I was still all wet from the soaking we had just had on the Ko’olau Mountains last weekend, so we headed off to the West side to enjoy a dry spell for a change. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Aida, Analyn, Dale, Ferlino, Sally, Tessa and myself out to the valley.

Waianae Valley

Walking up the much deserved maligned service road. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waianae Valley

Trading in the blistering paved road for Mother Earth. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Bittermelon patch

We saw Aunty picking dahon ng ampalaya for her mungo beans. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waianae Valley

Tessa crossing the flowing dam.

Waianae Valley

Going up the wide firebreak, which made it much easier to gain the spur ridge. Photo by Sally Chow.

Waianae Valley

Cardio puff up the short and steep hill. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waianae Valley

The girls resting at the top of the firebreak. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Kawiwi Ridge

Tessa contouring to gain the ridge line. Ranch workers down below were yelling at us but their words were lost in the elevation.

Kawiwi Ridge

Starting our rocky climb up the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kawiwi Ridge

Analyn making her way up. I think we lost Dale around this point as he was feeling fatigued and went back down.

Kawiwi Ridge

Tessa scampering up the rocks. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Analyn pulling herself up.

Kawiwi Ridge

Going up the angled rocks. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kawiwi Ridge

Aida’s turn to go up. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kawiwi Ridge

Single file shuffling on the narrow ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Stepping stones that kept us out of the brush. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kawiwi Ridge

Aida hugging the steep rock face as she climbs her way up. Photo by Sally Chow.

Kawiwi Ridge

Tessa climbing her way up. Photo by Sally Chow.

Kawiwi Ridge

Sally coming up the progressively steep climb. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Tessa contouring around the rockface before climbing up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Aida against the backdrop of Waianae and Lualualei Valleys. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kawiwi Ridge

Tessa working her way to the tricky crack. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Somebody take my picture! Ate! Kuya!

Kawiwi Summit

Group photo left to right: Analyn, Tessa, myself, Aida, Sally and Ferlino. When you don’t have a mask to cover your face, a t-shirt or banana will do.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Somebody was quite limber today.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Sally coming down from the 2,957′ summit.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Traversing the narrow spine of the rocky ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Spotting and safety go hand in hand. Photo by Sally Chow.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Sally taking the low road. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Just do it. Double reinforcement.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Our first contact with the fence line meant to keep out pigs and goats from chewing up the native plants. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Leaving the fence behind us as we traded it for more rock climbing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Puki Rock

The girls breaking down the language barrier by visual illustration.

Broken Teeth

Making our way over and around the boulders seemingly thrown at random on the ridge line.

Ohikilolo

Looking yonder at the pyramidal peak framed by the drifting clouds.

Broken Teeth

Go big or go home. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Analyn passing through a patch of pine trees.

Kamaileunu Ridge

The group making the slow climb to the top. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

No Name Peak Summit

The girls taking a break from their derrieres.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Making our way down from the 2,950′ summit.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Heading down the ridge line that buffered the rolling clouds. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Climbing down the fence line. Photo by Sally Chow.

Tiki Summit

Posers amongst the towering rocks that interrupted the ridge line.

Tiki Ridge

Going down the old hunter trail that Waianae Steve found and cleared.

Tiki Ridge

Contact with the first tiki.

Tiki Ridge

Two heads are better than one. Photo by Sally Chow.

Tiki Ridge

Going down one of several rock climbs. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Tiki Ridge

Tessa practicing for the upcoming pole dancing competition as we followed the red/white bottle caps on our way down. Photo by Sally Chow.

Waianae Valley

Analyn passing through Hawaii’s version of Middle Earth.

Waianae Valley

Trail meets the road. Analyn and Tessa hurried down the road to finish the job of picking bitter melon leaves.

All pau

Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up from the valley of the howling dogs.

GPS Tracks

Our 5.23 mile loop hike started and ended in Waianae Valley that were filled with rock climbs, narrow ridge crossings and great company. Post hike meal consisted of carbonated colas and melting ice cream. Times are tough when you can’t eat in.

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 Analyn, Chris, Cisco, Ferlino, Matt and Shirley on Veteran’s Day to hike on the West side. Some of us were still sleepy from last night’s Bruno Mars concert. Sleep walking in the mountains it is. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Trailhead

Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off deep in the valley, where we saw C-Rider Falls slicing down the mountain. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waianae Valley

We left the road after a thankfully short walk and headed into the valley that was bouncing back nicely from the recent brush fires. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Feet wet

Ferlino crossing the fenced irrigation system. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Waianae Valley

Looking towards the sun rising through the clouds.

Waianae Valley

Heading deeper into the valley as the sun torched the tips of the mountains. Enjoying the shade while it lasted. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waianae Valley

The cow skull has apparently grown legs and migrated further up the fence line since my last visit.

Timber!

Crying wolf in the mountains. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kawiwi Ridge

Leaving the valley floor behind us as we began our climb up the windy ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kawiwi Ridge

Ferlino and Cisco coming up the exposed ridge line that was pocketed with brittle branches and chlorophyll pigmented bushes. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kawiwi Ridge

Chris going up the ridge line that got progressively steeper and rockier.

Kawiwi Ridge

Scenic rock overlooking Waianae and Lualualei Valleys. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kawiwi Ridge

Stepping stones. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kawiwi Ridge

Lining up as we approached the tricky crack. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kawiwi Ridge

Trying to look heroic, perhaps best to stick with the weight loss program.

Kawiwi Summit

Group photo left to right: Shirley, Analyn, Matt, Chris, myself, Ferlino and Cisco.

Ridge

Photoshoot in progress. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ridge

Hiking in progress.

Ridge

It was only a matter of time before we ran into the fence line. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ridge

We had lots of rocks to climb down …

Ridge

… and over and under.

Ridge

Prickly pears for the picking. Watch the thorns. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ridge

Looking over into Makaha Valley. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

No Name Peak

The Pepsi Challenge is alive and well in the mountains.

Ridge

Dropping down to the Tiki Rocks.

Hikers gone wild

Tiki, do you love me? Are you riding? Synchronized to music. Live entertainment. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mango Ridge

Where you guys came from and you seen my dog? That way and nope.

Three Poles

Some people drive themselves up the pole. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bolohead

Rain showers sweeping our planned route back down to the valley.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

To ladder or not to ladder. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Shelled gastropod

Indigenous or invasive? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Mount Ka’ala

Lack of time and inclement weather pretty much dictated our route down, bottle cap notwithstanding. Photo by Shirley.

Mount Ka’ala

Approaching the socked in FAA tracking station.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo by Matt Vidaurri at the highest point on the island.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Leaving the rain soaked summit for fenced ridge lines and clear skies. Never fails.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Sliding our way down into the valley. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Chris heard waterfalls so most of the group followed the stream to find the source of the noise.

Waianae Waterfalls

Going with the flow.

Waianae Valley

Color coding the valley. What happens if you’re color blind?

All pau

Catching the sun going down as we exited the valley and finished our 7.5 mile hike. Mahalo to Jasmin for picking us up. Photo by Shirley.

GPS Tracks

Post hike meal at Coquito’s. We sat outside where it was warm. The conversation was even warmer as the table talk turned to kissing junior and tossing the vegetables. Hey, I only had two hours of sleep!

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

Met up with Chris, Gen, and Jose to loop some ridges on the West side and perhaps hyphenate a climb. Alas, weather would have a say in those plans.

Trailhead

Thanks to Makaha Gene for letting us park at his place. Crying peacocks punctuated the air all too often as we walked the road deep into the valley.

Trailhead

Leaving the trodden path of civilization … temporarily.

Makaha Valley

The mango tree that keeps on giving and giving. Just need some shoyu and vinegar.

Makaha Valley

Multiple stream crossings were in order for today.

Makaha Valley

Tucked deep behind a gated community is Kane’aki Heiau, closed to the public. No tours.

Makaha Valley

Wandering in the valley while looking for the ridge to go up. Thanks to Tom for the beta on the trail.

Razor Ridge

Chris breaking out of the canopied forest and onto the ridge.

Razor Ridge

Our ridge for today.

Razor Ridge

Lady and the peacock.

Razor Ridge

Boulder hopping.

Razor Ridge

Is this why it’s called razor ridge? Photo by Chris Bautista.

Razor Ridge

Group photo left to right: Jose, Gen, myself and Chris.

Razor Ridge

This section reminds me of Bolohead ridge.

Razor Ridge

Gen coming up the side of a rock face.

Razor Ridge

Chris coming down the other side.

Razor Ridge

Jose and Chris waiting their turn to go down the notch and up the rock face.

Razor Ridge

Eh! One rope stay on da left contour! Wat? Nevah mind. We going dis way! Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Razor Ridge

Jose making his way up.

Razor Ridge

Coming up the ridge between a rock and a fence.

Razor Ridge

Some people like to stand …

Razor Ridge

… others prefer to sit … Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Razor Ridge

… while some are mere spectators. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Razor Ridge

Panoramic view.

Razor Ridge

I want to camp there … and there … and there … Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Razor Ridge

The original plan was for some fool (s) to go up the Griego Wall and loop back down to Makaha Valley via Knife Edge. Falling rain called for a detour down to Tiki Ridge. I’ll be back. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Waianae

We contoured around the backside of No Name Peak to regain the ridge.

Tiki Summit

What happened to the rain? Grrr.

Tiki Ridge

Making our way down the ridge, passing the first tiki.

Tiki Ridge

Passing the second tiki.

Tiki Ridge

Top view of Jose climbing down.

Tiki Ridge

Bottom view of Chris making his way down.

Tiki Ridge

The last tiki on the ridge.

Tiki Ridge

Fallen trees and fungus go hand in hand on the trails.

Waianae Valley

Do you see a dragon or a deer? Rorschach test for hikers.

Waianae Valley

Orange bottle caps are the way back to civilization. Just like bread crumbs, but not as organic.

Waianae Valley

From the sublime … Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Waianae Valley

… to the disturbing. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Waianae Valley

Time to leave Middle Earth.

Waianae Valley

The long road down.

All pau

Like one ride to the bottom? Shout out to the hunters that took us down to the road. Thanks to Ryan for taking us back to Makaha Valley.

I’m so Happy!

Khym had been invited to this hike but decided to go camping in the meadows by himself. Lucky me. He found my Kikaida that I had lost in the same area over six months ago. It was plain as a blue colored centipede on the ground. Many thanks again! Photo by Khym Ansagay.

GPS Tracks

While our 6.19 mile hike did not go off as originally planned, we still had a great time and hike on the ridges and in the valleys. Post hike meal at Max’s of Manila. In Waipahu. Halohalo to wash down our holoholo adventures for today.

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

Bolohead or bust. Met up with Chris, Gen, Justin and Thessa deep in Waianae Valley. Try and try again.

Trailhead

Back on the road again.

Picnic shelter pull-ups

Snapchat what? Cat’s meow. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Bolohead ridge

The weather did not look promising. Bust.

Three Poles

The trail was teeming with hikers today. Mount Ka’ala loomed heavy with dark clouds and the pregnant possibility of rain showers, so we turned towards Kawiwi.

Waianae

Major swaths on both mountain ranges are being fenced to protect the native ecosystem from pigs and goats. The end is necessary but the means are less than visually aesthetic. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Future camp site

Group photo by Justin Hirako, left to right: Gen, Justin, Thessa, myself and Chris.

Waianae

Panoramic photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

What the heck? Ka’ala is clear. Let’s go back. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Ms. Pac-Man

Who’s the pellet? Who’s the ghost? Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tiki Summit

Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Uphill, rocky climb. Photo by Justin Hirako.

No Name Peak

Happy Nuts.

No Name Peak

How much do you weigh? Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Panoramic photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Back on the trail.

Waianae

Panoramic view.

Waianae

Rock climbing ahead. Choke.

Waianae

Sometimes you have to contour the ridge … Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

… other times, you just pop up over the ridge.

Waianae

Hiking the dike.

Waianae

Chris and Thessa climbing their way up. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Almost there.

Kawiwi Summit

Group photo by Justin Hirako on the rainy and overgrown summit.

Kawiwi Ridge

We caught this beautiful double rainbow on the way down. Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Kawiwi Ridge

All down climbing from here. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Kawiwi Ridge

Justin and Chris coming down by the tricky crack section.

Kawiwi Ridge

If it’s not yoga, it’s dancing.

Kawiwi Ridge

You go first? Photo by Justin Hirako.

Kawiwi Ridge

Ridge hiker.

Kawiwi Ridge

Chris, Justin and Thessa on their way down.

Kawiwi Ridge

Gen going down the ridge.

Kawiwi Ridge

Chris coming off the ridge.

Waianae Valley

Random sightings in the valley.

Waianae Valley

Follow the fence.

All pau

Eh brah, caught any pigs?

GPS Tracks

Our West side hike covered 5.9 miles through valleys and ridges and a mixture of hot and rainy weather. Great hike with a fun crew. Post hike meal at Outback’s. If your prime rib is not cooked to order, it’s on the house. Just got to ask.

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.

I found myself walking on the Waianae Valley Road with Marcus, Jay, Tom, Scott, Brian and Aaron to hike up Bolohead Ridge. Did I ever mention I hate this mile plus road of unyielding concrete with a passion? This was our second attempt, as two weeks ago we got rained out and had to turn back.

Weather looks good!

It wasn’t raining and Mount Ka’ala looked clear and cloud free. Looking good!

Waianae Kai Forest

Passing the first water tank, we took a right onto a trail that took us deep into the Waianae Kai Forest as we followed the pink and yellow markers.

Start of Bolohead Ridge

About half an hour later, we found ourselves at the beginning of Bolohead Ridge.

Point of No Return

This was the same area where we had to turn back two weeks ago due to wet conditions. The rocks in this area start to get steeper and are covered with moss. Not a good idea to be climbing in these conditions when rainy and wet.

Group photo at the first obstacle

Back to front: Jay, Scott, Brian, Tom, myself, Aaron and Marcus. I would say this section of the ridge was the narrowest part on the whole ridge, and we were taking a group photo on it! Photo by Marcus Griego.

Looks harder than it actually is

As we prepared to tackle the first obtacle, we noticed moisture in the air and rain spilling over the top of Mount Ka’ala. We agreed that the best plan of action was to make it past the second obstacle and hope the rain would hit us after that, which the terrain would allow us to safely handle. Click here for the larger image.

First obstacle

Looks can be deceiving. From a distance, this obstacle looks imposing and somewhat intimidating. But up close, the climb was made easy by ample handholds and footholds. Photo by Scott Bowling.

Looking back at the thin ridge

Aaron making it to the top of the first obstacle with a neat view of the valley and the ridge we had just left behind.

Second obstacle – Bolohead itself

We soon approached the second and hardest obstacle, the feature named for the ridge itself – Bolohead. So named by Waianae Steve because it resembles a bald man. Sorry, I don’t get the resemblance. Maybe if I squint and look real hard from a certain angle. Then again, I’ve never been good at abstract thinking.

Watch out for falling rocks

While we were waiting our turn to go up Bolohead, we were being showered by dirt and small pebbles from the guys above us. If you got micro-spikes, now would be a good time to put them on. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any. Lucky me.

Climbing up Bolohead

A good chunk of Bolohead is all loose dirt and rocks, making it somewhat of a chore. A weathered rope that was installed who knows how long ago, greatly helped out.

Top of Bolohead

As we all made it to the top of Bolohead one by one, it was hard not to be impressed by the spectacular views below us.

Panoramic view of Waianae Valley

Click here for the larger image.

Climbing down the backside of Bolohead

The fun was not over yet. We stil had to climb down the backside of Bolohead, which involves a somewhat narrow rockface. Once again, there was webbing, but it was frayed so we didn’t depend on it much as we made our way down. Photo by Francis Joy.

Looking down the backside of Bolohead

Tom climbing down as he makes “love” to the rocks. Caveman jargon for hugging the rocks as you down climb.

Almost to the top of Ka’ala

Gone were the narrow ridge and the fun. Replaced by relatively wide open areas on the way to the top of Ka’ala. Luckily, the rain showers never did show up.

Getting bogged down

As we got nearer to the top, the open ridge was replaced by the bog forest and thick uluhe ferns. Photo by Scott Bowling.

Top of Mount Ka’ala

No sightseeing today. It was decided not to pay the Ka’ala bog a visit today and instead go straight down the mountain.

Coming down from the mountain

Tom passing one of the boulder sections as he makes his way down.

Tiki Ridge

Instead of going down the Waianae-Ka’ala Trail, we decided to go down the next ridge, which was Tiki Ridge. 

Tiki #1

Passing the first tiki marker on the way down the ridge. There are two small rockfaces that must be down climbed and the rest of the ridge is downhill.

Tiki #2

We made our way down the ridge, traversed the Waianae Kai Forest, waded through head high grass and popped back onto the much hated road and made our way back down to our cars.

GPS Tracks for Bolohead Ridge to Kaala to Tiki Ridge

The entire 6.3 mile hike took us 7.5 hours. Glad we made it the second time around. I heard there are seven trails to get to Ka’ala, two down and five more to go!

It has been over two years since we last hiked up to the flat topped mountain known as Mount Ka’ala. This called for a reunion hike and another reunion of sorts, as Jason joined Glenn and myself after taking a long break from the hiking trails.

Left for Tiki Ridge

We pushed off a little past 7am and made our way up a mile of alternating asphalt and concrete road. Boy, do I hate this road! Once the paved road ended at the water tank, we turned left into the bushes and started following the red and white bottle caps nailed to the trees.

Follow the red/white bottle caps

The trail lead us through dry riverbeds and kukui nut trees with their droppings crunching and rolling underneath our footsteps. There are an abundance of markers in the form of red/white and white bottle caps, along with red/white and white ribbons. It can be confusing as one is supposed to follow the red/white bottle caps and now you have white bottle caps as well. One should stay to the left and gain the ridgeline when the markers and the opportunity presents themselves. If you start heading to the right and only see solid white markers, then you are heading into the valley and going a different way.

Slight grade going up

Going up the ridgeline was a nice treat for our cardio workout, not too steep and at just the right grade to get the heart pumping.

Looking back into the valley

The ridge finally broke out of the treeline and afforded us views of the valley we had just left behind.

Tiki #1

There are three small rock sections that must be climbed, all relatively easy. All of them have webbing and a bright yellow garden hose, if so needed. Past the first rock section, is a small tiki statue. Which I totally missed. Jason and Glenn had to point it out to me, so I had to climb back down to get my picture!

Hey, give me a hand!

Jason coming up the second rock section. He didn’t really need a hand. Clap. Clap. Clap.

Tiki #2

Looking down at the second tiki statue. Are there any more that we missed?

Top of Tiki Ridge

Glenn holding the black webbing that marks Tiki Ridge, something that we totally missed on our hike last time. After making our way down the goat fenceline, it was a pleasant and flat stroll to 3 poles.

3 Poles

Taking a short lunch break at 3 poles. Jason started cramping up and despite my meager motivations, decided to stay put until we came back down from the mountain top.

Climb to Mount Ka’ala

The winds started to chill us down as we made our way up to the top. At least it wasn’t as blustery as it was on our last hike.

Boulder section

About halfway to the top, are two boulder sections that must be climbed. Both offer ample footholds and handholds to get over them. Ropes are present, if needed.

Panoramic view from top of Ka’ala trail

Click here for the larger image. Pictures, well at least my pictures, don’t do the views justice. You have to see them in person.

Entering Mount Ka’ala Reserve

Nice windbreaker Glenn. Inside joke.

Any happy face spiders in the bog?

As we made our way on the planks through part of the 1,100 acre Mount Ka’ala Reserve, I didn’t realize how big the bog really is. It seemed to go on and on. Endless.

Top of Mount Ka’ala

We finally popped out of the bog to be greeted by the huge dome of the FAA radar station, it was a beautiful day at the 4,025′ summit of Mount Ka’ala.

Panoramic view of North and Central Oahu

Click here for the larger image.

Going back down

Going back down to 3 poles was eye candy almost the whole way. The views of the Waianae Mountain Range and surrounding valleys were just spectacular. When we got to 3 poles, Jason was nowhere to be found. He had decided to go down the trail with another hiker that was waiting for her group.

The long road home

Once we made our way down the Waianae Kaala Trail, we had to subject our toes to that paved road again. Going down. Did I mention I hated this road?

Moon over the mountains

Glenn took his shoes off and jogged down the road in his socks. Hardcore hiker!

GPS Tracks

It took us a little under 8 hours to complete this 8.18 mile hike.

After a week of pounding rain and wind, we hoped today would be a nice day to hike Pu’u Kawiwi to No Name Peak to Tiki Ridge. Glenn and I met Chris at the end of Waianae Valley Road at about 8am to be greeted by windy and dark cloud conditions. Wasn’t looking good.

Recycling at work

The paved road led us to a clearing on the left that marked the start of the trailhead. We followed the barbed wire fencing as it made it’s way past a dry riverbed and a taro patch guarded by a sun bleached cow skull. Eventually we had to crawl under a spot in the barbed wire fence to get to the ridge.  

Climbing up the ridge

As we climbed our way up the ridge, the winds started to pick up from the valley and send it howling over our heads. On top of that, we were being sprinkled with intermittent rain showers. Fun combination on a ridge hike. Not really.

More climbing ahead

The ridge to the top goes straight up. There are no switchbacks. Lots of rock climbing involved. Loads of fun. If you get tired of rock climbing, there are side trails that contour most of the rock formations.

Hikers on Kamaile’unu Ridge

While waiting for Chris and Glenn, I spotted a bunch of hikers on the nearby ridge of Kamaile’unu. I found out later they took our pictures as well.

Tricky Crack

The last major rock obstacle to climb over. You can go around to the right or left, if you’re not feeling up to it.

I don’t need rope!

Glenn climbing his way up the rock. The last time we hiked this ridge, he went around as there was a traffic jam waiting to go up. This time around, he wanted to climb the tricky crack. Made it look easy.

Top of Pu’u Kawiwi

We made it to the 2,975′ summit of Pu’u Kawiwi to take in the views of the Waianae Mountain Range. I could pick out a couple points of interest, such as Ohikilolo, Kamaile’unu, Kea’au, Ka’ala, Kalena and Hapapa.

Expect rainbows and high winds!

The winds which never died down from the start of the ridge, seemed to increase in intensity as we stood at the top of Pu’u Kawiwi. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Panoramic view from Pu’u Kawiwi

Click here for the larger image.

The ridge to No Name Peak

We made our way down for more rock scrambling. It wasn’t really hard. What made it tricky, was the wind gusts that were all over us. It was like we were doing the hike with the Pali Lookout winds thrown in for good measure.

Follow the fence

As we descended down the ridge, the goat fence popped up to offer handy holds.

Rainbows and high winds still in effect

This stretch of smooth faced boulders jumbled together was the last major section of rock climbing fun in store for us.

Top of No Name Peak

We got to the top of 3,000′ No Name Peak with the howling winds still at our back, front, and sides. I don’t know why somebody has yet to name this peak, instead of just calling it No Name.  

Panoramic view from No Name Peak

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More fence to follow

Going down the ridge was helped by the now familiar goat fence that seems to be part of the Waianae mountain landscape.

Poor imitation of a petroglyph

We stopped at these “tiki” rocks which marks the tiki ridge going down into Waianae valley. That was our original hike route, instead we pressed forward on the trail, not knowing we had passed it.

There’s Tiki Ridge!

After realizing that we had overshot tiki ridge, we decided to continue on to Ka’ala trail, rather than going back to tiki ridge. We would save tiki ridge for another hike for another day. The winds also died down at this point, after we had climbed along the hardest parts of the trail. Mother Nature’s sense of humor.

Three Poles marks the trail

The well maintained trail and fence lead us to three poles where we turned right onto the Waianae-Ka’ala trail that took us back into Waianae Valley and our cars. This was a very fun 5.6 mile hike that I would gladly do again, preferably without the Pali Lookout winds. Don’t get me wrong, I like breezy winds to cool me off just as much as the next hiker. But the crazy winds we had on the ridges, were pushing us around like nobody’s business. If we all had umbrellas, we could have made like Mary Poppins!