I decided to cut today’s hike in half as I didn’t feel like hiking in the dark. Been there. Done that. Thank you very much.

Kolekole Pass

Thanks to Matt for dropping us off despite the gate not being open at the advertised time. Jeremy called Range Control and they came to open the gate for us.

Hapapa Trail

Nothing like early morning cardio to wake one up.

Hapapa Trail

Nobody wanted to be beheaded vicariously.

Hapapa Trail

Our first group photo of the day at the bench.

Hapapa Trail

Obviously my directions to take the less direct route fell on deaf ears.

Hapapa Trail

Group photo on the protruding dike where we met Kassaundra and Hannah looking for a group to join. Or maybe they were just waiting for us to move out of the way. I think it was the latter.

Hapapa Trail

Akira, Robin and Tessa standing on top of what I like to call the rock corridor.

Hapapa Trail

Deborah scrambling up the first notch.

Hapapa Trail

I guess break time is over.

Hapapa Trail

The group scrambling up to the second notch.

Hapapa Trail

Aida and Akira pushing their way up the hill.

Hapapa Trail

Jeremy meeting up with the inevitable fence line in the mountains.

Hapapa Trail

Robin on the creaking catwalk with sweeping valley views below us.

Hapapa Trail

Passing the tent as we approached what I still call the summit while others put it at the hump we had just put behind us.

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo on the square postage stamp sized of a summit.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We left the summit as the two girls retraced their steps back to Kolekole Pass.

WST

Tessa climbing her way down one of many boulders interrupting the relatively smooth traverse of the ridge line.

WST

Akira coming down from his natural high.

WST

Group selfie on the rocky outcrop protruding from the ridge line.

WST

Contouring along the eroded section of the ridge line.

WST

Mount Ka’ala was strikingly clear in the background.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Lying down photo at the 2,778′ knob.

WST

Jeremy contouring along the trail as we made our way back to the ridge line.

WST

Looking back at the summit of Kanehoa as the group worked their way around the rocks and overgrowth.

WST

Aida climbing her way up back to the ridge line.

WST

Making our way down the slippery slope of pine needle covered rocks.

WST

Robin and Tessa approaching the “Christmas Tree” that marks the nearby twin rock formations known as Gorilla Heads.

Gorilla Heads

Making our way up the smaller Gorilla Head and the one that actually resembles its name from a certain angle.

Gorilla Heads

The rest of the group climbing up.

Gorilla Heads

Approaching the largest rock formation.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing up the roughly 80′ plus hill.

Gorilla Heads

Jeremy making his way up to the top.

Gorilla Heads

Somebody said they didn’t know if it was harder going first or going last, either you wait at the top or at the bottom.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing down the backside and making our way around the boulder that interrupts a relatively smooth climb down.

Gorilla Heads

Robin lowering herself down over the boulder.

Gorilla Heads

I think it’s spelled Aloha.

WST

Climbing up and through the wobbly fence line.

WST

Looking back at the two “toothy” formations of the Gorilla Heads.

WST

Back on the fence line.

WST

The group making their way to the base of the last rock climb of the day.

WST

The bus is over there. Recycled joke.

WST

Jeremy scrambling over the top of the rocks.

WST

The tangled overgrowth was literally choking the trail as we went up and over the “ladder” fence.

Pu’u Kaua

Group photo at the island’s third highest peak. No time to check out the panoramic views from the overgrown grassy top. We had two hours of daylight left in the mountains.

Kaua Trail

Leaving the 3,127′ summit as we made our way down the trail.

Kaua Trail

We got to the valley floor as darkness descended upon us.

Kaua Trail

Following the trail out as we had to stumble through chicken cages in the dark and climbed over a makeshift fence. Found out later that the trail corridor had been re-routed.

All pau

Waiting in the dark for Matt to pick us up as the neighbor’s dog kept us company and the owners even checked in on us and offered us food, water and a ride to the highway. Mahalo! No time to check out the farm today.

GPS Tracks

Our wild wild west hike covered a little over five miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Deborah Tom, Jeremy Cannone, Robin Farr, Tessa Bugay and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

It was that time to connect the shortcut and hope it doesn’t turn out to be another long day.

Kolekole Pass

100% ID check. Thanks to Edgar for dropping us off at the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range.

Kolekole Pass

Going up the wooden steps.

Kolekole Pass

Who wants to be on the chopping block?

Kolekole Pass

We have our first victim, I mean volunteer.

Kolekole Pass

This must be the way.

Kolekole Pass

Our first group photo of the day in the meadow and certainly not our last.

Hapapa Trail

Why take the contour when you can take the middleman out of the picture and go straight up?

Hapapa Trail

Enjoying the morning view. Just needed a cup of coffee.

Hapapa Trail

Hello from the other side.

Hapapa Trail

Scrambling out of the notch.

Hapapa Trail

Looking back at the group on the second notch.

Hapapa Trail

Slowly gaining elevation as we hiked up the ridge.

Hapapa Trail

The sunbeams were trying to fight the clouds and the clouds were winning.

Hapapa Trail

Following the fence line to the top.

Hapapa Trail

Passing through the tent shelter.

Pu’u Hapapa

In the clouds at the 2,883′ summit.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Traversing the fenced ridge line with far reaching views of the largest coastal valley on the island. Crossing unstable fences can lead to involuntary castration. Jockstrap optional.

WST

Looking back at the red and white striped twin guy masts that stand over 1,500′ tall and were built in 1972.

WST

Craning my neck upwards to get a better perspective of the spire rock.

WST

Thomas traversing over one of the elevated rock dikes on the trail.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Breakfast club at the 2,778′ knob.

WST

Headed into one of many small clumps of trees on the ridge line.

WST

CJ approaching the Christmas tree.

Gorilla Heads

Going up the smaller of the rock formations and the one that closely resembles its name.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing up the rock formation whose bark is worse than its bite.

Gorilla Heads

Thomas would agree.

Gorilla Heads

Can you see the gorilla for the mountains? I’m not talking about Aileen.

Gorilla Heads

Swinging over the backside.

Gorilla Heads

It helps to have long legs.

Gorilla Heads

Scooting our way down.

Gorilla Heads

You put your left foot out. You put your left foot in. And you climb it down. You do the Hokey Pokey. And you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about.

Gorilla Heads

CJ scrambling out of the simian shaped rocks.

WST

Thomas caught between a hard rock and a wobbly fence.

WST

Somebody sprained their ankle around here. Nothing that a little duct tape can’t fix.

WST

We don’t need no stinking webbing.

WST

Group photo on the slanted rocks.

WST

Pushing our way through the insufferable overgrowth.

Pu’u Kaua

Lunch at the the 3,127′ grassy area that is the third highest peak on the island.

WST

Climbing our way down through the insufferable overgrowth. Deja vu.

WST

Breaking out into the relatively open ridge line that was dotted with barrels and jugs of non-potable water.

WST

All smiles as we left the fence behind us.

WST

Traversing the ridge line that is dominated by these wind swept trees.

WST

Passing through the split rocks.

WST

Checking out my built-in ventilation.

WST

Just follow the rope on the way down. Easy peasy.

WST

Aileen climbing her way down the rock.

WST

Some went high …

WST

… others went low.

Pohakea Pass

Looking over at the crumbly cliff that has been tamed with questionable webbing.

WST

Contouring off the ridge line.

WST

Just here for the views and the photos.

WST

Sliding our way down through the narrow crack.

WST

All the dots are connected. All is right in the world of hiking.

Pohakea Pass Trail

Leaving the ridge line to head down into the valley.

Pohakea Pass Trail

Missed me by that much.

Pohakea Pass Trail

We soon joined up at the junction where we had come up from the mosquito infested valley back in April.

Pohakea Pass Trail

Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Hike. Hike who?

Pohakea Pass Trail

The trail going down seemed wide open at first and then it just disappeared into head high itchy grass, rocky under footing and scattered blowdowns.

Pohakea Pass Trail

We finally emerged from the overgrowth to the jeep road that was literally two steps away from the route we had taken up to the ridge line in April.

All pau

Thanks to Doug for picking us up at the end of the road. Small world.

GPS Tracks

Our scenic stretch of the Waianae Mountain Range covered less than six miles with a great group. Post hike meal criteria was that the place served the daily dietary staple of the people of ancient Mesopotamia. Chili’s fit the bill.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, CJ Mendiola, Thomas Barrett, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

Schofield Barracks was once again open to the hiking public this weekend. Thanks to Jamie for dropping Andy and myself off to the trailhead where we waited for Robert to drop off Aida, Andrew, Art and Lilyn.

Trailhead

We are hiking on a military base. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Hiking with hands in pocket. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Rock

This is what happens when you try to copy Mr. Green.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Following the signs. Staying on trail. Don’t want to step on an UXO. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Bench with a view. Why isn’t anybody on the bench? Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Shall we go up the steep route or the switchback way? Is that a rhetorical question? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Art standing on the edge.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Waiting for the rest of the group to join us. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Enjoying the views of the largest coastal valley on the island. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Scrambling up the first notch. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

Kolekole Pass Trail

G’Day Mates! Somebody finally got to say that in the proper context. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Andy climbing out of the second notch. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Making our way to the last major hill before it leveled off to a more walkable grade. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Looking back at the highest mountain on the island that was strikingly clear. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Platform with a view. At least somebody is using the platform. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Somebody was enjoying the solitary panoramic views. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kolekole Pass Trail

The group descending from the 2,883′ summit of Hapapa.

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo on the helipad left to right: Aida, Lilyn, myself, Art, Andrew and Andy. This will always be the summit to me.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Leaving the flat top as we descended down the steep and fenced ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Climbing down the assorted boulders that interrupted the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

We crossed over multiple times as we sought the trail that was less green on the other side of the fence. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

WST

Andy standing on a dead end with unbeatable views of the valley and surrounding areas.

WST

A different perspective of the trail we were traversing. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

WST

It’s all about the posing. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Art and Andy going the contour way. No climbing show today.

WST

We all took different paths to get … Photo by Aida Gordon.

WST

… back on the same trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kanehoa

This is the summit. Right Art?

Pu’u Kanehoa

Dropping down from the 2,778′ knob. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Contouring our way around the rockface and pushing through the overgrowth.

WST

Making our way over the multiple humps that characterized the ridge. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Watching the rain showers slowly marching its way towards us.

WST

Scooting our way down in confined spaces. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Approaching the two humps known collectively as gorilla heads or kriangles. Photo by Art Young.

Gorilla Heads

The group climbing their way up the smaller hump. Photo by Art Young.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing queue. Photo by Art Young.

Gorilla Heads

Art climbing his way to the top of the big hump as the rain showers slowly washed over us and then drifted away. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Gorilla Heads

Going down the backside. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Gorilla Heads

Andrew checking his six before hugging his way down.

Gorilla Heads

Our group bunching together in the middle of the saddle. Photo by Art Young.

Gorilla Heads

Art doing his best impression of “mountain climbing.”

WST

Going up the wobbly fence. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Everybody making their way over to the last climbing section.

WST

In addition to providing my standard elevator service, I also do chiropractic adjustments. Still only a nickel. What a bargain. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Art climbing his way above the gorilla heads.

WST

What would you do for a tangerine? Climb down a steep cliff to retrieve said citrus fruit. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

After our lunch break, we resumed our uphill climb.

WST

We can see the summit for the ridgeline. No we can’t. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Climbing up through the pollen saturated uluhe corridor. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Follow me, I know a shortcut. Famous last words. Photo by Aida Gordon.

WST

Aida climbing down the direct drop. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kaua

Group photo at the 3,127′ summit where we were afforded panoramic views of the Westside valleys, the entire Ko’olau Mountain Range and the Wahiawa plain.

Kaua Trail

It was time to head down and get a bite to eat. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kaua Trail

Aida making her way down the initial steep descent.

Kaua Trail

Standing in for Ms. Lonely. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kaua Trail

Breaking out on the exposed trail.

Kaua Trail

Representing an anatomically inaccurate shape.

Kaua Trail

Further skewing the inaccuracy. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kaua Trail

Somebody was either trying to stomp on somebody or releasing excessive flatulence. My money is on the latter.

Kaua Trail

Climbing over the last fence of the day that also intersected with the Hono’uli’uli Contour Trail.

Handstand

When reality fails to meet expectations. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kaua Trail

Testing my balance. No water to break my fall. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

All pau

Walking back to our staged cars. Saved us several miles of walking out to the highway.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered a little over five miles through the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range and ending at the third highest peak on Oahu. Post hike meal for the directionally challenged at Ono Steak and Shrimp in Kapolei. Fun hike with old and new friends.

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

I joined a different team this weekend to tackle the other mountain range on the island, the Waianae Summit Trail. Thanks to Mike for dropping Analyn, Bill, Shirley and myself off under the bright lights of the Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station to start our late evening hike. Team BASK.

Kaena Point

Walking on the remnants of the railroad tracks where only our shadows kept us company.

Kaena Point

I guess we should have gotten a 4×4. Whose name was on the rental contract?

Kaena Point

Passing one of several WW2 pillboxes on our way up the grassy and rocky ridge line that was under lunar illumination.

Kaena Point Tracking Station

Approaching the military installation that dominates the landscape of the 1,500′ ridge line.

Kaena Point Tracking Station

Somebody wanted to shed more light on themselves and bring unwanted attention to ourselves. Talks of hiking in the dark to our destination soon became a distant memory as we set up camp at the BSA shelter. Bill and Shirley shared a tent, while Analyn and I shared the picnic table.

BSA Shelter

We woke up the next day, broke down the tent, cleaned off the table and had breakfast.

Kuaokala Trail

Hiking the wide tree lined corridor that was strewn with pine cones and needles.

Kuaokala Trail

Making our way through the barren and rocky terrain where views of Makua Valley greeted us.

Kuaokala Trail

First contact with the fence line that is sprawled over the mountain range.

Kuaokala Trail

We followed the fence line down for a bit before it spit us back onto the trail.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Leaving the well trodden trail for the overgrown one.

WST

We snacked on lilikoi passion fruit before trudging back up the road.

Moku

Turned a right at the geodic marker to pick up the trail.

Pahole NAR

Entering the 685 acres of protected ecosystems that are home to native fauna and flora. Mount Ka’ala looked so close, yet so far.

WST

Seeking scant shade from the blistering sun.

WST

Fences for daze.

Mokuleia Trail

We dropped down to the shelter to have our lunch and top off our water. Slim pickings for the oranges and avocados. Who the hell brings a chair to a hike? A comfortable person that’s who.

WST

Back to hiking under the hot sun.

WST

Giving our hands a workout as we went up and down the fenced hills.

WST

Approaching the summit where a shin high metal stake caught a couple of us on the way up. Ouch!

Three Corners

It was a nice day to be enjoying the sweeping views of Makaha, Makua and Mokuleia Valleys.

WST

Plunging through the dense uluhe corridor laced with thorny thimbleberry bushes. While hiking has a lot of joys. This was definitely not one of them.

WST

Looking ahead to the road that would take us to the 4,025′ summit.

WST

Coming down the steep hill, Analyn skinned her right hand on the fence coming down. Wear and tear.

Ka’ala Road

Two bumps on the road otherwise known as potential road kill.

Ka’ala Road

Click your heels together three times and say ‘There’s no place like home’ and you’ll be there. Unfortunately, this is not the movies and you are not Dorothy. This is the Ka’ala Road, hard and unforgiving. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Ka’ala Road

Putting our heads down and putting one foot in front of the other. This road sucks.

Ka’ala Road

End of the road. Thank goodness. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Camp Ka’ala

We set up camp; enjoyed a stunning sunset, munched on Godiva Chocolate and somebody got gassed to the point of retching.

Camp Ka’ala

Our morning view from the highest peak on the island, as rain showers slowly marched its way towards us.

Camp Ka’ala

Breaking down camp under a light drizzle of mountain rain.

Ka’ala Bog

On the boardwalk that crosses through 1,100 acres of ancient Hawaiian rain forest home to many native plants and animals. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Ka’ala Bog

The Northern KST doesn’t have the exclusive monopoly on deep sole sucking mud. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Ka’ala Bog

Finding the fence line and following it down to the ridge line.

WST

Going down the slippery slope. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Analyn climbing her way down.

WST

The girls climbing down and out from the moss covered boulder section. Photo by Bill Yogi.

WST

Bushwhacking through the fenced corridor of uluhe ferns and thimbleberry bushes. The overgrowth was too much for Bill’s selfie stick as I cracked the tip while clearing the trail, no fusion videos of the hike. My bad. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

The last time I saw my selfie stick before the overgrowth snatched it out of my pack. It’s supposed to be used for selfies and not bushwhacking. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

The girls passing through a stand of trees that were thickly padded with green and spongy moss.

WST

The trail overgrowth relented somewhat, but not that much. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Hobbs Junction

Taking a break from all that bushwhacking. Agony by a thousand punctures.

WST

Resuming our fenced hike with the second highest peak staring us in our sweaty faces.

WST

Making our way down the split ridge.

WST

Waiting for our turn to climb down. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Shirley contouring the crumbly ridge line. Photo by Bill Yogi.

WST

Looking for that ledge to land her size 7.5 shoes on. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Analyn climbing up one of the last rock faces before the summit.

Pu’u Kalena

Fabulous views of the West side from the 3,504′ peak.

Pu’u Kalena

What? No lunch break here? Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Back on the fenced trail to get to the eroded section over on the next hill.

WST

Lunch break and scenic photography spot.

WST

False peak after false peak.

WST

Selfie at one of the step fence sections. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Looking down at the hot mess of crumbly rocks otherwise known as Pu’u Ka’ilio.

WST

West side boy on the West side dike.

WST

Looking back at sexxxy ridge. No opportunity for sexxxy time. Next time. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

We left the fenced ridge line and made our way down the spur ridge.

WST

Analyn throwing out a shaka before going down another narrow dike section.

WST

There’s always time for another shaka on the dike. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Getting off the rocky ridge line as we descended towards the pass, the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range.

Lualualei Valley

Looking down into the largest coastal valley on this side of the island.

WST

Can you take a video of me sliding on my butt sis?

WST

Sure thing sis! Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Kolekole Pass

Why did the hikers cross the road? To get to the other hiking trail.

Pohaku Hupeloa

Everybody try and keep their heads about them.

Kolekole Pass

Approaching the clearing with sweeping views and looking for my carbonated beverage. Sorry Analyn.

Kolekole Pass

Thanks to Matt for bringing us the fried chicken without an apostrophe. Our group just got bigger by one. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Our bellies full, we climbed straight up the crumbly hillside to save 15 minutes. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

Matt bringing the chicken with him. Leftovers are the best. For some people.

WST

The sun silhouetting Matt as we descended down to the notch.

WST

Bill and Shirley climbing out of the first notch.

WST

Coming over the second notch. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Almost there.

Camp Hapapa

We set up camp; enjoyed another spectacular sunset, no dessert this time and no gassing was reported as well.

Camp Hapapa

Twinkling city lights. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Camp Hapapa

The morning sunbeams spilling over on the central plain. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

We broke down camp and set out for the square sized summit of Hapapa.

Pu’u Hapapa

Our collective photographic poses on the 2,883′ peak.

WST

Leaving the summit.

WST

Misty mountains.

WST

Looking back at Matt and the valley that are home to two of the tallest transmission towers in the Western hemisphere.

WST

Contouring and not climbing. Photo by Shirley Gloriani

WST

Traversing the eroded section of the ridge line.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Cheesy pose by the girls at the 2,728′ summit. Not my words. From the cheesy person herself.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Watching Bill “No Breaks” Yogi moving on the ridge line. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Matt checking out the views and kicking himself for not bringing his drone.

WST

The clouds drifting over the mountains.

WST

Most of the clouds soon left, but some stayed. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

We went through a section of pine forest before getting back onto the exposed ridge.

WST

Approaching the “Christmas Tree” that marks the gateway to the first main obstacle.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing up and over the smaller of the primate rocks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Gorilla Heads

Supplemental webbing does a body and mind good. Or so I heard. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Gorilla Heads

Bill climbing up the biggest of the ape rocks. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Gorilla Heads

Shirley’s turn.

Gorilla Heads

Passing resemblance to their Simian namesake. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Gorilla Heads

Bill climbing his way down.

Gorilla Heads

Spotting Analyn coming down. Catching services not included. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Gorilla Heads

Looking back at the two humps. And it wasn’t even Wednesday yet.

WST

The group going up between a hard rock and a fence. There was only one decision to make. Up.

WST

There’s always a photographic opportunity in the mountains, especially with these two. Photo by Bill Yogi.

WST

Blackhawk doing a fly by. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

You go right, I’ll go left. Who wants to follow? Webbing will be provided.

WST

Analyn contouring her way around the crumbly rock. We took a musubi break at this spot. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

Following the fence line as we climbed up the rocky ridge.

WST

Pushing our way through the insufferable patch of uluhe ferns that was thankfully interrupted by the fence line.

Pu’u Kaua

Looking back at the mountains we had traversed from the third highest peak on the island.

Pu’u Kaua

Group photo by Analyn Baliscao, left to right: Analyn, Bill, Matt, myself and Shirley at the 3,127′ peak.

WST

What broad shoulders you have, the better to see the views with. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Bill coming down the rock face, the start of the most rock climbing on this section of the WST that you can shake a crumbly rock at.

WST

Team BASK perched on the rocks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

The girls climbing their way down and posing. Multi-tasking at its finest. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

Follow me. Or maybe not. Some people have to learn the hard way. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

Matt making his way around the rock that was in our way. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Contouring our way around the slippery and rooted hill to pick up the trail. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

Analyn climbing down the short drop with the overhang. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

The pine tree corridor that took us to the main obstacle of the day.

Pohakea Pass

Going up the crumbly 80′ cliff for the fourth time and my stomach still had butterflies. The saving grace was the red webbing that was leftover from another group’s ascent. No free climbing needed this time. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Pohakea Pass

Bill climbing his way up.

Pohakea Pass

Shirley using the blue and red webbings to pull herself up. We just had to have a white webbing and it would have been a patriotic climb. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Pohakea Pass

Somebody was focused on getting to the top. Need a hand? Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Scrambling up and away from the sheer cliff.

WST

Shirley threading her way between the trees on the mossy ground.

WST

Pulling ourselves up the last major fenced climb.

WST

Pondering the anticipated removal of my facial hair after my self-imposed shaving hiatus that was to be lifted when I finished both mountain ranges in one shot. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Palikea

Brief stop at the ti leaf summit that at 3,098′ elevation had panoramic views of the West side. Only an hour left to the end of our hike.

WST

Trying to beat the sun to the bottom. Mother Nature would win.

Palehua

Our last selfie of the day as the daylight slipped away from us.

All pau

Not quite. We still had a roughly five mile road to walk down to Makakilo. We were going to pool our cash together to get a ride back down. But nobody answered the call of opportunity. So we ended up pounding the pavement all the way down to Makakilo. We piled into Matt’s truck and met up with Janell at the nearby shopping center where frozen cokes and bubbly were waiting for us.

Post hike celebration

Matt was the only one afforded the traditional champagne dousing over the head, as he had to head home. The rest of us retired to Bill and Shirley’s lawn and just sucked it down. I don’t know who got the better deal. Thanks again to Janell for giving us a ride. Photos by Janell Tuttle.

GPS Tracks

Our Labor Day weekend hike over the entire Waianae Mountain Range and then some, covered almost 33 miles through rugged and spectacular terrain that defines the West side. Amazing adventure with awesome friends. Until the next adventure.

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.

Met up with Analyn, Anne, Chris, Cisco and Ferlino to labor our way in the mountains this weekend. Thanks to Jasmin for waking up at an ungodly hour to drop us off.

Trailhead

Walking in the footsteps of the trains that once circled this part of the island.

Ridge

Making our way up the rocky ridge line.

ArtByEoin

The pill boxes have eyes. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kaena Point

Is it time to use the red light or the white light?

Golf ball

Too early for tee time. Photo by Chris Bautista

Sunrise

Silhouetted against the morning sky. Photo by Anne Fai.

Grazing

Nothing to see here. Mooove along.

Blue Flash

We were able to capture her in slow motion due to the absence of motorized vehicles. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kuaokala Trail

Leaving the road behind us.

Kuaokala Trail

Chris looking out at the Waianae coastline.

BSA 162

Sun out. Sunscreen on. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Guava Tree

Branch to mouth. No middleman here.

Kuaokala Trail

Enjoying the broad and flat jeep road while we can. Photo by Chris Bautista

Kuaokala Trail

Looking out from the tree lined trail. Photo by Chris Bautista

Shark Fin

We put our packs down for photoshoot #1.

Kuaokala Forest Reserve

Looking across the tree topped ridge lines. Photo by Anne Fai

Kuaokala Trail

Stepping down the eroded rocky section.

Kuaokala Trail

Back on the jeep road, with a communications tower seen in the distance. We have four bars.

Kuaokala Trail

Chris taking a nap on the trail. We have four zzzz’s.

Makua Rim

Looking into the historic valley that has yet to be scrubbed free from her military scarring.

Pahole

Entering 685 acres of protected native fauna and flora.

Not potable

Break time. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Makua Valley

Trying to get the synchronization down for photoshoot #2. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Back to our regularly scheduled program of hiking.

Fruit Pickers

We came down the ridge hoping to pick some juicy Tangelos. Our stomachs were sorely disappointed.

Da Glove

The KST has its boot and the WST has its glove. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Three Corners

Time to go from vertical to …

Three Corners

… horizontal. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Three Corners

Lunch break with views. Some of us were too tired to take in the views. One was never too tired for photoshoot #3. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ridge

Dropping down to the road that winds its way to the highest point on the island.

Fence

Swinging over the fence line. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Hairy Ball

Singular, not plural. What happens when you don’t clear the fence. Photo by Chris Bautista

Road Trip

The road was extremely punishing this time around. Frequent breaks were the order of the day.

Weeping Wall

Free water. Just bring your own bottles. Filter optional, but highly recommended. Photo by Chris Bautista

#78

The end of the very long road.

Mount Ka’ala

Setting up camp at the highest point on the island. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Ka’ala

Communal dining while Cisco and I snored the night away. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

Jumping for air at our 4,025′ camp spot. Our morning departure was slightly delayed by photoshoot #4. Photo by Chris Bautista

Ka’ala Bog

Stepping foot onto the boardwalk that winds it way through 1,100 acres of moss covered trees and native plants.

Ka’ala Bog

One can’t escape the mud in here, it’s inevitable.

Ka’ala Bog

One can’t seem to escape the fence line as well.

WST

Leaving the bog and heading down the muddy ridge.

Boulders

Slipping my way down the rocks. Photo by Chris Bautista

Boulders

Study in concentration. Hand there. Foot there.

Hammerhead Worm

“Landshark” bipalium searching for its prey. Photo by Anne Fai

Boulder

Put your backs into it and tell the photobomber to pitch in as well.

Get a shell

What? Take a picture, it’ll last longer.

WST

Back on the fence line. Photo by Anne Fai

Hobbs Junction

Melts in your mouth, not in your hands. I think its the other way around. Photo by Anne Fai

Trail hazard

The attack of the terrifying inch worm with its looping gait. Pull out the magnifying glasses for this one and use your earplugs.

WST

Climbing in and out of the gap. Photo by Chris Bautista

WST

Ferlino climbing up a short and steep rocky section.

Pu’u Kalena

Heavenly, as in the clouds, views at the second highest peak in the island. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

WST

We left the 3,504′ summit to go down the overgrown ridge that soon yielded to eroded patches of ridge line populated with pine trees.

WST

The smell of garlic shrimp seemed to be coming up from the valley or was it simply the collective stink of the group?

WST

We finally got a view. Better late than never. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Mountain views

Mount Ka’ala and Pu’u Kalena also cleared up for our viewing pleasures.

WST

We wrapped up photoshoot #5 and went down the spur ridge.

Scareface

Say hello to my little friend. Photo by Chris Bautista

WST

Going up the dike and … Photo by Analyn Baliscao

WST

… coming down from the dike. Photo by Analyn Baliscao

WST

We left the ridge and headed down towards the manmade pass that was blasted out of the mountains in the mid-1930s.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

Cisco looking at the crumbly pile of rocks that makes up the forbidden mountain.

WST

Watching the clouds lazily drift across the mountainous landscape as we made our way down.

Kolekole

Sliding our way down the raw and red terrain that lives up to its name. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

GI Joe

The lone surviving toy soldier. There could be other survivors out there.

Exit

We could smell the fried chicken and hear the carbonated soda fizzing or was I just hallucinating?

Kolekole Pass

Enjoying ice cold soda at the lowest point in the Waianae Mountains. Shout out to Matt for bringing us the refreshing beverages and Louisiana chicken.

Kolekole Pass

I guess red beans and rice can be explosive.

Kolekole Pass

Setting up camp and preparing for photoshoot #6. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri

Camp Kolekole

All the greatest American and Filipino hits were being sung tonight.

Camp Kolekole

The karaoke gang migrated to somebody’s tent to have her join in, but she was busy washing herself with the extra water.

Camp Kolekole

Our morning departure was once again slightly delayed by photoshoot #7.

WST

Heading up the densely packed tree lined trail.

Nature recycling

Going up the corridor of paperbark trees.

WST

Matt at the top of the trail before it dips back down into the notches.

WST

Taking in the views. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Looking back at the West side. The best side.

WST

Cisco climbing out of the notches.

Rorshach Test

Mother Nature has a good sense of humor or some peoples minds are in the gutter. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Cisco and Matt on their way to the summit of Hapapa.

WST

This spider web was not even catching the dew drops, let alone any appetizing bugs. Location, location, location. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo at the squared 2,883′ summit left to right: Ferlino, Cisco, Matt, myself, Anne, Chris and Analyn. We sat down for photoshoot #8.

WST

Leaving the fifth highest peak on the West side.

WST

Following the fence line through the ridge line.

Bon Appetit

Finger food. It goes down slowly. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Making our way down to the rock edifice that dominates and straddles the ridge line.

WST

Climb or contour? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla

WST

Protruding rocks provided temporary relief from the cloying overgrowth.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Time to fly the drone again for the last time and our final photoshoot of the hike.

WST

Headed towards the most overgrown section of the WST.

Nobody better lay a finger on my butterfinger. Oh, wrong candy bar.

It was still hard, even after three days. Somebody should go see a doctor. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

Bushwhacking our way through overgrowth …

WST

… upon more overgrowth. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Climbing out of the overgrowth as the clouds started to roll in towards the mountains. Photo by Chris Bautista

Gorilla Heads

Making our way to the two obstacles known as Gorilla Heads or Kryangles. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

O Christmas Tree. 113 days left. Photo by Chris Bautista

Gorilla Heads

Chris going up the little head. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

Cisco at the top. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

Chris dislodged a couple loose rocks climbing his way up the big head.

Gorilla Heads

The grey clouds started to dislodge rain upon us as made our way up.

Gorilla Heads

Ferlino bringing up the webbing on his way up.

Gorilla Heads

Matt climbing his way down the backside.

WST

Climbing our way up to the interrupted fence line.

Gorilla Heads

Looking back at the rain showers sweeping the Waianae Mountains.

WST

Matt muscled his way up the slick section of rocks and threw webbing down for the rest of us.

WST

Slippery when mossy.

WST

Contouring our way through the overgrowth as we avoided …

WST

… the old vertical fence trail. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Climbing up the near vertical fence as it cut a swatch through the tangled mess of uluhe ferns.

Pu’u Kaua

Time and weather were not on our side, so we made the difficult decision to descend from the 3,127′ summit.

Trail

Leaving the third highest peak on the island.

Trail

Clouds clearing over agricultural lands that are slowly being developed into farm lots, off-grid and often unregulated housing.

Trail

I should have brought my cardboard box, or at the very least my spikes. Photo by Anne Fai

Trail

Chris riding the timber log ride at Kunia’s Berry Farms.

Kunia

Dimming the lights as we walked down the road past the slowly growing trailer village filled with a chorus of barking dogs.

All pau

Our 26 mile three-day hike that was filled with laughs, great views and good company; came to an abbreviated end in the farmlands of Kunia. Thanks to Lee for picking us up and bringing chilled Coca-Cola. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. You can’t go wrong with oxtail soup, unless it’s too expensive and then you fall back to the Zip Mein.

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.

Gen, Jose and myself spent the Kamehameha Day Weekend hiking and camping on the Waianae Mountain Range.

Trailhead

Thanks to Ryan for dropping us off at Kaena Point, the jumping off point for departed Hawaiian souls and the starting point for our hike.

Kaena Point Tracking Station

We walked past the slumbering fishermen and scrambled our way to the top of the blinking ridge.

Kaena Point Tracking Station

Hiking on the road. Enjoying the level and compacted ground while it lasted.

Waianae Summit Trail

We left the road for greener pastures. Only one cow sighted. He obligingly left the road for greener pastures as well.

Waianae Summit Trail

Checking for traffic. JPO flashbacks. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Kuaokala Trail

Have permit, will hike.

Kuaokala Trail

If we had a 4×4, it would have shaved a couple miles off the hike.

Kuaokala Trail

The sunlight being filtered by the tree lined trail.

Kuaokala Trail

Enjoying the revenant experience at the picnic shelter. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Kuaokala Trail

Gen and Jose rounding the trail that borders Makua Valley.

Kuaokala Trail

Rock yoga. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Waianae Summit Trail

Our first contact and certainly not our last with the fence line on the trail.

Waianae Summit Trail

The hike began to slightly rollercoaster. Small ups and downs.

Waianae Summit Trail

We left the fence and dropped down onto the jeep road.

Waianae Summit Trail

Here comes the rain.

Waianae Summit Trail

Rainbow in Makua Valley.

Waianae Summit Trail

The rain left us as the hills took on a more pronounced grade.

Waianae Summit Trail

No feet picture at the Moku geodetic marker?

Waianae Summit Trail

Jose hopping over the fence that is meant to keep out feral ungulates.

Waianae Summit Trail

The trail soon opened up to reveal the wide expanse of the Waianae Mountain Range. Quite the sight.

Pahole Natural Area Reserve

Passing through the 658 acres of Hawaiian endemic fauna and flora.

Waianae Summit Trail

We had no plans to do any landscaping down in the valley.

Waianae Summit Trail

Densely packed red stamens of the ohi’a lehua blossom.

Waianae Summit Trail

Panoramic view.

Waianae Summit Trail

We had planned on taking lunch at the Mokuleia lookout but the weather was not cooperating. So we dropped down into the valley to seek refuge from the looming rain clouds.

Mokuleia Shelter

It felt good to have a rickety roof over our head as we ate our lunch in relative dryness.

Waianae Summit Trail

Back on the trail. Nice and clear.

Waianae Summit Trail

Group photo left to right: myself, Jose and Gen overlooking Makua Valley.

Waianae Summit Trail

Almost there.

Waianae Summit Trail

But first, we had to make our way up and down the overgrown trail that leads to the highest mountain.

Waianae Summit Trail

Looking ahead to the summit of Three Corners.

Waianae Summit Trail

We’re here!

Three Corners

Group photo at the summit.

Waianae Summit Trail

Now we had to just follow the fence on the ridge …

Waianae Summit Trail

… that will take us all the way down … Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Mount Ka’ala Road

… to Mount Ka’ala Road. If you thought the road in Waianae Valley was bad, you haven’t walked up this road. Especially at the end of a long day and shouldering heavy packs. Talk about a slow cardio burn.

Mount Ka’ala Road

Sometimes you just have to get off the road. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Mount Ka’ala Road

The monotonous road was tempered by magnificent views.

Mount Ka’ala Road

Every curve and bend on the road played with my mind as to how false summits does on a ridgeline. You think you are almost to the top. Think again.

Mount Ka’ala Road

Look! An endemic tree snail up there. Don’t walk away. Just walk away mad.

Mount Ka’ala Road

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

Mount Ka’ala

Our cloudy view of the North Shore.

Mount Ka’ala

We spent the rest of our daylight hours making camp and dinner.

Mount Ka’ala

Good morning from Ka’ala.

Mount Ka’ala

Somebody used the public outhouse this morning. One guess and one guess only. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Mount Ka’ala

Gen and Jose about to enter the Ka’ala bog.

Mount Ka’ala

Gen checking in on her “plant.”

Mount Ka’ala

Life off the boardwalk.

Waianae Summit Trail

We soon left the bog and began our descent off the mountain.

Waianae Summit Trail

To climb down with or without our backpacks. Such was the question for the day.

Waianae Summit Trail

Gen making her way down the rain slicked boulder section.

Waianae Summit Trail

Jose crossing the boulder gap.

Waianae Summit Trail

Don’t lean too far back.

Waianae Summit Trail

Who wants to go first? Heavy overgrowth from this point.

Waianae Summit Trail

Looking out towards the central plain.

Waianae Summit Trail

Heavy overgrowth of uluhell mixed in with blackberry thorns.

Waianae Summit Trail

Looking back at cloud capped Mount Ka’ala.

Waianae Summit Trail

The trail started to get narrow in some sections as we forged ahead.

Waianae Summit Trail

Lillikoi flower. Too early for trail snacks.

Waianae Summit Trail

Jose crossing the gap in the trail.

Waianae Summit Trail

Gen making her way across.

Waianae Summit Trail

Jose about to drop down and swing over a narrow section.

Waianae Summit Trail

Gen climbing up.

Waianae Summit Trail

Jose looking at the second highest mountain on the island from the last false peak.

Pu’u Kalena

Group photo at the 3,504′ summit. Time to dry out our tents and feet.

Waianae Summit Trail

Break over. Back to hiking.

Waianae Summit Trail

The overgrowth thinned out from this point, still there but not as pervasive.

Waianae Summit Trail

However, the rollercoaster hike stayed with us.

Waianae Summit Trail

This hike will develop your bushwhack arm and fence arm.

Waianae Summit Trail

No sexxxy time today.

Waianae Summit Trail

Approaching the narrow and rocky dike.

Waianae Summit Trail

Looking out towards Pu’u Kalena and Ka’ala.

Waianae Summit Trail

Nothing to see here. Facebook status checking.

Waianae Summit Trail

All downhill from here.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

The forbidden mountain.

Waianae Summit Trail

Looking for Martians.

Kolekole Pass Road

Where’s the crosswalk? Safety first. Lowest point on the Waianae Range.

Waianae Summit Trail

Watch your step.

Waianae Summit Trail

Meadow view.

Waianae Summit Trail

Set up for the night. Pigs are not welcome.

Waianae Summit Trail

Tobacco – breakfast of hikers.

Waianae Summit Trail

Headed towards Pu’u Hapapa.

Waianae Summit Trail

Forget the switchbacks.

Waianae Summit Trail

Approaching the notches.

Waianae Summit Trail

Panoramic photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Waianae Summit Trail

Scrambling up from the notches. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Waianae Summit Trail

After we cleared the notches, it was a short ridge hike to the summit.

Waianae Summit Trail

Jose warming up.

Pu’u Hapapa

Boxing and yoga on the mountains.

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo at the 2,883′ summit.

Waianae Summit Trail

The long stretch home. We still had to hit the summits of Kanehoa, Kaua, Palikea and Palehua along with some climbing sprinkled in for good measure.

Waianae Summit Trail

Heavy overgrowth returned on this trail section.

Waianae Summit Trail

Gen and Jose approaching the summit of Pu’u Kanehoa.

Pu’u Kanehoa

The ridge keeping the clouds at bay.

Kanehoa Trail

We had been talking of doing the Kanehoa trail one day. Be careful of what you ask for. Fatigue and carelessness resulted in me bumping myself off a rock for an unexpected drop that resulted in double sprained ankles. Time for a detour.

Kanehoa Trail

Light rain drizzled over us as we came down the ridge.

Kanehoa Trail

Hiking through the corridor of strawberry guava trees.

Kanehoa Trail

Jose checking out the view to make sure we were on the right ridge.

Kanehoa Trail

Stay to the right.

Kanehoa Trail

Headed down into the forest.

Kanehoa Trail

Coming off the ridge.

Honouliuli Forest Reserve

Finding our way out of the storied 3,592 acre area that encompasses lowland forests up to the mountains and are home to a diverse array of endemic fauna and flora.

Kanehoa Trail

The trailhead was blocked by trailer homes. What the heck? As we rounded the trailer, I noticed a large black dog that made no sound but followed us with his head. Lucky he was fenced. Lucky us.

Kanehoa Trail

Walking out of the farmlands. Thanks to Ryan for picking us up. Again. Need to get more friends.

GPS Tracks

We covered almost 26 miles during our three day hike across the raw and rugged beauty of the Waianae Mountain Range. While bummed that we didn’t complete the hike as originally planned, thankful that I spent it in the company of good friends. Post hike meal at Maui Mike’s Fire-Roasted Chicken. Should’ve got the half chicken instead.

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.

Today was the day to polish off the last chunk of the Waianae Summit Trail (WST) for the second time around. Joining me today were Chris, Justin, Ryan and Thessa. Mahalo to Matt for dropping us off at the crack of dawn at Schofield Barracks. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Trailhead

Nobody but us early hikers on the trail. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

The trail has been considerably cleared and marked from the last time I was here. It’s like Disneyland. Without the lines. Well, if you come early.

Kolekole Pass Rock

Hiking infractions are dealt with harshly on military bases. You have been warned.

Bench

We stopped at the meadow and looked out towards Lualualei Valley and the blinking antenna lights.

Notches

Looking up at the notched ridge silhouetted against the twilight sky.

Trail

Chris and Ryan making their way up the paperbark tree lined hill.

Notch

Maybe this was the cliff hazard the sign had warned us about earlier?

Notch

Justin looking out at Pu’u Ka’ilio and Lualualei Valley.

Notch

Thessa climbing her way out of the big notch.

Trail

Impromptu group photo.

Notch

Ryan making his way over the notch.

Notch

Justin climbing his way out of the smaller notch. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Looking back

Leaving Kolekole Pass, the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range, behind us.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Sun beams

The sun poking through the thick clouds over the Wahiawa plain and Pearl Harbor.

Slide trail

The fastest way to get down to the valley. Not recommended.

Puu Hapapa

Group photo by Justin Hirako at the 2,883′ flat topped summit, left to right: Ryan, Thessa, Justin, myself and Chris.

Trail

After a short break, we resumed our hike by following the fenced ridgeline.

Leeward view

Looking back towards the rest of the rugged Waianae Mountain Range. Spectacular scenery all around.

Central view

Despite the heavy cloud cover, we could see all the way out to Diamond Head. I’ll say it again. Spectacular scenery.

Trail

Multiple choice: Is Ryan a) stretching b) scratching his back or c) reaching for his gopro.

Trail

The ridge overgrowth started to get out of hand.

Chef Boyardee time

Who brings canned food on a hike? Justin. That’s who.

Trail

Looking down at the large rock formation straddling the ridge.

Trail

We contoured to the right of the towering rock edifice.

Trail

The jumbled and scattered boulders helped to break up the overgrowth.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Thessa enjoying the view from the 2,778′ summit.

Trail

Chris hiking through the overgrowth.

Central view

Looking out towards Lualualei Valley, the birthplace of the island of Oahu.

Looking back

Typical ridge hike composed of short ups and downs.

Trail

Scattered rain and rolling clouds helped to cool us down on the overgrown ridge.

Trail

The cool weather soon evaporated. At least we got our views back.

Ladybug

A seven-spotted lady beetle looking for lunch.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Gorilla Heads

We soon came across the rock formations known as “Gorilla Heads” or “Kriangles.”

Gorilla Heads

Looking back at Pu’u Kanehoa.

Gorilla Heads

Ryan, Thessa and Justin making their way up the first and smaller gorilla head.

Gorilla Heads

Chris climbing up to join me at the top of the second and larger gorilla head. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Gorilla Heads

Ryan and Thessa making their way up. When it was Justin’s turn, he dislodged a good sized boulder coming up. Stuck. Nothing that webbing can’t fix.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing down the backside of the larger gorilla head. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Gorilla Heads

Justin and Ryan making their way down.

Gorilla Heads

What goes down… Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

…must go back up.

Looking back

Leaving the Gorilla Heads behind us. It was fun.

Pu’u Kaua

Group photo by Justin Hirako at the 3,127′ summit.

Pu’u Kaua

Another group photo by Justin Hirako at the third highest peak on the island.

Trail

Back on the fence line. We could see Pohakea Pass in the distance.

Looking back

Leaving Pu’u Kaua behind us.

Trail

Chris and Ryan making their way down the ridge.

Trail

We didn’t have to worry about overgrowth from this point. It was going to be climbing up, over and around small and big rocks.

Trail

Up and …

Trail

… over.

Trail

Scrambling out of the small saddle.

Trail

Climb or contour?

Trail

Thessa looking back at Ryan and Justin making their way around a tree. Tight squeeze.

Trail

Chris climbing down the roughly 20′ rock face.

Trail

A short stretch of pine trees separated us from the pass.

Pohakea Pass

We meet again. Somebody had left their yellow rope at the pass. What the heck? Photo by Ryan Leano

Pohakea Pass

I climbed up from the base and tugged on the rope to check out the condition. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Pohakea Pass

The rope quickly jerked and snapped, leaving me with a dangling rope. Luckily I didn’t have my weight on that rope. Rope left behind by others may look comforting as a form of assistance, but they are exposed to the elements 24/7 and intermittent abrasion. Conversations heard at the base “It’s not worth it mann.” Back and forth shuffling. “Let’s take the snapped rope and go back down the valley.” Photo by Justin Hirako.

Pohakea Pass

I secured my webbing at the top and threw it down to the waiting crew. NEXT!

Pohakea Pass

Looking for a helping hand. The top of the pass was crumbly. Dirt crumbly.

Sunset

I alternated between watching the sunset and the crew making their way up the pass. Two great views.

Pohakea Pass

Conversations from the bottom to the top of the pass. “Who’s watching the webbing?” “I am! Your life is in my hands. HAHAHA” I always like to punctuate my replies with a hearty and reassuring laugh to build confidence in people climbing up a crumbly cliff. Hanging by a webbing. Literally. At one point.

Pohakea Pass

The sound of music.

Pohakea Pass

The hardest part of the WST behind us. Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Hiking by head lamps.

City lights

Taking a well deserved break. Loads of bushwhacking through knee to waist high uluhe ferns lay ahead of us. In the dark. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Palikea

We reached the 3,098′ summit marked by ti leaf plants. One hour left to the road. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Palehua

Too dark to look for native snails and happy face spiders. Photo by Justin Hirako

All pau

Trail meets the road. The long five mile Palehua road. Luckily we had a ride.

GPS Tracks

The hardest segment of the WST covered 13.03 miles of bushwhacking, rocky ridges and cliffs and spectacular scenery. Fun hike with a great crew that didn’t bail. Cough. Almost. Post hike meal at Zippys. Eat then sleep.

Thessa joined me to explore a new trail on Schofield Barracks, as Kolekole Pass was open to the public this weekend. Many thanks to Jared Nakahara for throwing this idea out, where I promptly picked it up.

Kolekole Pass Road

We broke away from the clustered crowd at the trailhead to walk down a less traveled road.

The Forbidden Mountain

The winding road hugged towering cliffs, where it soon opened up to reveal our destination.

Going up

We left the road to bushwhack up a cacti infested finger ridge to get to the steep base of the mountain. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Looking back down

Thessa climbing up one crumbly rock at a time.

Makai view

The howling wind raced down from the ocean and buffeted us on this isolated mountain in the valley.

Where did it go?

The wind snatched Thessa’s yellow bandana clean off her head and sent it sailing down the mountain.

Hairsock

Thessa hanging onto a tree as the winds pushed us around the mountain. Winds at 40 mph gusting to double nickels. Or at least that’s what her hair said.

Crumbly

I had read this mountain was actually rubble piled against the old caldera wall. Explains a lot.

Mauka view

The rugged Waianae Mountain Range.

Ka’ilio notches

A small step and it was all over. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Steep?

From afar, the mountain looks somewhat less than statuesque. Up close and personal, it was somewhat intimidating as it looked like a huge hot mess of rocks just waiting for the inopportune time to come crashing down.

Hang on

Thessa cresting a small rocky hump.

Who’s that?

Find Waldo. Photo by Joshua Keoki Versola.

Scrambling

It was slow going up the mountain, as the rocks were very loose and brittle. Not to mention the windy conditions.

Contouring

We interrupted our straight up climb to contour a particularly steep and crumbly section.

Almost there

It’s not that bad!

More scrambling

I can see the summit! Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Final push

Thessa making her way up.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

Thessa and myself at the 1,940′ summit. Consideration of dropping down the other side of the mountain was dissuaded by high winds and crumbly conditions. Back another day.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

The view of Pu’u Ka’ilio from Pu’u Hapapa. Photo by Joshua Keoki Versola.

Zoom zoom

I think somebody is on that mountain. Photo by Jake Kunukau.

Going back down

Time to head back down. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Clear

I scrambled down a safe distance in case an errant rock came my way.

One step at a time

Kicking it on the mountain.

Footwear options

To shoe or not to shoe?

All pau

We ran into a lot of familiar and “heard of you” fellow hikers at the trailhead. Impromptu meet and greet.

Mild or spicy?

Post hike meal at the most famous Korean eating place in Wahiawa. You say meat jun. We say meat chun. Group photo standing left to right: Ryan, Pip, Erik, Allison, Melita, Darren, Gary and Eric. Sitting left to right: Katie, Agnes, Thessa, Bernice, Janice and Carol.

GPS Tracks

The short, crumbly and gusty hike covered a measly 1.91 miles, but afforded spectacular views of the Waianae coastline and mountain range. Definitely want to pay a repeat visit to finish the other side.

Back to Pu’u Kaua. And beyond. Specifically to Kolekole Pass. Met up with Brian, James, John, Jose, Matt and Marvin on Kunia Road.

Keep on trucking

Plan A was to have Troy drop us off inside the farm. Marvin’s idea to save us some walking time. Photo by Troy Solano.

Parlez-vous francais?

Honest Abe is not welcome here. I don’t care if he has a twin. Don’t get friendly with the goats either. Parlez-vous NO? Back on the road again.

Plan b

These shoes were made for walking. Thanks for the five minute ride Troy!

The road isn’t so bad

We made our way to the trailhead without further incident.

Up the trail

Wet leaves on the trail was the only difference from last week. Same scenery, more slippery.

Pu’u Kanehoa in the distance

Looking out towards the Waianae Summit Trail.

Pu’u Kaua summit

Back on top for the second time in as many weeks. Group photo left to right: Jose, James, myself, Brian, Marvin, Matt and John.

Pu’u Kaua summit view

Click here for the larger image.

Follow the fence?

I didn’t know goats and pigs could run up the sides of mountains. Learn something new everyday.

Left side

We started hiking on the left side of the fence.

Right side

Terrain shifted, so we switched to the right side.

Which side?

And switched back again.

Take your pick

Most of us climbed over the rock face. James and Marvin decided to contour on the Kunia side which put them closer to the edge. Nice drop. Nice fence.

The easy part

Climbing down this short stretch put us close to the edge, so we used webbing coming down.

Gorilla Head #1

Jose going up the first obstacle dubbed “Gorilla Heads” or “Kriangles” by other hikers.

My turn

Have to work on that tan line. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Gorilla Head #2

Jose sitting on the smaller “Gorilla Head.”

Coming down

Coming down the crumbly backside and finding foot holds at the bottom was the hardest part of the “Gorilla Heads.” Photo by Jose Delaki

Looking down

Don’t drop that camera. Might bounce off Marvin’s head. Hmm. Tempting target. Photo by James Crabb.

Looking back

Bark is worse than the bite.

Hiking forward

Brian and John going down the second “Gorilla Head.” Yawn.

Hello?

We briefly talked to a guy that had come up a spur ridge. He was asking too many questions. Possible goat herder.

Boulder contouring

Marvin and James coming down the smaller “Gorilla Head.”

O Christmas tree

A lone Sugi Pine Tree stood out. Resisted the urge to decorate.

Goodbye “Gorilla Heads”

You were fun. Until we meet again.

Hello overgrowth

From the “Gorilla Heads” until Pu’u Kanehoa, the trail was unbearably overgrown.

Hands and knees

A tree is worth a thousand branches. Or more like a thousand pokes.

Exposed

Rain replaced the overgrowth on the trail. Brian was secretly cheering the inclement weather.

More rock climbing?

Nope. Just more contouring to the right.

Misty mountains

We all admired the mountains keeping the clouds at bay. Postcard picture. If it only could have kept the rain at bay too. Click here for the larger image.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Cloudy summit view at 2,778′ elevation.

Cloud free

Nobody wanted to stand up for the group photo.

Not this side

Except Matt.

Come on down

Tick tock. Brian is waiting.

So many rock faces to climb and so little time

Abundant rock climbs were sprinkled along the trail. Climb or contour. Take your pick.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Can you see us?

The views alternated between cloudy and partly cloudy, with chances of rain showers. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

All fences lead to the summit

At least this one did.

Up here

Looking up at the summit of Pu’u Hapapa. Long time no see.

Pu’u Hapapa

You say Hapapa, I say Hana Pa’a. Cool view from 2,883′ elevation. Gone were the army men that once ringed the summit.

Camouflage

Unusual coloring for a lady beetle.

Happy face spider?

Not happy at all.

Say what?

Leave your ATVs at home when you do this hike. Fair warning.

Don’t slip here

A nasty case of trail erosion. Nasty for the hiker if they slip and fall.

One way ticket

Down. Straight down. Several thousand feet. Photo by John Garrity.

Going down the ridge

Headed down towards Kolekole Pass.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Panoramic view

From sea to shining sea. Click here for the larger image.

Panoramic view

Clouds have cleared. Click here for the larger image.

Enough with the picture taking. Hike on.

We spent a considerable amount of time just soaking in the views and recording them for posterity. It was nice up here. Wouldn’t mind coming back again.

Climbing down the small notch

The group climbing down the first and smallest notch.

Looking back

Matt making his way down.

Climbing out of the notch

Jose climbing out of the first notch.

Going down the big notch

There are two ways to tackle the second and biggest notch. Easy way is contour to the right and the hard way is straight down the rock face. Take your pick.

Silhouette

Jose standing on the exposed dike.

Looking back

Looks bigger in person.

Going down

Scooting down the red dirt.

Meadow

Brian, Jose and John checking out the notches we had come down in the middle of a meadow overlooking central Oahu. Click here for the larger image.

Off with his head

Kolekole Pass Rock or Pohaku Hupeloa, supposedly once used for sacrificial purposes.

Heed the sign

The trail going down was slippery with pine needles.

See!

James did an excellent save and recover. I was not so lucky. Had a hard fall on my butt.

Hitchhiker

We saved this invasive critter from a horrible fate. She was trying to crawl up Marvin’s shorts.

Off duty?

100% ID check in progress.

Where’s our ride?

The original hike was supposed to end in Waianae, where I had staged my truck. Since that proved to be too ambitious, we came down Kolekole Pass and decided to terminate the hike. Matt arranged for his father to pick him up at the gate and then retrieved his truck in Kunia and came back to get us. Thanks Matt!

GPS Tracks

Our hike today was 7.9 miles through some of the most stunning scenery on the Waianae Mountains. Post hike meal was at Outback. Herb roasted prime rib for dinner. Yum! Congrats to Marvin for finishing the WST. I’m next. I hope.