We picked up from where we left off last weekend. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Aida, Aileen, Ferlino and myself off near the trailhead in Manoa. Time waits for no man, especially the bus driver. Side note about raw milk. Proponents say that drinking raw milk which is taken straight from the cow, chilled and bottled, contains beneficial bacteria, enzymes and raw fats that promote digestion and general health. Opponents say that raw milk contains bacteria and pathogens which makes it unsanitary and potentially dangerous. Raw milk sales are currently illegal in Hawaii for human consumption, hence the sticker.

Pu’u Pia Trail

Back to our roots.

Pu’u Pia Trail

Descending down the slippery slope.

Waiakeakua Stream

Crossing the streambed.

Manoa Middle Trail

My first time going up the trail. Infinitely better.

Manoa Middle Trail

Looking back at the wide and vast valley that was once home to taro patches but now are home to million dollar homes.

Manoa Middle Trail

Climbing through suffocating swathes of uluhe ferns, which are native and not invasive as one would think when suffering from constant contact with the false staghorn ferns.

Manoa Middle Trail

Visual obscurity was increased due to settling cloud cover.

Manoa Middle Summit

Ferlino enjoying the pork adobo he had brought to share with Tessa. More for him now.

Manoa Middle Summit

Group photo with Windward views.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The moisturized winds started to batter the ridgeline as we set foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

I think we forget sometimes that we are on the edge of a 2,000′ plus cliff clinging to the vegetation.

KSRT

Trading in for wider terrain as we crossed the wind swept meadows.

KSRT

Cardio climb.

KSRT

Steep and muddy going up.

K2

Standing on one of the two “large testicles” as Hawaiian legend would have it, a giant threw his testicles (kona hua nui) at a fleeing woman that he desired, but escaped him. Self castration at its finest.

KSRT

Traversing between the schweddy balls.

Konahuanui Summit

Socked in at the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

Pushing through the mud that was populated by highly fragrant but invasive yellow ginger plants.

KSRT

Losing elevation as we dropped from the summit.

Piliwale Ridge

Descending down the sliver of a ridge, pioneered by Silver Piliwale, a full blooded Hawaiian.

Piliwale Ridge

Aileen scooting her way down the steep descent.

Piliwale Ridge

The cloud cover soon started to break apart as we dropped lower on the ridgeline.

Piliwale Ridge

Following the rope down.

Piliwale Ridge

Contouring around the ridge to get back on the trail.

Piliwale Ridge

Panoramic views of the Windward side.

Piliwale Ridge

Well, this is awkward.

Piliwale Ridge

The dirt terrain soon gave way to hard rocks.

Piliwale Ridge

Aileen guiding Aida through the downclimb.

Piliwale Ridge

Climbing the roots down.

Notch

Hello from the other side.

Notch

Looking back at the seemingly impossible steep ridge. Things are not always what they appear to be.

Notch

Our last group photo.

Maunawili

Walking through the valley steeped in history that started out as agricultural and cattle ranches that have slowly been replaced by golf courses and homes.

All pau

We overshot our planned exit and became a traffic hazard. Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up.

GPS Tracks

Our windy hike covered 5.15 miles with good company. Post hike meal at Kenko-ya where apparently eating other peoples food happens.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Ferlino Carinio, 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.

The winds were forecasted to be blowing hard this weekend. What shall we do? Let’s go climb the chimney and finish off somebody’s saddle boot camp, as they put it.

Aloha ‘Aina

Somebody woke up late, so others took the extra time on their hands to pursue recreational activities.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Lilia and Quan for dropping Aileen, Art, Chico, Chris, Jen, Mona, Tessa, and myself off at the windy scenic lookout.

Nu’uanu Pali

Are we here to pick or to hike?

Nu’uanu Pali

Making our way up the rooted hill in the tree line.

Pali Notches

Jen climbing down the first of two man-made notches. Believe it or not.

Pali Notches

The winds were blowing stiff and hard through the mountain pass. Strong enough to snatch a cap off your head and twist you on the rope.

Pali Notches

Tessa climbing down to the notch where British canons were emplaced by the warriors of King Kalanikupule who were defending Oahu from the invading army of King Kamehameha that had sailed from the Big Island.

Pali Notches

The group making their way to descend the second and biggest notch.

Pali Notches

I resisted the urge to lean back for the gram.

Pali Notches

In 1795, King Kamehameha’s warriors climbed down from the peak of Konahuanui and surprised and disabled the canons set in these notches.

Pali Notches

We soon noticed two young kids had joined us at the top of the second notch waiting their turn.

Nipple

The group climbing up the needle of basaltic rock.

Nipple

Mona making her way up.

Chimney

The two kids contoured around the nipple to avoid our logjam, one shed his shoes and then they both scampered up the chimney.

Chimney

Viewpoint from the Nipple.

Chimney

Try, try again.

Chimney

With a little help from my friends.

Chimney

Aileen enjoying the moment. Then again, I’m not good at reading people’s body language.

Chimney

Getting my upper body workout today. Going to cancel my 24 hour membership when I get home.

Chimney

Chris providing pointers on climbing up the rockface.

Chimney

No assistance required at this time.

Chimney

Did you push the elevator button to the top?

Chimney

Changing up my vantage point. My butt was getting sore.

Chimney

Deja vu.

Chimney

Do you feel Chris breathing down your neck?

Chimney

The last haul.

Chimney

Art was his own elevator service.

Contour

Chico recording the action as it unfolds on his GoPro for posterity’s sake.

Contour

Chris going up the near vertical climb.

Contour

Climbing queue.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group contouring and climbing over some boulders.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chico stretching his thigh muscles coming down. Maybe even his back muscles as well.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Walking the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

To climb or contour the boulder?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Somebody climbed the boulder to finish their “saddle boot camp.” Certificate is in the mail. Postage due.

Mud Wall

Waiting our turn to go up the mud wall or as of late, the mud steps.

Pali Lookout

Looking down at the yellow bird of HFD rescue a tourist from themselves.

Piliwale Junction

Tessa arriving at the junction for the Windward ridge that was named after a legendary hiker named Silver Piliwale.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hiking to what I was sure would be a cloud soaked summit.

Konahuanui

I was gladly proven wrong as we took our group photo at the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

KSRT

Traversing between the two large testicles.

K2

No pillow. No problem.

K2

A mixture of shake and peace signs at the second highest summit.

KSRT

Somebody left a spanking brand new webbing to use. What a thoughtful individual.

KSRT

Chris against the dramatic backdrop of the fluted ridges of the mountains.

KSRT

The group going through one of the multiple meadows that dot the ridge line.

KSRT

Mona going down an old and tired rope.

KSRT

Chico going off trail in a patch of uluhe ferns.

KSRT

Making our way to our last summit of the day. A far cry and throw from the original planned one.

Manoa Middle

Arthritic gang signs at the summit?

Manoa Middle

We had our last lunch break before heading down to the valley. Fresh salad pickings were had for the plucking and the five second rule doesn’t apply in the mountains, well for certain individuals at least.

Manoa Middle Trail

The lush valley being swept with passing showers on our way down.

Manoa Middle Trail

Passing through a stretch of invasive strawberry guava trees. Tasty trail snacks.

Manoa Middle Trail

Descending through a forest of some of the fastest growing plants on Earth.

Manoa Middle Trail

Climbing down the steepest section of the trail.

Manoa Valley

Scrambling up the short and steep hill.

Manoa Valley

Walking our way out on the trail studded with roots, rocks and mud. I was so over it.

All pau

The license plate has been blurred to protect the guilty. Thanks to Chris and Quan for giving us rides back to Kaneohe.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered 4.35 miles with windy conditions tempered by scenic views with a fun group. Congratulations to Aileen for finishing all three saddles on the KST. Post hike meal at Chico’s house where Lilia made us chili mac and the fixings and dessert.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Art Young, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Jen Odence, Mona Guillermo, 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.

Picking up from where I left off a couple weeks ago. Aida joined me today to help finish off the Southern section of the KST. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trailhead

Thanks to Quan for dropping us off deep in Palolo Valley.

Ka’au Crater Trail

We scrambled down the boulders, followed the streambed and then the water pipe as we made our way on the trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Aida walking in between the new and old water pipes.

Trail sprinkler

All wet already. And we didn’t even get to the first waterfall yet. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Water on tap.

Waterfall #1

Aida had the first waterfall all to herself before approaching hikers descended down to the base. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Climbing our way up to the left to get to the top.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Looking down at the first waterfall.

Waterfall #2

Aida at the second waterfall with the other group right behind us. This place is a popular watering hole.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Climbing up to the right and contouring above the second waterfall.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Looking down at the group taking their pictures. Not getting too close, as a woman slid off the top four years ago and luckily survived her fall to the bottom. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waterfall #3

Aida going up the multi-tiered waterfall that had somewhat decent flow.

Waterfall #3

Making my way up the slippery rocks. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

We left the waterfalls and started counter-clockwise on the crater rim to the top. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Aida climbing up through the heavily rutted trail.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Looking down into the marshy caldera that was created when the demigod Maui’s giant hook landed in the valley resulting in the crater we see today. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

I decided to do a thing at the top. I proposed to myself. I said yes. Bill and Shirley have nothing on me. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

We trailed behind a group as we followed the trail around the crater.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Group photo, left to right: Aida and myself.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Took a photo with the group (Bree, Brit, myself and Kim) that we were following since Aida instigated the picture. Found out that Kim used to hike with the KOMPT (Kronic Oahu Mixed Plate Trekkers). Small world.

Mount Olympus

Looking ahead to the 2,486′ peak that was our next stop. Too bad there isn’t a Zippy’s outlet up there.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Crossing over between the summits. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Aida climbing up the steep hill towards the summit of Awaawaloa.

KSRT

Olomana in the background as I climbed my way up to Olympus. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Wa’ahila Trail

Aida going down the rutted trail with the cloud soaked ridge line in the distance.

KSRT

Ducking underneath the rainbow. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Manoa Middle Summit

Sitting underneath the rainbow.

Manoa Middle Trail

Descending down into the thick and vast valley that is Manoa.

Manoa Middle Trail

Climbing down the near vertical section before dropping down to the valley floor. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Queen’s Bath

Washing off the accumulated mud from our hike. Giving back. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

Aida going up the muddy hillside where we met other two legged and four legged hikers coming down.

Pu’u Pia Trail

Going down the trail knotted with roots and padded with rocks. Photo by Aida Gordon.

All pau

We finished our fun little hike with daylight to spare. Quan met up with us for lunch at Serge’s. We ate in the shadow of Safeway.

GPS Tracks

Our crater to valley hike covered 5.8 miles through muddy and scenic views. Thanks to Aida for joining me on today’s hike.

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.