kenjiSAITO » sexxxy ridge

Ka’ala to Kolekole (Akira’s WST Finish)

kenji SAITO — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:00:41 +0000

Tessa came out of her self-imposed semi-retirement to see her significant other complete the Waianae Summit Trail today.

Waianae Valley

Mahalo to Lilia and Kenny for dropping us off in the remote valley that was once home to taro, cattle and sugarcane. Now it’s home to the occasional chronic, abandoned cars and stray dogs.

Waianae Kaala Road

I guess we follow the arrow for the group photo and the hiking trail.

Waianae Kaala Road

Walking this road will never grow on me.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Some use pens. Others use stickers.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Crossing the dry streambed into the valley.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Taking a standing break after the short cardio climb up the hill.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Bolohead meets bolohead.

Waianae Kaala Trail

West side is the best side. Except when chronics come calling. Kenny was getting alerts from his Tesla indicating that his car was getting some unwanted advances from a nearby chronic.

Waianae Kaala Trail

No rope. No hope. Don’t be a dope.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Kenny soaking in the realization that this was the highest he has climbed to date. Only 800′ more feet to go!

Waianae Kaala Trail

Props to the peeps that carried power tools and composite steps to attach them to this boulder. While not absolutely necessary, it does make the climb easier.

Mount Ka’ala

Kuli at the entrance to the 1,100 acres of ecosystems that harbors multiple native plants and animals.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo on part of the boardwalk that extends roughly 3/4 mile through the Ka’ala bog. We parted ways with Kenny who went on to terminate at the end of trail sign.

Mount Ka’ala

Kenny bumped into @blaquekangaroo on his way to the summit, a social media influencer on IG.

Mount Ka’ala

Picking our way through the faint and flagged trail.

Mount Ka’ala

Sole sucking mud seemingly waited for us at every turn on the path. Just ask Akira, who had to go fishing for Tessa’s shoe.

Mount Ka’ala

Man down!

Mount Ka’ala

Working our way through the moss encrusted stunted plant life.

Mount Ka’ala

Contact with the fence line that soon lead us off the highest point on the island.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Breaking out briefly on the ridge line that afforded expansive views of the Waianae Mountain Range and points beyond.

WST

You never let go of the ropes. Wise advice. Especially from somebody that just broke a tree branch as he was descending down the moss slicked boulders. This gave somebody else second thoughts but luckily it was just a fleeting one at that.

WST

Last one down.

WST

Helping hand at the leap of faith.

WST

Taking the direct route instead of the contour trail. Occam’s razor.

WST

The weight of the world was on Akira’s shoulders. Or at least a small piece of Waianae.

WST

The grass smells better on the other side of the fence line.

WST

Fence line keeping hikers away from the eroded sections.

WST

Plunging and pushing through the dense and insufferable uluhe fern overgrowth.

Hobbs Junction

Tessa is either trying to form the letter “H” or has the onset of arthritis in her hands.

WST

Following the fence line as it struggled to stay with the uneven ridge line.

WST

Crossing and climbing through a gap in the fence line.

WST

Tessa about to drop off the side of the cliff with the help of a rather faded and long in the tooth webbing.

WST

Chico picked up a traveling companion. These invasive critters that hailed from Kenya were released into the wild in 1972 and are responsible for the extinction or near extinction of many native species.

Pu’u Kalena

Taking lunch at what Hawaiian legend said was the nipple of a pregnant woman giving birth to the ocean. Mount Ka’ala was her pregnant stomach.

Pu’u Kalena

Group photo at the 3,504′ peak.

WST

Making our way down through the suffocating overgrowth as we followed the ubiquitous fence line.

WST

Climbing through the partially denuded section as we picked up elevation again on our climb back up.

Star Trek Junction

The group flashing the Vulcan salute made famous by Leonard Nimoy in the popular science fiction franchise show.

WST

Some took the hard way, while others took the easier way.

WST

Looking to our right, we were treated to views of sexxxy ridge and pu’u ka’ilio, both short and “punchy” hikes.

WST

Six o’clock views of the second highest mountain on the island.

WST

Chico descending towards the start of the narrow dike section. Not to be confused with intrusive igneous rock formations that identify with the rainbow coalition.

WST

Akira and Scott maintaining their sense of balance which was helped by the absence of stiff winds.

WST

Somebody was taking a break from crawling.

WST

Tessa bringing up the rear.

Pu’u Kumakalii

A familiar face greeted us at the 2,881′ peak.

WST

When do we get to the sketchy part? Is this it?

WST

Coming down the mountain. Yes we are.

WST

Akira scrambling his way down.

WST

The rest of the group climbing down the narrow dike.

WST

It looked like the mountains were letting off some steam today.

WST

We peeled off the ridge line and hiked down the valley towards the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range, where we also met up with Kenny again. A couple of folks in the group went off “exploring” and one had to be pulled from the edge of a cliff. Just another day at the office.

WST

Is Chico horizontally rappelling with his scuttlebutt?

WST

We walked through the valley of the shadow of UXO.

Kolekole Pass

#26 – No drinking the bubbly this time! Congratulations Akira-san on finishing the last section to complete the entire 26 miles of the Waianae Summit Trail.

All pau

Final group photo of the day, left to right: Scott, Jeremy, myself, Tessa, Chico, Akira, Kenny and CB. Thanks to CB and Kenny for shuttling us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our completion hike covered a distance of 7.06 miles that saw us summit the two highest peaks on the island before ending at the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range, from the highest to the lowest. Congratulations again to Akira for finishing the WST. We were joined by Cat and Edgar for our post hike meal at Zippy’s.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Jeremy Cannone, Kenny Lui, Scott Peterson, 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.

Pu’u Ka’ala to Kolekole Pass

kenji SAITO — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 17:14:54 +0000

A friend got sick and was unable to complete the KST this weekend, so Eric and I did a hike on the West side instead.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Chico and Groot for dropping us off in the area that was once dominated by sugar and cattle plantations from roughly 1906-1946.

Ka’ala Trail

We passed some hunters who when they learned of our destination, suggested we take the road instead. No thanks, we’ll stick to the higher ground. There was enough pavement on this road leading up to the trail that was enough for me.

Ka’ala Trail

Old and new. Trail markers that is. The purple bottle caps was set by Waianae Steve many years ago and the pink ribbons by hikers many months ago?

Three Poles

Climbing out of the valley was a good stiff cardio exercise as we reached the top where we saw the prominent Bolo Head ridge next to us.

Ka’ala Trail

Eric climbing over the first boulder section.

Ka’ala Trail

Can you take my photo of me going up the ladder section? My phone is locked out.

Pu’u Ka’ala

Reaching the top of the highest mountain on the island, while the true summit was a short walk away, this was good enough for today. We also ran into two brothers from Texas who was unprepared for the inclement weather, as it’s always sunny in Hawaii right?

Pu’u Ka’ala

One of eight species of koli’i taken by the botanist on the hike, this particular one takes about five years to grow and then blooms its pink flowers and dies off.

Ka’ala Bog

Eric entering the 1,100 acre area that was once home to a fishpond and is now home to endemic plants and species.

Ka’ala Bog

Got mud?

Ka’ala Bog

Mud misery loves company.

Ka’ala Bog

The botanist identified this as kanawao, a species of perennial flowering plant of the Hydrangeaceae family, that is only found in Hawaii.

Ka’ala Bog

Contact with the fence line which lead us to the …

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

… overgrown and cloud soaked ridge line.

WST

Making my way down the slippery climb due to the prior rain and morning dew.

WST

Eric going across the Leap of Faith.

WST

When the weight on your shoulders is too much. Just let it roll down the valley.

WST

Two native plants – Hawaiian mint that has no smell due to no predators and the uluhe ferns that are important to the native ecosystem in terms of building soil and also impede hiking traffic on many a trail.

WST

I found the overgrowth presence on the trail was markedly less than on previous visits. No complaints here.

WST

Following the fence line on the undulating ridge line.

WST

The fence while a bane to some hikers and a boon to conservationists, it does help one to navigate more easily through the overgrowth, sometimes.

WST

Watching rain showers march across Lualualei Valley. the largest coastal valley on the Leeward side of the island.

WST

Passing by shrubs of Naupaka Kuahiwi, the mountain yin to the Naupaka Kahakai, the ocean yang. The half flowers symbolize division in Hawaiian mythology and when united, symbolize love and reunion.

WST

Eric making his way around the “split” fenced ridge line.

WST

Dropping down to a narrow shelf as we made our way on the trail.

WST

Eric climbing his way up.

WST

Contouring our way around the trail that was riddled with erosion and landslides.

Pu’u Kalena

Group photo on the second highest peak on the island that sits at 3,504′ elevation.

WST

We took a short break at the summit and then pushed our way through the overgrowth.

WST

Climbing our way through the denuded section of the trail.

Star Trek Junction

My Vulcan salute was looking pretty weak. Live long and prosper.

WST

Passing through the pine tree section.

WST

Making my way along the eroded section of the trail.

WST

Eric going over one of multiple fence crossings.

WST

Looking out towards sexxxy ridge, so named due to the razor thin ridge and sheer drops on both sides.

WST

Eric climbing down the hill towards the rock dike ahead of us.

WST

Trailing on the narrow dike.

WST

Leaving the fence line behind us as we descended down the trail which lead to another rock dike.

WST

Eric climbing his way down with Ka’ilio in the background.

WST

Making my way down the narrow dike.

WST

Passing through the “Martian” area while stopping to check out some red lichen on the rocks.

All pau

Lucky we are illiterate. Thanks to Chico for picking us up and bringing us coke floats. Big mahalos!

GPS Tracks

Our final hike of the year covered just under seven miles through a mixture of wet and dry terrain and cloud soaked and sun kissed views. Post hike meal at Chicken in a Barrel. They didn’t have any chicken left. Really? So we split a pizza at the nearby Old Town Pizzeria. Thanks Eric for picking up the pizza. Fun hike to end 2024.

Photos taken by Eric Sadoyama and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Mount Ka’ala to Kolekole

kenji SAITO — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 16:19:39 +0000

Back to the West side to tie up some loose ends. We even got to see a Achatinella mustelina, an air-breathing land snail that is endemic to the Waianae Range.

Waianae Valley

Mahalo to Daryl for coming out of hiking hibernation and dropping Aida, Aileen, Chris, CJ, Thomas and myself off in the remote valley.

Waianae Valley

Chasing the rainbow on our walk up the oft-maligned concrete and asphalt road. Somebody had a bag of skittles in their pack.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Shaking off the hunting dogs before we traded the road for the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Cardio climb up the leaf covered hill.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Cardio collapse.

Three Poles

Taking a quick breather.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Soaking in the West side views.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Going up the first set of boulders.

Waianae Kaala Trail

The views were not half bad coming up.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Bolted steps made quick work of the second boulder set.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Scrambling up the steep rock studded section.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Gaining roughly 3,500′ in elevation as we approached the highest peak on the island.

Ka’ala Bog

360 degree view of the boardwalk that straddles the native cloud forest.

Ka’ala Bog

Lucky that we didn’t bring any dogs with us today.

Ka’ala Bog

Finding our way through the wet forest.

Ka’ala Bog

Made it to the fence line.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Going down the ridge line.

WST

Standing underneath the hanging moss grotto.

WST

First one down the slippery boulders.

WST

Last one down.

WST

Sometimes the leap of faith requires a helping hand.

WST

Aida looking where to land her foot.

WST

Some of us bypassed the contour and took the direct way up.

WST

All that gym time finally paid off.

WST

Carrying the weight of the world consumes a lot of calories. Time to replenish them.

WST

Following the fence line down as we could see the summit of the second highest peak on the island in the distance, so close yet so far.

WST

Somebody didn’t get today’s memo to not to put their full weight on the fence.

Hobbs Junction

Group photo at the terminus of the steeply graded ridge that takes one down back into Waianae Valley.

WST

Resuming our hike on the fenced trail that cut through the thorny blackberry bushes and itchy grass.

WST

Looking back at the flat topped summit of Mount Ka’ala.

WST

Traversing the crack.

WST

Aida and Aileen climbing down and back up.

WST

Dropping down to contour around the ridge line.

WST

Climbing up the last rockface.

WST

Fist bump followed by lunch.

Pu’u Kalena

360 degree view of the 3,504′ peak with clear and commanding views of Lualualei and Waianae Valleys, Wahiawa Plain, cloud capped Ko’olau Mountains, and the prominent peaks of Ka’ala, Hapapa, Kanehoa and Kaua.

WST

Leaving the fern saturated summit.

WST

Descending down the steep fenced line.

WST

Climbing up the eroded hill section.

Star Trek Junction

Giving the Vulcan salute that was created by Leonard Nimoy who drew upon his Jewish roots to create the iconic gesture.

WST

Chris enjoying the views and brief respite from the overgrowth.

WST

Taking the invasive critter from the wilds of Waianae …

WST

… to the tangerine tree in Ewa.

WST

Thomas carefully crossing over the slipper fence, as he didn’t want to hit a high note.

SeXXXy Ridge

Looking out towards the skinny ridge that drops down into the valley and the crumbly hot mess known as Pu’u Ka’ilio in the background.

WST

Aida approaching the beginning of the dike section.

WST

Chris watching the girls climb their way down.

WST

Somebody asked what is a dike? Not to be confused with a dyke. Same sound. Different meanings.

Pu’u Kumakalii

Group photo at the 2,881′ peak. We have a name.

WST

Chris and Thomas descending down the narrow dike with steep drop offs on one side and vegetation on the other side.

WST

Aida keeping her balance on the narrow sheet of rock.

WST

The girls coming off the dike to more stable ground.

WST

Looking into the heart of the largest coastal valley on the island which used to be the center of volcanic activity of the Waianae Volcano.

WST

Getting off the exposed ridge line.

WST

Making our way down to the lowest point in the Waianae Mountains.

WST

Aileen coming down the sliding sands section.

WST

Leaving the Martian like dune landscape for the emerald forest.

Kolekole Pass

The group emerging from the valley of head high grass and UXOs.

Kolekole Pass

#19. Congratulations to Thomas for completing the entire Waianae Summit Trail that totals roughly 26 miles.

Kolekole Pass

I declined the champagne dousing as best as I could for my #10. I don’t drink alcohol. Only in the worst of times.

All pau

A big thanks to Amber, Cary and Doug who picked up our collective group and dropped us off to our parked cars in Kapolei. Somebody drove back to Schofield Barracks to search for her missing phone, despite being in the car that she was picked up in. I guess she needed extra driving time, much unlike extra cardio time.

GPS Tracks

Our double finish of the WST covered 7.45 miles that covered the two highest peaks on the island with a great group. Post hike meal was supposed to have been at Outback Steakhouse. Father’s Day reservations made the wait intolerable. Ono Steak & Shrimp closed early. El Mariachi didn’t want to seat us due to the time. Hot Spot was confused with Hot Pot. We finally settled on nearby L & L, which stands for Lee & Lee, the original owners. We should’ve waited for Outback Steakhouse.

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

Star Trek Ridge to Kolekole Pass

kenji SAITO — Sun, 16 May 2021 17:30:10 +0000

I decided it was time for another visit to a place where no (wo)man has gone before.

Waianae Valley

Met up with Aida, Art and Lilyn in Schofield Barracks where Mia then shuttled us to the valley laced with helpful messages, revived terraces, abandoned cars and stray dogs.

Waianae Valley

It was not even a hop, before we were off the much maligned service road and into the bushes. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waianae Valley

Breaching the rock wall. Photo by Art Young.

Junction

Left for Hobbs and right for where many a (wo)man has gone before.

Waianae Valley

Contrary to popular belief, some parts of Waianae would give Manoa Valley a run for its money.

Waianae Valley

Are we following the yellow caps …

Star Trek Ridge

or the green ones? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Star Trek Ridge

The climb started to get a little steep, fortunately there was an abundance of trees scattered throughout the trail.

Star Trek Ridge

Aida scrambling up towards the rock wall. Photo by Art Young.

Star Trek Ridge

Art contouring his way around the rock wall. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Star Trek Ridge

You had to be a tree hugger on this hike, no matter your political leaning.

Star Trek Ridge

We missed it by that much. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Star Trek Ridge

Following the discolored webbing like so many breadcrumbs scattered throughout the forest. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Star Trek Ridge

Taking an unintended detour. Or as they call it, exploring our way around the mountains.

Star Trek Ridge

Lilyn taking in the views. What views? Photo by Aida Gordon.

Star Trek Ridge

Art climbing up a steep section. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Star Trek Ridge

Lilyn practicing her three points of contact and one contact on a rope that has been out here 24/7 for who knows how long. Photo by Art Young.

Star Trek Ridge

The girls enjoying a brief respite from the steep climb as the trail leveled off for a bit. Photo by Art Young.

Star Trek Ridge

Back to climbing. No rest for the weary.

Star Trek Ridge

There must be a trail somewhere in this steep hill marked by crumbly under footing and tightly packed trees and dense undergrowth. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Terminus

Group photo on the Waianae Summit Trail, left to right: myself, Aida, Art and Lilyn.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We followed the fence line that cut a corridor through the overgrowth. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Well, most of it.

WST

Some invasive species had the right idea on how to hike the trail and avoid all those pesky thorny bushes. If I could only be green and horny as well. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Trying to prevent my cap from blowing away. Resistance is futile. Something I would learn later on in the hike. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Enjoying an open area to soak in the expansive West side views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Pushing through more overgrowth with the fence as our guide.

WST

Walking on the windy ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Can you see the ridge for the clouds? Photo by Art Young.

SeXXXy Ridge

Wet and windy conditions prevented us from exhibiting foolish behavior on a narrow spur ridge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Art climbing down to the rock dike where we soon crossed paths with two other hikers that had come up from Schofield Barracks.

WST

Taking a seat. A panoramic seat. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Diamond Head was nearby according to a certain nobody.

WST

Your pic … Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

… for my pic. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pu’u Kamakalii

Group photo at the 2,881′ terminus with the cloud capped summit of Kalena behind us.

Kolekole Trail

Descending down the narrow dike with winds whipping all around us. It was hard not to lose ones head. Let alone a cap.

Kolekole Trail

Art making his way down the dike.

Kolekole Trail

Lilyn climbing her way down. Photo by Art Young.

Geocache

Uh, shouldn’t the cache be a tad more difficult to find?

Kolekole Trail

Aida looking back at the narrow dike that we had just traversed. Something that she had done before. Shades of the forgetful hiker. Photo by Art Young.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

Somebody wanted to ride the crumbly Forbidden Mountain ride. One day. When you are old enough.

Kolekole Trail

Trading the treeline for the hardscrabble terrain.

Kolekole Trail

Aida preparing to slide and scoot her way down the hill. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Trail

Art walking down the eroded hill.

Kolekole Trail

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of UXO, I will fear nothing, for ignorance is bliss. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

All pau

Big shout out to Mia who picked us up ahead of schedule. That’s always a good thing.

GPS Tracks

Our Wild West hike covered a scant 3.6 miles through the rugged terrain of the Waianae Mountain Range. Somebody said they will boldly not go back here again. Post hike meal at Chicken in a Barrel. We should’ve stuck with the Louisiana style chicken. Closer and more flavorful.

Kaena Point to Kolekole Pass

kenji SAITO — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 13:36:40 +0000

We spent Veteran’s Day Weekend camping and hiking in the Waianae Mountains. Big shout out to Alexis for driving Stuart and myself to the end of the island to start our hike.

Kaena Point

Trying to tie my shoe laces in the wee hours of the morning with makapiapia still in my eyes. Thanks to Alexis for taking my trash back with her. Pack in, pack out. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Kaena Point

We followed the railroad track remnants along the coastline to the base of the ridge.

Kaena Point

Passing the second WW2 bunker on our way up the darkened ridge.

Kaena Point

Somebody left the lights on. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station

This place has been around since statehood. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Kuaokala Trail

We crossed paths with gun toting hunters and their pig sniffing dogs on the trail.

Kaena Point

Back on the road again. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Kuaokala Trail

We had a quick breakfast at the picnic shelter before setting foot back on the trail.

Kuaokala Trail

Sunlight breaking over the trail. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Kuaokala Trail

Following the signed junction as we made our way up the slight, rocky incline.

Kuaokala Trail

Drinking in our early morning views. Better than a cup of coffee to get you jump started.

Kuaokala Trail

Stuart standing on picture rock.

Kuaokala Trail

Following the fence line down.

Kuaokala Trail

Stuart passing through the sun beams on the trail.

Kuaokala Trail

Veering off the beaten trail to gain higher ground.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Contact with the ubiquitous fence line that increasingly dominates both mountain ranges.

WST

Taking temporary leave of the fence line as we followed a thick half buried communications cable.

Moku

Passing the geodic marker as we turned right on the trail.

Pahole Reserve

Entering the protected habitat of rare endemic fauna and flora.

WST

Treading carefully with exaggerated facial expressions.

WST

Soaking in the raw character of the Waianae Mountains.

Slippah Tree

The Waianae Mountain’s answer to the KST Boot Junction.

WST

Stuart following the fence line down amidst the backdrop of fluted ridges cascading down into Makua Valley.

WST

Passing the Mokuleia trail junction.

WST

Panoramic view from the Mokuleia lookout. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Rat Country

Stuart doing his part to keep the rodent population in check. Pesticide free.

WST

Pulling ourselves up the steep incline one fence hold at a time.

WST

The overcast cloud conditions kept the notorious Waianae heat dialed down.

WST

Dropping down to the lowland forest with an abundance of sprawling spider webs.

WST

Looking ahead to Three Corners. Almost there. Just a couple more ups and downs.

WST

Looking into the bomb blistered valley. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

WST

Have machete in hand, will bushwhack.

WST

Looking out towards the Mokuleia coastline and the windmills pinwheeling in the distance.

WST

Stuart pushing up the last hill towards the summit of three valleys.

Three Corners

Valley views of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia were actually in evidence today.

WST

Short and suffocating trek on the ridge that connects to Ka’ala.

WST

Stuart dropping off the uluhell infested ridge and onto the road.

Ka’ala Road

Somebody was talking about a 20 minute walk up to the top. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Ka’ala Road

Hairy balls road.

Ka’ala Road

Approaching the defunct radar station that is now home to an active cellular communications tower.

Ka’ala Road

End of the cloud soaked road.

Mount Ka’ala

We made it to the shelter at 1430, just before the raindrops started to fall. Perfect timing.

Mount Ka’ala

Stuart strung up his tarp to keep most of the wind blown rain from our sleeping accommodations. Sleeping on concrete buffered by an air mattress never felt so good.

Mount Ka’ala

Rain tucked us to sleep and woke us up. It was going to be a wonderful day. Reverse psychology doesn’t seem to work in the mountains.

Mount Ka’ala

Stuart on the boardwalk.

Mount Ka’ala

Looking for the ridge in the cloud and rain soaked bog. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

WST

Making my way down the slippery boulder section. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

WST

Stuart preparing to take his “leap of faith” between the moss slicked boulders.

WST

Looking back at the rocky edifice made even more surreal by the grey rain clouds.

WST

Isometric exercises in the mountains. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

WST

When nature gives you water, just open your mouth and drink up.

WST

Stuart being swallowed up by the unchecked overgrowth on the trail. Where is that machete? Shortly after this section, I was torn between a difficult decision on whether to render immediate aid or take a picture of what was actually transpiring. I picked the first option, which was to remove a branch of thimbleberry thorns that had somehow gotten lodged in Stuart’s eyelid! Believe it or not.

WST

Pushing our way up the rain soaked ridge. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

WST

Stuart crossing over the notched ridge.

WST

Dropping off the ridge and contouring to regain the ridge. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Pu’u Kalena

Missing the views at the 3,504′ summit, but not the rain. Rain, rain, go away. Nursery rhymes don’t seem to work up here. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

WST

When you’re looking for your bite valve and it’s sitting on your shoulder strap. Luckily glasses weren’t involved as well.

WST

The ridge widened at some sections with pockets of pine trees.

WST

Wind milling my way up the ridge in a futile effort to keep warm. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

WST

Looking out at sexxxy ridge to our right as it dropped off into the murky clouds.

WST

Walking in the clouds on the narrow rock dike. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

WST

Descending down from Pu’u Ku Makali’i on the rain slicked rock dike as we heard intermittent booming guns from the ranges below us.

WST

Entering the forested section which helped to keep some of the rain at bay.

WST

Watching the clouds drift over bunker pocked Lualualei Valley and the forbidden miniature mountain.

WST

Spotted a me not so horny invasive critter that has made themselves home in the mountains. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

WST

Stuart dropping down to the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range.

WST

We followed a set of overgrown steps into the valley floor that was littered with bright yellow colored bags, and decided not to let curiosity get the better of us.

WST

Let’s not dawdle through these parts.

Kolekole Pass Road

Hiking in the rain the entire day and with no let up in sight and another rainy day forecasted for the next day, we decided to throw in the towel for safety and comfort reasons and made our way down the road, passing the now silent ranges.

Kolekole Pass Road

You never know what one will find in these abandoned WW2 bunkers.

Kolekole Pass Road

This is my rifle, this is for fighting…

All pau

… this is my gun, this is for fun. Thanks to Mitsy for picking us up on base.

GPS Tracks

Our abbreviated two day camping hike covered 21.83 miles through the wild flavor of the Waianae Mountains. It was still an amazing adventure with a good buddy. Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse. Thanks to Mitsy for putting up with our carnivorous appetites.

Mount Ka’ala to Kolekole Pass

kenji SAITO — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 16:00:04 +0000

I had a hankering to revisit the entire Waianae Summit Trail. Helping me to scratch that itch again was Chris, Gen and Jose. Shout out to Brian who dropped us off deep in Waianae Valley.

Trailhead

A friendly hunter greeted us and advised us to sign in, just in case we got lost. Hmmm. We then talked about the hanging cloud system over Ka’ala and hoped it would clear up. The hunter quickly dissuaded us from such foolish notions, by saying it was sticking around. All day. And then some. Really? And then some?

The long road

Walking up the paved road. Loving it. Not. Click here for the larger image.

Harvest time

Waianae Farmer’s Market is now open. Bring your own knives.

The dirt trail

We left the road behind us and started following the purple caps and ribbons as we made our way up. Hiking bread crumbs. No time for picnicking.

Steady climb

Nothing like a good cardio workout to get your juices flowing in the morning.

Three poles

Scenic break overlooking Waianae Valley.

Follow the fence

We ran into a hiker that had returned from attempting to summit. He ran into the boulder section and couldn’t get past the slippery rocks. Better safe than sorry.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image of Bolo Head Ridge, Waianae Valley, Kamaileunu and Ohikilolo Ridges. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Boulders

Gen working her way up.

Slippery when wet

Safe. Not sorry.

Native forest

Chris making the final steep climb to the summit.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo at the highest point on the island at 4,025′, left to right: Jose, myself, Gen and Chris.

On the boardwalk

Keeping our feet dry.

Off the boardwalk

Getting our feet wet.

Jewels of the forest

We ran across some native Hawaiian tree snails, of which only 25 known species are known to exist. Their habitats are found at the cooler, higher mountain elevations.

Got moss?

There was an actual flagged trail running through the misty bog that we followed.

Boggy day

Rain, rain go away.

Raindrops keep falling on our heads

Jose making his way down the cloudy exposed ridge.

Look out below

Gen getting ready to climb down the steep, rain slicked boulders.

Chris making his way down.

Leap of faith

Jose looking back at the small gap that we had to get over.

Boulders in the mist

Inspected the inviting boulders. One day.

Heavy burden

Somebody always has to be different in the group. Guess who?

Hello fence

Abundant and abusive blackberry thorns became a major obstacle along this section. Hawaiian barbed wire. Ouch for miles.

Clearing up

We dropped in elevation below the cloud deck to gather some views and enjoyed a brief respite from the thorns in our sides.

Soaking in the views

Somebody was yelling about the views. She was drowned out in the mountain’s vast silence.

Scenic view

Click here for the larger image.

Landslide

Erosion at work.

Overgrown

Time for some trail clearing action. Break out the machete.

Hobbs terminus

Chris passing the junction with the spur ridge that comes up from Waianae Valley.

All smiles

We said goodbye to those pesky blackberry thorns. Or so we thought. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Ohia lehua

Brushing past the numerous crimson colored flowering evergreen trees. Make it rain.

Summit in sight

Getting closer to the top of Puu Kalena.

Fence interreptus

The fence line was soon interrupted by the earth that was rent asunder. Or something like that.

Climbing down

One person at a time.

Spikes?

Gen about to climb down a steep section. Needed extra traction.

Climbing up

Jose reaching for a hold to pull himself up.

Mossy ohia tree

Have a seat. Sign in. Make yourself comfortable.

Puu Kalena

Jumping for joy at the second highest peak on the island at 3,504′. I guess nobody gave me the memo.

Hitchhiker

Ladybug, Ladybug, Fly away home …

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Going down

Gen heading down from the summit.

Puu Ka’ilio

Looking down at the forbidden mountain.

Sumigaw!

The scream of nature. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Skinny section

Single file shuffle.

SeXXXy ridge

We hopped over the fence to pay a visit to sexy. ridge. that is. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Waiting

Patiently. Before the wind pushed me off the rock. Click here for the larger image. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Twister on the rocks

Everybody’s here. Say cheese.

Looking back

That was a fun little detour.

Dike crossing

The crew crossing the narrow sheeted rock.

Pu’u Kalena

The nipple of the Waianae mountain range.

Junction

Time to take our leave of the fence and head down. Missed that memo again.

Narrow dike

It was a little windy as we made our way down the steep descent.

Looking up

Coming down the mountain. Here we come. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Kolekole Pass

Making our way down to the lowest section on the Waianae range.

Surfing the mountain

Click here for the larger image. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Martians

Gen and Chris against the backdrop of the red, crumbly rock.

Sliding down

Making our way down the washed out section. Photo by Chris Bautista.

All pau

We dropped down onto Kolekole Pass Road and were picked up by Chris’s brother, Jonathan. Thank you!

GPS Tracks

The mountain and ridge hike covered a distance of roughly nine miles. Fun times with good friends. Post hike meal at Outback. Can’t go wrong with clam chowder and prime rib.