A gentle hill. That’s how Ryan described this little hike to Jose, Thessa and myself. A little something to get my hiking legs back in shape after a month hiatus nursing my bruised ribs from our last trail.

Trailhead

It was a late start in the day, as we started our hike tucked deep in Hahaione Valley.

Fenced off

Contoured around the water tank as we made our way up the spur ridge.

“New Mariner’s Trail”

Ryan dubbed this route the “new mariner’s trail” due to its close proximity to Mariner’s Ridge which has been shut down.

Hardest part

A small rock face presented the hardest “challenge” of the hike.

All uphill

A carpet of pine needles made for a somewhat slippery slope.

Hahaione Valley

Looking back into the valley. Short and steep hike to get to the top.

Are we at the top?

Almost to the top. Time to check out the views.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Standing on the edge

It was a deep valley with a huge drop. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Summit view

Group photo left to right: Jose, myself, Thessa and Ryan.

Sitting on the edge

No seat belts here.

Coming down

The group making their way down to connect to the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT).

Windward view

Just a short cross over today. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Mauna o ahi

Looking along the Ko’olau spine.

Home for the night

Jose, Ryan and Thessa’s home for the night. Campfire pit was already made. Just need the marshmallows. Not for me. Dinner was waiting at home.

Moon view

A rare glimpse of the “pale moon.” Photo by Jose Luis Delaki

Sunset

Time to break out the headlamp.

Hahaione trail

Going down the trail. Under cover of darkness.

Homeless camp

Anybody home?

Cosmic paintball

Crossed the pallets and trees that are the stomping grounds for paintballers.

All pau

Popped out at the end of Hahaione Street. My car was still where I left it. Intact.

GPS Tracks

The short and sweet loop was 2.63 miles. A brief hike with good company that continued the party on the mountains without me. Good night!