Predictions of rainy weather over most of the island, found us looking for a dry trail to hike on the West side. Be careful what you wish for.

Trailhead

Met Glenn, Jasmin and Thessa in the parking lot across Makaha Beach by the pungent bathrooms. Jasmin knew of the Donkey Z trail that would get us to the ridge.

Bushwhacking?

No donkeys sighted, so we just headed straight up to the ridge.

Rocky road ahead

Rows of stacked rocks lined the uneven ground, that harked back to an earlier time.

Rocks…

We climbed over big rocks…

…and more rocks

…and walked over little rocks in the dry grass.

Waianae coast

Thessa checking out the view of Makaha Valley and beyond.

Blue sky

The sun shined down unfiltered on the parched ridgeline.

Ocean view

Looking down the ridge towards the ocean.

On the ridge

There was no shade, clouds or trade winds. It was turning out to be a hot Waianae hike. So much for winter.

Pull us up

An abandoned motor and winch long baked into the ground.

Kea’au Bunkers

Thessa and Jasmin on the WW2 bunkers overlooking Makaha Beach.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image spanning the North Shore to the Waianae side.

Walking the ridge

Glenn going down the slight slope towards the saddle of the ridge.

Looking back

Jasmin and Thessa making their way down.

Green mile(s)

The grass was greener on the other side of the ridge.

Geodetic marker

Unlike other geodetic markers I’ve run across, this one didn’t have the place name nor the elevation.

Tree sighting

The first of few trees on the hot and barren ridge.

Kaena point

Looking towards the “golf balls” at Kaena Point.

Summit in sight

The triangular summit of Kea’au on the left.

Junction

The junction we would use to go back down water tank ridge. The girls decided to wait here for us.

Rocky ridge

The ridge started to take on a slightly steep pitch.

Bleating goats

Bleating goats on nearby ridges explained the littered spent cartridges.

Climb or contour

We did both.

True Kea’au

Glenn and myself at the 2,650′ summit.

Sign in

A slight breeze at the summit explained the fluttering flag. It wouldn’t last long.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Going back

We snacked and guzzled water before making our way back down to the junction.

Water tank ridge

Group photo, with Makaha Towers in the background, left to right: Thessa, Jasmin, myself and Glenn.

Pausing

Glenn checking out the view. Nice day. Hot day. Trade winds would have helped. Cloud cover too. But, you can’t have everything on a hike.

Looking back at the summit

Jasmin and Thessa making their way down the ridge.

Watertanks

Glenn making his way down to the water tanks. So close, yet so far.

Erosion at work

The ridge seemed to be in a constant state of erosion. Some sections looked fresh.

Rock climbing

The last section of the ridge involved minor rock climbing…

Rock hopping

…and lots of rock hopping.

Follow the fence

The fence trail was a welcome relief from the rocky ridge we had just come down.

All pau

Glenn was nice enough to drive to the nearest 7-11 and grab us ice cold Cokes. Mahalo!

GPS Tracks

The hot and rocky hike covered 3.91 miles, made bearable with good company. Post hike meal at Tacos and More. Can’t go wrong with picking the Sea Bass. Extra side of salsa!