I had wanted to do this particular route for awhile, but always had to abort due to weather, lack of time or lack of will. I was determined to finish it this time around. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Art, Ferlino, Lilyn and myself off. Photo by Barry Lau.

Pali Puka

We ran into two other hikers who had come up earlier to enjoy the sunrise. Photo by Art Young.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Lilyn climbing over one of the numerous blow downs that littered the side of the ridge as we made our way up.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Our short cardio climb was soon rewarded with relatively clear views of the saddle and the coastline. Photo by Art Young.

Sunrise

The breaking sun washing over the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Art trying to keep his balance. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Incisor Rock

You guys can either climb or contour. Choose wisely. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Incisor Rock

Art making his choice. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Nuuanu Saddle

There were many gnarled and twisted trees blockading the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Nuuanu Saddle

Lilyn against the scenic Windward background.

W

I think the alphabet letters are out of sequence. Photo by Art Young.

Donkey Kong

The group threading their way through the triple diked formation.

W

Lilyn watching Ferlino climb down the 23rd letter of the alphabet.

Anvil

Trying to get the Captain Morgan pose down. Not quite there yet. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Anvil

Art dropping down the near vertical rock face. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Nuuanu Saddle

Lilyn contouring her way back to the ridge line.

Nuuanu Saddle

Climbing up the heavily eroded section that has seen better days. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lanihuli Summit

No views at the swirling heavens summit, so we all sat down for our group photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KSRT

Coming down from the 2,700′ top.

Kalihi Saddle

Following the ridge line as it curved away from the ocean. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kalihi Saddle

What happens when one leg stops and the other keeps on going. Pop. Not a good sound you want to hear while hiking.

Dirt Dragon

The new social hiking.

Kalihi Saddle

Using my kung fu death grip as I climbed down a crumbly section. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lanihuli Wall

The group getting off the ridge line as forward progress was halted by severe erosion.

Lanihuli Wall

Going down the near vertical flank. One has to see it from a distance to appreciate the vastness and steepness. Photo by Art Young

Lanihuli Wall

Lilyn coming down from the longer and first tier of the wall.

Lanihuli Wall

Ferlino against the dramatic backdrop of the saddle and coastline. Photo by Art Young.

Lanihuli Wall

Going down the second and shorter tier of the wall. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lanihuli Wall

Lilyn contouring back to the ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Group photo left to right: Hawaiian Flag, Ferlino, Art, Lilyn and myself.

Can Opener

Taking our leave of the bulging rock behind us as we climbed down the crumbly base.

Pimple

Lilyn climbing up without popping the pimple. Photo by Art Young.

Pimple

Contouring around the crumbly rock formation.

Doorstop

Lilyn approaching the biggest climb on this side of the saddle. Photo by Art Young

Doorstop

The group coming down the backside of the wedge shaped rockface.

Bunny Ears

Art still trying to maintain his balance. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bunny Ears

Ferlino watching his footing as he climbs down. Photo by Art Young

Bunny Ears

Lilyn going up the sharp and angular hill. Photo by Art Young.

Shark’s Fin

Art and Ferlino coming down the dorsal shaped rockface. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Stuck between a rock and a hard tree. Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way down the last steep rock climb this side of the saddle.

Powerlines

We unfortunately lost Lilyn who decided not to press her luck and bailed down the powerlines trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Camp Centipede

Group photo with the reconstituted crew left to right: myself, Analyn, Barry, Tessa, Art and Ferlino.

Kalihi Valley

Art practicing leave no trace behind.

Knob

It was time to resume our hiking, in staggered spurts it would seem.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way towards the backside of the conical shaped rockface. Photo by Barry Lau.

Witch’s Hat

The group climbing up at staggered intervals to minimize falling rock exposure.

Witch’s Hat

Ready to come down, with or without a broomstick.

Kalihi Saddle

Is it hump day yet? It is on the saddles. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Art and Ferlino making their way across a particularly eroded section. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Analyn climbing in the mountains despite just getting off from working night shift. Beast or crazy mode.

Rock Triangle

Art climbing up from the Windward side. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way on the Hot Wheels Track as we approached another climb. Photo by Art Young.

Rock Triangle

Barry climbing up from the Leeward side.

Kalihi Saddle

The broken wave is no more.

Dirty Slide

Tessa scrambling up the grassy flank of the ridge. Photo by Art Young.

Dirty Slide

Barry pulling himself up the slippery slope. Some would claim this was the hardest part of the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring our way around the crumbly rocks. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing up the sliver of a ridge that widened as we approached the summit.

Bowman Summit

Are you tired? Funny guy.

Bowman Summit

Practicing our social distancing. Still need to work on it.

KSRT

Hiking over a couple more hills to the next summit.

Tripler Summit

The painted rock was still sitting pretty on the markers.

KSRT

Leaving the 2,760′ summit using the HECO installed safety ropes as we made our way down the rutted trail.

Radar Station

Approaching the now defunct radar station. Photo by Barry Lau.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Are you tired? Still trying to be funny.

CCL Building

Barry approaching the cloud soaked graffitied WW2 structure.

CCL Building

Panoramic view inside the building.

CCL Building

Who was talking sh*t? Not us! Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Stairway to Heaven

Group photo on the stairs. The original plan to descend down the ridge was scuttled by somebody’s injury so we had to take the shortest route down.

Stairway to Heaven

Making our way down the 3,922 steps, give or take a few. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Leaving heaven. Photo by Art Young.

Stairway to Heaven

Approaching the roof-less hoist house. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Stairway to Heaven

Is anybody counting? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Climbing the stairs down to the last landing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Analyn coming down the final steep section of the stairs. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

All pau

Walking our way out. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

GPS Tracks

The 6.1 mile path to heaven was paved with crumbly ridges, cloudy and heavenly views and great company. Mahalo to Jasmin for picking us up and thanks to Analyn for making the delicious oxtail soup that we had for our post hike meal. Oxtail soup to go please.

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.

Over 20,000 people were participating in the 36th Great Aloha Run today, while the three of us decided to spend it in the mountains. Thanks to Ivy for dropping Barry, Krissy and myself off at the Pali Lookout to start our hike.

Pali Puka Trail

We started from the deserted Pali Lookout and made the short and steep climb up to the Pali Puka, which we skipped and contoured around the imposing rock edifice.

Trail

Krissy climbing up the flank of the ridge that were littered with blowdowns.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We soon gained the ridge line and started our hike on the crumbly saddle.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Leaving the breaking sunrise over Olomana behind us.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Passing the tree that was bent by the gusty winds. As long as it didn’t bend us.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Barry about to climb around the tooth shaped rock. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer

Nu’uanu Saddle

To climb or to contour?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Barry making his way down the crumbly rocks. One rock at a time.

W

Looking ahead to the cloud soaked Donkey Kong.

W

Barry hanging off the side of the cliff looking for the trail.

W

Climbing up the sliver of a letter. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

W

Question of the day. Who is Mario and who is Donkey Kong?

W

The winds were blowing something fierce as we climbed down.

Anvil

Barry dropping down from the lost puka of the Pali.

Anvil

The contour trail after the anvil has eroded to almost nothing. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pushing our way through the thimble berry thorny bushes on our way back to the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Barry climbing up the severely eroded section of the saddle that was once easily climbed.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hikers in the mist.

Lanihuli Summit

We took a short break in the swirling heavens.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving the summit behind us to go down another saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Dropping from the summit where the clouds soon cleared to reveal the Windward views. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Kalihi Saddle

Barry taking advantage of the woody climbers that carpeted the crumbly ridge line.

Dirt Dragon

The dragon that Krissy slayed. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Dirt Dragon

Taking our leave of the crumbly and rotten rocks. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Kalihi Saddle

Sliding and scooting was the par for today’s hike.

Kalihi Saddle

Barry staying focused on the ridge and not so much the views. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Lanihuli Wall

We left the ridge line to scoot our way down the grassy flank.

Lanihuli Wall

Going down one at a time to avoid raining rocks. Not a good forecast for hikers. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Lanihuli Wall

Barry making his way down the longest tier of the wall.

Lanihuli Wall

The iconic view of the can opener framed by the backdrop of Stairway to Heaven.

Lanihuli Wall

Contouring our way back to the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Semi-group photo with Kalihi Saddle and points beyond.

Can Opener

Leaving our crumbly break spot.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the start of our colorful climb up all the different rock faces. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Pimple

Contouring around the crumbly rock face. Don’t pop the pimple.

Doorstop

Barry climbing up the biggest rock face on the saddle. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Bunny Ears

Climbing down one ear …

Bunny Ears

… and going up the other one. Photo by Barry Lau.

Shark’s Fin

It was still safe to be hiking on the dorsal shaped ridge line. The bark was worse than the bite.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking at Heaven in the distance, our original destination. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Kalihi Saddle

Are we there yet?

Kalihi Saddle

We soon saw the powerlines that marked the end of our hike. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Powerlines

Climbing down to take a break where somebody had to roll over to get back up. It doesn’t pay to sit for too long.

Service Road

Getting off the mountain and back to civilization. While we didn’t get a medal and T-shirt, we did get good company and fresh air. Not a bad deal. Photo by Krissy Eizenhoefer.

Likelike Highway

Thanks to Ivy for picking us up on the wrong side of the road.

All pau

Barry paid his nickel fee for the saddle hike which slowly put me on the road to financial independence. Post hike meal at Pampanga Kitchen where I was finally able to sample their Filipino food that I had heard so much about. It did not disappoint.

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 Anne and Dennis at the Pali Lookout to break in their saddle cherries. Drone photo by Dennis Regan.

Pali Lookout

Scrambling our way up the steep and slippery rooted trail.

Pali Puka Trail

The sun was slowly peeling the shadows away from the imposing rock spire ahead of us. Glad we are not climbing that!

Konahuanui

Looking back at the strikingly clear summit of the highest peak on the Ko’olau Range.

Pali Puka

View from the other side. Drone photo by Dennis Regan.

Trail

Anne making her way up the long slippery slope to the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We hit the exposed ridge line and starting climbing our way down the saddle. Photo by Dennis Regan.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Anne and Dennis passing the wind bent trees, but hardly a whisper of wind blew through the mountains today.

Incisor Rock

Swinging myself up and over the rock. Beats contouring any day. Photo by Dennis Regan.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Anne and Dennis coming down one crumbly rock at a time.

Thimbleberry

Passing thorny bushes of these tart trail snacks.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We had stunning panoramic views from Kanehoalani to Olomana.

Donkey Kong

Grabbing fistfuls of uki grass as we made our way up to the adventure in the mountains.

Donkey Kong

It’s on like Donkey Kong. Photo by Anne Fai.

W

Dennis contouring his way down the non-visible trail.

W

Somebody was either exhausted or glad to have made it to the top. Or both.

W

Anne and Dennis trying to pass themselves off as the 23rd letter of the alphabet.

Anvil

Making my way down the short drop. Photo by Anne Fai.

Anvil

Did that rock just move?

Trail

Anne contouring her way back up to the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pulling ourselves up the severely eroded ridge line which has seen much better days.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing our way out of the saddle and to the summit.

Lanihuli Summit

Drone photo of Swirling Heavens by Dennis Regan. The only thing swirling was our heads over the crystal clear 360 degree heavenly views around us.

Lanihuli Summit

Sometimes a helping hand is all a drone needs.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the 2,700′ summit behind us as we dropped down into another saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting and scrambling our way down the serpentine ridge. Photo by Anne Fai.

Kalihi Saddle

When hikers on a narrow ridge line have to regress to their pronograde posture of their forebears.

Dirt Dragon

Group photo on the crumbly back, left to right: Dennis, Anne and myself.

Lanihuli Wall

What happened to the webbing?

Lanihuli Wall

Lowering ourselves down the steep flank of the ridge line.

Trail

Dennis contouring his way back to the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Drone photo by Dennis Regan of the most photographed spot on the saddle.

Can Opener

Leaving the eroded section underneath the sofa sized rock that is just waiting to pop out. And we’re not even at the pimple yet.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way down to start our colorful climbs. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pimple

Trying my best not to dislodge any rocks going up. Photo by Anne Fai.

Doorstop

Dennis climbing his way up. Photo by Anne Fai.

Doorstop

Anne making her way to the top.

Bunny Ears

They sure don’t feel soft as one. Photo by Dennis Regan.

Bunny Ears

Anne and Dennis making their way down the crumbly ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

You go your way and I’ll go my way. Photo by Dennis Regan.

Kalihi Saddle

Almost there. Really.

Kalihi Saddle

Request wide angle photo please. Photo by Dennis Regan.

Sharks Fin

Anne making her way down the last obstacle.

Powerlines

Drone photo by Dennis Regan with Kalihi Valley in the background.

All pau

Walking out the service road as we finished our less than three mile saddle hike that was blessed with the best weather I have seen to date. Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up. Nobody had time or wanted to eat, so it was McDonald’s for me.

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.

My saddle tour business model continued with Ben, Cisco, Katie and Yoly where Quan and Lonnie were nice enough to drop off us at the trailhead. At a nickel a pop, I have to do a lot of business in order to succeed, which I learned in college. A slow study. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Powerlines Trail

Walking up the mosquito and ginger infested service road.

Powerlines

Making our way up to the saddle while watching out for the metal punji stake that was waiting to give somebody a reason for a tetanus shot.

Kalihi Saddle

Watching the rain shower as it made its inexorable march from sea to summit.

Kalihi Saddle

The soaking was brief enough to not let us think twice of turning around.

Kalihi Saddle

The drifting clouds muted the mountain landscape. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Kalihi Saddle

The thick vegetation on the Leeward side and the pushy Windward winds kept us grounded on the edge of the ridge line.

Shark’s Fin

Climbing up to the fifth sequel? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Bunny Ears

Descending from the stand of pine trees at the top.

Bunny Ears

Ascending to the top of the second ear. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Bunny Ears

Cisco reminding us what obstacle we were currently on.

Doorstop

Top down view. Somebody had to be reminded which way the spikes faced on the shoes. Photo by Ben Hinders

Doorstop

Yoly climbing down to her right. The other right.

Pimple

Looking ahead to the crumbly elevation of shredded rock. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Pimple

We are not climbing up and over this one.

Pimple

Katie doing her best not to pop any of the rocks on her climb down.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben and Cisco contouring their way around the pimple.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way up to the heavily eroded section below the can opener.

Can Opener

The sofa sized rock that is just waiting to fall out. Don’t want to be around for the clearance sale. Photo by Katie Bingham

Skittles

Aerial view of our shower soaking reward. Drone photo by Ben Hinders.

Kalihi Saddle

Wide angle photos of the scenic spot overlooking the saddle, courtesy of the iPhone 11.

Lanihuli Wall

Contouring around the can opener to ascend the grassy flank. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Lanihuli Wall

Passing the first tier of the wall and going to the next and longer tier.

Lanihuli Wall

Cisco pulling himself up the near vertical flank. Look for the red dot. Drone photo by Ben Hinders.

Lanihuli Wall

Almost there. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Kalihi Saddle

The face of sheer exhaustion.

Kalihi Saddle

The centipede crawl up the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

When arms and legs go akimbo as the ridge was too narrow to pass. Photo by Yoly Bedford

Dirt Dragon

Straddling and standing on the skinny serpentine of a ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Time to get off the back of the dragon and back on the ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

Pushing ourselves up the slow and exhausting climb.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way out of the saddle. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the swirling heavens, left to right: Yoly, Katie, myself, Ben and Cisco.

Lanihuli Summit

Leaving the 2,780′ summit.

Kapalama Trail

Going down the initial steep descent that was clogged with vegetation and muddy underfooting.

Kamanaiki Junction

We briefly considered doing the overgrown loop and then thought better of it.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at the spur ridge that we had originally planned to go down, but discovered that the junction fell short of the summit. Lesson learned.

Kapalama Trail

Making our way down the rustic trail.

Kapalama Trail

The tree that time forgot.

Kapalama Trail

The trail soon took on a more manicured and maintained appearance going down.

Kapalama Trail

Where horizontal and vertical intersects outside of mathematical equations and poetry.

Kapalama Trail

Looking for the correct trail to follow amidst the colored ribbons littered on the ground. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Kapalama Trail

Following the fence line on the outside to avoid being trapped and detoured to another exit.

Kapalama Trail

Yoly overlooking the extinct volcano of Pouwaina surrounded by urban blight.

All pau

Walking up to the postage stamp sized of a park where Quan and Lonnie where waiting to pick us up.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle and ridge hike covered 5.56 miles with a great group. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery where the oxtail soup never seems to run out.

Video by Ben Hinders of our saddle hike.

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

Met up with Andy, Chris, Matt and Olivier at the Pali Lookout to continue riding the saddles. Somebody woke up late and got to ride in the boot (trunk). Thanks to Nandor for dropping us off on the side of the highway. The other side.

Trailhead

We don’t need hard hats where we’re going today. Maybe on second thought …

Kalihi Saddle

Looking out at the ocean of trees rising to meet the ridge line. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Stepping foot on what some folks call the hardest hike on the island. I would beg to differ. Diamond Head is the hardest hike on the island.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking on the edge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Single file hiking

No passing allowed. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Don’t look down

Olivier skirting around a boulder on the ridge. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Windward Views

Panoramic photo by Andrew Keller.

Sharks Fin

The John Williams music was drowned out by the whipping winds. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Sharks Fin

Finning our way down the back of the hill.

Bunny Ears

Chris climbing up the first of the hills named after the rabbits organ of hearing. We could hear the winds loud and clear.

Bunny Ears

Traversing between the twin hills. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Bunny Ears

Making our way to the Doorstop. Photo by Chris Bautista

Doorstop

Everybody waiting their turn to climb down. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Doorstop

Are we being challenged yet? Photo by Chris Bautista

Pimple

Chris making his way around the pimple.

Pimple

When you realize your fly is open while your picture is being taken. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Can Opener

Scrambling our way over the loose and rocky terrain to our breakfast spot.

Kalihi Saddle

Group photo left to right: Chris, Matt, myself, Olivier and Andy.

Caution

Keeping a wary eye on a sofa sized rock that seems to be slowly edging its way loose from the mountain. It could just be my imagination.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring on the Windward side below the Can Opener.

Lanihuli Wall

Matt going up the shortest and steepest section of the multi-tiered wall.

Lanihuli Wall

Leaving the serrated ridges of the saddle behind me. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Lanihuli Wall

Another “brick” in the wall.

Kalihi Saddle

Pulling ourselves up the mountain where the webbing was soon replaced with uki grass. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Dirt Dragon

Sitting room only. Photo by Chris Bautista

Kalihi Saddle

Passing a weathered husk of an ohia tree on the ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing our way out of the saddle. Photo by Olivier Rojas.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Trudging through the Leeward side of the trail which afforded temporary protection from the gusting winds.

Lanihuli Summit

Socked in at 2,700′. Might as well have our lunch.

KSRT

Making our way down the sliver of a ridge, where the drops were masked by the clouds around us.

Contour

Dropping off the ridge to contour through the tangled, thorny thimbleberry bushes on our way to the lost pali puka.

Anvil

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again. Luckily it only took one more try. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

W

Trying to redeem myself with the alphabet. Photo by Chris Bautista

Watch your drop

Matt climbing up on the Leeward contour. Photo by Andrew Keller.

W

Looking back at the W, Donkey Kong or “true pali notches.” Tomato. Tomatoe.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Dropping down the ridge below the cloud banks.

Swirling Heavens

Leaving behind the aptly named summit.

Picture Frame

Climbing up and over a small pu’u (hill). Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Incisor Rock

To swing or not to swing? That was the question of the day.

Pu’u Suicido

Matt had no problems with being a swinger.

Windward Views

We passed two girls who seemed like they were vacillating between pressing forward or hanging out with the views. I think her friend was leaning towards the latter.

Makai Parking

We can see our cars for the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Primary colors on the saddle.

Contour

Dodging and keeping pace with the falling rocks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Pali Puka

Hello from the other side.

Pali Highway

Making our way down to the Pali Lookout. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Bamboo Forest

Finishing in the bamboo sieve that sifted and filtered the light and sounds. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

All pau

Our abbreviated 2.10 mile air cooled hike that failed to reach the planned end of Piliwale due to a lack of consensus, still was a fun day filled with “not so challenging” moments. Post hike meal at Rainbow Drive Inn. You can lead someone to the slush float and loco moco, but you can’t make him eat and drink it.

Video by Matt Vidaurri of our saddle hike.

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

I decided to give the KST thru hike another try; if I knew what the outcome was going to be, I would have stayed home in bed. Joining me were Chris and Matt; Anne and Clayton came along just for the first day.

Trailhead

Thanks to Daryl for dropping us off at the Makapu’u Lookout. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Trail

Making our way up the dry grassy rocky landscape. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Manana Island

Looking out towards the seabird sanctuary.

Trail

We soon caught up with another pair of hikers who let us pass them.

Pu’u Mai

Staring straight into the fringed female parts.

Sea Life Park

The sun shimmering across the blue-green water. It almost made up for missing the sunrise.

KSRT

Small kine climbing time. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Makapu’u Puka

Group photo left to right: Clayton, myself, Anne, Matt and Chris.

Makapu’u Puka

Hello from the other side. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Time to pack away the drone and continue hiking on the rocky ridge line.

Makapu’u Cave

Chris chilling in the cave.

KSRT

Climbing our way up on the makai side of the cliffs. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waimanalo

When you notice the geodetic marker for the first time, despite hiking over this area too many times too count.

To tee or not to tee

Not only hang gliders fly from here, but rocks as well.

Boost

Leaving behind the fenced communication tower.

KSRT

Dropping down into the saddle.

KSRT

Looking for some shady trees.

Kamiloiki Summit

It was an awesome day at the summit, no camping needed. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Walking on the pine needle matted ridge line.

KSRT

Leaving our canopy cover for a stretch of exposed ridge line. Luckily the clouds were providing cover from the sweltering sun.

Caveman proving grounds

No unnecessary climbing today.

KSRT

Brushing our way through shoulder high buffalo grass. Scratch and itch.

Tom-Tom

Watching an isolated rain cloud sweep the Waimanalo coast.

Dorito’s Tower

Clayton and Matt checking out the rock tower reportedly first climbed by a hiker named Rito.

KSRT

Back in the forested ridge line.

Mariner’s Summit

It worked for me as a kid, how come it doesn’t work now? I want my money back. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mariner’s Summit

Climbing down from the 1,361′ summit of Kaluanui. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Hahaione Pyramid

Contouring our way behind the roughly triangular shaped rock, depending on your point of perspective.

Scenic point

Talk story time.

Hahaione Junction

Club head + hiking stick = Golf club.

KSRT

Matt looking back at the stretch of mountains that we had just covered.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

We parted company with Anne, Clayton and Matt at the 2,360′ summit due to cramping and work calling.

KSRT

Chris climbing up the severely eroded section after leaving the bustling summit.

Bear Claw Ridge

No time to go left or right, just straight ahead. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Scenic spot

Chris against the backdrop of the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Leaving the 2,200′ summit for cloudy views.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Nobody else here at the 2,520′ summit.

KSRT

Back on the cloudy ridge line.

KSRT

What happened to the partly sunny day forecasted by Guy Hagi? Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. I think it’s been more than twice.

Camp Wiliwilinui

We arrived at the 2,480′ summit to find that another couple had beaten us to call it home for the night. Luckily we were able to squeeze our two tents in with theirs. Thought we were in for a night of socializing, but they zippered up their tent as I guess our odor was particularly offensive. It could have been our manners.

KSRT

Day 2 – Rolled up our tents as our neighbors were still sleeping and we continued hiking in the clouds.

Ka’inawa’au Nui Summit

I guess we are in for another day of whiteout views.

KSRT

Dropping down the big hill to valley views of milkiness.

Ka’au Crater

Rocket ship ready to take off and leave the clouds behind. Wished we could have joined.

KSRT

Chris pointing to the cloud covered summit of Awaawaloa.

KSRT

Climbing my way up through the clouds to the 2,486′ summit. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Olympus

The water is safe to drink up here.

Manoa Valley

Valley vistas improved significantly on the contour trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Back on the cloudy again ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manoa Middle Summit

We shared the summit with the HTMC trail clearing crew that had come up from Manoa Valley.

KSRT

The grassy meadows hiding the many false summits before we hit the crown jewels of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

Are we there yet? Photo by Chris Bautista.

K2

We crashed a wine and cheese party in progress. Came too late for the cheese. Just have to use our imagination.

Konahuanui Summit

Typical socked in summit day on the highest point of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way down the mud wall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We slowly started to see the views again.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Leaving the clouds behind on the wind swept ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Following the webbing down the ridge line.

Chimney

Climbing down the chimney. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pali Notches

Leaving the chimney behind us as we made our way towards the notches. Never say never. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Pali Notches

We spotted a familiar face on the second notch. Arnold!

Pali Lookout

Trying to blend in with the tourists. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Camp Pali

Mahalo to Arnold Yago, Daryl Cacatian and Nina Arca, Matt Vidaurri, Owen and Tricia Adams and Shirley Hamamura for bringing us refreshing beverages and hot food and keeping us company.

Pali Lookout

Day 3 – We woke up to the pitter patter of rain and gloomy weather that was hanging around the mountains. I know some of our friends thought we would have to call it on account of the weather and bail from our hike. But somebody said “we chance ‘em.” So off we went. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring up the slippery rocks, we soon regained the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Rainbows are ones reward for hiking in the rain. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

No swinging around the rain slicked rocks today, just careful climbing.

Donkey Kong

Making our way to the triple diked formation.

W

Clear on the Leeward side, cloudy on the Windward side.

Anvil

Chris dropping down from the anvil rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Lost and found on the mountain – one spike and one spike only.

Lanihuli Summit

Temporary views were granted to us at the 2,700′ elevation.

Kalihi Saddle

Descending down from the swirling heavens. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris standing on a knob overlooking the cloud filtered views of the Windward side.

Dirt Dragon

Riding the dirt dragon or what’s left of it.

Lanihuli Wall

Preparing to walk down the wall of uki grass.

Lanihuli Wall

Contouring around the can opener.

Lanihuli Wall

Making my way down the last tier of the wall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Can Opener

Keeping a watchful eye on the sofa sized chunk of rock that looks ready to fall off the mountain.

Pimple

Carefully making my way around the crumbly rock, so I don’t do any popping. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Doorstop

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Hike. Hike who?

Bunny Ears

Rabbit. Rabbit. Rabbit. Oh never mind, it’s not the first day of the month.

Bunny Ears

Bunny earing myself coming down. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the power lines.

Witch’s Hat

No refreshing rest at the power lines as we continued up the backside of the hat.

Witch’s Hat

Making my way down from the hat. No trick or treat for me. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Uphill climb ahead of us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

#1 Rock Triangle

Climbing up the Windward side is the best side.

#2 Rock Triangle

Have rope, will climb.

Broken Wave

Getting my head out of the clouds. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirty Slide

Climbing back into the clouds. Can’t win. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way to the Bowman summit and our home for the night.

Camp Bowman

Day 4 – Waking up to long john feet. Always appetizing. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Camp Bowman

Getting ready for another cloudy and windy day in the mountains.

KSRT

The winds were pushing us around on the ridge line. Luckily it blew in from the Windward side. We would have been in trouble if it was blowing from the other side.

Tripler Summit

Rocket men and rocket ships in the clouds.

KSRT

Walking down the cloudy castle steps. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Relay station

Climbing past the no climbing relay station.

Stairway to Heaven

What happened to everybody? We had the place all to ourselves. I wonder why.

CCL Building

Trying to get warm in heaven. Photo by Chris Bautista

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving heaven as we went down the back stairs.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris using his kung fu grip going down the crumbly section.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way around the increasingly eroded ridge of the saddle. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirt Triangle

Going down the Leeward side of the triangle offered us a temporary reprieve from the gusting winds.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Mahalo to Matt for meeting us with cold bentos and drinks in the middle of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

We soon said our goodbyes to Matt and resumed our hiking. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

The winds and clouds were not giving us a break today.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way down the constantly eroding ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Geo marker

Checking in with social media.

Tetanus Stairs

Descending down into hell.

Stairway to Hell

It was quite cold in this spot of the mountains. Time to quickly move on.

KSRT

If there were a speed limit on the ridge, laws would have been broken today. The law of balance. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Fenced meadows

Passing the fenced endemic plant section on our way to the summit of Aiea and home sweet home for the night. No dinner for me.

Aiea Summit

Day 5 – We woke up to more bad weather and my body in severe caloric deficit. Not to mention that my tent had somehow flipped upside down with me still in it. My stomach just quit on me again and my body soon followed.

Aiea Ridge Trail

After mulling it over for the better half of the day and with the weather and my stomach not getting any better, we left the summit to head back down to civilization. Sorry Chris. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Aiea Ridge Trail

At least the weather improved on our way back down, couldn’t say the same for my stomach. Photo by Chris Bautista

Aiea Ridge Trail

I was beaten like a rented mule. Dizzy and light headed, I had to frequently stop to right myself coming down the ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista

All pau

Thanks to Lopaka for meeting us at the end and bringing food and taking us back to our cars. Mahalo to Chris for keeping me company in the mountains and everybody else that supported us on the hike.

GPS Tracks

Our gastrointestinal interruptus hike covered 24.61 miles through the sometimes clear, cloudy, rainy and windy Ko’olau Mountains. While we did not get to “penish” to the end, glad for the company from beginning to the end. Big thanks to my wife for letting me try this again, I don’t think I’ll be back. Post hike meal in the parking lot, KFC is what’s for dinner.

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 Lopaka and Sean at the Pali Lookout, Chris was running fashionably late.

Trailhead

Catching the breaking sunrise over the mountains, filtered by the clouds. No morning woody spotted.

Trail

We caught up with a couple that was on their way to the popular hole in the mountain. We talked story with them until Chris caught up with us.

Pali Puka

Hello from the other side. Group photo left to right: Sean, myself, Chris and Lopaka.

Slippery when wet

Making our way up the steep flank cobbled with stones of varying degrees of traction.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking ahead to the imposing mountain top that the Hawaiians called “Swirling Heavens.”

Nu’uanu Saddle

Time to mix cardio and climbing together on this crumbly ridge.

Pu’u Suicido

Silhouetted shadows providing temporary shade to Sean. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Incisor Rock

Sean swinging his way up and around the toothy rock.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hiking on the ridge line with the sun on our backs and the trade winds in our faces, or at least that’s the way I would like to have remembered the day.

KSRT

Somebody soon found themselves between a rock and a hard place. They chose wisely.

Donkey Kong

Scrambling our way towards the most recognizable of the rock formations populating the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the unusually clear summit of Konahuanui, the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Nu’uanu Reservoir

Lopaka taking the “high road” coming down the side of the hill. What’s life without a challenge thrown your way every now and then? I believe it’s called character building or something that’s not fit to print.

W

Contouring and climbing our way over the triple diked formation.

Steeple

Standing and sitting high above the clouds or so it seems.

Anvil

Dropping off the ridge line to contour around the badly eroded “lost puka of the pali.” Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Back on the ridge line.

KSRT

Looking ahead to Pu’u Lanihuli that had clouds seemingly swirling towards her summit. Living up to her name.

Lanihuli

Laying eggs is hard work, as one needs a solid nap to recover. Photo by Sean Bingham.

KSRT

Leaving the 2,700′ summit as the day was still young and the breathing still labored.

Heaven

One particular mountain top was swirling in heavenly clouds. Quite the sight.

KSRT

Making our way down from the mountain.

Dirt Dragon

I knew I had one more in me. Just had to push it out. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking ahead to the ridge line that dominates Windward commuter driving.

Lanihuli Wall

See you at the bottom.

Lanihuli Wall

Making our way down the steep, grassy flank. Photo by Chris Bautista

Lanihuli Wall

One more drop to go. Photo by Sean Bingham

Contour

Lopaka making his way back to the ridge line.

Got eggs?

Happy Easter from Kalihi Saddle.

Can Opener

Leaving the base of the Can Opener, where it looked like a huge chunk of rock is about to take a tumble from the mountain.

Kalihi Saddle

Time to get in some more climbing time. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pimple

Lopaka contouring around the naked rock after he popped the pimple.

Doorstop

Climbing up the wedge shaped rock. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Bunny Ears

Looking for the Easter Bunny. In all the wrong places. Photo by Sean Bingham.

Kalihi Saddle

Sometimes, you just have to stop on the saddle and check out the views.

Shark’s Fin

Climbing down from the triangular shaped rock.

KSRT

Almost there. Photo by Sean Bingham

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view of the ridge line and the Windward coast.

Powerlines

Our last group photo before dropping down into the valley of miniature macropods.

All pau

Tee time anybody? Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up from our hike. Fun hike with a great bunch of guys. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery. Forget the baked goods, we came for some butt swishing soup. Well, some of us did.

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.

Some folks wanted a taste of the saddles, I just wanted to get to Bowman. Somewhere in between was a happy compromise.

Trail

Met up with Charlie, Chris, Clayton, Ferlino and Kimi at the Pali Lookout. The sign marks the spot.

Pali Puka

Chris enjoying the fiery sunrise with his morning wood. Photo by Kimiyo Bowlby.

Pali Puka

Brief stop at the hole in the rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring our way up to the ridge line. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Always interesting to see how the wind has shaped the flora on the ridges and mountains.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Charlie playing King of the Hill. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Incisor Rock

Kimi swinging her way around the toothy rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the next chossy hill. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making our way up as the clouds slowly started to envelop us in a mass of minute milkiness.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Headed higher into the clouds. Who needs the views? Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Leaving the views behind us.

“W”

Scrambling our way towards Donkey Kong. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

“W”

Dropping off the hill to contour our way to the triple diked formation. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

“W”

Somebody yelled “I’m not crazy. I’m cute.” It wasn’t the girl.

“W”

Threading our way through the odd assortment of webbing, wire and ropes.

“W”

Charlie playing King of the Hill again. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Anvil

Dropping down from the “lost” puka of the pali. Electrical cable is so yesterday. Photo by Kimiyo Bowlby.

Anvil

Ferlino preparing to climb down and contour around the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing our way back to the ridge.

Lanihuli

Passing a few lehua flowers with thinning, dew dropped salmon stamens on our way to the summit for a lunch break. Hikers have to eat.

Lanihuli

Leaving the socked in summit for crumbly ridges.

Kalihi Saddle

Cramping and spiking our way down the steep ridge.

Dirt Dragon

Chris keeping a tight leash on the dragon.

Dirt Dragon

Sitting room only. Odd man standing.

Kalihi Saddle

Dropping down from the cloud soaked mountain.

Lanihuli Wall

Going down the flank of the uki populated ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Wall

Everybody waiting their turn to come down the multi-tiered wall.

Lanihuli Wall

The flank of the ridge may appear steeper than it actually is. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Wall

Kimi coming down the last tier.

Lanihuli Wall

Charlie and Ferlino dropping off the wall. Photo by Kimiyo Bowlby.

Can Opener

Group photo left to right: Chris, Ferlino, Kimi, Clayton, Charlie and myself.

Can Opener

Leaving the crumbly base behind us.

Pimple

The pimple had popped off the old rope that used to dangle on the side.

Pimple

Chris and Ferlino climbing their way up to contour at the top. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Doorstop

Going up the high water roped rock. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Doorstop

There were a lot of backseat hikers directing Kimi on her climb up.

Bunny Ears

Traversing in between the not so fluffy lop shaped rocks.

Bunny Ears

Leaping Bunny, otherwise known as Ferlino. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Shark’s Fin

Finning the shark.

Shark’s Fin

Anybody hungry for Chinese food?

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view of the Windward coastline.

Kalihi Saddle

The group coming down the last hill on the ridge.

Powerlines

Some of us still had energy to burn after reaching the bottom of the saddle, by pole hugging and upside down sit ups. Me, I was just hungry.

Powerlines

Kimi showing us that gymnasts can also be pole huggers as well.

All pau

Dropping off the trail and finding a recently cleared swath around the substation leading us straight to the road. Big thanks to Anne and Jasmin for picking us up on the side of the highway and Anne bringing us cold drinks and French fries. Nothing like fast food to pick you up.

GPS Tracks

Our Saddlebowl Sunday hike covered a scant 2.73 miles as the mynah bird flies. Fun hike with an amazing group. Post hike meal at Mexico Restaurant, where they still have stuffed heads on the walls and dish out free salsa and chips with your meal.

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.

It was time to pick and pack the champagne again. Met up with Ani, Analyn, Chris, Ferlino and Khym at the Pali Lookout. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off on the side of Likelike Highway.

Powerlines Trail

Making our way up through the overgrown and slightly eroded trail.

Powerlines

Catching the sunrise at the top. Always a nice way to start the day.

Kalihi Saddle

Back in the saddle. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Shark’s Fin

Climbing up the initial steep rock formation. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving the power lines behind us.

Kalihi Saddle

Following the undulating ridge line. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Kalihi Saddle

Slanting down the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Wait, is that the Shark’s Fin? Maybe it’s a Dolphin’s Fin. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at the cloud capped Bowman side of the saddle. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Bunny Ears

Approaching the Bunny Ears. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Bunny Ears

The group scooting their way down.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing up the second ear. Not as soft as I was led to believe. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way to the Door Stop. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Door Stop

Descending down the steep rock formation that had ample handholds and footholds and weathered webbing for peace of mind. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Ani making her way down as Chris waits his turn.

Kalihi Valley

Still searching for those elusive wallabies.

Pimple

Making our way to the bump of a rock. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pimple

Khym contouring his way around the awkward pile of rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

It seems that every time I hike this saddle, I see a new rope here and there.

Pimple

Chris about to pop the Pimple on his way down.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view of the saddle and Windward views.

Kalihi Saddle

Group photo left to right: US Flag, Ferlino, Analyn, myself, Khym, Chris and Ani.

Can Opener

Ferlino hawking a bag of boiled balut eggs while we took a short break. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Can Opener

It was here at this very spot, that somebody assaulted me for my non-balut egg. Thanks to Khym for the photographic proof. Police report to follow.

Can Opener

Contouring below the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Wall

Analyn making her way up to the first tier. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Lanihuli Wall

Ani climbing up the steep flank of the ridge. Please don’t take the webbing with you. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Waiting for everybody to make it up topside.

Kalihi Saddle

Exploring the extremely crumbly ridge above the Can Opener. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking up ahead to the crumbly section known as the Dirt Dragon.

Kalihi Saddle

The group passing through the more exposed section of the ridge line.

Dirt Dragon

Straddling the sliver of its former self. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Dirt Dragon

Everybody taking turns riding the soon to be extinct dirt dragon.

Kalihi Saddle

The ridge started to get noticeably thinner as we gained elevation.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris overlooking Kalihi Saddle. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Kalihi Saddle

Khym climbing his way through uki grass to gain the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

The ridge eventually widened on our final ascent up the ridge. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way to the crown jewels of the Ko’olaus – Lanihuli Summit.

Lanihuli Summit

If you have something on your teeth, open wide and smile for the group photo.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing our way down the ridge where some sections are barely held together by tree roots and plants. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Down the rabbit hole as we contoured below the ridge.

Anvil

Khym breaking a smile while pulling himself up.

Anvil

Analyn making it to the top of the former puka. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group back on the cloud washed ridge line.

W

Trying to mimic a letter of the alphabet. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Donkey Kong

The group flossing their way through the triple peaked rock formation.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We scrambled up the steep Leeward side of the hill to regain the ridge line going down.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Losing elevation and the clouds, we soon got back the views. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Khym in between a rock and some rubber trees.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing around, down and over the assorted sizes of boulders that punctuated the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Back to scooting on the ridge.

Pu’u Suicido

Swinging my way around the (im)movable rock. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Incisor Rock

Look mom, no feet! Don’t try this in the mountains, boys and girls. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Just a couple more humps left on the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Which way does the wind blow? Just ask the tree. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Khym scrambling up the last hump.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at our saddle traversal. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Trail

Khym rooting his way down.

Pali Puka

Perfect timing as the rain started to sprinkle and fog Khym’s oversized goggles.

Trail

Making our way down to the lookout that was teeming with tourists. Kama’ainas still park for free. Until the rail project starts looking for more money.

Pali Lookout

Khym only getting half of the champagne treatment. Somebody forgot the corkscrew. Just pretend. Next time, get the twist off bottle cap. Congratulations to Khym for completing the entire Ko’olau Summit Trail.

All pau

Post hike meal at the Pali Lookout? Fired up my stove and cooked us a mess of Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen which clocks in at a reported 8,706 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), hot enough to melt your lips off. Some washed it down with another serving of balut. One sat the entire food challenge out. Party pooper. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered a whopping 2.9 miles. Really? Fun hike with a great group and an amazing accomplishment for Khym today. The real post hike meal was at Max’s of Manila. No balut on the menu here.

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.

This is a story of one hike that split into two hikes. Ethan picked up Chris, Daryl and myself and drove to the end of the island to begin our journey across the mountain. The Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Pupukea

Day 1 – Saturday, May 27. We got off to a late start at a little past 8am, as three of us were sober and one was slightly hung over. The mountains are calling and we are coming. Photo by Kristina Eizenhofer.

Pupukea

Chris recycling a hiking stick from the forest grounds that would stay with him until the end. The very end.

For Sale

Mother Nature is slowly taking her real estate back. Photo by Daryl Cacatian

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Ethan passing the picnic shelter.

Sign Junction

We soon left the road strewn with fallen rocks and trees for a trail strewn with overgrowth, roots, rocks and mud.

Black Junction

Preparing to plunge into the trail system carved out of the mountains by the Army and Civilian Conservation Corps back in the early 1900s. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Ko’olau Summit Trail

Walking through waist high uluhe ferns on the trail. Welcome to the jungle, probably the most overgrown section of the KST.

Pu’u Hina

Taking a short break amidst the whistling leaves of grass.

KST

We soon dropped off the ridge to contour on the Windward side.

Geocache

Hey, there’s a Tupperware party going on back here. Anybody?

KST

Enjoying a brief respite on the ridge from the claustrophobic and cloying vegetation, which snatched my water bottle and in return, gave up my sunglasses from an earlier hike.

Green Sign Junction

It was around noon when we reached the halfway point to Laie. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Breaking out into the more exposed section of the ridge and some sorely needed fresh air.

Malaekahana Junction

Covered with condensation and perspiration, we arrived at the gloved junction and dropped down to contour to the Leeward side. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Making our way up to the foxhole that marks the 2,240′ summit, only to discover that we had familiar company sitting at the top.

Laie Summit

Somebody was drinking beer at the top. Somebody didn’t need another beer. Group photo left to right: Ethan, Daryl, Arnold, myself and Chris.

KST

We left Arnold at the summit …

KST

… and soon bumped into the ubiquitous fence line and another familiar face – Rob Johnson.

KST

Daryl extricating himself from the ankle deep mud. A taste of what was to come.

KST

The cabin in the distance.

KST

Crossing our mud soaked toes that the cabin would be open.

Koloa Cabin

We got to the cabin around 4pm to find out that Rob’s group had already opened the cabin. The largest cabin on the KST was made smaller by nine hikers setting up home for the night. We took turns filling our water and rinsing the mud from our blackened shoes and feet.

Koloa Cabin

Some of us made our way up to the helipad to catch the evening entertainment that buzzed us on their way to Sacred Falls. Then we trickled back down to the cabin to cook our rice and chicken and beans and rice. Rice dominated the dinner table. Somebody was going to cut their toothbrush in half to save grams of weight, when somebody else pointed out that they still had to carry it back out. Light bulb time.

Koloa Cabin

Enjoying the golden hour as we settled in on our first night on the mountains. Earplugs muffled the noise pollution floating around the cabin while air mattresses eased our tired bodies.

Koloa Cabin

Day 2 – Sunday, May 28. Daryl enjoying the glowing sunrise from the helipad, while the rest of us made our bunks and breakfast. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Koloa Outhouse

When you got to go, you got to go. Never mind the smell. Pass the toilet paper. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Koloa Cabin

Rob’s group heading out to rappel Koloa Falls.

Koloa Cabin

We left the cabin around 8am to start slogging our way through the muddiest section of the KST. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Leaving the fence line and gates behind us as we contoured on the Leeward side of the trail.

KST

Punching through a stream of pungent mud that passed for a trail. No Spartan Mud Race this year.

KST

Crossing an open field to regain the ridge.

Smartwater Bottle Junction

Look long and hard at this bottle. Let’s not have another deja vu moment.

KST

Approaching the fenced Papali summit.

Papali Junction

Rain showers met us at the summit around 10am. No sign of the “King’s Slipper” from an earlier hike. Group photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

Rounding the fenced corner to find …

Please do not pet the dead animal

… our lechon lunch? Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

The fence line and gates served as a surrogate firebreak through the uluhell of ferns.

KST Junction

The rain went away shortly after we got to the signed junction around 11am. Time to put away our rain gear. Only to take it out later again. Life in the mountains. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

Misery aka knee deep mud loves company.

KST gate

Leaving the mud trail behind us.

KST

The views were fleeting due to the drifting clouds, but what views they were when we had them.

KST

Chris dropping into the fenced gully, whose streambed was remarkably dry given the wet weather we were experiencing.

KST

Hanging on the fence line, our constant companion in the mountains, as we contoured on the Windward side with muted valley views.

Fence meadows

Passing through stacks of fences and pallets that provided temporary shelter from the sweeping rain showers that came and went.

Boot Junction

We arrived at the iconic boot junction around noon. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

Looking out towards the Leeward side as we left the fence line for the ridge line.

KST

Walking on the Windward side of the ridge as we got treated to stunning views of the valleys. Never gets old.

Weather station

Checking the weather forecast. Sunny with splendid views. Guy Hagi was alive and well in the mountains.

KST

The group queuing around the gate to get off the ridge.

Cline Memorial

Greeting hikers since 1978. Built to honor an avid hiker who particularly loved this spot and whose life was tragically cut short by a car crash.

Poamoho Summit

Sweeping views of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys.

Poamoho Boardwalk

Panoramic view of the recently installed boardwalk and Kahana Valley.

KST

Switch backing our way to the cabin.

KST

Panoramic view of the West side with the cabin, marsh and the WST in the backdrop.

Poamoho Cabin

We got to the vacant cabin around 230pm with a lot of time on our hands. Ethan called first dibs on a slowly leaking air mattress that somebody had left behind. We washed off the mud from our shoes, socks and feet.

Poamoho Cabin

Cabin life. Reading the gems of Darth Vader poems that were trying to pull us to the dark side. We filled up our water and fired up our stoves to cook our dinners. Hot food does a body good.

Poamoho Outhouse

Chris trying to be one with nature or nature was calling.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 3 – Monday Memorial Day, May 29. Sunrise from the cabin.

Poamoho Summit

Chris slippered to the summit to catch a solitary sunrise washing over him, while the rest of us ate our breakfast.

KST

We put on our still wet, but clean shoes and left the last four walled shelter we would see in the mountains.

KST

Daryl enjoying the scenic views of Kahana Valley while munching on the abundant thimble berries that populated the trail.

Pauao Junction

The long and overgrown Windward ridge that goes down into Kahana Valley.

KST

Watching our steps as we made our way down through the false holes and eroded sections of the trail.

KST

One can’t but be awed and impressed hiking through the most scenic stretch of the KST.

KST

The morning sun was hitting us particularly hard as we made contact with the fence again.

Fresh cut fans

Ethan harvesting fan umbrellas for the crew. Chris’s sickle did come in handy. Ethan would never mock his gardening tool again.

KST

Leaving the fence for the trail.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

We got to the junction with the Leeward trail that leads down to Wahiawa around 9am. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

When you fall off the ridge, get right back on, with a helping hand.

KST

The heat was somewhat diffused by overcast clouds, so we disposed of our fan umbrellas.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

It passed the sniff test. Now for the taste test? It wasn’t even 10am and it was too early to be drinking suspect beverages.

KST

The mass of hikers follow lives of bustling trails, while the minority of hikers enjoy lives of quiet trails. Besides bumping into Arnold and Rob’s group back at Laie, we would not see another soul until Kulana’ahane Summit.

KST

Chris rounding the bend in the trail. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Walking across a relatively fresh landslide that had wiped out part of the constantly evolving trail system. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Contouring on the Leeward side, that for the most part protected us from the elements.

KST

Back on the exposed windswept and cloud covered ridge line.

KST Junction

One does not always follow the fence on the KST, there are certain junctions that must be navigated or one will end up lost and burning precious time getting back on the right trail.

Metrosideros Rugosa

The largest known specimen of Lehua Papa provided scant cover from the rain showers sweeping the mountains.

KST

Following the fenced ridge line, where we soon dropped down and detoured into the tree of life pass.

Tree of Life

Looking at the powerful example of wind at work in the mountains. A horizontally growing sugi pine tree. The views weren’t that bad either. Until the clouds rolled in. Story of our lives in the mountains.

Selfie Stick Junction

Leaving the sprawling fence line behind us at 1230pm. It’s just a matter of time before the necessary eyesore continues its march on the KST, which also seems to be pushing the pigs ahead of the fence.

KST

Passing through the notch in the mountains.

Cryptomeria

Contrary to popular belief, there are several groves of these Japanese Sugi Pine Trees sprinkled throughout the mountains. Besides the ones at your local nursery.

KST

We skirted the pine trees and crossed the trickling stream to make our way up the hill.

Kipapa Summit

Can we just crash and camp here? It was only 1:30pm, so we decided to change the schedule and push on. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Leaving the contours and switchbacks behind us. It was just straight up punishing hills and ridges ahead of us.

Waiahole Middle Junction

Passing the overgrown Windward ridge from hell that none of us would repeat again under any conditions.

KSRT

The scale of the mountainous terrain was more than equal to the physical exertion needed to traverse the hilly ridges.

Lost & Found

Where is my GoPro? Chris and Daryl backtracked to retrieve Daryl’s GoPro that he had left on an earlier spot on the ridge.

Waiawa Gap

Threading our way down into the heavily vegetated gap.

Waiawa Gap

Minding the buzzing bees in the notch.

Waiawa Gap

Pushing up the short but steep climb out of the notch.

Waiawa Gap

Enjoying the stunning scenery wrapped around us at a little past 4pm.

Waiawa Gap

Looking back at the rollercoaster of a ridge ride. More to come. Keep your feet on the trail and your hands in front of you.

KSRT

Enjoying the short stretch of flat and wide open ridge line. Mountain and ocean views included.

KSRT

Concentrating on wading through the waist high overgrowth on the trail as we had no views to distract us.

The Corner

Dropping down to our campsite around 6pm. Ethan had surged ahead to Manana for the night. We noticed a lot of pig rooting activity in the area and checked our water supply and decided not to replenish our water, despite having steripens in stock.

Camp Corner

Goodnight from Camp Corner. Pounding rain kept the grounds wet and air mattresses kept our bodies insulated from the damp grounds.

The Corner

Day 4 – Tuesday, May 30. It was wash day in the mountains. The smell of rain hung in the mountains.

KSRT

Leaving the soggy camp grounds in our squishy shoes a little past 8am.

KSRT

We got disoriented in the clouds and “explored” in the dew dropped tree lined ridge until we found the trail.

KSRT

Approaching the socked in summit of Manana to meet up with Ethan.

Manana Summit

We arrived at the 2,660′ summit around 9am to recover the water bottles that Chris had stashed earlier. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Pu’u Eleao

Dropping down from the rain kissed summit, we walked through the bowl shaped grassy meadows before getting back on the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Working our way back to the ridge line.

KSRT

The elevating mountainous views kept us grounded on the trail.

KSRT

Passing the constantly eroding and evolving ridge line.

Waimano Summit

Dropping down into the trail terminus around 1130am, experienced cloud blocked views of Waihee Valley, so we pushed on after taking a quick breather. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KSRT

The crew silhouetted against the clouds going down the ridge line.

KSRT

Dropping off the ridge and into the mystical meadows a little past 1pm.

Waimalu Meadows

Chris fishing for water that was sprinkled with floating bugs. Double filtered. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Waimalu Meadows

Group photo at the edge of the mythical meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Ethan heading up to the summit.

Waimalu Meadows

Leaving the meadow oasis in the middle of the mountain range was harder for some than others. Who can blame them? Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Whole Foods Market

Why eat gummy worms, when you can have the real thing?

KSRT

Back to our regular programming. The rollercoaster ridge.

KSRT

The sound of huffing and puffing was alive and well in the mountains.

KSRT

The clouds came back to keep us company.

KSRT

It was amazing to hear the cacophony of civilization drifting up to the mountains.

Powerlines

The best views for us after the grueling climbs was the power lines appearing from the clouds. Another couple humps and we could call it a day.

Aiea Summit

I felt every inch of the elevation gains and losses as we made it to the 2,805′ summit around 6pm. The hardest and hilliest section of the KST were behind us.

Aiea Summit

Can you pass the butane please? I need to cook my Rice and Chicken. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Aiea Summit

Day 5 – Wednesday, May 31. Hiking stick doubling as a stretching stick for Chris.

KSRT

The gusting winds snatched my boonie hat and sunglasses from my head and sailed them into the great beyond. Daryl lent me his fitted cap to keep my big head warm in the chilly winds.

KSRT

Passing the plant protected enclosure on the way to Hell.

KSRT

It was hump day in the mountains.

KSRT

Rounding the corner to find welcoming Windward views.

KSRT

We dropped off the cloud soaked ridge and made our way towards the rusting stairs of Hell.

North Haiku Stairs

Panoramic view from Stairway to Hell.

North Haiku Stairs

Our stay in Hell was brief, as it was not as hot as we expected. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Following the flag towards Moanalua Saddle.

KSRT

Leaving Hell behind us as we made our way up the dilapidated and rusting stairs.

KSRT

Daryl making his way down the ridge with the backdrop of H3 behind him.

Geodetic Marker

The weathered marker has seen better days.

Red Hill Summit

Taking a shoefie at the summit around 1215. No stashed water from the search years ago was left, but the webbing that Ethan had stashed was still here.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the crumbly and eroded section.

Moanalua Saddle

Stumbling down the saddle, or at least that’s what somebody told me.

Moanalua Saddle

The mountain tops trying to pierce the cloud ceiling.

Moanalua Saddle

The clouds lifted to reveal the CCL building that has been drawing hikers to her since the mid-1950s.

Kulana’ahane Summit

We hit the summit a little past 2pm. I was spent and exhausted from not enough food and water from the past two days. My stomach had shut down. A couple we met at the summit, graciously offered their egg sandwich, which I couldn’t stomach so it was time to end the hike. Parting group photo by Chris Bautista.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Looking back at the guys contouring and climbing the Dirt Triangle.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Mahalo to Ethan for accompanying me down the valley to make sure that I made it down safe and sound. End of the road for us, sorry about that prime rib dinner and cutting the hike short. Thanks to Ben Hinders for picking us up on short notice. More importantly, thanks to my wife who let me take off to the mountains for this hike. I think she was more disappointed that I didn’t finish than I was! I still enjoyed my five days in the mountains with good company and great times. The company always matters more to me than the hikes.

Moanalua Saddle

Meanwhile, back in the mountains … Daryl making his way up the last chossy section. Photo by Chris Bautista

Moanalua Saddle

Chris climbing up the overgrown back stairs to the CCL building.

Moanalua Saddle

Enjoying a brief break with the stashed water and food. Photo by Chris Bautista

Moanalua Saddle

Daryl climbing the steep hill to heaven.

CCL Building

Nobody was around the WW2 building. They had the heavenly view all to themselves.

ET Call Home

Coming down from the Moanalua Middle Ridge Junction, they made their way down to stop briefly at the defunct radar station for a better view. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Camp Tripler

Home for the night. Face time gave way to battery time.

Tripler Summit

Day 6 – Thursday, June 1. Daryl greeting the morning sun. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Bowman Summit

It was a beautiful but windy day to saddle up again.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring on the Leeward side of the crumbly ridge. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris untangling the webbing from the vegetation. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl about to do the dirty rope slide down. Photo by Chris Bautista

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting down past the broken wave. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl climbing his way down the first rock triangle. Photo by Chris Bautisa.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris standing above the second rock triangle. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Witch’s Hat

Standing on the narrow dike before the last main obstacle on the Bowman side. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Witch’s Hat

Daryl cresting the top of Witch’s Hat. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Camp Centipede

Don’t kick over any rocks, lest a creepy crawler goes up your leg. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Powerlines

Vienna Sausage break. Just missing the saimin.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl walking on the narrow ridge fringed by abundant vegetation. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking ahead to the crown jewels of Kalihi Saddle.

Bunny Ears

Daryl making his way up. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Can Opener

The classic photo spot. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Lanihuli Wall

Daryl making the steady climb up the flank of the grassy ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirt Dragon

It was blowing hard on the saddle today. Just ask Chris’s hair.

Kalihi Saddle

To paraphrase Sir Edmund Hillary, “It is not the saddles we conquer but ourselves.” Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Almost there.

Lanihuli Summit

Taking a short break. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Anvil

Daryl making good use of all his gym time pulling himself up with the new webbing. Photo by Chris Bautista.

W

Playing Donkey Kong in the mountains. Well played. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Dropping in elevation, they shed the clouds and gained the views back.

Pu’u Suicido

Daryl contouring and climbing his way around the incisor rock. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pali Puka

Arnold, Ethan and Krissy climbed up to the puka to meet the guys. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris and Daryl dropping back down to civilization and more importantly, hot food. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Pali Lookout

Chris and Daryl hitting the pavement around 5pm after a six day hiatus in the mountains. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Pali Lookout

Shout out to Agnes Bryant, Amber John, Arnold Yago, Becca Frager and Justin Brackett, Christine DC, Cynthia De Lafuente Wolarey, Dale Yoshizu, Darlina and Junanita Cacatian, Derek Potter, Ethan Clavecillas and Kristina Eizenhoefer, Harold Viloan, Kathlea Kay Evans, Lee Shreve, Mia Garrison, Nandor Szotak, Scott and Dalia Bowling, and Shirley Hamamura who turned out to show their support for Chris and Daryl and more importantly for bringing assorted foods and drinks.

Camp Pali

Talking story at the campsite that Derek Potter had found that was relatively protected from the wind and prying eyes. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Camp Pali

Day 7 – Friday, June 2. Early hikers roll up their camp early. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Pali Notches

Daryl climbing down the second notch. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Chimney

The wind was blowing hard in the morning and they had discovered the webbing had shifted to the far right. Chris shed his pack and climbed to retrieve the webbing for Daryl. After multiple attempts, the webbing was passed to Daryl and the hike continued. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

All the technical were sections behind them as they continued their climb to the highest peak on the Ko’olaus. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Awaawaloa Summit

A hippy hiker was their only company along with the cloudy views. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ka’au Crater

Chris at the top of the crater trail. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KSRT

Enjoying a short break before the big climb up to Lanipo. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Looking back is always easier than moving forward, but not as rewarding.

KSRT

Passing the powerlines. Almost pau for the day.

Camp Wiliwilinui

They hit the summit around 5pm and promptly gorged on dinner for four. Buffet in the mountains.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Day 8 – Saturday, June 3. Chris greeting their last and rainy day on the mountains. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KSRT

Around Wailupe, Chris fell off the ridge and was caught by a tree on the Leeward side. Don’t fall at all, but if one must, veer towards the Leeward side which is generally more forgiving in terms of trees and grade.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Enjoying the Waimanalo views at the 2,520′ top. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Passing through a sliver of a trail.

KSRT

Sliding down the eroded section of the trail towards Kuli’ou’ou, where they met a couple of hikers at the Bear Claw summit.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

The usually crowded summit was eerily empty. Chris decided to dry his tent further down at Hahaione summit.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Daryl at the abandoned lookout. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tom-Tom Trail

Looking out towards Rabbit Island surrounded by the blue-green ocean. It was almost more tempting than the mountains.

KSRT

No photo shoots to delay their progress.

Kamiloiki Summit

Crashing Camp Awesome to enjoy the first beers of the day, courtesy of the Caveman aka Marcus Griego.

KSRT

Enjoying the view before setting off on the exposed and rocky section. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Dropping down the rocky ridge to find …

Makapu’u Puka

… Arnold and Mark waiting for them with a couple more beers. Alcohol and hiking go hand in hand, or was that foot to mouth? Photo by Arnold Yago.

KSRT

Nearing the end of a week long journey. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Makapu’u Lookout

A big thanks to Agnes Bryant, Arnold Yago, Christine DC, Derek Potter, Ethan Clavecillas and Kristina Eizenhoefer, Kath Pablo, Lee Shreve, Mae Christine Dizon, Mark Carinoso, Mia Garrison, Rocky Serrano, and Scott Bowling for coming out to see Chris and Daryl crossing the finish line and bringing assorted foods and drinks.

All pau

Celebratory congratulations to Chris Bautista, Daryl Cacatian and the walking stick for hiking the entire Ko’olau Mountains in eight days! Others have done this trek with and without company, with and without assistance; regardless of how it was done, an awesome accomplishment to all that have done it and will do it. Great job guys!!!!

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.