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.

It was that time to celebrate another friend’s birthday in the mountains.

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Chico, Jason, Deborah, myself, Merrill, Aida, Scott, Groot, Tessa, Ryan, Amber, Chris, Dale and Akira.

Olomana Trail

Aida securing the birthday balloons to Chico’s pack. Will they make it to the top?

Olomana Trail

Does anybody have a sticker to add to the pole? Scott?

Olomana Trail

We must be on the right track.

Olomana Trail

Groot leading his pack through the pine forest section of the trail.

Olomana Trail

Chico watering Groot and Amber, the self-annointed #1 Olomana FANatic on top of the big f*cking rock.

Olomana Trail

Can you spot Groot for the root?

Olomana Trail

Merrill and Deborah climbing their way up the steep part of the trail.

Olomana Trail

I believe I can fly! Well, at least for approximately two seconds.

Olomana Trail

Jason yielding to a couple of descending hikers. Pop quiz. Who is practicing the correct mountain etiquette here?

Olomana Trail

Stretching my legs as I didn’t want to use the ropes.

Olomana Trail

Elevator service in the mountains.

Olomana Trail

The peak was keeping the clouds at bay on the Windward side as Amber scrambled her way up while Akira and Chris checked on the progress of the rest of the group.

Olomana Trail

Merrill and Akira on the “runway” leading to the first summit.

Olomana Trail

Tessa and Aida approaching the final climb to the first peak.

Ahiki

Looking at the knife-edged third 1,480′ peak of Ahiki seemingly letting off some steam.

Olomana

Happy Birthday Chico! You are one of the most energetic and positive people I have had the privilege of meeting on or off the trail. May your days always be healthy and filled with adventure.

Olomana

Group photo on the 1,643′ peak where Anne-Marie and Jenny also joined us at the top. You can see the second peak of Paku’i at 1,520′ elevation and the third peak of Ahiki in the background which fails to deliver on the views but not on the adrenaline for some. Olomana means forked hill or divided hill in Hawaiian for obvious reasons.

Olomana

I am not Simba and this is not the Pride Rock!

Olomana

The drone has landed.

Olomana

The summit was slowly being flooded with other hikers, which was our cue to depart the peak and head back down the trail.

Olomana Trail

Ryan always believe in stretching and carrying a ti leaf with him on hikes. Ti leaves are considered a symbol of good luck and protection in the islands. Chico lost one of his balloons on the way down. Maybe he should have carried a ti leaf as well.

Olomana Trail

Chris decided to take a different approach on the way down or he just didn’t want to wait for everybody else in the climbing queue.

Olomana Trail

Tessa climbing her way down the rockface.

Olomana Trail

Handle with care.

Olomana Trail

When you are Groot’s size, every step is a big step, every fern is over your heard. But his big heart overcomes all obstacles. Sometimes with a little help from his friends.

Trailhead

How many Falls does that make to date?

All pau

A man, his remaining balloon and his dog walking on the bridge where turtles dwelled below. Straight to DVD coming soon to a Blockbuster near you.

Casa de Cantu

We retired to the house by the bay and were joined by James and Destiny, Raul and Janny, Stefano and Val to continue the birthday celebration. Many thanks to Lilia for cooking up the birthday feast and everybody else that participated and chipped in for Chico’s gift. Mahalos!

Casa de Cantu

Stefano made more dollar bills playing Left-Center-Right than most strippers make at Hula’s. Slight exaggeration. Game well played and a birthday well played by all.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Amber Fonte, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Dale Yoshizu, Deborah Tom, Jason Murano, Merrill Kalopodes, Ryan Meyer, 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.

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.

Met up with Aileen and Tesssa to do a quick hop and pop over the mountains.

Maunawili

Where’s the goat whisperer when you need him?

Maunawili

Somebody was running fashionably late aka Hawaiian time, so we enjoyed the breaking sunrise over Olomana.

Maunawili

We soon left the future lots of affordable homes and began our hike. But first, let’s stay hydrated as demonstrated by Tessa.

Piliwale Ridge

Stepping foot on the ridge pioneered by Silver Piliwale, a legendary hiker who hiked from Pupukea to Moanalua in five days to celebrate his 72nd birthday.

Piliwale Ridge

Climbing up towards the notch.

Notch

360 degree group photo at the natural cut in the ridge. We saw rain showers headed our way and after some deliberation, decided to press on.

Piliwale Ridge

Dropping down into the notch.

Piliwale Ridge

Hello from the other side.

Piliwale Ridge

Scrambling up some rocks.

Piliwale Ridge

Aileen climbing up the crack between a tree and a rock.

Piliwale Ridge

Scrambling up more rocks.

Piliwale Ridge

Aileen pulling herself up.

Piliwale Ridge

Somebody left a rope behind which made this climb easier. How nice of them.

Piliwale Ridge

Tessa climbing up and over the rock.

Piliwale Ridge

Going up the honest cardio climb, no switch backs on this ridge.

Piliwale Ridge

Tessa pushing to the junction.

Piliwale Junction

Group photo at the 3,050′ elevation mark.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

What goes up, must come down.

Mud Wall

Going down the slippery slope.

KSRT

Tessa silhouetted on a prominent bump on the ridge line with panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

KSRT

Dropping off the boulder and back on the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The ridge became steeper, narrower and a tad more “technical.”

Contour

Aileen coming around the rockface that always gives me pause, as this is where a fallen angel fell 300′ and lived to hike another day.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Talk to the hand or use the hand. Whichever you prefer.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making our way down to the last major climb on this ridge line.

Chimney

It was like going down a spiderweb of ropes. Best to be mindful of how you go down, otherwise one might get hung up like some hapless prey.

Chimney

The “friendly” slanted angle of the climb.

Chimney

Swinging Tessa to a safe spot. Ouch.

Chimney

The “less friendly” vertical angle of the climb.

Nipple

360 degree group photo on the bump of a rock.

Nipple

Aileen coming down from the rocky perch.

Pali Notches

Ropes? We don’t need no stinking ropes. Paraphrasing the classic line from the 1948 movie “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.”

Pali Notches

Tessa climbing up from the man-made notch that once housed cannons that were installed by King Kalanikupule to defend Oahu against the armies of King Kamehameha. However, Kamehameha found out about these cannons and sent his scouts to descend from the top, perhaps the same route we had just come down from, to disable the cannons.

Pali Notches

What is Amber doing up here at Pali Notches? I think she wanted to add more death threats on Tik Tok to her files. She’s an addict.

Pali Notches Trail

Headed down to mingle with the tourists.

Pali Notches Trail

Tessa biting her gloved fingers in mock horror. Or is that for real?

Pali Notches Trail

Making our way down to the site of the historic 1795 battle that saw the defeat of Oahu’s army, where the remaining warriors were either pushed off the cliff or jumped to their deaths.

Pali Lookout

Playing tourists.

All pau

Thanks to Amber for picking us up and trying to take us to hike Olomana. Sorry, that’s your favorite mountain and not ours. Back to our cars please.

GPS Tracks

Our short day in the mountains covered a little over two miles with a fun crew. Post hike meal at Big City Diner, not to be confused with TGIF.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, 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 Tessa to see how far we could go today in the mountains.

Maunawili

We showed up too early for the open house viewing. I guess we have to pass on the $875,000 lots. Too affordable for our pockets.

Piliwale Ridge

Going up the ridge pioneered by the legendary hiker, Silver Piliwale.

Piliwale Ridge

Catching the breaking sunrise as we started to gain elevation in the mountains.

Piliwale Ridge

Straddling the notch as we looked at the seemingly steep climb ahead of us.

Piliwale Ridge

Traversing the notch with the sun behind my back.

Piliwale Ridge

Tessa pulling herself up the side of the rockface.

Piliwale Ridge

Scrambling up and over another rockface.

Piliwale Ridge

Climbing up the ridge with the three peaks of Olomana, Pakui and Ahiki behind me.

Piliwale Ridge

Tessa working her way around the “tricky” rock.

Piliwale Ridge

Where the red fern grows.

Piliwale Ridge

Making the final push to the junction that will connect us to the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

Konahuanui

Enjoying the white out views at the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountains.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

We humped our way over the two large testicles as the views soon opened up for us.

KSRT

Comin’ down the mountain.

KSRT

Breaking out into one of the many small meadows that dot the mountains.

KSRT

Trying to hold my ground as the wind gusts tried to prove me wrong.

KSRT

Rain, rain go away. The nursery rhyme actually worked as the rain showers kept their distance and stayed off the mountains.

Manoa Middle Summit

Somebody had to air their feet out. Glad the wind was blowing in the other direction.

KSRT

Tessa making her way towards the stand of pine ridges that interrupted the ridge line. We also kicked the tires on sedan rock after the tree line and resumed our hike.

KSRT

Contouring our way on the Castle Trail while enjoying views of Manoa Valley and points beyond.

KSRT

Connecting to the Wa’ahila Ridge Trail.

Awaawaloa Summit

Summit view of the extinct crater and Palolo Valley behind us.

Ka’au Crater

For a moment, it seemed like I was looking at the Golden Gate Bridge as the clouds glided over the power line towers.

KSRT

Trying not to roll down the eroded hill. The winds weren’t helping.

KSRT

Tessa looking back at our steep descent.

Ka’au Crater

Overlooking the marsh filled tuff cone.

KSRT

Tessa pulling herself up the rutted trail.

KSRT

Making our way towards the “big hill.”

KSRT

Looking out towards town and beyond.

KSRT

Pulling ourselves up with the abundant uki grass. Also stands in for emergency snacks as well.

Kainawa’au Summit

Non-paid promotion for Hyperlite Mountain Gear.

KSRT

Making my way to the true summit at 2,621′.

True Lanipo

The pipe dream has ended. Unless I get another wild hair up my arse.

KSRT

Tessa with a budding tree. Botanists we are not.

KSRT

My attempts at pole sitting were short lived.

Wiliwilinui Summit

The untimely visit from Aunt Flo ended our cross-over at the 2,480′ summit.

Wiliwilinui Ridge

Going down the two and half mile trail to civilization.

Wiliwilinui Ridge

Erosion has taken a toll on the steps that line the hill as most of the dirt has washed away leaving the slats exposed and not too sturdy looking.

All pau

Mahalo to Art for picking us up and bringing us cold beverages which was particularly refreshing at the end of our 7.2 mile hike. Post hike meal at Kenko-ya where I brought more customers. Do I get a free sushi for my efforts?

Photos taken by 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.

Like a gullible fool, I believed the weather forecast for a stormy day and passed on the pass. What can I say? I went to public school.

808randomhikes

Aida, Art, Cathy, Cisco, Edgar, Lilyn, Quan, Sally, Tessa and myself met up on the Windward side to figure out how to fit 10 people into two cars, so that we could carpool around the island. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Maunawili

Our first stop was at the land of discarded shoes. Art diving into the sign as he takes the directions literally. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Maunawili

When a tree falls in the forest … Photo by Art Young.

Maunawili

… it’s much easier to climb it horizontal than vertical. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Maunawili

Walking under the forest canopy. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili

Touring the abandoned Boyd estate built in 1869.

Maunawili

The home has seen better days since being left to rot back in 1985 and used by B-Listers to re-enact Halloween stories.

Maunawili

The graffiti has run rampant throughout the decaying structure.

Maunawili

Sometimes they come back.

Maunawili

Will the real Queen please take a bath.

Maunawili

Weight capacity has been reached. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili

See vine. Swing on vine. See vine snap. See idiot fall down. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maunawili

A colony of fairy inkcaps colonizing the neighborhood. Photo by Art Young.

Maunawili

On the way out, some of us had to answer the call of nature and attempt grade school calisthenics.

Waimanalo

Peeping into a slice of Middle Earth smack dab in the land of potable water. No open house for the hobbit house.

Waimanalo

Let’s see, 3.75 million divided by 10 comes out to empty your bank accounts and take a second job.

Laie

We drove to the land of the Mormons for our next exploration out on the spit of land that juts into the ocean. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Laie

Group photo with some of the five islands in the background that represent the remnants of the giant lizard that was slayed and chopped up by Kana in Hawaiian mythology.

Laie

Playing in the sharp and jagged rocks.

Laie

Deja vu. Lonely. I am Miss Lonely. I have nobody. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Laie

Trying to touch the ocean without getting wet or cut. We left the parking lot where somebody combined a compliment with laziness.

Kahuku

Missed opportunities for some. Lunch time for everybody.

Kahuku

Somebody was so hungry that a dozen garlic smothered shrimp was not enough and had to order another garlic drenched hot dog to top it off.

Waiale’e

We continued our circle island drive and stopped short of Sunset Beach to explore another abandoned building. How many hikers have disappeared here since 1916? Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waiale’e

Walking around the paint splashed ruins.

Waiale’e

Lilyn and Quan playing the instrumentals to their favorite song, “Hold on tight to your dreams.” Photo by Sally Chow.

Waiale’e

Climbing up the tree to see where the noise was coming from. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Waiale’e

The noise was coming from kids playing around in a custom built concrete skate park. Pretty cool.

Waiale’e

When one has a lot of energy, one expends it by climbing up the walls.

Waiale’e

A driver’s worst nightmare. Having a backseat driver and a slow driver in front of them. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiale’e

Quan climbing the twisted base to go out on a limb.

Waiale’e

Tree squatters.

Waiale’e

When you try to go fishing with a leaky bucket. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiale’e

Somebody was trying to goad me into going further out on a limb. Just hoping for a splash. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Waiale’e

Testing out the seaworthiness before taking our leave of the area. Photo by Sally Chow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGN9n9hISDw

Video by Edgar Gamiao.

Haleiwa

We got treated to free ice cream courtesy of Aida in the bustling art and surf town. Mahalo!

Pearl City

Getting lost in the Mad Max world of abandoned cars and boats and C&C workers cutting grass with equipment that doesn’t work.

Pearl City

We soon found our bearings and got back on the right track. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pearl City

A bridge too far.

Pearl City

Entering the walled compound of abandoned buildings and stripped cars.

Pearl City

Checking out the first building in the sprawl that used to be a waste water treatment plant.

Pearl City

The rest of the group catching up to us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pearl City

Checking out the used car lot.

Pearl City

Edgar climbing up the steps to the second floor.

Pearl City

Looking down into the first floor.

Pearl City

Shitty reflecting pool. Photo by Art Young.

Pearl City

Checking out topside.

Pearl City

Sally going back down. Photo by Art Young.

Pearl City

We kept ourselves easily amused with what we had on hand.

Pearl City

Checking out one of the tanks.

Pearl City

Art dancing through the bushes. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pearl City

We made our own AAA to get Lilyn’s car out of the muddy rut. It was either that or catch the bus. I didn’t have exact change.

Pearl City

Inside and outside riding through the muddy waters.

https://youtu.be/AOOGWnTKHOQ

Video by Edgar Gamiao.

Pali

Waiting for the #60 bus to take us to our last place on the list. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pali

Entering the Indian murals ruins. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pali

Life imitating art.

Pali

Our last group photo of the day left to right: Edgar, Art, Lilyn, Cathy, Aida, myself, Tessa, Sally, Cisco and Quan.

All pau

Siri, where am I? Hello? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRif6fP5d0s

Video by Edgar Gamiao.

That concluded our scheduled program of exploring abandoned places and eating all day. Fun times with good friends. Special thanks to Edgar and Lilyn for being our tour drivers all day.

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.

‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the tuff cone
not a coqui frog was calling, not even an iPhone.

When out on the pillbox, there arose such a clatter,
we sprang from the summit to see what was the matter.
Away to the railing we flew like a flash,
sailing over the fence and made a mad dash.

When to our squinty eyes, still crusted with makapiapia, what should appear,
but a six foot douglas fir tree twinkling with colored lights and branches bowed with shiny spheres.

Group photo by Ted Calvero

We all flocked to the tree like so many mynah birds,
as Hawaiian Santa, a braddah of few words,
called out his naughty and nice list;
Brian, Dale, Jasmin, Kenji, Lene, Masako, Matt, Rocky, Scott, Shirley, Ted, Tina and Yoly!

Group photo by Ted Calvero

Hawaiian Santa paused as he looked us over and said oh wait,
Chris B was running late.
Missing but in spirit were Chris C, Ethan, Glenn and Lee.
Now no trail should be classified as right or wrong,
there’s no further need to sing that old song.

Sunrise by Yoly Bedford

We opened our wrapped presents that were filled with rocks,
as we shivered in the winter air, cold down to our socks.
But the real present was the sunrise and Christmas company,
we had cookies, mochi, eggnog and warm milk to pass around; but alas, no bubbly.

Hawaiian Santa by Ted Calvero

Down the pillbox, Hawaiian Santa came down with a hoot.
He was dressed in a loud Hawaiian shirt and surfer shorts to boot.
His brow was rimmed by a lauhala hat,
and he was obviously a Democrat.

Drone view by Brian Connors

And flashing a shaka, up the pillbox he rose;
He sprang to his outrigger canoe that was pulled by nine pua’a.
And away they all flew, to the next luau.

Crater rim

But I heard him shout, before he put on his spikes,
“Mele Kalikimaka to all, and to all a good hike!”

Maunawili

The weather outside was so delightful,
so Yoly and I drove to Maunawili Valley to get another sightful.

Trailhead

Yoly making her way up the corridor of trees,
hoping not to run into any bees.

Warning

We were checking the list twice,
to take in all the good advice.

Piliwale Ridge

Taking a peek past the trees,
we saw the ridge was going to be a tight squeeze.

Piliwale Ridge

A hop and a scotch,
and Yoly was out of the notch.

Piliwale Ridge

Yoly climbing up between a tree and a rock,
as it was a trail of hard knocks.

Piliwale Ridge

Scrambling up a couple more rock faces,
to get to our other places.

Piliwale Ridge

Throw me down some webbing,
so I can make it home to my bedding.

Piliwale Ridge

We paused on the ridge to take a selfie,
as we wanted to look somewhat beastly.

Piliwale Ridge

The weather outside became so frightful,
we were just glad there was no lightning.

Piliwale Ridge

The ridge wrapped in clouds to the highest peak,
was looking somewhat bleak.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We took a right,
hoping to see some daylight.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The further down we went,
the more hurried was our descent.

Mud Wall By Yoly Bedford

Stepping down the mud wall,
slowly I went otherwise I would end up in a sprawl.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The winds picked up something fierce,
which made our balance somewhat worse.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hiking in the clouds,
beats walking with the crowds.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing down backwards,
can sometimes feel awkward.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The gusts continued unabated,
which made us feel refrigerated.

Nu’uanu Saddle

When grabbing handholds of uki grass,
is all that keeps you from landing on your ass.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking down at the lookout,
I had to give out a shout.

Nu’uanu Saddle by Yoly Bedford

Staring down at the drop,
I couldn’t help but to look at all the treetops.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Yoly coming around the contour,
as she should’ve took the detour.

Chimney by Yoly Bedford

Sitting on the chimney,
where it was quite windy.
Ho Ho Ho.

Chimney

The rain started sideway sheeting,
so it’s best that our stay here be fleeting.

Chimney by Yoly Bedford

Goodbyes are always hard,
so just send a postcard.

Pali Notches by Yoly Bedford

Climbing up when it’s windy,
at least it’s no chimney.

Pali Notches

One notch was all that was left,
standing between us and some rest.

All pau

Yoly about to finish the hike,
all she wants is her missing spike.

GPS Tracks

Our merry and short stroll covered 2.46 miles. Mahalo to Chris for picking us up and taking us back to our cars. No post meal hike on this Christmas Day. Happy Holidays to all.

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.

Ever since I met Ted and his crew coming up from Piliwale ridge to Lulumahu Falls when we were coming down that same ridge, I have always wanted to follow in his footsteps so to speak. But having no knowledge of the route down to the falls, that hike was shelved for awhile. Today Ted was nice enough to lead ten of us up the ridge and to the falls.

Ted briefing us on the hike

We all met at the Pali Hunter’s check-in, left a couple cars there and carpooled to Maunawili where we parked on Lopaka Place. Going this way is a more direct route than starting from the Pali Lookout.

Sunrise breaking over Olomana

Walking up the slightly graded trail and catching the sun break over Olomana and Maunawili was a nice way to start the morning.

Piliwale Ridge trailhead

Half an hour later, we found ourselves at the start of the trailhead going up Piliwale Ridge. Now the real cardio workout began, well at least for me it did.

Waiting our turn to go up past the notch

When we got to the notch in the ridge, Ted decided to break us into two groups of five each. This was for safety reasons as this is the part where the ridge got steeper, crumbly and prone to loose rocks being dislodged by people climbing on them. Luckily, this section is heavily roped which comes in mighty handy when you’re searching for some kind of handhold to pull yourself up.

Watching and waiting

Glenn, Jay, Matt, LyZel and myself waiting on the notch. Photo by Jim McKown.

Admiring the intermittent view

Having been down this ridge before, I can say it was much easier going up. I’d rather climb up a steep ridge, than come down it and fight gravity.

Looking back towards Maunawili

This was one of our last clear views we got before the clouds swallowed us up, as we climbed higher towards the summit of Konahuanui or K1.

I’ve got you!

Jason illustrated how the vegetation can sometimes mask the narrowness of the ridge, as he slipped and was hanging on the edge when LyZel came from behind and pulled him up to safety. Another good reason not to hike solo and not to be spaced too far apart, in case assistance is needed. Photo by Jim McKown.

Socked in at the top of K1

The highest point on the Koolau mountains was totally socked in, affording us zero views. Top row left to right: myself, Ted, Matt, Glenn, Jim, Will and Jason. Bottom row left to right: LyZel, Tom and Jay.

Slippery slope down

Going down from K1 was literally by the seat of my pants, due to to the steepness, wetness and mud lubricated trail.

Breaking views

As the steepness gradually leveled to a walkable grade, we started making our way down below the clouds.

Panoramic town view

Click here for the larger image.

Nuuanu Reservoir

Eventually we went down the side of the ridge towards the reservoir. As we got lower, it became a jumbled maze of pig and eroded trails. It seemed that somebody had removed the prior ribbons that clearly marked the trail. Without the ribbons and an experienced guide, one could find themselves bushwhacking for quite a spell. Jay put up a bunch of pink ribbons to mark the key junctions on the trail, hopefully nobody will remove them for future hikers.

Lulumahu Falls

Once we got down to the bottom, we followed the rock strewn stream up to Lulumahu Falls. These falls are fed from the top of K1 and cascade all the way down into Nuuanu Valley.

K1 still capped in clouds

After taking a short break at the falls, we followed the stream out into a clearing that surrounds the Nuuanu reservoir. There is a cleared trail through the bamboo forest that leads back to the hunter check-in station on the Pali.  

GPS Tracks

The 4.5 mile hike took us about 6.5 hours to complete. But the day was not yet done! I had always wanted to check out the summer palace ruins of King Kamehameha III.

Tree tunnel

We drove to Nuuanu Pali Road and parked on the side along with a bunch of other cars that were already there. Walking down the road, we found the trail that lead us into a bamboo forest.

Summer Palace Ruins

A short 5 minutes later, we were standing among the ruins of Kaniakapupu, which was King Kamehameha III’s Summer Palace.

Kaniakapupu

According to the informational plaque, it was built in 1845 and was host to a number of celebrations involving locals and foreign guests.

King Kamehameha III’s Summer Palace

Walking around the ruins, one can feel the “history” of the place.

Singing of the Land Shell

Kaniakapupu means “Singing of the Land Shell” and was a place of rest and refuge for King Kamehameha III. Apparently it soon fell into neglect, as an 1874 map pegged the summer palace as an “old ruin.” We didn’t have time as we were hungry for lunch, but Luakaha Falls is a short hike away from the ruins. Another hike for another day.

Having promised myself that I would tackle the descent down the third peak of Ahiki ever since we did Olomana almost two years ago, today was the day to cash that check. Glenn, Chris and myself all met right before the bridge on Auloa Road and started the hike around 6:30am.

Climbing the rockface

Glenn and Chris climb the last major rockface before the first peak of Olomana. It turned out to be a very nice sunny day with scattered clouds in the sky, which also made the hike hotter than most of our previous hikes that had extensive cloud cover.

Top of Olomana

Best seats in the house, as far as panoramic viewing from Olomana. This is the highest of the three peaks and the one that affords the best vantage to check out the stunning views from Kaneohe to Makapuu.

Panoramic view from Olomana

Click here to see the larger panoramic image.

Looking at Olomana from Paku'i

Descending down from the first peak, the trail pretty much to the third peak gives way to dirt and loose rocks.

Climbing down from the second peak

Chris scrambling down the second peak after finishing rappeling down the first part of the peak, with other hikers coming down the second peak right behind him.

In the saddle between Pakui and Ahiki

Glenn and Chris taking a break in the saddle between the second and third peaks.

Keyhole rock formation

Ever since I saw the keyhole rock formation on our first hike up Olomana, I had always wanted to climb into the hole and get my picture taken. It’s way easier to climb from the backside and a lot safer too.

Top of Ahiki

We arrived at the third peak of Ahiki around 9:30am and promptly signed the hiker’s log while munching on beef jerky and drinking lukewarm water.

Rockface #1

Going down the backside of Ahiki, the first rockface we encountered had a small rope ladder that was more of a hindrance than a help in my opinion. You have to balance yourself just right as the rope ladder is not rigid and is constantly moving, so if one is not careful, you could end up getting hurt coming down that short ladder.

Rockface #2

Chris and Glenn climbing down the second rockface.

Rockface#3

Going down the third rockface was aided by a somewhat tattered blue and white rope anchored to the rocks. Needless to say, we didn’t put much of our weight on the rope coming down. We also met three hikers that were coming up from the Waimanalo side, one of whom was Nate Rubio or The Hobbit.

Rockface #4

This part of the rockface was the toughest part in my opinion. As you go over the ledge, you really can’t see the footholds coming down, so you have to put all your trust and weight on the rope going down until you get to your first foothold.

Rockface #5

Chris coming down the last and longest major rockface.

All pau!

After we all made it down the backside of Ahiki, we took the right junction that led us into the ravine where we eventually went up the hill following the ribboned branches. When in doubt, stay right held particularly true on the trail going back. Towards the end, we lost the main trail and decided to take the straightest line which led us onto the 7th hole of the Royal Hawaiian Golf Course. And what luck we had, as there was also a complimentary drinking water station right by the greens. We didn’t bother to ask if it was just for the golfers or hikers. Ice cold water never tasted so good after six hours of hiking!