I picked up where we left off almost a month ago to burn up my last vacation day, on a solo short traverse along the KST. Heavy rain showers greeted me at the trailhead which gave me pause, but the spigot soon shut off. Did I bring my rain jacket?

Wiliwilinui Trail

Started off on the service road that was built by the US Army that eventually turned into a hiking trail that eventually lead me to the start of the step sections. Miss that swing that used to hang by the nearby tree.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Looking ahead to the communication tower framed by the power line poles.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Turning around to catch a glimpse of the lush ridges and verdant valleys of East Oahu.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Fleeting views at the 2,480′ summit.

True Lanipo Summit

Will the real summit of Lanipo please stand up?

Hawaii Loa Summit

Sweeping views of Olomana and Waimanalo and all points in between at the 2,520′ knob.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Panoramic view of the Windward coastline from what I will always call the summit, despite it being otherwise.

KSRT

One of the more photographed sections of the KST. And here I am without a tent or willing subject.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

My last summit view at the 2,028′ eroded hill.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Going down one of the more popular hikes on the island. Luckily, it was a weekday so it was not teeming with the weekend crowds.

All pau

Coming down the numerous switchbacks that are fenced and marked off for conservation purposes.

GPS Tracks

My almost seven mile hike was four hours and change well spent in the mountains. Thanks to Lilyn and Quan for picking me up on a delayed schedule.

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 were supposed to meet up with another friend to celebrate her KST completion, but ended up stumbling into another surprise with a happy ending. And no, it wasn’t a massage.

Trailhead

Met up with Lilyn and Quan in the wee hours of the morning in the hills of East Oahu and yes there is a rhyme and reason behind the early start.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

Brushing ones shoes helps to prevent rapid ohia death and bringing invasive seeds into native areas.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

We got no views at the 2,028′ eroded hill, but at least we had ourselves. That’s worth something, right?

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Quan heading into the mist. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Lilyn and Quan scrambling up the eroded section. Pays to speak softly and carry a hiking stick.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

One of many cloud soaked views at the 2,200′ top. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

The girls pulling themselves up one of many hills on the ridge line.

Kulepeamoa Summit

Where’s the flapping chicken at the 2,520′ summit? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Lilyn making her way up to the 2,429′ summit.

Hawaii Loa Summit

We got partial views at the denuded top.

KSRT

Traversing our way along the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Wailupe Summit

Missing the prayer flags and the green trail sign. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Making our way to Wiliwilinui Summit where we met another bunch of hikers milling around at the 2,520′ top. Lilyn and Quan kicked me out of the group and told me to go meet Agnes at Mount Olympus for her KST champagne finish. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Quan coming up the powerline ridge that transfers electricity from Leeward to Windward. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

I got a random call from Shirley asking where I was hiking and it turned out we were both heading to the same place. Will wonders never cease.

KSRT

Looking back at the big hill that the rains had turned into a giant mud slide.

Ka’au Crater

Met up with Bill and Shirley at the top of the Ka’au Crater Loop Trail, where I was soon pressed into filming what I thought was another cheesy dance, when … wait for it …

Ka’au Crater

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. I don’t want the blue hole! I want to be surprised! Surprised much? Congrats to Bill and Shirley on their engagement in the mountains.

Ka’au Crater

The impromptu proposal had derailed my plans to meet up with Agnes, so I just waited for the rest of my group to catch up where we enjoyed some mama ramen tom yum shrimp flavor. Nom nom.

Ka’au Crater

Making our way down the trail towards one of three tuff cones on the island. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ka’au Crater

The girls coming down one at a time on the ropes that came in handy on the slicked and muddy trail.

Ka’au Crater

Rutted much? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ka’au Crater

Why am I holding this rope?

Ka’au Crater

Dropping down to almost eye level with the marsh filled crater.

Ka’au Crater

We decided to take the loop trail that bypassed the waterfalls. In hindsight, wrong choice! Too long. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Ka’au Crater

Dropping down to the valley floor. Finally.

Ka’au Crater

Following the water pipe out of the valley.

All pau

When you are too tired to appreciate the sarcasm. Thanks to Aida and Sally for picking us up and driving us back to our cars. Post hike meal at Peppa’s Korean BBQ. Our first choice wasn’t open for business.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered almost eight miles through rain, wind and mud. While I didn’t get to see the ending of Agnes Bryant’s finish of the KST, I was witness to the beginning of another happy story. Not a bad trade off.

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

Trailhead

Switch backing my way up the side of the valley.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

Entering the forested area populated with pine trees.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

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

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

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

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Lonely selfie at the 2,028′ eroded hill.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

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

Hahaione Pyramid

I didn’t see anybody walking like an Hawaiian.

Kaluanui Summit

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

Tom-Tom Summit

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

Kamiloiki Summit

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

KSRT

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

All pau

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

GPS Tracks

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

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

I had read somewhere that a ridge could be traversed from the Pu’u O Kona Summit down to the Windward side. Muddled thinking clouded my judgment and I became rather excited that I had “found” another ridge to explore despite having been up there too many times to shake a stick at. My euphoria was short-lived until a friend pointed out that it was most likely Bear Claw. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Trailhead

Met up with Charlie, Cisco, Ferlino and Janell at the Kuli’ou’ou trailhead to hike a “new route” and a new hike for some.

Kuli’ou’ou West

Right off the bat, it was a short and steep climb that were partially interrupted by switch backs.

Kuli’ou’ou West

We soon crested to the relatively flat section of the ridge shaded and carpeted by the pine trees.

Kuli’ou’ou West

Leaving the tree line to make our way up to the Ko’olau Mountains.

Kuli’ou’ou West

Slogging through the thick underbrush of uluhe ferns.

Kuli’ou’ou West

Climbing up the exposed and crumbly ridge line, a welcome relief from the scratching and clawing ferns.

Kuli’ou’ou West

Our last crumbly rock climb. Well, not counting the other spur ridge going down.

Kuli’ou’ou West

We were within striking distance of the flat topped summit.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Enjoying the expansive views from our 2,200′ perch. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Passing over the eroded section that looks worse than it actually is.

KSRT

Not all monkeys fall from trees. Core strength goes a long way. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

IG Spot

I can see why people even drag tents to take a photo at this spot that has the striking background of fluted ridges that seem to go on forever. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Bear Claw Ridge

Leaving the spine of the Ko’olau’s as we headed down the Windward ridge. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bear Claw Ridge

Happy Easter from Bear Claw.

Bear Claw Ridge

The initial descent down the ridge. You can do this!

Bear Claw Ridge

Going down the ridge and battling the overgrowth on our way down. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Bear Claw Ridge

Janell swinging herself around the tree to regain the ridge line.

Bear Claw Ridge

Leaving behind the pesky overgrowth as the ridge became more exposed. Thank goodness. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Bear Claw Ridge

Climbing and contouring on the ridge line. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bear Claw Ridge

The human cross. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Bear Claw Ridge

Making our way up … Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Bear Claw Ridge

… and down a small bump on the ridge. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Mushroom Rock

Janell perched on the rock that has seen better days, in terms of less overgrowth.

Junction

Brief break where the ridge splits into two. Your left, our right. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Bear Claw Left Fork

Janell going through the tangled tree line.

Bear Claw Left Fork

Cisco coming down a small cliff while Janell spots him.

Bear Claw Left Fork

Janell climbing down the hardest part of the ridge. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bear Claw Left Fork

Cisco pondering his next move.

Bear Claw Left Fork

Enjoying the views of Waimanalo and beyond on our way down. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bear Claw Left Fork

We took a slight detour to experience the express slide short of the cliff. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Look Ma No Hands

Charlie’s turn coming down. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Bear Claw Left Fork

Making our way down the trail to the power lines and water tank.

BOWS

“You are being recorded. And the police have been notified. Leave immediately.” We are also recording as well.

Synchronized Jumping

Not everybody was on the same page.

All pau

We ended our hike on the grounds of Hilltop Ranch, with plump quails walking and pecking nearby, just out of cooking reach. Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up.

GPS Tracks

Our up and down hike barely registered at 3.13 miles, not even worth getting out of bed for, just kidding. Fun hike with a great group. Post hike meal at Pieology, where I swear the pizza and portions have somewhat shrunk in size.

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.

Our last hike of the year started off at one of three tuff cones on the island, as it was a mighty tuff hike ahead of us. Not really.

Trailhead

Mahalo to Ferlino for dropping Analyn, Eric, Matt and myself off at the end of the darkened residential street.

Ka’au Crater Trail

We dropped down to Wai’oma’o stream and picked up the pipe to continue on the trail. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

H20

It’s always important to hydrate oneself during a hike.

Waterfalls #1

Eric and Matt decided to drop in on the first waterfall while Analyn and myself waited topside. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Climbing and contouring to the left of the first waterfalls.

Waterfalls #2

Analyn sitting pretty at the base of the falls. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfalls #2

Matt standing pretty at the base of the falls.

Waterfalls #3

Beginning our climb as we switched from left to …

Waterfalls #3

… right as we climbed the remaining five waterfalls to the crater trail. Matt attempted to find another way up to the trail that bypassed the waterfalls, failing that, he rejoined us on the way up to the trail.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Leaving the waterfalls behind us, as we gained the trail with the marsh filled crater that feeds the aquifer and waterfalls in the background.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Eric pulling himself up the deeply rutted and eroded trail that has seen better days. We soon gained the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail with whiteout and windy conditions. Another wonderful day in the mountains.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The group charging up the big hill with the wind in their faces.

Kainawa’au Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ peak, left to right: Matt, Eric, myself and Analyn.

Lanipo Summit

We traversed two humps to make it to the 2,621′ summit.

Lanipo Windward

The trail to the steep Windward ridge that was descended by HTMC hiker Dick Davis back in 1944.

KSRT

We soon approached the power lines, which signaled that we were closing in on the summit of Wiliwilinui.

Wiliwilinui Summit

I don’t always drink Coke, but when I do, I prefer it with the bottle cap on.

KSRT

Analyn looking heroic or happy, take your pick, going down the ridge.

KSRT

Pushing our way through the dense uluhe fern foliage, a constant but necessary nuisance in the mountains.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ knob.

KSRT

Back on the roller coaster ridge.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

The views finally started to open up as we summited the 2,200′ flat topped hill.

KSRT

Panoramic view of the Windward coastline. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

One of the most photographed spots that emphasizes the fluted cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Matt making his way up the eroded section of the ridge.

KSRT

Sliding our way down the loosely packed dirt. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Eric and Matt making their way down.

KSRT

Looking down at the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

Eric and Matt approaching the eroded summit.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Time to get off the chilly 2,028′ hill and head down for warmer parts. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

Making our way down the strangely deserted trail, where a couple more photo shoots were in order before the hike was over.

All pau

Our end of the year winter hike covered 7.7 miles through waterfalls, ridges and valleys. Last post hike meal of the year at Outback Steakhouse. When a cup of their clam chowder won’t do, only a bowl will satisfy my cravings.

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.

We hiked a ridge that may be under threat from urban development. Hike today. Gone tomorrow. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

No peeping

Glenn, Matt, Ryan, Thessa, and Tom joined me today. A friendly owner let us through his property to gain access to the ridge.

Good Morning Hawaii Kai

Henry Kaiser’s swamp to suburban vision. Build it and they will live here.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge

Most people take the State ridge trail to get to the summit, we took the ridge trail.

Baby cacti

Passed a bunch of budding cacti.

Selfie rock

The moai of Kuli’ou’ou. Rain showers passed over the valley. We dug out our raingear. Rain showers stopped.

Loose rocks

We soon left the exposed ridge to head into a grove of ironwood pine trees.

Pine needle slide

Let your butts do the walking.

Kuli’ou’ou shortcut

Thessa pointing to the trail that bypasses the switchbacks from the bottom.

Hat junction

Passing the lost and found trail.

Selfie tree

A tree with multiple branches favored itself to our collective photo. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

State trail

The ridge soon connected to the bustling State trail.

Outdoor gym

Pull up versus chin up contest.

Who’s next?

Push. Oh. Pull.

Looking back

Tom coming up the trail.

Kuli’ou’ou summit

Group photo at the windy 2,028′ summit left to right: Tom, Glenn, myself, Thessa, Ryan and Matt. Photo by Tom Engle.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Solitary view

Matt wishing he had a parachute.

Passing the sign

Leaving the crowded summit.

KSRT

We left the ridge for a short crossover on the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

Dirt scramble

One step forward. Two steps back. Nobody gets too far like that. This kind of hike can never last.

Bear claw ridge

The right claw needs to come out of hibernation.

Lunch break

We dropped down below the ridgeline to get a little relief from the winds. Like trade lunch? Photo by Ryan Meyer.

Back on the trail

Resuming our windy hike to Pu’u o Kona.

Eroded section

Carefully making our way across. Photo by Tom Engle.

Scenic lookout

Views of Waimanalo and a particular Windward ridge of interest. Photo by Ryan Meyer.

Puu o Kona

Group photo at the 2,200′ summit. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Going down

It’s all downhill from here.

Looking back

Leaving the summit behind.

Crumbly rocks

Tom making his way down with the help of a *gasp* rope.

Ridging

Up a ridge. Down a ridge.

Uluhe slide

Letting gravity do all the work. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalapa o maua ridge

Bushwhacking ahead.

Shoelace tying lesson

Double slip knot. It really works. No, I’m not buying dinner.

Sea of uluhe

A month earlier, Ryan and I had bushwhacked up from the bottom of the ridge to just shy of the summit. Never start late, never fight gravity and never underestimate Mother Nature.

Break time

Checking out the views of Kuli’ou’ou Valley.

Contouring

We skirted the pockets of thick trees that blocked our forward progress.

Moku boundary wall

Old Hawaiian property line that once ran from the Ko’olau summit to the edge of the reef in the ocean.

Bailout trail

Anybody see a black Sony camera? Anybody?

Rock chair

Sometimes you have to just sit down and enjoy the view.

Winding down

The group following the ridge down. Photo by Tom Engle.

See anything?

The lower part of the ridge was particularly thick with loose rocks and small hardy trees that forced us to stay to the left of the rock wall.

Future development?

Looking at the possible future site of another high-end luxury gated community. Another affordable housing project that Hawaii so desperately needs.

Paiko lagoon

A breach in the rock wall allowed us passage to the other side of the ridge.

Water tank

The end of our hot journey was in sight. It felt like we were hiking in Waianae.

Got water?

Fun hike with a fun crew. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

All pau

The crew walking out the paved road.

GPS Tracks

The windy, hot and rocky hike covered 6.92 miles. Post hike meal at Outback. Same booth. Sniff?