The birthday boy wanted a repeat of Kalihi Saddle for his hike. So we did it with a twist today.

Kalihi Valley

Thanks to Matt’s dad for dropping Akira, Amber, Matt, Roger, Tessa and myself where we possibly glimpsed a rare yellow striped macropod hopping through the valley.

Camp Centipede

Group photo where we stashed extra food and water for our return trip back down.

Kalihi Saddle

Scenic pisses. Not to be confused with golden showers.

Kalihi Saddle

Traversing on the narrow ridge line as we approached Witch’s Hat.

Witch’s Hat

Somebody was probably thinking “Didn’t we just do this two weeks ago?”

Witch’s Hat

Tessa climbing her way down against the backdrop of Windward Oahu.

Witch’s Hat

Scooting our way down the front side or back side. Depends on which way you’re going.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing our way up on exposed rocks on the eroded ridgeline. Or was it the other way around?

Kalihi Saddle

Amber looking back at the scenic spot of Witch’s Hat.

Hump

Climbing over the hill to get to the destination. Wishing each other happy hump day, to acknowledge that the hike can be challenging.

Wave

Hiking with the flow.

Kalihi Saddle

Watching our steps as we made our way along the uneven, narrow and crumbly ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Roger scrambling up past the tabletop rockface.

Rock Triangle #1

Rope inspection. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Rock Triangle #1

Akira pulling himself up to safe ground.

Rock Triangle #2

Clouds started to roll in that was accompanied by passing sprinkles.

Hot Wheel Tracks

The group making their way over the shelf of rock and dirt seemingly hanging precariously off the cliff.

Rock Triangle #2

Matt flashing the obligatory shaka in the mountains. Many theories abound as to the origin of the state’s official gesture; ranging from a train guard, to a shark bite and to immigrants. But most all agree that the shaka means the aloha spirit.

Broken Wave

The mountains seemed to be steaming as we made our way up the eroded runway of a ridge line.

Dirty Slide

Contouring our way on the uneven and overgrown flank of the mountain. The hardest part of the hike.

Dirty Slide

Why pull, when you can claw your way up the eroded top? Exactly!

Kalihi Saddle

Staying on the cloud free side of the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Roger making his way around the short stretch of exposed and eroded ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Falling rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

What goes up must come down. Truer words have never been spoken by Isaac Newton.

Kalihi Saddle

Getting back on the ridge line.

Broken Wave

Roger watching Amber make her way down the rain of rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Matt descending down to the section where a fellow hiker had fallen over a year ago, after the webbing had snapped on him.

Kalihi Saddle

More falling rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Play Misty for Me. And now here’s a pretty one for lonely hikers on a cool, cool day. Creative license taken.

Rock Triangle #2

Matt climbing his way down. Somebody put shiny webbing on this rockface that can be seen from miles away. Slight exaggeration.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Roger leaving the rock fall prone area for safer ground. Relatively speaking.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Happy Birthday Akira-san! Many more smoky returns.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Amber going down the eroded shelf of dirt barely passing itself off as a ridge line.

Rock Triangle #2

An aerial perspective as Matt launched his drone.

Kalihi Saddle

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a drone!

Rock Triangle #1

Looking for my next foothold as I made my way down.

Rock Triangle #1

Drone view of the group climbing down the rockface.

Kalihi Saddle

Amber going over the new dirt dragon.

Kalihi Saddle

Waiting for the rest of the group as we soaked in the views on the postage stamp sized seats.

Tabletop

Leaving as we didn’t have reservations.

Wave

Going against the flow.

Hump

Climbing down an obstacle is infinitely less preferable than going up. You got to do what you got to do.

Witch’s Hat

It was too early for Halloween.

Witch’s Hat

Amber looking back at the steep climb we had just descended.

Witch’s Hat

Watching the rest of the group making their way down along with some stray rocks that made their way down as well.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking back to our starting point.

Camp Centipede

Lunch in the mountains. Beef and cheese sticks, musubi, ramen and spam and of course, steak and rice. All washed down with carbonated sodas and H20. Shall we continue?

Powerlines

Passing the powerlines as we pushed towards the direction of Lanihuli.

Shark Fin

Climbing and contouring our way around this particular rockface.

Kalihi Saddle

This side of the saddle is longer, but generally less steep and not as denuded as the other side. Just my opinion.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way towards the peak of Lanihuli. Pipe dream.

Kalihi Saddle

Akira balancing on the thin ridge line. First rule of falling. Don’t fall. Second rule of falling. If you have to fall, fall on the Leeward side.

Bunny Ears

Standing on the magic mushroom rock. Natural high in the mountains.

Bunny Ears

The group climbing their way up the thin, weathered ribbon of rocks.

Bunny Ears

Making our way to the clump of pine trees on the peak of the first rockface.

Bunny Ears

Roger climbing up to another clump of pine trees on the second rockface.

Kalihi Saddle

I can see the Dirt Dragon! Look, but don’t touch.

Doorstop

Akira climbing his way down the eroded rockface. Hey, where is everybody else? The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. The rest of the group decided to call it a day. I had at least wanted to make it to the Dirt Dragon. But it was not in the cards. Well, the mountains will always be there.

Pimple

I climbed to the top and briefly stood up as the gusty winds buffeted me, so I lowered my center of gravity lest I become a pimple on the saddle myself.

Doorstop

Akira trying to fruitlessly secure the ropes against the strong winds that were fighting against his good intentions.

Doorstop

Making my way to the top.

Doorstop

It was time to turn around and go back home.

Doorstop

The group hiking to rejoin Tessa who had stayed on the last Bunny Ear due to leg cramps.

Bunny Ears

Scooting our way down the crumbly side of the rockface.

Bunny Ears

Tickling the Bunny Ears as we traversed between the two rockfaces.

Bunny Ears

The group climbing down the last Bunny Ear. Too late for Easter.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking on the edge. Luckily, the islands have trade winds for the most part, which pushes us away from the sheer drops. Kona winds are not your friend in the mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

Drone view of the group climbing down from Shark Fin.

Powerlines

Making our way down to the col in the saddle.

Powerlines

Last group photo of the day.

Powerlines

The drone has landed. No severed or cut fingers.

All pau

Amber and Matt playing on a natural teeter-totter in the woods. Mahalo to Matt’s dad for picking us up and taking us back to our cars!

GPS Tracks

Our back and forth hike covered less than four miles of focused climbing and scrambling all day. While we did not complete the intended goals, it was a fun day for all and there is always a next time. Kudos to the group for agreeing to my plan and coming down safely in one piece.

Max’s of Waipahu

Akira has a new love in his life now. Just look at that smile. Any more wider and his face would split open. Move over Tessa.

Max’s of Waipahu

Thanks to Agnes, Aileen, Cat, Dale, Edgar, Mari, Marilyn, and Mona for coming out to celebrate Akira’s birthday with good company and fun times.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Amber Fonte, Matt Vidaurri, Roger Schiffman, 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.

It was time to help another friend finish her last section of the KST today. Thanks to Sally for dropping Aida, Cisco, Somphet and myself off in Chinatown to start our hike. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pali Lookout

Scrambling up the steep and rooted climb under the cover of darkness.

Pali Puka Trail

Somphet making his way on the narrow trail bordered with thick growth on one side and steep cliffs on the other.

Pali Puka Trail

Aida approaching the towering rock edifice. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Pali Puka

Outside looking in.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing and contouring our way up through the scattered blowdowns.

KSRT

Cisco pulling himself up to the ridge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the sunbeams streaming through the clouds as they scattered across the valley floor.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way down the first hill on the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at Olomana framed between the ridge line and the Pali Notches.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The distinctive summit of Lanihuli in the background, our halfway point. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Somphet leaning in the same direction as the tree. Being one with nature.

Incisor Rock

Climbing up the tooth shaped rock. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Incisor Rock

Contouring around the narrow edged rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way up to the Leeward side of the ridge, where the winds were absent and the trees in abundance. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida cresting at the top of the ridge with verdant views of the Windward side in the distance.

W

Approaching what I now call “little Olomana.” Photo by Aida Gordon.

W

The crew contouring and climbing down the backside, mindful of the drop.

True Pali Notches

Climbing up and over the middle “tooth.” Photo by Aida Gordon.

Donkey Kong

The rest of the group coming down from the skinniest and tallest of the three “teeth.”

Anvil

Dropping down from what some people think was once a puka or hole in the ridge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Anvil

Aida’s turn at descending the steep and concave wall.

Nu’uanu Wall

Contouring our way up the thimble berry infested trail that took us back to the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the steep and eroded section that was once easily passable. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Somphet pulling himself up the ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

You can’t pay me $20k to do this again. Can I quote you on that? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

KSRT

The group traversing over a couple false peaks to get to swirling heavens.

Lanihuli Summit

We lucked out with clear views from the 2,700′ top. Group photo left to right: Cisco, myself, Somphet and Aida.

KSRT

Leaving the summit as we climbed up our last false peak before dropping down into the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Dropping in elevation as we slid down the grassy ridge line. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

Following the curvature of the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Parts of the ridge were smothered in woody climbers which provided a help and hindrance at often the worst possible times.

Kalihi Saddle

The other parts were bald of vegetation and often were cracked, crumbly and eroded.

Kalihi Saddle

A solitary lehua flower clinging to a well weathered ohia tree. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Dirt Dragon

Making our way down to a part of the ridge that was particularly skinny, eroded and crumbly more than any other section. And we were going to sit on it. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Dirt Dragon

Angles.

Kalihi Saddle

Traversing on another patch of exposed ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting was the main mode of movement on the ridge coming down.

Lanihuli Wall

Dropping off the ridge line as we contoured the suicidal descent down the Can Opener. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Lanihuli Wall

The group controlling their descent coming down.

Lanihuli Wall

Looking for those footholds.

Lanihuli Wall

Waiting for those footholds. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Lanihuli Wall

Cisco coming down from the multi-tiered climb down the wall. Photo by Somphet Chanhpheng.

Kalihi Saddle

Aida contouring her way back to the ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Group photo at the scenic spot that stretched all the way to the summit of Kahua’uli and Heaven.

Can Opener

Slowly making our way down the crumbly and shifting rocks, lest we tumble and fall off.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing down to our next set of obstacles. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

The blowing winds threw dirt in our face and made sure we kept our center of gravity low to the eroded ridge coming down.

Pimple

Playing human anchor again. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pimple

Somphet and Cisco scrambling their way to the next obstacle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Doorstop

Spotter at the top. Hiker in the middle. Spotter at the bottom. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Doorstop

Aida pulling herself up to the top.

Kalihi Saddle

Coming down from the doorstop and making our way towards the bunny ears. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Bunny Ears

Aida coming down the crumbly bunny ear. Nothing soft and fuzzy here.

Kalihi Saddle

Perched on the arch. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Bunny Ears

Aida between the last bunny ear and the mushroom rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Somphet and Aida hiking over the loose rocks and scattered tree roots on the ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

Some enjoyed the spectacular views, while others seemingly concentrated on the trail views. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Traversing the skinny ridge to the dorsal shaped rock face. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Shark Fin

Aida downclimbing the last obstacle on the saddle.

Powerlines

Descending towards the middle of the saddle which also marked the terminus for our hike today. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Powerlines

Payment for services rendered. A shiny nickel. And I wonder why I’m still not financially independent. Photo by Somphet Changhpheng.

All pau

Traditional dousing of top shelf champagne on the willing victim. No expenses spared. Congratulations to Aida for completing the KST in its entirety. Photo by Somphet Changhpheng.

Post hike meal

Mahalo to Sally and Ed for picking us up on the side of the highway, reeking of alcohol. We retired to Lilyn’s driveway where Aida got lei’d and snacked on baked goods. No venue was spared for Aida’s celebration.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle traversal covered roughly 3.28 miles that marked the end and completion for Aida’s KST journey. Congratulations again!

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 asked for forgiveness rather than permission and embarked on a solo hike today.

Maunawili Valley

Walking up the road past the five lots going for over a million dollars each. Build a house here and you can truly say you have a million dollar view and change.

Uluhell

Pushing my way up through the choking mat of ferns that obstructs forward progress.

Trailhead

Crossing the Maunawili Demo Trail to begin my ascent up the ridge pioneered by Silver Piliwale.

Notch

The ridge took on a steeper slant and kept the pitch pretty much the whole climb.

Olomana

Looking back at the views of Maunawili Valley.

Ohia Lehua

No plucking of the crimson stamen flowers, as I didn’t want anybody raining on my parade today.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Left the cload soaked windward ridge and began my descent down towards the Pali.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

The brisk trade winds pushed the clouds away from the ridge, exposing the scenic Leeward and Windward views on my climb down.

KSRT

Ropes started appearing on the now narrower ridge to offer their assistance at ones own risk.

Windward views

Making my way around the exposed rock that constantly crumbles away, offering a slightly different character on each visit.

Contour

I decided to take the more direct route down the pile of rocks instead of the usual Leeward contour.

Chimney

Christmas is just 276 days away.

Never say never

Looking back and expecting a rain of presents, at least I didn’t get a rain of rocks.

Nipple

Tweaking the nipple on my climb over.

Pali Notches

Dropping down to the lookout, where jacking my jaws avoided me catching a ride down to the highway. Besides, my ride was waiting for me on the other highway.

Pali Lookout

Looking back at the construction work to arrest and effect repairs on the landslide that sent chunks of the Old Pali Road tumbling down onto Pali Highway.

Pali Puka

No time for a selfie as I contoured on the Leeward side and made the cardio climb up the flank of the ridge.

Other side of Nu’uanu Saddle

Back on the ridge where I expected suspenseful music to be piped into my ear canals. Wrong channel.

Alphabet Soup

Dust particle droplets dropped down on the ridge to keep me company.

W

Contoured down and climbed over the rest of the Donkey Kong rock formation.

Lanihuli Summit

Panoramic view at the top of swirling heavens.

KSRT

Leaving the 2,700′ summit to descend down into Kalihi Saddle.

How to Train Your Dragon

A not so surprising tale about hiking, finding the handholds to climb down the ridge and how nothing can ever train you to let go of that uki grass.

Lanihuli Wall

Letting gravity do all the work as I worked my way down the steep flank of the ridge line.

Can Opener

Looking up, I swear this sofa sized rock slowly inches out a little bit more every time I visit.

Kalihi Saddle

My quick selfie as I kept one or two nervous eyes on that protruding rock right above me.

Pimple and Doorstop

Carefully contouring the pimply faced rock so that no rocks would be extracted.

Bunny Ears

Tickling the ears on my cross over or rather the pine tree needles were tickling mines.

Shark’s Fin

Jumping the dorsal shaped rock.

Powerlines

Making my way down to the powerlines and taking the trail down into the valley.

Kalihi Valley

Mother Nature turned on the sprinklers on my way down.

All pau

That can’t be my ride? The broken down car with the hood up? Thanks to Dale for picking me up and dropping me off at my car in the affordable section of town.

GPS Tracks

The 5.78 mile hike covered 1.5 saddles with brisk trade winds that kept me company. On my drive home, I witnessed a fiery sunset. The sky was lit with bursting colors of red and orange and the streets were clogged with people wanting to collect their photographic impressions. No room or recourse to pull over, so all I could do was to remand it to my short-term memory.

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 Lopaka and Sean at the Pali Lookout, Chris was running fashionably late.

Trailhead

Catching the breaking sunrise over the mountains, filtered by the clouds. No morning woody spotted.

Trail

We caught up with a couple that was on their way to the popular hole in the mountain. We talked story with them until Chris caught up with us.

Pali Puka

Hello from the other side. Group photo left to right: Sean, myself, Chris and Lopaka.

Slippery when wet

Making our way up the steep flank cobbled with stones of varying degrees of traction.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking ahead to the imposing mountain top that the Hawaiians called “Swirling Heavens.”

Nu’uanu Saddle

Time to mix cardio and climbing together on this crumbly ridge.

Pu’u Suicido

Silhouetted shadows providing temporary shade to Sean. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Incisor Rock

Sean swinging his way up and around the toothy rock.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hiking on the ridge line with the sun on our backs and the trade winds in our faces, or at least that’s the way I would like to have remembered the day.

KSRT

Somebody soon found themselves between a rock and a hard place. They chose wisely.

Donkey Kong

Scrambling our way towards the most recognizable of the rock formations populating the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the unusually clear summit of Konahuanui, the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Nu’uanu Reservoir

Lopaka taking the “high road” coming down the side of the hill. What’s life without a challenge thrown your way every now and then? I believe it’s called character building or something that’s not fit to print.

W

Contouring and climbing our way over the triple diked formation.

Steeple

Standing and sitting high above the clouds or so it seems.

Anvil

Dropping off the ridge line to contour around the badly eroded “lost puka of the pali.” Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Back on the ridge line.

KSRT

Looking ahead to Pu’u Lanihuli that had clouds seemingly swirling towards her summit. Living up to her name.

Lanihuli

Laying eggs is hard work, as one needs a solid nap to recover. Photo by Sean Bingham.

KSRT

Leaving the 2,700′ summit as the day was still young and the breathing still labored.

Heaven

One particular mountain top was swirling in heavenly clouds. Quite the sight.

KSRT

Making our way down from the mountain.

Dirt Dragon

I knew I had one more in me. Just had to push it out. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking ahead to the ridge line that dominates Windward commuter driving.

Lanihuli Wall

See you at the bottom.

Lanihuli Wall

Making our way down the steep, grassy flank. Photo by Chris Bautista

Lanihuli Wall

One more drop to go. Photo by Sean Bingham

Contour

Lopaka making his way back to the ridge line.

Got eggs?

Happy Easter from Kalihi Saddle.

Can Opener

Leaving the base of the Can Opener, where it looked like a huge chunk of rock is about to take a tumble from the mountain.

Kalihi Saddle

Time to get in some more climbing time. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pimple

Lopaka contouring around the naked rock after he popped the pimple.

Doorstop

Climbing up the wedge shaped rock. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Bunny Ears

Looking for the Easter Bunny. In all the wrong places. Photo by Sean Bingham.

Kalihi Saddle

Sometimes, you just have to stop on the saddle and check out the views.

Shark’s Fin

Climbing down from the triangular shaped rock.

KSRT

Almost there. Photo by Sean Bingham

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view of the ridge line and the Windward coast.

Powerlines

Our last group photo before dropping down into the valley of miniature macropods.

All pau

Tee time anybody? Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up from our hike. Fun hike with a great bunch of guys. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery. Forget the baked goods, we came for some butt swishing soup. Well, some of us did.

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.

Some folks wanted a taste of the saddles, I just wanted to get to Bowman. Somewhere in between was a happy compromise.

Trail

Met up with Charlie, Chris, Clayton, Ferlino and Kimi at the Pali Lookout. The sign marks the spot.

Pali Puka

Chris enjoying the fiery sunrise with his morning wood. Photo by Kimiyo Bowlby.

Pali Puka

Brief stop at the hole in the rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring our way up to the ridge line. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Always interesting to see how the wind has shaped the flora on the ridges and mountains.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Charlie playing King of the Hill. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Incisor Rock

Kimi swinging her way around the toothy rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the next chossy hill. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making our way up as the clouds slowly started to envelop us in a mass of minute milkiness.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Headed higher into the clouds. Who needs the views? Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Leaving the views behind us.

“W”

Scrambling our way towards Donkey Kong. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

“W”

Dropping off the hill to contour our way to the triple diked formation. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

“W”

Somebody yelled “I’m not crazy. I’m cute.” It wasn’t the girl.

“W”

Threading our way through the odd assortment of webbing, wire and ropes.

“W”

Charlie playing King of the Hill again. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Anvil

Dropping down from the “lost” puka of the pali. Electrical cable is so yesterday. Photo by Kimiyo Bowlby.

Anvil

Ferlino preparing to climb down and contour around the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing our way back to the ridge.

Lanihuli

Passing a few lehua flowers with thinning, dew dropped salmon stamens on our way to the summit for a lunch break. Hikers have to eat.

Lanihuli

Leaving the socked in summit for crumbly ridges.

Kalihi Saddle

Cramping and spiking our way down the steep ridge.

Dirt Dragon

Chris keeping a tight leash on the dragon.

Dirt Dragon

Sitting room only. Odd man standing.

Kalihi Saddle

Dropping down from the cloud soaked mountain.

Lanihuli Wall

Going down the flank of the uki populated ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Wall

Everybody waiting their turn to come down the multi-tiered wall.

Lanihuli Wall

The flank of the ridge may appear steeper than it actually is. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Wall

Kimi coming down the last tier.

Lanihuli Wall

Charlie and Ferlino dropping off the wall. Photo by Kimiyo Bowlby.

Can Opener

Group photo left to right: Chris, Ferlino, Kimi, Clayton, Charlie and myself.

Can Opener

Leaving the crumbly base behind us.

Pimple

The pimple had popped off the old rope that used to dangle on the side.

Pimple

Chris and Ferlino climbing their way up to contour at the top. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Doorstop

Going up the high water roped rock. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Doorstop

There were a lot of backseat hikers directing Kimi on her climb up.

Bunny Ears

Traversing in between the not so fluffy lop shaped rocks.

Bunny Ears

Leaping Bunny, otherwise known as Ferlino. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Shark’s Fin

Finning the shark.

Shark’s Fin

Anybody hungry for Chinese food?

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view of the Windward coastline.

Kalihi Saddle

The group coming down the last hill on the ridge.

Powerlines

Some of us still had energy to burn after reaching the bottom of the saddle, by pole hugging and upside down sit ups. Me, I was just hungry.

Powerlines

Kimi showing us that gymnasts can also be pole huggers as well.

All pau

Dropping off the trail and finding a recently cleared swath around the substation leading us straight to the road. Big thanks to Anne and Jasmin for picking us up on the side of the highway and Anne bringing us cold drinks and French fries. Nothing like fast food to pick you up.

GPS Tracks

Our Saddlebowl Sunday hike covered a scant 2.73 miles as the mynah bird flies. Fun hike with an amazing group. Post hike meal at Mexico Restaurant, where they still have stuffed heads on the walls and dish out free salsa and chips with your meal.

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.

Weekday. Hiking. Usually those two things don’t go together, but since I had to burn my last vacation day before my work anniversary, I found myself at the Pali Lookout with Chris and Shirley.

Trailhead

Thanks to David for dropping us off on the side of the highway. Chinese and Hawaiian times do not mix well. I don’t think that qualifies as a hard hat.

Powerlines

We scrambled up the trail to find ourselves in the middle of Kalihi Saddle. The winds were blowing. Hard. Time to put away the tourist hat.

Kalihi Saddle

Back in the saddle. Comfortable as an old shoe. Old hiking shoe.

Kalihi Saddle

Hello Bowman! We’ll see you on the flip side.

Shark Fin

Shirley and myself climbing up a slight pitch. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

The wind was in our faces the whole hike. Just ask Shirley’s hair.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view.

‘Ie’ie

The bugs haven’t swarmed the fleshy fruit of this woody climber yet.

Kalihi Saddle

Where are the handrails?

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking at a 45 degree angle. Or something close to it. Math was never my strong suit.

Kalihi Saddle

The summit of Lanihuli was surprisingly clear.

Kalihi Saddle

We noticed a lot of bees. They noticed us too. Just ask Shirley and myself. Chris somehow escaped unscathed.

Kalihi Saddle

More walking, less sitting please. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

There we go again – sitting.

Kalihi Saddle

It’s obvious which way the wind blows on the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris and Shirley scrambling up the sliver of a ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the Bunny Ears.

Bunny Ears

Shirley scooting her way down.

Bunny Ears

Chris and Shirley in between the Bunny Ears.

Bunny Ears

Which one is the Rabbit’s Foot?

Kalihi Saddle

Nice view of the Windward side.

Doorstop

Shirley climbing down Doorstop. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Doorstop

Chris making his way down Doorstop.

Pimple

Shirley climbing down the Pimple, while Chris waits his turn at the top.

Can Opener

Scrambling to our brunch spot.

Kalihi Saddle

Group photo rule: There can only be one selfie stick up at one time.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring below the Can Opener. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Wall

Found the rope. Let’s climb.

Lanihuli Wall

Shirley pulling herself up.

Lanihuli Wall

Chris and Shirley on the contour trail below the Can Opener.

Lanihuli Wall

Where’s the rope? Let’s free climb.

Lanihuli Wall

Looking back at Kalihi Saddle.

Lanihuli Wall

The last section with webbing.

Lanihuli Wall

Almost there.

Kalihi Saddle

All uphill climbing.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris and Shirley back on the ridge.

Dirt Dragon

How to train your dragon. Caption credit: Shirley Hamamura.

Kalihi Saddle

The struggle is real.

Kalihi Saddle

The struggle continues.

Kalihi Saddle

Uki grass is your friend on the mountains. Your best friend.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading towards the socked in summit of Lanihuli.

Lanihuli

The smell of sardines punctured the air which must have helped to clear the clouds from the summit.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Our appetites and sensory views somewhat sated, we took our leave of the summit.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Panoramic view.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris and Shirley approaching the anvil.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We dropped down the flank of the ridge to work our way around the sharp drop.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Shirley contouring to get back on the ridge.

Anvil

Climbing up towards the anvil or the original Pali Puka. How long has this electrical cord been here? Photo by Chris Bautista.

Anvil

Shirley showing off her results from working out at 24 Hour Fitness.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris and Shirley back on the ridge.

W

Can you spot the photobomber? Photo by Chris Bautista.

W

Group photo perched on the “W” or the “true” Pali Notches. Depends who you ask. Photo by Chris Bautista.

W

Chris and Shirley weaving in and out of the rocks.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The clouds started to follow us down as we lost elevation on the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking across at the summit of Konahuanui that was completely socked in.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Shirley coming down cobblestone ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back as the clouds slowly left the summit of Lanihuli.

Nu’uanu Saddle

One of many tour choppers that buzzed past us on the saddle. Wonder if they saw us? We saw them.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Double shaka on the saddle. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Shirley coming down one step at a time.

Pu’u Suicido

We stopped a bit to check out the unshaven views, found no razors and then moved on. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Pu’u Suicido

Chris and Shirley dropping down and contouring around the rocks.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Shirley scrambling out of the notch.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris and Shirley coming over the rocky ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Almost there.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The last climb.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Taking in the last panoramic view before dropping off the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Shirley going down the contour trail.

Pali Puka

Last group photo of the day.

Pali Puka Trail

We can see our cars. That’s a good thing.

All pau

The bottom of the trail was teeming with hikers making their way up as we were making our way out.

GPS Tracks

Our rollercoaster of a double saddle hike covered 3.13 miles that included bee stings, dust in our eyes, gusty winds, a whole lot of climbing and stunning sights. I couldn’t have asked for better company to spend in the mountains with on my day off. Post hike meal at Au’s Garden. Out of clams with black bean sauce. What kind of Chinese restaurant is David running?

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.

Chris, Justin, Ryan, Thessa and myself spent Easter in the mountains looking for the mythical rabbit that leaves the chocolate eggs. Or was it the hiker that poops the plastic eggs?

Trailhead

Nobody but us hikers and chickens at the lookout. Early hikers get the adobo?

Scramble

Thessa coming up the short, steep and sweet hill.

Good Morning

We caught the sun breaking over the Windward side.

Pali pinnacle

Approaching the Pali Puka.

Pali Puka

Group photo by Justin Hirako, left to right: Ryan, myself, Thessa, Chris and Justin.

Contour

Chris coming up the contour around the pinnacle.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Back on the saddle again.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the clear summit of Konahuanui.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The hotline went unanswered, so we continued our climb to Puu Suicido.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris scrambling up the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Silhouette hikers.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris and Ryan contouring around a “toothy” rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Justin and Thessa making their way over the ridge. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Minor rock scrambling. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Soaking in the views and taking a break. Multi-tasking hiking. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The sun was shining on our sweaty faces and the clouds were dancing over the Ko’olaus. Nice day to be outside.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Give me a X. Give me a Y. Give me a Z.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up to the “W.” Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Panoramic view of the Windward side.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Left? Right? Upside your head.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The crew contouring around the “W.”

Nu’uanu Saddle

Thessa’s point of view. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Nu’uanu Saddle

My point of view.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris giving us the “W.”

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris and Ryan approaching the long lost Puka of the Pali. Photo by Justin Hirako

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris about to come down from the anvil rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Justin making his way down. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris contouring around the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back. What a view.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Almost there.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo by Justin Hirako at the 2,700′ summit. Clear views to be had by all.

Lanihuli

Halfway there. We munched on our lunch and picked up where we left off. Well some of us picked up.

Lanihuli

Looking back at Justin and Thessa who decided to go down the Alewa Ridge Trail and pick us up on the other side. With cups of steaming hot cocoas. Topped with an expletive.

Lanihuli

Disappearing from their view. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris and Ryan coming down the mountain.

Kalihi Saddle

Dropping down into the saddle. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Riding the dirt dragon, or what’s left of it. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Some sections were a tad crumbly.

Kalihi Saddle

Descending down Lanihuli Wall.

Kalihi Saddle

Uki grass is your friend. Repeat many times. Hold many times.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris and Ryan contouring around the ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Coming down from the Can Opener.

Kalihi Saddle

Pimple. Doorstop. Bunny Ears. Sharks Fin. Colorful names for crumbly rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris coming up the Pimple.

Kalihi Saddle

Perhaps we will find the chocolate eggs between those ears?

Kalihi Saddle

Chris and Ryan traversing the Bunny Ears.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris coming down the last Bunny Ear.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking out towards the lush and verdant Kalihi Valley.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris and Ryan making their way down Sharks Fin.

Kalihi Saddle

Almost there.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris got to break in his new webbing.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris and Ryan approaching the power lines and our way down.

Kalihi Saddle

Dropping down into the valley floor.

All pau

We walked out to the highway and waited for Justin and Thessa to pick us up. Our ride came with benefits. Slushy Icees! Expletive taken back!

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered 3.19 miles with a great crew. Post hike meal at Au’s Garden. Is that a discount? No. Let me adjust and give you the full price. Gee thanks.

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 Justin, Pip and Thessa to get back in the mountains and hike a saddle.

Haiku Stairs

We found over three dozen hikers clustered inside and outside the CCL building. I found out the majority of the hikers had simply strolled past the guard at the bottom and climbed up the stairs. What the heck? The only current legal access is through Moanalua Valley.

Haiku Stairs

City lights.

Relay station

Passing the defunct radar station nestled in between Moanalua Middle Ridge and Tripler Ridge.

Dawn

The magical moment before the sun crests over the horizon. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Sunrise

Good morning from Kahuauli (Bowman) summit. Group photo by Justin Hirako, left to right: myself, Justin, Thessa and Pip.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Looking back towards Stairway to Heaven.

Bowman side

Leaving the summit to start our descent down into the saddle.

Bowman side

Justin making his way over one crumbly rock at a time.

Bowman side

Bowman’s crumbly character has not aged well since I last paid a visit.

Bowman side

The crew watching to see if I would pull an Icarus or billy goat.

Bowman side

Watching out for showers of dirt and falling rocks as Thessa made her way down.

Bowman side

We contoured around to get back on the crumbly ridge.

Bowman side

Are those webbings safe? Well, let’s see. They’ve been out here, for who knows how long. Weathered by the sun. Pounded by the rain. Used repeatedly by countless hikers of unknown weights. 24/7. Yeah, we should be good. Always bring your own webbing to the party.

Bowman side

Justin soaking in the view.

Bowman side

The watcher being watched. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Bowman side

Let’s stop and take a group photo on this crumbly ridge. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Bowman side

Pip hiking on the edge of the ridge.

Bowman side

Justin making his way down.

Bowman side

Pip climbing down one of the rock faces.

Bowman side

Justin making his way down.

Bowman side

Pip straddling the baby dirt dragon.

Bowman side

Justin taking a selfie. On a crumbly ridge.

Bowman side

Thessa making her way around a wobbly rock.

Bowman side

Pip making his way down to the Witch’s Hat.

Bowman side

Justin and Thessa scooting over the hump.

Bowman side

Pip climbing up the Witch’s Hat. Somebody left a rope. Ropes everywhere. A good and bad sign that certain trails are becoming more popular.

Bowman side

Justin making his way over the skinny ridge.

Bowman side

Pip cruising to the middle of the saddle.

Bowman side

We dropped over 1,000′ in elevation going down into the saddle.

Power lines

Justin and Thessa coming over to join us in the shade for a little break.

Lanihuli side

What goes down must go back up. We still had to climb up 1,200′ in elevation to make it to the top of Lanihuli.

Lanihuli side

The crew threading their way on the skinny ridge.

Lanihuli side

Approaching Shark’s Fin. I could go for some Chinese food now.

Lanihuli side

Pip coming down the backside.

Lanihuli side

Making our way to the bunny ears.

Lanihuli side

The crew making their way down the backside of the last bunny ear. Where was the foot?

Lanihuli side

Thessa coming down the doorstop, Justin in the middle and Pip popping the pimple. Say that three times real fast.

Lanihuli side

The can opener. Time for lunch. Hmmm, did I bring my can of Spam?

Lanihuli side

Group photo by Justin Hirako below the can opener.

Lanihuli side

Pip contouring around the can opener.

Lanihuli side

Justin and Thessa climbing up the Lanihuli Wall.

Lanihuli side

Justin and Thessa on the last leg of the Wall.

Lanihuli side

Pip contouring along the Wall.

Lanihuli side

Almost there. Our upper body strength was put to good use on this section.

Lanihuli side

There. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Lanihuli side

No rest for the weary. Up, up and more up.

Lanihuli side

The three amigos riding the dirt dragon.

Lanihuli side

False peak.

Lanihuli side

Justin popping up over the ridge.

Lanihuli side

Enough sightseeing. Back to hiking.

Lanihuli side

Almost there. We can see the summit.

Lanihuli summit

Who wants to go to Pali Puka? Crickets. Okay, let’s go down the valley. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Alewa Ridge

Justin going down the ridge. Thessa set a good pace and was blazing down the trail. Guess she really wanted to go home in a hurry. Or she was just really hungry. Photo by Valentin Ordonez.

Alewa ridge

Justin going down the spur ridge that would take us down to the valley.

Mo’ole Valley

The crew taking a short break at the base of the ridge.

Mo’ole Valley

One of seven waterfalls fed by the Mo’ole stream. A teasing trickle. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Mo’ole Valley

Walking through the valley, formerly known as Hillebrand Glen. Photo by Justin Hirako.

All pau

Awesome hike with a great crew. Our hike covered roughly 9.22 miles. We had a small problem when we popped out of the valley and found ourselves sitting next to the Pali Highway. Our ride called in sick. Uber? No drivers in the area. 422-2222? Quick. Jump in Lindsay’s car before Frank Delima chases us down. Post hike meal at Dennys. More bang for your buck.

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.

Back in the saddle again. A heavy soaking the day before had actually aborted our saddle hike. However, after going all over the board with alternate hikes to do, we ended up doing the saddle anyway. The skies were clear, so despite the weather sometimes changing on a dime up in the mountains, we decided to take our chances. Photo by David Johnson.

Burmeister Overpass

We carpooled to the end of Kalihi Street to minimize our footprint, as ever since Naohia Falls has been shut down, the neighbors have been quick on the telephone draw. After quickly making our way up the side road, we crossed over the Burmeister Overpass and headed up to the spur ridge.

Bowman shortcut

The Bowman shortcut shaved three miles off the traditional trail, but we paid for it with buckets of sweat. Okay, maybe not buckets, but at least little teacups. The ridge was short and steep and the humidity level was high. No signs of surveyors today.

Bowman trail

Enjoying the easy part of the hike while it lasted, which was about three miles.

Little green men

I always wondered who leaves these plastic soldiers behind, as they are scattered on trails throughout the island.

Mr. Bowman

Thessa crossing over an eroded trail section, with the prominent knob that resembles a face (see the “eyes” and “nose”?), looking down at us.

Kalihi Saddle

The cloud deck started to get lower and darker over the saddle. Pretty please, don’t rain on our parade.

Needs a name

Climb this rock and get the right to name it, much like Griego Wall and Dorito Tower. Just kidding. It already has a name. That big piece of rock sticking out of the hillside.

Climbing the knob

Switchbacks made it easier to climb up the knob. No straight shot to the top.

Panoramic view of the Leeward side

Clouds started to roll through the saddle, which still left clear views of town. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki

Meadow

Jose and Thessa crossing a grassy meadow near the summit.

Bog

The top was home to a bog, similar to ones found at Ka’ala and other high spots on the mountains.

Pu’u Kahuauli

Cloudy summit at 2,740 feet. At least we could hear the cars on the highway down below us.

What’s over that peak?

After taking a short break at the summit, we made our way over this small peak that leads to the saddle.

No turning back

Group photo back to front: Jose, Thessa and myself.

Into the clouds

Hiking into the clouds.

Windward side

Jose contouring around the Windward side of the ridge.

There’s the saddle

As we dropped below the cloud deck, the saddle popped into view.

Slightly eroded

A taste of what was in store for us.

Stay high

Spikes definitely helped to grip the crumbly and eroded ground as we made our way down the saddle.

Say cheese

Now the fun begins. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Shaky tree

Hmmm, what is this tree for?

Going down

Oh, to help us climb down the side of this crumbly ridge. The tree was shaking the whole time Jose was climbing down and it looks like it could pull out one day. Maybe we should bring it some Miracle-Gro. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Clear

Thessa making her way down. We had to space ourselves apart, especially when down climbing the heavily eroded sections, as rocks and dirt would get dislodged. None of us were wearing hard hats.

Got room?

The winds were noticeably absent. That was a good thing. Usually I welcome the brisk trade winds to help cool off. Not today.

Checking out the views

The views, when the clouds cooperated, were just to die for. Sorry, poor choice of words.

Left or right?

Jose and Thessa went down the left side that had the vegetation. I decided to see if my spikes would hold me coming down the right, rocky side. They held.

Getting lower

The HECO building at the base of the saddle seemed so close from so far up. The summit of Lanihuli seemed so far away, capped in clouds.

Climbing down

Thessa climbing down a pile of rocks. Most of the rocks on the saddle looked fractured and split, ready to come off at the wrong time.

Getting cloudy

Never a dull day on the saddle.

Grassy spot

The angle makes this part of the ridge look ready to fall off one day.

Dirt triangle

Thessa climbing down from the “dirt triangle.” Fellow hiker, David Concepcion, named the obstacle when he last did the saddle.

Wide open area

Looks wide from this angle.

Clouds rolling in

And skinny from this angle. All about perspective.

Somewhat narrrow

Huge drops on the Windward side. Actually both sides.

Are we having fun yet?

Yes. Why else would we be hiking on a severely eroded ridge? Photo by Jose Luis Delaki

Mahalo for the ropes

Many thanks to the hikers that have left ropes on this trail and shared advice on this hike. The ropes and/or anchors that are here today, may be gone tomorrow. Trail conditions change frequently, especially on this saddle. Hikers that have done it, always seem to report that the saddle becomes more eroded with each visit.

Don’t let go

Thessa looking for a place to land her feet. Maybe we should have come down the right side. Oh well, we all need a little challenge every now and then.

Best seat in the house

Seats single file only.

Balancing act

No margin for error.

Narrow ridge

Most parts of the ridge had to either be “saddled”, crawled, scooted or skirted on the side with precious little purchase beneath our feet.

Another perspective

Looking back at the saddle.

Is this rock safe?

The answer is no. The rock wobbled when we pushed it.

Don’t pull on the webbing

We didn’t rely on the webbing going down as we didn’t want that rock landing on our heads. Talk about a bad hair day.

Crossing the ridge

Jose crossing a mini-saddle on the saddle. Well, that’s what it looked like to me.

Coming down the mountain

Thessa coming down the saddle, with the most difficult sections behind us.

Too early for trick or treat

Jose approaching the last obstacle, dubbed “Witch’s Hat” by hiker, Pete Clines.

Scooting

Thessa coming over one of the last “humps.”

Witch’s Hat

The base of the “hat” was somewhat steep and then leveled off to a “walkable” grade.

Leave the webbing behind

Thessa coming down the backside of the “hat.” Jose donated his webbing to the saddle. Gracias.

No climbing involved

Jose contouring around the Windward side.

I want to go back up

Not today.

All pau!

Just as we made it down to the power lines, the clouds released her rain. Perfect timing.

Goodbye Kalihi Saddle

Until we meet again. She was a lovely ride.

Hitchhiking to Kenny’s

Shout out to Chris and Brian for picking us up on the side of Likelike Highway. What’s for dinner? Prime Rib! Photo by Chris Hiona.

GPS Tracks

The 4 mile hike now ranks as my hardest hike to date. Many thanks to Jose and Thessa, who have done the saddle numerous times, for keeping me company on this trail. Would I do it again? Yup, but going up, as going down was a crazy albeit fun experience.

Was I hallucinating? Was I actually standing in the company of  Tom, J, Sara, Marcus, Rito, Ted and Kilei on the side of Likelike Highway? I had to rub my eyes and pinch myself to realize that after five false starts that was cancelled due to weather, we were finally going to hike Kalihi Saddle! Pat Murphy was nice enough to play shuttle driver and pick all of us at the top of Alewa Drive and drop us off in front of the Wilson Tunnels on the town side. Photo by Kilei Nelson.

No hard hats, only hard heads

The somewhat paved road led us to this fenced off area. We picked up the trail to the left of the power station. I believe at this point, that Rito started the running gag about something “blue and sharp” that started to make its rounds within the group. Inside joke.

Mountain apples

Not yet ripe for the picking. Too bad, would have been a nice snack to take with us.

Powerline trail

After making our way up the mosquito infested trail for about half an hour, we came up to the powerlines that marked the center of Kalihi Saddle. Going to the left involves climbing up towards Kahuauli (Bowman), another hike for another day. We were going right towards Lanihuli.

Kalihi Valley

Sometimes it’s hard to spot signs of civilization.

“Easy” extreme?

Walking along the somewhat narrow ridgeline. So far, so “easy.” Nothing we haven’t done before, as Marcus had explained to us. Photo by Marcus Griego.

On the way to Shark Fin

Making our way down to the first obstacle – Shark Fin. Legendary hiker, Pete Clines, gave the colorful names to these obstacles on the saddle.

Shark Fin sighting

Going up, the trees were more of an obstacle than the obstacle itself on this climb.

Watch the Windward drop

The entire saddle is basically a narrow undulating ridgeline punctuated by obstacles of varying difficulty. In other words, enough to keep you interested and on the edge. Literally.

Going up the first Bunny Ear

The first bunny ear was as she sounded, nice and fluffy with trees. No real difficulty to be found here.

Winds are blowing!

Strong winds blowing from the Windward side pushed us away from the steep Windward cliff drops.

Tickling the second Bunny Ear

The second bunny ear was a tad taller and somewhat crumbly. Nothing to sneeze at. Marcus pointing at a loose rock that was best to be avoided. Photo by Tom Engle.

Hang on to those bushes!

The trees and bushes on the Leeward side combined with the pushy Windward winds kept us somewhat vertical on the narrow ridgeline.

Butt slide or belly flop – take your pick

Sometimes you just have to pause and check out the views. Photo by Marcus Griego.

Koolau Range

Like these views for example.

Knock Knock

Going up the Doorstop was a little more tricky, as it involved some rock climbing. A taste of what was to come. Photo by Tom Engle.

Bird’s eye view

Coming down the backside of the Doorstop, we discovered that there was rope leftover from previous hikers. Mahalo! Photo by Tom Engle.

Coming down the backside of Doorstop

Coming down these obstacles is challenging as you are fighting gravity and oftentimes it’s hard to see where your next foothold will be. Photo by Marcus Griego.

Caveman yawn or yell?

“Move it you maggots, I have mountain apples to pick!”

Squeeze, not pop it

Ropes are our friend on this hike. Coming down, my left foot made contact with some rocks which then promptly gave way, the rope helped me to recover.

Coming down the Pimple

This would be the last major rock obstacle we would have to climb. But the fun was not over yet. Not by a long shot. Photo by Marcus Griego.

Looking back at our challenges

Yup, we had to climb all over those bad puppies, that’s what makes ridge hiking fun and challenging. Photo by Ted Calvero.

Scrambling towards the Can Opener

There were a couple crumbly dirt sections to be climbed as we made our way up from the Pimple.

Snack break

Taking a well deserved snack break below the Can Opener. Photo by Marcus Griego.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at Kalihi Saddle, one of three saddles on the Koolau mountain range. The other two being the Moanalua and Nuuanu Saddles.

Love that uki grass

After our break, we contoured on the Windward side of the Can Opener hanging onto the uki grass for dear life.

Steep contour around the Can Opener

Another perspective on the steep contour around the Can Opener. Photo by Ted Calvero.

Steep?

It was pretty steep going up. If you slipped, it would be a long tumble down.

Rock!

A word most hiker’s don’t want to hear. Especially when you’re on the receiving end! I don’t think my GoPro would have protected my big head. Luckily I ducked in time.

The “hook”

Looking back at the “hook” of the Can Opener. Photo by Tom Engle.

End of the rope

After 30 minutes of pulling ourselves up this near vertical cliff to regain the ridge using only plants and webbing, my arms were jello.

Above the Can Opener

Taking a short break on this small plot of real estate perched precariously on a thin ridge. Photo by Rito.

Skinny, steep ridge ahead

We started our long climb up a very steep and skinny ridge towards Lanihuli.

Looking back down

Rito taking pictures of the group coming up the ridge. Photo by Ted Calvero.

Can you say erosion?

Several sections of the ridge were more exposed and eroded than other parts. Photo by Tom Engle.

What’s all the commotion?

This section of the ridge was severely eroded, it seems like only a matter of time before this section gives way.

Rodeo Ridge!

The ridge was narrow to the point where you had to straddle and scoot to get across. Photos by Marcus Griego.

Back to climbing

The ridge widened, that’s being generous, enough for us to resume our climbing. Photo by Ted Calvero.

Nice day on the Koolau’s

Mother Nature was nice to us in the form of breezy trade winds and overcast clouds that helped keep us cool on the hike.

Almost there

The narrow ridge gradually became a tad wider as we approached the summit. Photo by Marcus Griego.

Lobelia gaudichaudii

We ran across this rare and endemic plant found only on Oahu, also known as the Koolau Range lobelia.

Final push to the summit

Marcus and Kilei making their way over the last couple hills before the summit.

koelle damselfly

The bug whisperer, J, found this damselfly, that played possum when he caught it. NatGeo is calling!

Lanihuli summit

Group photo at the cloudy summit standing left to right: myself, Rito, Kilei, Tom and Marcus. Kneeling left to right: Ted, J and Sara.

Summit view

The clouds cleared to give us a postcard view of the Windward side.

Going down Alewa ridge

A group of teenagers popped up at the summit, they had hiked up from Kamehameha School and were planning on going towards the Pali. They had no water and no idea what they were getting themselves into. That’s what leads to rescues. J was nice enough to give them some water and they wisely decided to go back down Alewa ridge.

Civilization!

The walk down Alewa ridge was the longest part of the hike, of course less fraught with challenges.

Graceful landing – 3 points!

Kilei and Marcus making their way over the fence at the top of Alewa Drive. After this, it was a late lunch at Bangkok Chef.

GPS Tracks

The 4.9 mile hike was the hardest I’ve done to date. It was filled with mental and physical challenges and an extra serving of fun along with good company.