Returned back to the mountains after a two-week hiatus filled with Christmas parties and festivities. Met up with Chris and Ferlino at Tanatalus. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off again.

Trailhead

Chris keeping the sign under wraps until we get to the summit.

Kalawahine Trail

Pushing off on the trail that is part of the Honolulu Mauka Trail System, a sprawling network of 19 connected trails in the Maikiki Heights area.

Kalawahine Trail

Chris crossing the plank into the mixed forest.

Kalawahine Trail

The trail meandered in and out of the numerous gulches.

Kalawahine Trail

Groot is alive and well in the Maikiki Forest.

Kalawahine Trail

Stepping up the trail. We must be on a Na Ala Hele Trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Taking a left at the junction on the heavily rooted trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Back on the boardwalk, dry shoes for now.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Bogging our way through the bamboo forest.

Nu’uanu Overlook

We popped out of the forest to the windswept view at the 1,600′ lookout.

Trail

Contouring on the Windward side of the ridge which afforded us views of upper Lulumahu Falls on our way up.

Twin Testicles

We got an itch to scratch up there or down there.

Trail

Looking down at the ridges flowing into Nu’uanu Valley.

Trail

Whew! That was a good cardio burn going up the hill. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

K2

Group photo at the socked in summit, left to right: Chris, myself, Ferlino and a girl from Utah that had come up from the Pali Notches. Mahalo to Chris for taking the time out to make a sign marking the summit of Konahuanui 2.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The girl from Utah decided to join our group as the clouds began drifting away.

KSRT

Wrap around ridge views of Maunawili Valley as we dropped off K2.

KSRT

One of my favorites sections of the KSRT due to the broad ridge with the grassy meadows on the side and the straight shot view to Makapu’u. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manoa Middle

Hmmm, what is the rated load limit for that tree? Photo by the girl from Utah.

KSRT

Making our way to contour around the ironwood stand and crawl over the sedan rock.

KSRT

We decided to drop off the ridge and explore the contour trail on the Leeward side.

Trail

Coming around the contour trail with Manoa Valley behind us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

On our steep climb to Olympus, we lost the girl from Utah, who had enough of being cut and scratched on her legs by the uluhell ferns and decided to go down the Waahila Trail.

KSRT

The hills have hills in these mountains as Ferlino can attest.

Awaawaloa (Olympus)

Picking out Olomana, Manana Island, Koko Head, Ka’au Crater and Diamond Head from the 2,486′ summit.

Awaawaloa (Olympus)

Looking down at the contour trail continuing beneath the Ka’au Crater Loop trail as it left a brown streak across nature’s lawn. Photo by Chris Bautista

KSRT

Dropping down from Olympus.

KSRT

Making our way to the tuff cone nestled against the Ko’olau Mountains that are marked with twin power poles marring the otherwise scenic view.

Ka’au Crater

I guess it’s always Flag Day in the mountains.

Ka’au Crater

How many hills are there in the mountains? Many. With more to come.

KSRT

The bamboo staff has been passed along. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

KSRT

Enjoying the superb valley view before climbing up the big hill.

KSRT

Ferlino and Chris making their way up the mother of all hills on this particular section.

Pu’u Kainawa‘anui

Ferlino arriving at the 2,520′ summit. No rest for the weary as we continued on the trail.

KSRT

Passing a false summit before gaining the “true” summit of Lanipo.

Lanipo

Soaking in the coastal, mountain and valley views from the top.

KSRT

Passing the Waialae Nui junction on our way down the HECO pole lined ridge.

KSRT

Coming up from the helipad through the freshly shaven trail, courtesy of HECO. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Wiliwilinui

Some hikers got carried to the 2,480′ summit. Lucky dawg!

KSRT

We left the summit that was quickly filling up with hikers coming up from the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail.

KSRT

Making our way across the undulating ridge.

Wailupe

Long gone are the green wooden sign and the colorful fluttering prayer flags.

KSRT

Passing the Waimanalo reservoir as we made our way across the slightly overgrown ridge.

KSRT

Encountering a stunted loulu palm tree on the trail.

KSRT

Almost there!

Hawaii Loa

Group photo at our final summit stop on the Ko’olau Mountains.

Hawaii Loa Trail

Leaving the 2,520′ summit.

Hawaii Loa Trail

Stepping our way down the ridge trail.

Hawaii Loa Trail

Going down the severely eroded and rutted trail.

Hawaii Loa Trail

Reflecting back on the mountain views.

All pau

Approaching the final ironwood stand before dropping back to our cars and leaving the gated community of the rich and famous.

GPS Tracks

Our pre-Christmas hike covered almost 10 miles that was filled with scenic views, cheer and good company. Post hike meal at Pieology. Loaded up the carbs for tomorrow’s hardest hike on Christmas 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.

Picking up the trail from last week; met up with Ani, Analyn, Chris and Ferlino at the blustery Pali Lookout.

Trail

Ready … 1,2,3 … Push. Wait, I’m not ready! Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trail

Ferlino climbing up the short and steep hill from the lookout.

Trail

Catching a view. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Pali Notches

Ani making her way down the first notch.

Pali Notches

Chris climbing down the second man-made notch.

Nipple

Some took the high road … Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Nipple

… others took the low road. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Chimney

The winds were slamming the ridge as Ani watched Chris make his way up. Pay close attention as there will be a test later on. Climbing test. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Chimney

Try and try again was the theme for today. Good job Ani.

Chimney

Everybody wanted to warm up the Chimney. Saw a couple guys loitering around the base of the nipple looking at the rotating chimney seat. They soon turned around. Sorry guys. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trail

Photo shoots are over, let’s get back to hiking. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Contour

Contouring and climbing up on the thin ledge of loosely packed dirt. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Trail

Ani making her way up the last section of crumbly rocks.

Trail

Up, up and away on the ridge line. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Trail

Looking back at the group making their way along the ridge with stunning mountain and ocean views.

Trail

Fragrant, invasive yellow ginger flowers overlooking the mountain and valley views. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mud Wall

Analyn coming up none the worse for wear.

Trail

Passing the Piliwale Junction on the way to the summit.

Konahuanui Summit

Coca Cola. Sardines. Balut. Kankanen. The basic four food groups for hikers.

Konahuanui Summit

Alberto’s group had raced up to the summit to catch up with us. Group photo left to right: Rick, Alberto, Ani, Zach, Analyn, myself, Captain America, Chris and Ferlino.

K2

Still looking for the geodetic marker for K1. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trail

Analyn making her way down the steeply rutted trail from K2. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Trail

The ridge soon leveled off and we found ourselves strolling through fields of bamboo orchid flowers. Flower children at play. Somebody also kept losing their boonie hat.

Trail

Get out of the way. She’s gonna fall! Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trail

Ferlino showing us how it’s done. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Trail

Watching Alberto’s group going down Lulumahu Ridge to rappel Waipulani Falls.

Trail

Looking down into Manoa with her thick canopied forest and densely urbanized valley.

Trail

Instead of taking the trail that winded down the ridge, we decided to go up the higher ridge that was recently cleared by another hiking group.

Trail

Looking back at the twin testicles and wondering about Ani’s “friend.”

Trail

Strawberry guavas for the picking as we dropped off the ridge.

Trail

I always wondered where this trail went. Now I know the rest of the story.

Nu’uanu Valley Overlook

Honorary Filipino … by sweat and jacket … Salamat. No, you can’t have the jacket Ani until you eat that balut. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Nu’uanu Valley Overlook

The 1,600′ lookout was getting crowded when this guy strolled up playing his ukulele. Live music on the mountains.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Chris going through the bamboo forested trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Walking on the boardwalk.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Hanging. Upside down. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Junction

We got off the remaining boardwalk and turned right at the junction.

Kalawahine Trail

Tree branches growing from a cut stump in the shadow of a fallen tree.

Kalawahine Trail

Church service in the mountains. Every Sunday.

Kalawahine Trail

Just hanging out and sitting around.

Kalawahine Trail

Analyn checking out from the hunter check in station.

All pau

We popped out of the trail near the top of Tantalus. Thanks to Ferlino’s son-in-law, RJ for driving us back to the Pali Lookout.

GPS Tracks

Our windy hike covered 4.45 miles through saddles, ridges and valleys. Great hike with a fun group. Post hike meal at Chao Phya Thai. The salmon melted in our mouths. The complimentary chocolate mousse in a spoon was on spot. Thanks Ferlino for the delish meal.

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.

Superbowl Sunday. Hiking funday. I decided to do a short stroll through the mountains today as my usual suspects were either sick or otherwise occupied or otherwise uninterested or otherwise uninformed.

Trailhead

I passed the hunter check in station at the start of the trail off Tantalus Drive. No dogs. No guns. No knives. No check in. No get lost.

Bench with a view

Looking out towards the airport. Cleared to continue on the trail.

Rooted trail

I hoofed it up the trail through the whistling bamboo forest.

Nu’uanu Overlook

The winds were blowing cold and hard at the overlook, giving the Pali Lookout a run for its money. Glad I had my fleece sweater. Arctic conditions. For Hawaii people.

Konahuanui

Top of the mountain to you.

Twin testicles

It does bear a striking resemblance.

Town view

Leaving civilization and all her worries behind.

One hairy ball

Hike to the left. Hike to the right.

K2

Looking at my cluttered view from the lower peak of Konahuanui.

Journey to the top of the mountains

The short ridge that separates the two peaks.

Panoramic view

Enjoying the clear and vog colored view from the highest point on the Ko’olaus. Looking out towards the Northern spine of the Ko’olaus.

Panoramic view

Looking out towards the Southern spine of the Ko’olaus. I enjoyed my tasty Portuguese spam musubi and room temperature water at the summit.

Headed down the mountain

I let gravity do all the work.

Hump day

Approaching the roughly halfway section of the saddle.

Rocky ridge

I put spikes on from this point as the rocks were wet and crumbly. Can’t hurt to have traction on your side.

Contour or climb?

The answer was contour.

Chimney

A Christmas day late and a present short.

Looking back

That was a fast climb down.

Notch

Taking the trail down a notch or two.

Panoramic view

The Pali Highway splitting Nu’uanu Valley down the middle.

Panoramic view

The Windward view of the island.

All pau

Gusty winds and wet rocks helped push me down to the lookout before noon. I mingled with the tourists at the lookout and checked out the views. The mountain views can’t be beat. There was still time to watch the kickoff. Oh wait, where was my ride? Let me just find a nice patch of grass and sun myself as strangers ask me “Where is the Pali hike at?”

GPS Tracks

My Sunday stroll covered 4.96 miles. Enough to get the heart pumping. Thanks to Justin for picking me up and taking me back to my still intact car. Post hike meal at Outback.

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. I also do not recommend hiking solo as I did on this hike, best to have company on the trails. Mahalo.

Tom invited Justin, Rebecca, Rob, Ryan and myself for a fun day falling off waterfalls. Photo by Tom Engle.

Trailhead

We all met up at the crack of dawn near the top of Maikiki Heights to begin our hike on the Kalawahine trail.

Tree crossing

Ducking underneath a fallen tree. Some had to duck more than others.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Walking through the corridor of creaking bamboo and rustling leaves.

Overlook

Group photo by Justin Brackett, left to right: Justin, Ryan, Rebecca, Rob, myself and Tom.

Nu’uanu Valley

Our morning view of the Pali with the crowned peak of Lanihuli hidden in the swirling heavens.

Splash of color

Orchids on the trail.

Junction

The group making the left turn to stay on the trail.

Misty trail

Clouds soon rolled in bringing us a taste of the swirling heavens that the Pali was enjoying.

Right way?

We left the trail to slide down the mud sheeted ridge.

Dead end

Our progress was soon stopped by a steep cliff. Wait. We have ropes. We can rappel down!

On rope

Rebecca rappelling down the heavily overgrown ridge. Rob had cleared the rope earlier by making sure it didn’t get tangled on the way down.

On webbing

Rebecca answered the age old question if one can rappel with webbing.

Stream

We followed the stream down to find … waterfalls.

Stream

Time to put on our wetsuits. The zipper goes in the back. Photo by Justin Brackett.

On rope

Trees make good anchors.

Rapelling

Tom coming down. Photo by Rebecca.

Rapelling

Ryan coming down. Photo by Rebecca.

Rapelling

Rob coming down. Photo by Rebecca.

Pulling

Rob pulling the rope down.

Looking down

I see people. Live people. Photo by Tom Engle.

Throwing rope

Look out below. Three points.

Rapelling

Tom going down.

Rapelling

Rebecca going down.

Rapelling

Rebecca coming down. Photo by Tom Engle.

Rapelling

Ryan getting ready to go down.

Rapelling

Ryan coming down. Photo by Tom Engle.

Rapelling

My turn as Rob makes sure the rope is not rubbing on the rock. I guess that would be a bad thing. Photo by Justin Brackett.

Rapelling

Me coming down. Photo by Tom Engle.

All smiles

Not a bad way to spend the day. Cold, wet and happy. Photo by Justin Brackett.

Headed out

It was time to leave as the pools began filling with the rush hour traffic of people.

All pau

Many thanks to Tom, Justin, Rob and Rebecca for showing us the ropes. Post hike meal at Serg’s Mexican Kitchen. Mexican cola to wash it all down. Pure cane sugar.

Mari and I took a page from Stuart Balls “The Hikers Guide to O’ahu” for our Sunday hike. The directions were spot on as we have never set foot on what can be a confusing trail system with multiple junctions.

Trailhead

Cars and hikers were streaming into the Maikiki Forest Recreation Area when we pulled into the lot. A bathroom, washing area and trail information are located at the trailhead. How convenient. Not used to these amenities on a hike.

Kanealole Trail

We took a left at the first junction where native plants marked with descriptive signs lined the trail.

Between a rockwall and a stream

The soothing sounds of Kanealole stream kept us company for a short stretch.

Rabbit hole

Mari heading deeper into the forest.

Maikiki Forest

Climbing and clinging vines covered the trees.

Fair weather hiker

Who brings an umbrella to the hike? At least it’s the “Storm” umbrella.

Maikiki Valley Trail

We climbed up the trail to the left after we let a pack of hunting dogs come down. Something else was coming down. Rain.

Nahuina Trail

It was mango season. No mangoes for us, as the decomposing fruits littered and scented the trail. Fat bugs. We climbed a couple steep switchbacks and took a right at the junction.

Tree fungi

Mountain mushrooms feeding off the many fallen trees.

Tangled trail

Pockets of hau trees sprinkled the trail along with the tree canopy, provided spotty cover from the rain.

Botanical trail

White ginger flowers.

Tantalus Drive

Look both ways before crossing. Have hiking stick, will hike.

Kalahawaine Trail

We walked down the road a short distance before finding the next trail, formerly called Manoa Cliff Trail.

Hunter check in

No dogs. No check in.

Bench view

At least the rain stopped.

Snail trail

No silver trails spotted.

Bridge crossing

Hmmm, what is the load limit?

Toll trail

Watch out for the hiking trolls.

Tree trail

Just treeing around.

Junction

We continued straight on the trail past the junction that contours around Tantalus.

Stair trail

If you see stairs on a trail, safe bet is that it’s part of the Na Ala Hele trail system.

Ditch trail

One foot in front of the other. Left. Left.

Pauoa Flats Trail

We turned left at the junction.

Rooted trail

The trail became heavily rooted and muddy.

Nuuanu trail junction

We passed the junction that comes up from Judd trail and continued straight.

Ahuilamu Trail junction

A bamboo grove marked another junction that goes down to Manoa Falls, where we continued straight on the flats trail.

Bamboo trail

Feels like Kyoto. Well to some people.

Nuuanu Valley overlook

We met another group that were already at the 1,600′ summit. Clouds sprinkled with rain were our views for today. The trail to Konahuanui would have to wait another day.

Going back down

Back on the muddy trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

We went straight on the connector trail to make our way back.

Banyan tree trail

The trail took on a more pronounced pitch.

Switchback trail

Bends in the trail made it easier to go up the steep climb.

Manoa Cliff Trail

A closed gate marked a native reforestation project. Keeping out feral pigs since 2009.

Puu Ohia Trail junction

We passed the junction that goes up to Tantalus and continued straight on the cliff trail that soon left the gated area.

Traffic trail

Korean hikers seemed to be out in force today on the trails. Annyeong haseyo!

Bench view

Sitting on the Manoa Cliff Bamboo Rest Bench.

Fern trail

Lush ferns cascaded and covered the mountain side.

Round Top Drive

Mari coming down to the end of Manoa Cliff Trail. Watch for traffic.

Moleka Trail

Why did the hiker cross the road? To get to the other trail.

Bamboo trail

Back in Kyoto.

Twisted trees

Climbing up the side of Pu’u Kakea.

Maikiki Valley Trail

We reached the junction and turned right on the valley trail.

Tree trail

Hiking in one of the 17 forest reserves on the island.

Maunalaha Trail

We reached the last junction on our hike today.

Rocky ridge

Mari making her way down the steep ridge that was filled with fragrant eucalyptus trees.

Going down

We made our way back down to the trailhead.

All pau

We are ready for Mount Fuji!

GPS Tracks

The forest loop involved eight trails that covered 8.25 miles. Post hike meal at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Cold and hot ramen with pork cheeks.