We all dithered and dickered over the venue for Princess’s birthday hike today. It was too dry for the original waterfall hike, other venues were rejected before finally settling on a large and extinct tuff cone on the East side of the island.

Koko Crater

There was some apprehension about certain individuals that were loitering near the botanical garden entrance but a military connection was soon formed and such feelings soon evaporated as we headed for the marked trail.

Koko Crater Rim

We waited for the group to collectively come together as some of them had taken the scenic route or as they say they were “exploring.”

Koko Crater Rim

Streaming hikers making their way up the mauka side of the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

Andrew and Susana discussing their color choices.

Koko Crater Rim

Climbing up the steeper section of the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

The girls throwing a high and low shaka that correspondingly indicates their comfort level.

Koko Crater Rim

Dave scrambling up the bulging rock and proving that all hikers subscribe to the Egalitarian doctrine.

Koko Crater Rim

Standing shakas must indicate a high level of comfortability on the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

Everybody approached this section according to their own comfort level or peer pressure.

Koko Crater Rim

Drone view of the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

Threading our way around the upper edge of the cliff.

Koko Crater Rim

Drones were buzzing all around us over the puka as four unmanned aerial vehicles competed for our attention.

Koko Crater Rim

Is that a nine-foot selfie stick or are you just glad to see us?

Koko Crater Rim

With big group comes big wait.

Koko Crater Rim

Jumping for joy or peer pressure.

Koko Crater Rim

Edgar running the rim to catch up with Susana who left the group to circle the fringed vulva or Kohelepelepe. According to Hawaiian legend, the goddess Kapo left behind her private parts as a decoy so that her sister Pele could escape the demigod Kama’pua’a. Now I see why Edgar was running.

Koko Crater Rim

Scott and Mister Green waiting for the rest of the group to catch up as swarms of ladybugs kept them company.

Koko Crater Rim

Walking through grassy fields supposedly results in stress reduction, improved balance and grounding effects.

Koko Crater Rim

I don’t think these are the grassy fields they are talking about.

Koko Crater Rim

Single file. Pass on the right.

Koko Crater Rim

Where’s Roger?

Koko Crater Rim

Scrambling our way to the summit of Pu’u Mai.

Koko Crater Rim

Climbing the last steep section. All downhill from this point.

Koko Crater Summit

Some girls want chocolate. Some want flowers. Some want bling. Aida just wants four ounces of churned dairy cream with a candle on top. Happy Birthday Princess!

Koko Crater Summit

Aida coaching and coaxing everybody for picture taking time. Scott, stop talking to the Japanese tourist. Chico, get in the frame. Ferlino, stop taking selfies. Front row, show some teeth. Edgar, turn around. Kenny, stop thinking about pot. Matt, stop flying your drone. Say cheese!

Koko Crater Summit

Our final group photo. No photoshop involved.

Koko Crater Stairs

Time to head down the 3/4 mile of refurbished WW2 tramway. Hats off to the Kokonut Koalition and its volunteers that did such a superb job of fixing up the stairs.

Koko Crater Stairs

All pau pau. Let’s go kau kau. Everybody made it down safe and sound unless you count two counts of cactus penetration, sounds worse than it actually was.

Gyotaku

Matt serving our lunch as his manager looks on to make sure he gets our orders right. It’s hard to find good help these days.

Gyotaku

The only thing more insane about this cake is its price. Don’t ask. Thanks to everybody for coming out to celebrate Aida’s birthday hike. Fun times all around.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTqt6vAtIfE

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Andrew Hirai, Chico Cantu, Cristy CM, David and Susan Katz, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, Matt Vidaurri and Nick, Scott Dea, Roger Schiffman, Susana Escobar, Tesssa 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.

Shaking off the jet lag, I decided to do an easy stroll around the fringed vulva and look for another hole. Met up with Kenny, Marilyn, and Scott at the botanical garden to kick off our hike.

Koko Crater Rim

We all scrambled up our own path to reach the top.

Koko Crater Rim

Kenny and Marilyn continuing the theme of the day.

Koko Crater Rim

The group crossing over one of many puka (hole) found on the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

Kenny passing the point of no return. Small steps.

Koko Crater Rim

The views are better up here!

Koko Crater Rim

Simulation of cracking the whip to help Kenny overcome his acrophobia.

Koko Crater Rim

Watching the rest of the group contour their way back to the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

Somebody was missing from the table rock selfies. Next time.

Koko Crater Rim

Climbing our way to the summit.

Pu’u Mai

Group photo at the 1,028′ top of the rim or trail.

Koko Crater Rim

We descended from the summit and met up with Edgar and his two grandkids and we then collectively made our way down to the arch.

Koko Crater Arch

Edgar training them young.

Koko Crater Arch

Marilyn rolled off this section and banged into the cliff. Luckily just a bruised ego. Maybe Edgar should train her as well.

Koko Crater Arch

Scrambling our way down the somewhat steep arch.

Koko Crater Arch

Group photo. Don’t step too close to the edge. We do have a fireman with us. Retired.

Koko Crater

We scrambled down the arch as three other hikers came up the arch. Turned out later that I was chatting with one of the guys online about possibly hiking together at a later date. Small world.

Koko Crater

The terrain was uneven, loose rocks underfoot and annoying and irritating dry bushes blockading the way. Edgar and grandkids and Marilyn decided to turn around and call it a day. We traversed up and down multiple ridges before descending down to the cave.

Koko Crater

Yay. Somebody told me about this cave almost ten years ago and thanks to Kenny spotting it earlier, I found myself standing in this natural void in the volcanic tuff. The elusive inhabitant was not at home. Perhaps it’s no longer occupied anymore.

Koko Crater

Deja vu. Nobody else wanted to come and share the moment with me as it started raining. Upon rejoining the other two, I discovered my car key was missing. Back to the cave and nowhere to be found. Scrambled back up the ridge and Kenny found it amongst the bushes as we made our way back. A needle in the haystack. Mahalo! Scotty suggested I should air tag my keys like he does. Filed under procrastination. One day.

All pau

We climbed our way down from the arch to the highway and walked back to Scotty’s car to get a ride back to our cars. Thanks to everybody for a fun day.

Photos taken by Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, Scott Dea, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Addendum – October 29, 2025

Met up with Chico and Kenny to check on progression and occupancy as we returned to the volcanic crater whose age has ranged from 7,000 to 67,000 years old.

Koko Crater Rim

One has to crawl before they can walk.

Koko Crater Rim

Climbing instead of contouring. Leaps and bounds.

Koko Crater Rim

Relaxing in the puka (hole).

Koko Crater Rim

Chico bridging the gap.

Koko Crater Rim

Kenny trying to shake off the acrophobia one step at a time.

Koko Crater Rim

Perched on the pedestal.

Koko Crater Rim

Climbing to the summit of Pu’u Mai.

Koko Crater Rim

Same spot, different faces.

Koko Crater Rim

Going down the makai (ocean) side of the rim.

Koko Crater Arch

Chico fighting his flashbacks.

Koko Crater Arch

The gap between empty space and solid ground has ended. Safe and sound.

Koko Crater

Contouring and scrambling our way around the crater.

Koko Crater

Making our way across the uneven and crumbling terrain.

Koko Crater

The guys pantomiming what we hoped to find in the cave.

Koko Crater

Hello? Anybody home? Seeking a nocturnal and solitary bird of prey.

Koko Crater

The floor of the cave was carpeted with the bleached bones of past dinners.

Koko Crater

Somebody had put a blanket deep in the recesses of the cave. For themselves or the bird?

Koko Crater

Individual photos.

Koko Crater

Group photo.

Koko Crater

Leaving the cave, empty-handed again.

Koko Crater

We spotted a set of stairs hiking down and went to check it out.

Koko Crater

Going up the stairs to a shrine that has long been ransacked and wrecked, leaving only trinkets and scattered cow and goat bones.

All pau

Walking down what looked like the remnants of a lava tube as we made our way back to our cars. Another fun day with good company.

Photos taken by Chico Cantu, Kenny Lui, 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 spent Girl’s Day wrapping up our perimeter walk around the island.

Hawaii Kai

Met up with the gang and parked near the only golf course on the eastern side of the island. We then walked to the starting point, some lawbreakers didn’t want to walk on the sidewalk. The crowd that I hang out with, hope it doesn’t rub off on me.

Sandy Beach

We caught the breaking sunrise at the birthplace of modern bodyboarding in the islands.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Leaving the extinct tuff cone behind us, also commonly confused with Koko Head. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

We decided to avoid being potential roadkill and elected to make our way on the trail that is part of 340 acres of State park that is supposed to be kept in its wild and natural state for perpetuity. No beach side luxury homes for the affordable market.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

The group walking on the roughly one mile sandy trail that leads to Makapu’u.

Wawamalu Bridge

Akira figuring out anyway to stay high, whether its elevated or medicinal. The bridge is named after the area that means shady valley in Hawaiian.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

Approaching the lava rock formation known as Kapaliokamoa or Cliff of the Chicken. However, most people know it as Pele’s Chair.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

The group nearing Ka’ili’ili Bay also commonly known as Alan Davis Beach after the man that founded Wawamalu Ranch in 1922. We could also see a solitary hiker perched on top of Pele’s Chair. Monkey see, monkey do.

Pele’s Chair

Climbing up to the vantage point where the other islands of Molokai, Maui and Lanai can be seen on a clear day.

Pele’s Chair

A man’s got to know his limitations.

Pele’s Chair

Does it look more like a chicken than a chair?

Pele’s Chair

It was getting crowded at the top as Agnes was the last to join us.

Pele’s Chair

Group photo at the top.

Pele’s Chair

What goes up, must come back down, with a little help from her friends.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

Leaving the last seating of the volcanic goddess as we climbed our way up.

Ka’iwi Shoreline Trail

Some in the group straggling behind to catch the splendid views from the rugged coastline.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Joining the roughly one mile paved road filled with two legged and four legged hikers.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Somebody needs to get with the program.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Standing tall before falling down. Luckily, a dog was there to save Chico from himself.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Group photo at the lookout before some of us decided to touch the lighthouse up close and personal.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Some stayed and some dribbled down the cliff.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Going down the express way.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Agnes hopping off the rock.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Approaching the lighthouse that was built in 1909.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

What happened to the railings?

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie!

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Can you see the hiker for the tree?

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Group photo at the southeasternmost point of Oahu.

Makapu’u Cliffs

When you got to go, you got to go.

Makapu’u Cliffs

Passing the WW2 pillboxes on our way down to the lookout.

Makapu’u Cliffs

We went looking for whales but caught rainbows instead.

Makapu’u Cliffs

Karen showing us her climbing chops.

Makapu’u Cliffs

While some of us practiced our climbing down below, the rest took panoramic pictures topside.

Makapu’u Cliffs

Rainbow breath, better than bad breath.

Makapu’u Cliffs

Karen peering out from one of the well camouflaged pillboxes.

Makapu’u Lookout

Contributing to the collection of ahu (pile of stones) scattered throughout the area that was put up by passing parties as evidence that they had been here at the spot named after a Tahitian god that had eight bright eyes.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Walking on the narrow shoulder as we shared the common artery with bicyclists and motorists.

Sea Life Park

Dale standing near the entrance to the aquatic park that first opened in 1964.

Makapu’u Beach Park

We took a bathroom break and took in the nearby views of Manana (Rabbit) and Kaohikaipu Islands, both seabird sanctuaries.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Back on the road again.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Edgar pointed out the volcanic rock (pohaku) protruding out of the water is one of many heiaus (temples) around the island.

Makai Pier

Drone view of the pier built in the 1960s.

Makai Pier

I left the close quarter flying to the chopper pilot.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Back on the highway with views of the divided hill that are an erosional remnant from the Ko’olau Volcano.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Hello? We are political canvassing for the Republican Party. Can we come in and have a word? Hello?

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Akira smoking the cigarette from the pack of Crowns that Tessa had found on the side of the road. Can’t beat the real thing. High high.

Waimanalo Beach Park

Congratulations to Mari for completing the final segment of the perimeter walk around the entire island of Oahu.

All pau

Group photo at the end point. Much appreciation and thanks to all the friends that kept us company on the 14 walks and providing the logistical support for the drop offs and pick ups.

GPS Tracks

Our last perimeter walk covered roughly 6.35 miles that completed the 140 miles around the island. Post hike meal at Kalapawai Market where indoor seating was secured and a mix and match of deli food, 7-11 food and sidewalk food was enjoyed by the group.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our final walk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQzc6g0aRGw

Photos taken by Agnes Bryant, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Dale Yoshizu, Edgar Gamaio, Ferlino Carinio, Jasmin Nepomuceno, Karen Bischoff, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Monaliza Guillermo, 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.

Jasmin joined me on a nice rim stroll around Koko Crater. Yes Koko Crater, not Koko Head.

Koko Crater

We passed through head high dry brush grass and rusty barbed wire to gain the rim.

Koko Crater

Jasmin making her way up the initial steep climb up the rim.

Koko Crater

Cylindrical cacti stems sprouting from the rocky crevices.

Koko Crater

Panoramic view of Jasmin rimming the crater.

Koko Crater

This clump of distinctive looking trees used to tower above the rim line until the wind or old age bowed it over.

Koko Crater

Jasmin in search of dragon fruits to pick. It was going to be a disappointing day.

Koko Crater Puka

Not as well known as the other ones scattered at Makapu’u and Pali.

Koko Crater

Relaxing on the pile of rocks. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Koko Crater

Typical windy day on the rim. Just ask my hair.

Koko Crater

And the prestigious award goes to …

Koko Crater Summit

The rim sure beats taking the 1,048 steps up to the 1,200′ summit. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Koko Crater

Excuse me. Passing through.

Koko Crater

Sitting down and soaking in the views. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Koko Crater

We crossed paths with a couple other hikers who had come up from the arch.

Koko Crater

Jasmin skirting her way underneath the overhanging rock.

Koko Crater

We can see the arch.

Koko Crater Arch

Hikers coming, going and staying at the arch.

Koko Crater Arch

Jasmin making her way down the relatively smooth faced topside of the arch.

Koko Crater

Mauka (mountain) end of the arch …

Koko Crater

… to the makai (ocean) end of the arch.

Koko Crater

Jasmin looking for the drone in the sky. Too windy.

All pau

We made the dangerous car crossing of Kalanianaole Highway to wait at the Halona Blowhole Lookout. Thanks to Ray for taking us back to our cars. Short hike didn’t warrant a post hike meal. People to see. Places to go. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

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.

Met up with Gen, Glenn, Jose, Khym and Marvin to tackle one of Troy’s unfinished project hikes. We all piled into Glenn’s truck and drove to Alewa Heights.

Na Pu’eo Park

Troy promised loads of bushwhacking and a miserable time. How could anybody pass up such a hike? Not us. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Mack’s chair

The best seat on the trail. It was taken.

Na Pu’eo Bypass Trail

The trail took us down and around the homes perched at the top of Alewa Drive.

Kapalama trail

We soon found ourselves on the Kapalama Loop Trail.

Kapalama Camp

Do the sit lie laws apply here?

Aromatherapy

Walking up through the haze of eucalyptus trees hanging in the morning air.

Down

It seemed for every hill that we climbed, there was an opposite reaction.

Tree hugger

If she’s not doing yoga, she’s hugging trees. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Tick tock

We took a short break at the gnarled and twisted koa tree where time stands still and marks the beginning of the Lanihuli trail.

Connector ridge

Troy approaching the connector ridge that would take us to Kamanaiki ridge and fall short of the summit of Lanihuli.

Kamanaiki Ridge

Looking at the ridge that would take us down into Kalihi Valley.

Turn around

Group photo left to right: Khym, Marvin, Troy, Gen, myself, Glenn and Jose. No summit for us today. After our picture taking time was over, we backed down the trail to beat the bushes to find the connector ridge.

Rabbit hole

Plunging into the overgrowth. Miserable times ahead.

Hiking on the edge

Tangled and thick overgrowth forced us to keep to the right of the ridge.

Hurry

I don’t know how much longer Khym can hold this dead branch back. Ninja powers rapidly fading.

Looking back

Troy looking back at the 2,700′ crowned summit of Lanihuli.

Jackson chameleon

Invasive critter. Live another day. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Catch me

The uluhe ferns were so deep and dense in some parts that we got swallowed up, from head to toe. Backstroking didn’t help.

Strawberry hills forever

We burrowed through more ferns and climbed down a roped section before going down the strawberry guava tree lined ridge.

More overgrowth

Uluhe ferns – The gift that just keeps on giving.

Tree junction

Pausing at the ohia tree that marks the end of the regular trail from the bottom. HTMC had just cleared the trail today. Lucky us.

Tree monkeys

Trying to shake one off the fallen koa tree. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

HTMC trail clearing

Freshly cut ferns littered the trail down.

Shroom

Magic or indigestion times. Pick and choose wisely.

Scenic point

Kalihi Valley and Saddle behind us. We didn’t find or see any wallabies today.

Civilization

The ridge started to level out and began dropping us down into the valley.

Trail clearers

Mahalo to the unsung heroes of HTMC that keep our hiking trails alive.

Mountain yoga

There she goes again. Lift that leg higher.

Water tank

The three wise monkeys, err, men of hiking.

Kalihi stairs

The lava steps took us down to the streets of Kalihi. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Urban hiking

1.3 miles as the mynah bird flies. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

GPS Tracks

The bushwhacking and miserably fun hike lasted 5.77 miles. Post hike meal at Kenny’s. Hawaiian food for lunch. No chili pepper water? No can.

Still stuck on baby hikes. Thanks to my ribs. Parked at the Makapu’u lookout, where Mari started her hike on the lighthouse trail and I started from the lookout. We would meet at the top.

Makapuu Lookout

Leaving the lookout behind, as I made my way up near the sea cliffs.

Kikaida bunker

One of many bunkers left over from WW2.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

No rock climbers?

Approaching the Makapu’u crag, which has about 10 routes going up. Take your pick.

On belay?

Looking out towards Manana island, a restricted seabird sanctuary.

Bunker hill

A complex of three bunkers commands the high ground.

Lighthouse lookout

Making my way down to the lookout overlooking the lighthouse.

Love locks

Skirted around the lookout to start my climb down to the lighthouse. Good samaritans have cut off most of the love locks that were placed on the lookout fence. Two that missed the bolt cutters.

Makapuu ridge

The fun way going to the lighthouse.

Makapu’u Point

The easternmost point on the island. This point is actually the end of the Eastern Ko’olaus.

Bulging eye

Property of the US Coast Guard.

The lighthouse trail

The other trail to get to the lighthouse.

Lighthouse lookout

A drone was lazily buzzing overhead as I climbed back up.

He works there

That’s what a mother was telling her kid when they spotted me coming back up the ridge.

Lookout view

Mari and myself at the lookout.

Whale watching season

No humpback whales spotted.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Going back down

The long boring road back down.

GPS Tracks

The short and sweet morning hike around the Makapu’u Point area covered 2.55 miles. Post hike meal at Sweet E Café. My wife loves their stuffed French toast. Just don’t love the long wait.

Having done Koko Crater to death, it was time to mix it up a bit today. I picked up Glenn from Koko Crater Botanical Gardens and drove around East Oahu to find a suitable place to ascend up the tuff cone from a different approach.

Trailhead

We parked behind Kaiser High School and found a construction road to gain access to the base of Koko Crater.

Ravine

A ravine presented the least resistance to starting our hike. As we hiked deeper into the ravine, resistance presented itself in the form of thick vegetation.

Out of the ravine

Glenn climbing out of the ridge to escape the overgrowth.

Heavy overgrowth

From the frying pan into the fire. More overgrowth.

Kuapa Pond

Looking back at the now diminished Fishpond Wall. Hard to believe it once covered 523 acres. Something had to give way for Henry Kaiser’s suburban vision.

Koko Crater Puka

Looking up at the puka. Hard to find, as most people walk right over it when hiking the rim.

Lepidoptera season

Butterflies were flittering and fluttering all around us.

Litter

Higher up, remnants from the WW2 bunkers were strewn on the slopes.

Splash of color

Purple flowers amidst a sea of green and reddish brown.

Hawaiian Picker

Glenn found what looked like to be an antique bottle. Maybe not. Dirt makes everything look old.

Rock face

Glenn climbing up the “hardest” section of the ridge.

Summit view

The view at the top, looking out towards Diamond Head.

Four legged hiker

Most of the four legged hikers put their two legged owners to shame on the tracks coming up.

Coming up the tracks

Jasmin took the “easy” way coming up the tracks to meet us at the top.

The less traveled path

We went down the sheeted rock trail that paralleled the tracks on the left. The tracks were bustling with rush hour hikers, while we had the zipper lane all to ourselves.

Koko Crater

Leaving behind Koholepelepe, the original Hawaiian name for this cinder cone, which translates to traveling vagina or fringed vulva. According to legend, Pele was being pursued by the pig demi-god, Kama-pua’a. Pele’s sister, Kapo sent her traveling vagina to lure Kama-pua’a away so that Pele could escape. Looking at Koko Crater on Google Maps, the resemblance to the Hawaiian name is obvious.

Koko Head Shooting Complex

Glenn had someplace to go and Jasmin was tired from her night work. I continued the hike solo by dropping behind the shooting range and followed the highway out.

49er ridge

I soon climbed up a spur ridge dubbed “49er ridge”, this is the same spot where the lava tube goes underneath the road and out to the rugged and rocky shoreline.

Trees, but no shade

The lower part of the ridge was covered by thickets of hard and sharp trees.

Hot, hot, hot

It was a scorcher of a day on the slopes of Koko Crater.

Rock dike

This section reminded me of the arch, but without the arch.

Looking back

Just one of many ridges that leads up to the crater rim. So many to explore.

Rock caves

Interesting rock caves formed by wind and erosion?

Too close for comfort

Scrambling up the ridge, the loud gun reports from the shooting range seemed uncomfortably close.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Going down the rim

Hiking down the open and exposed crater rim.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Dropping down into the crater

The crater floor is home to a botanical garden and horse stables. Come for the tracks and stay for the trees and horses.

Koko Crater GPS Tracks

The fun, short and hot hike covered 3.83 miles. Many more spur ridges and caves to explore on the crater.

I met up with Glenn and Chris at the Koko Head Botanical Gardens to do a nice Sunday stroll up the entire Koko Crater rim, we have hiked up from the arch and from the tracks. But never have we completed the entire Koko Crater rim.

Koko Head Botanical Gardens and Makapu’u

The grassy and kiawe trees eventually changed to the rocky and cacti inhabited rim of Koko Crater or Kohelepelepe which means traveling vagina. Take a look at Koko Crater on a topographical map and you will see why.

Cracked Rim

Going up the rim presents an interesting view of the fractured rim and presents numerous climbing possibilities. This is a different perspective of Koko Crater that you don’t experience if you just go up and down the tracks.

Kamiloiki and Kamehame Ridges

Our hike was blessed with a nice thick cloud layer which blocked most of the scorching sun rays. Unfortunately, vog conditions were in effect as well, producing hazy viewing conditions.

A little climbing

Heading to the lookout is a nice and steady climb up the rim, punctuated by several opportunities to rock climb or for those less inclined, to simply contour around.

Going into the bunker

We had brough headlamps and flashlights to root around these long abandoned bunkers at the top of the summit that was left over from World War 2. The tunnel leading to the bunker was actually very low, forcing us to crouch over as we stepped on scattered debris and rubbish on the floor that was partially illuminated by our headlamps.

Inside the bunker

If you’re claustrophobic and nyctophobic, going into these bunkers would not be a good idea. It was pretty cool and anti-climatic at the same time when we got to the bunker, as it was just filled with more debris on the floor and a shaft that went up to the surface. Two things prevented me from trying to climb up the shaft, the bottom part of the ladder was torn off and the middle of the shaft looks like it’s blocked by some sort of ventilation shaft.

Top of Puu Mai

The top of Puu Mai was teeming with hikers that had come up from the tracks. This hike gets a lot of activity, especially on the weekends. I can see why, as it’s a relatively short hike that has payoffs with great views waiting at the top.

Hanauma Bay and Koko Head

As we started to climb down the rim, the plinking and cracking sounds coming from the rifle range were really cranking that morning. Must be a result of all those increased gun sales.

Counter-clockwise on the rim

We spent some time at the top, checking out the views and enjoying the breezy tradewinds that had just picked up. Going down the rim, the rocky parts continued until the knob formation.

Molokai

Once past the knob, the rim leveled off and it was a nice gradual slope on the way back down as we caught views of Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach and the islands of Molokai, Lanai and Maui. We got back to our cars around 9:30am and had brunch at Zippy’s, thanks Glenn!

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.