It was time to spend another anniversary on this particular mountain. Aida dropped off Katie and Lilyn at the trailhead, who had her knife at the ready in case any trouble appeared. Thanks to Janell for driving Aida, Quan, Tessa and myself to the trail head.

Our Lady of Kea’au

Luckily the gate was open early in the morning, so we didn’t have to separate the group.

The Shack

How many people can you fit in a cacti covered shack? Apparently just one.

Ohikilolo Valley

Going up the jeep road with our 2×2 legs.

Ohikilolo Valley

Plunging into the forest and following the fence line for the most part, where we attracted the unwanted sticky burrs to our clothes.

Tree Stand

The only game seen today were two legged hikers.

Ohikilolo Valley

Climbing over the fence to connect to the spur ridge that would lead us out of the valley floor.

Ohikilolo Valley

Leaving the relatively flat ground for steeper and rockier pastures. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Valley

Are we having fun yet? Perhaps, I should ask that question later. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ohikilolo Valley

Climbing up the ridge. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Valley

Lilyn and Tessa cresting over one of the humps on the ridge. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Ohikilolo Valley

Strike a pose. Yoga pose. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Ohikilolo Valley

The girls checking out each other’s gluteus maximus muscles.

Ohikilolo Valley

I think I need to work on mines. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Valley

Janell scrambling her way up the dry grassy ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Valley

Enjoying their personal space this time around. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Ohikilolo Valley

The group climbing up one of the exposed dikes on the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Valley

Katie climbing her way up.

Ohikilolo Valley

To climb or not to climb? Rhetorical question. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Valley

Contouring and climbing our way up.

Ohikilolo Valley

The group climbing their way up the ridge that was populated with exposed rocks. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Valley

Bird’s eye view. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Valley

Tessa didn’t want to wait in the climbing queue and went up her own way. The hard way.

Ohikilolo Valley

Quan still having fun. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Katie gaining the fenced ridge line. No stuck goats to be seen or heard.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Aida looking ahead to the fenced ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Tessa climbing the fence for a better view or a better shot? Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The sun came out to play that was accompanied by brisk winds. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Fence Hammock

Surprisingly comfortable. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Lilyn leaning over into Makua Valley. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Approaching the helipad. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Helipad

Group photo left to right: Tessa, Janell, Quan, Lilyn, Katie, myself and Aida.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Traversing the exposed and eroded ridge line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Not everybody wanted to use the webbing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Our arms were getting quite the workout today.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Approaching the forested area that was interrupted by a washed out and weathered section of the ridge before the cabin. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Cabin

Katie stumping for views.

Ohikilolo Cabin

Snack break. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Cabin

You can knock, but you can’t come in.

Ohikilolo Outhouse

Call the Governor, the TP shortage is over. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Outhouse

When you got to go, you got to go.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Tessa on the edge looking towards the distinctive triangle peak of Ohikilolo. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Leaving the cabin and outhouse behind us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ohikilolo Summit

Climbing to the top of the pyramid peak. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Summit

Group photo at the 3,052′ top with sweeping views of the Waianae Mountains, Ridges and Valleys. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ohikilolo Summit

Scooting our way down the backside of the peak. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Summit

The rest of the girls headed back down to the valley floor, where they enjoyed some extra time exploring the forest and covered with more sticky burrs.

Ohikilolo Summit

Most of us came down with our backpacks while somebody just rolled hers down the hill, including her hair pin.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Fences for daze. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hello from the other side. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Following the fence line. The theme for the day.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Straddling a very crumbly dragon. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Martians

I don’t think potatoes can be planted here. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

We could still see the cabin in the distance. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The girls getting some air time.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Trying my best not to get a groin injury. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Lilyn stepping on the dragon. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Climbing my way down. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The colorful girls descending the steep stretch of the ridge equidistantly.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Scenic views all around. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Katie contouring her way down the ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

When the fence becomes a ladder. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hanging onto the fence line as we followed the ridge line that gained and dropped elevation on the way.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Making our way down to the section where a giant boulder interrupts the fence line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Katie sliding her way around the protruding boulder.

Ropes and Ladder

Climbing up the last steep section. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Lilyn overlooking the valley views. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The woodland rodent meant that we were within sweating distance of the summit, which was heavily overgrown on the way up.

Three Corners

When your tendons are simply exhausted from grabbing the fence all day.

Three Corners

1, 2, 3. Makaha, Makua, and Mokuleia. All corners accounted for.

Three Corners

Hot lunch in the making. Complete with Vienna sausage. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Leaving the clear summit as we followed the fence down.

WST

Taking in the somewhat obstructed view of Makua Valley.

Mokuleia Overlook

Our last group photo of the day before we came down from the mountains.

Tangelo Tree

The citrus tree was loaded with ripe fruits that were just begging to be picked. Tasty and refreshing trail snacks. The nearby avocado trees were flowering but not fruiting yet.

Mokuleia Trail

Leaving the short and sweet trail.

Peacock Flats

Feminine charm and positive thinking failed to secure us a ride down the road.

Mokuleia Access Road

My last climb of the day. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mokuleia Access Road

Pounding the pavement on our way down.

Mokuleia Access Road

The end of the road and a long day for us.

All pau

We used our phone lights to flag Quan down, who was nice enough to pick us up and drive us back to our cars. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

GPS Tracks

Our 11.1 mile coast to coast hike covered stunning and sweeping scenic views that were filled with fun times and good friends. Post hike meal at Restaurant Kunio where I just missed the last ribeye steak served for the night. Such is my luck.

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.

Decided to take a break from the last stormy hike and visit the nice and dry West side. Mahalo to Jasmin for dropping Chris, Ferlino, Jasmin, Lopaka, Matt and myself off at the trailhead where Janell was already waiting for us. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed

Getting friendly with the locals. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Trail

Walking the road to the uplands. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trail

Leaving the sea behind us.

Hunter’s Stand

Chris and Matt enjoying the elevated vantage point. See any goats? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Hunter’s Stand

Ferlino planking on the tree. Who needs the stand?

Spur Ridge

Heading up the dry grassy rocky ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Spur Ridge

Leaving the shaded valley as we made our way up the sun bleached ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo Valley

Coming up the ridge, we were surrounded by goat bleatings bouncing off the valley.

Spur Ridge

Lopaka playing King of the Hill. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Spur Ridge

Our final push to the top of the ridge. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

PETA

Chris’s bathroom break startled a goat who ran head first into the fence and promptly got stuck much to his dismay. His buddies scampered off when they saw us approaching, thinking it was nice knowing you. Chris and Lopaka freed the goat who immediately took off down the ridge.

Spur Ridge

Ferlino decided to keep Jasmin company on the journey to the cabin, so we split into two groups. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Morning Mushroom

Recreational fungus for recreational hiking?

Makua Valley

Looking back into the valley where landscapers fear to tread.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Tube man on the ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Chris and Lopaka detouring around a wrecked fence section due to a rock slide. It was around this section that a bunch of bees were pollinating flowers on the other side of the fence, when some of them decided to bombard me with their suicidal stinging. My flailing around was unfortunately not caught on camera.

Helipad

Cleared to land.

Helipad

Pick me up too!

Ohikilolo Ridge

The ridge started to turn from red brown to dark green, a sign that we were getting near the summit.

Balloon Flowers

I remember these from small kid time, at least that’s what we used to call them.

PETA

Not another one? This one actually pissed itself before being freed by Lopaka.

Ohikilolo

Lopaka test tenting my camping shelter. Sold!

Ohikilolo

Group photo above the cabin left to right: Chris, Janell, Lopaka, myself and Matt.

Ohikilolo

One was closed and the other open for business.

Ohikilolo

Janell decided to wait at the cabin for Ferlino and Jasmin.

Ohikilolo Summit

I guess somebody changed their mind. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ohikilolo Summit

Panoramic view of Makaha, Ohikilolo and Makua Valleys from the top.

Ohikilolo Summit

We took our leave of the 3,052′ summit and Janell. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo Summit

Matt and Lopaka coming down the crumbly backside.

Ohikilolo Summit

Name tagging on the ridge. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Ohikilolo Valley

Looking into the depression that separates Makua and Makaha Valleys. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Leaving the peak with our brains intact. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Geology 101

How big rocks are made into little rocks. Photos by Matt Vidaurri.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Peering over the crumbly wall of Ohikilolo. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Riding the rock dragon with the sweeping vista of Ka’ala in the background.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Lopaka climbing the fence or the ridge down?

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hindrance … Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo Ridge

… or help? Jury is still out in my book. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Standing on a sliver of a ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo

Meanwhile, Ferlino and Jasmin caught up to Janell at the hill above the cabin.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Contouring around the boulder. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Ohikilolo Ridge

What does that look like? Two ears? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Can you see the ape for the rocks?

Ohikilolo Ridge

Climbing up the steepest rock section. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking back. Fences for daze.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Heading to greener ridges. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Rodent country.

Three Corners

Matt climbing over the fence to the spot that provides triple valley views.

Spur Ridge

Meanwhile, Janell and Jasmin were making their way down the ridge into the valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

H20

Filling up our water bottles for the last leg home.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

The fence turned from a necessary handhold to more of a navigational and invasive barrier on this trail section.

WST

Lopaka making his way around the many assorted boulders that littered the fenced side of the ridge.

Mokuleia Lookout

I guess somebody wanted their own selfie.

Mokuleia Trail

Getting off the WST.

Whole Foods

Oranges. Tangerines. Tangelos. Whatever it was, this tree was brimming with the coldest, juiciest and sweetest citrus fruits I’ve tasted in awhile. Hiking all day may have had something to do with my taste buds interpretation.

Mokuleia Trail

Our packs, some more than others, weighed down with our fruit bounty as we made our way down the trail.

Pahole Natural Area Reserve

Leaving the sprawling 658 acres that are home to endemic fauna and flora.

Peacock Flats

Nobody around to give us a ride down.

Farrington Hwy

The long walk down the 3.5 mile road.

All pau

Banana, Coconut and Papaya trees lined the road as we exited to Chris’s staged van. Free range chickens also roamed the road. We had all the fixings of a hearty meal.

GPS Tracks

Our coast to coast hike covered a little over 11 miles complete with undomesticated ungulates, organic fruits and the company of good friends. Post hike meal at Restaurant Kunio. The wait was too long, but too tired to go elsewhere.

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.

West side is the best side, especially for hiking. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Alexis, Annalyn, Ferlino and myself off in Kea’au.

Trailhead

Starting our dawn retreat into the valley.

Ohikilolo Valley

Party of four for the horseback adventure tours? It’s amazing how a few years can commercialize this valley.

Ohikilolo Valley

Hiking on the rocky, dirt road with views of Kaena Point in the distance.

Ohikilolo Valley

Going off the beaten trail into the bushes and the fence line.

Ohikilolo Valley

Hunter’s tree stand doubling as a flag pole. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Ridge

Leaving the valley floor and vegetation behind as they soon yielded to the rocky spur ridge.

Ridge

Contouring and climbing our way up the short and steep spur ridge that was punctuated with rugged dikes. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ridge

Looking back at the ocean views along with the bleating sounds of goats bouncing around the valley.

Ridge

Alexis scrambling her way up to the ridge line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Time to give our fingers a work out on the fenced ridge line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

But let’s take a fence selfie first. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Going up in the shadow of the sun.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The ridge separating Makua and Ohikilolo Valleys.

Ohikilolo Ridge

I was pleasantly surprised to find no decomposing goats as we made our steady climb up the ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Crossing an open section of the ridge before plunging into the mixed forested area right before the summit.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Ferlino mingling with the swarm of dragonflies that were dancing and darting around us at the broad clearing before the cabin. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Ohikilolo Cabin

Closed for business. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ohikilolo Outhouse

Open for business. BYOTP.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking ahead to the triangular peak of scooped out brains.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Keeping close to the fence line as the eroded ridge dropped off towards Kea’au.

Ohikilolo Summit

Group photo at the 3,052′ peak, left to right: Alexis, myself, Ferlino and Analyn. Clear views of Makua, Makaha and Ohikilolo Valleys were revolving around us, a primer for the upcoming Three Corners summit.

Ohikilolo Summit

Dropping off the peak. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ohikilolo

Zig zagging our way down the severely eroded back side.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Back on the fence line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Fences for days. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ohikilolo Ridge

All fences lead to Ka’ala. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The ridge widened enough to a point to take a scenic break.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Ferlino standing on the crumbly rock dragon. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The ridge continued to thin out in most sections, made even thinner with the fence line taking up valuable real estate.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Descending down the ridge with the help of the handy fence line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking ahead to Pueo Falls deep in Makaha Valley.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Analyn straddling the fence from the Windward to the Leeward side to contour around a boulder that interrupted the fence line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

I heard somebody yelling at us from Three Corners. Turned out to be Chris and Ted who had hiked in from Mokuleia.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Analyn contouring her way between the boulder and the fence line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Preparing to climb up the steepest section of the fenced ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking back at the rest of the group making their way up.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Rat country.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Twin views of Makaha and Makua Valleys.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Making the final push towards the summit.

Three Corners

Views of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia valleys spinning around us.

Ridge

Thirty minutes of bushwhacking hell through the tangled mess of dense uluhe ferns and thorny thimbleberry plants lay ahead of us.

Ridge

We could finally see the road for the uluhe ferns, but not the see the mountain for the clouds.

Ka’ala Road

Alexis descending down through a corridor of uluhell ferns. The original plan was to exit from the Waianae Kaala Trail, but time and safety considerations dictated the easier option down.

Ka’ala Road

Walking down the five miles of paved road with mountain views.

Ka’ala Road

Road mirrors are good for blind turns and group selfies.

Pig Country

Barking loudly and carrying a big stick while walking down the road. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ka’ala Road

Color check at the cow sign.

Ka’ala Road

Oops. It’s too late to turn back. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ka’ala Road

The walk down the road soon turned into a farmers market hike with avocados and java plums being plucked and picked from the roadside.

Ka’ala Road

Hey guys, you don’t want to harvest some honey? Oh wait, those are wasps. Never mind. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Cow Problem #1

We saw a herd of cows blocking the road. Cover the backpack and replace the shirt. Patience is a virtue as they soon grew bored of watching us and moved off to greener pastures.

Cow Problem #2

I was walking down the road when Alexis yelled to let me know that a big, black cow was charging its way through the field towards my general direction. However, when the cow hooved the road, it looked at me and the rest of the group and decided to investigate the group, who promptly scattered up the hill. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Cow Problem #3

Further down the road, we saw a big bull blocking the road ahead of us, as his herd was crossing the road to move off to greener pastures as well. Patience was a virtue, yet again. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ka’ala Road

I think we had our fill of pigs, cows, dogs and an angry farmer today. It was not a good day at Old McDonald’s farm. Photo by Alexis Widick.

All pau

Now all we had to do was wait for our ride. Sit down and wait. Wave at the passing cars and wait. Stand up and wait. Calling other options and wait. Sit down and wait. Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up despite the navigational and directional challenges.

GPS Tracks

We hiked 10.18 miles from Kea’au to Mokuleia on our coast to coast trek. Amazing adventure with good friends. Post hike meal at Restaurant Kunio. The long wait time was somewhat sated by extra helpings of their ono garlic edamame.

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.

Bills were due and rules were made to be broken, and that’s how we ended up with today’s hike. Right muthafucka?

Trailhead

Thanks to Dale for dropping Frank, Shirley and myself off in the middle of nowhere. Winter is for the Waianaes. It’s also the time to bring headlamps. I guess some lists just aren’t meant to be read.

Access Road

We did a short cardio puff up the road. Reminds me of the road to Ka’ala. Not my favorite.

Peacock Flats

Let’s not wake up the campers. Who you calling white?

Trailhead

Starting our farewell hike.

Mokuleia Trail

Mexi-Kaida and Fili-Kaida. Unmasked.

Mokuleia Trail

Somebody was not fast enough to catch the nene.

WST

We turn left, right? Or right, left?

WST

Makua Valley. You’ll have to take my word for it.

WST

Rat country ahead. Rain country too.

WST

Jumping the fence.

WST

Going down the fence line.

WST

Picking our way amongst the scattered rocks and trees.

WST

Pulling ourselves up. One fence at a time.

WST

Three Corners is out there. You’ll have to take my word for it.

Mokuleia

There’s a view. Where?

WST

Frank making his way up, while sandwiched between a rock and a fence.

Lubricant optional

Shirley high fiving the self-pleasuring glove. Please wash your hands.

WST

We are here …

Three Corners

… to witness more stunning views of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia. You’ll have to take my word for it.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Going down the rabbit hole.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hiking in the clouds. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

I didn’t know I would be hiking with The Flying Wallendas. Or at least one of them.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The clouds and rain showers started to clear as we made our way on the ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

We could see the ridge for the fences or was that the fences for the ridge?

Ohikilolo Ridge

Please keep your hands and feet on the fenced ridge at all times. Someone wasn’t paying attention. A theme that was to be repeated at the cabin.

Ohikilolo Ridge

A rollercoaster of a ridge. Multiple short ups and downs.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hanging into Makaha Valley. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Ohikilolo Ridge

One hand for the fence and one for the shaka. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Somebody was kung-fu hiking.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Frank and I scrambling up the ridge. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The “Buttercup” look. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Frank getting out of the way, before a darky fell on him.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Shirley looking back as the clouds seemed to be chasing us down from the mountains. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

How do you sit on this? Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Rainbow in Makua Valley. I heard it leads to pots of UMX ( unexploded ordnance ).

Ohikilolo Ridge

Open for camping.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Climbing up from the boulder.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Now you see the clouds …

Ohikilolo Ridge

The fence took up valuable real estate on the ridge while affording us handholds and keeping out the unwanted ungulates. Give and take.

Ohikilolo Ridge

… and now you don’t see the clouds.

Ohikilolo Ridge

This grasshopper had the right idea on how to hike this ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Climbing up from the notch.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Shirley climbing around and up the interrupted fence line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Fences for days.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Fill in the blank and use your vivid imagination. Shirley wishes she had a ____ right now.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The Great Fence of Ohikilolo.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hiking into the wind. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Ohikilolo Ridge

How to train your rock dragon. No caption credit given this time.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Almost there. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Always amazed to find these hardy plants living in such a parched and seemingly inhospitable terrain.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Mars slip and slide recreational area.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Pausing and posing. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Time to climb up to the triangular peak of Ohikilolo, but first … Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

… let’s have another IG photo shoot.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Overlooking Makua Valley. You don’t have to take my word for it. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Ohikilolo Backside

Let’s take the easy way up.

Ohikilolo Summit

Random group photos at the 3,052′ peak.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking out towards Pu’u Keaau on our way to the cabin.

Ohikilolo Outhouse

Throne with a view. BYOTP.

Cabin life

What’s for lunch? Cold burritos with rice and potatoes, courtesy of Frank. Homemade? Mexican.

Let’s pretend

And … ?

Ohikilolo Cabin

Saying goodbye to the cabin and the mountains.

Ohikilolo Ridge

All downhill. Rocky. Fenced.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The sun started to turn the ridge and valley into a sauna. Time to shed the sweater. Dry cleaned and pressed please.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hanging ten on the fence hammocks.

Ohikilolo Ridge

What’s going on? Another IG photo shoot. I guess every dog has to have his day as well.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking out towards Kaena Point.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Shirley and I traversing the skinnier section of the fenced ridge. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

I was pleasantly surprised that we did not run across any goats that thought the grass was greener on the other side.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking back at the ridge as the afternoon shade slowly creeped across the valley floor.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Frank and Shirley stepping over the fence to get to the other side.

Ohikilolo Ridge

How many IG photo shoots does this one make?

Ohikilolo Ridge

It was just a short, steep scramble down the rocky trail and out to the highway. Please leave the little ones at home.

All pau

My fingers are tired. Thanks to Frank’s buddy, Kyle, who picked us up and shuttled us back to our cars. Photo by Frank Martinez.

GPS Tracks

Our last hike of the year started off with clouds and rain showers, that soon turned into a cloudy and sunny beast of a ridge hike with fences and views for miles. 10.43 miles to be exact. Fun times with great company. Good memories. Happy New Year’s to all.

Note: I have been made aware the some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

Promising weather turned into perfect conditions for our hike this weekend. Dale, Gen, Jose, Rob, Ryan, Tom and myself met up on the West side. Thanks to Ryan’s sister and Dale for shuttling us to the trailhead. Chris B would join us after work.

Trailhead

We picked up the trail through the dry shrubs and grass off Farrington Highway to make our way up towards Upper Makua Cave.

Trail

A group of hikers resting on their way to the cave. No rest for the weary.

Trail

We branched off to the left to gain the spur ridge.

Makua Valley

Looking into Hawaii’s own death valley. Literally. Roaming cattle and military bombs slowly leached the life out of this once thriving Hawaiian community. You wouldn’t know it by looking at it from afar, as it’s off limits to the public, but the lush landscaped valley still hides unexploded ordnances from decades of military training. Click here for the larger image.

Trail

We soon got to the fence and started making our way up the spur ridge.

Trail

Dale waiting for his turn to climb up.

Trail

Making our way up to gain Ohikilolo ridge.

Trail

Rob holding down the fence for Tom to cross over. A hiker and a gentleman.

Looking back

Enjoying the view towards Kaena Point. Photo by Tom Engle.

Trail

The sun breaking over the mountains. It was going to be a hot day.

Looking back

Enjoying the shade while it lasted.

Trail

Walking on the narrow rock dike broke the monotony of the fence line.

Dead Goat Ridge

We started to run across many a goat that found out the hard way that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

Trail

Switched to the left side of the fence.

Trail

Not for long. Switched back to the right side of the fence.

Looking back

Ryan scrambling up the ridge with a sun bleached souvenir on his back.

Fence bed

Mountain accommodations for two.

Trail

Rob and Tom contouring around the fence line with Makaha Valley in the background.

Helipad

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a helicopter.

Looking back

Click here for the panoramic view.

Trail

Hiking on the eroded section of the ridge.

Looking back

Ryan, Dale and Gen making their way up.

Trail

We could see the forest for the trees. Koa trees.

Trail

Entering the introduced and native forest. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Ohikilolo

The triangular peak of Ohikilolo which roughly means scooped out brains.

Ohikilolo cabin

We had the cabin all to ourselves. Pays to have reservations.

Cabin life

I can see why a lot of people have taken a shine to this cabin. Wrap around lanai with mountain views. Bunks that can sleep up to 12 people. Rain catchment system provides drinking water and showers. Unfortunately, Dale could only enjoy the cabin with us for a few short hours before hiking back down. Photos by Dale Yoshizu.

Biodegradable

Deep thoughts. Outhouse with a view.

Mountain life

Group photo left to right: Tom, Rob, Jose, Gen, myself and Ryan.

Where there’s smoke there’s fire

When you do bad things in the mountains, you get held hostage at finger point. Rob was later released on his own recognizance. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Sunset

No green flash spotted.

Cooking by head lamps

Chris pushed up the ridge and arrived under cover of darkness to deliver our frozen steaks. Chefs Engle and Balladares prepping our food. Heavy on the oil and garlic please.

What’s for dinner?

The pit boss, Gen, presided over the grill to cook our steak, baby potatoes, corn on the cob, and garlic bread. We ate pretty well that night.

Night sky

The skies were clear. The winds were noticeably absent. Stunning mountain views. Grilled food. Great company. Glamping. Not quite. But pretty close.

Cheers

Cinammon fireball whisky to keep our tummies warm.

Lights out

No rodents paid us a visit as we bunked down for the night. Photo by Ryan Leano

Moon rise

Somebody got up in the middle of the night to catch the moon rising over Mount Ka’ala. Photo by Tom Engle

Good morning

Chilly Sunday morning. Ryan dragged the grill back into the cabin and applied liberal amounts of lighter fluid to kick start the heater.

Makua valley

Looking into the back of the valley.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Trail

We cleaned up after ourselves and checked out of the cabin to resume our second day of hiking.

Trail

Approaching the summit of Ohikilolo.

Pu’u Ohikilolo

Group photo at the 3,052′ sun-in-your-face summit.

Pu’u Ohikilolo

The crew scrambling down the crumbly backside.

Trail

A rocky rollercoaster ridge hike was ahead of us.

Looking back

Leaving the summit of Ohikilolo behind us.

Ohikilolo cabin

Looking back at the cabin. It was a sweet cabin. Photo by Tom Engle.

Trail

Hikers imitating goats on the ridge. Just don’t get your head stuck.

Looking back

Chris and Tom on the skinny ridge with the slowly receding view of Ohikilolo behind them.

Trail

All fences lead to Mount Ka’ala. Well, at least this one does.

Looking back

Chris coming down mini-Ohikilolo.

Makaha Valley

Back in 1855, this valley was sold for the princely sum of $5,000. In todays dollars that would roughly come out to $140,000. Trinkets and beads?

Trail

The fenced ridge line serpentined towards three corners.

Mountain yoga

Gen kicking it in the mountains.

Trail

Jose making his way down to a narrow section of the ridge.

Trail

Rob making his way down the steep rocky ridge.

Trail

Jose kicking it in the mountains.

Trail

Gen making her way down a steep climb. I guess the fence does come in handy. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Trail

The rest of the crew making their way down.

Trail

Ryan climbing up a short and steep rock.

Trail

Fence for miles. Or at least as far as the eye can see.

Trail

Ryan and Tom climbing their way down to the small rock obstacle.

Trail

Gen and Rob climbing up the last steep rock climb. Pretty vertical fence climb.

Trail

Chris and Jose enjoying the views from the ridge line.

Ohikilolo puka

Another hole in the Waianae mountains.

Trail

I don’t know about the rest of the crew, but my left arm was getting tired from hanging onto the fence as we made our way along the ridge.

Trail

In the thick of things. Things being shrubs and trees.

Trail

The final push to the summit. Almost there. Really.

Ohikilolo ridge

Looking back at the convoluted fence lined ridge that we had just traversed.

Three Corners

Afternoon siesta. Forget the group photo.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Trail

Back in the jungle. The uluhell jungle.

Off trail

Is this the way? So many ribbons. So many choices.

Trail meets road

Chris and Ryan sliding down the uluhe covered cliff.

Mount Ka’ala Road

Roughly two miles. Uphill. Head down.

Uber

Where’s the driver?

Looking back

Even those of us with less than 20/5 vision could make out Ohikilolo cabin in the distance.

Double tuck

Somebody was smiling. Must like their pants pulled up high.

Mount Ka’ala Road

Tom walking up to the cell communications towers.

Weeping wall

Multiple choice: Are Ryan, Jose and Tom a) heeding the call of nature in a communal setting b) filling their bottles with the spring water flowing down from the top or c) being forced to face the wall for walking on Mount Ka’ala Road.

Mount Ka’ala Road

Arriving at the socked in summit. We met a bunch of hikers and asked for directions to Diamond Head. They weren’t buying it.

Ka’ala Nature Area Reserve

No views. Everybody was in a rush to get down to the valley floor. No breaks. Just straight down. Other hikers yielded to our stampede.

Trail meets road

One mile of paved goodness left to finish off the hike. Let it end.

All pau

Group photo with the legendary rainbow man himself, Laredo. Photo by Krista Robertson.

GPS Tracks

Our two day cabin hike covered 10.91 miles over rocky roller coasting ridges and stellar scenery with good friends. It was so much fun. Thanks to Chris’s friend, Emerito, for picking us up in Waianae Valley. Post hike meal at Outback. Hiking staple.