The random dumping of rain over the weekend resulted in cancellation of the original hike and its easy peasy lemon squeezy replacement.

Manoa

We met up deep in Manoa Valley under a constant pitter patter of rain and paid our four dollars to park inside while somebody parked in the neighborhood.

Manoa

Going through the shipping container that leads to a picture perfect rainforest that has been the backdrop in many Hollywood productions.

Manoa

Walking through the gravel path that winds its way through the forest of trees.

Manoa

Kenny playing in the water colored by rain and runoff.

Manoa

The girls didn’t want to get any more wet, so they stayed on the trail.

Manoa

Close enough without dipping my big toe in the water.

Manoa

Clustered around the tree throne that was grown by Mother Nature and maintained by the State of Hawaii.

Manoa

Walking up the reinforced steps as we approached the 150′ waterfall that was a little more voluminous than usual due to the weekend rain showers.

Wahii Nui Falls

Group photo at one of seven waterfalls in the valley, this being the most popular, well-known and misnamed.

Manoa

A bug’s eye view. Watch where you step. Met up with Allison and her daughter on the way down.

Manoa

Leaving the Honolulu Makau Trail System where talks of visiting another waterfall at nearby Lyon Arboretum were quickly dropped due to lack of interest and water.

Paradise Park

Gaining admittance to the 76-acre bird park that opened in 1967 and shuttered its operations in 1994 due to low visitor count.

Paradise Park

Akira making use of one of multiple abandoned aviaries throughout the compound.

Paradise Park

Wanna be birds climbing in the Aloha Aviary, where they were given more space than the smaller aviaries.

Paradise Park

The roof was for the most part still non-permeable which allowed the group shelter from the rain.

Paradise Park

Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.

Paradise Park

I was half expecting a pack of velociraptors to emerge from the shadows in the dilapidated Kamehameha Amphitheater.

Paradise Park

The only thing that was lurking in the amphitheater shadows was these poison dart frogs that were introduced from Panama in 1932 to control the mosquito population.

Paradise Park

This unamazing untrained bird that flitted across the amphitheater stage sucked. No wonder the place shut down.

Paradise Park

Trying out the Coconut Margarita from the Snack Shop.

Paradise Park

Potential sighting of a night watcher? I think it came from Temu.

Paradise Park

Eyes wide shut or open?

Paradise Park

Taking what was left of the Menehune Trail as we returned back to the road, washed our muddy shoes upstairs and got back into our cars. Our short exploration around Manoa covered 2.56 miles where we saw the main waterfall and checked out the deserted bird zoo that can be yours for the princely sum of $21 million.

Manoa

Post hike meal at Nishi Moncho Ramen. The set meals were the best bang for the buck. Akira auditioned for the missing Ronald McDonald statue that was stolen by a solitary person in the middle of the night according to the employee. Think he can fill his red clown shoes?

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, 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.

According to a passage from Wikipedia, “Humans have had a distinct relationship with waterfalls since prehistory, travelling to see them, exploring and naming them.” That being said, the group met up in the valley that was home to the first coffee plantation in the islands to visit all seven of the waterfalls in the valley. 6/7. Close enough for a probationary member on her birthday hike.

Manoa Valley

Stocking up for the soon to happen festivities. Thanks to Rose for getting these biodegradable balloons and filling them with tap water straight from the pipes of Waimanalo. Edgar pointed out that this was the same street where a local chiropractor had killed his family and himself on March 10, 2024.

Manoa Valley

Starting on the trail as sunbeams danced on the valley floor.

Manoa Valley

YawYaw #1 sharing her can’t miss voice that the forest hasn’t heard since the COVID days.

Manoa Valley

The group making their way through the rain forest. The rain part was soon to come.

Manoa Valley

Walking across one of seven bridges on the way to the waterfalls, on the return trip you cross only six. We were not coming back this way. Not exactly.

Manoa Valley

Matt excited to find a TV in the jungle, until it dawned on him as how is he going to to plug it in.

Manoa Valley

Rose holding her freshly picked bunch of pako ferns while scrambling underneath a fallen tree. Not as easy as it looks. She got skills when it comes to food.

Manoa Valley

Dale trying out for the next cover of CQ – Coconut Quarterly.

Manoa Valley

The famous Laredo graced us with his presence. He was wearing a top and bottom. Unusual for him. We must not be at a waterfall yet.

Queen’s Bath

Our first group photo of the day in the clear pool of water. Does this count as a waterfall? I guess not, since Laredo’s clothes are still on.

Manoa Valley

Climbing out of the bath and into the falls.

Wa’aloa Falls

Our first waterfall and water balloon pelting of the day. LNT. We did pick up the latex remnants from the water.

Wa’aloa Falls

Top down view of the post-latex carnage.

Manoa Valley

Passing the memorial boulder in Waiakeakua Stream for Gladstone Wright, an 11-year old boy that was struck by a falling 7.5 pound rock while out on a picnic on May 14, 1891. He was rushed by carriage to Queen’s Hospital where he later passed to his injuries.

Manoa Valley

One of multiple stream crossings.

Manoa Valley

Matt searching a tunnel that went nowhere.

Waiakeakua Falls

We arrived at the second waterfall as some of us climbed up to the first tier to check out the deep hole.

Waiakeakua Falls

Splish-splash, they were taking a bath
Long about a Sunday morning, yeah
They were a-splishin’ and a a-splashin’, reelin’ with the feelin’
Movin’ and a-groovin’, jumpin’ and a-pumpin’, yeah
Bing-bang we saw the whole gang
Watchin’ and catchin’ our pics

Waiakeakua Falls

The second splattering.

Waiakeakua Falls

Group photo at the waterfalls that offers a route to reach the top of the Ko’olau Mountains if so desired. We were not so inclined this day.

Waiakeakua Falls

Balloon censorship at its wettest. Preferable over pixelation.

Waiakeakua Falls

Making our way back down to the base.

Manoa Valley

Man-made waterfall in the distance. Too small. Doesn’t count.

Manoa Valley

We soon ran into two of Allison’s friends, Joyce and Sam, who joined the group as we continued our search for more waterfalls. It’s like zombies searching for brains, addicting to some.

Manoa Valley

Testing the working load limit on a particular bridge.

Manoa Valley

Passing through a patch of bamboo grass as we looked for the next junction.

Naniuapo Falls

Approaching the third trickling waterfall.

Naniuapo Falls

The third throwing.

Naniuapo Falls

Group photo in the birds nest.

Naniuapo Falls

CB looking for a way to slide down. Left? Right? Helicopter?

Naniuapo Falls

Comments from the peanut gallery down below. The term harks back to vaudeville days when patrons in the cheap seats would throw out jeers and peanuts. At least give us some peanuts.

Naniuapo Falls

CB trying to coax me to go out on a limb. Literally. Hard pass. Already had a recent fall.

Manoa Valley

Walking in the footsteps of the steps that have long since rotted away.

Manoa Valley

Fresh cut flowers from the forest for the birthday girl.

Manoa Valley

Others got blooms and blossoms, I got rocks and rubbish. Shades of Kalalau Trail.

Manoa Valley

Random group photo in the forest.

Manoa Valley

The trail at times was overgrown, muddy and uneven. Par for a waterfall hike.

Manoa Valley

Sandra checking out the lower falls.

Manoa Valley

If a tree falls in a forest, climb on top and take a photo.

Luaalaea Falls

Climbing up to the fourth waterfall.

Luaalaea Falls

The balloons seem to have decreased in volume and accuracy.

Luaalaea Falls

The forecasted rains finally fell from the heavens, increasing the trickle to a stream of water cascading down the cliff.

Manoa Valley

We found Matt’s long, white and hard pipes that he was talking about on the trail. Quite a gusher.

Manoa Valley

The lush and verdant valley saturated with rain gave that prehistoric vibe that led this location to be used in the Jurassic Park movie. It also lead to a dry roll in the grass despite the heavy rain.

Manoa Falls Trail

We soon intersected with the gravel trail masquerading as a brown river that was filled with waterlogged hikers and us looking for that elusive junction, as the bloodhound’s nose must have been congested.

Manoa Valley

Sandra plunging into the brown river. Always a good sign. Right?

Manoa Valley

Roughly 30 minutes of boulder hopping and scrambling through the stream, we got to our fifth waterfall.

Kahuwai’iki Falls

Somebody was happy. This was a waterfall.

Kahuwai’iki Falls

Having a good time until rocks rained on our parade. Refer to Caption #14.

Kahuwai’iki Falls

Seeking a place of relative safety.

Kahuwai’iki Falls

The fifth drubbing of the day.

Kahuwai’iki Falls

Happy Birthday Allison!

Kahuwai’iki Falls

Thanks Mrs. Banks for letting Blaine to come out and play today.

Manoa Valley

Heading back down stream in search of two or one more waterfalls for the day?

Manoa Valley

One of many trees bearing mountain apple blossoms that we came across in the valley. Where are the mouth watering fruits?

Waihi Nui

Andrew auditioning for his direct to dvd movie. I’ll let you guess which genre.

Waihi Nui

Last group photo in front of the 150′ waterfalls more commonly known as Manoa Falls.

Waihi Nui

The final splashing of the day. I guess we are not going to visit the last waterfall known as Little Shitty or by most people, ‘Aihualama Falls. Refer to Caption #1.

All pau

We walked back to our cars and finally found our mountain apples on the street.

GPS Tracks

Our more fun than you can shake a water balloon hike covered 7.2 miles through Manoa Valley with good friends. Post hike meal at Zippy’s where the requested dish of Korean fried chicken was consumed by the birthday girl. Happy Birthday!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3gr-9upnZE

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our waterfall birthday hike.

Photos taken by Lilyn Avendano, Allison Banks, Blaine Banks, Chris Bautista, Joe Caldwell, Ann Colton, Roseann Fai, Edgar Gamiao, Andrew Matsui, Laredo Muredo, Samantha Taylor, Joyce Uhlmer, Matt Vidaurri, Sandra Walter, Dale Yoshizu and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

We carved out a chunk of the KST for Roger today. A very, very small chunk.

Maunawili

Missing the chairs. Development comes at a price.

Maunawili

Somebody got their own princess chair.

Maunawili

Passing underneath the powerlines. Time to cut back the brush.

Maunawili

We crossed over the Maunawili Demo Trail and began our ascent on the Piliwale Trail, that was pioneered by the legendary hiker, Silver Piliwale, hence the name.

Piliwale Trail

Ferlino doing what he does best. Hanging from the “Octopus” tree.

Piliwale Trail

We climbed our way underneath the forest canopy over the rocks and under the hanging webbing.

Piliwale Trail

Mis-matched shoes. No wonder I was slipping coming up to the notch. The bulb is dim with this one.

Piliwale Trail

Tessa looking back at the divided hill.

Piliwale Trail

Group photo on the postage stamp sized notch with the seemingly too steep Windward ridge behind us.

Piliwale Trail

Dropping and contouring around the notch to begin our climb up the ridge.

Piliwale Trail

Roger pulling himself up onto the rocks.

Piliwale Trail

Can you see the hikers for the mountain?

Piliwale Trail

Looking back at CB with the twin peaks of Olomana and Paku’i behind him.

Piliwale Trail

Roger coming up the “traditional” way.

Piliwale Trail

Aida going the “princess” way.

Piliwale Trail

The steady inexorable climb to the summit as we slowly and surely gained elevation with each step.

Piliwale Trail

Aida and Roger scrambling up the rocks.

Piliwale Trail

Akira pulling himself up the ridge with the help of the trees.

Piliwale Trail

Going up the “tricky” rock that gave some problems in the past, but somebody has kindly left webbing for others to use.

Piliwale Trail

Tessa climbing her way up and over the rock.

Piliwale Trail

Group photo on probably one of the narrowest sections of the ridge.

Piliwale Trail

Some of these ropes are in bad shape, best to sharpen your climbing skills.

Piliwale Trail

The group enjoying a respite from the steep climb as they go over a relatively flat spot.

Piliwale Trail

Approaching the junction with the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

KSRT

The views were cooperating as we neared the summit of the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Konahuanui

Cooperation denied as we took our group photo on K1 at an elevation of 3,150′.

KSRT

Traversing between the “two giant testicles” whose name originates with a Hawaiian legend that a giant threw them at a wahine he was chasing and they landed and became K1 and K2 respectively. I guess courtship was different back in the day.

K2

Having our assorted lunch on one of the Schweddy Balls at 3,105′ elevation.

K2 Trail

Descending down off the twin summits as “nana baket” trailed us in the back.

K2 Trail

The middle section of the trail was deeply rutted and would give MMR a run for its money.

K2 Trail

Winding our way through the mountains where we glimpsed Upper Lulumahu Falls flowing in the forest below us.

K2 Trail

Passing a tent that sheltered either a homeless person or a hiker, regardless that person was probably TP’ing the trail with their used toilet paper. Not a pleasant sight.

Nu’uanu Overlook

Group photo with Dam #4 in the background that was completed in 1910 to prevent flooding and store water for the community.

Pauoa Flats Trail

We are here. Decided to take the slightly longer exit as the shorter one provided navigational challenges to our ride that was picking us up.

Aihualama Trail

Ferlino proving that age is just a number.

Manoa Falls

CB standing in front of the 150′ waterfall that was barely flowing. Disappointed tourists in the house.

Manoa Falls Trail

Our last group photo of the day underneath the lush landscape and towering trees that provided the backdrop for some scenes from Jurassic Park.

All pau

We waited with the mosquitoes and feral chickens at the end of our hike for our rides.

GPS Tracks

Our shorter than expected hike today took us from Maunawili to Manoa and covered 6.26 miles with a solid group. Post hike meal was at Plan B due to lack of parking. Better than expected food at Nishi Moncho Ramen.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chris Bautista, Ferlino Carinio, 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.

Hurricane Hone which eventually dissipated into a tropical storm but was still lashing the islands with torrential rain aborted my KST hike, so I met up with Aida and Roger, Akira and Tessa, David and Susan, and Scott to do a relatively “safer” hike in the rain. Even Chico showed up due to him mistaking Colorado for Texas.

Paradise Park

We arrived deep in Manoa Valley as the forecasted rain made its appearance, given that this was a waterfall hike, it should have come as no surprise to anybody. Even the parking lot attendant showed up early to collect the four dollar fee.

Trailhead

Entering the valley that are home to seven waterfalls, we were just interested in visiting Wai’ihii Nui which means trickling water in Hawaiian. But now people just call it Manoa Falls. Easier on tourist tongues.

Manoa Falls Trail

Passage through an abandoned shipping container that replaced a bridge back in 2022, gave us a few seconds of respite from the rain.

Manoa Falls Trail

Walking through the mixed rainforest that has been the backdrop for Hollywood films such as Jurassic Park and Tears of the Sun to name a few. This valley also served as the backdrop of the last gasps to restore the Hawaiian Kingdom. The 1895 Wilcox Rebellion started off with Robert Wilcox and several hundred Hawaiians who sought to restore Queen Lili’uokalani to the throne. In skirmishes and battles that started out in Waikiki, then on to Diamond Head where government forces actually shelled the volcano slopes to dislodge the royalists, then moved to Mo’il’ili and finally to their eventual defeat in Manoa.

Manoa Falls Trail

Can you see the throne for the crowd?

Manoa Falls

Group photo in front of the 100′ or 150′ waterfall. Depends on what sources you use.

‘Aihualama Trail

Time to gain some elevation. 1,547′ to be exact.

‘Aihualama Trail

Akira entering the first gate on the trail.

‘Aihualama Trail

Chico climbing one of the banyan trees on the trail. The first banyan tree was planted in Lahaina in 1873 and was a gift from missionaries that brought it over from its native land, India. It has since spread to all the major islands.

‘Aihualama Trail

Rooting our way on the trail.

‘Aihualama Trail

Our only views on the hike from the landslide area.

‘Aihualama Trail

The power couple walking through the section of bamboo forest. Bamboo was first introduced to the islands by the Polynesian settlers and later by immigrants from Asia. The versatile grass can be used for crafts, tools and shelter. It can also be used as a head rest.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Scott passing through another gate.

Nu’uanu Lookout Trail

We took a short detour to the lookout to see if we could capture a view, as some in the group had never seen the vista.

Nu’uanu Lookout

Views of the valley were denied to us at the 1,600′ lookout. We did get strong winds and pelting rain as a consolation prize.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Why use the map when I can read a book? I didn’t go to public school just for lunch.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Walking on roots beats walking in puddles.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Walking on the boardwalk beats walking on roots and in puddles.

Junction

Susan showing us her land navigation skills. We are here.

Manoa Cliff Trail

I think somebody promised us mountain views.

Manoa Cliff Trail

I guess this counts as a mountain view.

Tantalus

Why did the hikers cross the road? To walk like a duck and quack like a duck if nothing else.

Moleka Trail

David passing underneath a sprawling mass of trees that overshadowed the trail.

Junction

We soon arrived at a junction that required critical thinking. Do we take the longer way which is shorter or the shorter way which is longer? Say what?

Maikiki Valley Trail

The bullet holes or critical thinking made us retreat from the longer way which was shorter to the other way. My head hurts.

Maikiki Valley Trail

Do you want to borrow my book? Old school.

Maikiki Valley Trail

Round and round we go until we go down the correct trail.

Maikiki Valley Trail

Carrying my very own hiking bindle. I just need a train to complete the picture.

Maikiki Valley Trail

Obviously, these are not rolling stones. They are much older than 62 years of age.

Kaneaolole Trail

Chico and Susan playing in the water, carefree of contracting any form of Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread by urine from infected animals. The water did not turn blue, so they were safe.

Kaneaolole Trail

Play Taylor Swift music loudly and carry a big stick.

Kaneaolole Trail

Crossing the bridge that soon dropped us down into the Hawaii Nature Center.

Kaneaolole Trail

Three’s a crowd.

Kaneaolole Trail

Wash day for some.

All pau

Your left, your left, your left right left! Cadence flashbacks for some.

Manoa

Will the real clown please stand up? Post hike meal at Red Pepper’s Korean BBQ where hot spicy soup warmed a body good.

GPS Tracks

Our waterlogged hike covered eight miles and was successfully completed despite the lack of a book, long being short, short being long and aloha being upside down. Good fun with a great group.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, David and Susan Katz, Roger Schiffman, Scott Peterson, 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.

Met up with Analyn, Cisco and Mia at the Manoa Falls parking lot just in time to feed the feral chickens strutting around. Strut then crow later.

Manoa Falls Trail

We passed a busload of hikers at the trailhead as we entered the lush forest.

Manoa Falls Trail

Stepping up the well maintained trail.

Manoa Falls

Despite the steady rain, the falls was just a fraction of the volume that it could put out under inclement conditions.

Aihualama Trail

We left the falls before the crowds congested the area and made our way across the section of slippery tree roots that cascaded down the trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Zig zagged our way up before connecting to the tree rooted trail that passed through the rustling bamboo grove.

Nu’uanu Overlook

Group photo left to right: Analyn, Mia, myself and Cisco, where we started to catch head from the winds at the 1,600′ overlook. Not to mention the pitter patter of water droplets falling from the grey skies.

Trail

Contouring our way up the mountain …

Trail

… before it became a steep and muddy climb to the top of the Ko’olau Mountains, just shy of the K2 summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Contending with the overgrowth and the breezy winds wafting their way over the spine of the Ko’olau mountains.

KSRT

Mia coming down one of many peaks on the rollercoasting ridge line.

KSRT

Panoramic view between the peaks.

KSRT

Cisco discovered Analyn’s favorite inch worm in a ball of spongy moss.

KSRT

Looking ahead to our soaked and socked in lunch spot.

Manoa Middle Summit

Turning the tables. Let’s see whose head is harder, shall we? Photo by Mia Garrison.

KSRT

Shaking off the chills and kanak attack as we resumed our hike on the rainy ridge line.

KSRT

We detoured off the ridge and onto the Leeward contour trail that provided temporary relief from the cold blustery winds.

KSRT

Back on the rocky ridge line for a short while before dropping back onto the Leeward contour trail. Photo by Mia Garrison.

KSRT

When involuntary leg contractions stalls your forward progress, nothing that mustard can’t fix by temporarily halting ones misfiring nerves.

KSRT

Crossing over to Pu’u Awaawaloa or as it’s more commonly known, Mount Olympus.

Awaawaloa Summit

Standing on the denuded area of the summit for our group photo.

KSRT

Descending from the 2,486′ peak as we continued our hike along the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

KSRT

Looking into the long valley of Palolo. Photo by Mia Garrison.

KSRT

Approaching the powerlines that straddle Ka’au Crater.

Ka’au Crater

Group photo overlooking the tuff cone filled with marshy water that feeds the three waterfalls running down the sides.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Scrambling our way up the muddy and rutted trail.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Cisco going down the severely eroded and rutted trail that gives Moanalua Middle Ridge a run for its money.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Analyn showing us the incorrect way of using a rope and the correct way of posing for a picture. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Taking the trail that avoids the waterfalls on our way down. We experienced enough water on our hike today.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Crossing one of many streams in the valley before we found our way out.

All pau

We ended our cold and rainy hike that fell short of the original plan, but for me the company always matters more than the hike itself. Thanks to Chris for picking us up deep in Palolo Valley.

GPS Tracks

Our 8.7 mile hike covered waterfalls, ridges, mountain summits and valleys. Post hike meal at Pho 27, where we slurped down hot bowls of noodles to chase the chills away.

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 conditions pushed Chris, Kailon and myself off the mountains and into Manoa Valley for Plan B. More waterfalls. I just can’t get away from them lately.

Trailhead

Early birds get free parking.

Manoa Falls Trail

Kailon going up the stone steps.

Manoa Falls #1

A good place to stash water and a sweater.

Manoa Falls

Time to climb some trees. Tree roots to be exact.

Manoa Falls

Kailon climbing up nature’s ropes.

Manoa Falls #2

We left the crowds and a pair of shoes behind us as we started hiking up the seemingly never ending stream of waterfalls.

Manoa Falls

Rooting up the mountain.

Manoa Falls

Chris making his way up the tricky rock face.

Manoa Falls

Chris making his way down …

Manoa Falls #3

… to another waterfall. Time to start counting and contouring.

Manoa Falls

We contoured and climbed too far up …

Manoa Falls

… and overshot at least two waterfalls.

Manoa Falls #6

Looking for tilapia. Nothing but guppies. Who brought the fishing poles?

Manoa Falls #7

Looking for mynah birds. Nothing but mosquitoes. Who brought the bug spray?

Manoa Falls

Chris and Kailon scrambling up on the vegetated side of the waterfalls.

Manoa Falls #8

Tickle of a trickle coming down the wall.

Manoa Falls #9

The flow was better from the top. So was the view.

Manoa Falls

The water coursing and carving its way through the boulder laced stream.

Manoa Falls #10

A waterfall spilling down into the seemingly sluggish stream.

Manoa Falls #11

Top down point of view. Photo by Kailon Tyndzik.

Manoa Falls

Looking back at the slowly rippling stream flowing down the mountain.

Manoa Falls #12

Chris on the left …

Manoa Falls

… Chris on the right.

Manoa Falls

Does this count as a waterfall?

Manoa Falls #13

A rare sight in the mountains. The bare footed hiker.

Manoa Falls

The rest of us not sure footed hikers relied on our micro-spikes to purchase traction on the moss and wet slicked rocks.

Manoa Falls #14

Chris hugging the side of the rocks in his bid to stay dry.

Manoa Falls #15

Sprinkle of raindrops.

Manoa Falls

Chris rock hopping up the stream.

Manoa Falls #16

Splatter of raindrops.

Manoa Falls

The stream being split into twins.

Manoa Falls

Native flora.

Manoa Falls #17

Kailon took a slip into the water and rebounded back faster than one can say iPhone.

Manoa Falls #18

Shallows to the deep end. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manoa Falls

Solitude in the stream. Soon to be interrupted.

Manoa Falls #19

Public water fountain.

Manoa Falls

Chris meandering his way upstream.

Manoa Falls #20

The stream falling down the mountain seems to be the only reason stopping the jungle from completely covering all traces of her rugged character.

Manoa Falls

Colony of bamboo orchids.

Manoa Falls

We can see the the summit. False.

Manoa Falls #21

Scattered tree branches amidst the oftentimes dense jungle added to the colorful clutter.

Manoa Falls #22

Chris climbing up the waterfall.

Manoa Falls #23

Is this the final waterfall? Let’s take a group photo.

Manoa Falls #24

Kailon bare footing it up the waterfall.

Manoa Falls

Chris coming up one slippery rock at a time.

Manoa Falls

Kailon passing the weather beaten and water logged rope around the rock.

Manoa Falls #25

Maybe this is the last waterfall. Let’s take another group photo.

Manoa Falls

As our hike penetrated further into the mountain, the overgrowth seemed to close in as we approached the top.

Manoa Falls #26

This has got to be the last waterfall. One more group photo.

Manoa Falls

The approach contouring up the waterfall was somewhat steep and further complicated by mud, moss slicked boulders and suffocating ferns.

Manoa Falls

Deep in the jungle.

Manoa Falls #27

Wrong. Chris climbing up the last waterfall.

Manoa Falls

The clouds hung suspended near the mountain top, diffused and stayed by the thick canopy.

Manoa Falls

The source of the stream?

Trail

Our departure from the falls was greatly hastened by a relatively fresh cut trail. Most likely the work of the amazing HTMC trail clearing crew.

Trail

Chris pointing out another seemingly freshly cut trail on the other side of the mountain.

Trail

Looking into the misty ridges and valleys.

Trail

Where will this trail take us?

Trail

Civilization sighted.

Trail

We soon intersected with the trail that comes down from K2.

Upper Lulumahu Falls

The valley was populated with scattered hikers, here and there.

Trail

Chris and Kailon stepping over trees dislodged by a landslide.

Trail snacks

Still in season.

Trail

Kailon hopping over a tree on our way down.

Nu’uanu Valley overlook

Group photo overlooking Nu’uanu Reservoir, Saddle and Valley.

Trail

Taking the high and low road back down.

Aihualama Trail

Under and over the trees scattered on the trail.

Aihualama Trail

Visually impressive roots cascading down the hill.

Manoa Falls

Kailon recovered his sweater, we washed our mud off and took our final group photo.

Manoa Falls Trail

Two way traffic going down the now bustling trail.

Manoa Falls Trail

Looking back at another waterfall deep in the valley.

All pau

Time to put the shoes back on. Awesome adventure that covered over six miles up and down the mountain with an amazing crew. Post hike meal at Serg’s Mexican Kitchen. The soda costs the same next door.

Postscript: I was contacted by his sister, Laycie Love, several weeks ago advising me that her brother, Kailon Tyndzik, had been struck by a hit and run driver on Kauai and was battling to stay alive. He unfortunately passed on February 20, 2025. Even though I only hiked with this bruddah once, he struck me as a very positive young individual who had so much ahead of him and then his whole life was taken away by a reckless killer, Salvin Hilario. He was only 30 years old, I didn’t realize he was only 21 years old when he hiked with us. Such a senseless tragedy. Rest easy and fly high with the angels. If you want to support his memory and legacy, his gofundme page is linked here.

Note: I have been made aware the some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. It is not advisable to hike to waterfalls during heavy rain as one will be at risk to flash flood conditions and falling rocks. 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.

Remnants of Tropical Storm Darby chased Yoly and I off the mountains, so we hooked up with Ani’s group to explore some raging waterfalls in Manoa Valley. And I do mean raging with a capital R!

Trailhead

We met up with Ani, John and Lester at the parking lot. The trail was open. The rain was on. Let’s go look for some waterfalls.

Manoa Falls Trail

The group crossing the bridge onto the Lost trail into Jurassic Park.

Manoa Falls Trail

We had the normally bustling trail all to ourselves.

Waihi Stream

Come on over. The water was nice, cold and running. Another hiker attempted to follow us but was quickly dissuaded by the swollen stream. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Manoa Valley

John heading upstream. We are not fish.

Manoa Valley

Yoly rock hopping along the embankment. Get wet. Get out. Get wet. Repeat.

Kahuwaiiki Falls

We have arrived. And she’s a gusher! Photo by Lester Santiago.

Kahuwaiiki Falls

Yoly climbing up the side of the waterfall, right above the fallen tree. Crazy girl. I was content to do my 22 pushups challenge on the rain slicked log. Photo by John Caicedo.

Kahuwaiiki Falls

After everybody was through playing in the water, we took a group photo underneath the falls left to right: myself, Yoly, Lester, Ani and John. We didn’t spend too much time at the waterfall as the steady rain could have turned into a flash flood at any minute.

Waihi Stream

Making our way back across the rising stream. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Manoa Falls

Raw, naked liquid fury crashing 100′ down into the pool.

Manoa Falls

Nature’s washing machine. Rinse cycle.

Manoa Falls

Yoly wanted to visit the second floor. Lester stayed behind to keep the tourists company, who were being treated to quite the show.

Manoa Falls

Peering around the corner as we witnessed the massive torrent of white water rushing over the edge.

Manoa Falls

This was the turn around point. The water was just crazy.

Manoa Falls

John making his way down the slippery rooted rock face. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

All pau

Thanks to Ani for letting us tag along and showing us around the valley on a super fun waterfall hike. Early birds do not get free parking. Post hike meal at Serg’s Mexican Kitchen. Less salt in the tripe stew please.

Note: I have been made aware the some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. It is not advisable to hike to waterfalls during heavy rain as one will be at risk to flash flood conditions and falling rocks. 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 met up with Justin and Thessa to hike a ridge pioneered by Silver Piliwale, a renown hiker known for his legendary treks through the mountains.

Maunawili Trail

A short cardio puff up the trail as we were treated to a view of Olomana being backlit by the morning sun.

Piliwale Ridge

Just a little over 2,300′ separated us from the top of the mountains. Let’s start hiking.

Piliwale Ridge

Something new. Reading material. #4 – We have at least seven hours of daylight. We are good to go.

Piliwale Ridge

Justin and Thessa by the notch.

Piliwale Ridge

Come on over. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Piliwale Ridge

#2 – Justin putting his shoes spikes to good use as he traverses past the notch.

Piliwale Ridge

Splash of color on the ridge. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Piliwale Ridge

#6 – Justin using his gloves to get in touch with some rocks.

Piliwale Ridge

Panoramic view of the Windward side.

Piliwale Ridge

Somebody actually laid webbing near the base that runs up the ridge and stops just shy of the junction. Props to whomever took the time and expense to do this.

Piliwale Ridge

Justin looking for those hot bees.

Piliwale Ridge

#1 – Weather looking good. But don’t call me Guy Hagi.

Piliwale Ridge

#5 – Thessa coming up the ridge. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Piliwale Ridge

We don’t need rope where we’re going. Just lots of uki grass will do. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Piliwale Junction

Group photo by Justin Hirako where the two ridges meet.

KSRT

It was just a hop, skip, and a jump to the highest point on the Ko’olau Range.

KSRT

Group photo by Justin Hirako on top of Konahuanui – large testicles in Hawaiian.

KSRT

Looking out towards the other “testicle.”

KSRT

Looking back at the other “testicle.”

KSRT

Group photo by Justin Hirako on K2.

Konahuanui Trail

Panoramic view of the Leeward side.

Konahuanui Trail

Making our way down the trail.

Konahuanui Trail

I had a sudden urge to cough.

Konahuanui Trail

Something tells me that HTMC has been here.

Nu’uanu Overlook

Group photo by Justin Hirako. Watch out for those boomerang branches.

Aihualama Trail

Walking down into Na Ala Hele country.

Aihualama Trail

Climbed a ridge. Might as well climb a tree too. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Aihualama Trail

Take the pretzel. Going to need it. Tons of switchbacks ahead. Reminded me of Kuli’ou’ou and Kealia Trails. Not a big fan.

Aihualama Trail

Banyan trees = tree houses.

Manoa Falls

A trickle of a fall. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Manoa Falls Trail

Traffic on the trail. Photo by Justin Hirako.

All pau

One should always stretch after a hike. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

GPS Tracks

Our short hike over the mountains covered 5.92 miles. Not a bad way to spend the day. We popped into the snack shop to see if there was anything tasty to try on our way out, but ended up walking out because nobody would take that “special” picture. Post hike meal at Steak Rave. A hole in the wall. Seating was limited.

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.

Heavy rains the day before scuttled our plans to explore the Moilili Karst, so we fell back on the secondary hike. Met up with Aly, Jumar, Rebecca, Thessa and Tom at the Treetops parking lot in Manoa. Early birds beat the parking attendant.

Trailhead

Just follow the sign.

Don’t get too close

If you know what’s good for you.

Manoa Falls Trail

Something was missing? Crowds. No complaints.

Off the beaten trail

We soon plunged into the forest to look for a less visited waterfall.

Waihi stream

More rocks than water in the stream today.

Purple flowers

You want some plowerrrs?

Mossy branches

Making our way on the trail, which for the most part was clearly defined by pink ribbons and a well trodden path.

Wa’aloa stream

We followed the stream …

Lower falls

… to the lower falls of Lua’alaea.

Top of the lower falls

Climbed up to the left to reach the upper waterfall. The main show. Canceled.

Lua’alaea Falls

Scouting out a loose rock trail to the right of the falls. Another hike for another day. Photo by Tom Engle.

Upper falls

We had to settle for another trickling waterfall. Best viewed on a rainy day.

Canopy cover

Sometimes you just have to look up.

A fallen tree

Weight limit was four hikers sitting and one hanging.

Following the stream

We took a slightly different trail back.

All bite, no bark

This one had still had some fight left.

Fiddlehead

Add sea salt, butter, garlic, shallots and red pepper flakes to taste.

Tree hikers

Aly, Tom’s niece, was an adventurous soul. She wanted to climb anything and everything, including this huge banyan tree. Photo by Tom Engle.

Hanging out

Checking out the ground view.

Closer

Fly ducks. Tom, get ready. Fly away.

Blast from the past

Rebecca found an old department store card in the dirt of history. Remember Liberty House?

Lyon arboretum

The group about to walk up the road to Lyon Arboretum to find another waterfall.

Looking for a princess

Kiss me.

Water lily pad flower

National flower of Sri Lanka?

Underwater selfie

Group photo left to right: Thessa, Jumar, myself, Rebecca, Aly and Tom.

Assorted flora

There are over 7,000 different tropical flora catalogued and collected on this 193 acre pasture.

Hale Halawai

No workshops today.

Tree trail

Parts of the trail meandered through cut tree roots.

Abandoned seismograph station

Listen closely. Hear anything? Earthquakes?

Haunted?

Patter of ghostly feet?

Aihualama stream

Barely moist.

How do you pronounce that?

Do I look Hawaiian?

Aihualama Falls

No crawfish were harmed in the making of this group photo. No waterworks today. So we made our own fun at the base of the waterfalls that were teeming with crawfish, frogs and shrimp. Sounds like a Chinese menu.

Back off

Pinch me from behind.

‘Opae

From nature’s aquarium to Jumar’s aquarium.

All pau

The group walked back to our cars…

Burning rubber

…to discover parking slips. Five bucks. Some chose to pay with their dust.

GPS Tracks

Fun little hike exploring two waterfalls in the lush Manoa Valley. Post hike meal at The Alley Restaurant. Oxtail Soup. Broke da mouth. Sorry Kam Bowl.

Got an invite to rappel Manoa Falls from Rob and Katy. Never visited Manoa Falls. Never rappelled a waterfall. Double check.

Water Iris

Jose and I waited for the rest of the crew which included Katy, Madeline, Orrin, Reuben and Rob to show up; so we spent our time swatting away mosquitoes and taking a survey about koa forests. Old or new? Old.

Trailhead

We shared the trail with a steady stream of tourists and locals.

Trees

The trail was shaded by a lush forest of eucalyptus, bamboo, guava and banyan trees.

Manoa Falls

After less than a mile, we reached the base of the 150′ falls. Orrin and Rob made their way through the crowds and plunged into the pool to cool off.

Up the trail

We left the popular watering hole and continued up a side trail.

Climbing

The trail turned quickly from horizontal to near vertical.

Top of Waterfall #1

Looking out to Manoa Valley. No crowds up here.

Waterfall #2

We picked up the trail to the right of the falls.

More climbing

More vertical climbing up rocks and tree roots. One tree even had a boulder stuck in the branches.

Going down

Madeline climbing down a roped section. One at a time.

Going back up

Jose climbing up a rock face.

Waterfall #3

We continued the trail to the left of the falls.

Bushwhacking

Good to have an arborist on the hike. Hand saw doesn’t hurt either in helping to clear the trail.

Top of fall #4

Katy and Orrin setting up the rope for the first rappel of the day.

Cast away

Katy throwing the rope over the falls.

Rapelling down

Madeline following Katy down the falls.

Does that look right?

I got recalled from the edge to make sure my ATC was set up correctly. Better safe than sorry.

See you at the bottom

After everything checked out, I rappelled down my first 30′ waterfall.

Next

Reuben making his way down.

Making it look easy

Katy rapelling down.

Rapelling up

Rob making his way back up the waterfall with the aid of an ascender.

Hanging by a rope

Orrin was the last one down using the double rope rappel.

Setting up

Rob and Orrin setting up the next rappel.

Practice makes perfect

Still need more practice. Lots of practice. Photo by Orrin Nakanelua.

Waterfall #3

Jose making his way down to the base of the third 50′ waterfall. The pool was waist deep and cold. Ice cold.

Last waterfall

The guava tree was solid. No worries.

Slippery when wet

Tabis helped to “walk” down the waterfall.

Coming down

Rapelling down the 70′ waterfall. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Two selfies for the price of one

Group photo left to right: Reuben, Katy, Rob, Madeline, Orrin, myself and Jose.

Look both ways

Which GoPro to look at? So many choices.

Skip the trail

Talk of rapelling off the main waterfalls was quickly replaced by rapelling off a tree. Just as fun.

No hands

Orrin lowered me down. He did all the work. I was just along for the ride. Mahalo.

Root down

Jose rapelling down the trail.

Back on the main trail

Thanks to roping down the trail, we were back on the valley floor in two shakes. Aihualama Trail? Another hike for another day.

Manoa forest

Headed back to our cars through the primordial looking forest, guess that’s why they shot some scenes of Jurassic Park here.

Ice cream!

Orrin warming up for his next wedding gig.

GPS Tracks

The hike into the falls and up the falls and down the falls covered a short 2.18 miles. I will never look at a waterfall the same way again! Thanks again to Rob and Katy for the rapelling invite. I may even get my own harness!