It was time to hit up the mountains one last time before our trip to Europe. Why not make it a saddle hike?

Route 63

Thanks to Aileen’s friend, Kenny and Tessa for dropping us off on the side of the highway named after King David Kalakaua’s sister.

Kalihi Valley

Making our way up the short and steep trail used by HECO workers to service the powerline poles at the top.

Kalihi Saddle

Trade winds greeted us at the top which was a welcome relief from the oppressive humidity that existed in the land of the wallabies.

Camp Centipede

Glad no predatory arthropods came out to greet us.

Camp Centipede

Duct tape can fix anything.

Kalihi Saddle

We contoured around the knob as we set foot on the trail.

Kalihi Saddle

Threading our way on the narrow ridge line bordered by thick overgrowth on the Leeward side and sheer drops on the Windward side.

Witch’s Hat

The group climbing up using a mixture of grass, branches and old suspect webbing.

Witch’s Hat

Val watching Aileen scramble her way up the conical shaped peak.

Witch’s Hat

The group climbing down from the other side.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling and scooting on the space deficient ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Andy was probably muttering “Den Gipfel erreichen.”

Kalihi Saddle

Val scrambling up the fractured rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Akira sprinting across one of many narrow stretches. No fear.

The Hump

Are we humping the mountain or is the mountain humping us? I think it’s the latter.

Kalihi Saddle

The group traversing over the rolling and restricted ridge line.

Tabletop

Andy trying to secure reservations or just a good handhold.

Tabletop

The rest of the group clambering over the oddly placed rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Hanging on by a very thin sliver of crumbly rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Val wasted no time on this narrow of narrow sections, not a good place to dawdle.

Rock Triangle #1

Climbing up on the Windward side of this rockface where I dislodged a good sized rock that plummeted down to the valley floor that gave somebody a panic attack.

Rock Triangle #1

Somebody was determined not to duplicate and pass on my anxiety inducing attacks.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Aileen making her way around the overhanging ledge.

Rock Triangle #2

The rest of the group waiting for their turn to go up the second rockface. Which begs the question, is it better to go first, middle or last?

Rock Triangle #2

Jeremy using his USMC background to climb this very surmountable obstacle.

Kalihi Saddle

Passing over the area where a broken webbing was one of two witnesses to a hiker that fell two years ago from this same spot. A story best told after everybody has left the area.

Broken Wave

Scrambling my way up the trail of raining rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

The group preparing to leave the ridge line and plunge into heavy overgrowth.

Dirty Slide

Can you see the hikers for the overgrowth? The passing rain shower didn’t help as well.

Kalihi Saddle

Everybody had to eat their Wheaties in order to make the exhausting climb up the flank to regain the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Roger contouring his way around the slippery slope.

Kalihi Saddle

No rest for the weary.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way up the dirt ribbon of a ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody said this was the hardest part of the saddle. Could it be a former member of the military branch that was established in 1775?

Kalihi Saddle

We left behind the “technical” and “sketchy” sections of the saddle to continue our hike on typical KST ridge lines filled with multiple false peaks.

Bowman Summit

Group photo at the cleared 2,740′ summit. Views all around. Lunchtime.

Ko’olau Summit RIdge Line (KSRT)

We left the saddle behind us as we resumed our hike on the dormant fragmented shield volcano. Yes dormant.

Tripler Summit

Our last summit photo with wrap around views of the Windward coastline.

Tripler Ridge

The group exiting the KST.

Tripler Ridge

Aileen “Jackson Chameleon Whisperer” Agustin discovered a rather plump looking invasive lizard which were originally imported from Africa in 1972 as stocks for a pet shop. Then they were intentionally set loose and the rest is history.

Tripler Ridge

The group preparing to descend down a spur ridge into the valley.

End of the Road Trail

The three horned male version of the invasive lizard that eats native insects, spiders, and snails.

All pau

We soon dropped off the ridge and plunged into head high ginger plants and California grass. The overgrown trail eventually became a rather cleared road where we met Kenny and the collective group walked out of the valley and back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our introductory saddle hike for some covered 6.43 miles, mileage may vary depending on whom you ask. Solid day with a great group that helped each other out on what many hikers consider as the “hardest” section of the KST to complete. Post hike meal venue was supposed to have been at Alley Restaurant, as somebody was pushing for their chocolate desserts. Excessive wait time forced us to consider Mexican. Closed. Chicken. No. We all then drove to Pearlridge Center to eat at Big City Diner where Aida, Kenny and Tessa joined us.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Andreas Wiegand, Jeremy Cannone, Roger Schiffman, Val Wang and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

We picked up from almost two months ago when inclement weather forced us to prematurely shorten our destination. Met up with Aida, Akira, Chico, Ferlino and Roger in Moanalua Valley.

Moanalua Valley

The park is now open for business!

Moanalua Valley

Prior to starting our hike, Akira found a perhaps long distant cousin of his and we informed a couple hikers that it would be best to park outside, contrary to law enforcement advice.

Kamananui Valley Trail,

Walking on the old carriage road that once belonged to the Damon Estate, a storied family that was intertwined in Hawaii’s political and economic history from the 1880s.

Kamananui Valley Trail,

Stopping at the seventh and final bridge on the trail and also the spot where the Pohakukaluahine sits, the stone of the old woman that stopped the construction of the H3 through this valley.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Chico showing us the best way to drink water from a bottle. Now you know. CB also showed up fashionably late.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Politely following directions.

Kulana’ahane Trail

How many stream crossings are on the trail and what constitutes a stream crossing? Let’s apply our interpretation and find out. 19 so far.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Checking out the wreckage from a P-47 Thunderbolt plane that crashed in the late 1940s. The pilot survived the crash.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Up to 23 now.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Rock detour.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Tree climbing. Somebody was probably thinking if we are even going to do the saddle today.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Right or wrong. 28 is the final count.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Starting the climb up the short but steep spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Trail

We could see that Moanalua Falls was trickling today.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Pushing our way to the top. Almost there.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo where soon after CB and Chico took their leave of us and descended back down towards the valley for ambulatory and anxiety reasons.

Moanalua Saddle

Our group now reduced to five set foot on the crumbly ridge line known as the “easiest” of the three saddles. Depends who you ask.

Moanalua Saddle

The group electing to climb on the Windward side and forsake the webbing on the Leeward side.

Moanalua Saddle

Scrambling up the chossy rocks as it constantly changes the “character” of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring our way on the Windward side as the rolling clouds blurred the views.

Moanalua Saddle

Roger and Aida working their way back to the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Somebody was enjoying their first outing on this saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way towards the most famous obstacle on the saddle, the “Dirt Triangle” for obvious reasons.

Moanalua Saddle

Ferlino flying the flag as we contoured our way around the triangle where we saw CB and Chico making their way down the spur ridge.

Dirt Triangle

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mmm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Ooh, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends

Dirt Triangle

Aida climbing to the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Scrambling our way over the assorted boulders, lucky the wind exposure was not gusting at its normal tempo.

Moanalua Saddle

Akira looking back as the rest of the group were making their way up.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing our way up what is arguably the “hardest” section of the trail due to the exposure factor especially if the winds are gusting and the rope has been blown off. Subjective.

Moanalua Saddle

Aida approaching the top and relatively safety and peace of mind. All the scrambling parts were done for the day.

Moanalua Saddle

What happened to the twine and twig? More of a hindrance than help.

Moanalua Saddle

That was fun! Let’s do it again! Something that nobody said.

Moanalua Saddle

The erosion part was not over yet. Not by a long shot.

Moanalua Saddle

It would’ve looked better if the clouds had cleared in the background. Can’t have everything in life.

Moanalua Saddle

Where does this ladder lead to?

Moanalua Saddle

Greener pastures. The stairs are no more. Stripped by The Nakoa Companies sometime last year or as somebody else eloquently put it, a Brazilian wax that removed the metal from the mountains. It was actually easier to walk on the ridge line without the decaying steps on it.

Moanalua Saddle

It still takes time getting used to the au naturel look.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching the CCL building that by all accounts will remain after the stairs have long since gone.

Moanalua Saddle

Aida on the last landing overlooking Haiku Valley which served as a natural amphitheater when the US Navy strung antenna cables across the valley in order to transmit radio signals to ships and submarines in the Pacific in 1942.

CCL Building

Group photo in front of the bombproof block house that used to house backup UHF communications to communicate between Kaneohe and Wahiawa. I believe the microwave antenna on the top of the bunker was installed later in the 1950s.

Stairway to Heaven

Looking out at the 3,922 steps that constitute the storied and iconic Stairway to Heaven. The City had awarded the contract in April 2024 to Nakoa Companies to finally tear down the stairs after decades of debates and it looked like the fate of the stairs was sealed. Friends of Haiku Stairs successfully obtained an injunction to halt the dismantling in July 2024 and it has remained there in legal limbo. Either way it will cost taxpayers a lot of money if it stands or gets torn down.

Stairway to Heaven

Synchronized straddling of the fence line.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Going down the rutted trail with Kalihi Saddle in the background.

KSRT

The group descending from the summit of Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe.

KSRT

Akira climbing down towards the defunct radar station.

KSRT

Passing another set of electric power line towers on the ridge line.

Tripler Summit

Thanks to Akira for making a pot of hot ramen noodles. Hit the spot especially when the weather had turned a corner for the worse.

Tripler Summit

Group photo on our last summit.

Tripler Trail

Leaving the 2,760′ peak.

Tripler Trail

This trail has been described by Stuart Ball as a “classic leeward Ko’olau ridge hike.” The only part I agree with is “It’s long, hard, and somewhat tedious.”

Tripler Trail

Reaching the junction that will take us off the ridge …

Tripler Trail

… to go down a somewhat steep trail …

Kamananui Valley Trail

… and down to the valley floor. The rain showers also came back to cool us off.

All pau

Finishing at the park before the next shift arrives.

GPS Tracks

Our 10.3 mile hike covered a crumbly saddle, new scenery and a long ridge hike down with a fun group. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant. Done with the oxtail soup, too much fat and overpriced.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chris Bautista, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Roger Schiffman, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

Met up with Aida, Ani, Katie, Laredo, Margaret and Quan at Moanalua Valley Park to hike to heaven. The harder way.

Trailhead

Did everybody brush their shoes?

Paws on the Path

Can I take you home?

Kamananui Valley Trail

Hold my hand. I’m not quite sure who said it first. Photo by Margaret Wilson.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Group photo without holding hands, left to right: myself, Ani, Quan, Katie, Laredo, Margaret and Aida.

Kulana’ahane Junction

The sign and junction that will continue to baffle and befuddle many hikers looking for heaven. What you are seeking is 30 feet to your right. Photo by Ani Lagpacan

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going through one of many stream crossings.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Huffing and puffing our way up the short and steep spur ridge.

Moanalua Valley

Imagining what the H-3 would have looked like slicing through this valley. Not a pretty thought. Photo by Margaret Wilson.

Kulana’ahane Summit

We reached the summit with clear views all around.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Picture time.

Kulana’ahane Summit

One more selfie and then we can go.

Moanalua Saddle

The usual brisk winds blowing from Windward to Leeward kept us company.

Moanalua Saddle

Gaining elevation on our way up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

Ani spotting Quan as she climbed her way up the rocks. Photo by Margaret Wilson.

Moanalua Saddle

The human anchor at your service. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

Webbing? I don’t need webbing where I’m going. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie contouring up the Windward side. Watch the drop.

Moanalua Saddle

Slow and steady was the theme for the day.

Entrepreneur

Saddle to Heaven Tours. Five cents. Pictures and meals not included. Tips are appreciated. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Selfie on the Leeward side. One can’t have enough selfies. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Dirt Triangle

Ani approaching the tree that she would soon break in half. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Dirt Triangle

Katie pulling herself up.

Dirt Triangle

Aida climbing her way to the top. Photo by Margaret Wilson.

Moanalua Saddle

Back on the crumbly ridge line. Photo by Margaret Wilson

Moanalua Saddle

Katie climbing over the rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

The rest of the group making their way up. Photo by Margaret Wilson.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie going up the last crumbly section on the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

Quan looking for her next handhold.

Moanalua Saddle

Taking in the views as all the hard parts were behind us.

Moanalua Saddle

Just straight up ridge hiking from here to the summit. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

A couple eroded sections here and there. Photo by Margaret Wilson.

Moanalua Saddle

Arriving at the A-frame remnants that once hung five suspended antenna cables across the amphitheater shaped valley. Quite the engineering marvel. Photo by Katie Bingham

Moanalua Saddle

We took a short break on the solid concrete. No need to watch your footing for now. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Moanalua Saddle

“There’s a lady who’s sure that she’s hiking the backway to stairway to heaven…” Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Moanalua Saddle

“…When they get there, she knows…” Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

“…If the stairway is closed…” Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

“…with Laredo’s help, she can get out…”

Stairway to Heaven

“…Oh oh oh oh and she’s hiking up the backway to stairway to heaven.” Paraphrased from Led Zeppelin. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Stairway to Heaven

Group photo at the storied stairs. Lunch break in heaven.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing the muddy rutted and crowd packed trail as we left the smoky views.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Leaving the 2,820′ flat summit.

KSRT

Passing a wind swept grassy meadow. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Making our way down the steep hill to the defunct radar station. Photo by Margaret Wilson.

Pinch test

Aren’t you cold? Let’s find out.

KSRT

Leaving the radar station as we were getting cold. Well, maybe not Laredo. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Panoramic views

Sweeping views of the Windward side. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

KSRT

Approaching the power line tower for the grassy knob.

Tripler Summit

Margaret safe and sound at the 2,760′ grassy summit. Double shaka.

Tripler Summit

One shoe is not like the others. Photo by Aida Gordon

Tripler Summit

Going down the “classic Leeward Ko’olau ridge” as Stuart Ball described the trail.

Moanalua Middle Ridge

Looking for hikers on the well trafficked ridge.

Tripler Ridge

Making our way down the last steep section of the ridge before it leveled off.

End of Road Junction

Parting ways with Laredo who decided to continue on the ridge towards the hospital.

End of Road Ridge

Dropping down to the valley floor.

Moanalua Valley

Getting turned around in the towering yellow ginger patch. Look for the power lines.

Moanalua Valley

Finding our way out and going through a white ginger patch.

Moanalua Valley

Pushing our way through the insufferable corridor of itchy California grass.

Moanalua Valley

Back on the main trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

All pau

Let’s make like a tire and hit the road. Don’t forget to leave your nickels on the way out. People have to make a living in paradise. Photo by Aida Gordon.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle and valley hike covered 10.65 miles. Great introductory hike with a fun crew. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where during the wait, they ran out of oxtail soup. Just when I thought the day was ending with a bang. Whimper.

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.

Helped a friend to finish a ridge and another to celebrate her birthday today. It was also a nice day to be alive and hiking as we all managed to survive the false missile alert that gave everybody a pause yesterday.

Trailhead

Met up with Daryl and Mia at the parking lot as Amber, Anne, Clayton, Jan and Robin had already pushed off on the trail. Chris was running late.

Kamananui Valley Trail

The construction bees have been quite busy in the back of the valley. Unsubstantiated rumors that the concrete roads are meant for soon to come paying tours to crowd out the free loading hikers from these trails filled the air.

Kamananui Valley Trail

The stairs? Where we’re going, there are no stairs.

Marker 12

Passing the traditional short cut to Tripler Ridge. We were not being traditional today.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Met up with the rest of the group at the start of the spur ridge we called Pueo after the sign that marks the trailhead.

Pueo Ridge

We followed the clearly trodden trail through knee high uluhell ferns until …

Pueo Ridge

… the trail took on a steeper pitch packed with strawberry guava trees.

Pueo Ridge

Group photo as we gained the semi-exposed ridge. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pueo Ridge

Looking out towards Moanalua Valley with her cloud puffs.

Pueo Ridge

The point where Clayton turned around on his prior solo hike. Time to push forward.

Pueo Ridge

Making our way under and over the twisted trees. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

Pueo Ridge

Rotten rocks and questionable trees laid ahead of us.

Pueo Ridge

After a short stretch of raining rocks and voices in the valley, we soon scrambled to more solid footing on the ridge.

Pueo Ridge

Sometimes I think a pair of knee pads belongs in my pack. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

Pueo Ridge

Anne threading her way through the barrier of strawberry guava trees to step foot on Tripler Ridge. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

Tripler Ridge

Group photo left to right: Chris, Daryl, Clayton, myself, Amber, Jan, Mia, Anne and Robin.

Tripler Ridge

We bumped into members of the HTMC group on the ridge.

Naupaka Kahakai

Passing the happy half of the flower in the mountains.

Tripler Ridge

We ran into Rich Bailey who was videoing the group on their hike.

Tripler Ridge

Pushing up the last hill on the ridge to the summit.

Tripler Ridge

Waiting for our lunch to be delivered.

Tripler Summit

A visual feast for the eyes.

Max’s of Manila

Thanks to Anne for making oxtail soup, Filipino spaghetti, and kalua pig and cabbage. We had a fully loaded feast on the summit. Talk about a kanak attack. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Cake Couture

Blowing out the candle and making a wish. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

Tripler Summit

Group photo by Rich Bailey.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the summit behind along with Amber and Clayton who went down Moanalua Middle Ridge.

Bowman Summit

Mia passing the 2,740′ summit of Pu’u Kahuauli.

KSRT

The group scooting their way down the grassy ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking by the seats of our pants.

Kalihi Saddle

Robin contouring on the Leeward side of the cracked ridge.

Creeping Corner

Mia making her way around the sliding dirt area. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirty Rope Slide

One at a time going down. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at the others climbing and cramping their way down.

Coca-Cola

The pause that refreshes. Photo by Robin Farr.

Saddle Orientation

We are going down there. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Jan making her way down past the broken wave.

Kalihi Saddle

Mia scooting along the narrow ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Jan climbing down the first rock triangle with rope that was a tad short from the bottom.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl, despite advice given and not taken, took the butt express slide down. Mia and Anne took the belly express slide down. Chris sticked his landing and then fell flat on his face. Fun in the mountains and we didn’t even have to pay for it. Photos by Robin Farr.

Kalihi Saddle

The weathered tree had finally withered away.

Kalihi Saddle

Going down. Photo by Robin Farr.

Kalihi Saddle

Going down the Windward side of the second rock triangle to avoid the hanging, clustered ropes on the Leeward side.

Kalihi Saddle

The group passing tabletop rock on their way down.

Kalihi Saddle

Everybody taking their turn to scoot over the hump.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl spotting the rest of the group making their way down.

Majestic Mountains

As we were dropping into the saddle, a familiar red jacketed individual appeared at the top of Witch’s Hat. Photo by Derek Potter.

Kalihi Saddle

Eye in the sky. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Coming down the mountain.

Witch’s Hat

Climbing up the hat. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view from the top.

Witch’s Hat

Which way do we look? Photos by Anne Fai and Derek Potter.

Kalihi Saddle

Jan on her way to the knob.

Kalihi Saddle

Dropping down the backside of Witch’s Hat. Photo by Chris Bautista.

All pau

It was lights out as Mia had the last cupcake that was meant for the other birthday boy who couldn’t make it to today’s hike. Photo by Chris Bautista.

GPS Tracks

Our birthday hike covered a little over six miles that was filled with ono food and fun company. Mahalo to Clayton and Richie for picking us up on the side of the highway. Post hike meal was satisfied on the spot thanks to Clayton bringing us tasty beverages to wash down the still warm chicken sandwiches.

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

We decided to visit Hell and Heaven today; I met up with Alexis, Analyn, Chris and Ferlino at Moanalua Valley.

Trailhead

Too early for the chickens. Only the dogs were barking as we started our early morning hike. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off.

Aiea Loop Trail

Bench with city light views.

Aiea Ridge Trail

New sign. Summit Trail. No Exit. Advanced. All good to know.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Ferlino crossing the landslide area under spotlight.

Tripler Ridge

Climbing up the steady and steep ridge. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Taking a break at the large, grassy hill top. The dolphin had “swum” over to another branch.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Approaching the power lines which sits at the base of the summit, where the clouds blocked the views but not the cacophony of civilization that floated to the mountains.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail ( KSRT)

Making our way along the muddy ridge, Chris slipped and a branch poked him below his eye. Mountain first aid rendered – Bactine sprayed on and medical tape slapped on. Good to go.

KSRT

Looking back at the rest of the group making their way on the cloud shrouded ridge.

KSRT

The sun was fighting through the clouds.

KSRT

The rest of the group getting off the ridge and contouring around the protected plant enclosure.

KSRT

Peeking around the corner.

KSRT

Group photo on our descent down to Hell where we ran into a friend who was ascending, left to right: Chris, Alexis, Analyn, Noah, myself, Ferlino and Shirley. Can I shake your hand?

KSRT

Chris’s face says it all. We got a view!

Stairway to Hell

The dress was on. The flag was out. Time to take our group photo.

Bunker

Chris checking to see if the tent collection had grown since our last visit. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KSRT

Leaving the chilly haunt of Hell. Which begs the question. Why is Hell not so hot?

KSRT

Making our way to the summit of Red Hill, where we soon …

Moanalua Saddle

… dropped into the crumbly saddle. Rope? I don’t need no stinking rope.

Moanalua Saddle

Comin’ down the mountain. But first take my picture.

Moanalua Saddle

Humping over the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

The running man. Going the wrong way. Medical tape is not only good for facial cuts but torn pants as well. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Moanalua Saddle

Going up through the tangled and twisted roots that carpeted the ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

The group contouring their way up the Windward side of the ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way to the main obstacle on the ridge. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Dirt Triangle

Alexis climbing up from the Leeward side. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Moanalua Saddle

Crawling our way up the eroded ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Don’t touch that crumbly rock?

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the H-3 Highway snaking its way through Halawa Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

The group climbing out of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Going up the back stairs.

Stairway to Heaven

Not going down the front stairs.

CCL Building

Throwing shakas out at the 2,720′ summit. Somebody needs to get with the program.

KSRT

Leaving Heaven behind us with views of Kalihi and Nu’uanu Saddles to our front.

KSRT

Dropping down from the MMR junction, we saw a helicopter perched on Tripler Summit ahead of us and decided to see if we could reach it before it took off.

KSRT

No climbing today. Read the sign.

KSRT

We briefly interrupted the workers on the power lines as we quickly passed underneath them. Safety first. Mahalo.

Tripler Summit

A minute late and a helicopter short. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tripler Summit

The helicopter pilot skillfully flew the workers up and down the spur ridges, dropping and picking them up.

Tripler Summit

No, we are not being rescued.

Tripler Ridge

Leaving the summit and the helicopter ride (wishful thinking) behind us.

Powerlines Ridge

We abbreviated the long Tripler ridge by taking the spur ridge down to the power lines, passing an abundance of smashed guavas on our way down.

Moanalua Valley

Making our way out from the back of the valley.

Moanalua Valley

I think we had our fill of California grass on this hike and then some.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Does somebody need medical tape on their butt again? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

All pau

End of the long road. End of a long day. Somebody needs to get with the program. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

GPS Tracks

Our two for the price of one hike covered a little over 13 miles. Fun day with a great group. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery. Oxtail soup tastes better when a dead fly falls out of your eye.

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.

Met up with Alexis, Ani, Analyn, Chris, Ferlino and Lopaka at Moanalua Valley to get back in the saddle.

Moanalua Valley

Swallowed up by the towering California grass and the inkiness of the early morning.

Moanalua Powerline Ridge

Going up the streambed without a hiking stick, we finally found the ridge and starting making our way up.

Moanalua Valley

Looking back at the sun slowly eating the shadows. Nom nom.

Moanalua Powerline Ridge

Making our way to the power lines.

Tripler Ridge

Following the rope to the summit, where we met a couple other hikers that had made it from the Tripler trail.

Tripler Summit

I think we are being photographically segregated at the top. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Pushing our way through the moss wrapped trees.

KSRT

Hiking in the clouds. Always a surreal situation. Especially on a skinny ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Clear on the left. Cracked in the middle. Cloudy on the right.

Kalihi Saddle

Ferlino contouring his way pass the crumbly section. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Kalihi Saddle

Alexis crawling around a boulder solidly anchored in the dirt.

Kalihi Saddle

Lopaka rounding the eroded corner.

Kalihi Saddle

Okay, who wants to go next? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kalihi Saddle

Watch out below. I’m coming down!

Kalihi Saddle

Look mom, only one hand and one leg! Don’t try this on the mountains, boys and girls. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Kalihi Saddle

Rope was only being used for photographic purposes. Right? Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way down past the broken wave.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody was yelling “I live for this sh*t!”

Rock Triangle #1

Analyn watching Lopaka climb his way down. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Rock Triangle #1

Ferlino at the end of his webbing.

Kalihi Saddle

Slip sliding down the ridge. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Kalihi Saddle

Back to bipedal hiking.

Kalihi Saddle

Hold onto your hat!

Kalihi Saddle

Straddling the saddle. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Rock Triangle #2

Taking the Windward way down. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Rock Triangle #2

Chris making his way down as the wind was whipping the webbing something fierce.

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting and straddling. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Kalihi Saddle

Crawl, scoot, straddle or walk. Pick your poison.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody needs to get with the program. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Kalihi Saddle

The group coming down tabletop rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Straddle, walk, straddle, walk, walk, walk. The sequence was not being followed.

Kalihi Saddle

Single file shuffling. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kalihi Valley

The gusty winds were kicking all sorts of loose plant life in the air, like this floating leaf.

Kalihi Saddle

Everybody wanted a picture on this rock. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Kalihi Saddle

The group approaching the last obstacle on the ridge.

Witch’s Hat

Sizing up the hat. 7 3/4. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Kalihi Saddle

Waiting their turn. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Witch’s Hat

Now if we all had brought broomsticks, the wind could carry us away. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Witch’s Hat

Everybody making their way down the back of Witch’s Hat.

Kalihi Saddle

Almost there.

Kalihi Saddle

Celebrating the end (almost) of our hike by unfurling the flag.

Powerlines

Pop quiz in the mountains, what is Alexis doing to Analyn?
a) trying to slap a mosquito on her butt.
b) deflecting her flatulence towards the group.
c) applying medical tape to her butt.

Powerlines

It was a day of firsts for Alexis. First time doing Kalihi Saddle. First time eating a spam musubi.

Powerlines Trail

Rain showers brought slippery conditions to the stone steps. Pop goes the ankle.

Powerlines Trail

Mahalo to Ferlino for carrying Alexis’s bag and tripod for walking it out.

Powerlines Trail

When a rain jacket just isn’t enough.

All pau

Thanks to Jasmin for picking our group of soggy hikers up on the side of Likelike Highway.

Post hike meal

Fun hike that covered 6.48 miles through ridges and valleys, with new and old friends. Post hike meal at Cattle Company. When ones hunger pangs override the need for pressing medical attention. Group photo left to right: Chris, myself, Ferlino, Jasmin, Alexis, Ani, Lopaka and Analyn. Thanks Ferlino for the meal. Hit the spot.

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.

Met up with Agnes, Art, Chris, Ethan and Glenn at Moanalua Valley. Back in the saddle(s)?

Moanalua Valley Park

Bouncing and slipping. Group photo by Agnes Bryant, left to right: Ethan, Glenn, myself, Agnes, Chris and Art.

Trailhead

Where are those Korean hikers?

Kamananui Valley Road

The trail was surprisingly dry. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Junction

Is this the legal way to Haiku Stairs? Or the hard way? Or both? Group photo by Agnes Bryant.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going under the hau tree branches …

Kulana’ahane Trail

… over …

Kulana’ahane Trail

… and back under.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Point of no return?

Kulana’ahane Trail

Dry chute. No water works requested today.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Huffing and puffing our way up the spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Looking towards Red Hill.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Almost there.

Kulana’ahane Terminus

Ethan taking in the Windward swept views from the eroded lookout.

Kulana’ahane Terminus

Weather forecast looks cloudy at the top. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Moanalua Saddle

Enough sightseeing and weather speculation, time to resume our hiking.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan making his way up the rocky ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Moanalua Valley – the original route for the H-3, until a petroglyph etched rock forced it into the next valley over.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan climbing up the crumbly rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing queue. One at a time. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris making his way up. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Moanalua Saddle

Glenn and Art coming up from the Windward side.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan making his way to the Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

Straight up. Shaken not stirred.

Moanalua Saddle

Shaka and climb in progress. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way up the face of the Dirt Triangle. Photo by Art Millan.

Moanalua Saddle

Glenn climbing his way up.

Moanalua Saddle

Sorry, this attraction is now closed. Please contour. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris making his way up the contour side.

Moanalua Saddle

Art climbing up. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Moanalua Saddle

Art finishing what the fraying started. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan and Glenn scrambling up.

Moanalua Saddle

The trail has been slowly eroding with the passage of time, weather and hikers traveling on the ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan hiking into the clouds.

Moanalua Saddle

Glenn paying rapt attention as Chris demonstrates the five points of contact climbing method.

Moanalua Saddle

Ethan going up.

Moanalua Saddle

Clear on the left, cloudy on the right.

Moanalua Saddle

IPhone rescue in progress. When an electronic device that has your life encapsulated means more than life itself. LOL.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris and Glenn going up the back stairs to the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Anybody home?

CCL Building

Ethan enjoying his lunch topside.

Haiku Stairs

We took our leave of Agnes and Art as we headed off into the clouds.

Pu’u Keahi A Kahoe

Our muddy shoes on the geodetic marker at the 2,820′ summit. The Moanalua Middle Ridge wooden sign was still MIA.

KSRT

Thinking of Kalihi Saddle.

KSRT

Rain started dumping on us, which forced us to think again.

KSRT

Clouds and rain washing over the power line towers.

Tripler Summit

Group photo at the 2,760′ socked in summit.

Tripler Ridge

Chris dropping below the clouds to better conditions on this side of the ridge. Never fails.

Powerlines Ridge

We decided to drop down into the valley via the Powerlines ridge. Tripler is just too long of a ridge. Especially on ones way back down.

Powerlines Ridge

Glenn picking his way over the landslide area.

Kamananui Valley Trail

We dropped back down into the valley and began to walk out the seemingly never ending trail.

Junction

Where was Agnes and Art? Long gone.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Chris contouring past a heavily eroded section of the trail.

All pau

Back at the park.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered 10.5 miles with a fun crew. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery. Just in time for the Prime Rib Special. Life is good.

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.

Met up with Chris B and Chris C deep in Moanalua Valley to attempt another saddle hike. Weather looked somewhat promising. Empty promises.

Trailhead

It was a pleasant surprise to bump into Ted “Marathon Man” Calvero in the parking lot.

Kamananui Trail

Crossing over one of seven turn-of-the-century stone bridges that kept our feet dry from the swollen stream. For now.

Kamananui Trail

The group passing an eroded section of the trail.

Kamananui Trail

Jump in! Your feet will get wet. Now or later.

Kamananui Trail

Marker 12. Pay close attention to the orange bag cover.

Tripler Ridge

Slow cardio burn uphill.

Tripler Ridge

The ridge was awash with invasive strawberry guava trees.

Tripler Ridge

Many hikers have characterized this ridge as a rugged and grueling trail. Not far off the mark.

Tripler Ridge

Looking down into the valley at Moanalua Middle Ridge.

Tripler Ridge

Where’s Ted?

Base Camp

We found a tent and sleeping bag. Somewhat saturated. Somewhat used. Somewhat buss.

Slacklining

Webbing. Two trees. 15 seconds of shakiness. Divide by three. Photos by Chris Chun.

Tripler Ridge

Chris B checking out an eroded section of the ridge.

Poke Stop

Some of us stopped to check out a trail to the valley floor. Others collected poke balls.

Tripler Ridge

Raindrops were in the air. On the mountains. On the lehua flowers. On the hikers. Photo by Chris Chun.

Tripler Ridge

We passed multiples hikers that were making their way down the ridge.

Tripler Ridge

Same orange bag cover. Different hiker. What the heck?

Tripler Ridge

The last push up the socked-in, wet and muddy ridge to the summit. Rain showers helped to wash everything together.

Tripler Ridge

Camouflaged hiker.

Tripler Summit

Group photo at the 2,760′ top, left to right: Chris Bautista, myself and Chris Chun. What a view!

KSRT

We turned right on the cloudy and rain kissed Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

KSRT

Thumbs down. The steady rain and socked in conditions forced us to go with Plan B. Down Bowman Trail. Photo by Chris Chun.

Bowman Trail

Is this the right way?

Bowman Trail

Making our way through the bog.

Bowman Trail

Dropping down into the clouds.

Double Sunglass Mountain

HOGO. Hike one, get one free. Photo by Chris Chun.

Bowman Trail

Going down the face of Pu’u Kahuauli.

Bowman Trail

We dropped off the mountain and onto Bowman ridge.

Bowman Trail

Stuart Ball states “Bowman is the most difficult of the ungraded ridge hikes in the leeward Ko’olau Range.” Not to mention a long hike that never seems to end. No wonder most hikers take the shortcut or the commando trail.

Bowman Trail

Hiking up and over one of several eroded sections on the trail. We ran into another hiker that had come up from the bottom of Bowman and gave up when he saw the socked in summit and turned around. So close and yet so far.

Bowman Trail

Passing one of several United States Military Reservation (USMR) markers on our way down the ridge.

Bowman Trail

The trail took on a more pronounced ridge look on certain sections of the trail.

Bowman Trail

Double rainbow in the valley.

Bowman Trail

The trail opened to reveal another false summit. Tease.

Bowman Trail

Where and when does this ridge end? We were thinking that it terminated at the pine trees in the distance. Let it end.

Bowman Trail

Luckily we were wrong. Dead wrong. A few minutes later, we reached the official end of the Bowman trail.

Bowman Trail

Following the dirt road back to civilization.

Bowman Trail

The houses of Kalihi Valley.

Bowman Trail

We took the terraced trail straight down …

All pau

… to the basketball courts of Kalihi Elementary School.

GPS Tracks

Our loop ridge hike covered a little over 9 miles and connected two hard and long ridges. Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up. Post hike meal at Outback’s. Coffee and soup. Liquid diet?

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.

Today’s hike was to wrap up an unfinished trail. Met up with Bob, Gary, Gen and Glenn deep in Moanalua Valley.

Trailhead

We were here two weeks ago but had to abort the hike due to an alleged fallen hiker. Long story short. He didn’t fall. He was lost. Recovered.

Seven bridges

Crossing the storied arched bridges that harked back to a time when missionary families ruled the land.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Walking into the blinding sun.

Pop-Tart?

Crazy good. Not that crazy. Not that good. Not biting. Leave me alone.

Deep in the valley

We passed the valley and ridge junctions and plunged deeper into the valley to continue our hike.

Marker 17

The flat part was over. Now it was all uphill.

Steady climb

The trail cut a swath through the uluhe ferns. No bushwhacking needed.

Steeper

Bob scrambling up the mountain. Some trail sections required four points of contact.

Looking ahead

Clouds spilling over the Ko’olaus. A harbinger of rain or just cotton candy for the eyes?

Humming

The trail was once used by Hawaiian Electric to service the power lines back in the day.

Waianae Mountains

Looking into Moanalua Valley with the Waianae Mountains in the backdrop.

Bottle capped stakes

The trail soon intersected with the Tripler ridge.

Excuse me

A small group of hikers passed us going the other way. We also saw and yelled at some caveman hikers on the middle ridge going down. Running late.

Ohia lehua

Red lehua flowers populated the ridge going up. Don’t pick them. Too late.

Cloudy

Topped out at the 2,760′ socked in summit. No view. Move along.

HECO trail

Making our way down the somewhat steep and narrow ridge. Look! A view.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

More power lines

The ridge leveled and expanded as we made our way underneath another power line tower.

Area 51

Bob climbing up towards the defunct radar station.

Jungle gym

Posing with the undertaker. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Top of the world

Look at the camera. Everybody.

Last scramble

Climbing up the last hill.

Which way?

Group photo at the Moanalua Middle Ridge junction, left to right: myself, Glenn, Bob, Gen and Gary. Photo by Chris Bautista who we ran into at the junction.

Need a hand?

Gen making her way down past the 2,820′ summit of Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe. Look ma, only one hand!

Calling Tokyo Bay

We arrived at the CCL building just in time. Rain.

Don’t forget Old Glory

The original route was to go down Moanalua Middle Ridge. However, Gen’s injured thumb and rain dictated that we seek the shortest way down. All 3,922 steps.

Slippery when wet

Bob and Glenn descending into the clouds.

Hitchhikers

Several hikers, Chuan and the two Eric’s, took our invitation to follow us down the stairs as the rain changed their mind about returning back down the middle ridge. And they had both thumbs.

Hoist house

Stuck in a building with no roof and rain pouring in. Might as well wait outside.

Windward view

The rain soon stopped and we broke below the cloud deck.

Smile, you’re on Candid Camera

Getting used to my picture being taken. At the bottom. Photo by Bob Tyson.

Platform

One of five landings that breaks the continuity of the stairs.

Tagging

Not OK.

H3

The H3 highway generated just as much, if not more controversy than today’s HART when it was being built in the late 1980s.

Valentine’s Day Massacre

The landslide sent trees, dirt and rocks cascading into a small section of the stairs resulting in twisted steps and handrails.

Landslide

The death of the stairs was greatly exaggerated.

Honk if you’re hiking

We could see the cars on the highway and they could see us.

Coming down

The group making their way down to the bottom section of the stairs, only to be greeted by…

Mr. Anderson I presume?

…the guard who was giving us an earful until we let him know that we had an injured person in our party that necessitated coming down the stairs. Note: Stairways to Heaven or Haiku Stairs is considered private property and the no trespassing rule is strictly enforced with round the clock guards and punitive measures being dished out.

School is in session

The gate was wide open. We simply walked out. The gate is normally closed and laced with barbed wire, sharp stakes and holes meant to deter hikers from accessing the trail.

One day

The other stairway. From hell.

1942 – ?

When will the obituary be published?

GPS Tracks

The valley to the mountain to the stair hike covered 7.57 miles. Post hike meal at Ruby Tuesday. What’s in the dip? Bet you can’t eat just one.

Stuart Ball called Bowman the most difficult of the ungraded ridge hikes in the leeward Ko’olau Range. With that being said, Chris wanted to try out the Bowman shortcut, which would chop three miles off the trail length. I only agreed because knowing the route would come in handy when the time came to tackle the Bowman side of Kalihi Saddle. Jasmin also joined our hike for today.

The road to Kalihi Ice Ponds

Parking at the end of Kalihi Street deep in the valley is extremely scarce. Carpooling is highly recommended if coming with a large group. Instead of going over the bridge and straight into Kalihi Ice Ponds, which I have yet to visit, we went up the dirt road to our left.

What commercial does this remind you of?

Anybody know the answer? I’ve been scratching my head to no avail.

Burmeister Overpass

We soon crossed the Overpass that was built by the state for the Burmeister family when construction of Likelike Highway cut off access to their land deep in Kalihi Valley.

Knock Knock

George Burmeister shot and killed a trespasser back in the 1960’s. He got off with five years of probation. I don’t know if the family is still around, from the looks of these abandoned buildings. Not wanting to push our luck, we soon took the trail that winds to the right of the buildings.

Is this the shortcut?

We followed the ribbons and barbed wire fence as we made our way up the spur ridge.

Kokua Kalihi Valley

Our progress up the shortcut ridge was soon halted by a group of surveyors that claimed this land was now private property. What? Where are the signs? Not wanting to push the issue, we took their suggestion to try the adjacent spur ridge. #1 Big mistake of the day.

Trail snacks

We backtracked our way down and crossed over to the next ridge. As we started to make our way up, the smell of ripe lilikoi (passion fruit) hung in the air.

Where is the shortcut?

The ridge soon disappeared into a thick tangle of vegetation and heavily eroded sections. Bushwhacking is an understatement. I must have muttered “What frigging shortcut?” too many times to count.

Sky staring

Checking out the cloud formations at the top of the junction for the Bowman trail.

Hanging around

I was glad to see Chris and Jasmin after waiting almost two hours. It was getting pretty lonely at the top. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Swallowed by uluhe ferns

As we continued our hike on the Bowman trail, coming up the “shortcut ridge” had taxed Chris to his limit. He called and said he was returning back down the trail. I asked Jasmin if she wanted to join him or continue the hike. She opted for the latter. #2 Big mistake of the day. An hour into the hike, rumbling thunder cracked open the sky and the proverbial cats and dogs poured on us for almost two hours. The trail became a raging waterfall. I was more worried about being struck by lightning. I could just hear Chris laughing at us.

Where’s the rainbow?

The thunderstorm eventually turned into a drizzle as we approached the climb up Pu’u Kahuauli (Bowman).

Chances of waterfalls…

The intense soaking produced tons of waterfalls all around us. There were over a dozen of them coming down from Lanihuli.

..and partly cloudy

Looking back towards town. The air always smells fresher after an intense downpour, especially if you were caught in the middle of it!

Marshy meadow

After reaching the top of Pu’u Kahuauli at an elevation of 2,740′, we turned left towards Tripler Ridge.

Is that the sun?

The sun would peak out every now and then, teasing us with scattered cloudy views.

HECO trail

Heading down the slippery and muddy trail. HECO maintains this section due to the power lines, so there are ropes to keep you from sliding off the ridge.

Makeshift weather station

Total whiteout conditions from the top of the relay station. Bummers.

Smoky mountains

Looking back, the clouds partially cleared to reveal themselves wrapping around Lanihuli and Pu’u Kahuauali. Postcard perfect.

CCL Building

We soon passed the middle junction and the top of Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe at 2,820′ high above the clouds and made our way to the CCL building which marks the top of Haiku Stairs.

Losing daylight

The sun’s rapid descent as it pierced the heavy clouds made the climb down the stairs more urgent.

Stairway to Heaven

Top of the stairs at 2,800′.

Coming down

Jasmin climbing down the stairs, all 3,922 of them.

Sunset over Moanalua Saddle

Looking to our left, the sun was setting. Where was my headlamp? Oops.

Haiku Stairs

I believe this was the last of the five landings that breaks up the continuity of the stairs.

H-3

Watching the cars pass overhead on the H-3 as I waited for Jasmin. The guard was long gone. I could’ve used the company.

GPS Tracks

The roughly five mile hike marked a very long day. Chris picked us up and we all had dinner at Zippys. Food is especially tasty after a long hike.