I closed out the year with a short hike with Aida, Allison, Ed and Sally on the East side of the island. Thanks to Aida for giving Allison and myself a ride to the trailhead.

Trailhead

We bypassed the heiau and found Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Contouring our way up to the ridge line. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Resting rock. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Heading up the dry ridge line. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Looking back at Koko Crater and Koko Head, which are interchangeable to most people. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Kamiloiki Ridge

The group continuing their slow and steady climb to the summit. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Resting tree. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Starting and stirring the imaginary fire pit. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamiloiki Ridge

The crew reunited. Less resting and more hiking.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Going up the pine tree corridor. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Sally hugging the tree, lest gravity roll her back down. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Kamiloiki Summit

We met up with Madeline and Jeremy at the summit. Small world.

Kamiloiki Summit

Group photo with the wide angle to make our bodies look slightly distorted.

Camp Awesome

Sally as the sacrificial lamb in the illegal fire pit. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

We left the summit to traverse on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Allison and Ed climbing down the exposed rock section. Photo by Sally Chow.

KSRT

Sliding down the slippery slope of pine needles. Should have brought our cardboard boxes. Photo by Ed Valdez.

KSRT

Breaking out onto the exposed ridge line with sweeping views of the Waimanalo coastline. Photo by Allison Banks.

KSRT

Looking back as the group climbs and contours their way around the numerous rock faces dotting the ridge line.

KSRT

Sally climbing down backwards. Photo by Ed Valdez.

KSRT

Aida and Allison contouring their way around a rock face. Photo by Ed Valdez.

KSRT

Looking back as the group crests over the top of a hump on the ridge line.

Tom-Tom Junction

Ed at the terminus to the trail that leads down into Waimanalo and roaming dogs. Photo by Sally Chow.

Tom-Tom Junction

Only the girls were happy. The boys were just don’t worry.

KSRT

Standing on a photogenic spot. Photo by Sally Chow.

KSRT

The group contouring around the photogenic spot.

KSRT

Always test the printer cable before using it to climb up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Did you test the cable? Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Sitting on a photogenic spot. Photo by Sally Chow.

KSRT

Aida on the feathery ferned trail. At least it wasn’t those scratchy uluhe ferns. Photo by Ed Valdez.

KSRT

Climbing up the exposed ridge line to the summit. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Allison standing near the terminus for Mariners Windward. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Mariners Summit

Tight squeeze on the summit for our group photo. What happened to social distancing?

Mariners Ridge

Heading down the trail that Kamehameha Schools would like us to forget.

Mariners Ridge

We came across what was either a pseudo-Boy Scout Camp or homeless shelter.

Trail

Branching off the main trail as we descended down a spur ridge towards Hahaione Valley. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

This trail just goes to prove that once one door closes, another opens. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

In the thick of the woods trying to find our way out.

Trail

Out of the woods. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Trail

Contouring around the water tank that looked like it had a fresh coat of graffiti on it.

All pau

Walking downhill to our cars. Well, one had to walk uphill on behalf of the others. You can always have too much hiking. Photo by Ed Valdez.

GPS Tracks

Our end of the year hike covered 4.75 miles with good company. No fireworks or post hike meal today. Happy New Year to all my friends that have kept me company in the mountains and looking forward to new adventures next year.

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.

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.

Rain canceled our Saturday Pali Notches to Piliwale Ridge hike, so I tagged along with Chris and Kaimi for a Sunday hike from Makapu’u to Kamiloiki Ridge. Chris picked me up from Waioli Street and we met Kaimi at the Makapu’u lookout. Even security was there in the wee hours of the morning, in the form of Honolulu’s finest. Assured that our cars were safe as long as the donuts and coffee didn’t run out, we crossed Kalanianaole Highway around 6:14am to start our hike. 

Early Goats

We made our way up the rocky ridge following the chain link fence with danger signs plastered over them. As soon as we crested the top of the ridge, we noticed a herd of goats below us. After noticing our presence, they scampered away on their sure-footed hooves towards Sea Life Park. Now that’s what you call extreme hikers. 

Koko Crater

As we made our way along the ridgeline, views of Koko Crater and Kalama Valley opened up. 

Makapu'u Puka

The ridge soon robbed us of the elevation we had just gained, as we climbed down and took a brief break at the Puka. 

Makai Pier, Manana and Kaohikaipu Islands

We started climbing again as we made our way to Kamehame Ridge where a bird’s eye view of the Makai Pier, Rabbit and Turtle Islands greeted us. The sun also started coming out from the clouds, turning my face a bright beet red, despite the sunscreen that I had sprayed on earlier. In my opinion, this stretch of the Koolau’s is one of the hottest, rivaling those on the Waianae side.

Hang Glider Platform

No actual libation was involved in the making of this photograph at the second hang glider platform. 

Kamiloiki Stairs

We came down the steps from the second hang glider platform and made a right on the paved road which would lead us to the abandoned Nike Missile Station. Right before the locked gates, is a unlocked side gate that we went through to check out the Kamiloiki “Hidden” Stairs which like the Haiku Hidden Stairs only goes down partially towards Kamiloiki Valley.

Communication Tower

In an apparent oversight, some of the communication towers at the old Nike Missile Site are gated while others aren’t. Even the ones that are gated, can be easily circumvented as Chris ably demonstrates. 

Dead Man's Cat Walk

I have the runway, now all I need is a parachute.

Hang Glider

After waiting almost an hour at the Dead Man’s Cat Walk, one of the hang gliders took off from the second platform and put on quite an aerial show with his spins and turns. 

Waimanalo

Going down the saddle and climbing out of it, we made our way up to the grove of ironwood trees on the other side that would serve as our lunch spot.

Paragliders

As we munched on our bananas, granola bars and M&Ms; as that’s all the lunch wagon had left, a trio of paragliders circled lazily overhead. 

Panoramic view of Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo

 Click here to see the larger image.

Kamiloiki Ridge

We soon came to the summit of Kamiloiki Ridge and made our way down the ridge and came across a still smoldering campfire on the trail. Smokey says, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”

Pahua Heiau

The heat was bouncing off the clouds and rocks as we finally made our way down to the end of the trail which is marked by the Pahua Heiau. After we got into my car, we made a run for the border – Soft Taco’s and XL drinks with no ice.

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.

Wanting to do a twist on the Kamiloiki hike that I had done over a month ago, and not wanting to thrash my legs again, we decided to hike from Kamiloiki ridge to Makapu’u. We parked one car at the Makapu’u lookout and then drove to find parking on Waioli Street , where we walked up Makahuena Place to start our hike.

Pahua Heiau

I never knew or imagined that an ancient Hawaiian temple or heiau was located smack dab in the middle of the sleepy suburbs in Hawaii Kai. But then again, the temple was here long before Henry Kaiser turned Kuapa Pond into his planned residential development in East Oahu. The trailhead starts from the left side of the heiau, where we followed the trail through hale koa and dried grass to make the top of the ridgeline.

Rainbow over Kuapa pond

We quickly gained elevation and saw this beautiful rainbow over a drastically shrunken Kuapa Pond and Hawaii Kai neighborhood.

Rain over Kamiloiki Valley

Rainbows do not exist without raindrops, as we were about to find out when several passing clouds dumped rain on us as we walked on the exposed part of the ridge.  As we neared the summit, clumps of trees provided much needed shade from the hot sun, which quickly replaced the rain.

Waimanalo

We made the summit in about two hours, where blue skies greeted us along with views of Mount Olomana and Waimanalo.

Abandoned Nike Missile Site

We then followed the trail to the right which descended into a saddle and then back up to the ridge where the abandoned Nike Missile Site sits. It looks steep from afar, but once you get up close and personal, it’s just another climb up the mountain. Nothing to get excited about. Well, that’s what I kept telling my friend.

Koko Crater and Koko Head

After making our way through the abandoned Nike missile complex and checking out the views of Koko Crater and Hawaii Kai, we followed the paved road until we found the ribbon marking the Makapu’u trail on our left. Climbing up the dirt steps, we saw one of two hang gliding platforms which had fantastic views of the ocean and the Waimanalo coastline. Speaking of hang gliding platforms, that reminds me that I better use my Groupon coupon for paragliding lessons before it expires in November.

Rabbit Island

This part of the trail until Makapu’u is completely exposed, there is no shade from the withering sun. We brought sunscreen but failed to use it, so much for the supposed intelligence of some higher primates.

Makapu'u Puka

There is a natural rock formation coming down the trail that is called the Makapu’u Puka, which can also be seen from the road down below. Hawaiian legend has it that an archer saw a rat on the ridge and shot it with his arrow from his canoe, thus creating the hole that exists today. We also met another group that was doing the hike from the opposite way, after talking story a little bit, we went our opposite ways.

Makapu'u Lighthouse

We could see the Makapu’u Lighthouse in the distance, which was established in 1909 and has the largest lighthouse lens in the country.

Makapu'u Lookout

After hiking six hours in the hot sun and rocky cliffs, we arrived back at the Makapu’u Lookout. Now we had to complete the most dangerous part of the hike, crossing the road without getting hit or run over by the speeding cars.

NOTE: The Pahua Heia grounds are OFF-LIMITS as this is a sacred temple ground. Please respect the area and find other ways to access the ridge. Mahalo!

Unable to find any hiking buddies this weekend, I decided to do what I thought would be an easy hike by myself – Kaimiloiki Ridge. That’s what I get for thinking. I parked my car on Waioli Street in Hawaii Kai and walked up Makahuena Place where the Pahua Heiau marked the start of the trailhead.

Pahua Heiau

The trail starts to the left of this agricultural Hawaiian temple built circa 1400 and restored in 1985. I picked my way carefully as I made my way up the rock face and climbed several switchbacks to gain the ridge.

Kuapa Pond

Looking back at Kuapa Pond from the ridge, this ancient Hawaiian fishpond used to harbor over 500 acres until it was dredged to form the residential tract known as Hawaii Kai today.

Kamilonui Valley

Going up the ridge, I could see the few remaining farms in Kamilonui Valley to my left. I wonder if they are still going to be around after their Bishop Estate leases expire in 2025.

Got Marshmallows?

After walking along the grassy and rocky trail for about an hour, I entered an ironwood grove and passed this campfire spot, where there was enough dry tinder lying around to light up more than just a campfire.

Waimanalo

The trail flattens out a bit before a short, steep climb to the summit that tops out around 1,200 feet. This is the perfect spot to grab a bite as you’re afforded a birds eye view of Olomana and the town of Waimanalo.

Abandoned Nike Missile Launchers

After a short rest and not wanting to turn back, as this is where the usual Kamiloiki trail ends, I went down a saddle and went up the ridge where the abandoned Nike Missile Launchers loomed above me.

Kamiloiki Valley

After pushing my way through chest high grass, a taste of what was to come, the trail opened up to the abandoned missile complex site. I followed the fenceline until I found an unlocked gate and found some stairs that I didn’t know existed. I thought, all right, it’s the Hawaii Kai version of Haiku Stairs! The stairs soon petered out and my descent into hiking hell began.

Where is the trail?

I was trying to find the trail that connects Kamiloiki Ridge with the Valley. Key word of the day – try. I actually found a few ribbons as I tried to maintan the ridgeline going down, but I was soon detoured by countless rock faces, kiawe trees and shrubs that shredded my legs. Lucky I’m not a leg model or I would need to find another day job. Towards the end, I had to push my way though thick, chest high grass which just drained me on top of a typical hot Hawaii Kai day. After three exhausting hours, I finally climbed over the fence and followed the drainage ditch to solid ground, where I made my way back to my car. I’m sure glad that hike was over!