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

Makapu’u

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

Makapu’u

Hiking by artificial illumination.

Sea Life Park

Looking down into the artificially illuminated marine mammal park.

Makapu’u

Following the path along the rocky cliffs.

Makapu’u

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

Makapu’u

Okay, you can turn off your headlamps now.

Makapu’u Puka

Outside the puka.

Makapu’u Puka

Inside the puka.

Makapu’u Puka

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

Makapu’u

It was another windy day in the mountains.

Makapu’u

Can you see the hiker for the puka?

Makapu’u

The girls posing by the ladybug tree.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Looking ahead to another hill that had to be climbed.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Somebody stuck their head where the sun does shine.

KSRT

Cardio climb up the last big hill.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Can Camper and Winner come out to play?

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Kamehame Road

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

Hidden Stairs

Aileen and Tessa hanging out.

Hidden Stairs

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

Kamehame Road

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

Dead Man’s Catwalk

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

KSRT

Group photo at the scenic lookout.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Dropping into the saddle.

KSRT

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

KSRT

Trying to find the center of gravity.

KSRT

Val making good use of her recently purchased Insta360.

KSRT

The girls making their way back on the tricky contour.

KSRT

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

KSRT

Group photo at the lowest area between the two peaks.

KSRT

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

KSRT

Lunch spot with a view of the Waimanalo coastline.

KSRT

Some of us played in the pine needles …

KSRT

… while others played in the trees.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Kamiloiki Summit

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Just missing the cardboard box.

KSRT

That’s not the way.

KSRT

This is the way.

KSRT

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

Tom-Tom Summit

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

Bells Tower

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

Bells Tower

Ferlino watching Akira start his climb up the tower.

KSRT

Somebody got a little too comfortable in the mountains.

Bells Tower

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

Bells Tower

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Brushing against the relatively feathery soft laua’e ferns.

KSRT

Climbing our way to the last summit of the day.

Kaluanui Summit

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

Mariner’s Ridge Trail

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

Mariner’s Ridge Trail

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

New Mariner’s Ridge Trail

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

Hahaione Valley

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

All pau

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

GPS Tracks

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

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Kennard Capili, Monaliza Guillermo, Tessa Bugay, Val Wang, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

I did a solo stroll along the Southern spine of the Ko’olau Mountains today.

Trailhead

Switch backing my way up the side of the valley.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

Entering the forested area populated with pine trees.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

Stepping foot on the stairs that helps to retard erosion on the trail.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

One of many spider webs on the trail catching dew drops.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Lonely selfie at the 2,028′ eroded hill.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Turning onto the cloud soaked ridge trail where I had intended to hike all the way to Makapu’u.

Hahaione Pyramid

I didn’t see anybody walking like an Hawaiian.

Kaluanui Summit

It’s a crying shame that Kamehameha Schools shuttered this trail that was one of the easiest to reach the KST.

Tom-Tom Summit

Passing the Windward trail that drops down into Waimanalo, land of the roaming dogs.

Kamiloiki Summit

I met a faintly familiar face flying his drone at the summit.

KSRT

I took stock of my situation. I only had brought a liter of water and it was scorching hot weather so I decided to end my hike early and take the service road out. That being said, I took a long leisurely break before the communications tower and met Cinja, Krissy and Tess who were hiking the opposite way.

All pau

It was the end of the road for me. Literally.

GPS Tracks

My short traversal on the Ko’olau Mountain Range covered a little over seven miles. Thanks to Lilyn for picking me up. Post hike meal at Pieology where making your own pizza pie has gone on a diet. Cooled off with shave ice drizzled with Lychee and Lilikoi syrup from Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha. I didn’t get to meet Unko.

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.

Ben joined me on a hike to to pick up from where I had left off a couple months ago.

Trailhead

We started before the chickens were up and walked through the valley of darkness. We had nothing to fear but fear itself and the feral pigs. Oink. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Moanalua Valley

Daylight broke through the shrouded valley as we reached the end of the maintained trail.

Kulana’ahane Summit

The breaking sunrise illuminating the mountains. It was going to be a beautiful day. Did I say that out aloud?

Moanalua Saddle

Time to hit the trail as we had a lot of ground to cover today.

Moanalua Saddle

Trying to discriminate against the loose rocks.

Dirt Triangle

Ben contouring the crumbly obstacle while ignoring the views of Moanalua Valley.

Dirt Triangle

Why use one rope, when two will do?

Dirt Triangle

Right hand in front of the left hand. Repeat. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Moanalua Saddle

Couple more crumbly sections ahead of us.

Moanalua Saddle

Well, I guess that’s one way to bite your GoPro.

Moanalua Saddle

The classic spot to pose on the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

The Captain Morgan pose and I don’t even drink. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben approaching the first landing.

Moanalua Saddle

The back stairs going up into the cloudy soup known as heaven. Photo by Ben Hinders.

CCL Building

Following the tetanus approved cable to the top.

Haiku Stairs

What happened to that beautiful day? I’m not a mind reader, but I think those guys were thinking the same thing. Well, at least it’s not raining.

Stairway to Heaven

Can you take the picture in landscape and not portrait mode? Thanks!

MMR Junction

Missing the green wooden sign that used to hang in the trees.

Radar Station

Ben making his way down the cloud washed ridge.

Tripler Summit

Refreshing the cocaine addicted public since 1886.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Another short break and it was off to enjoy more of this beautiful mountain weather.

“‘Ie’ie

Glad it wasn’t harvesting season for the bug swarms that eat the fruits of these woody climbers.

Bowman Summit

Let’s not take any wrong turns around here.

Kalihi Saddle

The ridge soon transitioned from somewhat wide to somewhat skinny. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben descending the steep and crumbly ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring around the sliding dirt section.

Kalihi Saddle

Hmmm, should I go over or around? Decisions. Decisions.

Kalihi Saddle

Watch out below for the dirt and rock showers.

Kalihi Saddle

Passing the broken wave.

Kalihi Saddle

Making my way to the overhang spot to avoid falling rocks. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben making his way down the first rock triangle.

Kalihi Saddle

Pausing to check out the Windward views.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben climbing down the second rock triangle.

Kalihi Saddle

The summit of Lanihuli was strikingly clear.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at our descent from Bowman. Crazy fun.

Witch’s Hat

Too early for Halloween.

Witch’s Hat

Looking for treats and not tricks on the backside coming down.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben approaching the knob that would drop us down to the power lines.

Power Lines

It was too early for lunch so I snacked on a bag of “fresher tasting” tuna. But is it dolphin safe?

Kalihi Saddle

Back in the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Wrap around view that never fails to disappoint.

Kalihi Saddle

Glad we’re hiking instead of being fighting the pau hana Friday traffic.

Jackson Chameleon

The one that got away.

Sharks Fin

I was in the mood for Chinese, since my three horned snack had scurried away.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben making his way up to the first Bunny Ear.

Kalihi Saddle

Popping our way towards the pimple.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben dropping down the Door Stop.

Kalihi Saddle

Classic photo spot below the can opener.

Kalihi Saddle

A pink ribbon! We must be on the right trail. So excited. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Kalihi Saddle

Preparing to climb The Great Wall of Lanihuli.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben coming up from the first tier of the wall.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking cool on the mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

Riding the dirt dragon, a shell of it’s fiery former self. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben continuing our uphill climb through tangled roots and ample uki grass.

Swirling Heavens

The view from our 2,700′ summit perch. Not bad. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Lanihuli Summit

Peeking over to the town side.

Nu’uanu Saddle

All downhill from here. Crumbly downhill. But still downhill.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Yeah come on down. It’s safe. These tattered and frayed ropes will keep you safe.

Anvil

Ben looking laser focused on climbing his way up.

Donkey Kong

Giving the W or was that the finger? Photo by Ben Hinders.

W

… And now we know our alphabet.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The Pali Lookout and Highway soon popped into view under the towering shadow of Konahuanui.

Nu’uanu Saddle

This rock looks safe to grab. Right?

Pu’u Suicido

Ben didn’t want to use the hotline or lifeline.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Just a couple more humps before getting off the ridge.

Nu’uanu Valley

Best sex ever? Looking out for any used condoms as I didn’t want to slip down on the already slippery slope.

Invasive critter

The one that did not get away.

Nu’uanu Valley

Why is it taking so long to get down?

Pali Puka

Almost done for the day.

Nu’uanu Valley

Out of the woods and into walking on egg shells. Ben’s feet had blistered on his way down the ridge.

Pali Lookout

What’s for dinner? Chicken. Not the feathered kind, but the boxed kind. Shout out to Chris and Hannah for bringing us iced soda and food from Louisiana Kitchen.

Pali Lookout

Good night from Camp Pali. Ben could finally take a load off his blistered feet and sleep the night away.

Pali Lookout

Instead of waking up to crowing chickens, we woke up to the sounds of cars ferrying people to the lookout. Ben’s blisters did not evaporate overnight, so he grudgingly threw in the towel.

Pali Lookout

I mulled over my choices which were to abort the hike or run afoul of my wife’s no hiking alone rule. The Grace Hopper saying of “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission” kept bouncing around my head. That’s how I found myself heading up the ridge.

Pali Notches

Met Alexis, Jason and Robert as they made their way back from the base of the chimney. I offered to take them up the chimney since I was going that way, but they weren’t buying it. Next time. Photo by Jason Murano.

Pali Notches

You sure you guys won’t change your minds?

Chimney

Time to sweep the chimney.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Clearing the rocky, technical sections as rain showers pelted the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

Panoramic view of the Windward side.

Konahuanui Summit

Denied views at the highest point, so I refreshed myself with the real thing.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The ragged and rugged curves of the ridge were clearly defined by the hugging clouds as I made my way to K2.

Manoa Middle

So close, yet so far.

Castle Trail?

Exploring the swath of a trail that parallels the KSRT.

Mount Olympus

Passed a few hikers as I dropped off Awaawaloa Summit to continue the hike.

Ka’au Crater

Looking down at one tuff volcanic cone nestled against the mountains and the other one hugging the ocean.

KSRT

Pausing to enjoy the steep valley views on my climb up to Lanipo.

Lanipo

The trail that leads to my “Meru.”

KSRT

Approaching the power lines and relay station of Wiliwilinui.

KSRT

I pitched my tent at the heli-pad before the summit of Wiliwilinui and called it a day. Checked in with my better half and that Grace Hopper saying came into play.

KSRT

Sunrise from the mountains. Not a bad way to wake up.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Thanks to Stuart for coming up to see me and bringing sugary beverages.

Wiliwilinui Summit

This pooch had the right idea.

KSRT

Another day, another dollar, different hike.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Bumped into Daryl and his friends at the 2,520′ knob.

Kulepeamoa Summit

When you fall off the ridge, pick yourself up and try again. Words to remember.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Met Art and some mutual friends at the grassy flat topped mountain. Even got some home baked foods from Art. It was a good day.

KSRT

Skirting the eroded section on my way down. Photo by Art Millan.

KSRT

Art saying hello or waving goodbye?

KSRT

Looking back at the fluted cliffs cascading down from the mountain tops.

KSRT

Koko Crater on my left and Koko Head on my right and now I know my mountains.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

The two legged hikers outnumbered the four legged hikers at the 2,028′ top.

KSRT

Passing the power lines on my way to Hahaione.

KSRT

Selfie at the scenic point.

Hahaione Pyramid

Not hiking like an Egyptian to the top today.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

The trail that Kamehameha Schools would like hikers to forget.

KSRT

Approaching the Tom-Tom trail named after Tom McGuire and Tom Cadle who “discovered” the old Hawaiian trail.

KSRT

Making my way to the canopied forest to escape the scorching heat.

Kamiloiki Summit

Nobody was home at Camp Awesome.

KSRT

The sun striking and illuminating Manana (Rabbit) Island.

KSRT

Approaching the old Nike-Hercules missile sites as I climbed out of the saddle.

KSRT

The sweeping views from the hang gliders platform. Missing the plastic lawn chair.

KSRT

Climbing down the exposed and rocky ridge line. No shade until the finish line.

Makapu’u Puka

The drifting sounds from Sea Life Park kept me company in the mountains

Makapu’u Lookout

I can see somebody’s van.

All pau

If three times is the charm. What is the fourth time? What happened to my other glove? Thanks to Chris for meeting me at the lookout with a cold carbonated beverage and driving me back to my car. Photo by Chris Bautista.

GPS Tracks

The three day hike covered 24.11 miles across the Ko’olau Mountains. Great company on the first day and scenic solitude on the last two days. Thanks to Ben for sticking it out with me on the first day and to my wife for allowing me to finish the last two days by myself. Post hike meal at Pho Viet. A hot bowl of rice noodles with real chunks of assorted meat parts floating in a chili laced broth tasted so good after three days in the mountains.

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.

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

Pahua Heiau

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

Taking the higher road

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

Kamiloiki Ridge

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

Kamiloiki Ridge

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

Kamiloiki Ridge

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

Kamiloiki Ridge

Jasmin roasting imaginary marshmallows over an imaginary roaring campfire.

Kamiloiki Ridge

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

Kamiloiki Ridge

Stacks of fungi going vertical on a tree stump.

Camp Awesome

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

Kamiloiki Summit

Something splendid to witness.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Jasmin dropping into the saddle.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

(New) Dead Man’s Cat Walk

Not improved. No scenery whatsoever. Major letdown.

Original Dead Man’s Cat Walk

It actually looks better without the concrete. Au naturel.

Hidden Stairs

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

Hidden Stairs

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

BBQ

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

All pau

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

GPS Tracks

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

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

I had met John on the Poamoho trail and he had asked me to take him and some friends on an intermediate hike one day. Today was the day. 

Leaving our truck behind

Joining me on this repeat hike, was John, Lyle, Maiko and Naoko. Lyle was the designated driver today and he picked me up from the top of Kaluanui Road and shuttled all of us to the Makapu’u Lookout.

Sunrise

We scrambled up the mountain in time to catch a twin sunrise – the sun and the Makapu’u Lighthouse.

Coming up to the powerlines

The group making their way up to the powerlines.

Ready for some rock climbing?

We have to climb on those rocks?

Isn’t this fun?

It’s amazing what some people with a fear of heights will do. Photo by Naoko Takaso.

There’s room up here!

Actually there wasn’t that much room. Photo by John Garrity.

Makapu’u Puka

We met three other hikers at the puka, they had hiked up from the lookout earlier than us. This was their return point. This was just our photo opportunity stop. Photo by Naoko Takaso.

Puka Junior

Passing another puka in the making.

Hiking to the moon

Small kine grinder. Only 238,900 miles.

All I need is a paraglider

Hanging out at the paraglider platform. Photo by John Garrity.

Looking out towards the ocean

A nice view of Manana (Rabbit) and Kaohikaipu Islands. Both are designated seabird sanctuaries. Jutting out from the coastline is the University of Hawaii’s Makai Research Pier.

Paragliding platform

Group photo left to right: myself, Maiko, Naoko, John and Lyle.

Hang gliding platform

Another group photo.

Kamiloiki Valley

Looking into Kamiloiki Valley, with Koko Crater and Koko Head in the background. The gate to access the “Hidden Stairway” is now padlocked.

Signal should be strong up here

Don’t be standing in front of those microwave dishes, unless you like it medium rare.

The Dead Mans Cat Walk

This spot has seen heavy traffic recently, as evidenced by the large amounts of graffiti that hikers have left behind. Heck, there were even two lawn chairs there! Leave it as you find it. Otherwise, access may be denied or severely restricted in the future. Look at Haiku Stairs.

Leaving Kamehame ridge

The group leaving the communications facility behind as they make their way down.

The rope is your friend

“Isn’t there another way down?”

Coming down the ridge

When you are hiking these ridges, most people never realize actually how close to the edge they are. This photo puts it in perspective.

Stopping and smelling the roses?

Checking out these tiny colorful flowers as I waited for the group.

Lunch spot

Taking our lunch under the shade of the pine trees and cooled by the trade winds.

Picture taking time

Everybody taking pictures at the same time. Who can blame them? It was a beautiful day on the Koolau’s.

Kamiloiki Summit

We ran into two hikers at Kamiloiki Summit who snapped our group picture. Mahalo!

Going to the Tom-Tom trail

Making our way to the Tom-Tom trail and a little something extra for me – Bell Tower, which is the rock formation in the middle of the photo.

Red Baron?

I noticed this vintage plane buzzing around the Koolau’s. The plane resembles a Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, Hawaiian Airlines first aircraft to fly in the islands.

Watch out for the canyon

The group making their way up to the Tom-Tom trail.

Tom-Tom trail

The Tom-Tom trail. We were not descending back down into Waimanalo today.

Bell tower

The last time we were on this trail, some in the group talked about tackling Bell Tower. Marcus said a hiker named doRito made the first documented climb. So it’s also known as doRito Tower.

Face to rock

John had agreed to accompany me down the crumbly spur ridge to the tower to act as my spotter. I found a brand spanking new piton and stake lying at the base of the tower. Perhaps somebody was planning on top roping the tower to make it easier for others to climb?

Climbing up the tower

The tower looked somewhat intimidating seeing it up close and personal. It didn’t help that John advised me not to make the climb. After checking it out from ground level and it seemed within my meager climbing ability, I started my way up. It was just a matter of finding the right handholds and footholds. I had a small “diaper change” moment when one of the rocks I was holding onto with my right hand came off the tower and plunged into the valley. John prudently stepped back after that. Photos by John Garrity and Maiko Nakagawara.

Top of the tower

Working from left to right up the tower, I was soon at the top. What a feeling! Now the hard part, making my back down. Photos by John Garrity and Maiko Nakagawara.

Carpet of ferns

After the fun was over, we got back on the trail to Mariner’s Ridge.

Almost to the top

Looking back at the Koolau Mountains. Another beautiful day in paradise.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Taking a last group photo at the 1,640′ summit of Mariner’s Ridge. We didn’t spend much time at the top, as the girls had a happy hour event waiting for them, so we took the trail back down to my car.

GPS Tracks

The 6.4 mile hike was a fun filled day with new hiking buddies and with a twist (Bell Tower) thrown in for good measure.

This was our first hike towards completing the entire Koolau Summit from Makapu’u to Pupukea. Of course we plan on breaking it up into manageable chunks, not everybody can be Chase Norton. Mad props to that guy for hiking the entire Koolau Summit in eight days. I parked my car at the top of Kaluanui Road where the hike would end and my friend picked me up and we all met at the Makapu’u Lookout to start our hike. This was our first hike as a group that one of us called the Four Horsemen which included Glenn, Chance, Jason and myself.

Makapu'u

We made our way up the ridge following the chain link fence that had danger signs plastered over them. Looking back, we saw Makapu’u Point which means “Bulging Eye” in Hawaiian, sandwhiched in between the Makapu’u Lighthouse on the left and Pele’s Chair on the right, a natural rock formation that in Hawaiian legend, was the last place Madam Pele left on Oahu before settling on the Big Island. Speaking of fire, this part of the trail has zero shade, so it’s best to lather on the sunscreen or be prepared to be seared lobster red.

Sea Life Park

Further up the ridge, we were treated to views of Sea Life Park and the islands of Manana (Rabbit Island) and Kaohikaipu (Turtle Island). The sounds of barking seals from Sea Life Park punctuated the morning silence as we made our way up the ridge.

Early Goats

We followed the rocky ridgeline as we passed numerous interesting rock formations, some of which looked like jagged teeth protruding from the ground. We also noticed a herd of goats that were keeping an eye on us from the next hill over.

Rock climbing the Makapu'u Puka - Not

We also started dropping altitude as the ridgeline gradually dipped towards the Makapu’u Puka. Hawaiian legend has it that a warrior named Kaulanaakaiole threw either a spear or shot an arrow at a rat that created this hole or puka.

Three monkeys on a platform

After passing the puka, the ridgeline started to climb again as we gained elevation and reached the top. We passed some old Army barracks atop Kamehame Ridge that is now home to a teen program called Winner’s Camp. We then passed a rickety looking platform used by hang gliders and then came across another one where we clowned for the camera. 

Robin's Nest

The trail turned left from the second hang glider platform and we followed the stairs down and hung a right onto a paved road that led to the old Nike Missile Site, which was last used in the mid-60’s. Eventually a locked gate blocked us from continuing further up the road, but a hole in the fence on the left side allowed us to continue. From one of the abandoned towers that we climbed, we peered directly down into the Anderson Estate, which became famous for being used as “Robin’s Nest” in the popular 80’s TV show, Magnum PI.

Down in the saddle

After poking around the old Nike Missile Site, we picked up the somewhat indistinct trail masked in heavy bushes behind the last building and eventually went down a saddle that dropped several hundred feet in elevation. We then climbed out of the saddle up towards a clump of ironwood trees that provided much needed shade to have our lunch and enjoyed the views of Waimanalo.

Kamiloiki Ridge

We stopped briefly at Kamiloiki Ridge to see Mount Olomana and tried to locate Bumpy Kanahele’s 45 acre sanctuary, otherwise known as Pu’uhonua o Waimanalo.

Headed down the ridge towards the Tom-Tom trail

It is very easy to miss the right turn, ribboned branches and all, that will keep you on the Koolau Summit Trail and headed towards Mariner’s Ridge. We found this out as we continued to walk straight on the trail from Kamiloiki Ridge, luckily we figured it out pretty early and backtracked to the right turn. The trail rollercoasters until you reach the top of a hill where there are three poles, this marks the spot where the Tom-Tom trail descends down into Waimanalo.

Mariner's Ridge

As we pushed on past the Tom-Tom trail, the ridge went down and up a couple more times until we reached the top of Mariner’s Ridge. After that, it was a short and sweet stroll back down the trail towards our car on Kaluanui Road and next stop – Zippys.