According to a passage from Wikipedia, “Humans have had a distinct relationship with waterfalls since prehistory, travelling to see them, exploring and naming them.” That being said, the group met up in the valley that was home to the first coffee plantation in the islands to visit all seven of the waterfalls in the valley. 6/7. Close enough for a probationary member on her birthday hike.

Manoa Valley

Stocking up for the soon to happen festivities. Thanks to Rose for getting these biodegradable balloons and filling them with tap water straight from the pipes of Waimanalo. Edgar pointed out that this was the same street where a local chiropractor had killed his family and himself on March 10, 2024.

Manoa Valley

Starting on the trail as sunbeams danced on the valley floor.

Manoa Valley

YawYaw #1 sharing her can’t miss voice that the forest hasn’t heard since the COVID days.

Manoa Valley

The group making their way through the rain forest. The rain part was soon to come.

Manoa Valley

Walking across one of seven bridges on the way to the waterfalls, on the return trip you cross only six. We were not coming back this way. Not exactly.

Manoa Valley

Matt excited to find a TV in the jungle, until it dawned on him as how is he going to to plug it in.

Manoa Valley

Rose holding her freshly picked bunch of pako ferns while scrambling underneath a fallen tree. Not as easy as it looks. She got skills when it comes to food.

Manoa Valley

Dale trying out for the next cover of CQ – Coconut Quarterly.

Manoa Valley

The famous Laredo graced us with his presence. He was wearing a top and bottom. Unusual for him. We must not be at a waterfall yet.

Queen’s Bath

Our first group photo of the day in the clear pool of water. Does this count as a waterfall? I guess not, since Laredo’s clothes are still on.

Manoa Valley

Climbing out of the bath and into the falls.

Wa’aloa Falls

Our first waterfall and water balloon pelting of the day. LNT. We did pick up the latex remnants from the water.

Wa’aloa Falls

Top down view of the post-latex carnage.

Manoa Valley

Passing the memorial boulder in Waiakeakua Stream for Gladstone Wright, an 11-year old boy that was struck by a falling 7.5 pound rock while out on a picnic on May 14, 1891. He was rushed by carriage to Queen’s Hospital where he later passed to his injuries.

Manoa Valley

One of multiple stream crossings.

Manoa Valley

Matt searching a tunnel that went nowhere.

Waiakeakua Falls

We arrived at the second waterfall as some of us climbed up to the first tier to check out the deep hole.

Waiakeakua Falls

Splish-splash, they were taking a bath
Long about a Sunday morning, yeah
They were a-splishin’ and a a-splashin’, reelin’ with the feelin’
Movin’ and a-groovin’, jumpin’ and a-pumpin’, yeah
Bing-bang we saw the whole gang
Watchin’ and catchin’ our pics

Waiakeakua Falls

The second splattering.

Waiakeakua Falls

Group photo at the waterfalls that offers a route to reach the top of the Ko’olau Mountains if so desired. We were not so inclined this day.

Waiakeakua Falls

Balloon censorship at its wettest. Preferable over pixelation.

Waiakeakua Falls

Making our way back down to the base.

Manoa Valley

Man-made waterfall in the distance. Too small. Doesn’t count.

Manoa Valley

We soon ran into two of Allison’s friends, Joyce and Sam, who joined the group as we continued our search for more waterfalls. It’s like zombies searching for brains, addicting to some.

Manoa Valley

Testing the working load limit on a particular bridge.

Manoa Valley

Passing through a patch of bamboo grass as we looked for the next junction.

Naniuapo Falls

Approaching the third trickling waterfall.

Naniuapo Falls

The third throwing.

Naniuapo Falls

Group photo in the birds nest.

Naniuapo Falls

CB looking for a way to slide down. Left? Right? Helicopter?

Naniuapo Falls

Comments from the peanut gallery down below. The term harks back to vaudeville days when patrons in the cheap seats would throw out jeers and peanuts. At least give us some peanuts.

Naniuapo Falls

CB trying to coax me to go out on a limb. Literally. Hard pass. Already had a recent fall.

Manoa Valley

Walking in the footsteps of the steps that have long since rotted away.

Manoa Valley

Fresh cut flowers from the forest for the birthday girl.

Manoa Valley

Others got blooms and blossoms, I got rocks and rubbish. Shades of Kalalau Trail.

Manoa Valley

Random group photo in the forest.

Manoa Valley

The trail at times was overgrown, muddy and uneven. Par for a waterfall hike.

Manoa Valley

Sandra checking out the lower falls.

Manoa Valley

If a tree falls in a forest, climb on top and take a photo.

Luaalaea Falls

Climbing up to the fourth waterfall.

Luaalaea Falls

The balloons seem to have decreased in volume and accuracy.

Luaalaea Falls

The forecasted rains finally fell from the heavens, increasing the trickle to a stream of water cascading down the cliff.

Manoa Valley

We found Matt’s long, white and hard pipes that he was talking about on the trail. Quite a gusher.

Manoa Valley

The lush and verdant valley saturated with rain gave that prehistoric vibe that led this location to be used in the Jurassic Park movie. It also lead to a dry roll in the grass despite the heavy rain.

Manoa Falls Trail

We soon intersected with the gravel trail masquerading as a brown river that was filled with waterlogged hikers and us looking for that elusive junction, as the bloodhound’s nose must have been congested.

Manoa Valley

Sandra plunging into the brown river. Always a good sign. Right?

Manoa Valley

Roughly 30 minutes of boulder hopping and scrambling through the stream, we got to our fifth waterfall.

Kahuwai’iki Falls

Somebody was happy. This was a waterfall.

Kahuwai’iki Falls

Having a good time until rocks rained on our parade. Refer to Caption #14.

Kahuwai’iki Falls

Seeking a place of relative safety.

Kahuwai’iki Falls

The fifth drubbing of the day.

Kahuwai’iki Falls

Happy Birthday Allison!

Kahuwai’iki Falls

Thanks Mrs. Banks for letting Blaine to come out and play today.

Manoa Valley

Heading back down stream in search of two or one more waterfalls for the day?

Manoa Valley

One of many trees bearing mountain apple blossoms that we came across in the valley. Where are the mouth watering fruits?

Waihi Nui

Andrew auditioning for his direct to dvd movie. I’ll let you guess which genre.

Waihi Nui

Last group photo in front of the 150′ waterfalls more commonly known as Manoa Falls.

Waihi Nui

The final splashing of the day. I guess we are not going to visit the last waterfall known as Little Shitty or by most people, ‘Aihualama Falls. Refer to Caption #1.

All pau

We walked back to our cars and finally found our mountain apples on the street.

GPS Tracks

Our more fun than you can shake a water balloon hike covered 7.2 miles through Manoa Valley with good friends. Post hike meal at Zippy’s where the requested dish of Korean fried chicken was consumed by the birthday girl. Happy Birthday!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3gr-9upnZE

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our waterfall birthday hike.

Photos taken by Lilyn Avendano, Allison Banks, Blaine Banks, Chris Bautista, Joe Caldwell, Ann Colton, Roseann Fai, Edgar Gamiao, Andrew Matsui, Laredo Muredo, Samantha Taylor, Joyce Uhlmer, Matt Vidaurri, Sandra Walter, Dale Yoshizu 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.

Met up with Aida, Chico, Ferlino and Tessa on the ridge that are home to WW2 bunkers and significant Hawaiian burial sites, as it was a place of refuge during the time of King Kamehameha. Unfortunately it was not a place of refuge for a 2D Jackson chameleon, a lizard that was imported from Kenya by Robin Ventura in 1972 to sell as pets but was deliberately released into his backyard as they looked rather unhealthy and he thought the fresh air would do them good. Instead, he unwittingly became the principal architect that began the invasive spread throughout the Hawaiian island chain with the exception of Kauai and Lanai.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Group photo at the trailhead before we pushed off. One had to be picked up and the other dropped off.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Walking on the path that began as the Wai’alae Trail back in the 1920s.

Wiliwilinui RIdge Trail

Going up the stairs with the backdrop of panoramic views of East Honolulu behind me.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Group photo at the 2,480′ summit along with Jeff and Rocky who we met at the top.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the summit as we traversed the ridgeline that was being lightly washed by rain showers.

KSRT

Going up the ridge line that is punctuated by HECO powerline poles.

True Lanipo

Standing at the terminus of the ridge that Dick Davis down climbed back on Christmas Day in 1944, resulting in the loss of all his fingernails.

KSRT

Man down! Chico getting a couple pairs of helping hands to pull himself out of his predicament that was brought on by his spikes.

Kainawa’aunui Summit

Group photo at the socked in 2,520′ summit.

KSRT

We dropped in elevation and also left the cloud cover behind us as well.

KSRT

Letting gravity take us down the “Big Hill.”

KSRT

Descending down from the steep hill and back on relatively flat ridge line.

KSRT

Group photo at the resplendent valley views of town and Diamond Head.

KSRT

Ferlino climbing up another hill with views of three peaks behind him. No finger pointing.

Kau’au Crater

When one is out in the wilderness and lacking zip ties to secure their spikes, one can just use the abundant uki grass instead. Eco hiking at its finest.

Kau’au Crater

Going down the eroded and rutted trail that leads to the twin powerline towers that overshadows the tuff cone that was created from the extinct volcanic crater.

Kau’au Crater

Looking into the marsh filled crater and Palolo Valley that was once home to an airfield in WW2. The name “Ka’au” came from the name of a supernatural chicken that lived in the valley, Ka’auhelemoa.

Kau’au Crater

Where there is a structure to climb, Chico and Ferlino will be on it.

Kau’au Crater

The rest of us had our feet firmly planted on the ground.

KSRT

Heading towards the notch that marks the ascent towards the summit of ‘Awa’awaloa.

‘Awa’awaloa

Climbing up the base of the mountain.

‘Awa’awaloa

Watching Ferlino and Aida making their way to the summit.

‘Awa’awaloa Summit

Lunch break at the 2,486′ summit also known as Mount Olympus.

Wa’ahila Ridge Trail

Briskly going down the steep, eroded and rutted trail. I sense a pattern here.

KSRT

Stepping foot on the Castle trail.

KSRT

Back on the ridge line.

KSRT

Contouring through the thick, tangled hot mess of uluhe ferns and other vegetation.

KSRT

Hello from Sedan Rock.

KSRT

Climbing up the exposed ridge line. The views were infinitely better and the ventilation was a much needed relief.

KSRT

Heading towards the patch of ironwood trees.

KSRT

Aida and Ferlino picking their way on the ridge line.

KSRT

A solitary fiery lehua blossom standing out on our climb to the summit.

Manoa Middle Summit

Chico needed another hand, at least it wasn’t to get pulled out of the bushes again.

Manoa Middle Summit

Our last group photo at our last summit. The original plan was to exit down Piliwale Ridge, but time and spirits dictated otherwise.

Manoa Middle Trail

Going down the initially steep ungraded trail towards Manoa Valley.

Manoa Middle Trail

Climbing down the steep cliff.

Queen’s Bath

Will the real Queen’s Bath please wash itself?

Pu’u Pia Trail

The climb up our last hill registered on Tessa’s face. Somebody needed medicine. A certain type of medicine.

All pau

Exiting the heavily rooted and rocky trail where Jasmin picked us up. Our traversal over the Ko’olau Mountains covered slightly less than seven miles with good company. Post hike meal at Pho Time where certain individuals should not be discussed as it will result in high blood.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, 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.

Picking up from where I left off a couple weeks ago. Aida joined me today to help finish off the Southern section of the KST. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trailhead

Thanks to Quan for dropping us off deep in Palolo Valley.

Ka’au Crater Trail

We scrambled down the boulders, followed the streambed and then the water pipe as we made our way on the trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Aida walking in between the new and old water pipes.

Trail sprinkler

All wet already. And we didn’t even get to the first waterfall yet. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Water on tap.

Waterfall #1

Aida had the first waterfall all to herself before approaching hikers descended down to the base. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Climbing our way up to the left to get to the top.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Looking down at the first waterfall.

Waterfall #2

Aida at the second waterfall with the other group right behind us. This place is a popular watering hole.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Climbing up to the right and contouring above the second waterfall.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Looking down at the group taking their pictures. Not getting too close, as a woman slid off the top four years ago and luckily survived her fall to the bottom. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waterfall #3

Aida going up the multi-tiered waterfall that had somewhat decent flow.

Waterfall #3

Making my way up the slippery rocks. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

We left the waterfalls and started counter-clockwise on the crater rim to the top. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Aida climbing up through the heavily rutted trail.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Looking down into the marshy caldera that was created when the demigod Maui’s giant hook landed in the valley resulting in the crater we see today. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

I decided to do a thing at the top. I proposed to myself. I said yes. Bill and Shirley have nothing on me. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ka’au Crater Trail

We trailed behind a group as we followed the trail around the crater.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Group photo, left to right: Aida and myself.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Took a photo with the group (Bree, Brit, myself and Kim) that we were following since Aida instigated the picture. Found out that Kim used to hike with the KOMPT (Kronic Oahu Mixed Plate Trekkers). Small world.

Mount Olympus

Looking ahead to the 2,486′ peak that was our next stop. Too bad there isn’t a Zippy’s outlet up there.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Crossing over between the summits. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Aida climbing up the steep hill towards the summit of Awaawaloa.

KSRT

Olomana in the background as I climbed my way up to Olympus. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Wa’ahila Trail

Aida going down the rutted trail with the cloud soaked ridge line in the distance.

KSRT

Ducking underneath the rainbow. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Manoa Middle Summit

Sitting underneath the rainbow.

Manoa Middle Trail

Descending down into the thick and vast valley that is Manoa.

Manoa Middle Trail

Climbing down the near vertical section before dropping down to the valley floor. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Queen’s Bath

Washing off the accumulated mud from our hike. Giving back. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

Aida going up the muddy hillside where we met other two legged and four legged hikers coming down.

Pu’u Pia Trail

Going down the trail knotted with roots and padded with rocks. Photo by Aida Gordon.

All pau

We finished our fun little hike with daylight to spare. Quan met up with us for lunch at Serge’s. We ate in the shadow of Safeway.

GPS Tracks

Our crater to valley hike covered 5.8 miles through muddy and scenic views. Thanks to Aida for joining me on today’s hike.

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

We decided to have Christmas come early for Lilyn today. Met up with Analyn, Anne, Art, Lilyn and myself at the Pali Lookout where typical windy conditions greeted us.

Trailhead

Right off the bat, it was a short and steep climb up. The best part of waking up, is hiking up. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Trail

Anne breaking out into the open grassy spot which afforded us much better views than the lookout.

Pali Trail

Working our way towards the first of the man-made notches where we ran across two other hikers. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Notches

Lilyn climbing down the first notch. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Notches

Taking a break on the other side. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Notches

Everybody waiting their turn to make their way down the second notch.

Nipple

Time to climb the chimney. Photo by Art Young.

Chimney

Lilyn trying not to get tangled up in the ropes on her way up.

Chimney

Need a hand?

Chimney

Some folks liked to savor their climb up the chimney by sitting down. Photo by Art Young.

Chimney

Others like to be on their back. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The climbing was not over yet. Photo by Art Young.

Contour

Lilyn pulling herself up to the ridge line with backdrop views of Kalihi Valley and points beyond.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making our way up the grassy ridge line that was punctuated with boulders of assorted sizes and shapes. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at our crumbly climb.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The girls enjoying a relatively flat section of the ridge line with sweeping Windward views in the background.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Rock climbing. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

What happens when you don’t take the helping hand is you land on your back. Some people are used to that already.

Mud Wall

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something purple.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pushing our way on the muddy trail to the top.

Konahuanui

Group photo at the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Socked in as usual.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing between the schweddy balls.

K2

Met up with Aida, Janell, Quan and Tessa at the shift right peak. There was also a reunion of sorts celebrated with a yawyaw dance and food regurgitation.

K2

Before we left, the girls did their traditional male-excluded butt grab group shot.

KSRT

Watching as the ridge line kept the clouds at bay on the Leeward side.

KSRT

Panoramic cloudy view.

KSRT

Coming down the trail that was partly open and partly overgrown. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Janell making her way down with the spine of the Ko’olau Mountain Range ahead of her. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Leaving the crown jewels of the Ko’olau Mountains behind us. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

One had to be quick to catch this rainbow. Not all of us saw it. Photographic proof by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Coming down the sandwiched meadow.

KSRT

Horizontal rain blurred the way to our destination summit.

Manoa Middle Summit

Our not so synchronized group photo, where some of us were more enthusiastic than the others.

Manoa Middle Trail

Heading down into Manoa Valley. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Strawberry guavas

Trail snacks to keep you constipated while hiking.

Manoa Middle Trail

Coming down the steepest part of the trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Queen’s Bath

Communal bathing to rinse off the collective mud and grime.

Manoa Valley

Climbing out of the stream fed bath.

All pau

Exiting Pu’u Pia Trail, where we got rides from Tessa, Aida and Quan. Some of us showered and freshened up to make ourselves somewhat presentable for our dinner that was a little more demanding in terms of personal hygiene than our usual hang outs. Photo by Art Young.

Post hike meal

We celebrated Ferlino’s birthday at Jade Dynasty where Cathy, Dale, Edgar, Jasmin (2), Matt, Richard and family, Sally and Somphet also joined the party. Thanks to Sally for putting the delicious menu together and setting up the private room arrangements. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

GPS Tracks

Our 4.7 mile hike that took us to the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range and down into the deep and thick valley of Manoa was another fun adventure with good company.

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 had always wanted to do a loop involving Waikeakua Falls, so Glenn and I tagged along with the Oahu Hiker’s group that was doing such a hike. Well, half of the hike.

Bridge #1

We met up with the group deep in Manoa Valley to start our hike.

Bridge #2

The trail is also known as the Seven Bridges Road.

Manoa forest

Walking under canopy. The road soon split, where we took the left fork to stay on trail.

Bridge #3

Toby was waiting at the third bridge, as he had started earlier in the day to take pictures.

Bridge #4

There are stories that this trail is haunted by a banshee. Nothing heard. Keep moving.

Waiakeakua stream

Waiakeakua means water of the gods in Hawaiian.

Abandoned car

One of two cars slowly being swallowed by the forest. Maybe they ran out of gas?

Bamboo forest

The group making their way through the bamboo forest.

You guys coming?

The trail started to disappear amidst the heavy foliage and fallen trees, but we kept to the right and eventually made our way up a flight of cement stairs.

Queen’s bath

We soon came across this pool of water fed by a small waterfall known as Queen’s Bath. A couple of us partially climbed on the overhead pipe. We then picked up the trail again on the right of the stream at the top.

Bridge #5

This was the last bridge seen or counted. What happened to the other two?

Landslide

The group taking a break at a recent landslide.

Waterfall #1

Khym making his way up the first waterfall. Didn’t even get his feet wet.

Waterfall #2

Time to take the plunge. The water was over waist high and icy cold. Most of the group took the trail on the left to stay dry. Photo by Richardson Mike

Slippery rope

Glenn climbing up. Karen soon followed and gave everybody a scare when she lost her footing and was dangling from the rope. She eventually regained her footing and made her way up.

Waterfall #3

The tallest of the waterfalls at roughly 60′. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Up we go

Climbing up the waterfall with the help of several ropes that were anchored to the trees. Photo by Naomi Bruneau.

Made it!

Glenn making it to the top.

Looking down

We left the group behind as they stayed at the base of the waterfall and eventually turned around. Our group grew by one, as Khym decided to join us as we continued towards the Koolau Summit.

Leaving the streambed

We followed a faint trail to the right to make our way up the ridge. Going left will take you to Manoa Middle Ridge.

Uluhe trail

Fighting the uluhe to gain the summit.

Looking back

View of Manoa Valley. It was a nice clear day.

On the KSRT

Group photo at the top, left to right: Glenn, myself and Khym.

Windward view

Looking out towards Olomana. It was a super nice clear day.

Follow the slippers

We soon turned right and followed the spine of the Koolaus.

Mount Olympus

The summit of Mount Olympus or Awaawaloa was unusually cloud free, it’s actually the second peak in the picture.

Going up and down

We didn’t actually summit Olympus as we followed the KSRT and connected to the Waahila Ridge Trail.

Dirt slalom

Glenn doing a controlled slide down the dirt trail, while Khym took the middle rut down.

Kolowalu junction

We took the Kolowalu trail to loop back down into Manoa Valley.

Fallen tree

When a tree falls in the forest, you sit and stand on it.

Kolowalu trail

The trail eventually connected to the Puu Pia trail which was the way out.

Splash of color

Red ginger flower?

Walking out

We soon walked out onto Alani Drive where Glenn had staged his truck.

GPS Tracks

The loop that took us through rainforest, waterfalls and mountains covered 4.31 miles with good company all the way. Post hike meal was at Peppa’s Korean BBQ. Courtesy of Glenn. Never bet on hiking time!

When I heard that HTMC was going down Waiakeakua Falls, I jumped at the chance to go visit another new place. Glenn picked me up and we met the other club members by the Manoa Chinese Cemetery. We also witnessed why hikers in general get a bad rap from the stupid minority of hikers who fail to exercise common sense. Another hiker with a different group blocked somebody’s driveway and some sort of accident ensued, with the obvious unpleasant outcome as a result. I fail to see why people can’t just follow a couple rules – don’t block people’s driveways, don’t use their garden hoses, don’t leave trash and don’t make a lot of noise. Is that too much to ask? Time to get off my soapbox and start hiking!

The briefing

Thea, the hike leader, told us during the briefing that we weren’t going down Waiakeakua Falls as originally planned, but would instead go down Manoa Middle Ridge. Bummers. I saw a couple of familiar faces in the group, Bob and Randy, from prior hikes.

Which way to go?

A couple hikers split from the main group and went on the Puu Pia trail. They wanted to go up the Manoa Middle Ridge and would meet us at the top.

Kolowalu Trail

The rest of us made our way uphill on the Kolowalu trail.

Wa’ahila Trail

An hour later, we were at the junction that went up the “unmaintained” part of the Wa’ahila trail.

Clearing

It was shaping up to be a nice day on the Koolau’s. There are three of these clearings as you make your way up to Olympus. Perfect times to take pictures and catch your breath.

Panoramic view of town

Click here for the larger image.

Dirt + Water = Mud

When Mother Nature turns on the faucets, this section literally becomes a mud slide.

Mount Olympus

This is the closest we came to Olympus. Even though the hike was billed as going to Olympus, there were no takers. What a shame as Olympus is usually swathed in clouds, today was the exception.

Headed to the Koolau Summit Ridge Trail

We went back down the trail a bit until we connected to the KSRT ( Koolau Summit Ridge Trail ).

Koolau Summit Ridge Trail

It’s always a blast to be walking on top of the Koolau’s, especially when the weather cooperates and gives unrestricted views as far as the eye can see.

Looking for the “sedan” rock

As we made our way along the ridge, we failed to see the rock formation that looked like a “sedan.” Must have been more like a smart car. But we did pass the trail that would have took us down to Waiakeakua Falls. Another hike for another day.

Which way does the wind blow?

It’s always interesting to see how the wind shapes the trees and terrain up in the mountains.

Making it up to the Manoa Middle Ridge

The rest of the group making their way up to meet us at the top of Manoa Middle.

Lunch time

What a lunch spot!

Manoa Valley

After we filled our bellies and stretched our legs, some of us headed down the Manoa Middle Ridge. Hikers can thank the HTMC for clearing this trail going down into Manoa Valley. The rest stayed to enjoy the views a little bit longer. Who could blame them?

A big tree

As we lost elevation coming down the ridge, these huge trees started looming over us and forming a canopy at the lower elevation.

Ridge going down towards Waiakeakua Falls

We spotted the ridge that would have taken us to Waiakeakua Falls to our left.

Upstream

Exploring a little bit upstream, we found a rock dating back to 1891. It’s always amazing what one can find in these valleys. You just have to take the time to look.

Queen’s Bath

The water at this popular watering hole was so crisp and clear, it was almost out of a spring water commercial.

Until we meet again

We bid farewell to one of the group as he followed the stream out to his house in Manoa. We had a short cardio blast going up this small hill past these huge Chinese Fan Palm Trees.

Puu Pia trail

After a short climb to the top, we made a left and followed the Puu Pia trail out back to our cars.

GPS tracks

The 5.4 mile leisurely paced hike took us about 5 1/2 hours to complete. Even though we didn’t get to go down Waiakeakua Falls, it was still a fun hike.