The plan was to end at Tripler but weather and other factors would have the final say in our destination today.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Roger for dropping us off at the “mysterious” park to start our before the chickens wake up hike.

Aiea Loop Trail

Stopping at the bench that was installed by Thomas Yoza and his biking buddies that overlooks Kalauao Valley.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Scott standing under the sign that he installed. Still waiting on the summit sign.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking out at the illuminated H3 highway, the most expensive interstate highway ever built per mile. Hawaii #1.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Hump day in the mountain. Add rain. Joy.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Contouring around the base of the power-line tower.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the typical socked in 2,805′ summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Striking out on the wind and rain soaked ridge line.

KSRT

Are we going forward or backwards?

KSRT

Hard blowing rain and wind outside the native tree enclosure. Are we having fun yet?

KSRT

Catching a break in the clouds as we started coming down the ridge. Enjoy it while it lasts.

KSRT

The clouds started to saturate the area as we got closer to the bottom.

Stairway to Hell

Scott finally found it. No views. When the weather does cooperate, the scenery is just leaps and bounds from the other side.

KSRT

We sought temporary refuge in the bunker from the wind and rain that was slowly draining our body heat. Somebody had finally cleaned up all the tents, sleeping bags and other detritus that occupied the bunker since the days of 2015 when they were searching for the lost hiker, Daylenn Pua.

KSRT

The condition of these stairs stands in stark contrast to the other side.

KSRT

Steps are missing, rails are slowly disintegrating into rust and being reclaimed by Mother Nature.

KSRT

Climbing out of Hell.

KSRT

Neither wind nor rain nor heat nor mud nor overgrowth stays these hikers from the completion of their hikes.

KSRT

Pausing at the top of the hill where the weather had finally toppled the geodetic pole marker.

KSRT

One good point that with all this bad weather flying around, the bees won’t be bothering us on the trail.

Red Hill Summit

Rain, rain go away. Come again another day. Nursery rhymes don’t seem to work in the mountains.

KSRT

Chico getting himself out of the hole he fell in.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the “easier” side of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Chico lost five points for using the rope.

Moanalua Saddle

The constant erosion keeps changing the “character” of the KST.

Moanalua Saddle

Sliding down the slippery slope thanks to the rain.

Moanalua Saddle

The rain started to dissipate as we dropped in elevation down the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Scott dirt surfing his way down.

Moanalua Saddle

Akira lowering himself down with the trickling Moanalua Falls in the background.

Moanalua Saddle

Somebody could see us. Must be an iphone.

Moanalua Saddle

Scott standing on the scenic rock.

Moanalua Saddle

Roger! Somebody was missing the “Oh” part. Aida and Roger had hiked up from the valley to meet us at the summit and continue towards Tripler. Plans would change.

Moanalua Saddle

Almost there.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Thanks to Akira for the hot rice soup, does a cold body good.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo as we decided to cut our hike short due to weather and mobility problems and hike down into the valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Making our way down the short, slippery slope.

Moanalua Falls

The trickle had turned into a white ribbon of water cascading down the multi-tiered falls.

Moanalua Valley

Hitting the valley floor and crossing one of 28 stream crossings. I don’t think anybody was counting.

All pau

The last of seven bridges before we exited the trail. I counted.

GPS Tracks

Our not so favorable weather for today’s hike covered 12 miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where I had another bowl of hot soup to warm up my cold body.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Roger Schiffman, Scott Peterson, 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.

We took a hike in the mountains today, not as far as we expected, but it was still a hike in the mountains.

Trailhead

The barricade that failed to properly communicate and convey what exactly is closed. DLNR posted on May 9, 2024 that Moanalua Middle Ridge will be closed for a minimum period of 90 days during the ongoing dismantlement of Haiku Stairs. Luckily, we were not going that rutted route which should be shut down for a longer period of time to let it “heal.”

Kulana’ahane Junction

Walking on the trail that was partially submerged at the stream crossings and the rapid movement and volume of water in the stream that was communicated in the dead of night. We soon reached the junction that would lead us deep into the valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going under the thicket of hau tree branches blanketed by darkness.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Hiking up the steep loop trail pioneered by Chuck Godek and Erwin Jaskulski.

Red Hill Trail

We soon intersected with the Red Hill Trail which continued the steep lung busting climb.

Red Hill Trail

Centipedes or caterpillars. My money is on the latter.

Red Hill Summit

Reaching the summit as we broke through the cover of the jungle and darkness.

Red Hill Summit

Group photo before we headed down the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Sandra crossing the eroded and exposed section that is no longer hindered by the “tricky branch.”

Moanalua Saddle

Akira climbing down the pile of rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way down the constantly eroding character of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Sandra at the start of the “long slide” with the sunrise trying to break in the background.

Moanalua Saddle

Traversing over the undulating and often narrow ridge line.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Approaching the lowest point of the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

The rocks had been saturated by the heavy rains from the past couple of days and we decided that the slippery slope was best left for another day.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Slurping down a hot cup of udon noodles with beef does a stomach good. Thanks Chef Suzuki.

Kulana’ahane Summit

It was time to leave the mountains.

Moanalua Falls

The 460′ plus falls that only makes it appearance during heavy periods of atmospheric water vapor.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Sitting cross legged is crucial to maintaining mobility. Doing it above a small waterfall has no proven medical benefits.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going over one of 28 stream crossings.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Polar Bear Plunge – Hawaii version.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Walking in mud with black and white shoes. Just take my word for it.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Are we there yet?

All pau

Crossing over the last of seven bridges that afford safe passage from the swollen stream. Our aborted hike still had us covering 9.95 miles, which was still a respectable workout. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant. Lemon Crunch to go.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Sandra Walter, 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.

Somebody told me to go to hell. I told them to go to hell. So we all went to hell today.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Chico for dropping Akira, Roger, Val and myself off at the park that is home to a healing heiau (temple) that was possibly constructed in the 16th century and surrounded by eucalyptus and pine trees that were planted in the 1920s.

Aiea Loop Trail

Leaving the loop trail as we connected to the ridge trail.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Catching the sunrise bursting over the Ko’olau Mountains.

Pu’u Kawipoo

Panoramic view from the 2,441′ flat peak.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Pushing to the summit that was less than a mile away, as the mynah bird flies.

Aiea Ridge Trail

This is not the summit, let’s push on.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Climbing and contouring our way around the HECO powerline tower.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the 2,805′ top with expansive Windward views.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

We pushed off the summit and stepped foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

The winds were something fierce as they plucked my cap off my head and sent it soaring into the mountains. My donation.

KSRT

Contouring around the fenced native plant enclosure. I have yet to catch a glimpse.

KSRT

We could see heaven but not hell. Yet.

KSRT

Climbing up the last hill before our final destination.

North Haiku Stairs

Approaching the windswept meadows that is home to what many people commonly call “Stairway to Hell.”

North Haiku Stairs

Going down the stairs that time has “forgotten.”

North Haiku Stairs

We decided to go down just a short stretch and not all the way to the bottom as originally planned.

North Haiku Stairs

Climbing our way down the stairs that are falling apart, literally. The stairs do not go completely down to the base of the cliff as the opposite stairs does, due to a steep cliff that prevented further construction and progress of the stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

Best seat in the mountains.

North Haiku Stairs

Akira climbing back up through the stairs that are slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature.

Stairway to Hell

Meanwhile, over yonder a couple saw us climbing up the dilapidated stairs from their vantage point.

North Haiku Stairs

Val climbing back up the near vertical section whose supports are being slowly exposed to the elements, further hastening the erosion of

North Haiku Stairs

Roger exchanging unstable and rotten footing for terra firma.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Seeking temporary refuge from the gusting winds that definitely brought our body temperature down a degree or two.

KSRT

Following the decaying stairs that lead us out of the hike that is best served cold.

KSRT

Roger crossing over one of the platforms that housed A-frames that supported one of six antennas suspended across the valley for military communication use in WW2.

KSRT

Climbing our way out of hell.

KSRT

Val coming up the last section of the rusted stairs that will soon disintegrate into oxidized dust.

KSRT

Descending down the hill as we approached the junction to the Halawa Trail.

KSRT

Running into Amber and Orion who was also told to go to hell. They went all the way to the bottom of hell.

H-3

Looking down at the most expensive interstate highway ever built, at a cost of roughly $80 million per mile.

Red Hill Summit

Taking a break at the grassy area with the laminated flyer regarding Daylenn “Moke” Pua who went missing on February 26, 2015. Extensive searches that canvassed the area by foot and air were conducted with no luck. I believe it was his disappearance that was the catalyst for the formation of Oahu Search and Rescue (OSAR), an all volunteer group that assists with the search for missing hikers and educating the public at large about safe hiking practices.

Moanalua Saddle

Roger directly dealing with the troublesome tree that has tripped many a hiker.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the “easy” side of the saddle. Easy being relative. Christian hymns optional.

Moanalua Saddle

Scrambling down one of many eroded spots on the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing down the constantly changing character of the mountains. Tree here today. Tree gone tomorrow.

Moanalua Saddle

The group sliding their way down the steep hill cushioned by ferns and packed with loose dirt.

Moanalua Saddle

Roger standing on the photo opportunity rock.

Moanalua Saddle

Why contour when you can climb? Exactly.

Moanalua Saddle

Almost there!

Kulana’ahane Summit

Our last group photo before we descended down into the valley. Talks of continuing to heaven were blown away by the strong winds.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going down the short and steep spur ridge.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Val crossing the last of 28 stream crossings in the valley.

Moanalua Valley

Going over the last of seven bridges that were connected to the cobblestone carriage road that once served as a path for the horse and carriages that the Damon family used at the turn of the century.

All pau

Mahalo to Aida, Aileen and Tessa who met us in the community park. It worked out in the end as they were originally supposed to have joined us on the hike. Instead, they came bearing gifts in the form of soda floats.

GPS Tracks

Our windy as hell hike covered 12.3 miles with good company. Post hike meal at Teishoku where the eye was bigger than the stomach for some and the Japanese pronunciation of the French expression resulted in uncontrollable laughter from some. Ice cream for dessert for some as others didn’t care.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Roger Schiffman, Val Wang, 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.

Why do two hikes when you can do just one? Why see only one stairway when you can see both? Rhetorical questions aside, that is how we found ourselves at top of Aiea Heights this morning. Thanks to Chris for dropping us off.

Aiea

Campers and chickens were sleeping as we walked up the road that was slowly being illuminated by the breaking sun.

Aiea Loop Trail

Turning off the loop trail, we were treated to a colorful cascade as the sun torched the mountain peaks.

Aiea Ridge

Multiple downs …

Aiea Ridge

… and multiple ups.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Taking a short break at the 2,441′ grassy peak.

Aiea Ridge

Heading into the home stretch of the 5.5 mile ridge trail.

Aiea Ridge

Coming up the last hump on the ridge.

Aiea Ridge

Aida enjoying the sweeping views of the windward side from the grassy clearing.

Aiea Ridge

Milling around the base of the power-line tower.

Aiea Ridge

The group finally got enough of the eye candy views and started making their way down.

Aiea Ridge

You can take the man out of the ironworks, but you can’t take the ironworks out of the man.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the 2,805′ clear summit.

Aiea Summit

William trying to talk to the locals. Perhaps it was his Midwestern accent that was getting lost in translation.

Ko’olau Summit RIdge Trail (KSRT)

The group contouring on the leeward side of the ridge under clear skies.

KSRT

Stunning views to be had all around as we traversed the ridge.

KSRT

Views like these are icing on the hiking cake.

KSRT

Contouring around the fenced native plant enclosure. I have yet to see one, then again I don’t know what I’m looking at either.

KSRT

Descending down into the verdant windswept pastures of hell.

Stairway to Hell

Group photo at the stairs that the US Navy started but never finished. The views were uncommonly clear and striking.

Stairway to Hell

William tried talking to the locals again. A hint of pidgin thrown in for good measure. No luck. What kind of neighbors are we?

KSRT

This place is going to hell in a handbasket.

KSRT

Climbing out of hell for greener pastures.

KSRT

Overlooking the engineering marvel that was the most expensive interstate highway ever built back in 1997 at a cost of 1.3 billion. The current rail system costs pegged at over 12 billion will easily eclipse it and make H3 look like a bargain.

Red Hill Summit

Group photo at the terminus of the trail that starts down in Moanalua Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

The group traversing over the crumbly section with the tree trip hazard in the way.

Moanalua Saddle

Descending down the western half of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

It was just a walk in the park. A windy park.

Moanalua Saddle

Following the serpentine ridge to the next summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo in the “pocket” of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

The winds started to pick up as we began our ascent of the Eastern half of the saddle. I turned my cap backwards, not to emulate athletes or rappers, but to serve as a hiking windsock.

Moanalua Saddle

When hiking turns back the clock to when we used to drag our knuckles.

Moanalua Saddle

Just when I thought was out of the elevator service, they pull me back in.

Moanalua Saddle

Minding the huge windward drops on our right side.

Moanalua Saddle

Somebody was glad to be back on relatively level ground.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching the most well known obstacle this side of the saddle – The Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

Oh, I get up with a little help from my friends and some extra webbing.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up a particularly chossy section of the ridge. The gusting winds had blown the assist ropes to the far right side. Time to recover them.

Moanalua Saddle

The ropes were returned to its rightful place for the rest of the group to use.

Moanalua Saddle

Chico pulling himself up one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Passing a cascade on our right that feeds the main Moanalua Falls.

Moanalua Saddle

Chico traversing over an eroded section of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

The start of the “other” stairs to heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Knockin’ on heaven’s back door.

Moanalua Saddle

Closing the gap to the CCL building with its distinctive dual microwave antenna perched on the top.

CCL Building

Group photo at the top of the stairs that the city wants to keep. Demolish. Keep. Demolish. Bipolarism at its finest.

Stairway to Heaven

We started going down the 3,922 steps as weeks ago I was contacted by a quasi-official entity that wanted me to count and verify the number of steps for possible future wasted resources. They were also going to pay me. Check’s in the mail. Yes, I’m also the type that believes that I have a snowball’s chance of hell in winning the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. There is one born every day.

Stairway to Heaven

The windward views were indeed heavenly on this day.

Stairway to Heaven

Who’s keeping count? Chico?

Stairway to Heaven

I believe at this point, William gave up trying to communicate with the locals. Instead he made an impassioned plea to save the stairs. I think it fell on deaf ears.

Stairway to Heaven

Catching the setting sun behind the mountains.

Stairway to Heaven

It took two Navy men in 1942, 21 days to climb from the bottom to the top to install the original ladder. Thanks to their pioneering efforts, travel time is now measured in hours instead of days.

All pau

Thanks to Lilia for picking us up at the exit point. Post hike meal had to be someplace quick as most of the group didn’t want to sit and wait for their food. Fast food. McDonald’s. Drive-Thru.

GPS Tracks

Our back to back stairways hike covered 10.1 miles with almost perfect weather conditions with good company.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, William Mayo 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.

We paid a birthday visit to Hell today and some of us carried extra baggage with us. Might as well be comfortable sitting on that chair. Or not.

Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area

Why walk an extra ten minutes when the custodian is nice enough to open the gate early? Mahalo to Lilyn and Quan for dropping Aida, Aileen, Amber, Jen, Rose and myself off at the 384 acre park.

Trailhead

One person in the group photo is not hiking.

Aiea Loop Trail

Pushing off on the trail.

Aiea Loop Trail

Taking a load off their backs, some more so than others.

Aiea Loop Trail

Leaving the five mile loop trail for the mountains.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Aida with the background views of the H3 highway on Windward viaducts as it runs through Halawa Valley.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Amber illustrating the difference between a headstand and a handstand at the 2,441′ hill.

Aiea Ridge Trail

There’s views in them thar hills. Not today.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Going around the base of the power line tower before gaining the summit.

Aiea Summit

You know your backpack is oversized, when people see it first before they see you when coming up to the summit.

Aiea Summit

No need to stand up group photo at the socked in 2,805′ top.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Descending into the clouds.

KSRT

Contouring around the fenced native plant enclosure.

KSRT

Climbing up our last hill …

KSRT

… to prove that there are views in them thar hills.

KSRT

Dripping wet.

Stairway to Hell

Happy Birthday Jen!

Stairway to Hell

It’s cold as hell. Oxymoron’s that work well together in this part of the mountains.

Stairway to Hell

Group photo at the stairs that leads to nowhere.

Stairway to Hell

The pair of Amber and Rose stashed their stuff for their upcoming KST traverse. Don’t touch our stuff. Pretty please. In sharpie. Permanent.

KSRT

Making our way on the steps that time forgot and that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming.

KSRT

Following the wire rope that soon replaced the steps.

KSRT

Climbing out of hell.

KSRT

Leaving the rusted remnants behind us.

KSRT

Making our way up to the geodetic marker that has since lost its circumference.

KSRT

Dropping down into saddle that is also the junction for the Halawa trail.

KSRT

Approaching the summit of Red Hill.

Moanalua Saddle

Trip hazard.

Moanalua Saddle

Hold your excitement. This not the pearly white ohi’a lehua flower. The search continues.

Moanalua Saddle

Walking on the edge.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down on crumbly dirt.

Moanalua Saddle

Watching the rest of the group make their way down the thin ribbon of a trail.

Moanalua Saddle

If it’s not a tree hugger, it’s a rock hugger in the mountains.

Moanalua Saddle

We contoured on the Leeward side and regained the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the Western half of the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Approaching our last summit of the day.

Kulana’ahane Summit

What could this be? Let your imagination run wild.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Our last group photo in the slot.

Moanalua Falls

I see people. Live people. Coming down the spur ridge, we noticed a pair of people at the top of the falls. Turned out to be Jason and Pam setting up their anchors, a day that lasted over 24 hours for them. I thought my hikes were long!

Kulana’ahane Trail

Somebody started counting the stream crossings as we hit the valley floor. Never did finish the task. Unfinished business.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Threading our way through the thickets of hau tree branches.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Everybody looking forward to the walk out.

All pau

We washed our shoes and walked back out to our cars to finish the day. Post hike meal? One had steak waiting at home. The other was tuckered out and went home. The rest of us went to nearby Alley Restaurant to get our fix of oxtail soup.

GPS Tracks

Our birthday/stash hike covered 11.5 miles to hell and back. Mixed bag of weather day spent with good people.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Amber Fonte, Jen Odence, Rose Mathis, 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.

Took four virgins to Hell today. Not for a sacrificial offering, but for scenic purposes. Thanks to Sakura for dropping Asami, Aya, Dana, Shari and myself off at the beginning of the Aiea Loop Trail.

Aiea Loop Trail

Not even ten minutes into the hike and we discovered somebody had made a campfire in the middle of the trail. The things that make you shake your head.

Aiea Ridge Trail

We turned off the loop trail and decided to have a break. Have a kit kat. Oops. Make it have a reese’s sticks. Owned by the same company, so no matter.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Passing the landslide area that is not even recognizable anymore as such, as Mother Nature has slowly covered it with a carpet of uluhe ferns.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Traversing the long ungraded ridge trail where somebody fell off the side and got back up with a little help from her friends.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Somebody was happy and still warm at the last major false peak before the actual summit.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The peace sign or the f*ck you sign at the base of the powerlines tower. Depending on your cultural interpretation.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Contouring around the powerlines as we made our way to the top.

Aiea Summit

Looking for the sign at the socked-in 2,805′ summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hiking into the clouds and wind. Mother Nature’s air conditioning was on full blast.

KSRT

Contouring our way around the fenced habitat for endemic fauna and flora.

KSRT

The group coming down one of many hills.

Stairway to Hell

Who said hell was hot? The gusting winds and rolling rain lowered the temperature close to freezing. Well, from the perspective of somebody born and raised in these islands.

Stairway to Hell

Trying to maintain a semblance of a group photo at the top of the dilipidated stairways that goes nowhere.

Stairway to Hell

Asami trying to keep warm. A mostly futile exercise.

Stairway to Hell

Why didn’t we have our lunch in here?

Stairway to Hell

Going down the stairs that time forgot.

Stairway to Hell

Sections of the stairs are either missing rails, steps or just completely gone.

Stairway to Hell

It’s just a matter of time before the stairs will dissolve and disappear. Rust to rust, dust to dust.

KSRT

Umm, can we get a picture of the green and red ‘ama’u fronds without any humans? Thank you.

Red Hill Summit

We all agreed to avoid the originally planned exit from Red hill and continue down towards Kulana’ahane and avoid the relentless rolling hills that Red Hill is known for.

Moanalua Saddle

Traversing the eroded section. Having a solid balance will keep one from taking the express route down to the valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Scrambling down the rocks, one at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

The saddle keeping the clouds at bay on the Leeward side.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing down the eroded rockface with a weathered webbing anchored to a shallow rooted tree. Safety first.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the overgrown dirt corridor.

Moanalua Saddle

The group coming down and over the last major steep section on the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Quick photo on the rock before the winds knocked me off.

Moanalua Saddle

Passing an unplucked lehua flower. We still got rained on.

Moanalua Saddle

Hiking on the crumbly edge of the saddle with “hurricane weather” that robbed us of our body heat and surrendered it to the surrounding atmosphere.

Moanalua Saddle

The rest of the group hiking over the last hump before the summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Last group photo of the day before we got off the summit and left the howling winds behind us.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Making our way down the spur ridge to the floor of Moanalua Valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

The girls making their way across #13 of #28 stream crossings, dry and wet. Yes, I counted.

All pau

Making our way out of the trail and finishing our almost twelve mile hike for the day. Washed our muddy shoes and tired feet at the bathrooms and walked back to our cars. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where everybody had their steaming hot oxtail soup with white rice. Easy peasy for the waiter.

Photos taken by Asami Waseline, Aya Asanuma 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.

Met up with Chris, Marilyn and Tessa to hop, skip and jump over the saddles this weekend. It turned out to be more slip and fall.

Moanalua Valley

We crossed the seven bridges and Tessa grabbed a handful of ohi’a’ai from a neighboring stream.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Group photo with Rocky and his group who continued their hike on Moanalua Middle Ridge.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Going up the route developed by Chuck Godek and Erwin Jaskulski.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Looking at the saddle being bathed by the breaking daylight.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Making our way up the stiff and steep trail.

Red Hill Junction

No nana baket left behind.

Red Hill Trail

Looking out towards the $80 million per mile highway before tackling the four false peaks that lay ahead of us.

Red Hill Summit

Group photo at the top with Haiku Valley and the Windward coast behind us.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the summit for the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris scrambling over a badly eroded section.

Moanalua Saddle

The girls climbing down a steep rocky section.

Moanalua Saddle

Dropping in elevation as we worked our way around the wrap around views.

Moanalua Saddle

Some people leave their hearts in the mountains, others leave their skin behind. Nothing that some antibiotic and ankle support can’t temporarily fix.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going down the dirt corridor that is currently choked with overgrowth.

Moanalua Saddle

Standing on the oft-photographed rock.

Moanalua Saddle

Marilyn was just a couple humps away from our last summit for the day.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo at the scenic summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic toast to celebrate our abbreviated hike.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Chris going down the spur ridge into Moanalua Valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Hitting the valley floor and not looking forward to the 28 stream crossings and two miles of valley trail that I thought we had left behind earlier in the morning.

All pau

Thanks to Andrew who met us at the park with cold soda and something that resembled more of a first aid kit than the one we had in the mountains. Post hike meal at Max’s of Manila, where accented ordering prevented the timely delivery of our family style meal.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, Marilyn Bermudez, 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.

I embarked on a solo hike rather late in the day. Thanks to Ani for dropping me off at the top of Aiea Heights.

Aiea Loop Trail

The trail was bustling with traffic since it was almost lunchtime.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Pushing through the heat and humidity on the trail. It would not last long.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back as I enjoyed my last views in the mountains before the clouds gobbled them up.

Aiea Summit

I gained the 2,805′ summit and had a bite to eat as there was nothing else to see at the top.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Passing through the fenced plant enclosure where I noticed parts of the fence was down, perhaps to allow access to the very plants that I have never seen or perhaps unable to identify?

Stairway to Hell

The stairs that have seen better days. I guess this must be hell, no views with mud galore and bone chilling wind whipping around me.

Red Hill Summit

Taking a load off my feet as all I could hear was the traffic coming down below from the H3 highway.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the easier side of the crumbly saddle as the clouds dissipated and the views returned.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Enjoying the scenic overlook.

Moanalua Valley

Descending down the spur ridge and into the valley covered with hau trees and countless stream crossings.

All pau

I think this was the first time that I have witnessed a wet floor sign on a wet trail. It almost made my day as I ended my 13 plus mile hike in the mountains as darkness fell in the valley and I blocked out the large sounding critter sounds emanating from the forest as I hurried back to my car.

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 did a solo hike and descended down into the depths of hell and came back to tell the tale.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Ani for dropping me off at the top of the loop trail around 0632.

Aiea Loop Trail

Most of the five mile trail was surprisingly dry as the rising sun soon began to beat down on my sweaty head.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Looking at the H3 running through Halawa Valley from the 2,441′ hill. What happened to the usual stiff winds?

Aiea Ridge Trail

Windward view from the grassy clearing right before the base of the power line tower. Scant cloud cover floated above my sweating head.

Aiea Summit

Ascended to the 2,805′ summit at 0848. Promptly took a load off my feet. I was sweating profusely from the heat and lack of wind.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Going up and down the humps on the ridge with Windward views to keep me company.

KSRT

The valley views that never fail to disappoint were noticeably absent of wind that would snatch the cap off your head and send it tumbling down the hill.

KSRT

Dropped into hell or what is left of North Haiku Stairs at 0952.

Stairway to Hell

The place actually lived up to its name today. Gone were the gusting winds that made the place feel like being inside a freezer. I had my lunch with the stunning vistas as my office views.

KSRT

Climbing my way out of the place of suffering and disintegrating stairs.

KSRT

Peering towards Stairway to Heaven.

Red Hill Summit

I ran into Brittney’s group at my last summit of the day at 1110. They were deciding whether to continue to where I had just come from. Given their time constraints, they decided to come back another day.

Red Hill Ridge

Going down the relentless rollercoaster ridge line.

Godek-Jaskulski Junction

I ignored the option to drop down into Moanalua Valley and continued to suffer on the suffocating ridge.

Red Hill Ridge

Walking through the section of pine trees gave me a slight respite from the heat.

Red Hill Ridge

Plowing through the dense uluhe ferns that seemed to dominate most of the ridge line. Not a walk in the park.

Red Hill Ridge

Going through the corridor of strawberry guava trees that signaled that I was close to contouring down the ridge line. The markers soon took me to the end of a cliff. I had little patience due to the high heat and humidity, so I just climbed and slid my way down the cliff instead of finding the trail again.

All pau

No time for a game of hoops as I ended my hike and walked back to my steaming hot car parked on the side of the road. Fitting end to the hike.

GPS Tracks

My hot as hell hike covered roughly 10.4 miles but I was rewarded with stunning vistas all around.

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.

Back in the saddles this weekend. Turns out we didn’t get as much plurals as we wanted.

Moanalua Valley

Met up with Art and Tessa at the sea of beauty where the pitter patter of rain was our only company. We could have either dribbled our way up to the ridge or walked down the valley. We chose the latter option. Art wanted a reunion with the spiritual side.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Early morning hikers greeted the early morning campers.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Art testing the waters, lest we get swept away in a freak flash flood.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Just follow the glove when in doubt.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Preparing to go up the somewhat pitched slope carpeted with dead leaves and exposed roots. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

We must be in the uluhe zone.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Reaching the junction where the trail intersects with the Red Hill ridge trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Red Hill Ridge

We soon roused two campers from their slumber. Turned out to be Justin and Matt from Uloha. Small world.

Red Hill Summit

Going up and down the seemingly endless false summits before cloud soaked views of the Windward coastline greeted us.

First Aid 101

Tessa tending to her shin injury under the watchful eye of Art.

Moanalua Saddle

Descending the Western half of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the slightly eroded ridgeline with flanking views of Halawa Valley and beyond. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Art and Tessa making their way down the somewhat slippery rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Hikers in staggered elevation drops. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring and climbing our way down through the denuded spots on the ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa following the flow of gravity down the saddle. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Art running down the dirt corridor bracketed with uluhe ferns. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Tessa taking in the windy scenery. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Ascending the Eastern half of the saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Art coming up the Windward side of the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Dirt Triangle

Climbing up the Leeward side of the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Dirt Triangle

Tessa pulling herself up while Art waits his turn at the bottom.

Moanalua Saddle

Waiting in the wind. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa climbing to the top of the assorted boulder section.

Moanalua Saddle

Scampering our way up while keeping our a low profile as the winds rocked the crumbly rocks underfoot. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the crumbly rockface.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa contouring her way around the heavily eroded section.

Moanalua Saddle

Chilling at the first landing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the entire Moanalua Saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Can you hear the wind blow, and did you know your stairway lies on the whispering wind? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Art making his way to the last landing.

Stairway to Heaven

So, this is what heaven looks like? Covered with concrete, teeming with people and covered in clouds. Photo by Mike Karas.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing the short, muddy stretch between summits.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

We met up with one of several guides that were taking their paid charges up the trail. I think I need to re-evaluate my nickel business model.

KSRT

Dropping down to the defunct radar tower. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

View of the climber. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

View of the non-climbers. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Leaving the climbing gym behind us. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Approaching the two sets of powerline towers.

Tripler Summit

Relaxing and enjoying the panoramic views at the 2,760′ flat-topped peak. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Roller coasting our way to the next peak. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Bowman Summit

Leeward view from the 2,740 top.

KSRT

When the photographic proof doesn’t match the dramatic visualization. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Descending down from the clouds. I thought we left heaven behind us already?

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting and sliding our way down the narrow and crumbly ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

When climbing is preferable to contouring the obstacle.

Kalihi Saddle

Scampering along the sliding ledge. Photo by Art Young.

Dirty Slide

We found out that somebody had moved the anchor to a more solid group of trees. Mahalo! Photo by Art Young.

Dirty Slide

Tessa looking back as Art makes the climb down which offers a steeper drop than before.

Broken Wave

Was somebody having a pang of nostalgia? Photo by Art Young.

Broken Wave

Watching out for falling rocks, big and small.

Rock Triangle

Climbing down the rockface. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Rock Triangle

Watching Art making his way down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Mr. Lonely. Just missing the tree. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Tessa slowly spiking her way down the eroded section.

Rock Triangle

Going down the Windward side. Photo by Art Young.

Rock Triangle

Tessa looking for her next foothold.

Kalihi Saddle

Picking our footholds very carefully on the sliver of a ridgeline. Photo by Art Young.

Tabletop

Looking for her next scrap of a foothold.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking on the edge. Literally. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

It’s always hump day in the mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

Striking a pose. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Who’s gonna take my photo? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Witch’s Hat

Climbing up the conical shaped rockface. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back as Art makes his way down the steep and narrow ridgeline. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Witch’s Hat

Tessa giving thanks for our safe passage through the mountains.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the now not so conical shaped rockface.

Powerlines

Climbing down to the powerlines and our exit out through the valley. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

Mahalo to Lilyn for picking us up and dropping us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our saddles hike covered roughly 8.3 miles through crumbly ridges and spectacular scenic vistas. Great hike with good friends. Post hike meal at Pho Le. Somebody said they had the best spring rolls. Maybe they need to get out more. Just saying.

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.