Back to back Kona Lows meant another waterfall hike. Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.

Pali Lookout

We all met up at the natural wind tunnel that was out of service today.

Pali Lookout

Everybody chose their ingress to the Old Pali Road based on body type.

Old Pali Road

We didn’t start this stack of stones, but we are going to finish it.

Old Pali Road

It’s hard to believe this road used to accommodate two lanes of traffic before it was closed down in 1961, in favor of the current Pali Highway.

Old Pali Road

The water draining from the road that was blasted out of the Pali in 1897.

Old Pali Road

Some struggled more than others in attempting to execute this common callisthenic exercise.

Old Pali Road

Aerial view of Twin Falls. The flow was not as voluminous as it was during the storms.

Old Pali Road

Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming the road through landslides and overgrowth.

Pali Trail

Paralleling the bustling highway as we walked through the corridor of uluhe ferns.

Pali Trail

Drones are like dogs, they don’t always follow you.

Pali Trail

Accident prone hikers need to exercise extreme caution crossing this foot bridge. Said hiker was not in this photograph.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Look but don’t touch. I think we got it backwards. Or twisted.

Maunawili Demo Trail

We decided to explore our first stream crossing to our first waterfall.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Marilyn next to a side waterfall.

Maunawili Smalls

If you are gullible enough, people will believe your made up name.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Walking over the slippery bridge as we passed by a trickling waterfall. Accident prone hikers beware.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Coming across a historic landmark on the trail that dates back to the 1930s, an old rainwater collection tank that is connected to the Saint Stephen Diocesan Center located below the hill.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Crossing over one of multiple streams flowing down from the mountains.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Pausing at the junction to Piliwale Ridge, a steep Windward trail that touches the KST.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Edgar working his way around one of multiple blowdowns on the trail.

Maunawili Bigs

Our group photo at the turning point on the trail as we saw our destination through the low hanging clouds and trees.

Maunawili Bigs

Another view of the four waterfall chutes flowing down from the mountains.

Maunawili Bigs

Working our way upstream under the giant ferns.

Maunawili Bigs

Blonde Buddha at the first waterfall.

Maunawili Bigs

Waterfall point of view.

Maunawili Bigs

Climbing our way up the second waterfall.

Maunawili Bigs

Not much flow for the effort.

Maunawili Bigs

Ani joining the spectators down below.

Maunawili Bigs

Running into the Katz family on the trail.

Maunawili Bigs

Short hike up to the third waterfall.

Maunawili Bigs

More flow, less effort.

Maunawili Bigs

Look up in the sky, it’s a i’iwi bird, it’s a tour helicopter, it’s a upper tier waterfall!

Maunawili Bigs

Slipping, sliding and falling on our way to the last waterfall.

Maunawili Bigs

Akira on top of the lower tier. Come and join us. Our invite fell on water clogged ears.

Maunawili Bigs

Scrambling our way over loose rocks and blowdowns to the upper tier.

Maunawili Bigs

Photo with the raging 600′ gusher of a falls. Dramatic exaggeration for those that missed it.

Maunawili Bigs

Making our way back down loose rocks and trees. One tree gave way which resulted in Akira sliding down the hill before being stopped by a not so loose tree.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Chico checking to make sure the fellow hiker from Beijing is properly attired for the trail.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Heading back to the Pali Lookout just as rain showers started to sweep the area.

All pau

Kenny met us at the end and took our final group photo. Quite the artist.

GPS Tracks

Our waterfall hike covered 6.10 or 7.5 miles, depending on whom is tracking. Mad respect to everybody that came out for today’s adventure. Post hike meal at Kam Bowl, hyped as “Home of The Best Oxtail Soup Since 1965,” but the jury is still out, as some would argue Kapiolani Coffee Shop has the best oxtail soup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueMt-d-2uGU

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our irresponsible hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Ani Lagpacan, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, Marilyn Bermudez, 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 decided to stay off the mountains and stick to the foothills today.

Trailhead

Met up with Akira, Allison, Deborah, Mari, Mona, Tessa in the backwoods of Waimanalo, a stones throw from The Village.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Stepping foot on the trail that was originally scouted and marked out by HTMC hiker, Richard Dick Davis.

Maunawili Demo Trail

We soon passed the junction that would have took us to the back of Olomana and countless other side trails that exist in this area.

Maunawili Demo Trail

The temptation was too great.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Just like monkeys, even horses fall from trees.

Maunawili Demo Trail

That trail was originally called Ko’olaupoko and work was started in 1991 by the Sierra Club.

Maunawili Demo Trail

The group weaving their way through the downed trees.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Climbing was not on today’s agenda.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Prisoners from OCC were recruited to help finish part of the trail in the summer of 1991. Voluntarily?

Maunawili Demo Trail

Meandering our way around the base of the the Ko’olau Mountains.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Standing in the verdant forest with a dead and twisted tree.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Winding our way in and out of multiple gullies.

Maunawili Demo Trail

No steak today. Chocolate dipped banana bread is what is on the menu.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Group photo with the three peaks of Olomana, Paku’i and Ahiki in the background.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Foraging for trail snacks on the path.

Maunawili Demo Trail

We passed the junction for the connector to Maunawili Falls and approached Maunawili Bigs, the waterfall chutes that are quite the spectacle when Mother Nature turns on the spigot.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Passing a fruitful branch of fiddlehead ferns.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Unfiltered. Straight from the tap. Lepto straight to the belly.

Maunawili Demo Trail

The trail was finished at the end of 1993 and it was renamed Maunawili Trail. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Sierra Club, OCC prisoners, Boy Scouts, Marines and volunteers that contributed to make this trail a reality.

All pau

Illustrating what next week’s hike will look like. A picture is worth a thousand words.

GPS Tracks

Our hike in the shadow of the mountains covered just shy of nine miles with a great group. Thanks to Mona’s son who picked us up and took us to Tokyo Central for our post hike meal before returning us back to our cars.

Photos taken by Allison Banks, Akira Suzuki, Deborah Tom, Mari Saito, Monaliza 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.

I started off the New Year with a trail I have never hiked in its entirety.

Trailhead

Thanks to Cinja and Kathleen for dropping Aida, Edgar, Lilyn, Marilyn, Quan, Roseann, Tessa and myself off at the hairpin turn off the Pali Highway.

Olinda relative

Sighting of a feral cat possibly mistaken for a black jaguar under shadowy circumstances. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Passing the junction to the Pali Lookout.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Determining the quality of the tank water.

Maunawili Demo Trail

The trail intermittently breaking out of the canopied forest with exposed views of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Maunawili Demo Trail

We heard disembodied voices floating from the top which we later found out belonged to two friends, Bill and Shirley.

Maunawili Demo Trail

The group may have been physically separated on the trail at times but was always connected through the loud carrying voices of certain individuals.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Roseann looking at the dry waterfall chutes. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Rounding the bend on the mostly wide trail. A marked departure from the trails that we usually hike. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili Falls Connector

Another way to access the popular Maunawili Falls since the subdivision trailhead was shut down this past July for two years. We just decided to enjoy the views of Olomana. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Skydio

Follow me if you can. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Passing some questionable but colorful mushrooms on the trail.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Hiking through the large ferns that dotted the trail that used to be known as the Ko’olaupoko Trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Foot Locker

Somebody needed a longer shoe. Lost in translation.

Skydio

The drone propwash was providing the only breeze on the trail today.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Do not try this at home. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Two falls for the price of one. Caught on camera. Priceless. For a certain schadenfreude person. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Making our way on the foothill hike pioneered by the legendary hiker, Richard Davis and completed by the Sierra Club. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili Demo Trail

I swore the discharge volume increased after somebody sat on the rock.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Posing on unstable and rotten trees. The only excitement found on the trail today.

Maunawili Demo Trail

The rooting wall, a distant relative of the weeping wall. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Sitting on one of many downed trees on the trail. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Why are we doing this? For the director’s cut.

Maunawili Demo Trail

I’m glad we didn’t decide to practice our equestrian skills today. Group photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili Demo Trail

To touch or not to touch? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Expanding views of Maunawili Valley, Waimanalo, Ko’olau Mountains and Manana Island. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili Demo Trail

All flower and no fruit.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Passing another junction on our way down.

All pau

We met another fellow hiker, Bob Tyson at the exit to Waimanalo where Roseann also met her boyfriend’s cousin who gave her a ride back to the house, which helped to not increase our mileage for the day.

GPS Tracks

Our mostly flat hike that contoured the base of the Ko’olau Mountains came out to a little over nine miles with fun company. Post hike meal at Big City Diner where the photo taking service exceeded the food delivery service.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Maunawili Demo Hike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNpnXR6Y-Sk

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.

Having done Olomana many times warmed over, I decided to just do the most challenging section with Katie today and skip the front part. Thanks to Lilyn for dropping us off deep in Waimanalo country. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Trailhead

Starting on the foothill hike that was carved out by Dick Davis and goes all the way to the Pali Lookout. We were doing the abbreviated version today.

Maunawili Ditch Trail

Turning a right at the junction.

Maunawili Ditch Trail

Katie poking for Groot.

Maunawili Ditch Trail

Climbing out of the trail to gain the ridge line.

Aniani Nui Ridge Trail

Katie pulling herself up on one of the steeper parts of the trail.

Aniani Nui Ridge Trail

Mother Nature wasn’t looking too inviting, but Katie wanted to crash the party. So off we went.

Aniani Nui Ridge Trail

If a hiker falls in a forest and no one is around to see it, did it happen? Photographic proof by Katie Bingham.

Aniani Nui Ridge Trail

Pulling ourselves to the base of the peak.

Ahiki

Katie bouncing on the elastic rope as she makes her way up the first climb.

Ahiki

Pulling myself up and getting temporarily stuck under the branch. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki

Katie trying her best not to get stuck as well.

Ahiki

Cliffs in the camera are steeper than they appear. Photo by Katie Bingham

Ahiki

Katie scrambling her way to the top of the rock pile.

Ahiki

Climbing up the steepest section. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki

Looking for that hand hold.

Ahiki

Taking in the cloudy views. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki

Contouring and climbing between the rocks.

Ahiki

Taking in the clear views of Waimanalo.

Ahiki

Stretching before the hike. Oh wait. A day late and a dollar short. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki Summit

Group pic on the summit that was named after Chief Olomana’s favorite headman.

Olomana

Traversing between the divided hill with the peaks of Paku’i and Olomana directly ahead of us.

Olomana

Climbing down from the third peak. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Keyhole

Somebody was blocking the hole.

Keyhole

Bottom views.

Keyhole

Top views.

Olomana

Going back to the third peak.

Ahiki

Katie coming down one wobbly step at a time.

Ahiki

Shaka for Sunday. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki

Katie stepping her way down.

Ahiki

Who’s going to retrieve the webbing?

Ahiki

Trying not to get stuck on the way down. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki

Katie making her way down the last climb of the day.

Aniani Nui Ridge

Following the barbed wire fence on our way out.

Aniani Nui Ridge

We came from there.

All pau

We ended our short and sweet hike right back where we started from. Thanks to Lilyn and Quan for picking us up. Post hike meal at Pampanga, can’t get enough of their Chicken Papaya. We also saw one of Jerry’s kids and witnessed a fleeing shoplifter who left part of their stolen loot on the sidewalk.

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 some friends to hike a trail that I last did over seven years ago. Decided to eschew going up the front side as it was too pedestrian and clogged with other hikers. Back side it is. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Waimanalo

Shout out to Jasmin and Matt for shuttling our rather large group to the trailhead that was within spitting distance of Bumpy Kanahele’s, Pu‘uhonua o Waimanalo. Group photo left to right: Ferlino, Lilyn, Chris, Sally, Aida, Edgar, Analyn, myself, Tesssa, Cisco, Anne, Jasmin, Matt, Janell and Art.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Left or right? Choose wisely. Or just check the GPS tracks.

Maunawili Demo Trail

We were startled by Casper, the exotic pinay on the trail.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Walking in the foothills of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Staying on the twisted trail.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Passing through a semi-gated section of the trail.

Cheeky

One was more phat than the other.

Woody

The making of Groot. Baby shower in 12 weeks. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Yellow Heleconia

What? Take a picture. It’ll last longer. After admiring the local flora, we found out that we overshot the trail and had to double back to the gate.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Climbing our way to the ridge line. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waimanalo

Passing the barbed wire fence that possibly harked back to the days that cattle roamed the valley. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Skeleton Leaf

The group passing by the exposed leaf. Somebody once said it was like finding a four leaf clover or seeing a double rainbow. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waimanalo

Lilyn climbing up the short and steep hill. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waimanalo

We broke out of the tree line to panoramic views of the land of potable water. Photo by Sally Chow.

Waimanalo

Plunging back into the tree line where Chris and Ferlino took to the trees. I took to the trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Approaching the backside of Ahiki.

Ahiki

Janell’s climbing concentration was interrupted by a cacophony of laughter and loudness emanating from the forest. Even the birds were complaining about the “competition.”

3 yawyaw pinays

The source of the laughter and loudness. Captured in a rare moment of silence. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ahiki

Matt climbing up against the background of Aniani Nui ridge that connected to the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Cisco in the climbing queue as we put down webbing in some spots for those that desired the additional assurance. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Edgar and Lilyn thinking this is a piece of cake. With icing on top. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Janell climbing up the steepest section of the rock face as Cisco spots her from below. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

It’s always Flag Day in the mountains with Ferlino. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ahiki

Waiting my turn so I don’t get pelted by rocks from above. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Cisco making his way up. I felt sorry for the couple that was stuck behind our 14 person group, but I heard they took advantage of our webbing. So win-win for everybody involved. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Janell waiting for her turn to go up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Aida living life on the edge. Not taking up too much space. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

How high?

If it’s not a jump shot in the mountains, it’s a butt grab. Must be a girl thing.

Ahiki Anchor

Holding the ladder steady as the group climbed their way to the top. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Art wearing the latest fashion climbing accessory around his neck – yellow webbing.

Ahiki

Tessa near the top of the summit.

Ahiki

Panoramic photo of Waimanalo and Kailua by Sally Chow.

Ahiki

How many hikers can fit on the postage stamp sized summit of Ahiki? Apparently 14 with a little room to spare. Group photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ahiki

Leaving the summit after our lunch break. Photo by Art Young.

Ahiki

The group descending from the summit of Ahiki.

Ahiki

Making my way down the somewhat narrow trail. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Ahiki

Somebody was not using three points of contact. Photo by Tesssa Bugay.

Keyhole

Lilyn climbing her way down to the keyhole. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Chris spotting Aida as she comes down.

Keyhole

The chunk of real estate that required a lot of photo shoots. Thankfully drizzling rain cut it short.

Ahiki

Climbing down from the third peak. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Paku’i

Anne and Sally climbing up the rocky hill.

Paku’i

Sally with the razor thin peak in the background.

Paku’i

Chris carefully climbing up the section that probably accounts for most of the accidents on this trail.

Paku’i

Janell coming up the most photographed tree framed approach. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Paku’i

Cisco relaxing while he waits for the rest of the group to catch up from their photo shoots.

Paku’i

Leaving the keeper of the ponds summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Olomana

The rest of the group approaching the first peak of the divided hill. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Olomana

Thanks to everybody for another rousing rendition of getting older. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Olomana

Matt droning us at the 1,643′ summit.

Olomana

Leaving the top as it was getting inundated with other hikers wishing to experience the three peaks or at least one of them. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Olomana

Ascending hikers yielding to descending hikers. Photo by Art Young.

Olomana

Cisco making his way down the last main rock face.

Maunawili

The group coming down the rooted and rutted trail under thick tree canopy.

Tarzan

Matt testing out the load capacity on the aerial roots. I guess he doesn’t need to go on a diet. Photo by Aida Gordon.

All pau

Thanks to Jasmin for picking up our large group from the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club grounds.

Post hike meal

We all had front row seats to the Hawaii audition for Dancing with the Hikers. Chris Chun and Somphet also joined us with plates of Spicy Pork and Oxtail Soup. Thanks to everybody for contributing to the potluck spread that was our post hike meal.

GPS Tracks

Our short jaunt on the erosional remnant from the Ko’olau Mountains covered roughly 3.3 miles through panoramic scenery with fun company and good times.

Video by Matt Vidaurri of our Anamolo hike.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Anamolo 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.

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.

Met up with Glenn, Jose and Thessa in the Maunawili neighborhood for our hike today.

Maunawili Valley

We started off the beaten path. Away from the crowds. What crowds?

Red ginger

All we needed were anthuriums, lotus pods, papyrus and ruscus.

Stream crossing

Thessa trying not to get her feet wet.

Tree fungi

Colorful tree fungi populated the decaying tree trunks that littered the valley floor.

Going uphill

We followed the meandering stream through the valley until the trail took us to higher ground.

Ko’olau Mountains

Scenic spot. Clear day on the mountains.

Falls junction

A bench marked the junction down to the waterfalls.

Going down

Thessa and Jose making their way down.

No traffic

We met up with the stream again. No other soul was in sight. Early hikers gets the trail all to themselves.

Maunawili stream

The cold, clear waters gurgled down the rock strewn stream.

Maunawili Falls

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

Going up

No cliff diving today, served with a side of leptospirosis, so we climbed the trail to the left of the falls.

Looking down

We heard voices coming up from the waterfalls. Tom?

Pipe crossing

Local style. Taking our shoes off before we cross the pipe.

Rickety bridge

Crossing the metal and wooden bridge was something out of an Indiana Jones movie. Or just a typical bridge crossing in Central America according to Jose.

Looking back

Glenn waiting to come down.

What happened to the planks?

We had to straddle the creaking and swaying bridge as most of the rotten wooden planks were missing.

One at a time

Another group soon joined us at the bridge crossing. They turned out to be Brian, Marc and Scott. Small island.

Follow the ditch

We continued by following the open irrigation ditch, which lead us to…

Moss slides

…Nature’s playground.

Testing the waters

Scott and Marc tried the left bumpier slide, while Glenn went down the right smoother slide.

Slip ‘n Slide

My turn. Half a dozen times. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Who’s next?

Group photo left to right: Scott, Brian, myself, Marc, Jose, Thessa and Glenn.

Going back

Thessa crossing the pipe back to the bridge.

Follow the blue ribbons

We decided to follow the irrigation pipe up the hill, instead of going back down to the waterfalls.

Watch the stump

50 Shades of Hiking.

Hill slide

Dried palm fronds underneath our footing made for a slippery slope down to the stream.

Muddy waters

We passed streams of hikers making their way to the waterfalls.

GPS Tracks

The 3.25 mile hike to the falls and moss slides was a fun day and met up with some old and new hiking buddies. Now it was off to explore another waterfall in Manoa.

I joined Brad, Marcus and Scott today to hike another Windward ridge. Marcus picked me up from my car on Alani Drive in Manoa and we met the others at the hairpin turn on Pali Highway.

Maunawili Demo Trail

The trail is popular with hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers and pigs. We didn’t run into any of them today on our hike to the ridge.

Last stop for water

Unfiltered water, straight from the tap.

Ko’olau Mountains

Scott had researched and scouted the trail earlier based on Dayle Turner’s ascent in 2002. Pete Cline’s group also made the climb in 2011.

Warm up is over

The group taking a break after hiking four miles to the base of the ridge. Can I get some sunscreen?

Uluhe hell

Long sleeves and long pants highly recommended.

Plunging in

Scott had cleared the lower portion of the ridge earlier, leaving a swath for us to climb up the ridge. Photo by Scott Bowling.

Bushwhacking

We eventually contoured to the right to avoid a steep section, skirted the gully and resumed our climb. Brad stayed on point for the hike, plowing through the thick flora. What a beast.

Pink ribbon

A faded and tattered pink ribbon hung from an overhead branch. A confirmation from the past that we were on the right track.

Scenic view

Today was a good day to be on the mountains.

Burrowing

Tunneling through the thick uluhe ferns. Photo by Scott Bowling.

Looking back

We enjoyed a respite from climbing as the ridge leveled off to a flat spot.

Almost there

Caveman. Da mountain! Da mountain! Photo by Steve Bowling.

Watch the drop offs

Break time over. Resuming our climb up the ridge. Photo by Scott Bowling.

Getting steep

Deep rooted clidemia plants, uki grass, ohia trees and other flora covered the crumbly dirt and rocks on our steep climb up the ridge.

Ko’oko’olau

We found this native plant near the top.

Your pic…

The top was a stone’s throw away. Or was that a webbing drop away?

…for ours

Looking back at the ridge we had climbed up. Photo by Marcus Griego.

Contouring

We contoured to the left to avoid another steep section, before heading straight to the summit. Photo by Scott Bowling.

Steep

Any more vertical and we would fall off the ridge.

So close, yet so far

A vertical section with few handholds and crumbly footing halted our climb. Marcus contoured more to the left to find a better spot, despite Scott’s objections that it was a death drop on that side. I was game as I had no desire to go back down the way we came from. Then something amazing happened. Photo by Scott Bowling.

All smiles

Quiet! I hear voices!

Trail angels

By a stroke of luck, Nick and Angie happened to be traversing the ridge on top of us and they had webbing. Christmas came early!

Waiting our turn

Brad climbing his way up. Photo by Nick Kalanakilaokalahui.

Thank you

Scott making his way to the top of the saddle between Ka’au Crater and Mount Olympus.

Don’t use the rope

Code word. Inside joke. Photo by Scott Bowling.

Olympus Windward

Group photo left to right: Marcus, Scott, myself and Brad. We gave our thanks to Nick and Angie as they continued on their way to Ka’au Crater.

KSRT

No rest for the weary, we resumed our climb along the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail towards Mount Olympus.

Final push

Marcus and Scott climbing towards the summit of Mount Olympus.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Mount Olympus

Rare to see the summit dry and not cloaked in clouds.

Awaawaloa

Group photo with Olomana, Awaawaloa (Mount Olympus) and Ka’au Crater behind us.

Waahila ridge trail

Marcus making his way down the eroded trail.

Looking back

Leaving behind the 2,486′ summit of Mount Olympus.

Four legged hiker

The dog and her owner wisely decided to turn around after they found out how much more ground they had to cover to the summit and their water was running low.

Kolowalu Trail

We took the Kolowalu junction that dropped us down into Manoa and my car.

Manoa Valley

Caveman take tree for firewood. Make lots of firewood.

All pau

Many thanks to Scott for organizing, scouting and clearing the hike, Brad for being on point and Marcus for not using the rope.

GPS Tracks

The hike covered 7.1 miles. Of that mileage, roughly half a mile was for the Windward ridge. The hardest and shortest section of the hike. Post hike meal at Brick Oven Pizza. Burnt pizza. Extra charge for olives. No love.

Rainy weather means waterfalls to most hikers. That is why I found myself with the caveman crew at the end of Aloha Oe Street. Brad and Scott ferried us to the Maunawili Demo Trailhead in Waimanalo. This is the same trailhead where a fellow hiker’s car got broken into on our last hike. Exercise caution and discretion when parking in any areas, remote or otherwise.

The fun begins

Hoping the chronics would leave the beater trucks alone, we left the Maunawili Demo trailhead and walked up the road until we soon accessed an unnamed trail. Linda and Scott would be our water tunnel and waterfall guides for today.

Follow the pipe

We followed the water pipe through the tree lined trail to a pumping station.

Watch your step

Metal grating covered the open water ditch as we continued our hike.

Break out the headlamps

The group preparing to enter the Aniani Water Tunnel. It was going to be a dark and tight squeeze.

Missing the turf

Scott found this crawfish crawling on the ground. Invasive species. Time to eat. Where’s the butter?

Chances of water = 100%

No need to knock. The gate was open.

Not for the claustrophobic

The tunnel ceiling started out at around five feet.

The hiking grail

Choose wisely Bob Tyson.

Low clearance

Tunnel ceiling dropped to about three feet from this point.

Pays to be skinny

Towards the end, the tunnel ceiling was about two feet. We had to shed our backpacks to make it underneath the locked gate.

Follow the ditch

After we emerged dripping wet from the tunnel, we climbed a small hill and followed the open water ditch.

Recon & Rest

Taking a small break in this open area after leaving behind Government road that we had just traveled on. Brad ran up the hill to see if he could catch a view, while the rest of us waited.

Official trail

No horses, just hikers.

Up?

A large tree had fallen and blocked the trail. Some of us went up and over…

Down?

…while the rest of us went down and over.

Waterfall sighting

The first of many waterfalls we were to see on the trail, fueled by the constant rain.

Biggest waterfall?

Group photo at one of the largest waterfalls on trail, left to right: Tom, Will, Katherine, Marcus, myself, Linda, Brad (not in pic), Sara, Bob and Scott.

Stream crossing

Crossing one of multiple streams that canvassed the trail.

Double waterfalls

Sara and Bob between two waterfalls. They were everywhere!

Waterfalls everywhere you look

Ice cold water beating upon a rock.

Stream jumping

Sara jumping over a stream. She didn’t want to get her feet wet.

See that waterfall?

Marcus spotted a waterfall tucked deep inside a valley. So we detoured off the trail…

We’re here!

…and found ourselves at another waterfall. Surprise.

Rain forest

The constant misting of rain made for a cool hike, in so many ways.

Christmas berries

Splash of color in the forest.

Headed upstream

Like salmons, we went up this stream populated with huge ferns.

Waterfall, with a capital W!

The biggest waterfall yet, the photo does not illustrate it to justice.

Where did you come from?

At the base of the waterfall is Oshanassey Tunnel, that could extend 50′ or 500′ into the mountain. Nobody seems to know. Brad tried to find out, armed only with a headlamp and barely enough head room. After being semi-submerged in the tunnel for about five minutes, he came back. A dead-end. Perhaps.

See the hand?

Tom took a quick dip in the tunnel. No other takers. Scott soon climbed up the hill to gain the upper waterfall. The group followed suit.

Worth the climb

When we crested the hill, what awaited us was a spectacular waterfall soaring towards the sky. It made the hike.

Headed down

Going down the connector falls trail.

Looking back at all the waterfalls

The waterfalls were pouring down the mountains seemingly from every nook and cranny.

Rock hopping

We took another detour off the beaten trail, where we soon found Cook Tunnel. Totally submerged and clogged with roots. Back to the trail.

Headed out

Going down the trail, we passed the usually crowded Maunawili Falls. Not paying a visit today. We saw our fill of waterfalls today.

GPS Tracks

The 8 mile hike was filled with more waterfalls that you could shake a dowsing rod at. Time well spent with an awesome crew.