Plan A was dismissed for lack of permit, Plan B was discarded due to lack of commitment, and so it was down to Plan C today.

Aiea Loop

Thanks to Tessa for dropping us off at the park as they opened the gates, perfect timing as it saved us 10 minutes of walking. We are part-time hikers.

Aiea Loop Trail

Bench with a semi-sunrise view on the trail that follows the historic railway that operated between 1898 to 1947 that supported the sugar industry.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back at the John A Burns Freeway that was mired in controversy before its opening in 1997, but the passage of time has proven its effectiveness as another transportation corridor that helps to reduce clogged traffic on the island.

Pu’u Kawaipo’o

My office view today from the 2,441′ hill.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Hiking over one of multiple humps on the ridge line.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Akira and Kenny making their way on the muddy trail.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Passing somebody’s discarded tent on the trail. Perhaps the original occupant will come back to claim it, if not, CB said he will put it to good use on his next visit.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Akira passing near the crackling powerline transmission tower that is part of the infrastructure that keeps the islands humming with electricity.

Aiea Summit

Drone view of the socked in 2,805′ summit.

Aiea Summit

Thanks to Chef Suzuki for the bacon, eggs and rice brunch at the socked in and soggy summit.

Aiea Summit

Leaving the summit as we stepped foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains that were thankfully shedding the cloud coverage.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Enjoying the expansive views of Kaneohe Bay and beyond while somebody else was focused on keeping his footing steady on the ridge line.

KSRT

Cramping with the verdant valley views that were strangely devoid of the normally present strong circulation movements aka wind. No complaints here.

KSRT

Descending towards what has been called a raft of different names: Haiku Hidden Stairs, North Haiku Stairs and the more common Stairway to Hell.

Stairway to Hell

Welcome to Stairway to Hell, the red-headed stepchild of Stairway to Heaven.

Stairway to Hell

Group shot on the dilapidated stairs that are slowly returning to Mother Nature.

Stairway to Hell

Climbing back up the stairs that were left incomplete by the US Navy due to the ridge topography that doesn’t lend itself well to man-made infrastructure.

Stairway to Hell

Exploring the bunker that was pleasantly clean and devoid of the rank smell of ammonia from past visits.

Stairway to Hell

Threading our way through the tetanus spikes that were once part of the railings and are now slowly rusting away.

Stairway to Hell

Passing through one of multiple platforms that were once home to A-Frames that hung suspended antenna cables across the valley.

Stairway to Hell

Climbing the rusted stairs out of Hell.

KSRT

Going up a small hill to be soon replaced by bigger hills.

KSRT

Kenny making his way down the trail with the presumably vacant Stairway to Heaven beckoning to us from across the valley.

KSRT

Akira hiking on the edge of the pali (cliff) overlooking the H-3 Freeway as the traffic noise wafted up to the ridge line.

Red Hill Summit

The guys approaching the summit that looked like it was recently cleared as it was almost unrecognizable from my last visit.

Moanalua Saddle

Striking out towards the Western half of what is considered the “easiest” of the three main saddles on the KST.

Moanalua Saddle

One has to crawl before one can walk.

Moanalua Saddle

Akira climbing down the rockface section while Kenny contemplates the meaning of life or thinking he could be relaxing in his new home instead of subjecting himself to today’s hike.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the saddle against the backdrop of Halawa Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Standing and scooting our way down the grassy ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Descending down the long line as I like to call it.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving the imposing and intimidating looking mountains behind us.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Our final group photo at the summit before heading down into the valley and the 28 stream crossings and the endless road out. We left the summit at 1630 and hustled our way out in two hours as we didn’t want to test the police presence that shuts the park down at 1900 and we also wanted time to wash our muddy shoes.

GPS Tracks

Our virgin saddle hike covered 11.5 miles to hell and back. Great job on Kenny’s part as he works on overcoming his acrophobia. Post hike meal was at Plan A which was Pepper Lunch but too crowded. Plan B was Alley Restaurant which was also too crowded. We ended up at BBQ Chicken which was not crowded, where we were joined by Tessa and Marilyn.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Kenny Lui, 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 plan was to end at Tripler but weather and other factors would have the final say in our destination today.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Roger for dropping us off at the “mysterious” park to start our before the chickens wake up hike.

Aiea Loop Trail

Stopping at the bench that was installed by Thomas Yoza and his biking buddies that overlooks Kalauao Valley.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Scott standing under the sign that he installed. Still waiting on the summit sign.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking out at the illuminated H3 highway, the most expensive interstate highway ever built per mile. Hawaii #1.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Hump day in the mountain. Add rain. Joy.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Contouring around the base of the power-line tower.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the typical socked in 2,805′ summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Striking out on the wind and rain soaked ridge line.

KSRT

Are we going forward or backwards?

KSRT

Hard blowing rain and wind outside the native tree enclosure. Are we having fun yet?

KSRT

Catching a break in the clouds as we started coming down the ridge. Enjoy it while it lasts.

KSRT

The clouds started to saturate the area as we got closer to the bottom.

Stairway to Hell

Scott finally found it. No views. When the weather does cooperate, the scenery is just leaps and bounds from the other side.

KSRT

We sought temporary refuge in the bunker from the wind and rain that was slowly draining our body heat. Somebody had finally cleaned up all the tents, sleeping bags and other detritus that occupied the bunker since the days of 2015 when they were searching for the lost hiker, Daylenn Pua.

KSRT

The condition of these stairs stands in stark contrast to the other side.

KSRT

Steps are missing, rails are slowly disintegrating into rust and being reclaimed by Mother Nature.

KSRT

Climbing out of Hell.

KSRT

Neither wind nor rain nor heat nor mud nor overgrowth stays these hikers from the completion of their hikes.

KSRT

Pausing at the top of the hill where the weather had finally toppled the geodetic pole marker.

KSRT

One good point that with all this bad weather flying around, the bees won’t be bothering us on the trail.

Red Hill Summit

Rain, rain go away. Come again another day. Nursery rhymes don’t seem to work in the mountains.

KSRT

Chico getting himself out of the hole he fell in.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the “easier” side of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Chico lost five points for using the rope.

Moanalua Saddle

The constant erosion keeps changing the “character” of the KST.

Moanalua Saddle

Sliding down the slippery slope thanks to the rain.

Moanalua Saddle

The rain started to dissipate as we dropped in elevation down the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Scott dirt surfing his way down.

Moanalua Saddle

Akira lowering himself down with the trickling Moanalua Falls in the background.

Moanalua Saddle

Somebody could see us. Must be an iphone.

Moanalua Saddle

Scott standing on the scenic rock.

Moanalua Saddle

Roger! Somebody was missing the “Oh” part. Aida and Roger had hiked up from the valley to meet us at the summit and continue towards Tripler. Plans would change.

Moanalua Saddle

Almost there.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Thanks to Akira for the hot rice soup, does a cold body good.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo as we decided to cut our hike short due to weather and mobility problems and hike down into the valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Making our way down the short, slippery slope.

Moanalua Falls

The trickle had turned into a white ribbon of water cascading down the multi-tiered falls.

Moanalua Valley

Hitting the valley floor and crossing one of 28 stream crossings. I don’t think anybody was counting.

All pau

The last of seven bridges before we exited the trail. I counted.

GPS Tracks

Our not so favorable weather for today’s hike covered 12 miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where I had another bowl of hot soup to warm up my cold body.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Roger Schiffman, Scott Peterson, 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.

Somebody told me to go to hell. I told them to go to hell. So we all went to hell today.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Chico for dropping Akira, Roger, Val and myself off at the park that is home to a healing heiau (temple) that was possibly constructed in the 16th century and surrounded by eucalyptus and pine trees that were planted in the 1920s.

Aiea Loop Trail

Leaving the loop trail as we connected to the ridge trail.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Catching the sunrise bursting over the Ko’olau Mountains.

Pu’u Kawipoo

Panoramic view from the 2,441′ flat peak.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Pushing to the summit that was less than a mile away, as the mynah bird flies.

Aiea Ridge Trail

This is not the summit, let’s push on.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Climbing and contouring our way around the HECO powerline tower.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the 2,805′ top with expansive Windward views.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

We pushed off the summit and stepped foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

The winds were something fierce as they plucked my cap off my head and sent it soaring into the mountains. My donation.

KSRT

Contouring around the fenced native plant enclosure. I have yet to catch a glimpse.

KSRT

We could see heaven but not hell. Yet.

KSRT

Climbing up the last hill before our final destination.

North Haiku Stairs

Approaching the windswept meadows that is home to what many people commonly call “Stairway to Hell.”

North Haiku Stairs

Going down the stairs that time has “forgotten.”

North Haiku Stairs

We decided to go down just a short stretch and not all the way to the bottom as originally planned.

North Haiku Stairs

Climbing our way down the stairs that are falling apart, literally. The stairs do not go completely down to the base of the cliff as the opposite stairs does, due to a steep cliff that prevented further construction and progress of the stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

Best seat in the mountains.

North Haiku Stairs

Akira climbing back up through the stairs that are slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature.

Stairway to Hell

Meanwhile, over yonder a couple saw us climbing up the dilapidated stairs from their vantage point.

North Haiku Stairs

Val climbing back up the near vertical section whose supports are being slowly exposed to the elements, further hastening the erosion of

North Haiku Stairs

Roger exchanging unstable and rotten footing for terra firma.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Seeking temporary refuge from the gusting winds that definitely brought our body temperature down a degree or two.

KSRT

Following the decaying stairs that lead us out of the hike that is best served cold.

KSRT

Roger crossing over one of the platforms that housed A-frames that supported one of six antennas suspended across the valley for military communication use in WW2.

KSRT

Climbing our way out of hell.

KSRT

Val coming up the last section of the rusted stairs that will soon disintegrate into oxidized dust.

KSRT

Descending down the hill as we approached the junction to the Halawa Trail.

KSRT

Running into Amber and Orion who was also told to go to hell. They went all the way to the bottom of hell.

H-3

Looking down at the most expensive interstate highway ever built, at a cost of roughly $80 million per mile.

Red Hill Summit

Taking a break at the grassy area with the laminated flyer regarding Daylenn “Moke” Pua who went missing on February 26, 2015. Extensive searches that canvassed the area by foot and air were conducted with no luck. I believe it was his disappearance that was the catalyst for the formation of Oahu Search and Rescue (OSAR), an all volunteer group that assists with the search for missing hikers and educating the public at large about safe hiking practices.

Moanalua Saddle

Roger directly dealing with the troublesome tree that has tripped many a hiker.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the “easy” side of the saddle. Easy being relative. Christian hymns optional.

Moanalua Saddle

Scrambling down one of many eroded spots on the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing down the constantly changing character of the mountains. Tree here today. Tree gone tomorrow.

Moanalua Saddle

The group sliding their way down the steep hill cushioned by ferns and packed with loose dirt.

Moanalua Saddle

Roger standing on the photo opportunity rock.

Moanalua Saddle

Why contour when you can climb? Exactly.

Moanalua Saddle

Almost there!

Kulana’ahane Summit

Our last group photo before we descended down into the valley. Talks of continuing to heaven were blown away by the strong winds.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going down the short and steep spur ridge.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Val crossing the last of 28 stream crossings in the valley.

Moanalua Valley

Going over the last of seven bridges that were connected to the cobblestone carriage road that once served as a path for the horse and carriages that the Damon family used at the turn of the century.

All pau

Mahalo to Aida, Aileen and Tessa who met us in the community park. It worked out in the end as they were originally supposed to have joined us on the hike. Instead, they came bearing gifts in the form of soda floats.

GPS Tracks

Our windy as hell hike covered 12.3 miles with good company. Post hike meal at Teishoku where the eye was bigger than the stomach for some and the Japanese pronunciation of the French expression resulted in uncontrollable laughter from some. Ice cream for dessert for some as others didn’t care.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Roger Schiffman, Val Wang, 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.

Why do two hikes when you can do just one? Why see only one stairway when you can see both? Rhetorical questions aside, that is how we found ourselves at top of Aiea Heights this morning. Thanks to Chris for dropping us off.

Aiea

Campers and chickens were sleeping as we walked up the road that was slowly being illuminated by the breaking sun.

Aiea Loop Trail

Turning off the loop trail, we were treated to a colorful cascade as the sun torched the mountain peaks.

Aiea Ridge

Multiple downs …

Aiea Ridge

… and multiple ups.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Taking a short break at the 2,441′ grassy peak.

Aiea Ridge

Heading into the home stretch of the 5.5 mile ridge trail.

Aiea Ridge

Coming up the last hump on the ridge.

Aiea Ridge

Aida enjoying the sweeping views of the windward side from the grassy clearing.

Aiea Ridge

Milling around the base of the power-line tower.

Aiea Ridge

The group finally got enough of the eye candy views and started making their way down.

Aiea Ridge

You can take the man out of the ironworks, but you can’t take the ironworks out of the man.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the 2,805′ clear summit.

Aiea Summit

William trying to talk to the locals. Perhaps it was his Midwestern accent that was getting lost in translation.

Ko’olau Summit RIdge Trail (KSRT)

The group contouring on the leeward side of the ridge under clear skies.

KSRT

Stunning views to be had all around as we traversed the ridge.

KSRT

Views like these are icing on the hiking cake.

KSRT

Contouring around the fenced native plant enclosure. I have yet to see one, then again I don’t know what I’m looking at either.

KSRT

Descending down into the verdant windswept pastures of hell.

Stairway to Hell

Group photo at the stairs that the US Navy started but never finished. The views were uncommonly clear and striking.

Stairway to Hell

William tried talking to the locals again. A hint of pidgin thrown in for good measure. No luck. What kind of neighbors are we?

KSRT

This place is going to hell in a handbasket.

KSRT

Climbing out of hell for greener pastures.

KSRT

Overlooking the engineering marvel that was the most expensive interstate highway ever built back in 1997 at a cost of 1.3 billion. The current rail system costs pegged at over 12 billion will easily eclipse it and make H3 look like a bargain.

Red Hill Summit

Group photo at the terminus of the trail that starts down in Moanalua Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

The group traversing over the crumbly section with the tree trip hazard in the way.

Moanalua Saddle

Descending down the western half of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

It was just a walk in the park. A windy park.

Moanalua Saddle

Following the serpentine ridge to the next summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo in the “pocket” of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

The winds started to pick up as we began our ascent of the Eastern half of the saddle. I turned my cap backwards, not to emulate athletes or rappers, but to serve as a hiking windsock.

Moanalua Saddle

When hiking turns back the clock to when we used to drag our knuckles.

Moanalua Saddle

Just when I thought was out of the elevator service, they pull me back in.

Moanalua Saddle

Minding the huge windward drops on our right side.

Moanalua Saddle

Somebody was glad to be back on relatively level ground.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching the most well known obstacle this side of the saddle – The Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

Oh, I get up with a little help from my friends and some extra webbing.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up a particularly chossy section of the ridge. The gusting winds had blown the assist ropes to the far right side. Time to recover them.

Moanalua Saddle

The ropes were returned to its rightful place for the rest of the group to use.

Moanalua Saddle

Chico pulling himself up one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Passing a cascade on our right that feeds the main Moanalua Falls.

Moanalua Saddle

Chico traversing over an eroded section of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

The start of the “other” stairs to heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Knockin’ on heaven’s back door.

Moanalua Saddle

Closing the gap to the CCL building with its distinctive dual microwave antenna perched on the top.

CCL Building

Group photo at the top of the stairs that the city wants to keep. Demolish. Keep. Demolish. Bipolarism at its finest.

Stairway to Heaven

We started going down the 3,922 steps as weeks ago I was contacted by a quasi-official entity that wanted me to count and verify the number of steps for possible future wasted resources. They were also going to pay me. Check’s in the mail. Yes, I’m also the type that believes that I have a snowball’s chance of hell in winning the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. There is one born every day.

Stairway to Heaven

The windward views were indeed heavenly on this day.

Stairway to Heaven

Who’s keeping count? Chico?

Stairway to Heaven

I believe at this point, William gave up trying to communicate with the locals. Instead he made an impassioned plea to save the stairs. I think it fell on deaf ears.

Stairway to Heaven

Catching the setting sun behind the mountains.

Stairway to Heaven

It took two Navy men in 1942, 21 days to climb from the bottom to the top to install the original ladder. Thanks to their pioneering efforts, travel time is now measured in hours instead of days.

All pau

Thanks to Lilia for picking us up at the exit point. Post hike meal had to be someplace quick as most of the group didn’t want to sit and wait for their food. Fast food. McDonald’s. Drive-Thru.

GPS Tracks

Our back to back stairways hike covered 10.1 miles with almost perfect weather conditions with good company.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, William Mayo 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 paid a birthday visit to Hell today and some of us carried extra baggage with us. Might as well be comfortable sitting on that chair. Or not.

Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area

Why walk an extra ten minutes when the custodian is nice enough to open the gate early? Mahalo to Lilyn and Quan for dropping Aida, Aileen, Amber, Jen, Rose and myself off at the 384 acre park.

Trailhead

One person in the group photo is not hiking.

Aiea Loop Trail

Pushing off on the trail.

Aiea Loop Trail

Taking a load off their backs, some more so than others.

Aiea Loop Trail

Leaving the five mile loop trail for the mountains.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Aida with the background views of the H3 highway on Windward viaducts as it runs through Halawa Valley.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Amber illustrating the difference between a headstand and a handstand at the 2,441′ hill.

Aiea Ridge Trail

There’s views in them thar hills. Not today.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Going around the base of the power line tower before gaining the summit.

Aiea Summit

You know your backpack is oversized, when people see it first before they see you when coming up to the summit.

Aiea Summit

No need to stand up group photo at the socked in 2,805′ top.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Descending into the clouds.

KSRT

Contouring around the fenced native plant enclosure.

KSRT

Climbing up our last hill …

KSRT

… to prove that there are views in them thar hills.

KSRT

Dripping wet.

Stairway to Hell

Happy Birthday Jen!

Stairway to Hell

It’s cold as hell. Oxymoron’s that work well together in this part of the mountains.

Stairway to Hell

Group photo at the stairs that leads to nowhere.

Stairway to Hell

The pair of Amber and Rose stashed their stuff for their upcoming KST traverse. Don’t touch our stuff. Pretty please. In sharpie. Permanent.

KSRT

Making our way on the steps that time forgot and that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming.

KSRT

Following the wire rope that soon replaced the steps.

KSRT

Climbing out of hell.

KSRT

Leaving the rusted remnants behind us.

KSRT

Making our way up to the geodetic marker that has since lost its circumference.

KSRT

Dropping down into saddle that is also the junction for the Halawa trail.

KSRT

Approaching the summit of Red Hill.

Moanalua Saddle

Trip hazard.

Moanalua Saddle

Hold your excitement. This not the pearly white ohi’a lehua flower. The search continues.

Moanalua Saddle

Walking on the edge.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down on crumbly dirt.

Moanalua Saddle

Watching the rest of the group make their way down the thin ribbon of a trail.

Moanalua Saddle

If it’s not a tree hugger, it’s a rock hugger in the mountains.

Moanalua Saddle

We contoured on the Leeward side and regained the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the Western half of the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Approaching our last summit of the day.

Kulana’ahane Summit

What could this be? Let your imagination run wild.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Our last group photo in the slot.

Moanalua Falls

I see people. Live people. Coming down the spur ridge, we noticed a pair of people at the top of the falls. Turned out to be Jason and Pam setting up their anchors, a day that lasted over 24 hours for them. I thought my hikes were long!

Kulana’ahane Trail

Somebody started counting the stream crossings as we hit the valley floor. Never did finish the task. Unfinished business.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Threading our way through the thickets of hau tree branches.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Everybody looking forward to the walk out.

All pau

We washed our shoes and walked back out to our cars to finish the day. Post hike meal? One had steak waiting at home. The other was tuckered out and went home. The rest of us went to nearby Alley Restaurant to get our fix of oxtail soup.

GPS Tracks

Our birthday/stash hike covered 11.5 miles to hell and back. Mixed bag of weather day spent with good people.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Amber Fonte, Jen Odence, Rose Mathis, 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.

Took four virgins to Hell today. Not for a sacrificial offering, but for scenic purposes. Thanks to Sakura for dropping Asami, Aya, Dana, Shari and myself off at the beginning of the Aiea Loop Trail.

Aiea Loop Trail

Not even ten minutes into the hike and we discovered somebody had made a campfire in the middle of the trail. The things that make you shake your head.

Aiea Ridge Trail

We turned off the loop trail and decided to have a break. Have a kit kat. Oops. Make it have a reese’s sticks. Owned by the same company, so no matter.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Passing the landslide area that is not even recognizable anymore as such, as Mother Nature has slowly covered it with a carpet of uluhe ferns.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Traversing the long ungraded ridge trail where somebody fell off the side and got back up with a little help from her friends.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Somebody was happy and still warm at the last major false peak before the actual summit.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The peace sign or the f*ck you sign at the base of the powerlines tower. Depending on your cultural interpretation.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Contouring around the powerlines as we made our way to the top.

Aiea Summit

Looking for the sign at the socked-in 2,805′ summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hiking into the clouds and wind. Mother Nature’s air conditioning was on full blast.

KSRT

Contouring our way around the fenced habitat for endemic fauna and flora.

KSRT

The group coming down one of many hills.

Stairway to Hell

Who said hell was hot? The gusting winds and rolling rain lowered the temperature close to freezing. Well, from the perspective of somebody born and raised in these islands.

Stairway to Hell

Trying to maintain a semblance of a group photo at the top of the dilipidated stairways that goes nowhere.

Stairway to Hell

Asami trying to keep warm. A mostly futile exercise.

Stairway to Hell

Why didn’t we have our lunch in here?

Stairway to Hell

Going down the stairs that time forgot.

Stairway to Hell

Sections of the stairs are either missing rails, steps or just completely gone.

Stairway to Hell

It’s just a matter of time before the stairs will dissolve and disappear. Rust to rust, dust to dust.

KSRT

Umm, can we get a picture of the green and red ‘ama’u fronds without any humans? Thank you.

Red Hill Summit

We all agreed to avoid the originally planned exit from Red hill and continue down towards Kulana’ahane and avoid the relentless rolling hills that Red Hill is known for.

Moanalua Saddle

Traversing the eroded section. Having a solid balance will keep one from taking the express route down to the valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Scrambling down the rocks, one at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

The saddle keeping the clouds at bay on the Leeward side.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing down the eroded rockface with a weathered webbing anchored to a shallow rooted tree. Safety first.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the overgrown dirt corridor.

Moanalua Saddle

The group coming down and over the last major steep section on the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Quick photo on the rock before the winds knocked me off.

Moanalua Saddle

Passing an unplucked lehua flower. We still got rained on.

Moanalua Saddle

Hiking on the crumbly edge of the saddle with “hurricane weather” that robbed us of our body heat and surrendered it to the surrounding atmosphere.

Moanalua Saddle

The rest of the group hiking over the last hump before the summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Last group photo of the day before we got off the summit and left the howling winds behind us.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Making our way down the spur ridge to the floor of Moanalua Valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

The girls making their way across #13 of #28 stream crossings, dry and wet. Yes, I counted.

All pau

Making our way out of the trail and finishing our almost twelve mile hike for the day. Washed our muddy shoes and tired feet at the bathrooms and walked back to our cars. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where everybody had their steaming hot oxtail soup with white rice. Easy peasy for the waiter.

Photos taken by Asami Waseline, Aya Asanuma 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.

I did a solo hike and descended down into the depths of hell and came back to tell the tale.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Ani for dropping me off at the top of the loop trail around 0632.

Aiea Loop Trail

Most of the five mile trail was surprisingly dry as the rising sun soon began to beat down on my sweaty head.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Looking at the H3 running through Halawa Valley from the 2,441′ hill. What happened to the usual stiff winds?

Aiea Ridge Trail

Windward view from the grassy clearing right before the base of the power line tower. Scant cloud cover floated above my sweating head.

Aiea Summit

Ascended to the 2,805′ summit at 0848. Promptly took a load off my feet. I was sweating profusely from the heat and lack of wind.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Going up and down the humps on the ridge with Windward views to keep me company.

KSRT

The valley views that never fail to disappoint were noticeably absent of wind that would snatch the cap off your head and send it tumbling down the hill.

KSRT

Dropped into hell or what is left of North Haiku Stairs at 0952.

Stairway to Hell

The place actually lived up to its name today. Gone were the gusting winds that made the place feel like being inside a freezer. I had my lunch with the stunning vistas as my office views.

KSRT

Climbing my way out of the place of suffering and disintegrating stairs.

KSRT

Peering towards Stairway to Heaven.

Red Hill Summit

I ran into Brittney’s group at my last summit of the day at 1110. They were deciding whether to continue to where I had just come from. Given their time constraints, they decided to come back another day.

Red Hill Ridge

Going down the relentless rollercoaster ridge line.

Godek-Jaskulski Junction

I ignored the option to drop down into Moanalua Valley and continued to suffer on the suffocating ridge.

Red Hill Ridge

Walking through the section of pine trees gave me a slight respite from the heat.

Red Hill Ridge

Plowing through the dense uluhe ferns that seemed to dominate most of the ridge line. Not a walk in the park.

Red Hill Ridge

Going through the corridor of strawberry guava trees that signaled that I was close to contouring down the ridge line. The markers soon took me to the end of a cliff. I had little patience due to the high heat and humidity, so I just climbed and slid my way down the cliff instead of finding the trail again.

All pau

No time for a game of hoops as I ended my hike and walked back to my steaming hot car parked on the side of the road. Fitting end to the hike.

GPS Tracks

My hot as hell hike covered roughly 10.4 miles but I was rewarded with stunning vistas all around.

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.

Thanks to Art for dropping Katie, Tessa and myself off at the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area. Quite a mouthful to say so early in the morning.

Aiea Loop Trail

Early hikers get the trail all to themselves.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Passing out assorted tapes to alleviate somebody’s blistering feet. Unfortunately, the blisters won out and Tessa had to turn around. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Crossing over a relatively level section of the trail, that Stuart Ball calls a gem of a ridge hike. Today it was a muddy ridge hike.

Aiea Ridge Trail

We finally saw a landmark through the dense clouds that had completely soaked the mountains. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Katie contouring the base of the powerlines to ascend to the summit.

Aiea Summit

We actually had panoramic views at the 2,805′ top. It was uncommonly clear.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the summit to continue our muddy trek on the trail. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KSRT

Appreciating the Windward views as the drifting clouds slowly erased them.

KSRT

Windy. Slight exaggeration. But not by much.

KSRT

Katie coming down the gusty ridge to the wind blasted spot in the mountains reserved for bad hikers. We are home.

Stairway to Hell

Nothing to see here. Move along. Photo by Katie Bingham.

REI Outlet

We retreated to the bunker to have our lunch of hot noodles. Does a body good. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KSRT

Climbing out of the freezing environ of Hell.

KSRT

Crossing over. I read that a 1993 Nissan Sentra once sat on a hill in this area. I find that urban legend hard to believe. But if true, what a sight that must have been. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KSRT

Looking for bees on our way to Red Hill, we must’ve blinked.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the eroded saddle as clouds, rain and wind kept us company. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie coming down the thin river of dirt that ran through the uluhe overgrowth.

Moanalua Saddle

Keeping our center of gravity low as the brisk winds buffeted us on the saddle descent. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Finding temporary relief from the winds on the Leeward contour.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Press on in gale like conditions or walk out that long a** Moanalua Valley Road. It was a no brainer. I guess we are not left-brained hikers.

Moanalua Saddle

Going up the saddle as we saw a sliver of a waterfall trickling down the chute. At least the rain parted company with us. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the saddle with the Interstate H-3 in the background, the rail of its day back in the 1980s.

Moanalua Saddle

Is the elevator working today? Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie contouring up the Windward flank to regain the ridge line.

Time out

If you want HFD, just whistle. Just have to whistle louder than the wind.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking ahead to the main obstacle on the saddle. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Preparing to contour around the ridge line to climb up the main obstacle.

Dirt Triangle

Stuck between slippery rocks and loose dirt. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Dirt Triangle

Katie pulling herself up the Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

The climbing continued over boulders of assorted sizes and placement.

Moanalua Saddle

Working out the cramps while enjoying the saddle views.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the last eroded and vertical section. The winds continued unabated on our climb up the saddle. Made for an interesting hike to say the least.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching double tiered waterfalls on our ascent. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at Moanalua Saddle in her entirety. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Going up the stairs that time forgot. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Eggs ‘n Things

Sloppy side up. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Stairway to Heaven

Group photo at the deserted CCL building. Who would be crazy enough to hike in these conditions?

South Haiku Stairs

A medical emergency forced us to take the most direct route down without inconveniencing the hard working taxpayers of this fine city.

All pau

Mahalo to Quan for picking us up after coming down all 3,922 steps, give or take. Post hike meal at Easy ‘Que where Aida and Lilyn also joined us. Recommended off the menu was the mac’n’cheese that was supposedly the best thing since burnt ends, well not according to the Southerner.

GPS Tracks

Our bookended stairway hike covered over 10.3 miles through some of the windiest conditions I have encountered on these trails to date. Props to the moonshiner for her perseverance on todays hike. What better way to usher in the first hike of the year?

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.

Some of us went to Hell and some of us went to Heaven today. Some of us got two for the price of one. Just depended on how much sweat and tears one wanted to pay for the price of admission.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Quan and Lilyn for dropping Jennifer, Katie, Tessa and myself off at the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area where only campers and chickens populated the park.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking towards all the ridges that connect to the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Nobody was edited out of this photo.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Traversing the open saddle. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Enjoying the scenic views from the 2,441′ hill. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Basking in the manmade and natural views.

Aiea Summit

A lot of sign waving was going on, I just wanted to make my mama saimin.

Aiea Summit

Taking out the trash and possibly releasing my frustration on somebody that was not here to share the load. LOL.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the 2,805′ summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Looking back at all the Windward valleys with their ridges and peaks.

KSRT

Hiking on the windswept ridge with views of Kaneohe Bay ahead of us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

We contoured around the protected plant enclosure where some of us almost got blown down into the valley.

KSRT

This valley, that had stunning views stretching all the way as far as H3 snaking through Halawa Valley.

KSRT

Working our way back towards the ridge.

KSRT

Going up and down false peaks that delayed the scenic gratification. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Almost there, just past this small peak. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KSRT

Going down the grassy ridge with sweeping views. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Welcome to Hell. May your stay be a pleasant one.

Stairway to Hell

The best stairway view. Hands down. You just have to work a little harder for these views.

KSRT

Panoramic view as we left Hell.

KSRT

Jenn going down the stairs that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KSRT

The girls making their way along the rusted cable. Everybody’s tetanus shots are up to date?

KSRT

Climbing up what’s left of the last stair section that is slowly rusting away. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Leaving hell behind us as we warmed up. Quite the contradiction. Photo by Jennifer LaRochelle.

KSRT

Traversing the ridge line with spectacular views of the valleys and mountains around us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Our ending destination as framed by the rusty geodic marker.

KSRT

We found two things on the ridge today, one was anticipated and the other was unexpected. I found somebody’s black jacket with camera inside that was returned to its rightful owner. Katie found or perhaps, roughly 30 bees found her and left a stinging impression. Props to her for keeping her head and not panicking and running off the ridge. My webbing didn’t reach that far. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Red Hill Summit

Anybody got benadryl? The swelling and itching would come later. Photo by Jennifer LaRochelle.

KSRT

Leaving the summit for crumbly ridges. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Scooting our way down the crumbly edge of the cliff.

Moanalua Saddle

Passing the small meadow on our left as we descended down the ridge. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie and Tessa climbing their way down.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way through a patch of trees. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Jenn lowering herself down slowly the crumbly section.

Moanalua Saddle

Uki grass is your constant companion and friend in the mountains. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa on the scenic rock. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie coming down the rocky ridge line. Photo by Jennifer LaRochelle.

Moanalua Saddle

Are we supposed to be contouring or climbing?

Moanalua Saddle

The girls coming down the last hill on the Western half of the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

It was the end of the road for Jenn and Katie as they went down to the valley floor. Kudos to Jenn for working through her anxiety of doing cross overs. She handled the ridges like a champ. Our group still grew in size with the addition of Aida, Ed, Lilyn and Sally who met us at the top. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo left to right: Lilyn, Sally, Aida, Tessa, me, Jenn, Katie and Ed. Photo by Sally Chow.

Moanalua Saddle

Starting our climb up the Eastern half of the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

My webbing stayed in the pack this time around. Photo by Sally Chow.

Moanalua Saddle

Lilyn contouring on the Windward side. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Moanalua Saddle

Aida pulling herself back up to the ridge line. Photo by Sally Chow.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the exposed and eroded ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Panoramic view of the valley and mountains. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back to see that Matt had caught up with us from the valley floor. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Sally on the contour with views of Moanalua Valley.

Dirt Triangle

Climbing up the biggest obstacle on the saddle. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Dirt Triangle

Lilyn pulling herself up. Photo by Sally Chow.

Moanalua Saddle

Ed making short work of the rocks. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

The group slowly making their way up the saddle to make room for the others that were coming up from the contour climb. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

There are humans up there! I’m glad Sally pointed that out, otherwise I might have confused them with aliens or animals. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa coming up the crumbliest section of the saddle. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

We also met up with two other hikers who patiently waited for our group to ascend before they could descend. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Sally going up the short and tricky climb with the help of some dental floss. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa pulling herself up with the last rope on the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

Lilyn stretching her glutues maximus to pull herself up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

We took a leisurely break at the first landing, did calisthenics, munched on moon cake and chilled due to delays at our bottom connection.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa climbing up the ladder. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Having fun on the stairs. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

Perhaps too much fun.

Moanalua Saddle

Sally going up the backside to the world famous attraction that is still bound in purgatory as to its fate. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Moanalua Saddle

Matt coming up the hill where the stairs was replaced with a rusted cable. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

The group approaching the CCL building. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Moanalua Saddle

Sally climbing her way up to Heaven. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Stairway to Heaven

Group photo by Matt Vidaurri in Heaven.

Haiku Stairs

No feces was actually dropped in the making of this photo. Nor did anybody actually get blown away. We also had to take the most direct route down as some of the group had problems with their IT bands and to preclude any medical rescues, we were forced to take the off limits stairs down. Hiking disclaimer.

Haiku Stairs

Leaving Heaven behind us with heavenly views ahead of us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Haiku Stairs

Lilyn’s jump shot. Not a trampoline jump. Close enough. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Haiku Stairs

Sally coming down the stairs while others had their photographic moments being taken. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Haiku Stairs

Approaching the hoist house where somebody was already droning out. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Hoist House

Getting buzzed, in a good way and not a stinging way.

Hoist House

Stemming, sitting and standing.

Haiku Stairs

Waiting for the rest of the group at one of five landings. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Haiku Stairs

One way traffic coming down the stairs. Photo by Sally Chow.

Haiku Stairs

Approaching the last landing that interrupts the 3,922 steps to Heaven. This landing also temporarily hosted a trampoline that was brought and built and dismantled all in one day by a creative group several months ago. While they received a lot of flak and hate, I fall in the minority and heartily applauded their achievement. Nothing was disturbed on the man-made structure, nobody got hurt and people had fun. Just my two cents. Photo by Sally Chow.

Haiku Stairs

Going down the stairs as it lead us underneath the engineering marvel known as the H3 freeway. Photo by Sally Chow.

All pau

Somebody needs to call the City & County and let them know of this potential tripping hazard. Photo by Aida Gordon.

GPS Tracks

Our bookended stairways traversal covered over 9.4 miles through hell, purgatory and heaven. Another fun adventure with good friends in the books. It was Ed and Sally’s first time on this saddle and they hiked it like it was an old friend. Thanks to Allison for driving us back to our cars. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where we were seated with the gay husband and family under the same roof. Oxtail soup was still on the menu. Hot soup does a body good.

Video by Matt Vidaurri of our Moanalua Saddle 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.

The current global pandemic had scuttled my plans to hike the Mount Blanc Trail in Europe, so that’s how I found myself with Anne and Tessa on the fragmented remnants of the Ko’olau Shield Volcano in Hawaii.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Day 1 Saturday – Thanks to Aida for dropping us off as we hiked up the dark and deserted road.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

All hands on the tower that has the largest lens of any lighthouse in the United States. Walking back down the paved road, we met another hiker who surprised us coming up the trail and I fell in the ditch while texting. An auspicious start to our hike.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Going up the rocky trail that was kept in navigational perspective by the shimmering coastal lights and our headlamps.

Makapu’u Puka

Pit stop at the prominent hole in the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Shaka sunrise

Anne greeting our first sunrise of the hike. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hang gliding platform

I believe I can fly. I mean, hike. No drugs allowed on this hike.

KSRT

Going through the fenced enclosures.

KSRT

Leaving the communication towers and former Nike air missile defence site behind us.

KSRT

The girls dipping into the saddle under the withering sun.

KSRT

The ironwood forest granted us temporary shade as we made our way out of the saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Breaking out onto the exposed trail.

Kamiloiki Summit

Sweeping views of the Waimanalo coastline and inviting blue-green waters greeted us at the top. No stop at Camp Awesome today.

KSRT

Making our way through the hardscrabble terrain of this section that is usually scorching hot and the least favorite section of the KST for me, but thankfully it was overcast and relatively cool today.

KSRT

Walking through the feathery ferned forest that always makes me forget that I’m hiking on the KST for some reason. We barely crossed paths with two other female hikers going the opposite way as well. I think they were avoiding us.

Mariner’s Summit

Did my cap shrink or my head get bigger? My money is on the latter.

Kaluanui Summit

Group photo at the abandoned summit with views of the Southern spine of the Ko’olau’s, Olomana and other points of interest.

Mariner’s Summit

Climbing down from the 1,361′ top.

Hahaione Pyramid

We saw three hikers milling around the 1,594′ triangular peak. We declined to join them for the sake of social distancing.

Hahaione Powerlines

Mahalo to Janell for stashing water on the trail.

Between a rock and a hard place

Tessa trying to squeeze her way through on the trail. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pictures Plus

A picture is worth a thousand words. In her case, make it 10,000 words. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Are we there yet?

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Group photo at the usually bustling 2,028′ summit. Where is everybody? Has the zombie apocalypse finally happened? Something close to it. COVID-19, the apologetic apocalypse.

KSRT

Climbing our way up the severely eroded hill. Ropes included.

KSRT

Approaching the oft photographed spot that was lacking a tent and a hiker. Any volunteers? Where is yawyaw#2 when you need her? Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

We passed Pu’u O Kona with a slight pause to take in the cloud covered views before resuming our traverse on the numerous small hills that populated the ridge line.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Taking in another cloud obfuscated view at the barren 2,520′ knob.

KSRT

Approaching the communications tower that signaled the end of our day. We passed the 1,597′ summit and dropped down a bit to reach our camp site.

Camp Wiliwilinui

We reached the heli-pad around 1530. Kudos to Aida, Ed, Sally and Somphet for hiking to our campsite to bring food and drinks that was much appreciated.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Our door dash drivers departing down the mountain.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Good night from our temporary home in the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Day 2 – Sunday. We woke up to a slightly chilly and cloud soaked morning. Cooked up breakfast, broke down camp and pushed off around 0715 on the trail.

Kainawa’aunui Summit

Brief stop at the 2,520′ terminus of the roller coasting ridge. Glad we were not going on that ride today. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Anne scooting her way down the big hill. Sometimes it’s better to go with the flow of gravity rather than resist relativity. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Preparing to transition from standing to scooting. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Catching fleeting valley views before the clouds snatched them away. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The day was turning out to be rather nice as the clouds were melting back into the sky.

KSRT

Tessa pushing her way through chest high overgrowth on the trail. It’s all a matter of perspective. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Looking ahead to the powerline towers that ring one of three tuff cones on this island.

KSRT

After bringing somebody back on the trail as she either wanted to fetch water or go home, we all made our way down the rutted trail.

Ka’au Crater

Peering into the marshy crater that is sandwiched in between civilization and the base of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ka’au Crater

Snack break at the top of the rim. In fact, this is the hike where I first met yawyaw #1. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The mountains are calling and we answered. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

The girls climbing towards the notch of Olympus.

KSRT

Anne climbing her way up the steep hill to have an audience with Zeus. Sorry, wrong mythology. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Awaawaloa Summit

Group photo by Tessa Bugay at the 2,486′ top.

Wa’ahila Ridge Trail

Walking down the severely rutted trail that would give Moanalua Middle Ridge and Ka’au Crater a run for their money.

KSRT

Making our way on the uluhe smothered trail that afforded grand views of Manoa Valley and points beyond.

KSRT

Threading our way around the stand of pine trees blockading the ridge line.

Manoa Middle Summit

Tessa on the terminus of the ridge that drops down into Manoa Valley. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

The girls passing a small meadow on their way up.

KSRT

Mesmerized by the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains that was colored in different shades of green. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Climbing false peak after false peak. The suspense just drags in the mountains.

K2 Summit

We bumped into Bill, Chris and Shirley who had just come up from the Pali and were on their way down to Manoa Middle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Butt grab

Some mountain traditions must be maintained.

KSRT

Traversing between the two large, hairy testicles.

Konahuanui Summit

Uncommonly clear day on the highest peak that soars to 3,150′ on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Piliwale Junction

Passing the spot where the Windward ridge drops down into Maunawili Valley.

Mud Wall

Going down the slippery slope. Right after this, the mountains grabbed a souvenir from my head and sent it down the side of the ridge. Not wanting to give up my sun protection, I scrambled down and recovered my cap.

Nu’uanu Saddle

No rock climbing today.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The girls climbing down the ridge that looks steeper than it actually is. Rear view hiking.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We contoured the rock face that had sent a friend falling 300′ down into the trees and survived over eight years ago.

Chimney

Tessa oscillated on her way down as the bigger pack threw her balance off.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The girls decided to contour the nipple instead of going up and over. Taking the scenic route.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We delayed our arrival at the lookout due to unwanted visitors at the bottom.

Camp Pali

Thanks to Aida, Art, Lilyn and Quan for bringing us vittles and all the fixings. It was much appreciated. Lilyn also brought a portable shower which Tessa promptly drained all the water while still lathered in shampoo, so Quan had to finish her off with a jug of water. Teamwork. Team KAT + Q.

Camp Pali

Goodnight and don’t let the night marchers bite. Photo by Anne Fai.

Trash Day

Day 3 – Monday. Mahalo to Quan for bringing us breakfast fresh out of a fast food eatery. We greeted a city and county employee on our way to the trail. Lost in translation. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Tessa coming up the pine needle carpeted trail.

Depend

Somebody was having a bad case of incontinence due to her internal or external bladder leaking. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pali Puka

Trying to capture the whole hole. Framing and perspective somehow got lost in the process. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Welcome to the jungle, we got fun and games. All day.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking ahead to our destination in the heavens. Photo by Anne Fai.

Nu’uanu Saddle

My right hand had swelled up to fatty proportions, due to a bee sting the day before, as I must have brushed against a flower in pollination. This allowed me to grab more of the rocks, albeit a little lopsided. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Anne scrambling her way up.

W

Making our way to the 23rd letter in the alphabet. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Deviled egg

Tessa literally sucked in her smashed boiled egg. Killing two birds with one inhaler. Photo by Anne Fai.

Donkey Kong

The girls dropping and contouring their way down the side of the letter shaped obstacle.

W

Anne and Tessa finally climbing down after looking for a non-existent contour.

Anvil

Preparing to drop down on the moveable rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Anvil

Anne hugging the side of the cliff as the trail was barely wide enough to hold our feet.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Huffing and puffing our way up the last steep section on this side of the saddle.

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The girls making their way to the heavenly summit that was surprisingly clear of any swirling.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the 2,700′ hill with sweeping mountain and coastal views.

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Leaving the summit after our lunch break. Somebody almost took the trail down to Alewa Heights. Thoughts of bailing must have been still swirling in her head.

Kalihi Saddle

Following the ridge line as it curved down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls carefully climbing their way down.

Dirt Dragon

Petting what’s left of the dragon. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls scooting their way down the crumbly mess.

Kalihi Saddle

The saddle’s so windy, I got to wear shades. Borrowed shades. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls coming down through the thicket of woody climbers.

Lanihuli Wall

Descending down the near vertical flank of the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lanihuli Wall

The other descent option, the suicidal climb down the can opener. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lanihuli Wall

Following the white rope on our way down the ridge’s flank as we contoured our way back to the ridge line under the ominous rock jutting out from the can opener. One day it’s going to pop and I hope nobody is around.

Kalihi Saddle

Less texting, more hiking. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne scooting down the unstable pile of rocks, as it literally shed rocks each time one of us crossed over.

Kalihi Saddle

Popping the pimple on my way up. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne contouring around the sliver of a rock pile.

Doorstop

Working for Allstate. You’re in good hands. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Bunny Ears

Standing on one ear.

Bunny Ears

Sitting on the other one. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving the bunny ears behind us as we didn’t find any rabbit’s foot either on the trail.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne heading out to Shark Fin. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Powerlines

We were not going to make heaven today after all.

Camp Centipede

Many thanks to Art and Ben who delivered Filipino sardines, haole cooked rice and drinks. No centipedes crawling around today. My hand had puffed out to maximum tightness, Anne gave me some Benadryl to reduce the swelling. Tessa said if my swelling didn’t go down soon, I should go see a doctor. Do doctors still make house calls? In the mountains?

Camp Centipede

Our camp site overlooking the home of the wallabies. We went to sleep as strong winds and rain tested our tents. One would fail. Somebody was praying that rain storms would lash the mountains so hard that she could go home. Thankfully her request was not answered. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

Day 4 – Tuesday. We not only woke up to the sun breaking through the clouds but daylight breaking through my tent. At least my swelling had gone down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

The clouds didn’t look too inviting as they rolled through the saddle, so we stayed put until more favorable weather conditions manifested itself. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

Shout out to Lilyn and Quan who swung by our camp site to loan me her tent. Back in business.

Kalihi Saddle

And just like that; the sun came out to play, so we pushed off around 0900.

Witch’s Hat

Anne climbing down the conical shaped rock that is perhaps closely related to the witch’s toes.

Kalihi Saddle

Slowly making our way across the crumbly ridge line.

Rock Triangle

Anne climbing her way up the Leeward side before working her way up the rock face. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Broken Wave

Looking back at the narrow and eroded ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne was either practicing her ninja skills or spider skills. Either way, she needs more work. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Dirty Slide

Pulling myself up the slippery slope. Some would argue this is the hardest obstacle on this side of the saddle. The jury is still out on that as well. Photo by Anne Fai.

Dirty Slide

All the hard parts were behind us now as we just had to climb up to the 2,740′ summit of Kahuauli.

KSRT

No stops at the overgrown summit of Bowman or the flat and open 2,760′ summit of Tripler before running across the defunct radar tower.

Stairway to Heaven

We topped out at Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe before traversing the short muddy trail to heaven, which was lacking the usual live souls. Photo by Anne Fai.

Stairway to Heaven

The skies soon cleared and we were treated to heavenly views at the 2,480′ summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Thanks to Allison and Laredo for stashing water and snacks for us. The rats had helped themselves to some of the tasty vittles. More for them, less for us.

Moanalua Saddle

Coming down the dilapidated stairs that time forgot.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down what some would argue is the more eroded of the three main saddles. The jury’s still out on that one too. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Anne spotting Tessa as she climbed down the crumbly and steep section.

Moanalua Saddle

Hugging the rocks as we climbed down, some more tightly than the others.

Dirt Triangle

Anne contouring her way down the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving all the main obstacles behind us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa coming down one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Going up and over the last hump for the day. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

We reached the summit around 1630, set up camp and watched the setting sun torch the tips of the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Catching the fiery sunset and making noodles for dinner. Just another day in the mountains.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Going to bed as the city lights in the background provided our night lights. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Day 5 – Wednesday. We cooked our breakfast, broke down camp and pushed off around 0800 on the trail.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way up the relatively easier side of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa climbing out of the saddle. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

We passed Red Hill Summit and crossed over the H3 as it sliced through Halawa Valley below us. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Going down the rusted stairs that took us to hell. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Following the broken stairs to hell as we got a slice of heavenly views on our way. It was a good contrast. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Hell

Group view at the more scenic stairway. No arguments. Hands down.

KSRT

Climbing our way out of hell.

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Dropping down and contouring our way around the fenced plant enclosure. I still have yet to see the protected plants.

KSRT

Looking into the wind blasted and cloud tinted valley views. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Getting back on the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Anne reaching the 2,805′ summit at high noon with surprisingly clear views. Despite having more than enough time on our hands, we called it a day. It would turn out to be good timing in the end.

Camp Aiea

Set up camp and picked up our supplies that Aida, Ed, Sally and Somphet had brought up earlier in the week. Much appreciation for the assistance guys.

Camp Aiea

We had a lot of time on our hands and feet due to our early arrival. Who brought the playing cards? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Day 6 – Thursday. We broke down camp and with our packs a little heavier, hit the trail at a little past 0700.

KSRT

Putting our heads down as we started the major cardio section of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Hills after hills. Our mountain workout.

Waimalu Summit

We paused to take our group photo on the flat grassy plateau that was largely devoid of trees, just a lot of wind.

Waimalu Meadows

Going down the spongy spur ridge as we dropped below the cloud cover.

Waimalu Meadows

The largest grassy meadows on the Ko’olau Range. Often called mythical and magical. Both doesn’t do it justice.

Waimalu Meadows

Looking at the windswept meadows with the palm trees tucked into its nooks and crannies.

Waimalu Meadows

Anne getting back on the ridge line.

Waimalu Meadows

One last look before the clouds swallowed her back up.

KSRT

The clouds came back to keep us cool and under cover.

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Descending down into the saddle to meet a familiar face and a frozen coke.

Waimano Summit

Group photo at the 2,160′ summit that looks into Waihe’e Valley. Art had hiked up to meet us and join our hike to the end. Unfortunately, he sprained his ankle on his way up and had to turn around. We made the best of the situation and cannabalized his supplies. Including a can of spam. Something that yawyaw #1 would regret.

KSRT

Slow scramble out of the saddle. It’s hard to get back in the groove when you’ve been sitting in one spot too long.

KSRT

We passed the landmark landslide as we continued our traverse on the ridge line.

KSRT

Looking back at the clouds streaming over the mountains from Windward to Leeward.

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Tessa walking on the fence for a change.

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Following the sometimes confusing spur ridge to the meadows. Photo by Anne Fai.

Eleao Meadows

Anne passing the red haired stepchild of Waimalu Meadows at the 2,654′ top.

Camp Manana

Having dinner at the typical socked in summit. We just had to look at each other for the views.

Camp Manana

It was a tight fit, but we shoehorned our three tents onto the 2,660′ knob. One was more sheltered than the others. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Day 7 – Friday. We woke up with no centipede surprises, ate breakfast, broke down camp and hit the now clear trail around 0745.

KSRT

Passing by the distinctive moss encrused ohia tree. Photo by Anne Fai.

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Coming down the tricky turn. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

The Corner

Descending down into the land of creek and clouds. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

The Corner

Brushing our teeth and filtering water for our hydration needs. Water was for the most part clear and while not running, was not exactly stagnant. Good enough for our purposes.

KSRT

Anne ducking under the moss encrusted tree tunnel. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Walking into a postcard. The views on this side are just too pretty for words and not enough justice for pictures.

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Approaching the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Losing elevation, that we will soon have to gain back. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waiawa Gap

Anne found a hat to keep the glove company. Photo by Anne Fai.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping down the grassy and spongy flank of the ridge that was dotted with native palm trees.

Waiawa Gap

What? We not stopping here! Get bees flying all over the place!

Waiawa Gap

Let’s make like a bee and buzz off!

Waiawa Gap

Climbing our way out of the gap.

KSRT

Choosy moms choose Jif. Nom nom, mama make me mama saimin. Dumpster diving for “rubbish rice.”

KSRT

Sweeping panoramic valley and ridge views.

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Passing a distant cousin of Waimalu Meadows.

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We soon caught the only rain showers on our entire hike through the mountains. Thankfully Mother Nature kept it a short visit at 30 minutes.

Kipapa Summit

No flying geese were spotted at the 2,786′ socked in summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Anne coming down the hill.

KST

Walking across the ridgeline against the backdrop of Waiahole, Waikane and Kahana valleys. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Rusty

Dropping down into the former site of the Kipapa Cabin, now our campsite for the night.

Camp Rusty

Good night and don’t let the rusty metal bite. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Rusty

Day 8 – Saturday. Leaving our last camp site that we would need to use a tent. Looking forward to communal living in the cabins. I also woke up to a swollen left hand, guess the bees wanted to make it a complete pair.

Waiahole

Walking through a mixture of ferns and clidemia undergrowth that was shaded by the stand of sugi pine trees.

KST

Standing on the notch with the Waianae Mountain Range in the background. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Selfie Stick Junction

It works better with a phone. Just saying.

Tree of Life

Approaching the back of the meadows that are home to horizontal and vertical sugi pine trees.

Tree of Life

Taking photographic advantage of the uncommonly clear meadows.

KST

Pulling our way up the ridge line. And then there was the disagreement on where to get off to get back on the trail. Let’s take the hard way.

KST

Holding hands and singing kumbaya on the trail. Just don’t let go.

KST

Views of Kahana Valley.

KST

Views of a dirty hiker. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Crossing the well-trodden landslide.

KST

Traversing what is arguably the most scenic stretch of the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

The easily missed metal stake that marks the junction.

KST

Making our way on the ridge line.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Lunch break at the original terminus of the KST.

Do not feed the animals

Rare sighting of the Ko’olau goose and common sighting of the fence line.

KST

Enjoying a relatively wide section of the trail.

Pauao Junction

No views of Kahana and Punaluu valleys for us today.

Happy dance

The gate. The gate. We’re home!

KST

No dancing. Just take our picture. Photo by Anne Fai.

KST

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) used dynamite to carve these trails from the steep cliffs back in the 1930s. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Cabin

We got to the cabin around 1415 and the party of Analyn, Bill and Shirley arrived shortly after using two legged drive to come up the five mile road.

Log entry

Leaving our comments in the storied cabin books.

Poamoho Cabin

Girls just want to have fun.

Poamoho Cabin

Somebody was smacking their lips over Foodland’s salt’n’vinegar chicken wings. Served up with surprisingly tasty instant mashed potatoes with gravy. Somebody needs to learn to drink in moderation.

Camp Poamoho

Hear that? Count your lucky stars that you can’t. Somebody was snoring so loud they would have put a drunken sailor to shame. Even hearing the rats fight outside was infinitely more preferable.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 9 – Sunday. We cleaned up the cabin, harvested some taro and headed out at a little past 0800.

Poamoho Cabin

The vegetable farmer showing how she carries her heavy load. That’s using your head. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Anne following the fence to the summit.

Poamoho Summit

It’s hard to believe, but back in 1941, the US Army proposed paving the entire trail to the summit. Luckily it never materialized as the summit would have been overrun with people crowding one of the best scenic spots on the island. Too late. You should be here!

KST

We said goodbye to our friends as they went back down the Poamoho trail, as we continued on the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

KST

Coming up the trail to the fence. Go right to stay on trail. Go left to explore. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Meandering through the mountains with majestic views all around us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

No, I don’t want to shake your hand. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Sometimes it feels like we are cattle being fenced in the pastures.

Boot Junction

Kicking it up.

KST

We crossed the spongy meadow to reconnect to the fence on the other side.

KST

Climbing down the ravine that spills out into a waterfall.

KST

Mud. Our constant cloying companion on the Northern KST.

KST Junction

Going down the rabbit hole. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

If I push this one, my f*cking feet go inside too! My knee. My ankle. Kenji, I’m really stuck! I no more energy. Wait, my shoe is right there! I need to take off my bag. The running commentary was hilarious.

Papali Junction

Taking a well deserved break after almost a half hour of sole sucking mud.

KST

Back on the trail.

KST

When the overgrowth almost swallows you on the trail.

KST

Showing off our mud dipped shoes. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Sitting on the scenic rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Life Alert

My back sore. My knees sore. How am I going to answer nature’s calls?

KST

Tessa climbing out of the hole that signaled we were close to the cabin.

KST

The fence. The fence. We’re home!

Koloa Cabin

We arrived at the open cabin around 1530 and cooked up chicken gumbo and mashed potatoes for our dinner. Somebody spilled the gravy.

Log entry

Same message, different cabin. We went too sleep early again or tried too as some of us didn’t have earplugs.

Koloa Cabin

Day 10 – Monday. Waking up to our last day in the mountains. We made a big bowl of combined saimin, cleaned the cabin and left around 0800.

KST

Tessa swinging over the fence line go get back on the muddy trail.

Koloa Cabin Mud Run

I think I was the only participant in the mud race. I guess I won. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Walking on the uluhe carpeted trail.

KST

Leaving the fence behind and something else. What could it be? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lost & Found

Anne realized she had left her phone somewhere back on the trail, so she backtracked a bit and luckily found it.

KST

Crossing the bowl shaped depression to regain the ridge line.

KST

Following the trail as it wound its way through the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Laie Summit

Looking for views from the 2,240′ foxhole.

KST

We resumed our hike on the most overgrown section of the KST.

KST

The overgrowth was only up to our knees at the start. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Traversing the countless switchbacks through the mountains.

Malaekahana Junction

Somebody almost missed the junction. Need to slow down and smell the glove. Photo by Tessa Bugay

KST

Looking at the windmills pinwheeling in the distance.

KST

Halfway there! Time for lunch. Photo by Tessa Bugay

KST

You want some of mama’s saimin?

KST

Plunging back into the overgrowth that was a mixture of uluhe ferns, strawberry guava trees and other plants that constantly tried to keep us at bay.

KST

Breaking out into the much needed fresh air.

KST

Are we there yet?

NSFW

I needed to go potty, but since the girls surged ahead with the wipes, I had to use my potty mouth instead. Diarrhea of the mouth.

Pu’u Hina

Finally empty and relieved, it was all smiles at the 1,896′ summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

The girls coming down the summit. Almost home.

Black Junction

A big thanks to Janell and Quan for meeting us with celebratory drinks that came in different flavors.

Black Junction

Our journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range had come to its conclusion. Thanks again to Team KAT and our friends that supported us on our hike, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Black Junction

Trying to douse ourselves and each other with champagne was harder than it looked.

Black Junction

We collected our liquid leftovers and took a final group photo before heading down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pupukea

Taking the trail back to civilization.

Pupukea

Making our way down the graded footpath that was strewn with fallen tree branches of assorted sizes.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Somebody just couldn’t wait to get out of their hiking shoes as we also crossed paths with a lot of mountain bikers.

All pau

Thanks to Katie and Richard for picking up three ripe hikers and two hitchhikers up, if somebody could just figure out how to open the doors and also to Dale that looked out for any furry rodents so that we wouldn’t get bitten.

GPS Tracks

Our hike across the entire Ko’olau Mountain Range covered the distance of two marathons, a little over 52 miles. It was quite the mountain marathon. Priceless memories with good friends.

Post hike meal

Agnes, Aida, Art, Bill, Chris, Dale, Janell, Jenn, Katie, Lilyn, Quan, Richard and family and Shirley joined us at Haleiwa Joe’s, the one in Haleiwa and not Kaneohe, for our first civilized meal in 10 days. Thanks to Jenn for the fragrant leis that worked hard to mask our pungent odors and to Lilyn for our one shot patron for the one shot hike.

Post hike meal

Mahalo to Dale, Quan and the waitress for our hefty cut of cow dinners. Thanks again to our friends for coming out and their support! It was quite the adventure and experience.

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.