Ferlino, Robin and myself decided to pay a visit to Heaven today.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Pounding the pavement. What happened to the jeep road?

Kulana’ahane Junction

We ran into Janell’s group who was going one way … Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kulana’ahane Trail

… and we were going the other way.

Moanalua Saddle

Real time weather forecast of clouds on the saddle. Photo by Robin Farr.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Ferlino and Robin going up the skinny section of the ridge.

Red Hill Ridge

Pushing towards the top of the rollercoaster ridge.

Red Hill Summit

We all brought our favorite chilled carbonated beverages to the summit.

Moanalua Saddle

Dropping down onto the eroded ridge and leaving the clouds behind us. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Moanalua Saddle

Have hiking stick, will hike.

Moanalua Saddle

The much improved views ahead of us.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the Western half of the Saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

A group of Korean hikers joined us at the top from the valley floor to soak in the expansive views.

Moanalua Saddle

The weather forecast for Heaven looked favorable.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way up on the Eastern half of the Saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

When the Windward climb doesn’t work for you, there is always the Leeward contour. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring on the Windward side with the H-3 below us.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way towards the Dirt Triangle. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Dirt Triangle

Climbing up on the Leeward side. Photo by Robin Farr.

Dirt Triangle

When one hiking stick is not enough. Photo by Robin Farr.

Moanalua Saddle

The weather forecast seemed to be holding.

Moanalua Saddle

There seemed to be less rocks holding this ridge together, as compared from the last visit. Photo by Robin Farr.

Moanalua Saddle

Ferlino climbing up the last “technical” climb up the ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Oh wait, let’s not forget the optional face plant section.

Moanalua Saddle

The view towards Hell.

Ka Hae Hawai’i

When you hike with Ferlino, it’s always Flag Day.

Moanalua Saddle

Panoramic view of the stairs coming and going.

Moanalua Saddle

And she’s buying the stairway to heaven. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking down at the Halawa Amphitheater.

CCL Building

The graffiti angel has fallen from heaven. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Fly by

For those that don’t want to run the risk of being ticketed or put the time in on the trail.

Stairway to Heaven

The couple that was hanging out at the top told us we arrived at the right time, as it was completely socked in before we got there. Lucky us.

CCL Building

Sporting the latest in eyewear fashion, the eyepatch sunglass. May lead to lopsided squinting.

Fly boy

We noticed a paraglider skimming the saddle.

KSRT

Leaving Heaven behind us.

Moanalua Middle Ridge

Mingling with other hikers on our downhill commute to the valley floor.

MMR

Ohia trees picture framing the view. Photo by Robin Farr.

MMR

Traffic jam. Passing on the left.

MMR

Ferlino and Robin coming down the eroded trail against the backdrop of the fluted ridges that composes the flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

MMR

A possible distant cousin to the now extinct tree-osaur in Kahana Valley.

Bark Park

Who wants a belly rub? Me!

All pau

Nine hours later and we were right back where we started from this morning.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike to heaven covered 10.35 miles through constantly changing and eroding terrain. Great hike with good friends. BOGO coupon dictated the venue of our post hike meal to be at the Cattle Company. We just had to wait over 30 minutes which helped to build our appetite up.

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 visit Hell today to help a friend reach her hiking goal.

Trailhead

Met up with Ani, Chris, Cisco, Ferlino, Janell and Jeremy at Kea’iwa Heiau State Recreation Area. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off. Laredo was running fashionably late. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Aiea Loop Trail

Pushing off on the rooted trail.

Aiea Loop Trail

No benchwarmers in this group as we continued on the loop trail.

Junction

When did the hike turn into a shirts versus skins?

Aiea Ridge Trail

Stepping foot on the 5.5 mile ridge trail. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Crossing the well trampled landslide section. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Catching the morning sun breaking over the mountains on our way up.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

The winds were noticeably stronger in the mountains today. We’ll take that over the forecasted rain any day!

Aiea Ridge Trail

Pushing up to the last major hill on the ridge.

Rainbow Man

Capturing the man in motion who ran up the trail to catch up with us.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Taking a group photo on the grassy clearing that provided commanding views of the Windward side. We couldn’t fathom how the “twins” were walking around with no shirts. Insulation envy. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Aiea Ridge Trail

We all had to stop and take a picture of this mossy encrusted ohia tree.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Chris stopping and smelling the clusters of lehua flowers. Watch out for the bees.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Janell and Jeremy coming around the power line tower as they climb up to the summit. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Aiea Summit

Mahalo to Chris for donating his labor and supplies to make a sign marking the top of Aiea Ridge.

Aiea Summit

Clear views to be had by all at the 2,805′ elevation.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The wind seemed to pick up and push us as we made our way off the summit and down the ridge.

KSRT

Today was one of the clearest all around views I’ve been privileged to witness in the mountains. It was just stunningly clear wherever we looked.

KSRT

Looking ahead to the fenced enclosure where the ridge starts to follow the curvature of the Ko’olau spine.

KSRT

Waiting at the fenced enclosure for the rest of the group as the sound of music followed us in the mountains. Somebody was not particularly pleased.

KSRT

It was quite a chore to take our group photo and not get blown down into the spongy valley. Jeremy and Laredo decided to go ahead of us and explore a spur ridge.

KSRT

Making our way up to the last hill against the backdrop of the Windward coast line. Did I mention how clear it was today? Crystal.

KSRT

I think Laredo finally left the music behind him. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

We soon saw a solitary figure watching our progress coming down the hill. Turned out to be Arnold who had come up from Moanalua Valley to meet our group in Hell.

KSRT

Jeremy finding out which way does the wind blow.

KSRT

Watching the rest of the group make their way down and across the spongy ground to join us at the stairs.

Stairway to Hell

Let the bubbly flow! Congratulations to Ani for completing the Ko’olau Summit Trail today. Great job! Photo by Arnold Yago.

Stairway to Hell

Group photo left to right: Jeremy, Laredo, Ferlino, Ani, Chris, myself, Cisco, Arnold and Janell.

Leave no trace

Fork retrieval for Chris, as one can’t expect to eat without proper utensils. We are not savages. Maybe a little unkempt, dirty and smelly. But we are still somewhat civilized. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Stairway to Hell

We hunkered down and ate our lunch in freezing Hell. Arnold soon took his leave of us to go back down to Moanalua Valley. Places to go, people to see. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

North Haiku Stairs

I had always wanted to hike to the bottom of the stairs but prior hikes did not afford the opportunity due to time or inclination. Today was a different story. The group as a whole had also never been to the bottom of the stairs and with the exception of Janelle, Jeremy and Laredo who decided to press on and go down Red Hill, we proceeded down the dilapidated stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

Making our way down the near vertical section of the steps.

North Haiku Stairs

Ani standing on the landing where most people take their pictures and turn back. Not us, we had a burning curiosity and daylight to spare. Photo by Chris Bautista.

North Haiku Stairs

Cisco shuffling through the knee high uluhell ferns.

North Haiku Stairs

Can you see the stairs for the overgrowth?

North Haiku Stairs

Dropping in elevation and gaining overgrowth many times over.

North Haiku Stairs

Treading carefully on the somewhat disconnected and angled stairs. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

North Haiku Stairs

Hanging on what’s left of the rusted railings.

North Haiku Stairs

The choking overgrowth is probably what’s keeping the rusting stairs together.

North Haiku Stairs

We soon hit a wall of impenetrable uluhell ferns and were forced to contour off the stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

Walk to the right, lean to the right. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

North Haiku Stairs

End of the stairs for us.

North Haiku Stairs

Different perspective of the H3 exiting and wrapping around the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

North Haiku Stairs

Time to go back up the stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

It was a steady climb back up through the overgrowth and deteriorating stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

Seems just a matter of time before some sections of the stairs fall off the crumbly ridge.

North Haiku Stairs

Back at the top of the stairs.

REI Bunker

We didn’t find any tents that were to our liking. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

KSRT

Passing by one of the A-frame foundations that once hung suspended antenna cables across the valley.

KSRT

Ferlino climbing out of Hell.

KSRT

Solitary, stunted loulu palm tree overlooking Halawa Valley. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Leaving the steadily shrinking geo marker as we made our way down to the saddle.

KSRT

Passing over the H-3. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

KSRT

Moanalua Saddle backlighted by the sun. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Red Hill Summit

Ani was determined to prove to us all that 45 minutes was not a figment of her imagination.

Red Hill Ridge

Making our way on the rollercoaster ridge. Ups and downs.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

We soon caught up with Janelle on the trail, who was nursing her knee. Misery loves company.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Going down the skinny section of the mossy carpeted ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Moanalua Valley being bathed by the sun. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Walking in the footsteps of Chuck Godek and Erwin Jaskulski, HTMC legends that pioneered this trail. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Everybody going their separate ways around this fallen tree.

Moanalua Valley

Fording the ankle deep stream to get on the Kamananui Valley Trail and the long walk out.

All pau

Chris and Ani raced against time to recover Janell’s car before the gates closed in Aiea. They were successful. Photo by Chris Bautista.

GPS Tracks

Our celebratory hike covered roughly 13 miles to hell and back, with gusty winds and clear views all day included. Great hike with good friends to help Ani finish the KST. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant. What? No oxtail soup! What’s the world coming to?

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.

Our last primer camping hike before the balloon goes up. Met up with Ben, Dale and Ethan at Moanalua Valley.

Trailhead

We followed other hikers going to the stairway. Different routes. Same end.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Greeting a steady stream of Korean hikers making their way out of the valley.

Kamananui Valley Trail

What? You can just drive into the trail and forego the walking? Sign me up for the next Hunter’s Education Class!

Kulana’ahane Trailhead

Yea, though we walk through the valley of the saddle, we will fear and respect her, malama ka aina.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Let’s not follow the arrow today.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

The group going up through the sea of uluhe ferns. Uluhell.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Picking up the trail in the guava strawberry forest. Bread crumbs would help when ribbons will not.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

We soon gained the ridge of Red Hill and huffed and puffed ourselves straight up to the summit.

Red Hill Summit

Steve Lin bumped into our group resting at the summit as he had come up behind us and was on his lonesome way to Stairway to Hell.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben and Dale dropping down into the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Yielding to other hikers making their way up the ridge to keep Steve company in Hell.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben making his way down past the “shaky tree.”

Moanalua Saddle

Looking out towards the CCL building perched on top of the mountain. It was still looking clear at the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben coming down to join us at the summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Ben giving us running commentary on the other hikers progress to hell with his thousand yard stare.

Moanalua Saddle

Time to tackle the better half of the saddle. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Moanalua Saddle

Dale climbing up one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben contouring his way around the ridge. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben and Ethan scrambling their way up on the Windward side.

Moanalua Saddle

Heading to the Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben and Dale contouring around the triangle. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Moanalua Saddle

Dale making his way up.

Moanalua Saddle

Just a couple crumbly sections between us and heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring around the Leeward side to gain the ridge line. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Moanalua Saddle

Dale scrambling up the rotten rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Watch out for falling rocks. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan making his way up.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben making his way up the five point of contact section with four points of contact. He did not honor the traditional way of climbing up.

Moanalua Saddle

All uphill from here.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the saddle. One down, two more to go.

Moanalua Saddle

Landing on the first pad, that used to anchor antenna cables that stretched 7,200′ across the valley. Engineering marvel of the day.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan with his one yard stare, noticed something was turned inside out. That’s how they roll in Virginia.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan leaving the pad for the summit. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Moanalua Saddle

Ben and Dale walking up the back stairs to the CCL building. Mystery solved.

Moanalua Saddle

Almost to the top.

Haiku Stairs

Group photo with views for days, left to right: myself, Dale, Ben and Ethan.

Haiku Stairs

Seeking shelter from the crisp winds while knocking the rocks from my shoes. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

We parted ways with Dale at the Moanalua Middle Ridge Junction. Good job on your first saddle, Dale! Thanks for the fun company!

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Ben making his way down the ridge line.

Moanalua Middle Ridge

Hello from the other side.

KSRT

Hello back. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Making our way down to the abandoned relay station. VT call home. Photo by Ben Hinders.

KSRT

Passing the power lines. No swings seen.

Tripler Summit

This would make a really, really good camp site. Photo by Ben Hinders.

KSRT

Heading to the summit of Bowman. Just passing through.

Kalihi Saddle

Do you see Ethan?

Kalihi Saddle

Oh, there you are.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben approaching one of the cracked and crumbly sections.

Kalihi Saddle

Going over the boulder that’s still somehow hanging on.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben and Ethan making their way around the loosely packed overhang.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the dirty rope slide.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben making his way down the slippery slope.

Kalihi Saddle

The wave’s ride is over.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben barreling down the hill.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking for the porta-potty. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing down the chossy rocks. Slowly.

Rock Triangle #1

Following the rope down to the Leeward side of the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben and Ethan standing on an eroded section. Heck, the entire ridge was practically eroded.

Rock Triangle #2

Looking for the stirrups to climb down. What the heck?

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way down the skinny ridge. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben preparing to descend down tabletop rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Bottoming out from the steep descent …

Kalihi Saddle

… then going back down.

Kalihi Saddle

Crossing over one of the more narrower sections of the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben approaching the Witch’s Hat. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Kalihi Saddle

Group photo on top of Witch’s Hat.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way down the backside.

Kalihi Saddle

We had spotted three hikers earlier milling about the power lines, worried that our reservations might be usurped, Ethan surged ahead to secure our place for the night. It was all for naught as the group was intent on pressing to Haiku Stairs. Ben continued his running commentary on the hiker’s progress with his used to be better thousand yard stare.

Camp Centipede

Hunkering down for dinner that was rudely interrupted by a slithering venomous arthropod making a beeline for my tent. Didn’t bother to count if it had 100 legs. I was too busy smashing it with a rock that it had come under from. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Camp Centipede

Good night from the saddle. The rain came down hard during the night. Sleep tight and don’t let the centipedes bite. Tent zipped up tight. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Camp Centipede

Good morning from the saddle. The rain had cleared up but left us with wet rocks. Gee, thanks. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Camp Centipede

I came back from pooping and found the campsite being rolled up. Time to mosey on down to the power lines.

Powerlines

Shout out to Dale for dropping Chris and Khym at the power lines trail to join us for a meet and greet hike. Not a saddle hike. Sorry guys.

Powerlines

Ethan ending his abstinence from soda after two years. Thanks to Chris and Khym for hauling up the soda and water.

Powerlines

The rocks were wet from last night’s pounding and the weather looked gloomy. Somebody was doggedly trying to convince us it was going to be a beautiful day. Second opinion. Third opinion. Better safe than sorry.

Powerlines

We may as well take a group photo as this is far as we are going to get on the saddle today. Left to right: myself, Ben, Ethan, Chris and Khym.

Powerlines

Panoramic view from the power lines. There was a “trail” that looked promising for another exploration hike.

Powerlines Trail

Dejected and disappointed, well maybe not everybody, we made our way down the trail and into Kalihi Valley.

All pau

Ben coming down the trail and detouring around the fenced building. Do not enter the open gate, it’s a trap. Mahalo to Ethan’s friend, Phil, for picking us up and shuttling us to our cars in Maunawili.

GPS Tracks

Even though our three saddles hike got abbreviated to one and half saddles, covering 10.05 miles through crumbly terrain and scenic sights with great company made it all worthwhile. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery. Not Lover’s Bakery. I never experienced standing room only at a restaurant until today.

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.

We went back to complete some unfinished business in the mountains. Mahalo to Rocky’s wife, Glory, for dropping us off at the top of Keaiwa Heiau State Park. Photo by Rocky Abad.

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Shirley, Tina, Rocky, Mia, myself, Daryl, Lee, Dale, Ethan and Chris. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Aiea Loop Trail

The group crossing through a deeply eroded section of the trail.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Transitioning from the loop to the ridge trail. Miles and miles of hiking ahead of us. 5.5 miles to be exact.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The girls descending down the trail.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Dale crossing the landslide section. Look ma, no hands!

Aiea Ridge Trail

The group picking their way along the narrow stretch of the ridge. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Somebody is out of their element. Photo by Rocky Abad.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Panoramic view of the mountain range. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Lee doing a handstand without assistance.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Shirley not doing a handstand with assistance.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Girls only. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Group photo at the 2,441′ summit of Pu’u Kawipo’o.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Making our way to the power line tower. Photo by Tina Corpuz.

Aiea Ridge Trail

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Scenic shot. Every hiker has their photo. Photo by Shirley.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Almost to the summit.

Aiea Summit

Silent Shirley strikes again.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the gusty 2,805′ summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Windward winds kept us straight on the ridge line. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Scrambling up one of the many hills on the ridge. Up and down.

KSRT

Smile break or smoke break?

KSRT

Chris and Daryl in the middle of the saddle. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Hikers on the ridge line.

KSRT

Heading into the meadows. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

When the wind takes your favorite cap down wind and you have to go retrieve it.

KSRT

When you don’t learn from the first time and have to do it the second time.

KSRT

Group photo by Daryl Cacatian in front of the fenced enclosure protecting a rare endemic bellflower plant.

KSRT

Stunning views of the valley to the valley to the ocean. Photo by Lee Shreve.

KSRT

Chris and Daryl dropping down the ridge.

KSRT

Looking back as the clouds started to roll down the mountains, chasing us to hell.

KSRT

Chris and Daryl dropping off the ridge.

KSRT

Bad hair day in the mountains.

North Haiku Stairs

Looking down at the unfinished stairs to hell. Photo by Lee Shreve.

North Haiku Stairs

These girls packed some serious lunch. Glass containers and all. Photo by Lee Shreve.

North Haiku Stairs

Portraits in Hell.

North Haiku Stairs

Chris Zeppelin strumming Stairway to Hell. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

North Haiku Stairs

Ethan, I have an owie.

North Haiku Stairs

The Goodwill Bunker. Photo by Rocky Abad.

North Haiku Stairs

Shirley feeling nostalgic.

North Haiku Stairs

Taking the stairs out of hell.

North Haiku Stairs

Looking back as the rest of the group made their way down the rusting stairs.

North Haiku Stairs

What happened to the stairs? Photo by Lee Shreve.

North Haiku Stairs

Leaving hell behind us. Photo by Shirley.

KSRT

Whiteout conditions at the weather beaten geo marker. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Dropping down to the Halawa junction.

KSRT

We dropped below the clouds to clear views of the Windward side. Photo by Shirley.

KSRT

Looking ahead to Moanalua Saddle.

Red Hill Summit

The stashed water supply has dwindled dramatically. Don’t be expecting free samples. Photo by Chris.

Red Hill Summit

Shirley leaving the summit behind her.

Moanalua Saddle

Treading carefully along the eroded saddle section. Photo by Lee Shreve.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring or detouring? Ethan should’ve bet lunch. Photo by Chris.

Moanalua Saddle

The group dropping down into the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

A good day on the saddle. The company and views make it all worthwhile. Photo by Chris.

Moanalua Saddle

Up and over.

Moanalua Saddle

Daryl straddling the straddle. Photo by Chris.

Moanalua Saddle

Shirley making her way down the saddle. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo at the summit. Third time is the charm. Jumping back and forth is hard work.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Filming in progress. Traffic was everywhere but on the H-3 today. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Looking behind at the panoramic view of heaven and hell.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Leaving the summit and dropping down into the valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

One of multiple dry and wet stream crossings.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Pockets of tangled and twisted hau branches lined the valley trail. Photo by Lee Shreve.

Kulana’ahane Trail

The barely rippling stream was so clear and inviting. No swimming today.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Crossing the streambed to join the rest of the group at the junction.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Group photos are like bunny ears, they multiply like crazy if you don’t watch your back.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Passing by one of seven storied bridges on the trail.

All pau

We walked out of the trail and into the park to use the restroom and wash our feet with the open faucet. Somebody lost her car keys. Looked for them. Found them. We can leave the park now.

GPS Tracks

Our group hike covered 13.38 miles through windy and cloudy ridges with great company and fun all around. We survived our hike from hell and some of us went to Cattle Company Steakhouse for our post hike meal. Daryl was going to do his leg workout but changed his mind and joined us for our wait workout, which took over an hour. Samplers and souvenirs were the course for the day.

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.

My journey to traverse the Ko’olau Mountain Range began with a saddle and fittingly ended with another saddle today. I had no intentions of completing the entire Ko’olau Mountain Range when I first started hiking, it was just to get out and hit the trails. That all changed after one of our hikes, when the topic turned to connecting and finishing all the trails that made up the Ko’olau Mountains, the idea was then planted in my head and thus began my journey that ended today. Much appreciation and thanks to all my fellow hikers that have showed me new trails, shared advice, and kept me company in the mountains.

Head count?

This being a social hike, it was a chance to see old friends and make new friends. Our group of 19 hikers pushed off the Kamananui Valley Road in Moanalua Valley to begin our hike. It was surprising that we had the trail to ourselves on a Saturday morning.

Bridges and streams

There are seven bridges that once made up the carriage road that led to the Damon Estate tucked deep in the valley. No carriages for our dogs, just boots and sneakers.

Overloaded?

I must have missed a bridge. Group photo left to right: Chris C, Randy, Jose, Marvin, Troy, John, Bob, Lyzel, Ahnate, Kelly, Chance, Nani, Donald, Chris H, Ryan, Brian, Shane and Art. The rest of the road alternated between semi-dry to muddy.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Group photo at the Kulana’ahane Trailhead left to right, standing: Chris H, Art, Brian, Ahnate, Kelly, Lyzel, Bob, Donald, Randy, Shane, John, Jose and Chris C. Sitting, left to right: Chance, Ryan, myself, Nani, Marvin and Troy. All accounted for.

More steam crossings ahead

Headed into the valley. There are supposed to be over two dozen stream crossings. I didn’t keep count.

Rain gauge station

Somebody tagged the outhouse! Taggers and Litterbuggers beware! Night marchers are known to frequent hiking trails, even during the daytime. Please show respect by following three simple rules: Leave nothing but footprints (maybe webbing on sketchy sections). Take nothing but photos (okay the occasional banana or dragonfruit). Kill nothing but time (maybe the invasive flora and fauna).

Follow the signs and streams

The trail was well defined with signs and ribbons, hard to get lost on this trail.

Hau trees

Groves of hau trees, if not checked, can form an near impenetrable barrier. In the old days, Hawaiians needed the permission of the village chief to cut these tree branches.

Going upstream

The trail followed Kamananui stream as it meandered its way through the valley.

Watering hole

Taking a break before our climb up the mountain. Nobody wanted to jump into the pool today. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Unmaintained trail

Despite the sign, the trail looked remarkably maintained.

Short but steep

Nothing like a nice little cardio workout in the morning.

Dry chute

No raging waterfall today. Photo by Chris Chun.

Moanalua Valley

Looking back into the valley, to see how far we had come. Photo by Nani Dee.

Moanalua Saddle

Topping out in the middle of the saddle at 1,680′ elevation.

Haiku Valley

Click here for the larger image of Haiku Valley. The H-3 was unusually empty, due to Honolulu bound lanes closed for the weekend. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Saddle crew

Group photo left to right, standing: Art, Nani, Randy, Donald, Chris H, Ryan, Shane, Chance, Jose and Chris C. Left to right, sitting: Lyzel, myself, Brian, Bob, Marvin, John, Kelly, Ahnate and Troy.

Not coming?

Chance and Chris decided to return back down into the valley, reducing our group to 17 hikers.

Now the fun begins

We turned left towards Red Hill to begin our climb out of the saddle.

Skinny ridge

What would a saddle hike be without skinny ridges?

A little crumbly

Troy, Marvin and John coming down a crumbly section of the saddle. Photo by Art Millan.

Leeward side contour

The trail largely contoured to the Leeward side, avoiding the steep Windward drops.

Can you see the CCL building?

Looking towards the “better half” of Moanalua Saddle. Photo by Nani Dee.

Exposed rocks

The group scrambling over an exposed and rocky section of the saddle.

Hello?

Who are you calling?

Hello?

Oh me? Too funny. Photo by Nani Dee.

Overgrown

Heavy overgrowth marked this saddle section.

So close, yet so far

At the washed out section of the saddle, Marvin’s leg locked up. Continuing the climb was now out of the question.

Decisions

After discussing options; Marvin decided to head back down, with Randy and Nani keeping him company. Better safe than sorry. Photo by John Garrity.

Last steep climb

Climbing the last steep section. Photo by Art Millan.

Almost there

The rest of the trail slightly sloped as we made our way to Red Hill.

Red Hill summit

We were at the summit of Red Hill before we even knew it. It was that quick.

All the dots are connected

My Ko’olau journey was now complete. Cheehoo! Photo by Bob Tyson.

Going down Red Hill Ridge

The group making their way up and down the roller coasting Red Hill Ridge.

Ridges everywhere

Halawa and Aiea ridges sandwiching the H-3 to our right. Photo by Chris Chun.

Lyzel in a tree

Lyzel taking a break up in the trees.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Troy and Bob going down the spur ridge known as the Godek-Jaskulski trail, which drops down into Moanalua Valley.

Laundry day

Who brings a hangar on a hike? Lyzel, that’s who. Photo by Lyzel.

Back on the trail

Out of the original group of 19 hikers, 14 of us completed the loop. Only three miles left back to our cars.

Happy Birthday Bob!

Today Bob turned 65. Still kicking and hitting the trails, hope I’m that active when I get to be his age. He was also passing out ice cold beer like there was no tomorrow. Group photo left to right, top: Ahnate, Troy, Chris H, Chance, myself, Lyzel, Chris C, Donald, Marvin, Randy and Nani. Left to right, bottom: Shane, Bob, John, Kelly, Art, Ryan, Jose and Brian.

GPS Tracks

The 9.7 mile hike was my last segment needed to complete the Ko’olaus. Thanks to everybody that came out and kept me company. If I had to do it over again, I would do longer crossovers on the KST. Going up and down the long ridges to the KST, takes a lot of time and energy. After the hike, 13 of us hungry hikers descended onto Old Spaghetti Factory and replenished our liquids and carbs! Keep up waiter! LOL.

Ko’olau Journey

Click here for the larger image of my section hikes across the Ko’olaus. Map by Marvin Chandra.

Taking advantage of Island Air’s discounted fares, I hopped on a plane to Maui to see an old buddy, Everett, and hike into Haleakala Crater. On the way up, we stopped at Komoda Store and Bakery in Makawao, famous for their stick donuts, but they were on vacation!

Leaving the clouds behind

Going up the winding road to the summit, we gradually started to climb above the clouds as we passed scores of bicyclists going back down.

Pu'u Ula'ula

Standing at the top of Haleakala or Pu’u Ula’ula (Red Hill) at 10,023 feet. The skies were remarkably clear and the thin air was nice and crisp, didn’t even need my windbreaker. You can see the tops of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa of the Big Island poking up from the clouds in the distance.

Panoramic view from the summit

Click here to see the larger image.

Keonehe'ehe'e Trailhead

We drove down to the parking area where the trailhead was located at. There are restrooms to use before you start heading out on the trail, but be warned as the air is quite chilly up there and the seats are not heated!

Haleakala Crater

As we started down the trail into the crater, we could see the clouds slowly spilling into the rim.

Haleakala Silversword

We came across a bunch of Silversword plants that looked like they had just flowered and they were on their last buds, so to speak.

Haleakala - House of the Sun

In Hawaiian legend, this is where a local fisherman, Maui captured the sun and forced it to have longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter.

Cinder cones

There are numerous cinder cones scattered on the crater floor, most of them are several hundred feet high.

Paniolo Nazi

“What are you doing?” This rhetorical question was repeated ad nauseum at two Australian tourists that had wandered off the trail by this paniolo (cowboy) guide that was leading a group of tourists down into the crater. He followed it up with threatening statements that it was a $500 fine, even though he is not a park ranger. The horse droppings do far more damage, as they have introduced alien grass and vegetation into the crater. After descending almost 2,000 feet into the crater, we turned around and started to head back up. The thin air and loose volcanic dirt, hence the name “Sliding Sands”, made one work a little harder on the return trip.

All pau

As we got back to the top of the trail, we could look back and see that the clouds had advanced further into the crater. On some days, the entire crater floor is covered in clouds, now that must make for an interesting hike. The next time I make it over here, I plan on hiking the other trail, Halemau’u and spending a night in one of the cabins which would give more time to explore the crater and the lava tubes.