I have passed this trailhead a couple times on our way to traversing the Ko’olau Mountains in the past. Today, Mari and I hiked this short loop trail on the North Shore.

Trailhead

We parked at the end of Pupukea Road, walked past the Boy Scout Camp and Sunset Ranch to start our hike.

Kaunala Trail

Watching our feet on the ground while looking up at the moss spackled trees, as there were dog poop mines dropped on the trail.

Kaunala Trail

We soon caught up with another group on the Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road.

Kaunala Trail

Mari entering the grove of paperbark trees to start the official trail.

Kaunala Trail

The other group decided to follow us. Hiker see. Hiker do.

Kaunala Trail

Signs that we were on a Na Ala Hele trail.

Kaunala Trail

Mari descending on the switchbacks to the gulch.

Kaunala Trail

Trail clearing needed.

Kaunala Trail

Looking into the 1,129 acre Pupukea-Paumalu Forest Reserve. Thanks to TPL for the acquisition of this forested area to prevent further development.

Kaunala Trail

Mari coming down the stepped section of the trail.

Kaunala Trail

Mari crossing Paumalu Stream.

Kaunala Trail

Moss covered tree stump on the trail.

Kaunala Trail

Follow the sign.

Kaunala Trail

Greener pastures.

Kaunala Trail

Another stream?

Kaunala Trail

Where’s the bridge?

Kaunala Trail

Mari hiking out of the gulch.

Kaunala Trail

Mari contouring on the side of the ridge.

Kaunala Trail

Steep climb up the rooted trail.

Kaunala Trail

We turned right on the gravel road.

Kaunala Trail

All uphill.

Kaunala Trail

Our scenic point on the trail, where we gained a little over 700′ in elevation.

Kaunala Trail

We left the trail and turned right back onto the paved road.

Kaunala Trail

Passing the picnic shelter.

Kaunala Trail

Looking out towards Kawailoa Wind Farm.

Kaunala Trail

Walking in the rain.

Kaunala Trail

Here she comes, coming round the bend.

All pau

Time to start dodging all that dog poop again until we make it back to our car.

GPS Tracks

Our loop trail through the densely packed forest covered 5.33 miles. Post hike meal at Papa Ole’s. Gravy over everything makes the food taste better.

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.

Jon Medrano had sent me a link to this video, which was the inspiration for today’s hike. Met up with Chris B, Chris C, Jon, Matt and Rebecca deep in Waianae Valley.

Trailhead

It was still dark as we pushed off the much hated road that leads to the Waianae Ka’ala trail trailhead. Copper thieves must have struck in the area, as illumination was noticeably absent. Save for the twinkling stars.

Mothman prophecies

Giant spider webs and moths were our only company on the trail. No sign of Richard Gere.

Purple Trail

We followed the trail that were profusely marked with purple caps and ribbons.

Three Poles

The group taking a break at the 2,720′ junction. What’s for breakfast?

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Looking ahead

Halfway there. Just warming up.

Boulder climbing

The crew making their way over the two boulder sections.

Kaala Natural Area Reserve

Group photo at the highest mountain on the island, left to right: myself, Rebecca, Matt, Jon, Chris C and Chris B. Photo by Chris Chun.

Boardwalk

Rebecca making her way though the ancient Hawaiian forest ecosystem, home to many rare endemic fauna and flora.

Water sample

Matt collecting water to test for future hikes. Then an Australian accent chimed in “I don’t understand you Americans, we just drank straight out of the stream back home. What’s the big fuss?”

Bog

The crew exiting the 1,100 acre cloud forest.

Open house

Free cookies and a ride down. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Follow the fence

We skirted the fenced installation and began to make our way down the ridge.

FAA tracking station

Leaving Mount Ka’ala. The clouds would soon follow us down the ridge, much to our dismay.

Kamaohunui ridge

The long ridge down. We just didn’t know it yet.

Coming down

The trail up to this point was still somewhat passable with little effort. That was about to change.

Central view

Looking out towards Schofield Barracks.

Bushwhacking

The trail quickly disappeared into a dense tangle of blackberry thorns and uluhe ferns. Rebecca soon parted ways with us and returned back down Ka’ala.

Evelyn

Looking down in the valley, we clearly saw the wrecked remains of a B-24 bomber that crashed in the forest shortly after takeoff in 1945 from Wheeler Airfield. Another hike for another day.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Looking back

Chris chatting with a neighbor on the other side of the fence. Is the grass greener?

Fence trail

Typical ridge hiking. Multiple short ups and downs.

Halo rainbow

We saw this fleeting rainbow down in the valley.

Fenced trail

The metal eyesore extended as far as the eye could see, or more accurately as far as the clouds would let us see.

Break spot

Group photo. Where’s the view? Photo by Chris Bautista.

GPS huddle

Let’s see. That tree looks familiar. Let’s not follow those blue ribbons. Hmmm, we seem to be on the right track.

Webbing trail

The fence was gone for now. Webbing took its place. As we dropped in elevation, we left behind the clouds and began to see what was around us.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Waialua Whiskey

We climbing that?

Bark worse than the bite

Easy peasy. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Looking back

Matt popping the pimple.

Contour

Chris contouring the ridge on the Windward side.

Ridge

Hiking on top the ridge.

Looking back

Jon making his way down the ridge.

Ridge

The ridge rose and fall with multiple false summits to mark each passing.

Saddle

Are those metal poles staked on the ridge?

Looking back

The crew climbing out of the saddle. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ridge

Are we there yet?

Erosion

Chris C and Matt making their way over a eroded section of the ridge. Where’s that fence when you need it?

Helipad

We waited for the chopper to fly in our prime rib and clam chowder. In vain. Photo by Chris Bautista

Pu’u Pane?

Chris B and Chris C approaching a summit we thought was Pu’u Pane. Thought.

Junction

Jon climbing over the fence to begin our descent down the spur ridge.

Climb

Rock climbing galore ahead.

North Shore

Looking out towards the sugar town of Waialua and the tourist town of Haleiwa.

Hiker’s pole

Chris C responding to a milk shortage. Watch out for the bark shavings!

Tricky crack

Chris B about to make his way down.

Blue webbing

Rated to 4,000 pounds. Should be enough. Wait, how much do you weigh again? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Love rock

Chris C hugging the rock as he makes his way down.

Rocky ridge

The crew between moments of concentration and relaxation as they made their way down.

Looking back

That was a fun ridge. Not finished yet.

Cliff

Chris C and Matt coming down a steep section.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Twilight

The setting sun reflected off the shimmering windmills in the distance.

Wild West

We soon got off the ridge to be met by blocking tree lines and head high California grass. Bushwhacking. Night bushwhacking. Complete with wild life.

Waterfall

Eventually we bushwhacked our way to the stream, which offered a respite from the suffocating overgrowth. Photo by Chris Chun

Kaukonahua Stream

Our last obstacle was a fast flowing stream that fluctuated from knee to waist high depth. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

All pau

After our white water stream crossing, we walked out through the gated housing area and made our way to Matt’s staged truck.

GPS Tracks

Our West side hike to North shore hike covered 10.22 miles through rugged terrain and beautiful scenery. Epic hike with a great crew. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. Missing my prime rib and clam chowder.

I drove all the way out to the country town of Hauula to meet Kelly for a short bunker hike.

Who let the dogs out?

Reports of large and loose vicious dogs running in the neighborhood could not be verified. Thankfully. There are loose dogs, but they paid us no mind.

Water tank

We followed the paved road up to the water tank and picked up the trail on the left.

Which way?

Soon, we noticed pink ribbons to our right which led to the bunkers. I believe if we had continued straight, the trail would wind deep into Kaipapau Gulch.

Steady climb

It was a brief and sharp climb to gain the ridgeline. Short cardio burst.

Tangled thicket

The exposed trail was briefly interrupted by a dense weave of hau branches.

Kaipapau gulch

The gulch is home to an impressive waterfall that only flows after heavy rain. Or so I heard. Another hike for another day.

Looking back

Kelly coming up the trail with a crisp and clear view of the Ko’olau Mountain Range in the background.

Bunker #1

Between a tree and a rusty door. Tetanus shot updated?

Rolling out

Who needs doors? Photo by Kelly Quin.

Two tiered bunker

Kelly standing on top of the two story bunker.

Hello?

No ladder, unlike other bunkers, just a rusty door to get to the bottom bunker.

Rabbit hole

Headed to the second bunker.

Bunker #2

Kelly going into the smaller and second bunker.

Observation

The cast iron pedestals are what’s left of the observation mounted instruments that were used during WW2.

Camouflage

Kelly standing on top of the second bunker, which like the other bunkers are almost completely obscured by the surrounding vegetation.

What’s down there?

We continued down the ridgeline to find…

Bunker #3

…the third bunker. Photo by Kelly Quin.

Laie view

Group photo left to right: myself and Kelly.

Skylight

The last bunker was quite small with no view but a good sized boulder had found its way down the hole, bending the top rung in the process.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Purple orchids

These flowers are quite common on the trails.

All pau

Walking back out to our cars.

GPS Tracks

The bunker hike covered 2.66 miles in under two hours. Post hike meal at North Shore Tacos. Shrimp Tacos and Ginger Lemonade per Kelly’s recommendation. Thumbs up.

Holidays are nice. No work. No school. For most people. Lucky us. Mari and I made the long drive out to the North Shore to do an easy hike.

Trailhead

The trailhead was not marked but we easily located it to the left of the gate that separated the parking lots of Sunset Beach Elementary School and Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park.

Nice open trail

Mari walking on the trail that started off fairly wide and level.

Tree climbing?

Banyan trees make wonderful climbing gyms. Not today.

Uphill

We soon gained elevation quickly as the muddy trail became steeper. Rope was strung out between the trees to help from falling on your butt and to help pull you upward. Take your pick or none at all.

Bat cave

A shallow cave partially covered in cascading banyan tree roots greeted us at the top.

Choose wisely

The trail eventually forked. We took the left trail. Gone are the candy cane ribbons that other hikers have mentioned. Christmas has left the hills. I explored a little of the right trail which I believe is part of the six mile Kaunala-Ehukai trail that makes its way to Pupukea. Another hike for another day.

Ocean view

The trail eventually opened to ocean views on our left. There seemed to be multiple trails that branched out from the main trail.

Dew drop

Dew drops hung from pine needles as we made our way along the trail.

WW2 Bunker

The trail eventually led to the first military bunker, that had a “bench” on top. Trivia fact: Bunker comes from the Scots word for bench.

Green things in the way

Surfers were absent from Pipeline, Ehukai and Gas Chambers, surf spots that can be somewhat seen from the top of the pillbox.

Exploring

Half expected to find homeless living inside the bunker. Pleasantly surprised to have only found brightly colored graffiti splashed on the inside walls and beach views.

Down we go

Took the trail to the left of the bunker as we made our way down the ridge looking for better views.

Heed the sign

We didn’t see the “keep out” sign when we first made our way down.

Tetanus shots up to date?

That would explain the barbed wire fence. But why is the opening wide enough that a truck could drive through? Okay, maybe a SMART car.

Peace bunker?

We traded elevation loss for open views when we came across this smaller bunker.

Rock stop

Only the skinny may enter.

Exploring bunker #2

Same interior decorator(s)?

Waianae Mountains

Good morning!

GPS Tracks

The 1.84 mile hike was a sweet and short trail on the North Shore that quickly gives up her two military bunkers from WW2 and ocean views of popular surfing spots.

Rain, rain – didn’t go away. The torrential rains that had soaked the Windward side earlier in the week forced us to cancel our planned hike of Ohulehule in Kahana Valley and replace it with a hike on the WST (Waianae Summit Trail). We decided to take a page from DGC and start segment hiking the WST, beginning with Kaena Point.

Christmas came early

Rain showers passed over as we parked at the far end of Dillingham Airfield, putting the hike into question. It cleared quickly, so we piled into Matt’s van to drive to the end of Mokuleia to start our hike. Group photo left to right: Will, Matt “Bah Humbug”, myself and Marvin.

Slip’n’Slide

The long jeep road to the trailhead was mud central, as we some trucks drifting and sliding through the liquid dirt as we slogged our way through.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

It was a windy day on the North Shore. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Spirit Rock

Passing through the fence that protects the bird populations, we saw a rock known as Leina ka ‘Uhane. Ancient Hawaiians believed departed souls would plunge into the ocean for eternity from this rock.

Up the mountain

The hardest part of the hike was climbing up this hill, made easier by the overcast clouds and cool winds. Photo by Will Lee.

Eye of the hikers

Sitting on top of a graffitied bunker. The striking eye was painted by the Irish artist known as Eoin.

Bunker view

Kaena Point in the background. Didn’t see any monk seals sunbathing.

Last bunker

As we climbed our way up, we could see the Mokuleia and the Waianae coastlines from our vantage point.

Almost there

It was a perfect day to hike as it was heavily overcast and windy as heck, otherwise it would have been a scorcher of a day. Sometimes it pays to hike after a heavy rainstorm.

Looking back

Our last glimpse of Kaena Point as we made our way to the top.

Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station

After having seen the KPSTS (Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station) or golf balls from Keawaula or Yokohama Beach so many times, we were going to finally see it in person.

Life imitating art

This sign gave me flashbacks from my last hike. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Follow the paved road

For a change, I didn’t mind walking on a paved road while hiking. It was a nice paved road. I wish our city streets were like this road. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Tee time?

Matt wanted to play with a really big golf ball. His club wasn’t big enough.

Golf Ball

Excuse me, what time do the tours start?

Practicing how to levitate

Will and Matt trying to float above the concrete coated hill.

Everybody come here

Walking past the guard shack, a MP (Military Police) stopped us and questioned us as to where we came from. After hearing our story, he said that we were supposed to be escorted down the Satellite Tracking Station Road to Keawaula or Yokohama Beach on the Waianae side. He let us off with a one time warning. Happy Veteran’s Day!

Approved trail

The MP said to go down this trail and cross the ravine to the last tracking station or golf ball. We happily complied. Otherwise our hike would have been abruptly terminated.

Look both ways before crossing

After bushwhacking in the woods for about half an hour, we found ourselves right back from where we started! So we plunged back into the woods and paralleled the road until we were out of sight from the guard shack.

Back on the road again

The paved road eventually turned into a jeep road.

Goodbye golf balls

Looking back at the last cluster of tracking stations or golf balls.

Scenic point

Group photo with the Waianae coastline in the background.

Kuaokala Access Road

We were now on the Kuaokala Access Road that traverses a public hunting area. Hmm, did we have on bright clothing? Oh yeah, we had Hawaiian Santa with us. We were covered.

How wide?

This section of the trail was wide enough to drive a semi through it and then some!

Picnic table break

We took a short break at this picnic table. Photo by Will Lee.

Hmm, who has the right of way?

This mountain biker was the first person we saw today, besides the MP.

Matt of the hill

The views of the valley were starting to open up, especially if you were standing on top of a rock.

Makua Valley

Group photo looking into Makua Valley. It is believed that this valley was once inhabited by the Olohe, hairless, red-skinned people separate from the Hawaiians. They were skilled in lua or the ancient martial art of bone breaking. A good reason to keep out of their valley.

WST junction

The trail continues until you reach the WST junction to the right. We kept on going straight. Another hike for another day.

Right, right, left

There were three clearly marked junctions indicating which direction to head to Kealia trail.

Falling rocks

I thought it would be a good idea if we photographically illustrated the falling rocks sign at the Kealia trail. A plan not well thought out. Luckily we only picked up small pebbles. As the rocks were thrown up in the air, one hit me on my nose. Lesson learned.

Dillingham airfield

Coming down the 19 switchbacks. I lost count after two.

Beware of falling rocks

The switchback trail was littered and strewn with rocks of various sizes.

Fish farm?

There seemed to be a trail cut into the mountains above this fish pond?

Kealia trail

All pau!

GPS Tracks

The hike was 11.52 miles long. Surprisingly it did not feel like a grinder, as the trail was pretty much flat for the whole distance and the nice cool weather helped as well. After the hike, we drove to Dong Yang in Wahiawa for some good Korean food.

2:00am. What was I doing up so early on a Sunday morning? Boy’s Day? No, it was to join David and the crew of J, Tom, Ted, Yoshi, Randy, Troy, Chenay, Kinky and Gerwin to hike the last segment that David needed to complete the entire Koolau Mountains. We staged some cars at Laie and met at the Hauula 7-11 parking lot. Here we are, all nice and dry. That would change at the end of the day, or should I say night? Photo left to right: Tom, Yoshi, J (sitting), Troy, Ted, myself, David, Kinky, Randy and Gerwin. Photo by Chenay Borja.

Hauula sunrise

After we recovered from mis-communication issues and re-grouped, we all struck out a little after 6:00am as the sun rose through scattered clouds.

Early hunters gets the pigs

As we made our way down Hauula Homestead Road, we noticed a bunch of hunters with their dogs that were already at the gates.

Ma’akua Ridge Trail

We let the dogs and hunters pass us by as they went straight to the Hauula Loop Trail and we turned left onto the Ma’akua Ridge Trail.

Sunrise stop

After crossing a dry stream bed and going up several switchbacks, we took a short break at one of the benches that were installed on the trail. From here, we took the right junction to get on the Papali Ridge Trail.

Rainbow

Checking out a rainbow to our right in the Ma’akua Valley, as we made our way up the trail. Usually, rainbows come after the rain. So it should be dry weather ahead. Wishful thinking.

Where is the trail?

A taste of things to come, as we went through knee-high ferns and vegetation.

Tree rest

One doesn’t necessarily always have to sit down to take a rest, you can be like Yoshi and lean against a tree.

Trail clearing needed

The trail on Papali Ridge while slightly overgrown, is clearly marked and seems well-traveled.

Checking out …

So far, Mother Nature was giving us a respite from the rains that frequently visit the area.

… the view

Looking out to Laie and beyond.

Rolling hills

Crossing a saddle amongst the rolling hills of the Northern Koolaus.

Almost there!

Making our way up to a small hill with an outstanding view waiting for us.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Castle trail

We soon left the Papali Ridge and connected to the Castle Trail. Technically, access to Castle Trail from Punaluu Valley has been forbidden for quite some time. HTMC had legal access, but that was just recently revoked by the Bishop Estate due to over-exposure and liability concerns.

Castle Falls

According to Randy, Castle Falls was the highlight of the HTMC hike when it was legally sanctioned. We all had a mere 30 seconds or so to view the falls before the clouds robbed us of the view. Then somebody turned on the sprinklers.

Lunch

While waiting for the rest of the group to come back from looking at the falls, I noticed J taking his usual macro shots and tried my hand at it. Not as good.

Mud galore

 This section of the trail had shoe sucking mud. I hate mud.

KST!

We reached the Koolau Summit Trail at around noon, all cold and wet.

Lost

Even with GPS tracks, we got off the beaten path a couple of times. The Northern Koolau section is mostly broad with rolling hills and numerous spur ridges branching off. It’s very easy to get lost up here. Being socked in didn’t help either. What does help, is to have a bunch of seasoned hikers who will eventually figure out how to get back on the beaten path.

We’re on the right fence

The trail soon ran into a fenced off area, meant to keep out feral pigs and goats.

Koloa cabin

We hopped the fence to take a look at the Koloa cabin, which appears to still be under construction. It was still good enough to have a roof to keep out the rain as we took shelter inside.

It’s not the Ritz

It felt so good to lie down on something solid and dry, even if it was only for a couple minutes. Photo by David Concepion.

Last call

A simple touch of civilization in the Koolau mountains.

That’s the way!

We followed the fence as it roller coastered up and down, until somebody realized we had overshot the junction to Laie. Go back! We then went back to the junction and followed the trail until it passed a heli-pad and a small meadow which we crossed.

Laie summit

Top of Laie summit at 6:30pm. Congrats to David for finally completing the entire Koolau’s. An accomplishment I hope to repeat one of these days. We still had five more miles to go, but it was all downhill. In the rain. Always a catch. Photo by Francis Joy.

Time to turn the lights on

Five of the mountain goats – J, Ted, Tom, Yoshi and Randy ran down most of the five mile trail. The rest of us just hiked it down, using headlamps for about the last two hours. We made it back to our cars around 9:30pm. This was a long day, an understatement at best. But what a hike!

GPS tracks

The 15.6 mile hike took us 15 1/2 hours to complete. Cold, wet and tired. But glad to have completed my first hike on the Koolau Summit Trail.

1:30pm starting time + traffic = not going to make it. I had persuaded Glenn to sign up for the Warrior Dash, which is a 3 mile obstacle course which benefits the St. Jude Hospital. But first we had to get to Dillingham Ranch in Waialua on the North Shore, where the race was being held. Traffic was backed up all the way on Kaukonahua Road due to an earlier accident. To make matters worse, Glenn’s empty fuel tank alarm had just gone off. Luckily, we made it to a gas station in Haleiwa and took the back roads to Dillingham Ranch, where we merged with cars either parking on Farrington Highway to save the $10 in parking fees or parking on the ranch grounds.

Grab your horns and start running!

We made our way towards the booths to pick up our registration packets and faux viking hats. It seemed that nobody cared or checked what starting times people were in, as we just made our way to the starting line. We had to wait about 15 minutes before our batch was released onto the course at 2:30pm. Just as we passed under the start banner and the twin puffs of fire, Mother Nature turned on the sprinklers.

Obstacle #1 – Barricade Breakdown

Jogging and walking the first mile in rain got the trail nice and muddy. The rain stopped as we got to the first obstacle. Climbing over and under barricades. Warm up.

Water Break #1

Water already? Just enough to moisten the mouth and spit the rest out.

Obstacle #2 – Storming Normandy

On our hands and knees. Crawling under a net and weaving in between obstacles with butts in your face. Hoping nobody would butt burp.

Obstacle #3 – Mud Mounds

Lamest obstacle on the course. Bunch of mud piles. Most runners just passed on the edge. Including myself.

Obstacle #4 – Mud Trenches

A quick crawl underneath wooden planks. Ho-hum. Where are the obstacles?

Obstacle #5 – Cliffhanger?

Going up and over, slowed by some girls who were afraid of heights. Are you kidding me?

Obstacle #6 – Leader’s Ledge?

Now this was fun. Balancing on foot wide planks going up and down. A nice splash on the bottom if you trip and fall.

Obstacle #7 – Mud Slope

Running down the muddy slope and back up the slippery slope.

Obstacle #8 – Vicious Valley

Climbing up mud encrusted blocks of wood over and over. Mud made it a bit slippery to climb up. I got some mud on my GoPro here and it stayed with me until the very end. Gotta rub some Rain-X on my case next time.

Water Break #2

Used the water to rinse my muddy hands. Why bother? Use the grass instead.

Obstacle #9 – Deadweight Drifter

Taking a cold plunge in chest high waters and pulling your water soaked body over these floats.

Obstacle #10 – Hard Rain

Time to take a shower while climbing over this obstacle.

Obstacle #11 – Cargo Climb

Climbing the cargo net. Just like back in the Army days, only easier.

Obstacle #12 – Warrior Roast

Jumping over two small fire lines. Marshmallows anybody?

Obstacle #13 – Muddy Mayhem

Nothing like a cool and refreshing mud bath while floating to the finish line, underneath barbed wire.

Don’t forget your medal!

Almost missed the folks giving out the medals. Where’s my turkey leg?!

The Last Obstacle

Standing in a sea of mud caked runners waiting to rinse off. Waiting my turn probably took longer than the entire race! This was a fun race, expected more challenging obstacles but hey it was all for good fun and a good cause.

We made the hour drive to the North Shore to meet up with the HTMC ( Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club ) to do their annual hike to Three Corners. We parked right outside the Mokuleia Forest Reserve Access Road, which is very popular with walkers, runners and bicyclists. After the obligatory briefing and checking in with the hike leader, we shoved off a little past 9am.

Gulch

We walked about two miles on the paved road until we came to a bend in the road and then hopped over the guardrail into the gulch. Parts of the gulch floor were covered with kukui nut shells which felt like ball bearings under our feet as we walked over them. We soon climbed over a fence meant to keep out pigs and other animals that can harm the native plants and birds. Then we followed the fenceline all the way to the top.

Mokuleia Trail

We eventually connected to the Mokuleia Trail where we ran into a couple Boy Scouts who were shoveling and compacting the trail. Be prepared. A little later, we walked into the HTMC camping site. After a brief water stop, we took the path going up Makua rim to continue the hike to Three Corners.

Ohikilolo ridge

We got to the top of Makua rim and took a left towards the trail to Three Corners. If you take a right you will hit the Kuaokala Trail that will take you to the northern end of the Waianae mountain range.

Follow the fenceline

We continued to follow the sign and fenceline as the ridge rollercoastered going up and down, mainly down. While the fence is a blight on the landscape, it sure does come in handy as a handhold.

Makaha valley

We got to to the top of Three Corners around 12:30pm. Just in time to eat lunch. Some of our hiking group had got separated and took a longer route to get to the top, but they didn’t seem the worse for wear.

Makua valley

Three Corners is aptly named because at this point you can see the valleys of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia.

Mokuleia

We spent about half an hour up at the top eating lunch and taking pictures. Weather conditions cooperated in giving us a great hike and the the views that go along with it.

Peacock Flats

After our group came back down from the ridge and assembled at the HTMC camping site, two exit options were offered. Most of the hiking group decided to return the way we had come from. Our smaller group elected to continue down Mokuleia Trail, pass Peacock Flats and descend down the nearly four mile paved road back to the trailhead. While our route did prove faster coming down, it was harder on the feet as my blisters soon proved. And I had the Great Aloha Run the next day.

Glider

We got back to our cars after six hours of hiking and covering over ten miles. I wish I knew somebody who had the keys to these DLNR gates. That would sure save a lot of time pounding the pavement.

We drove all the way to the North Shore to hike Kealia trail which starts at Dillingham Airfield. There were already several cars waiting at the gate at the end of the runway when we got there, as they don’t open until 6:30am. 

Kealia Trail

We pulled into the parking lot by the control tower that was quickly filling up already. As we walked to the trailhead that is right across the parking lot, we passed some Boy Scouts that were just waking up and taking down their tents.

Falling rocks

There are 19 switchbacks going up the face of the mountain. This all made for slow and steady climbing on the trail that was littered with boulders of all shapes and sizes, I guess that’s what the earlier sign meant by “falling rocks.”

Picnic table

The picnic table marks the end of Kealia trail. We stopped for a spell to gulp water down and chowed down on power bars.

Kuaokala Trail

From here on we were hiking on the red dirt roads of Kuaokala Trail. We turned right at the first junction which soon led to the Kuaokala Public Hunting Area. Didn’t see any pigs or goats. We turned left at the next junction and another left at the T-junction. We kept to the right at the last junction which led to the lookout.

Lookout point

We made it to this lookout and discovered that somebody had driven their Mercedes SUV all the way up to this point. There was also a campfire pit with a bunch of bottled water next to it. We found out later that somebody had staged it there for a hiking group that was coming from the Kaena Tracking Station side. Now that’s planning!

Makua Valley

We took the trail to the right from the lookout and soon had a nice view of Makua valley which is used by the military for live fire training exercises. Needless to say, it is not advisable to hike down into the valley.

Kaena Tracking Station

It was also at the point in the trail that we met the hikers from the Kaena Tracking Station. They offered to give us a ride back to the airfield if we wanted to follow them back, we thought about it but decided to just go back the way we had come. On second thought, we should have took them up on the offer as who knows when the next time we would be able to visit the Kaena Tracking Station?

Mokuleia and Haleiwa

Coming down the switchbacks, we had sweeping views of Mokuleia and Haleiwa. We also saw skydivers, hang gliders, ultralights and glider planes floating around the airfield. The hike took us about four hours to complete.

For the last hike of the year, we decided to climb Mount Ka’ala, the highest mountain on Oahu. Initially, we had signed up to go with the Sierra Club, but the coordinator called back and said they would not go past the boulder section due to it being “sketchy.” In other words, not going all the way to the top. So we decided to do it ourselves and drove all the way to the end of Waianae Valley Road and parked before the locked gate. We started walking up the slightly inclined paved road, passing a water tank and some buildings. The paved road soon gave way to a red dirt trail and got a little steeper. We passed a picnic table and a parked off road vehicle, somebody had the keys to the locked gate! It sure wasn’t us, that would have saved us a couple miles of walking.

Tunnel Trail

After going up the trail, we ran across this tree tunnel, where we made a left bearing off the ridge and crossed a stream and made another left to pick up the trail going up the summit. See that small orb of light to the right? It could have been a reflection from the flash, but from what? There was no metal or anything. In some circles, that would be a spirit of some soul that has long passed.

Ka'ala ridgeline

After working our way through uluhe ferns and koa trees, we popped up on the ridgeline marked by power poles, and turned a right towards the top of Ka’ala.

Pu'u Kalena

To the right we saw Pu’u Kalena, the second highest mountain, but we were shooting for the highest mountain. Pu’u Kalena would be for another day.

Where is the trail?

At times we seemed lost as the trail was very faint amidst heavy vegetation, but we just followed the ridgeline going to the top. Unless your legs are protected by extremely thick body hair that will protect you from numerous cuts and scratches inflicted by the vegetation as you slog you way up, I would recommend wearing long pants.

Boulder section

We came across this section of boulders, that we scrambled over with the ropes already there and carved footholds which helped. It’s not as bad as some make it out to be, just take it slow and watch what you are doing. Once we got over the boulders, there were a couple more steep sections that we had to climb with the assistance of more ropes.

Ka'ala Bog

We finally made it to the Ka’ala Natural Area Reserve which is home to a blanket blog or mountaintop bog.

Follow the planks

The planks wound their way through the bog for about 3/4 of a mile, giving us a self-guided tour. Being that Ka’ala is broad and flat,the rainwater collects to form this bog that is home to many native plants and snails. Much of the plants and trees are stunted, as most top off at 6-7 feet.

FAA tracking station

As we came out of the bog, the FAA tracking station came into view, partially obscured by rolling clouds. We bordered the fence to get a better view on the other side. I heard that other hikers had encountered armed guards that had ordered them to keep a distance from the fence. Luckily, we did not receive such a greeting.

End of the trail

We made it to the top of Ka’ala at an elevation of 4,025 feet. It took us approximately three hours to reach the summit.

North Shore view

This is the view from the other side of the FAA tracking station that overlooks Haleiwa and the North Shore. Our views were somewhat blocked by clouds that would roll in and out. But they were fantastic! It took us about 3 1/2 hours to make it back down. Going down was definitely harder on the knees than going up. This hike is relatively difficult due to the steepness of the trail and the return trip coming back down.