It was time to raise the bar or at least get the juices flowing on today’s hike. Or as somebody put it “get back in the windward ridge game.”

Trailhead

We all met up in Kahana Valley where Matt surprised us with 808 Random Hikers T-shirts that he had made in Korea. Group photo left to right: John, Cisco, myself, Aida, Allison, Ryan, Quan, Enrique, Marilyn, Narissa, Lilyn, Matt and Tessa. Lucky 13.

Kahana Valley

Passing through Hawaii’s only public ahupua’a or subdivision of land.

Trail

Enjoying the wide open and dry trail while it lasted.

Dam

Some of the group took their shoes and socks off so as not to get wet. You guys know there are a couple more stream crossings? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Dam

All swing and no splash.

Trail

Welcome to the jungle.

Trail

Soak, rinse, repeat. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Trail

Matt gave an impromptu speech on the importance of promptness and then Chris showed up. The definition of irony.

Trail

Allison looking at True Manana and Two Apes Talking. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

Last stream crossing for some of us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Trail

Somebody was feeling good about themselves. It would not last for long.

Trail

Pushing our way through the patch of uluhe ferns that dominated the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Trail

The group climbing up the first of many hills.

Trail

Verdant valley views behind us. Photo by Allison Banks.

Trail

We could see the saddle for the mountains. Photo by Allison Banks.

Trail

You guys don’t take 5 or 10 minute breaks? Who’s in charge of this hike? Oh, the death marcher. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kahana Saddle

Group photo, left to right: John, Aida, Narissa, Chris, Marilyn, Matt, Cisco, Allison, Quan, Lilyn, myself, Enrique, Tessa and Ryan.

Kahana Saddle

Tessa belting out another rendition of Ms. Lonely.

Trail

Enrique scrambling up the steep hill towards the summit.

Trail

Gaining elevation with each step that we took. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Trail

Lilyn pulling herself up. All those hours in the gym were finally paying off.

Trail

Allison climbing her way to the summit. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pu’u Ohulehule Summit

What’s going on here? A) Matt is slaking his thirst by drinking the water pooling in Ryan’s poncho. or B) Matt is administering a mountain massage with a happy ending.

Pu’u Ohulehule Summit

Photo bombers in the rain. Kahana was living up to its reputation as one of the wettest valleys on the island.

Pu’u Ohulehule Summit

Group photo at the rained out summit. Zero visibility. We sat out the summit as rain saturated the area around us. Ideal conditions for climbing an unknown ridge. Whose ideas was this?

Trail

We waited until the rain clouds blew over and then we separated into the hardy and the foolhardy groups.

Northeast Ridge

Somebody in blue said this ridge is not that bad. Famous last words. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Northeast Ridge

Time to break out the webbing. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Northeast Ridge

Pushing through the woody climbers as we made our way down the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Northeast Ridge

Descending from the clouds as we had to be mindful of the abundant dead trees and branches that broke off under our grasp. Instead of braking our descent, they could have easily accelerated our descent. Not a good thing.

Northeast Ridge

The ridge became narrower as the views got better with each drop we did. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Northeast Ridge

Matt climbing as rocks got dislodged with each step. Luckily no rocks were dislodged during my climb down. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Northeast Ridge

Chris hugging the sliver of a ridge as he climbed his way down.

Northeast Ridge

Somewhere in the mountains, there is elevator service. We also saw the hardy group going down the Northwest ridge from our precarious perch. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Northeast Ridge

Just call me Otis. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Northeast Ridge

The rest of the group waiting their turn to climb down the webbing secured with an existing anchor. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Northeast Ridge

The rolling rocks had rolling rocks on this ridge. They definitely gather no moss here. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Northeast Ridge

Matt checking out the next drop. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Northeast Ridge

Going down. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Northeast Ridge

Keeping my distance from the spiked shoes.

Northeast Ridge

Drop after drop. Do we have enough webbing? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Northeast Ridge

Bye bye. For reference’s sake, I was talking to an inanimate object and not a living person. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Northeast Ridge

Straddling the skinny ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Northeast Ridge

The rest of us scooted down on our bellies, whereas Chris let his feet do the walking. Perhaps it had something to do with the beer belly. Perhaps not.

Northeast Ridge

Matt lowering himself down using the lip of the rock as an anchor.

Northeast Ridge

It was just a hop, skip and slide for Lilyn. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Northeast Ridge

Contouring and climbing my way up for what passes as a pile of crumbly rocks topped with skinny trees and dry grass.

Northeast Ridge

Tessa making herself comfortable as she hunkers down for the oncoming inclement weather. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Northeast Ridge

We temporarily suspended all climbing as we watched …

Northeast Ridge

… the rain showers slowly march in from the ocean and saturate the ridge and us with its watery cargo.

All clear

Tessa ready to start hiking again after the brief burst of H20. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Northeast Ridge

Matt climbing down the last drop for the day.

Northeast Ridge

Traversing the moss carpeted ridge line punctuated with trees of varying density and depth. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Northeast Ridge

Approaching the Kualoa ridge dominated by the peak of Kanehoalani.

Northeast Ridge

What’s going on here? A) I was so happy to find out that Matt’s test came back negative. Not saying what kind of test it was. or B) We were bucking the stereotypical roles while re-enacting the 2005 movie helmed by Ang Lee.

3 Corners

We took our individual and collective photos at the intersecting spot with sweeping views of the mountains, valleys and ocean.

Trail

Is this the way to the gardens?

Ka’a’awa Valley

Bench with a view. What a view. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Hakipu’u Valley

Bye bye. Inanimate object. I think I can speak for the group when I say that the Northeast ridge is one of the hardest trails we have done in recent memory. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Cow Patty

When you got to go, you got to go. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Jurassic Park

Watching out for droppings from the winged reptile. Who let the animal out? Oh, what long nails you have!

All pau

Where’s the beef? Thanks to Aida, John and Quan for picking us up on the side of the highway. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

GPS Tracks

Our adrenaline adventure that took us over old and new grounds clocked in under six miles. Glad to have done it with this bunch of friends. Thankful that everybody made it down safe, albeit the minor mishap of the out of towner that tumbled down and landed on the skinniest person. Post hike meal at Kenko-ya as the other choices were closed or did not offer dine in service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqR5vE96oOE&t=337s

Video by Matt Vidaurri of our ridge 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.

Started at the crack of dawn with Chris, Lee, Mia and Yoly to hike a loop that I have been wanting to do for quite some time in Kahana Valley.

Trailhead

We all piled into Chris’s van to drive to the dead end road and kept a low profile to avoid disturbing the neighbors.

Waikane Valley

The trail was surprisingly obvious, a marked departure from my last visit.

Waikane Valley

Approaching a homeless shelter?

Pride Rock

Bucket loads of hikers and tourists make the short hike up to this rock, to gaze upon … Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pride Rock

… the stunning scenery of lush valleys, topped by rugged peaks and shimmering glassy waters.

Pride Rock

Group photo left to right: Chris, Lee, myself, Mia and Yoly.

Southeast Ridge

Proceeding past the tourist scenic spot. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Southeast Ridge

Approaching our second dike of the day.

Southeast Ridge

Hello there! Photo by Chris Bautista.

Southeast Ridge

Climbing up the dike that keeps the encroaching overgrowth at bay.

Southeast Ridge

Dangling legs above the treetops. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Southeast Ridge

Lee coming down the dike. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Southeast Ridge

Looking out towards the three peaks of Ohulehule, Manamana and Kanehoalani.

Southeast Ridge

The exposed rock ridge served as a firebreak lane through the suffocating overgrowth.

Southeast Ridge

Churning the moss covered landscape.

Southeast Ridge

To climb or to contour the looming dike?

Southeast Ridge

How do I climb up this thing? Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Southeast Ridge

Hiker see, hiker do.

Southeast Ridge

Mia, Lee and Yoly; three monkeys on the dike. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Southeast Ridge

We contoured to the left of the dike as the pitch of the ridge became more pronounced.

Southeast Ridge

Capturing the views now in case we lost them at the top.

Southeast Ridge

Yoly following the rope through the thick overgrowth.

Southeast Ridge

Climbing on the more exposed Windward side of the ridge.

Southeast Ridge

We had to climb over, under and through the thicket of trees that populated the ridge.

Southeast Ridge

At last, free of the overgrowth!

Southeast Ridge

Spoke too soon.

Southeast Ridge

Using trees, roots, vegetation and the occasional rope to climb up.

Southeast Ridge

Barreling and brushing past through the overgrowth.

Southeast Ridge

Pushing up the last major climb to the summit.

Pu’u Ohulehule

When you’re hungry, two twigs will double as chopsticks.

Pu’u Ohulehule

Group photo at the 2,228′ summit.

Pu’u Ohulehule

Sweeping views from the top.

Northwest Ridge

Once the multiple photo shoots were done, we took our leave of the summit.

Northwest Ridge

Looking ahead to the saddle that will connect us to our final summit destination.

Northwest Ridge

Climbing down the steep descent.

Junction

Taking the trail less trampled as we detoured off the ridge.

Saddle

The overgrowth on the Southeast was tame compared to this section. It was uluhell quicksand.

Saddle

Exhausted and spent on the trail. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Saddle

Treading carefully on the insane and unchecked overgrowth that masked the many false drops on the ridge.

Saddle

This ridge was sorely in need of a trail clearing.

Saddle

Threading our way through the brittle and decaying ohia trees.

Pu’u Koile

Looking back at Pu’u Ohulehule from the 1,613′ summit. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Saddle

Chris looking out to Pu’u O Kila. Photo by Lee Shreve.

Saddle

The saddle has become demonstrably more eroded from our last visit. Dirt and rocks became dislodged with each step that we took on certain sections. It was like playing Jenga on the mountains.

Saddle

Yoly making her way down the crumbling and shifting pile of dirt and rocks. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Saddle

Looking out towards the peaks of Piei and Manamana overlooking Kahana Valley. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Saddle

The sound of music was singing in the mountains. The earth was moving below us, and it wasn’t from that kind of satisfaction. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pu’u O Kila

We scribbled today’s date and our names on the log in the jar and plopped down for a well deserved rest. Photo by Lee Shreve.

Pu’u O Kila

Group photo at the tree trimmed 1,520′ summit.

Kahana Valley

Dropping down from the studio sized summit.

Kahana Valley

Enjoying the views of Pu’u Manamana and True Manamana on our way down.

Kahana Valley

Following the river of uluhell downstream.

Kahana Valley

Double Rainbow.

Kahana Valley

The group walking out the valley.

Kahana Valley

This is not the trail exit. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Kahana Valley

That’s the dam exit.

Kahana Valley

One of many trails that crisscrosses the wettest valley on Earth. Photo by Lee Shreve.

Kahana Valley

Damming the water for our group photo. Playing in the shallow end.

All pau

Group photo at the end of our bone crushing, exhausting but soul lifting hike.

GPS Tracks

Our hardscrabble hike registered only six miles of punishing overgrowth and crumbly ridges. Is the GPS tracking working? Really, that’s all? Great hike with a fun crew. Texting instructions for Pizza Hut. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. This is becoming a habit. Local habit.

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.

Stuart Ball called Ohulehule southeast ridge “the most dangerous hike on the island.” While I wouldn’t necessarily agree with that statement, I would say it’s one of the more physically taxing hikes.

Haupoa Street

Aaron, Darren, J, Marvin, Matt, Troy and myself joined Will on his hike today. Matt staged his truck in Kahana Valley and we all met up in Waiahole.

Where do we start?

Right off the bat, there was some confusion as to where the trailhead started.

Found the trail

After finding a passable trail through the forest, we started following this heavily eroded section to the ridge.

Are we on the ridge?

No views yet.

Looking back

Will and Marvin scrambling out of the forest.

Scenic point

The exposed ridge offered views of Hakipu’u Valley, Pu’u Kanehoalani, Mokoli’i and the Moli’i Fishpond (which is one of four original Hawaiian fishponds left extant on Oahu).

Rock climbing

Our first dike on the ridge. One of many to come.

Hanging out

Darren enjoying the views. Pu’u Manamana and True Manamana are visible beyond Pu’u Kanehoalani.

Southeast ridge

The dikes offered a respite from the heavy overgrowth on the ridge.

Not too steep

We just had to watch our step, as there were drops to our right. No drops to our left.

Ridge hiking

The surrounding views made it all worthwhile.

Where’s a weed whacker when you need one?

We had to plunge into heavy ridge overgrowth which plucked my GoPro from my backpack. Lucky for me, that Darren found it hanging on a tree. I still owe him a soda. Yes, I’m cheap.

Panoramic view

The views from this valley have few rivals on this island. Just an opinion. Click here for the larger image.

Rocks are preferable

J climbing down a dike. Much easier than battling the annoying and cloying overgrowth. Shortly after this section, Will and Marvin turned around, as Will was not feeling well. It’s always good to know your limits, I have cut a hike short before due to not feeling well. Better than ending up on the six o’clock news. The mountains will always be there.

Pu’u Ohulehule

The summit was still cloud free. How long would that last?

Clouds moving in

The cloud deck was capping Pu’u Manamana.

Use the tree

This particular dike was a little tricky to get up, a nearby tree served as a stepping stone. Aaron opted for the “pincer” hold.

Getting steeper

The ridge started to get steeper as we approached the summit. As we contoured on the Leeward side, the old adage about not trusting ropes, rang false. Matt was holding onto a tree when it gave way and the only thing that kept Matt from plunging down was the rope in his other hand.

Panoramic view

The valleys of Ka’a’awa and Hakipu’u split by Pu’u Kanehoalani. Click here for the larger image.

Windward view

Looking back at the ridge we had come from. This route used to be on the HTMC schedule, until legal access became an issue. Stricken from the hike list.

Boulder fun

We contoured to the right of a large boulder that was blocking the trail. Photo by Aaron Toma.

Pushing up

Now the fun part. Not really. The rest of the climb was at a steep pitch that involved pulling yourself up. Ropes helped. Considerably.

Almost there

More uphill climbing.

Summit view

J was the first to summit Pu’u Ohulehule and was rewarded with a clear view of the valleys. Click here for the larger image. Photo by Francis Joy.

Cloudy summit

This is the view that the rest of us got. Group photo left to right: Matt, Darren, Troy, Aaron, myself and J.

Going down

Going down northwest ridge, the traditional route to Pu’u Ohulehule. The initial descent was somewhat steep, but soon slackened off.

Dangerous trail

Hmm, I’m glad we’re going the other way. Maybe this was the section that the two Danish girls got stuck back in 1999. They spent an amazing eight days on this ridge before HTMC members found them.

Cloudy peak

Looking back at the 2,265′ summit wrapped in clouds.

Panoramic view

Looking left to right: Pu’u Piei, Pu’u Manamana and Pu’u Kanehoalani. Click here for the larger image.

Can you smell what the rocks are cooking?

Close up view of True Manamana and Two Apes Talking rock formation.

Kahana Valley

As we made our way down to the valley, the rain started.

Say Ahhh!

Troy ran out of water, so Mother Nature helped him out.

Fern country

Uluhe ferns seem to have colonized most of the trails.

Stream crossing

The group taking a break at the first stream crossing. Troy helped himself to free water.

Where’s the dragon?

Awhile back, this area was burnt by fire. It left behind a blackened tree that looks like a dragon. Can’t see the dragon for the trees.

Follow the ribbons

Troy about to cross the second stream. Still only ankle high.

Stroll in the forest

The thick canopy of trees filtered much of the sunlight that reached the valley floor.

Shrinkage

Water level was waist high at the third stream crossing. Ice cold.

Nakoa Trail

Left? Right? Straight!

Dam crossing

There was a rope hanging near the dam. Matt was the only swinger today.

Road out

Marvin and Will met us at the end and ferried us to our cars. What? No ice cold drinks waiting for us?

GPS Tracks

The hike was only 5.52 miles, but as Aaron put it “You earned every inch of it.” Great hike with familiar faces that I haven’t seen in awhile. Post hike meal was at El Mariachi in Kaneohe. BYOB.