Back to back weekends where the hikes failed to meet the original expectations. Such is life. Photo by Tesssa Bugay.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Cinja for dropping Katie, Lilyn, Tessa and myself off at the still closed park.

Aiea Loop Trail

Contouring on the loop below the ridge line. Meanwhile, an owl had swooped close to Tessa and Lilyn looking for food but finding nothing but screams. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Gaining the ridge line where we headed towards the summit, despite the mixed feelings.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Lilyn going down a short, steep section of the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Tessa getting a free massage that didn’t come with a happy ending.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The clouds and rain soon dropped in on the ridge to keep us company. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Leaving the wind swept and rain dappled large peak behind us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The trail got muddier as we traversed a couple more small humps on the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Approaching the powerline tower. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The debate to continue raged harder than the cold winds that were whipping around the base of the tower. Slight exaggeration. Free lunch was tossed out to sweeten the pot to go back. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Summit

Group photo left to right: Tessa, myself, Lilyn and Katie at the 2,805′ top. Glimmers of views intermittently broke through the clouds to tantalize some of us, but the towel was already thrown in.

Aiea Summit

Somebody could barely contain their glee, as the group turned around. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Contouring our way back to the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Ridge Trail

I don’t know if I was chuckling or holding back tears of disappointment. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Retracing our steps on the muddy trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Lonely. I am Miss Lonely. I have nobody. Can you be quiet Kenji? I don’t think that’s part of the lyrics. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

We took a small break at the 2,441′ hill that afforded better views but not much better weather. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

I guess this is an improvement from the fetal position. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The forecasted rain showers pelted us on our way off the ridge line, but no lightning bolts were seen or thunder heard. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Loop Trail

Are you Korean? dangsin-eun hangug-eoleul haeyo? Walk away. Far away.

Aiea Loop Trail

Scenic tree at the scenic spot. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Loop Trail

Looking for the wreckage of the bomber that crashed in 1944. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Loop Trail

Going down the gully. Alone. Lonely. I am Mister Lonely. I have nobody. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Loop Trail

I didn’t know the Rockettes were in town.

Aiea Loop Trail

We had lots of company on the trail. Some were more passable than others.

Aiea Loop Trail

Katie standing by the junction that leads to Camp Smith.

Aiea Loop Trail

We spotted a human that was lurking in the tree line with intentions of scaring us. Avoid eye contact with Art.

Aiea Loop Trail

Crossing the flowing stream but not before the girls cleaned their spikes in the water. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

Exiting the trail and entering the camping grounds. Aida and Quan also met us at the upper parking lot where Molokai Bread awaited us courtesy of Art. Mahalo to Art for dropping us back to our cars at the Manana trailhead.

GPS Tracks

Our aborted hike still turned in a respectable 11.4 miles under inclement weather with good friends. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where we collected on our promised free meals. It wasn’t top grade sushi, but one should be thankful for any free food. Thanks Lilyn!

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.

Today was the first global palindrome date in 909 years and it was also the day that the San Franciscos 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs played it out in the 54th Superbowl. We were just planning to pay a visit to Hell. Thanks to Caroline and Lonnie for picking Aida, Art, Dale, Katie, Lilyn, and myself up in Moanalua Valley and dropping off us at the Keaiwa Heiau State Park to start our hike. I also found out that I was undercharging for my hikes as we bumped into a group at Moanalua Valley and the “guide” was charging $165 a pop to take people up to Stairway to Heaven. And here I am only charging a nickel. Obviously I am a product of the public school system. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Loop Trail

We stepped foot on the trail whose air was fragrantly scented from the eucalyptus trees.

Aiea Loop Trail

Trying to catch the breaking sunrise.

Smokey the Bear

We stamped out and watered down a still smoldering fire left from possible hunters, before connecting to the ridge trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Stopping at the landslide that time took its toll. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Katie and Dale climbing along the ridges ups and downs. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

It’s a little known fact that plastic dolphins can survive at 2,441′ elevation. But first, you have to spot them. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Hikers in the mist as the clouds blotted out the views. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Aida near the base of the power line. Photo by Art Young.

Aiea Summit

The sun seemed but a distant star at the 2,805′ elevation. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Sleeping Beauty

Don’t wake me up. Dreaming about sunshine drenched views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Summit

The sign that Chris made for the summit has now gone missing, the victim of scavengers or scoundrels.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Setting foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountain Range as we made our way to Hell. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Dale on the cliffs edge, just feet away from a steep drop. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

The roller coaster ride on the ridge was the gift that kept on giving. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Dreams do come true. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Evolving to bipedal locomotion on the ridge. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Lilyn by the fenced enclosure that protects a rare native bellflower plant, one which I have yet to see. Then again, I don’t know what I’m looking for. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Aida crossing the ridge; with the stunning backdrop of the Windward coast, valleys and mountains behind her. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Looking from the summit to the sea, a view that is often denied. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Art standing at the top of the windswept meadows. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Katie practicing her Captain Morgan pose.

KSRT

Checking the Superbowl score. Checked in too early. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Dale descending down the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Lilyn coming down from the mountain. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Looking down at the bunker, we saw Chris and Tessa who had hiked up from Moanalua Valley, setting up house. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Stairway to Hell

Dale standing in the windy meadows, which has claimed many a hat and utensils. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Open Tent

Location, location, location. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Hell

Lunch time in the cold dungeon of Hell. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

North Haiku Stairs

Everybody’s photo shot at the terminus of the stairs that the military failed to finish.

North Haiku Stairs

Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl. Group photo by Tessa Bugay, left to right: Chris, Katie, Art, Aida, myself, Lilyn, Dale and Tessa.

Stairway to Hell

Leaving the REI outlet bunker. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Hell

Heading out on the stairs that Mother Nature are slowly reclaiming. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Stairway to Hell

Last look back at Hell. Today was a good day in Hell. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Stairway to Hell

The stairs were soon replaced with a weathered cable as we made our way along the ridge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Stairway to Hell

Looking across the valley to the socked in summit of Heaven. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Stairway to Hell

Climbing our last set of rusty stairs. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Stairway to Hell

Leaving Hell behind us. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Tessa and Lilyn going down the undulating ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

The group taking a short break at the weather beaten marker. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Looking down at the H-3 snaking its way out from the mountains and into the valley. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Red Hill

The group waiting for everybody to catch up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

While some of us were deciding whether to end the hike in Heaven, Dale decided to go down Red Hill. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie climbing down the side of the heavily eroded saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Scooting our way down the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Watch out for falling rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking out towards Haiku Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

The girls making their way across the saddle with the scalloped mountain behind them.

Moanalua Saddle

Standing on the scenic rock for my photo opportunity. WAP. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie dropping down into the middle of the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Time was running out for heaven, so we all left the summit after our last group photo of the day. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going down the trail, where somebody took the uluhe shortcut. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Hitting the valley floor.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Tessa making her way under the tangled thicket of hau branches.

Moanalua Valley

Somebody had a private rainbow showing all to himself. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

All pau

Things that go boo and not bump in the night. Our 11.6 mile hike ended under the cover of darkness with a great crew. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where ghost stories were shared for the chicken skin experience.

Video by Dale Yoshizu of our fun hike.

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.

A friend had asked me to take him and his cousin on an easy hike. That is why I found myself at Keaiwa Heiau State Park with Glenn, Jose and Thessa. However, my friend failed to show up. Oh well, let’s hike.

Aiea Loop Trail

Group photo at the trailhead: Jose, Thessa, Glenn and myself.

Water tank

Passing the water tank, that was surprisingly untouched by graffiti.

Exposed roots

Exposed tree roots are part of the trail, the side of this hill was no exception.

Trail to the valley

Roughly ten minutes later, we headed down a side trail to our left.

Powerlines

Jose and Glenn passing underneath the powerlines. High voltage.

Purple tree

This tree “doorway” was marked with purple coloring.

Mango tree junction?

I had read that many hikers miss the critical junction that is marked by a mango tree, to turn down to Kalauao Valley. We would be no exception. Sort of.

Going down

Mango tree. Check. Trail. Check. Let’s go. The actual junction was just a stone’s throw away by another mango tree further down the trail. We would find that out coming back up.

Is this the way?

The “trail” soon petered out to be replaced by bushwhacking down a steep hill through heavy vegetation and trees.

A real trail

Eventually we connected with the obvious trail.

Remember this junction

The trail lead us down to the valley floor, where we made a mental note of the junction so as not to miss it.

Where’s the water?

The dry streambed was a good indicator that the waterfall would not be flowing. At least we wouldn’t be slipping and sliding on wet rocks.

Tree fungi

White tree fungi. I read somewhere that fungal fruiting structures will eventually result in structural weakening of the tree. Did not know that.

How many crossings?

We crossed the dry streambed about eight times before arriving at the waterfall.

Kalauao Falls

Group photo at the trickling Kalauao Falls. Have to come after a heavy rainfall to see the falls as they should be seen.

Top of the falls

Looking down at the group, wondering who turned off the water?

Upstream

I heard other hikers have followed this stream further up and bushwhacked their way back to the loop trail.

Tree canopy

Taking a break under the lush tree canopy.

Headed back

No raging waterfall. No show for us today.

Hurry! Pick it!

On the way back along the streambed, ripe guavas were hanging high on trees. Jose and Glenn bowed the trees down so that Thessa and I could pick some.

Back in the loop

The group back on the loop trail. Now let’s go search for the plane! In 1944, a B-24J Liberator Bomber took off from Hickam Field and crashed into Pu’u Uau. There are some confusion as to the type of plane that crashed, some say it was a Japanese Zero fighter and others a C-47 cargo plane. The memorial plaque at the beginning of the loop trail clearly states what type of plane crashed. End of discussion.

Standing room only

The loop trail seems to be a favorite amongst families and dog owners. One of the few views on the trail of the Waianae Mountains.

Three finger tree

This trail has got to have the most fallen trees and branches I have run across.

Scenic point

Group photo with the H-3 freeway snaking through Halawa Valley.

Looking

We passed a friendly guy that was greeting hikers as if he were the unofficial docent of Aiea Loop Trail. He told us that a major landslide a few years back had pushed the plane wreckage to the bottom of the gulch and was inaccessible and that scavengers had packed out most of the aluminum pieces from the plane when metal prices were climbing. What a shame.

Found it!

Roughly two-thirds going into the trail, we rounded a bend and noticed other hikers coming up from the bottom. The plane! The plane! At one time, part of the wing rested against a tree on the trail. A landslide took care of that.

Here’s a wing

Jose and Thessa passing the wing. Guess it was too big for the scavengers to carry off.

Going down

Glenn following the fallen tree down.

Part of the engine

Thessa standing next to part of the plane’s engine.

Not what you think

An unidentified hiker holding part of the plane’s wreckage. If you want photos that are off center or not fully framed. Please contact Glenn for a free consultation. Photo by Glenn Toyama.

Touching history

Group photo with part of the plane wreckage. The plane wreckage parts seemed to thin out at this point, so we decided against following the trail down.

Part of the tire

Going back up, we noticed the plane’s tire rim half covered by the tree, that we had overlooked coming down.

Divided we hike

One of many trees on the trail that were cut to allow hikers to walk on the trail.

Timber!

More fallen trees.

Another one ready to go

Maybe they should cut this one down, before it falls. On somebody.

Glad we’re on the right trail

Our first sign on the trail. Right before this sign, we saw another trail on our left that goes to Camp Smith.

Hmmm

What is beyond this sign? Why is it closed? Curiosity killed the cat. The trail dropped a little as we crossed a stream and came back up.

Open seats

Views of Pearl Harbor peeked out from behind the tree line.

All pau

The trail ended at a campsite.

The hardest part

Now we had to walk back up the road to our cars. Broke a sweat doing it.

GPS Tracks

Our nice, easy hike clocked in at 6.76 miles under hot and muggy conditions. Post hike meal at The Alley Restaurant. Best oxtail soup on the island.

I joined Marvin, Les, Lita, Matt and Robb on a “baby grinder hike” (Marvin’s words) from Aiea to Red Hill, with a descent into Stairway of Hell.

Keaiwa heiau

We stashed a couple of cars outside of Moanalua Valley Park and carpooled in Matt’s van to Aiea Heights. It is highly recommended to park outside both parks, as there is a strong chance that when you come down that the gates will be locked. The 17th century ruins of an Hawaiian healing temple was near the entrance of the Keaiwa Heiau Park, as we followed the road in.

Trailhead

The road led us to the top of the Aiea Loop Trail, where we also picked up Robb to round out the hiking crew.

Bench with a view

The trail sees heavy use by two legged and four legged hikers.

H-3

If you see the H-3, you went too far. Backtrack a bit and make a right up towards the ridge.

Halawa valley

Paralleling the H-3 as we made our way up Aiea ridge.

Looking back

The last clear view we had as clouds soon enveloped us on the ridge.

Powerlines

Looking ahead at the false summit which is marked by a massive powerline tower.

On the KST

We soon topped out on the Koolau’s. What a view! What view?

Cloudy views

Making our way on the narrow trail choked with vegetation, typical KST trail, the clouds would teasingly break apart to give us Windward views and take it right back.

Hawaiian mint

Marvin pointed out this endemic flowering plant, also known as Phyllostegia glabra.

Hiking in the clouds

Hiking in whiteout conditions is surreal and a bummer as no views are present.

Protected area

This small fenced area affords protection to a rare endemic bellflower plant known as Cyanea st.-johnii, that only grows on the Ko’olau Mountains. Didn’t see any today.

Partly cloudy

We can see again!

Rolling mountains

The cloud cover lifted her veil for a moment to reveal the Ko’olau Mountains in all her glory.

Ohia lehua

A red lehua blossom on an ‘ohi’a tree.

Sliding down the ditch

Making our way down the summit trail, we eventually scooted down a ditch where the hidden stairs soon popped into cloudy view.

North Haiku Stairs

Visibility was zero at the top of the stairs. The last time we were here, I had wanted to go down to the end of the stairs, but time constraints dictated otherwise. Was today going to be different?

Look to the left

As I dropped in elevation going down the stairs, the Windward views opened up.

Look to the right

Clouds hanging over the Ko’olau’s Mountains.

Stairway to Hell

Going down the stairs is a different experience than Stairway to Heaven, as railings and steps are missing or rusted to the point of dust. Gloves are highly recommended. Vegetation has reclaimed most sections. The stairs abruptly end at a steep cliff section, a view that was denied to me again. I think I got within a hair of the end, but Marvin called and said the group wanted to leave. Guess I’ll be coming back for another visit.

What goes down, must come up

I raced back up the stairs as fast as my legs and the stairs condition allowed me.

Leaving hell

Got back to the top of the stairs and was gassed out. Munched on my musubi and guzzled some water and then we headed out to catch up with Lita and Robb who had left earlier.

Geo Marker

No views again at the geo marker spot, as we made our way down the summit trail.

Halawa junction

Group photo clockwise: myself, Lita, Robb, Marvin, Lester and Matt. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Going down Halawa ridge

Lita and Robb decided to part ways and go down Halawa Ridge due to concerns about hiking in the dark.

Over the H-3

We picked up the pace as we resumed our hike on the summit trail, passing the H-3 directly overhead.

Red Hill junction

Taking a short break in the clouds.

Long and flat

Going down Red Hill Ridge was defined by a couple big hills and then roller coasting over smaller ones.

Going down the Godek-Jaskulski Ridge

We eventually turned left and made our way down to Moanalua Valley.

Kulana’ahane Trailhead

Time to break out the head lamps for the three mile walk back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Baby grinder my butt! The 13.03 mile hike over the rolling mountains of the Koolau’s resulted in a long day filled with clouds and intermittent views, but still a great way to end the day or should I say night?