Try and try again. That is how we found ourselves back at the same trailhead but going in a different direction than last weekend. The right direction.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Met up with Art, Marilyn and Rhonda in the Waialae Iki Subdivision. Rhonda eventually decided to go her own direction and pace.

Wiliwilinui Trail

The mountain tops were clear. A complete and welcome change from last week. Photo by Art Young.

Wiliwilinui Trail

One step at a time. Photo by Art Young.

Wiliwilinui Trail

She can chew gum and walk at the same as well. Photo by Art Young.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Clear views at the top but the winds were cranking. Blowing hard enough to deafening decibels.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Waiting at the helipad for the chopper to deliver our manapua and frozen cokes. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

KSRT

Weaving in and out of the poles is more fun than going in a straight line.

KSRT

Heading to the summit of True Lanipo or maybe not. Photo by Art Young.

Pu’u Kainawa’anui

Mr. Summit visually explaining that this is not the summit of True Lanipo.

KSRT

Scooting our way down the big hill.

KSRT

Valley views for miles.

Pu’u Palikea

I heard that a lot of couples pop the question at this scenic spot. Photo by Art Young.

Ka’au Crater

Looking into the crater that was formed by the Hawaiian demigod Maui who tried to unite the islands with his fishing hook but the line snapped and the hook landed into what we see today.

KSRT

Heading towards the notch that marks the climb towards Mount Olympus.

KSRT

I don’t know which was harder, battling the gusting winds or climbing up the hill. Photo by Art Young.

Awaawaloa

Group photo at the close enough summit.

KSRT

Transitioning from the eroded and rutted trail to the slightly better maintained trail.

Castle Trail

Stepping foot on part of the trail complex that was built in the early 1900’s by William Castle and friends. Photo by Art Young.

Castle Trail

Contouring below the ridgeline with valley and city views around us.

KSRT

Back on the windy ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Manoa Middle Summit

We met up with Chris and CJ who had hiked up from Manoa Valley and took a break at the flat topped summit. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

KSRT

Heading towards the crown jewels of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Cardio climbing through the mountains. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Keep on pushing. Rest at the summit.

K2

Marilyn standing on one of the large testicles.

Konahuanui Summit

Happy Birthday Arthur from the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Many more happy returns.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Leaving the 3,150′ summit as we dropped down into the saddle. Photo by Art Young.

Mud Wall

Chris and CJ making their way down the wall. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The birthday boy in the mountains. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring around the big boulder that sits smack dab in the middle of the ridge. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The ridge soon became exposed and steeper. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Marilyn climbing her way down the crumbly pile of rocks.

Nu’uanu Saddle

This spot always gives me pause as this is where a fellow hiker, Agnes Bryant fell 300′ to the valley floor and survived! Somebody was truly looking out for her on that day. Photo by Art Young.

Contour

Art staying high on his climb down the crumbly rockface. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Chimney

I had to re-route the ropes going down the Chimney, as they had been blown over to the Leeward side. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Chimney

The winds were howling with a capital H. The winds were no joke today.

Nipple

Looking out towards the skinny spire of a rock. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Nipple

Trying not to get blown off the ridge as we made our way down.

Pali Notches

We bumped into another fellow hiker, Steve Lin who was out stretching his legs this windy day.

Pali Notches

The group climbing up the smaller notch of the two that were built by King Kalanikupule’s warriors to defend the island of Oahu from King Kamehameha in the Battle of Nu’uanu back in 1795.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making our way down to the Pali Lookout. Our lookout is better than your lookout.

Pali Lookout

Where’s the frozen cokes? Getting spoiled. Thanks to Jim and Rhonda for picking us up and taking us back to our cars. Photo by Rhonda Hutchinson.

GPS Tracks

Our windy as heck birthday hike covered over seven miles with adventurous friends. Post hike meal at Mama Pho’s where Cat, Edgar, Jasmin, Narissa and Quan joined us for Bart’s birthday dinner.

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.

To begin this story, I have to rewind the clock back six days as Chris asked me to chronicle his KST one shot from South to North. Bear with me as I wasn’t with him until the last day. LOL.

Makapu’u Puka

Day 1 Sunday, November 8, 2020 – Tessa dropped Chris off at Makapu’u to start his journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Nothing like a cold bottle of caffeinated cola to start ones day.

Sunrise

Catching the sun rising over the bulging eye.

Kamehame

Chris and his shadow to keep him company on the hike. It also pays to talk to oneself on the hike as well.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Safety tip: Always wear a hard hat while hiking to avoid being conked on the head by those falling pine cones.

Kamiloiki Summit

Enjoying the views of the Waimanalo coastline.

Tom-Tom Summit

Don’t worry, keep hiking.

Mariner’s Summit

Chris left the hard hat behind for other hikers that are a little bit more safety conscious.

Hahaione

Taking a picture as it will last longer.

Lost & Found

Chris found Quan’s cap that was lost on an earlier hike.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Setting up tent at the helipad. Home for the night.

Sunset

Capturing the sun as it goes down over the communications tower.

KSRT

Day 2 Monday, November 9, 2020 – Dropping in between the valley.

Sedan Rock

Contoured and met back up with the ridge line.

K2 Summit

No views at one of the testicles. Hold and cough.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Coming down the cloud soaked ridge line.

Chimney

Taking a break from selfies and taking a shoefie instead.

Chimney

Looking back at the hardest obstacle on this saddle as Chris made his way down past the notches and down to the lookout.

Camp Pali

Lilyn, Quan, Tessa and myself met up with Chris after work to give him food, drinks and company. Quan got her cap back as well. We left before the night marchers came out. Sleep tight.

Pali Puka

Day 3 Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – Looking for those views.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Going up the crumbly saddle as the clouds rolled in from the ocean.

W

Chris about to contour and climb the donkey kong obstacle.

KSRT

Climbing out of the saddle and onto more solid footing.

Lanihuli Summit

Clear views at the 2,700′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking another break from the selfies as Chris gets ready to ride the dirt dragon.

Lanihuli Wall

Testing out the new webbing.

Can Opener

Chris at the iconic photo spot, right before he got stuck going up the Doorstop. Elevator services were offline.

Doorstop

Looking back at the steepness that is Lanihuli Wall. Best appreciated in person from far away.

Bunny Ears

Coming off the pair of hills and heading towards Shark Fin. Getting hungry for Chinese food.

Powerlines

Dropping down towards the middle of the saddle as Chris pushed on. No rest for the weary.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the conical rock face.

Rock Triangle

Heading towards the hardest of the rock triangles. But first, Chris had to flash a shaka.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading towards the summit of Bowman after polishing off the saddle.

Tripler Summit

To camp or not to camp? Too early.

Stairway to Heaven

Only one soul in heaven today.

Food Pantry

When the rats are more thirsty than you.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going down the stairs that time forgot.

Dirt Triangle

Somebody made use of the yellow rope that was sitting up there.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Chris pitched his tent on the summit with sweeping views of Halawa Valley and points beyond.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Day 4 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 – Catching the morning valley views.

Red Hill Summit

Still no closure after five years. Sad for the family.

Stairway to Hell

Never enter Hell without your tetanus shot.

REI Outlet

The selection was quite sparse. They need to stock up.

North Haiku Stairs

No views. Just shaka views.

KSRT

Rounding the bend around the fenced plant enclosure.

Aiea Summit

The man and his sign.

KSRT

Catching the Windward views.

KSRT

Rolling hills ahead.

Waimalu Meadows

The winds were blowing something fierce and snatched Chris’s phone out of his hands and flung it a good distance. Lucky it landed on the spongy ground and not off the cliff.

Waimano Summit

Home for the night with views overlooking Waihee Valley.

KSRT

Day 5 Thursday, November 12, 2020 – Looking back at the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Eleao Meadows

Fence by fence, they will take over the mountains.

Manana Summit

End of trail? Not for Chris.

Corner

Last chance for H20.

KSRT

Approaching Waiawa Gap.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping into the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

Waiahole Windward

Reminiscing about the ridge from bushwhacking hell.

Kipapa Summit

Where the KSRT becomes the KST. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Tree of Life

Windy as usual. Stay here long enough and you too will become bent over.

KST

Keep the country country.

KST

Soaking in the spectacular Northern views.

Schofield Waikane Junction

To camp or not to camp? There were still a couple hours of daylight left. Press on.

KST

The rare Ko’olau Goose is getting long in the tooth and shorn of feathers.

Pauao Junction

Chasing the sun.

KST

The notch that dynamite built.

Poamoho Cabin

Home for the night.

Poamoho Cabin

Watching the sunset.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 6 Friday, November 13, 2020 – The morning sun streaming through the windows provided the wake up call in the mountains.

Poamoho Summit

Enjoying one of the best views on the island.

Cline Memorial

How many more miles do I have left?

KST

Going my way?

KST

Lobelia in bloom.

KST

Lobelia along the fence line.

Da Boot Junction

Surprising that the boot has held up this long.

KST

Lobelia in the meadows.

KST

The fence line following the convoluted topography of the KST.

KST

Lobelia overload.

Rabbit Hole

Slogging through more mud pits.

KST

Following the fence line to Papali.

Papali Junction

Running into Charlie at the summit. Small world.

KST

They don’t call this section the muddiest for nothing.

KST

Native loulu palm trees interrupting the ridge line.

KST

Sunbather or sacrificial lamb?

KST

Let’s get in one more mud bath, shall we?

Koloa Cabin

Open for business, despite the rumors.

Koloa Cabin

What’s for dinner? Oxtail soup? Prime rib, crab legs and asparagus? Salmon and Poke? Let’s get back to reality. Filipino sardines and rice it is.

Laie Trail

Day 7 Saturday, November 14, 2020 – Tessa and I met up at the trailhead to hike the six mile trail to the summit to meet Chris and continue with him to the finish line.

Koloa Cabin

Last day to be in the mountains!

Laie Trail

Tessa told me to wait at the summit for her, as she had to fertilize the mountains.

Laie Trail

Going up the humid, overgrown and wet trail. The joys of hiking.

KST

Chris leaving the cabin for the summit.

Laie Trail

The woman of the mountains.

KST

The man of the hour.

Laie Summit

Group photo in the foxhole. Chris got his requested Coke and snacks. Much needed nourishment after seven days in the mountains.

KST

Leaving the 2,240′ summit for the most overgrown section on the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Making our way on the trail as the windmills pinwheeled in the background.

Maleakahana Junction

The glove that Chris left many years ago to replace the green sign that used to mark the spot.

KST

Winding our way through the lush landscape. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Halfway there and time for our lunch break.

KST

Tessa disappearing into the uluhell overgrowth.

KST

Tessa pulling Chris’s leg and then some.

KST

Pushing up the last hill through the strawberry guava corridor.

Puu Hina

Group photo at the summit overlooking the North Shore.

KST

Heading down to the finish line.

Black Junction

My traditional champagne dousing of the finisher. This time Chris got two for the price of one. Major congratulations to Chris Bautista for his second KST one shot (first documented both ways, North-South and South-North) and his sixth overall finish of the KST. #beastmode.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

We didn’t expect to see this individual when we popped out of the trail.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

You have cold beer in your backpack? Chris’s best buddy.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Swinging my way down the road. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Greet and scare. Aida, Lilyn and Quan were waiting in the bushes to surprise us. It worked for some.

All pau

Group photo left to right: Lilyn, Quan, Chris, myself, Tessa, Arnold and Aida. It was high time for somebody to take a shower as well.

Post hike meal

Dale also came up to congratulate Chris on his accomplishment. Thanks to the gang for bringing us cold drinks, pizza and chicken. Mahalo to Quan for making Chris a Corona lei. That beer didn’t help him catch any chickens. Also found out that chickens will eat their own kind. Fried to boot. Thanks to Lilyn for driving us to the showers and back to our cars in Laie.

Post hike meal Round 2

Chris, Tessa and myself then drove to Waianae for the WST one shot turned KST one shot party as well at Bill and Shirley’s house. One shot for the one shot team. Chris could finally dig in to oxtail soup, prime rib, crab legs, grilled asparagus, poke and mashed potatoes. Thanks to Shirley for giving me the only Coke in the house. Mahalo to Analyn for the oxtail soup to go order. Fun times with Analyn and Chris, Liezl and Micah, Mia, Matt, Mike and Amber.

GPS Tracks

Chris’s traversal from Makapu’u to Pupukea covered over 52 miles in seven days. Amazing accomplishment Chris! Props to you my friend.

GPS Tracks

Tessa and I hiked 12.8 miles in nine hours through some of the worst overgrowth this side of the KST. Fun times all around with good friends during and after the hike. Thanks to all that came out to support Chris. Mahalo!

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.

I decided to give the KST thru hike another try; if I knew what the outcome was going to be, I would have stayed home in bed. Joining me were Chris and Matt; Anne and Clayton came along just for the first day.

Trailhead

Thanks to Daryl for dropping us off at the Makapu’u Lookout. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Trail

Making our way up the dry grassy rocky landscape. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Manana Island

Looking out towards the seabird sanctuary.

Trail

We soon caught up with another pair of hikers who let us pass them.

Pu’u Mai

Staring straight into the fringed female parts.

Sea Life Park

The sun shimmering across the blue-green water. It almost made up for missing the sunrise.

KSRT

Small kine climbing time. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Makapu’u Puka

Group photo left to right: Clayton, myself, Anne, Matt and Chris.

Makapu’u Puka

Hello from the other side. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Time to pack away the drone and continue hiking on the rocky ridge line.

Makapu’u Cave

Chris chilling in the cave.

KSRT

Climbing our way up on the makai side of the cliffs. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waimanalo

When you notice the geodetic marker for the first time, despite hiking over this area too many times too count.

To tee or not to tee

Not only hang gliders fly from here, but rocks as well.

Boost

Leaving behind the fenced communication tower.

KSRT

Dropping down into the saddle.

KSRT

Looking for some shady trees.

Kamiloiki Summit

It was an awesome day at the summit, no camping needed. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Walking on the pine needle matted ridge line.

KSRT

Leaving our canopy cover for a stretch of exposed ridge line. Luckily the clouds were providing cover from the sweltering sun.

Caveman proving grounds

No unnecessary climbing today.

KSRT

Brushing our way through shoulder high buffalo grass. Scratch and itch.

Tom-Tom

Watching an isolated rain cloud sweep the Waimanalo coast.

Dorito’s Tower

Clayton and Matt checking out the rock tower reportedly first climbed by a hiker named Rito.

KSRT

Back in the forested ridge line.

Mariner’s Summit

It worked for me as a kid, how come it doesn’t work now? I want my money back. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mariner’s Summit

Climbing down from the 1,361′ summit of Kaluanui. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Hahaione Pyramid

Contouring our way behind the roughly triangular shaped rock, depending on your point of perspective.

Scenic point

Talk story time.

Hahaione Junction

Club head + hiking stick = Golf club.

KSRT

Matt looking back at the stretch of mountains that we had just covered.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

We parted company with Anne, Clayton and Matt at the 2,360′ summit due to cramping and work calling.

KSRT

Chris climbing up the severely eroded section after leaving the bustling summit.

Bear Claw Ridge

No time to go left or right, just straight ahead. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Scenic spot

Chris against the backdrop of the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Leaving the 2,200′ summit for cloudy views.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Nobody else here at the 2,520′ summit.

KSRT

Back on the cloudy ridge line.

KSRT

What happened to the partly sunny day forecasted by Guy Hagi? Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. I think it’s been more than twice.

Camp Wiliwilinui

We arrived at the 2,480′ summit to find that another couple had beaten us to call it home for the night. Luckily we were able to squeeze our two tents in with theirs. Thought we were in for a night of socializing, but they zippered up their tent as I guess our odor was particularly offensive. It could have been our manners.

KSRT

Day 2 – Rolled up our tents as our neighbors were still sleeping and we continued hiking in the clouds.

Ka’inawa’au Nui Summit

I guess we are in for another day of whiteout views.

KSRT

Dropping down the big hill to valley views of milkiness.

Ka’au Crater

Rocket ship ready to take off and leave the clouds behind. Wished we could have joined.

KSRT

Chris pointing to the cloud covered summit of Awaawaloa.

KSRT

Climbing my way up through the clouds to the 2,486′ summit. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Olympus

The water is safe to drink up here.

Manoa Valley

Valley vistas improved significantly on the contour trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Back on the cloudy again ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manoa Middle Summit

We shared the summit with the HTMC trail clearing crew that had come up from Manoa Valley.

KSRT

The grassy meadows hiding the many false summits before we hit the crown jewels of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

Are we there yet? Photo by Chris Bautista.

K2

We crashed a wine and cheese party in progress. Came too late for the cheese. Just have to use our imagination.

Konahuanui Summit

Typical socked in summit day on the highest point of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way down the mud wall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We slowly started to see the views again.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Leaving the clouds behind on the wind swept ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Following the webbing down the ridge line.

Chimney

Climbing down the chimney. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pali Notches

Leaving the chimney behind us as we made our way towards the notches. Never say never. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Pali Notches

We spotted a familiar face on the second notch. Arnold!

Pali Lookout

Trying to blend in with the tourists. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Camp Pali

Mahalo to Arnold Yago, Daryl Cacatian and Nina Arca, Matt Vidaurri, Owen and Tricia Adams and Shirley Hamamura for bringing us refreshing beverages and hot food and keeping us company.

Pali Lookout

Day 3 – We woke up to the pitter patter of rain and gloomy weather that was hanging around the mountains. I know some of our friends thought we would have to call it on account of the weather and bail from our hike. But somebody said “we chance ‘em.” So off we went. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring up the slippery rocks, we soon regained the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Rainbows are ones reward for hiking in the rain. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

No swinging around the rain slicked rocks today, just careful climbing.

Donkey Kong

Making our way to the triple diked formation.

W

Clear on the Leeward side, cloudy on the Windward side.

Anvil

Chris dropping down from the anvil rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Lost and found on the mountain – one spike and one spike only.

Lanihuli Summit

Temporary views were granted to us at the 2,700′ elevation.

Kalihi Saddle

Descending down from the swirling heavens. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris standing on a knob overlooking the cloud filtered views of the Windward side.

Dirt Dragon

Riding the dirt dragon or what’s left of it.

Lanihuli Wall

Preparing to walk down the wall of uki grass.

Lanihuli Wall

Contouring around the can opener.

Lanihuli Wall

Making my way down the last tier of the wall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Can Opener

Keeping a watchful eye on the sofa sized chunk of rock that looks ready to fall off the mountain.

Pimple

Carefully making my way around the crumbly rock, so I don’t do any popping. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Doorstop

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Hike. Hike who?

Bunny Ears

Rabbit. Rabbit. Rabbit. Oh never mind, it’s not the first day of the month.

Bunny Ears

Bunny earing myself coming down. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the power lines.

Witch’s Hat

No refreshing rest at the power lines as we continued up the backside of the hat.

Witch’s Hat

Making my way down from the hat. No trick or treat for me. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Uphill climb ahead of us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

#1 Rock Triangle

Climbing up the Windward side is the best side.

#2 Rock Triangle

Have rope, will climb.

Broken Wave

Getting my head out of the clouds. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirty Slide

Climbing back into the clouds. Can’t win. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way to the Bowman summit and our home for the night.

Camp Bowman

Day 4 – Waking up to long john feet. Always appetizing. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Camp Bowman

Getting ready for another cloudy and windy day in the mountains.

KSRT

The winds were pushing us around on the ridge line. Luckily it blew in from the Windward side. We would have been in trouble if it was blowing from the other side.

Tripler Summit

Rocket men and rocket ships in the clouds.

KSRT

Walking down the cloudy castle steps. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Relay station

Climbing past the no climbing relay station.

Stairway to Heaven

What happened to everybody? We had the place all to ourselves. I wonder why.

CCL Building

Trying to get warm in heaven. Photo by Chris Bautista

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving heaven as we went down the back stairs.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris using his kung fu grip going down the crumbly section.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way around the increasingly eroded ridge of the saddle. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirt Triangle

Going down the Leeward side of the triangle offered us a temporary reprieve from the gusting winds.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Mahalo to Matt for meeting us with cold bentos and drinks in the middle of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

We soon said our goodbyes to Matt and resumed our hiking. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

The winds and clouds were not giving us a break today.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way down the constantly eroding ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Geo marker

Checking in with social media.

Tetanus Stairs

Descending down into hell.

Stairway to Hell

It was quite cold in this spot of the mountains. Time to quickly move on.

KSRT

If there were a speed limit on the ridge, laws would have been broken today. The law of balance. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Fenced meadows

Passing the fenced endemic plant section on our way to the summit of Aiea and home sweet home for the night. No dinner for me.

Aiea Summit

Day 5 – We woke up to more bad weather and my body in severe caloric deficit. Not to mention that my tent had somehow flipped upside down with me still in it. My stomach just quit on me again and my body soon followed.

Aiea Ridge Trail

After mulling it over for the better half of the day and with the weather and my stomach not getting any better, we left the summit to head back down to civilization. Sorry Chris. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Aiea Ridge Trail

At least the weather improved on our way back down, couldn’t say the same for my stomach. Photo by Chris Bautista

Aiea Ridge Trail

I was beaten like a rented mule. Dizzy and light headed, I had to frequently stop to right myself coming down the ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista

All pau

Thanks to Lopaka for meeting us at the end and bringing food and taking us back to our cars. Mahalo to Chris for keeping me company in the mountains and everybody else that supported us on the hike.

GPS Tracks

Our gastrointestinal interruptus hike covered 24.61 miles through the sometimes clear, cloudy, rainy and windy Ko’olau Mountains. While we did not get to “penish” to the end, glad for the company from beginning to the end. Big thanks to my wife for letting me try this again, I don’t think I’ll be back. Post hike meal in the parking lot, KFC is what’s for dinner.

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.

It was that time to play Santa Claus and bring Christmas cheer to the mountains this weekend.

Trailhead

Passing the gate, several two and four legged hikers kept me company on the trail until the stairs section.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

The mountains were strikingly clear against the blue backdrop of the sky. Why can’t every day on the trails be like today?

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Approaching the summit that is landmarked with the communications tower. Plane optional.

Wiliwilinui Summit

I had the panoramic view all to myself at the top.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Left the 2,480′ summit to thread my way through the new HECO poles on the ridge.

KSRT

Looking at the streak in blue catch up to me on the ridge line.

Lanipo Windward

Chris standing on the path that Dick Davis took on his way down.

Kainawa’aunui Summit

It was a toss up if the Mau’umae trail has more ups and downs than this section that we were doing. I think I would rather do the cross over.

KSRT

Dropping down from the big hill to the valley views.

Ka’au Crater

HFD Chopper looking for tourists disguised as hikers in distress?

Ka’au Crater

One day I want to row, row my boat across this marsh.

KSRT

Climbing to the summit of Awaawaloa. Photo by Chris Bautista

Mount Olympus

Hydrating at the 2,486′ summit.

KSRT

Taking a break from the ridge and enjoying the relatively wide open contour trail.

KSRT

Looking out towards hazy views of the Waianae Mountain Range.

KSRT

Blue tour helicopter searching for views for their paying customers.

KSRT

The contour trail soon ended shortly past sedan rock and we got back on the ridge trail.

Manoa Middle Summit

It was a pleasant surprise to run into Lita’s group at the flat clearing, as they had come up from Manoa Valley.

KSRT

Resuming our hike on the ridge line, we bumped into Janell’s group who had come down from K2.

KSRT

Chris heading to the crown jewels of the Ko’olau’s.

KSRT

Traversing between the two summits. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Almost there.

Konahuanui Summit

The summit was one of the clearest days that I can recall being here, I almost didn’t recognize or more accurately believe we were standing on the highest point on the Ko’olau Mountains.

K1

The things that you find in geocaches.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris with a commanding view below him.

Nu’uanu Saddle

A lot easier going up than coming down this rock. Maybe it’s just me. Photo by Chris Bautista

Nu’uanu Saddle

The ridge soon lost most of it’s vegetative character and took on a more crumbly note.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way around the contour. Always mindful of what happened here. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Time to pass out lumps of chossy rocks. Photo by Chris Bautista

Nu’uanu Saddle

Sitting on the nipple and watching Chris getting ready to come down. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris coming down the Chimney.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Approaching the second notch, where Analyn was waiting for us.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We unintentionally crashed somebody’s photo shoot. Photo by Analyn Balisco.

Nu’uanu Saddle

A paraglider skimming the saddles also photo bombed the other group.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Now it was time for our photo shoot.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Time to pack up our dresses and head back down.

All pau

Mahalo to Analyn for meeting us at the notches and taking us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our crystal clear day on the mountains covered 7.54 miles from start to finish. Great hike with Chris but coming down from K1 seemed harder than in the past. It was somewhat unsettling to be honest. Post hike meal at Pieology. Coming soon to a shopping mall near you.

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

Met up with Chris, Derek, Ethan, Khym and Krissy to finish Chris’s last segment hike of the Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST).

Pali Lookout

Some of us caught the breezy, breaking sun over the Pali. Others waited in the valley. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas

Trailhead

Going up the surprisingly dry pock marked trail.

Pali Notches Trail

Just a couple minutes later, we were treated to outstanding Windward views. The winds were surprisingly light.

Pali Notches Trail

Chris and Khym climbing down the first notch.

Pali Notches Trail

Making our way up the mountain. Photo by Chris B.

Pali Notches Trail

Khym making his way down the second notch. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Pali Notches Trail

Dropping down from the nipple. Photo by Derek Potter.

Chimney

Climbing up the chimney. Photo by Derek Potter.

Chimney

The many happy faces of the chimney.

Chimney

Group photo by Khym Ansagay.

Chimney

I think my pants have seen better days.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Time to resume our climbing.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Krissy making her way around the contour. Photo by Derek Potter.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Khym creeping up the contour.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Continuing our climb up the rocky ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

More Windward views. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We spotted a hovering helicopter dropping off supplies down by the golf course. Photo by Chris B.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Popping up over the ridge. Photo by Derek Potter.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pulling ourselves up with uki grass. A hiker’s best friend on the mountains.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris peering down the mud wall.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The muddy Piliwale junction. Almost there.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris making his way to the summit.

Konahuanui

Group photo at the highest spot, 3,150′, on the Ko’olau Mountains, left to right: Chris, Derek, myself, Khym, Ethan and Krissy. The usually persistent cloud cover was surprisingly light and scattered today.

KSRT

Looking down the Southern spine of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Chris B.

KSRT

Making our way down to K2.

K2

The views kept on improving. Life was good. Group photo by Chris B.

KSRT

Leaving the twin testicles behind us. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KSRT

Dropping down onto the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

KSRT

Hiking on the edge. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KSRT

Coming and going. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KSRT

Sitting down and soaking in the views.

KSRT

Looking out towards Manoa Valley.

Manoa Middle

Failed group photo at the 2,320′ summit. All talk, no photos. Photo by Chris B.

KSRT

The fence is coming. The fence is coming.

KSRT

Khym and Krissy coming around the stand of ironwood trees. Photo by Chris B.

KSRT

Continuing our hike as the ridge pitched up and down on our way to Olympus.

KSRT

The group scrambling over sedan rock. Can I get that in another color besides gray? Photo by Chris B.

KSRT

We took the trail less cleared up to the summit.

KSRT

Looking back. Photo by Chris B.

KSRT

On the way to Awaawaloa (Olympus). Foot traffic ticked up as the KSRT soon intersected with the Waahila Trail.

Awaawaloa

Close your eyes. No pop. Just twist. Not chilled. Room temperature. Less bubbly. Just pour. Surprise!

Awaawaloa

Congratulations to Chris for completing the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Next stop. The Waianae Mountain Range.

Awaawaloa

Summit life at 2,486′. Napping. Eating. Outpatient surgery. Thank you Nurse Eizenhoefer. Two gulps. Where is the summit?

Waahila Trail

Hikers making way for the newly crowned King of the KST.

Junction

Taking the junction trail at 1,640′, down to Manoa.

Kolowalu Trail

One of many fallen trees on the trail. Yes, a loud crashing sound was made.

All pau

Coming off the ridge and down onto the valley floor, which lead us back to our parked cars.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 7.43 miles as the GPS flies. Congratulations again to Chris for completing the KST. Awesome accomplishment.

Post hike meal

Post hike meal at Haleiwa Joe’s, because somebody wanted prime rib. Somebody got the chicken instead. I got the honking slab of cow that was just missing the horns and tail.

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.

We were in search of somebody’s white whale today. Met up with Stuart at the Pali Lookout. Somebody overslept. So off we went.

Trailhead

Stuart scrambling up the surprisingly dry trail.

Scenic point

Typical blustery day on the Pali. We also ran into Ted “Marathon Man” Calvero who was taking sunrise snaps.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The trail was teeming with hikers coming and going. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Pali Notches

Stuart making his way down the first notch.

Pali Notches

The winds started to kick up a notch and the clouds became more voluminous.

Pali Notches

Stuart climbing down the second notch.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Wind breaker time. My insulation was sorely lacking. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Double shaka. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nipple

Single shaka. Times are tough.

Chimney

Sweeping up the chimney. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Chimney

Stuart pulling himself up.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Rock scrambling ahead.

Contour

I swear this ledge gets smaller every time I step foot on it. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Contour

Throw me a life line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Is that tree dead or alive?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Another white whale sighted.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back towards the shrouded peak of Lanihuli.

Konahuanui Windward

Time to go fishing.

Konahuanui Windward

Stuart was the hook and line. I guess I was the sinker. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Back on the trail again. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Stuart heading towards the socked in summit.

Dragonfly

Endemic or invasive? Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Mud Wall

Stuart climbing up.

Piliwale Junction

Deja vu.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Heading to the summit of the tallest mountain on the Ko’olau Range.

Konahuanui Summit

Which direction is the scenic view? That way?

KSRT

Looking for the mystical mojo amongst the twin testicles.

K2 Summit

Got mud?

Trail

Taking our leave of the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

Trail

We got a view. Cloudy view. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Overlook

We soaked in the views and then made our way down the Pauoa Flats Trail. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

‘Aihualama Trail

The rustling bamboo grass provided our company and cover going down the trail.

Manoa Falls

The burning question is, are the falls 150′ or 100′ high?

All pau

Anybody missing a collapsible container doubling as a doggy water dish? Nope? Score for Stuart.

GPS Tracks

Our fishing expedition covered 5.29 miles. Thanks to Stuart for waking up and keeping me company. We’ll be back to catch that other white whale. Mahalo to Chris for picking us up. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery. Prime Rib Special doesn’t start until after 5pm. Good to know.

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.