Ryan took us on a short ridge loop hike in East Oahu today. Met up with Chris, Glenn, Jake, Jasmin, Ryan and Thessa at the top of Waialae Iki luxury ridge and we then shuttled to the trailhead.

Trailhead

Right off the bat, the trail was well marked and relatively open. What? No bushwhacking?

Diamond Head

Jake against the background of Diamond Head and urban Honolulu.

Hawaiian teepee

How do I get out of here?

Ko’olau Mountain Range

The cloud deck was high enough to see the peaks and ridges of the Ko’olaus.

Easy peasy

The overcast conditions and exposed trail made this a sweet little hike.

Last of the Mohicans

When Ryan hiked this ridge several years ago, this small stand of Wiliwili trees were still alive. Gall wasps and Chinese rose beetles had taken their toll. Photo by Jake Kunukau.

Looking back

The blighted wiliwili trees dotted the side of the ridge.

Connector trail

The trail goes down to the valley and to the Wiliwilinui Ridge trailhead. A shortcut for those so inclined. We were not inclined.

Follow the ribbons

Jake and Jasmin going through a grove of strawberry guava trees.

Eroded section

A common sight on the trails.

Sitting tree

How many walking sticks can this tree support? Glenn?

Exposed trail

Ryan and Glenn passing through a stand of pine oil scented eucalyptus trees.

Sea of uluhe

Glad we weren’t in the thick of those prickly ferns.

Parting ways

The ridge soon connected to the jeep road that is part of the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail. Group photo left to right: Chris, Jasmin, Ryan, myself, Thessa, Glenn and Jake. Ryan peeled off and went back down the road.

Jeep road

Can you tell this is a State trail?

To stair or not to stair

Jasmin had cramps. Suck on that mustard packet. Jake had a hot date with Mighty Mo. See you suckers.

Wiliwilinui relay station

Striking distance of the summit, which is actually behind the relay station. The humming of the power lines kept us company.

Pick it up

Only 5 more minutes!

Wiliwilinui Ridge Summit

Multi-tasking at the 2,520′ summit.

Going back down

We decided to head back down before the rain clouds decided to release her payload. Plus we were hungry.

Swingers

Don’t step on my head!

Run Forrest Run

Hikes are like a box of chocolates. Or was that hikers are like a box of chocolates?

All pau

No time to explore the bunkers today. Fun little hike with a great crew.

GPS Tracks

The short ridge loop hike covered 6.73 miles. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. Eating on a budget. From the table to the bathroom.