.12 miles with a fun group. Allison was late for church so she took her hurried leave of us. Post hike meal at Sakura Restaurant, entertainment included.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Allison Banks, Mari Saito, Monaliza Guillermo, Tessa Bugay, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

I decided to do another long haul hike back to back from coming off my camping weekend. I don’t want to get fat and lazy. Well maybe just fat. Thanks to Tessa for dropping Chris, Jen and myself off deep into Waianae Valley where the feral dogs still roam at will.

Waianae Valley

They must refresh the painting on the road every now and then. The message is always the same, but the delivery is slightly different.

Waianae Valley

Walking up the service road, our olfactory senses were dusted with a rustic mixture of smoke and shit.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Going down the trail to cross the dry streambed and making our way through the lowland forest.

Three Poles

Jen pulling herself up to the ridge line.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Climbing over the first boulder section with Kamaileunu and Ohikilolo ridges in the background.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Jen going up the ladder on the second boulder section.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Working for that elevation gain.

Mount Ka’ala

Walking through the native cloud forest, that was once home to a freshwater pond full of mullet and other fish.

Mount Ka’ala

The end of the roughly 3/4 mile walk through the stunted ohia forest that harbors endemic fauna and flora found nowhere else.

Mount Ka’ala

Skirting the radar tracking station that is operated by the HANG 169th ADS, to check out the mountain and coastal sights.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo at the relatively new sign proclaiming the elevation at 4,026′, the highest peak on the island. Smoke from recent brush fires gave the surrounding skies a hazy veneer.

Ka’ala Road

Walking down the road that only a truck could love.

Ka’ala Road

Road reflections.

Ka’ala Road

The saving grace to the unyielding road was the postcard views that decorated the way down.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We soon left the road and followed the fence line as it sliced an uneven corridor through the clawing and cloying uluhe ferns whose pollen was aggravatingly annoying.

Three Corners

Group photo with Makaha and Makua Valleys behind us. I don’t have an Insta360 camera.

WST

Following the fence line as it went up and down the highs and the lows on the ridge line.

Mokuleia Bench

Approaching the overlook where we ran across a couple on their way to Three Corners, perhaps they had an Insta360 camera and another individual who preferred to remain benched and came back for his hydroflask of … hot coffee on this hot day?

WST

Chris at the exposed ledge with the strikingly clear flat top mountain of Ka’ala and the fluted ridges that circled Makua Valley in the background.

WST

Switch backing our way down the hill that were festooned with blue flags and tinkling metal tags that marked endemic plantings?

WST

Jen snacking on the invasive strawberry guava plants that were sprinkled throughout the area.

WST

Thanks to Chris who brought us a bag of mountain apples or what I call nature’s hydroflask.

WST

Looking into the valley where ancient Hawaiians believed man was first created. Now the same man can’t step foot into this deceptively looking valley strewn with unexploded munitions dating back to WW2. The lease runs out in 2029, let’s see if the US military will give the land back to its rightful owners.

WST

Meeting up with the jeep road where we ran into several trucks making their way to Peacock Flats. No sparkling water was handed out.

WST

Leaving the jeep road for the fence line. One of the constants when hiking in Hawaii.

Kuaokala Trail

Following the fence line for the last time on the trail as it bordered the valley on one side and pine forests on the other side.

Kuaokala Trail

I heard rumors that Johnny Depp purchased this particular rock and re-named it the Amber Turd Rock. It just could be an urban legend.

Kuaokala Trail

Making our way to the pine tree forest, where we ran across another hiker who was seemingly picking flowers.

Kuaokala Trail

Our last pit stop as we took stock of our water and food supplies. Good to go.

Kuaokala Trail

Heading off the reservation.

Kaena Point

Are we on trail or off trail? Safe or not safe?

Kaena Point

Chris couldn’t decide whether to dribble or do a chip shot.

Kaena Point

Walking on the road that gives you ten minutes of self-induced anxiety.

Kaena Point

End of the road for us. Big sigh of relief.

Kaena Point

Going down the point that is believed to be the jumping off point for souls leaving this world for the next one.

Kaena Point

Jen making her way down the rocky ridge punctuated with multiple bunkers from WW2.

Kaena Point

Silhouetted against the sunset.

Kaena Point

Approaching the bottom of the ridge with sunlight to spare. We didn’t want no random encounters with the huaka’i po or night marchers.

All pau

Chris waiting for the green flash. Mahalo to Edgar for grabbing us at the bird sanctuary gate which saved us over two extra miles of walking. The dogs were barking loud and clear for some of us.

GPS Tracks

Our grinder of a hike covered 16.3 miles through the eroded remains of the shield volcano that is over 3 million years old. Post hike meal at the nearby beach where Cathy, Marilyn, Quan and Tessa joined and fed us with chicken papaya, summer salad and cold drinks. Much appreciated guys.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, Jen Odence 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.

We returned back to the West side to tie up some loose ends and with a 4×4 ride to boot.

Kaena Point

Star Trek meets Spaceballs. Thanks to Barry for driving Art, CJ and myself up to Peacock Flats.

Kaena Point

Tracking space debris since Statehood.

Kuaokala Trail

Enjoying our ride on four wheels and not two feet.

Cyanea Superba

When not one but two of the rare Hawaiian lobelioid are closer than you think.

Mokuleia Trail

When a good natured scare that walked up from the Mokuleia side is mistaken for a botanical berry.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Can you see the spiderweb for the pine tree? Photo by CJ Mendiola.

WST

Look! Up in the mountains! It’s a peak! It’s a cabin!

WST

When it’s easier to climb up a tree than get down from one.

WST

Climbing over the fence line to get a better look at the valley below us.

Makua Valley

10 seconds to spare for the group photo, left to right: myself, Art, CJ, Chris and Quan.

WST

Passing the enclosed habitat for endemic shelled gastropods. Photo by Art Young.

Pahole NAR

One of many fence crossings as we passed through part of the vast 685 acres of protected ecosystems. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Checking out the conservation work. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

WST

Art climbing up to refill his water supply. Filtration notwithstanding.

WST

Chris going down the heavily rutted jeep road.

WST

Backdrop of Makua Valley for our group photo.

WST

Following in the tracks of our earlier ride.

WST

Picking the abundant passion fruit that lined the trail slowed the forward progress. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

There were more 4×4 vehicles on the road today than hikers.

Kuaokala Trail

Back on a familiar trail for some.

Kuaokala Trail

Trying to not let the gate hit me on my way out or in? Photo by Art Young.

Kuaokala Trail

The group coming down the fenced trail.

Kuaokala Trail

Doing my best alcoholic impression. Photo by Art Young.

Kuaokala Trail

Behind the scenes photography.

Kuaokala Trail

Traversing along Makua rim populated by eucalyptus trees. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kuaokala Trail

We’re not finished yet. I don’t know why you guys are jumping for joy.

Kuaokala Trail

Walking down on what could arguably be the widest trail on the island. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Kuaokala Trail

We got to the shelter but had no picnic. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

WST

The ocean looked cool and inviting on this scorcher of a day. Photo by Art Young.

WST

The wildlife was very docile in these neck of the woods.

WST

Straying off or on the reservation? Photo by Art Young.

WST

Contorting and crawling was the name of the game today. Fun. Fun. Fun. Say it enough times and one might actually believe that gibberish. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

WST

Glad they are looking up at the heavenly bodies. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

Leaving the claustrophobic trail for a much more roomier one. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Farmer Bautista. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Tee time in the mountains. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Staying off the reservation. Photo by Art Young.

Kaena Point

Washing your hands is even more important in these COVID times that we live in.

Kaena Point

Leaving behind some irritated hornets that peppered me with stinging souvenirs when I disturbed their hive. Lucky it wasn’t those Asian giant hornets. Photo by Art Young.

Kaena Point

Hiking our way down the rocky ridge that was littered with military leftovers. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Kaena Point

Looking back at both sides of the island.

Kaena Point

#7. A perfectly good waste of sparkling wine. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Kaena Point

Coming down the mountain. Photo by Art Young.

Kaena Point

Treading over train track remnants from a different era when locomotives used to circle the island. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kaena Point

Art on the arch.

All pau

No green flash sighted. Thanks to Lilyn and Aida for shuttling the group to our parked cars. What happens if a hiker finishes the mountain range but no one is around, does it count? Benefit of the doubt and dubious congratulations to the lady from the sandbar for completing the WST today as well. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

GPS Tracks

Our finishing end to the Waianae Summit Trail covered roughly 15.6 miles through rugged terrain and raw beauty. Fun hike with good friends. Post hike meal at The Beach House by 604, where the clam chowder wasn’t world famous and the live unfiltered music made up for the mediocre food.

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.