A friend got sick and was unable to complete the KST this weekend, so Eric and I did a hike on the West side instead.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Chico and Groot for dropping us off in the area that was once dominated by sugar and cattle plantations from roughly 1906-1946.

Ka’ala Trail

We passed some hunters who when they learned of our destination, suggested we take the road instead. No thanks, we’ll stick to the higher ground. There was enough pavement on this road leading up to the trail that was enough for me.

Ka’ala Trail

Old and new. Trail markers that is. The purple bottle caps was set by Waianae Steve many years ago and the pink ribbons by hikers many months ago?

Three Poles

Climbing out of the valley was a good stiff cardio exercise as we reached the top where we saw the prominent Bolo Head ridge next to us.

Ka’ala Trail

Eric climbing over the first boulder section.

Ka’ala Trail

Can you take my photo of me going up the ladder section? My phone is locked out.

Pu’u Ka’ala

Reaching the top of the highest mountain on the island, while the true summit was a short walk away, this was good enough for today. We also ran into two brothers from Texas who was unprepared for the inclement weather, as it’s always sunny in Hawaii right?

Pu’u Ka’ala

One of eight species of koli’i taken by the botanist on the hike, this particular one takes about five years to grow and then blooms its pink flowers and dies off.

Ka’ala Bog

Eric entering the 1,100 acre area that was once home to a fishpond and is now home to endemic plants and species.

Ka’ala Bog

Got mud?

Ka’ala Bog

Mud misery loves company.

Ka’ala Bog

The botanist identified this as kanawao, a species of perennial flowering plant of the Hydrangeaceae family, that is only found in Hawaii.

Ka’ala Bog

Contact with the fence line which lead us to the …

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

… overgrown and cloud soaked ridge line.

WST

Making my way down the slippery climb due to the prior rain and morning dew.

WST

Eric going across the Leap of Faith.

WST

When the weight on your shoulders is too much. Just let it roll down the valley.

WST

Two native plants – Hawaiian mint that has no smell due to no predators and the uluhe ferns that are important to the native ecosystem in terms of building soil and also impede hiking traffic on many a trail.

WST

I found the overgrowth presence on the trail was markedly less than on previous visits. No complaints here.

WST

Following the fence line on the undulating ridge line.

WST

The fence while a bane to some hikers and a boon to conservationists, it does help one to navigate more easily through the overgrowth, sometimes.

WST

Watching rain showers march across Lualualei Valley. the largest coastal valley on the Leeward side of the island.

WST

Passing by shrubs of Naupaka Kuahiwi, the mountain yin to the Naupaka Kahakai, the ocean yang. The half flowers symbolize division in Hawaiian mythology and when united, symbolize love and reunion.

WST

Eric making his way around the “split” fenced ridge line.

WST

Dropping down to a narrow shelf as we made our way on the trail.

WST

Eric climbing his way up.

WST

Contouring our way around the trail that was riddled with erosion and landslides.

Pu’u Kalena

Group photo on the second highest peak on the island that sits at 3,504′ elevation.

WST

We took a short break at the summit and then pushed our way through the overgrowth.

WST

Climbing our way through the denuded section of the trail.

Star Trek Junction

My Vulcan salute was looking pretty weak. Live long and prosper.

WST

Passing through the pine tree section.

WST

Making my way along the eroded section of the trail.

WST

Eric going over one of multiple fence crossings.

WST

Looking out towards sexxxy ridge, so named due to the razor thin ridge and sheer drops on both sides.

WST

Eric climbing down the hill towards the rock dike ahead of us.

WST

Trailing on the narrow dike.

WST

Leaving the fence line behind us as we descended down the trail which lead to another rock dike.

WST

Eric climbing his way down with Ka’ilio in the background.

WST

Making my way down the narrow dike.

WST

Passing through the “Martian” area while stopping to check out some red lichen on the rocks.

All pau

Lucky we are illiterate. Thanks to Chico for picking us up and bringing us coke floats. Big mahalos!

GPS Tracks

Our final hike of the year covered just under seven miles through a mixture of wet and dry terrain and cloud soaked and sun kissed views. Post hike meal at Chicken in a Barrel. They didn’t have any chicken left. Really? So we split a pizza at the nearby Old Town Pizzeria. Thanks Eric for picking up the pizza. Fun hike to end 2024.

Photos taken by Eric Sadoyama 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.

I spent Easter Sunday on the “forbidden mountain” with Andy, Enrique and Lilyn today.

KoleKole Pass

Walking down the shuttered road passing signs that warned of high winds and falling rocks. The signs did not lie at all.

KoleKole Pass

Leaving the twisting hairpins behind us as we traded the asphalt for basalt.

Ka’ilio

We were not going up the side ridge as somebody had relished in anticipation, but rather straight up.

Ka’ilio

The winds were so strong that it literally took our breath away, not to mention flapping hats in somebody’s face.

Ka’ilio

Pulling ourselves up one crumbly rock at a time.

Ka’ilio

Going through a small patch of stunted trees that provided temporary cover from the raging gusts.

Ka’ilio

Enrique going straight up the rock face.

Ka’ilio

Lilyn trying to give Alex Honnold a run for his money.

Ka’ilio

Andy taking the safer and saner route.

Ka’ilio

Pushing against the wind. Pushing against the crumbly rocks. Pushing to the summit.

Ka’ilio

Somebody was glad to be at the top.

Ka’ilio

Group photo at the 1,865′ summit with the largest coastal valley on the island in the background.

Ka’ilio

Catching a rainbow after rain showers drizzled the area. Luckily, they didn’t stick around long.

Ka’ilio

Happy Easter from the Dog Hill.

Ka’ilio

You take that way and I’ll take this way. Let’s see who gets down faster.

Ka’ilio

Controlling our descent as we climbed down, lest we roll and tumble like the rocks we dislodged.

Ka’ilio

Andy approaching the relatively flat spot on the mountain.

Ka’ilio

Why didn’t we take this way going up? Life needs challenges.

Ka’ilio

Dropping in elevation as the twisted road got closer.

Ka’ilio

The high winds and falling rocks continued unabated.

Ka’ilio

Somebody was really happy to be going back down.

Ka’ilio

Andy in the notch.

Ka’ilio

Scrambling back down to the road that was built back in 1937 by the Army Corps of Engineers.

KoleKole Pass

We all survived largely intact, minus my red cap which I involuntarily donated to the mountains.

All pau

100% ID Check in progress.

Our wind blasted introductory hike covered a scant 2.07 miles, with new and old faces. Post hike meal at Taps and Apps, a pub in Mililani that serves tasty food and alcohol of many kinds. The food and drinks were so good that it was passed around and luckily nobody got COVID.

Photos taken by Andy Pender, Enrique Chavez, Lilyn Avendano 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.

Met up with Lilyn and Marilyn to boldly go to the two highest peaks on the island and down the path where many a (wo)man has gone before. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Leander for dropping us off deep in the valley. We also met up with Dale’s group and trudged up the much maligned service road. Light rain showers kept the temperature down and the grounds saturated.

BSA Shelter

All smiles as we started on the trail and took a group photo left to right: myself, Marilyn, Lilyn, Chongsuk, Dale, Almira and Jan.

Rush hour

Leaving the shelter, we met up with Kyle’s group. Ka’ala was the place to be on this Kamehameha Day holiday.

Ka’ala Trail

Crossing the dry streambed. The waterfalls were parched and thirsty.

Ka’ala Trail

Pushing up the slippery slope of carpeted wet leaves and rooted ground.

Tree huggers

Seeking shelter or shade. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Three Poles

I wouldn’t hike with you guys. Seriously! Other hikers were heard muttering in the drizzling rain “Let’s go hiking they said. They said it would be fun.” Heavy on the sarcasm.

Bolohead Ridge

Looking over to the next crumbly ridge that also leads to the highest mountain.

Ka’ala Trail

Pulling ourselves up the fenced ridgeline as the ascent got a tad steeper.

Ka’ala Trail

Climbing our way up and over the somewhat slick boulders.

Ka’ala Trail

Laddering my way up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ka’ala Trail

The girls climbing their way up the rock punctuated trail.

Boardwalk

Smack dab in an ancient Hawaiian rain forest that’s perched on top of the 4,025′ flat summit of Ka’ala. The native lobelia plants seemed to be in full bloom.

Ka’ala Bog

Treading our way carefully through what was once a fishpond, according to some historical accounts.

Ka’ala Bog

The 1,100 acres of the Mount Ka’ala Natural Area Reserve encompasses 12 ecosystems, 208 native plant groups and 11 native animal groups. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ka’ala Bog

We soon found the fence and followed it out of the mist soaked plateau … Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

… and descended our way down a sliver of a ridge into the clouds.

WST

Marilyn lowering herself down the mossy covered boulders. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Threading our way carefully through the tangled mess of ropes and webbing.

WST

Swinging to the other side of the rock. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Marilyn standing against the backdrop of jumbled boulders that we had contoured and climbed our way down. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Pushing our way through the thorny overgrowth as we picked up the fence line again. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Hobbs Junction

Break time!

WST

Switching from the ridge line to the fence line as we made our way across the rugged terrain. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Marilyn climbing down through a break in the fenced ridge line.

WST

Lowering ourselves down to a sliver of a ledge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Marilyn climbing up the crumbly rockface. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ms. Lonely

Lilyn standing in for Tessa. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Pu’u Kalena

Group photo at the second highest peak on the island that stands at 3,504′ tall. Robbed of the views again.

WST

Dropping down the ridgeline where the views of Lualualei and Waianae Valleys opened up.

WST

Marilyn standing on one of the few barren spots on the ridgeline. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Star Trek

We all had another bite to eat before hopping the fence and looking for a trail down. Any trail. Will the real trail stand up? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Star Trek

Looking for the next tree or grass to grab.

Star Trek

Following the trail that was marked with black webbing. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Star Trek

Lilyn coming down a steep section.

Star Trek

Contouring our way down the ridge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Star Trek

Group photo on the edge where you can’t see the depth for the trees.

Star Trek

Marilyn going down the steep pocket. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Star Trek

Walking under the heavily bowed trees.

Star Trek

Following the scattered green bottlecaps on our way out.

Star Trek

Crossing Honua Stream? on our way out.

Junction

Climbing up the small hill bordered with irritating California grass where we soon hit the junction shared by Hobbs.

Waianae Valley

Yay, it’s still daylight! Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

All pau

It was barely a hop, skip , and jump once we hit the service road before we found ourselves back at the parking lot. Mahalo to Leander for picking us back up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

GPS Tracks

Our hike to the roof of the Hawaiian skies and down the trail where no views existed covered a little over seven miles. Post hike meal at Coquito’s. Fun hike with good friends.

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 Analyn, Anne, Chris, Cisco and Ferlino to labor our way in the mountains this weekend. Thanks to Jasmin for waking up at an ungodly hour to drop us off.

Trailhead

Walking in the footsteps of the trains that once circled this part of the island.

Ridge

Making our way up the rocky ridge line.

ArtByEoin

The pill boxes have eyes. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kaena Point

Is it time to use the red light or the white light?

Golf ball

Too early for tee time. Photo by Chris Bautista

Sunrise

Silhouetted against the morning sky. Photo by Anne Fai.

Grazing

Nothing to see here. Mooove along.

Blue Flash

We were able to capture her in slow motion due to the absence of motorized vehicles. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kuaokala Trail

Leaving the road behind us.

Kuaokala Trail

Chris looking out at the Waianae coastline.

BSA 162

Sun out. Sunscreen on. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Guava Tree

Branch to mouth. No middleman here.

Kuaokala Trail

Enjoying the broad and flat jeep road while we can. Photo by Chris Bautista

Kuaokala Trail

Looking out from the tree lined trail. Photo by Chris Bautista

Shark Fin

We put our packs down for photoshoot #1.

Kuaokala Forest Reserve

Looking across the tree topped ridge lines. Photo by Anne Fai

Kuaokala Trail

Stepping down the eroded rocky section.

Kuaokala Trail

Back on the jeep road, with a communications tower seen in the distance. We have four bars.

Kuaokala Trail

Chris taking a nap on the trail. We have four zzzz’s.

Makua Rim

Looking into the historic valley that has yet to be scrubbed free from her military scarring.

Pahole

Entering 685 acres of protected native fauna and flora.

Not potable

Break time. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Makua Valley

Trying to get the synchronization down for photoshoot #2. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Back to our regularly scheduled program of hiking.

Fruit Pickers

We came down the ridge hoping to pick some juicy Tangelos. Our stomachs were sorely disappointed.

Da Glove

The KST has its boot and the WST has its glove. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Three Corners

Time to go from vertical to …

Three Corners

… horizontal. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Three Corners

Lunch break with views. Some of us were too tired to take in the views. One was never too tired for photoshoot #3. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ridge

Dropping down to the road that winds its way to the highest point on the island.

Fence

Swinging over the fence line. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Hairy Ball

Singular, not plural. What happens when you don’t clear the fence. Photo by Chris Bautista

Road Trip

The road was extremely punishing this time around. Frequent breaks were the order of the day.

Weeping Wall

Free water. Just bring your own bottles. Filter optional, but highly recommended. Photo by Chris Bautista

#78

The end of the very long road.

Mount Ka’ala

Setting up camp at the highest point on the island. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Ka’ala

Communal dining while Cisco and I snored the night away. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

Jumping for air at our 4,025′ camp spot. Our morning departure was slightly delayed by photoshoot #4. Photo by Chris Bautista

Ka’ala Bog

Stepping foot onto the boardwalk that winds it way through 1,100 acres of moss covered trees and native plants.

Ka’ala Bog

One can’t escape the mud in here, it’s inevitable.

Ka’ala Bog

One can’t seem to escape the fence line as well.

WST

Leaving the bog and heading down the muddy ridge.

Boulders

Slipping my way down the rocks. Photo by Chris Bautista

Boulders

Study in concentration. Hand there. Foot there.

Hammerhead Worm

“Landshark” bipalium searching for its prey. Photo by Anne Fai

Boulder

Put your backs into it and tell the photobomber to pitch in as well.

Get a shell

What? Take a picture, it’ll last longer.

WST

Back on the fence line. Photo by Anne Fai

Hobbs Junction

Melts in your mouth, not in your hands. I think its the other way around. Photo by Anne Fai

Trail hazard

The attack of the terrifying inch worm with its looping gait. Pull out the magnifying glasses for this one and use your earplugs.

WST

Climbing in and out of the gap. Photo by Chris Bautista

WST

Ferlino climbing up a short and steep rocky section.

Pu’u Kalena

Heavenly, as in the clouds, views at the second highest peak in the island. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

WST

We left the 3,504′ summit to go down the overgrown ridge that soon yielded to eroded patches of ridge line populated with pine trees.

WST

The smell of garlic shrimp seemed to be coming up from the valley or was it simply the collective stink of the group?

WST

We finally got a view. Better late than never. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Mountain views

Mount Ka’ala and Pu’u Kalena also cleared up for our viewing pleasures.

WST

We wrapped up photoshoot #5 and went down the spur ridge.

Scareface

Say hello to my little friend. Photo by Chris Bautista

WST

Going up the dike and … Photo by Analyn Baliscao

WST

… coming down from the dike. Photo by Analyn Baliscao

WST

We left the ridge and headed down towards the manmade pass that was blasted out of the mountains in the mid-1930s.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

Cisco looking at the crumbly pile of rocks that makes up the forbidden mountain.

WST

Watching the clouds lazily drift across the mountainous landscape as we made our way down.

Kolekole

Sliding our way down the raw and red terrain that lives up to its name. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

GI Joe

The lone surviving toy soldier. There could be other survivors out there.

Exit

We could smell the fried chicken and hear the carbonated soda fizzing or was I just hallucinating?

Kolekole Pass

Enjoying ice cold soda at the lowest point in the Waianae Mountains. Shout out to Matt for bringing us the refreshing beverages and Louisiana chicken.

Kolekole Pass

I guess red beans and rice can be explosive.

Kolekole Pass

Setting up camp and preparing for photoshoot #6. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri

Camp Kolekole

All the greatest American and Filipino hits were being sung tonight.

Camp Kolekole

The karaoke gang migrated to somebody’s tent to have her join in, but she was busy washing herself with the extra water.

Camp Kolekole

Our morning departure was once again slightly delayed by photoshoot #7.

WST

Heading up the densely packed tree lined trail.

Nature recycling

Going up the corridor of paperbark trees.

WST

Matt at the top of the trail before it dips back down into the notches.

WST

Taking in the views. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Looking back at the West side. The best side.

WST

Cisco climbing out of the notches.

Rorshach Test

Mother Nature has a good sense of humor or some peoples minds are in the gutter. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Cisco and Matt on their way to the summit of Hapapa.

WST

This spider web was not even catching the dew drops, let alone any appetizing bugs. Location, location, location. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo at the squared 2,883′ summit left to right: Ferlino, Cisco, Matt, myself, Anne, Chris and Analyn. We sat down for photoshoot #8.

WST

Leaving the fifth highest peak on the West side.

WST

Following the fence line through the ridge line.

Bon Appetit

Finger food. It goes down slowly. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Making our way down to the rock edifice that dominates and straddles the ridge line.

WST

Climb or contour? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla

WST

Protruding rocks provided temporary relief from the cloying overgrowth.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Time to fly the drone again for the last time and our final photoshoot of the hike.

WST

Headed towards the most overgrown section of the WST.

Nobody better lay a finger on my butterfinger. Oh, wrong candy bar.

It was still hard, even after three days. Somebody should go see a doctor. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

Bushwhacking our way through overgrowth …

WST

… upon more overgrowth. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Climbing out of the overgrowth as the clouds started to roll in towards the mountains. Photo by Chris Bautista

Gorilla Heads

Making our way to the two obstacles known as Gorilla Heads or Kryangles. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

O Christmas Tree. 113 days left. Photo by Chris Bautista

Gorilla Heads

Chris going up the little head. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

Cisco at the top. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

Chris dislodged a couple loose rocks climbing his way up the big head.

Gorilla Heads

The grey clouds started to dislodge rain upon us as made our way up.

Gorilla Heads

Ferlino bringing up the webbing on his way up.

Gorilla Heads

Matt climbing his way down the backside.

WST

Climbing our way up to the interrupted fence line.

Gorilla Heads

Looking back at the rain showers sweeping the Waianae Mountains.

WST

Matt muscled his way up the slick section of rocks and threw webbing down for the rest of us.

WST

Slippery when mossy.

WST

Contouring our way through the overgrowth as we avoided …

WST

… the old vertical fence trail. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Climbing up the near vertical fence as it cut a swatch through the tangled mess of uluhe ferns.

Pu’u Kaua

Time and weather were not on our side, so we made the difficult decision to descend from the 3,127′ summit.

Trail

Leaving the third highest peak on the island.

Trail

Clouds clearing over agricultural lands that are slowly being developed into farm lots, off-grid and often unregulated housing.

Trail

I should have brought my cardboard box, or at the very least my spikes. Photo by Anne Fai

Trail

Chris riding the timber log ride at Kunia’s Berry Farms.

Kunia

Dimming the lights as we walked down the road past the slowly growing trailer village filled with a chorus of barking dogs.

All pau

Our 26 mile three-day hike that was filled with laughs, great views and good company; came to an abbreviated end in the farmlands of Kunia. Thanks to Lee for picking us up and bringing chilled Coca-Cola. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. You can’t go wrong with oxtail soup, unless it’s too expensive and then you fall back to the Zip Mein.

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.

My original plan was to fly to Kauai and set foot on the Kalalau Trail this weekend; instead Jasmin drove Cisco, Ferlino and myself to the end of the island to kick off our weekend in the West.

Trailhead

We crossed paths with an amphibian only a princess and Lopaka could love.

Kaena Point

Passing one of multiple WW2 bunkers going up the ridge. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Sunrise

We caught the breaking sunrise, only thing that was caught. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kaena Point

Good thing these things are just tracking satellites.

Kuaokala Trail

Glimpsing some views of the rugged coast line …

Picnic Shelter

… nibbled on some breakfast bites and returned back on the trail …

Kuaokala Trail

… glimpsing no views at all now.

Kuaokala Trail

Ferlino following the hiking arrow to stay on track.

Kuaokala Trail

Walking through the cloud soaked tree lined trail.

Kuaokala Trail

Making our way down the rocky and rutted trail. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kuaokala Trail

Guess who’s playing King of the Hill?

Dew Drops

Brushing past the water droplets hanging from the pine needles.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We ignored one gate to follow the fence line to …

WST

… go through another gate.

WST

Missing that 4×4 bus service on this trail.

Junction

To paraphrase Alexander Graham Bell, “Leaving the beaten trail to dive into the mountains to experience the rugged character of the Waianae Mountains.”

Makua Valley

Looking into the wounded valley that has yet to be allowed to heal itself.

WST

The clouds soon snatched our valley views away, so we continued to follow the fence line. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Moku

Our feet are located at N213239.22131 W1581140.52996, according to the National Geodetic Survey.

Pahole

Stopping at the scenic view point of …

North Shore

… the north shore towns of Waialua and Haleiwa. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

And now back to our regularly scheduled hiking.

WST

Switch backing amongst the tinkling sounds that marked native plants?

UXO

Passing one of many signs that warns people to stay on the other side of the fence. Well heeded.

WST

We jumped the fence to soak in some views. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

Back on the fence line.

Junction

No time to harvest the sweet and juicy tangelos down below us, as tempting and appetizing as that may sound.

Mokuleia Lookout

We took a break on the only benches on the entire trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

WST

Cisco going down the undulating ridge line.

WST

Pushing up the last climb to the summit.

Three Corners

Group photo where we had three views of clouds. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

WST

Where the fence line meets the road.

Ka’ala Road

It was a punishing 2.5 mile walk up the solid, paved and incline road that were scattered with rocks of assorted sizes. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Ka’ala Road

Convex mirrors are not only good for blind spots but selfies as well. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Weeping Wall

Bottling water straight from the mountain tap. No false advertising here.

#74 Waterfall

Only when it rains, does she flow.

Mount Ka’ala

End of the road for us.

Mount Ka’ala

Time to settle in at the highest point on the island, which translates to quite a chilly night.

Mount Ka’ala

We woke up to a typical socked in morning.

Mount Ka’ala

Entering over 1,000 acres of endemic Hawaiian fauna and flora.

Mount Ka’ala

Walking through the boardwalk. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

Picking our way through the marked and sometimes confusing trail.

WST

Leaving the bog as we followed the ridge line to drop off the 4,025′ summit.

WST

Cisco peering over the moss and rain slicked boulders.

WST

Ferlino standing over the “Leap of Faith” boulder section. I was trying to take Cisco’s picture when he was crossing this section, as I backed up to get a better angle, I slipped on the mossy rock and my phone took a fall. Luckily, Ferlino saw where it had landed and retrieved it for me.

WST

At least Cisco was not condemned for eternity to hold back the boulder, just long enough for this photo.

WST

Back to bushwhacking with no views. The joys of hiking.

Hobbs

Group photo at the ridge that will lead you back down into Waianae Valley.

WST

Crossing the gap that the fence can’t cover.

Pu’u Kalena

Sun dances and shaka’s don’t work at the summit. Well, at least not this particular one.

WST

Leaving the clouds and rain behind us as we left the 3,504′ summit.

WST

All smiles now as the sun came out to play with us. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

Ferlino making his way down the drier part of the trail.

WST

Leaving the cloud capped summit of Kalena behind us. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

WST

Looking out at sexxxy ridge. No sexy time for us today.

WST

Cisco and Ferlino crossing the narrow dike section.

WST

Leaving the ridge line behind us as we dropped down another narrow dike section.

WST

Cisco making his way down. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

WST

Looking down at Lualualei Valley pocked with navy bunkers filled with who knows what.

WST

Turned off the ridge to wind our way down to the gap in the mountains.

WST

Heading down to the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range.

WST

Different layers of removal until it meets the definition of erosion – Pu’u Ka’ilio. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

Going down the sliding sands of Kolekole Pass. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

All pau

Out of the danger zone, but not the weather zone. With heavy rain predicted to fall tomorrow, we decided to call it a weekend. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

GPS Tracks

Our two day trek in the Waianae Mountains covered roughly 19.7 miles. In the end, I avoided being stranded on Kauai if I had stuck to my original plans, but instead we got booted off the Waianae Mountains a day early. Still a good deal. Thanks to Matt for picking us up and having our post hike meal at Popeye’s on base. Followed by a chaser of Taco Bell. All in all, it was still a great experience with a fun crew.

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.

Blustery weather had rained on our saddles parade. Chris, Glenn, Jose and myself decided to go with our backup hike. Go West hikers!

Good morning

Kolekole Pass was open to the public again. Early hikers get the trail all to themselves. Not a soul in sight.

Hello again

Returned to the forbidden mountain to complete some unfinished business.

The fun begins

Glenn going up the steep climb at the base.

Pop up hikers

Chris and Jose coming up from the base.

Greener pastures

Jose headed towards the saddle section.

Scrambling

One crumbly rock at a time. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Rainbow

Where there are rainbows, there are rain. Not far behind.

Windy hill

Breezy winds kept us cool on the climb up, nothing like the gusty winds that were blowing us around last time.

Cacti hill

Watch your handholds.

Rock and a hard place

Jose climbing in between the rocks.

Zit rock

Chris and Glenn scrambling their way up. Well one is scrambling, the other is pausing.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

Group photo at the 1,940’summit left to right: Jose, Chris, myself and Glenn.

Waianae coast

Time to explore the backside of Pu’u Ka’ilio.

Gloves are on

Must be some serious hiking ahead.

Hiking interruptus

Hold on, I have to take this call.

Cooking with Jose

A tender paddle ready to be plucked, boiled and grilled.

Morning dew

Prickly pear flower. No fruits.

Lualualei Valley

The coastal valley used to be the center of volcanic activity millions of years ago.

Hikers incontinence

I was about to climb down this rock face when I felt wetness in my lower extremities. Had I peed myself? I checked and found that my camelbak bite piece had fallen off and water was pouring out of my tube. The other tube. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Rock gym

Jose climbing his way down.

Checking it out

Hmmm, doesn’t look that bad. Famous last words. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Careful contouring

We climbed down the side to avoid what looked like impassable steep rock faces.

Rock cathedral

Mountain inspiration.

Scenic point

The hill had panoramic views of the Waianae coastline and mountains. Stunning all around.

Seriously, again?

Call for Mister Toyama.

Hop, skip and jump

Jose showing his rock moves.

Hiking the shark

Glenn climbing up the rock fin. Banned in 27 countries. Photo by Chris Chun.

Perspectives

It just looks steep. Looks are deceiving. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Praying

Dark clouds rolling our way. Start or stop praying? Photo by Jose Luise Delaki.

Rock dikes

Jose trying to levitate.

Crumbly ridge

Rock rubble made this mountain. Can you tell?

Looking back

Chris scooting his way down.

Steep drop ahead

Jose checking it out.

Does this reach?

Time to break out the webbing. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Leap of faith

Chris making his way down the rock face whose base was severely eroded.

Rainy rocks

Rain, rain go away.

Finning the shark

An acquired climb. Tasty.

Looking back

All the crazy climbing sections behind us.

End of the hill

We found sheer cliffs at the end of the hill. Time to beat the bushes back to the road.

Going down

Going down the overgrown side of the hill.

Less traveled road

Walking back to the trailhead.

Guarding the mountains

Group photo in one of the abandoned guard shacks that dot the lonely road.

All pau

The crew walking back on the winding road and admiring the rock formations that we had just climbed over.

GPS Tracks

The fun rocky ride covered a scant 3.65 miles through rain and rainbows. Post hike meal at Thai Loa. Family style. Pass the Evil Jungle curry.

It was a nice hot day to do a ridge in Waianae. Met up with Chris and Gen in Nanakuli at the trailhead.

Morning shade

We scrambled up through the dry brush and scattered rocks with the ridge providing temporary shade from the withering Waianae sun.

Northwest ridge

Climbing up the shorter but steeper route. Shaved half a mile. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Morning sun

The elevation gain also came with the loss of the morning shade. Good morning Waianae.

Buddha has left the mountain

Group photo at the 1,870′ summit of Heleakala, left to right: Gen, myself and Chris.

Going down

Dipping into the saddle to shed 1,000′ of elevation.

Going up

Just like those fad diets, we gained all of the 1,000′ elevation back and then some.

Watering hole

No twerking bees here. Move along.

Rocky climb

It was a rocky rollercoaster ride up and down the ridge.

Getting hot

Time to slather liberal amounts of sunscreen on our exposed epidermis.

Lualualei Valley

Looking into the largest coastal valley on the Leeward coast.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Climbing down

Going down one rock at a time.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Lucky she was a southpaw. Still had three fingers and the hook of her elbow. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

False summit ahead

Plunging ahead into overgrowth country.

Contouring

The exposed rocks intermittently broke up the continuity of the overgrowth.

Where’s that rope?

The main rock obstacle on the ridge. We had actually spotted a rope on the right side as we approached it through the overgrowth but lost sight of it and went up the hard way. No rope. Character building. Dislocated thumb. More character building.

More rock climbing

I’d rather deal with climbing rocks than thick overgrowth any day.

I don’t need help

Color me impressed. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Looking back

The hardest part of the ridge was behind us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tangled branches

Ducking and weaving.

Summit ahead

The ridge soon leveled out and became more exposed as we neared the summit.

WST

We climbed over the fence to mark our arrival at the 3,035′ point on the Waianae Summit Trail.

Follow the fence

After eating our lunch, we followed the steps and fence back down.

Broken step

Somebody needs to lose weight. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Central view

Soaking in one of the many views along the ridge.

Close the gate

Leaving the Palehua Nature Preserve.

Headed out

Passing the rock passage. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Scenic point

Time to bust out the selfie stick again. Make that plural.

Climb that tree

That tree was made for sitting.

Indiana Jones Boulders

Hoping not to get rolled over. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Heleakala ridge

The ridge was filled with cardio climbing and rock scrambling. Throw in some heat for good measure, tempered with weak winds.

Switchbacks

One coming. One going.

Bamboo forest

Funny finding bamboo grass on the West side.

Back to civilization

Walking down to the communication towers. The end of the hiking trail and the start of the road trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

The long road out

The long winding road went down five miles past lettered lots, Camp Timberline and assorted wildlife, fenced and free range.

GPS Tracks

The hot and scenic hike covered 9.59 miles. Post hike meal at Outback. No prime rib? Chopped steak for me.

Thessa joined me to explore a new trail on Schofield Barracks, as Kolekole Pass was open to the public this weekend. Many thanks to Jared Nakahara for throwing this idea out, where I promptly picked it up.

Kolekole Pass Road

We broke away from the clustered crowd at the trailhead to walk down a less traveled road.

The Forbidden Mountain

The winding road hugged towering cliffs, where it soon opened up to reveal our destination.

Going up

We left the road to bushwhack up a cacti infested finger ridge to get to the steep base of the mountain. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Looking back down

Thessa climbing up one crumbly rock at a time.

Makai view

The howling wind raced down from the ocean and buffeted us on this isolated mountain in the valley.

Where did it go?

The wind snatched Thessa’s yellow bandana clean off her head and sent it sailing down the mountain.

Hairsock

Thessa hanging onto a tree as the winds pushed us around the mountain. Winds at 40 mph gusting to double nickels. Or at least that’s what her hair said.

Crumbly

I had read this mountain was actually rubble piled against the old caldera wall. Explains a lot.

Mauka view

The rugged Waianae Mountain Range.

Ka’ilio notches

A small step and it was all over. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Steep?

From afar, the mountain looks somewhat less than statuesque. Up close and personal, it was somewhat intimidating as it looked like a huge hot mess of rocks just waiting for the inopportune time to come crashing down.

Hang on

Thessa cresting a small rocky hump.

Who’s that?

Find Waldo. Photo by Joshua Keoki Versola.

Scrambling

It was slow going up the mountain, as the rocks were very loose and brittle. Not to mention the windy conditions.

Contouring

We interrupted our straight up climb to contour a particularly steep and crumbly section.

Almost there

It’s not that bad!

More scrambling

I can see the summit! Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Final push

Thessa making her way up.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

Thessa and myself at the 1,940′ summit. Consideration of dropping down the other side of the mountain was dissuaded by high winds and crumbly conditions. Back another day.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

The view of Pu’u Ka’ilio from Pu’u Hapapa. Photo by Joshua Keoki Versola.

Zoom zoom

I think somebody is on that mountain. Photo by Jake Kunukau.

Going back down

Time to head back down. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Clear

I scrambled down a safe distance in case an errant rock came my way.

One step at a time

Kicking it on the mountain.

Footwear options

To shoe or not to shoe?

All pau

We ran into a lot of familiar and “heard of you” fellow hikers at the trailhead. Impromptu meet and greet.

Mild or spicy?

Post hike meal at the most famous Korean eating place in Wahiawa. You say meat jun. We say meat chun. Group photo standing left to right: Ryan, Pip, Erik, Allison, Melita, Darren, Gary and Eric. Sitting left to right: Katie, Agnes, Thessa, Bernice, Janice and Carol.

GPS Tracks

The short, crumbly and gusty hike covered a measly 1.91 miles, but afforded spectacular views of the Waianae coastline and mountain range. Definitely want to pay a repeat visit to finish the other side.

Back in the Waianae Mountains. The wet Waianae Mountains.

Weather forecast?

Met up with Jasmin, John, Jose and Steve in Waianae Valley. Clouds were already spilling over the mountains.

Branch break

Taking a break on Hobbs Ridge. Rain had started to fall earlier while we were in the valley. Jose punched up the weather and the forecast was rain all afternoon. Group photo left to right: John, Jose, Jasmin and Steve.

Agave plants

Steve looking for the worm to put in the bottle.

Follow the arrow

Pretty hard to get lost on this ridge.

Follow the can

We lost over half of our crew after this section. Jasmin and Jose were not feeling well, so they turned around. Steve didn’t like the weather, so he joined them. John and myself were left to finish the hike.

Huffing and puffing

John making his way up the ridge.

Follow the webbing

The final push to the terminus of Hobbs Ridge.

Follow the fence

We took a right on the Waianae Summit Trail. Into the clouds.

Have pole, will hike

John’s hiking pole came in handy. He cleared a swath through the overgrowth and especially the thorny plants.

Fence break

There were several sections on the trail where the fence broke its continuity due to landslides or changing terrain.

Is this the WST or KST?

Some people think that the Waianae Mountains are arid and dry. I beg to differ.

See anything?

Still socked in.

Blackberries

Tempting trail snacks.

Summit?

We missed the 3,504′ summit of Pu’u Kalena. I still can’t believe it. We just summited and continued down the fence line.

Primordial forest

Looking down the ridge. The clouds and light rain added to the effect.

We can see

We dropped below the cloud deck as we lost elevation.

I can see my car

Looking into Waianae Valley.

Clouds are clearing

Click here for the larger image.

Road open?

The Kolekole Pass Road connects Schofield Barracks to the West side of the island. Some confusion as to whether the road is semi-open or permanently closed due to unsafe conditions.

Looking back

Click here for the larger image.

SeXXXy ridge

The spur ridge that is the photo opportunity for many a hiker. Not us. Not today. Photo by John Garrity.

Ridge going down

We continued hiking down the ridge by following the fence. Can’t get any easier.

What happened to the fence?

Exposed dike sections replaced the fence line on the trail.

Optical illusion

Looked like I’m standing in a hole. Just the exposed dike section. Photo by John Garrity.

Pu’u Kalena

Our summit in the background photo.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Camouflage

Grey hiker on a grey dike. Photo by John Garrity.

Looking back or up

John making his way down the ridge.

Stop and smell the flowers

Bunches of these bright red flowers were sprinkled throughout the trail.

Don’t miss the junction

Coming down, we missed the flagged junction and was making our way down on the exposed ridge when we realized our mistake and backtracked.

Left or right?

The trail continued to the left. The right looked like a dry stream bed.

Crumbly

This section was heavily exposed and eroded. Every step we took sent cascading showers of dirt and small rocks down range.

Kolekole Pass

The lowest point in the Waianae Mountains. We saw several cars come up the road and turn around at the barrier. No hiking for them. That’s what they get for taking the easy way. LOL.

Open for business?

Who let the dogs in? Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up and driving back to Waianae Valley. Photo by John Garrity.

GPS Tracks

Our cloudy and rainy hike was 6.9 miles. Still had some stunning views. Back to Outback for our post hike meal. Can’t get enough of that wood fire grilled prime rib.

Rain kept me off the mountains. Again. Plan B. Despite assurances from a hunter at the Manana trailhead, that it only rains in the morning, we all piled into Jose’s car and drove to the West side looking for a dry trail to hike.

Westside Pavilion

We soon found ourselves roughly two miles deep on Lualualei Naval Road in Nanakuli, where we parked outside Westside Pavilion, a party venue. If one has the proper military clearances, the road goes all the way to Kolekole Pass and beyond. A somewhat suspicious caretaker swung by and quizzed us as to what we were doing and if we worked in the insurance or law enforcement fields. Hiking was our reply. His parting advice to us was “Lock your car as this is Waianae.” Sound advice anywhere.

Trailhead

The trailhead is across the street and easily gained by climbing up a concrete wall and squeezing in between a barbed wire fence.

Where is the trail?

We followed the faint foot trail in the dry grass and kiawe trees.

Heiau?

Going up the rocky slope, we skirted the remains of a rock wall. Perhaps it was once part of a heiau?

Scrambling

The trail going up the northern ridge is somewhat obvious, punctuated with faded ribbons that marks the path.

Two more humps

Going up the somewhat steep ridge provided a cardio wake up and several rock faces sprinkled along the way were easily climbed thanks to numerous handholds and footholds.

Can you see the rainbow?

Rain made a quick show in Lualualei Valley and a rainbow soon appeared over the coastline, washed out by the strong Waianae sun.

Maui!

Passing the second false peak, the triangular face of the adjacent ridge which bears a striking resemblance to a pyramid, popped into view. Heleakala means “where the sun is snared” as the Hawaiian demigod, Maui, caught the sun and slowed her down so that his mother’s bark cloth would have more time to dry.

One more hump to go

Thessa climbing towards the summit of Pu’u Heleakala.

Pink flowers

As we neared the summit, we left behind the dry shrub, which was replaced by greener vegetation and a profusion of these tiny pink flowers.

Lualualei Valley

Looking down into Lualualei Valley and the Navy’s VLF Antenna Farm that towers over the land at 1,503′.

Hawaiian Pyramid

Jose pointing to the ridge commonly called the “Hawaiian Pyramid” for obvious reasons. As one climbs higher, the perspective changes and it looks less like a pyramid and more of a ridge.

Pu’u Heleakala

Group photo at the 1,900′ summit left to right: Jose, Brian, Thessa and myself. I heard that a Buddha statue once marked the summit, Buddha was nowhere to be seen.

The trail to Palikea

Looking towards the 1,000′ drop to the saddle and the 1,200′ climb back up towards the pyramid ridge. The ridgeline continues to Palikea and Palehua if one so wishes. Today we had no such wish. Another hike for another day.

Going down

We decided to take the gradually sloped southern ridge, which splits Nanakuli and Lualualei Valleys, back down.

Baby mantis

Jose found this tiny critter, which was about the size of a grain of rice. Thank goodness for macro capability in cameras.

Raining in the ocean

Looking out towards the ocean, we saw several rainclouds. Recycling in action.

Looking back

The summit of Pu’u Heleakala is easily gained and easily lost. The hike seemed too easy to be true.

Henry Guevara, we meet again

Coming down the ridge, we ran across this base that had “Henry Guevara” tagged on it. Apparently, he had just died a week earlier as his ashes are hanging on a tree at the summit, perhaps this was his favorite trail. Luckily, Brian did not sit in the ashes, like the last time on Olomana. Inside joke.

Down to the pillbox

We started descending down from the ridge before the residential housing area and towards this white topped pillbox.

No vacancy

The pillbox was taken, in terms of occupancy, by homeless people as their camp was located nearby.

Trail out

Walking back towards the road with Puu o Hulu Kai and Uka in the background.

Following the tracks

Remnants of railroad tracks that once crisscrossed the island.

Emergency Access

The road to nowhere? Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Is the coast clear?

Thessa hamming it up. No palm trees were taken or harmed during the photographing of this event.

GPS Tracks

Our dry hike in Nanakuli was a short and sweet 3.9 miles, as compared to a wet and long muddy hike if we had stuck with the original plan on going from Manana to Waimalu.