We picked up from almost two months ago when inclement weather forced us to prematurely shorten our destination. Met up with Aida, Akira, Chico, Ferlino and Roger in Moanalua Valley.

Moanalua Valley

The park is now open for business!

Moanalua Valley

Prior to starting our hike, Akira found a perhaps long distant cousin of his and we informed a couple hikers that it would be best to park outside, contrary to law enforcement advice.

Kamananui Valley Trail,

Walking on the old carriage road that once belonged to the Damon Estate, a storied family that was intertwined in Hawaii’s political and economic history from the 1880s.

Kamananui Valley Trail,

Stopping at the seventh and final bridge on the trail and also the spot where the Pohakukaluahine sits, the stone of the old woman that stopped the construction of the H3 through this valley.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Chico showing us the best way to drink water from a bottle. Now you know. CB also showed up fashionably late.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Politely following directions.

Kulana’ahane Trail

How many stream crossings are on the trail and what constitutes a stream crossing? Let’s apply our interpretation and find out. 19 so far.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Checking out the wreckage from a P-47 Thunderbolt plane that crashed in the late 1940s. The pilot survived the crash.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Up to 23 now.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Rock detour.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Tree climbing. Somebody was probably thinking if we are even going to do the saddle today.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Right or wrong. 28 is the final count.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Starting the climb up the short but steep spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Trail

We could see that Moanalua Falls was trickling today.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Pushing our way to the top. Almost there.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo where soon after CB and Chico took their leave of us and descended back down towards the valley for ambulatory and anxiety reasons.

Moanalua Saddle

Our group now reduced to five set foot on the crumbly ridge line known as the “easiest” of the three saddles. Depends who you ask.

Moanalua Saddle

The group electing to climb on the Windward side and forsake the webbing on the Leeward side.

Moanalua Saddle

Scrambling up the chossy rocks as it constantly changes the “character” of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring our way on the Windward side as the rolling clouds blurred the views.

Moanalua Saddle

Roger and Aida working their way back to the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Somebody was enjoying their first outing on this saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way towards the most famous obstacle on the saddle, the “Dirt Triangle” for obvious reasons.

Moanalua Saddle

Ferlino flying the flag as we contoured our way around the triangle where we saw CB and Chico making their way down the spur ridge.

Dirt Triangle

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mmm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Ooh, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends

Dirt Triangle

Aida climbing to the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Scrambling our way over the assorted boulders, lucky the wind exposure was not gusting at its normal tempo.

Moanalua Saddle

Akira looking back as the rest of the group were making their way up.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing our way up what is arguably the “hardest” section of the trail due to the exposure factor especially if the winds are gusting and the rope has been blown off. Subjective.

Moanalua Saddle

Aida approaching the top and relatively safety and peace of mind. All the scrambling parts were done for the day.

Moanalua Saddle

What happened to the twine and twig? More of a hindrance than help.

Moanalua Saddle

That was fun! Let’s do it again! Something that nobody said.

Moanalua Saddle

The erosion part was not over yet. Not by a long shot.

Moanalua Saddle

It would’ve looked better if the clouds had cleared in the background. Can’t have everything in life.

Moanalua Saddle

Where does this ladder lead to?

Moanalua Saddle

Greener pastures. The stairs are no more. Stripped by The Nakoa Companies sometime last year or as somebody else eloquently put it, a Brazilian wax that removed the metal from the mountains. It was actually easier to walk on the ridge line without the decaying steps on it.

Moanalua Saddle

It still takes time getting used to the au naturel look.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching the CCL building that by all accounts will remain after the stairs have long since gone.

Moanalua Saddle

Aida on the last landing overlooking Haiku Valley which served as a natural amphitheater when the US Navy strung antenna cables across the valley in order to transmit radio signals to ships and submarines in the Pacific in 1942.

CCL Building

Group photo in front of the bombproof block house that used to house backup UHF communications to communicate between Kaneohe and Wahiawa. I believe the microwave antenna on the top of the bunker was installed later in the 1950s.

Stairway to Heaven

Looking out at the 3,922 steps that constitute the storied and iconic Stairway to Heaven. The City had awarded the contract in April 2024 to Nakoa Companies to finally tear down the stairs after decades of debates and it looked like the fate of the stairs was sealed. Friends of Haiku Stairs successfully obtained an injunction to halt the dismantling in July 2024 and it has remained there in legal limbo. Either way it will cost taxpayers a lot of money if it stands or gets torn down.

Stairway to Heaven

Synchronized straddling of the fence line.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Going down the rutted trail with Kalihi Saddle in the background.

KSRT

The group descending from the summit of Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe.

KSRT

Akira climbing down towards the defunct radar station.

KSRT

Passing another set of electric power line towers on the ridge line.

Tripler Summit

Thanks to Akira for making a pot of hot ramen noodles. Hit the spot especially when the weather had turned a corner for the worse.

Tripler Summit

Group photo on our last summit.

Tripler Trail

Leaving the 2,760′ peak.

Tripler Trail

This trail has been described by Stuart Ball as a “classic leeward Ko’olau ridge hike.” The only part I agree with is “It’s long, hard, and somewhat tedious.”

Tripler Trail

Reaching the junction that will take us off the ridge …

Tripler Trail

… to go down a somewhat steep trail …

Kamananui Valley Trail

… and down to the valley floor. The rain showers also came back to cool us off.

All pau

Finishing at the park before the next shift arrives.

GPS Tracks

Our 10.3 mile hike covered a crumbly saddle, new scenery and a long ridge hike down with a fun group. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant. Done with the oxtail soup, too much fat and overpriced.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chris Bautista, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Roger Schiffman, 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.

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.

We paid a birthday visit to Hell today and some of us carried extra baggage with us. Might as well be comfortable sitting on that chair. Or not.

Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area

Why walk an extra ten minutes when the custodian is nice enough to open the gate early? Mahalo to Lilyn and Quan for dropping Aida, Aileen, Amber, Jen, Rose and myself off at the 384 acre park.

Trailhead

One person in the group photo is not hiking.

Aiea Loop Trail

Pushing off on the trail.

Aiea Loop Trail

Taking a load off their backs, some more so than others.

Aiea Loop Trail

Leaving the five mile loop trail for the mountains.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Aida with the background views of the H3 highway on Windward viaducts as it runs through Halawa Valley.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Amber illustrating the difference between a headstand and a handstand at the 2,441′ hill.

Aiea Ridge Trail

There’s views in them thar hills. Not today.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Going around the base of the power line tower before gaining the summit.

Aiea Summit

You know your backpack is oversized, when people see it first before they see you when coming up to the summit.

Aiea Summit

No need to stand up group photo at the socked in 2,805′ top.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Descending into the clouds.

KSRT

Contouring around the fenced native plant enclosure.

KSRT

Climbing up our last hill …

KSRT

… to prove that there are views in them thar hills.

KSRT

Dripping wet.

Stairway to Hell

Happy Birthday Jen!

Stairway to Hell

It’s cold as hell. Oxymoron’s that work well together in this part of the mountains.

Stairway to Hell

Group photo at the stairs that leads to nowhere.

Stairway to Hell

The pair of Amber and Rose stashed their stuff for their upcoming KST traverse. Don’t touch our stuff. Pretty please. In sharpie. Permanent.

KSRT

Making our way on the steps that time forgot and that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming.

KSRT

Following the wire rope that soon replaced the steps.

KSRT

Climbing out of hell.

KSRT

Leaving the rusted remnants behind us.

KSRT

Making our way up to the geodetic marker that has since lost its circumference.

KSRT

Dropping down into saddle that is also the junction for the Halawa trail.

KSRT

Approaching the summit of Red Hill.

Moanalua Saddle

Trip hazard.

Moanalua Saddle

Hold your excitement. This not the pearly white ohi’a lehua flower. The search continues.

Moanalua Saddle

Walking on the edge.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down on crumbly dirt.

Moanalua Saddle

Watching the rest of the group make their way down the thin ribbon of a trail.

Moanalua Saddle

If it’s not a tree hugger, it’s a rock hugger in the mountains.

Moanalua Saddle

We contoured on the Leeward side and regained the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the Western half of the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Approaching our last summit of the day.

Kulana’ahane Summit

What could this be? Let your imagination run wild.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Our last group photo in the slot.

Moanalua Falls

I see people. Live people. Coming down the spur ridge, we noticed a pair of people at the top of the falls. Turned out to be Jason and Pam setting up their anchors, a day that lasted over 24 hours for them. I thought my hikes were long!

Kulana’ahane Trail

Somebody started counting the stream crossings as we hit the valley floor. Never did finish the task. Unfinished business.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Threading our way through the thickets of hau tree branches.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Everybody looking forward to the walk out.

All pau

We washed our shoes and walked back out to our cars to finish the day. Post hike meal? One had steak waiting at home. The other was tuckered out and went home. The rest of us went to nearby Alley Restaurant to get our fix of oxtail soup.

GPS Tracks

Our birthday/stash hike covered 11.5 miles to hell and back. Mixed bag of weather day spent with good people.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Amber Fonte, Jen Odence, Rose Mathis, 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.

The surf was up over at Waimea Bay for the Eddie and the saddles were a go for Aileen, Art, Tessa and myself over in Moanalua Valley.

Kulana’ahane Junction

We soon caught up with a group that had pushed off earlier than us from the bathrooms. They were headed to the hike du jour – Stairway to Heaven via Middle Ridge. Or so they thought.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Our paths crossed again on the valley trail. “You guys going the right way?” “We know the way. Thanks Unko.” A few minutes later. “The trail is to the left.” Looks at their phone. “We are supposed to be to the right.” Face palm.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Examining part of the wreckage that was scattered from a Thunderbolt fighter plane that crashed into the valley back in 1948. The pilot parachuted out and was picked up on Moanalua golf course.

Moanalua Valley

Leaving the maintained for the unmaintained. Always an experience.

Moanalua Valley

Going up the short puff of the steep spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo at the top with Haiku Valley and H3 behind us.

Moanalua Saddle

The group making their way up the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching the first crumbly climb.

Moanalua Saddle

Anchor assistance.

Moanalua Saddle

The report of the trail death was an exaggeration.

Moanalua Saddle

Why go Leeward, when you can go Windward?

Dirt Triangle

Approaching the most famous obstacle on this side of the saddle.

Dirt Triangle

Contouring our way around the face side.

Dirt Triangle

Aileen climbing her way to the top of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Art bringing up the rear.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the pile of rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Erosion constantly changes the character and “face” of the mountains. It’s almost like having Alzheimer’s. It’s always a new day in the mountains.

Moanalua Saddle

Going straight up the eroded cliff. No detouring.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa gaining the top of the crumbly climb.

Moanalua Saddle

The biggest little climb.

Moanalua Saddle

Will the real dirt dragon please sit down?

Moanalua Saddle

All the “sketchy” parts were behind us. Just straight forward ridge hiking until we reach heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Art in between platforms.

Moanalua Saddle

There’s a lady who’s sure, all that glitters is gold, and she’s buying a stairway to heaven.

CCL Building

The inside was remarkably free of rubbish, save for somebody’s tent.

Haiku Stairs

Looking down at the stairs whose fate seems to lie in the hands of money and politics.

Stairway to Heaven

A bystander took our group photo in exchange for some sunscreen. Not off my face.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the summit of Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe.

KSRT

Look ma, no hands!

Tripler Summit

We bumped into members of the HTMC at the 2,760′ grassy knob.

KSRT

Leaving the powerline towers behind us as we traversed the ridge line.

Bowman Summit

No stopping at the 2,740′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Descending down the sliver of a crumbly ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Aileen sliding her way over the rock and clinging to the rope at the same time. Multi-tasking at its finest.

Kalihi Saddle

Tessa looking for the proper footing to cross over.

Kalihi Saddle

We set up a human double anchor so that Aileen could safely do the walk of faith.

Dirty Slide

The climb down was more a mixture of dirt and dry grass.

Dirty Slide

Contouring our way back to the ridge line.

Broken Wave

Goofy footing my way down. No crowds here. Zero points.

Broken Wave

Falling rock zone.

Broken Wave

Now somebody can chalk up a broken stake in addition to the broken wave.

Broken Wave

Tessa making short work of the down climb.

Kalihi Saddle

Art making his way down the “twister” of a climb.

Rock Triangle

Tessa going down the first rock triangle.

Rock Triangle

Hey, how about a spot? Hold on! I’m checking my FB status. Priorities.

Hot Wheel Tracks

We scooted over the narrow “bridge” while …

Hot Wheel Tracks

… Sugar Daddy in Training just skipped over with a song in his heart. I guess he’s not in training anymore.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Arresting Art’s fall at the expense of my hand.

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting our way down the saddle.

Rock Triangle

Checking out the Windward drop.

Rock Triangle

Aileen coming down the rockface whose Windward holds have eroded over time.

Kalihi Saddle

More scooting. Theme of the day.

Kalihi Saddle

One step at a time.

Kalihi Saddle

Let’s not make it three for three. Broken tree.

Tabletop

Contorting and climbing our way down.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at the group descending down the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Going up the wave crest.

Kalihi Saddle

The ridge slightly widened and then narrowed again. Just like a funnel.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the scenic point.

Witchs Hat

Making our way down to the last obstacle for the day.

Witchs Hat

The sun was setting as we made our way to the conical shaped rockface.

Witchs Hat

Golden hour.

Witchs Hat

Get busy hiking or get busy walking in the dark.

Witchs Hat

Tessa climbing her way up.

Witchs Hat

Tick tock. Daylight time was running out.

Witchs Hat

Making our way down the backside, Tessa had a bowl of snap, crackle and pop. Not talking about the cereal either.

Kalihi Saddle

All roads eventually lead to home.

Powerlines Trail

Going down the last rope climb with proper illumination.

Powerlines Trail

Approaching the lighted HECO substation as we made our way down to the service road.

All pau

You look familiar? We came out to find a cop pulling special duty on the side of the town bound highway which was closed for construction. Mahalo to El for picking us up despite the detours and taking us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle traverse covered roughly 7.6 miles over crumbly ridges, great scenery and with good company. Post hike meal at the only eatery still open. McDonald’s! All food tastes great in the mountains, that doesn’t necessarily hold true at sea level.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Art Young, 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 put together this hike to help somebody tackle this particular saddle, but they ended up staying home instead. The show must still go on; so met up with Art and Aya at Moanalua park in the early morning.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Art and Aya crossing one of seven bridges that span the trail. Chris was running fashionably late. Surprised?

Moanalua Valley

Chris catching up with us on the trail. Speedy Gonzales.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Ducking and weaving our way through the hala grove.

Moanalua Falls

Looking at the dry falls to our right as we made our way up the short and steep spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Segregated group photo by gender. I guess the all gender movement hasn’t migrated to the photographic world.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris climbing up the first crumbly rock section. Many more to come.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Why climb, when you can contour on the Windward side.

KSRT

What’s going on here?

Moanalua Saddle

Aya and Art regaining solid ground on the ridge line.

Dirt Triangle

Traversing our way to the most famous obstacle on the saddle.

Dirt Triangle

Aya pulling herself up.

Dirt Triangle

Art making short work of the crumbly obstacle.

Moanalua Saddle

Aya at the top of the dirt triangle and enjoying the views.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going up another crumbly pile of rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back to the other side of hell. The flip side of heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris scrambling up the hot mess of rocks that passes for a crumbly ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Almost there.

Moanalua Saddle

I don’t need no string on a twig to climb this!

Moanalua Saddle

Panoramic view of the saddle overlooking H3 freeway below us in Haiku Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the stairs that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the backdrop of the Waianae Mountain Range as we made our way up the dilapidated stairs.

Moanalua Saddle

The stairs soon petered out to be replaced by a cable that lead us to the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Are we in heaven yet?

Stairway to Heaven

Danny, Quan, Roseann and Tessa had taken the stair shortcut to meet us at the top.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Wishing Art and Chris both belated happy birthday wishes in heaven. How long will it take before somebody recognizes the guy in the shades being hand fed and sitting on top of the building?

CCL Building

Come out and join the crowd!

CCL Building

Group photo left to right: Roseann (stuffing her face), Aya, Chris B, Art, Yuki, Chris F, Quan, Danny, Tessa and myself.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Some eat with forks, others use their fingers. To each their own.

KSRT

We soon took our leave of the summit as Danny and Tessa went back down the stairs and Chris F and Yuki went back down the ridge.

KSRT

Pointing to our exit destination.

KSRT

Roseann enjoying the views.

KSRT

Making our way down to the landmark defunct radio tower.

KSRT

Some preferred to get “shocked” …

KSRT

… while others chose to remain grounded.

KSRT

Chris in between poles.

KSRT

The group climbing up to the grassy knoll.

Tripler Summit

Group photo left to right at the 2,760′ summit: Art, Roseann, myself, Quan, Aya and Chris.

Tripler Summit

Wait! Let me apply my facial before we leave. Does it contain serum or semen?

KSRT

The group traversing to the last summit before the descent down into the saddle.

Bowman Summit

Taking a quick bite and naps before our “serious” hiking starts.

KSRT

Leaving the summit for harder pastures ahead.

Kalihi Saddle

The group coming down the grassy slope.

Stepping Stone

This rock was made for sitting.

Slippery Slope

Somebody needed additional traction and decided to put it on the crumbly side of an exposed cliff with a huge drop. Well, maybe not that huge.

Dirty Slide

I need a helping hand! Or was that a pair of good hands?

Dirty Slide

That was fun! Let’s do it again! Just pass the wipes.

Broken Wave

Going with the flow of the falling rocks.

Broken Wave

Aya climbing her way down one crumbly rock at a time.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing and contouring down the side of the crumbly ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Quan making her way down the tricky climb.

Rock Triangle #1

Roseann going down the hardest climb on this side of the saddle.

Rock Triangle #1

Quan climbing her way down the near vertical section of the rock face.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris watching the rest of the group making their way down.

Rock Triangle #1

Roseann watching Art with her open mouth, I mean eagle eyes.

Hot Wheels Track

Chris giving YawYaw#1 a helping hand to cross a particularly narrow section.

Kalihi Saddle

Quan keeping her center of gravity low by scooting down the narrow and uneven ridge line.

Rock Triangle #2

Climbing our way down on the exposed Windward side.

Rock Triangle #2

Don’t rain any rocks on my parade!

Tightrope

Applying downward pressure to my forward movement, as I didn’t want to experience any downward movement.

Table Top

Art and Roseann climbing their way down the jumbled rock pile.

Standing Wave

Before one can walk, one must learn to crawl first.

Kalihi Saddle

Walking and scooting our way on the narrow strip of rock and dirt bordered on one side by shrubbery and the other side by an exposed drop to the highway.

Scenic Point

Aya striking a pose.

The Hump

Is today Wednesday or Sunday?

Kalihi Saddle

Chris climbing his way down the ridge line.

Witchs Hat

Quan striking a pose before the final up climb.

Witchs Hat

Roseann making her way up the conical shaped rock face.

Witchs Hat

The last tricky down climb.

Witchs Hat

Watch out for snapped webbing!

Camp Centipede

Our last group photo before hiking down into the valley.

Powerlines

Reflecting.

Powerlines Trail

Who brought a headlamp?

All pau

Thanks to Richie and Tessa for meeting and picking us up at the gate. Good job to Aya and Quan for popping their cherry saddles on our 7.59 mile traverse through crumbly terrain, spectacular scenery and good company.

Post hike meal at Zippy’s, one of the few places that was nearby and still open for business at this time of the night. You know service standards are slipping when you send back your lukewarm oxtail soup to get it heated and it comes back at the same temperature. Somebody was too hungry to care and would have slurped down the soup even if it was ice cold. The joys and pangs of hunger.

Photos taken by Art Young, Aya Asanuma, Chris Bautista, Quan Haberstroh, Roseann Fai, 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.

Took four virgins to Hell today. Not for a sacrificial offering, but for scenic purposes. Thanks to Sakura for dropping Asami, Aya, Dana, Shari and myself off at the beginning of the Aiea Loop Trail.

Aiea Loop Trail

Not even ten minutes into the hike and we discovered somebody had made a campfire in the middle of the trail. The things that make you shake your head.

Aiea Ridge Trail

We turned off the loop trail and decided to have a break. Have a kit kat. Oops. Make it have a reese’s sticks. Owned by the same company, so no matter.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Passing the landslide area that is not even recognizable anymore as such, as Mother Nature has slowly covered it with a carpet of uluhe ferns.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Traversing the long ungraded ridge trail where somebody fell off the side and got back up with a little help from her friends.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Somebody was happy and still warm at the last major false peak before the actual summit.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The peace sign or the f*ck you sign at the base of the powerlines tower. Depending on your cultural interpretation.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Contouring around the powerlines as we made our way to the top.

Aiea Summit

Looking for the sign at the socked-in 2,805′ summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hiking into the clouds and wind. Mother Nature’s air conditioning was on full blast.

KSRT

Contouring our way around the fenced habitat for endemic fauna and flora.

KSRT

The group coming down one of many hills.

Stairway to Hell

Who said hell was hot? The gusting winds and rolling rain lowered the temperature close to freezing. Well, from the perspective of somebody born and raised in these islands.

Stairway to Hell

Trying to maintain a semblance of a group photo at the top of the dilipidated stairways that goes nowhere.

Stairway to Hell

Asami trying to keep warm. A mostly futile exercise.

Stairway to Hell

Why didn’t we have our lunch in here?

Stairway to Hell

Going down the stairs that time forgot.

Stairway to Hell

Sections of the stairs are either missing rails, steps or just completely gone.

Stairway to Hell

It’s just a matter of time before the stairs will dissolve and disappear. Rust to rust, dust to dust.

KSRT

Umm, can we get a picture of the green and red ‘ama’u fronds without any humans? Thank you.

Red Hill Summit

We all agreed to avoid the originally planned exit from Red hill and continue down towards Kulana’ahane and avoid the relentless rolling hills that Red Hill is known for.

Moanalua Saddle

Traversing the eroded section. Having a solid balance will keep one from taking the express route down to the valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Scrambling down the rocks, one at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

The saddle keeping the clouds at bay on the Leeward side.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing down the eroded rockface with a weathered webbing anchored to a shallow rooted tree. Safety first.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the overgrown dirt corridor.

Moanalua Saddle

The group coming down and over the last major steep section on the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Quick photo on the rock before the winds knocked me off.

Moanalua Saddle

Passing an unplucked lehua flower. We still got rained on.

Moanalua Saddle

Hiking on the crumbly edge of the saddle with “hurricane weather” that robbed us of our body heat and surrendered it to the surrounding atmosphere.

Moanalua Saddle

The rest of the group hiking over the last hump before the summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Last group photo of the day before we got off the summit and left the howling winds behind us.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Making our way down the spur ridge to the floor of Moanalua Valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

The girls making their way across #13 of #28 stream crossings, dry and wet. Yes, I counted.

All pau

Making our way out of the trail and finishing our almost twelve mile hike for the day. Washed our muddy shoes and tired feet at the bathrooms and walked back to our cars. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where everybody had their steaming hot oxtail soup with white rice. Easy peasy for the waiter.

Photos taken by Asami Waseline, Aya Asanuma 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.

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.

We went knockin’ on heaven’s door to finish off the saddles for some friends. However, surfing and congestion canceled the call of opportunity for them. Met up with Lilyn and Marilyn at Moanalua Valley Park where we saw shadowy figures underneath the pavilion. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Crossing the first of seven storied bridges that was built for the family of the Damon Estate that used to live in this valley.

Pohaku ka Luahine

Standing nearby the rock of the old woman that stopped the construction of the H3 highway through this valley. We also met the shadowy figures in the light of day that turned out to be Al, Chris, Jimmy and Joy. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Is this the way to Diamond Head? For a nickel, somebody shouted out. I think I have competition.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Stairway to Heaven was locked up. Should we turn around? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Crossing the first of 28 stream crossings. Yes, we counted.

Kulana’ahane Trail

The water levels were remarkably low and somewhat stagnant. Good for stream crossings.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Chris at the #13 crossing after coming through the thicket of hau trees.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Our final stream crossing before beginning our ascent up the spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Al looking at the impressive waterfall chute, even more impressive if it was flowing.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going up the short and steep climb towards the top. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Please read before proceeding. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo left to right: Al, Joy, Jimmy, Chris, myself, Marilyn and Lilyn at the terminus where Lilyn and I parted ways with the rest of the group that went back down the same way. Do we smell?

Moanalua Saddle

Hiking our way to Stairway to Heaven. The less traveled way. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

The start of our crumbly climb up the ridge line.

Dirt Triangle

Frayed rope + chossy rocks = aborted climb. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Dirt Triangle

Lilyn coming up the contour where the anchor tree has since toppled over.

Moanalua Saddle

Clambering over the rocks. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Lilyn climbing up the last crumbly and steep section.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking out towards another dry waterfall chute and possible future hike. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

The poor man’s dirt dragon.

Moanalua Saddle

Checking out the other lesser known stairs across the valley from the first landing.

Moanalua Saddle

Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming the stairs. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Coming up the back stairs with the Waianae Mountain Range in the background.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way to the top that were teeming with hikers, mostly foreign by their tongues. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Stairway to Heaven

Lilyn on top of the swaying and deteriorating structure that still supports the twin microwave antennas now used as photographic props.

Stairway to Heaven

Group photo away from the crowds.

Stairway to Heaven

Looking down at the soon to be demolished 3,922 steps? There is a good chance that the troubled Honolulu Rail Transit will be completed before these stairs are taken down.

Stairway to Heaven

Talking to the tour guide. I think he charges more than a nickel. Price of living in paradise. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Back and forth discussion as to our three possible exit routes eventually led us down the trail that we both hadn’t set foot on in years. Chicken sounds not included.

KSRT

The splendid saddle views. Unfortunately we were just viewing them and not experiencing them today. Cue in the chicken sounds. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Hiking in the remarkably dry trenches. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Middle Ridge (MMR)

Traffic jam that has been routed away from the Manono Tree that is clinging to life thanks to the efforts of Ted Calvero and friends.

MMR

Looking back at hikers on a rope and rolling rocks.

MMR

Leaving the crowds behind us as we descended down towards the valley. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Is this the trail to Stairway to Heaven?

All pau

Hiking back on the valley trail where we met up with some old timers from HTMC and talked story for a spell. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

GPS Tracks

Our incomplete saddle hike covered a tad over 10 miles with mixed fun company. Post hike meal at Big Kahuna’s where the milkshakes are no longer made, but the garlic cheese balls are still on the menu but not ordered.

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.