kenjiSAITO » true pali notches

Pali Puka to Kapalama Trail

kenji SAITO — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 16:52:00 +0000

It was supposed to be a promising day to be in the mountains today. A sucker is born every minute.

Trailhead

Thanks to Barry for dropping Aida, Art, Chris, Marilyn, Quan and myself off at the Pali Lookout. Somebody woke up late and still forgot their spikes. See you on the next hike.

Pali Puka Trail

Quan scrambling up the short and stiff climb. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pali Puka Trail

Catching the breaking sunrise that was textured with the drifting clouds.

Pali Puka

Marilyn making her way to the hole in the cliff.

Pali Puka

Group photo left to right: Marilyn, Quan, myself, Aida, Chris and Art.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The group making their way up the steep contour littered with blowdowns and loose under footing.

KSRT

Climbing our way up through the forested flank of the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida at the top of the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Cloudy and windy conditions greeted us on the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida pulling herself up the first of many humps. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Trying to keep our balance on the skinny ridge without getting blown off. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing down past the leaning tree of Nu’uanu.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group making their way up and over the rugged ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Incisor Rock

Quan hugging the boulder as she makes her way down. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Incisor Rock

Aida contouring the rock shaped tooth. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Lehua blossoms

Passing a cluster of the endemic red stamen flowers. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Everybody was busy climbing while Chris checked into Instagram. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group climbing up the crumbly ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Gaining elevation as the moisture laden clouds enveloped the ridge line and released its cargo. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Are we having fun yet?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hiking in the clouds.

Can you see the 23rd letter for the clouds? Photo by Aida Gordon.

Dropping off the hill to contour our way around the fourth-to-last letter of the alphabet. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Don’t look down!

Contouring and climbing our way up and over the rock obstacle. Photo by Art Young.

One will be amazed to find the assortment of climbing aids in these mountains. Wire. Printer Cable. Webbing. Rope. Twine. String. The best climbing aids are a few good friends.

Going down the narrow spire of a rock. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Aida climbing down as the winds were whipping something fierce. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group making their way to the what many think used to be another puka (hole) in the mountains before erosion took its toll. Photo by Art Young.

Anvil

Quan going down the point of no return where a small section of the trail had been washed away from a landslide. Actually, there was a point of return which the girls took to double back down to the Pali. Mahalo to Narissa for picking them up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Anvil

Art making his way down the one way trail. Gender segregation.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris climbing his way out of the saddle.

Lanihuli Summit

White out conditions at the 2,700′ peak. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Stick with the original plan or go down with Chris?

Kapalama Trail

Heading down the trail as rain showers saturated the ridge. Good call on Plan C.

Kapalama Trail

When plants provide amusement for others. Photo by Art Young.

Jackson’s Chameleon

Sighting of the invasive species that got its name from the first Governor of Kenya. Photo by Chris Brower.

Napu’u Mai’a

We dropped almost a 1,000′ in elevation as we took in the views from the 1,831′ hill.

Kapalama Trail

Walking down the pine needle carpeted trail while hearing multiple choppers overhead and sirens in the distance. Unanswered calls. Dark thoughts. Unfounded thoughts. Photo by Art Young.

Kapalama Trail

Nearing Na Pueo Park as the city views unfolded before us. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

We met up with two hikers going up the mountain who were training for the Kalalau Trail, which is still on my bucket list. Thanks to Quan for picking us up.

GPS Tracks

Our Independence Day hike covered a little over five miles that included a crumbly ridge line, inclement weather, good company but no fireworks. Somebody finally got to finish this section, while two others have to come back one day when trail and weather conditions are more favorable. Post hike meal at Pieology.

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.

Pali Puka to Kalihi Valley

kenji SAITO — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 17:03:03 +0000

Met up with Chris, Cinja and Tess to tackle another saddle this weekend. Thanks to Quan for dropping us off at the Pali Lookout. Back open for business. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trailhead

Skirting the fence that was part of the border wall meant to reduce unwanted migration. Same outcome. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Trail

Enjoying the city lights from our perch on the pali.

Pali Puka

Group photo in low light conditions.

Trail

Cinja straddling one of many blowdowns on the trail.

Trail

Climbing up the slick rocks peppered with blowdowns and shifting rocks underfoot. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Trail

Tess climbing up to the ridge line. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking ahead to the saddles. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Catching the breaking sunrise over Olomana and Pali Notches.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Flow with the saddle and bend with the trees. Some sage zen hiking advice. Just ran out of words to write.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing around the incisor rock. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring around the incisor rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The dense cloud cover masked the drops and the sporadic sprinkles kept the underfooting slightly moist.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Cinja climbing up the saddle with the seemingly steaming ridge line behind her.

Nu’uanu Saddle

On bended knees, we shall still continue our hike. Photo by Chris Bautista.

We could finally see the 23rd letter of the alphabet through the clouds that reduced visibility to near zero. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the soggy hill.

We dropped down and contoured our way around the rock faces. Photo by Tess Cochran.

Climbing up and over the last two “fingers.”

Tess making her way down the tall and skinny rock face. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Chris and Tess climbing down from the alphabet soup. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Anvil

Somebody saw the rock move. Good to know that ones anchor point is somewhat unstable.

Anvil

Tess dropping down the side of the grassy cliff towards the sliver of a trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trail

Climbing our way up through the thorny bushes and back to the ridge line. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way up the eroded and steep hill. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving one saddle behind as we traversed a couple small hills swathed in deep green uluhe ferns to our midway point. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Summit

Enjoying our no views at the 2,700′ summit.

KSRT

The group coming down from the swirling heavens.

Kalihi Saddle

The clouds soon cleared and the showers stopped as we dropped down the ridge line. Everything is going to be alight now. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Hello Kalihi Saddle!

Kalihi Saddle

One of the few times one can stand instead of scooting. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Tess back to scooting her way down the crumbly ridge line.

Dirt Dragon

Riding the legendary creature that was a shell of its former self. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Capturing the various modes of movement along the saddle. To each their own.

Lanihuli Wall

Dropping off the saddle as we contoured down the flank of the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Wall

Crabbing our way towards the second drop. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lanihuli Wall

The group coming down the last section of the “wall.”

Kalihi Saddle

Please keep all arms and legs inside the ride until we come to a complete stop.

Can Opener

Group photo under the shadow of the bulging refrigerator.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing our way down the crumbly landscape.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way down to the next set of colorfully named climbing obstacles. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Always a tad trickier downclimbing an obstacle. Helps to have another set of eyes and longer legs. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Pimple

Climbing up the narrow and crumbly rock face. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pimple

Human anchor pressed into service. My nickel fee must be too cheap. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Pimple

Tess contouring her way around the blister of a rock pile.

Doorstop

Just call me Otis. Photo by Tess Cochran.

Doorstop

Chris tried a different way coming up, but fell back on the usual route. Photo by Tess Cochran.

Bunny Ears

Are those ears on your head or are you just glad to see us? Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Bunny Ears

There was nothing soft and fuzzy about these obstacles.

Bunny Ears

Cinja making her way towards the mushroom rock. No psychedelic experiences included, maybe just psychologically scarring.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing on the edge. Edgier. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic shot of our office view today. Air conditioning included.

Kalihi Saddle

The group about to contour off the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Shark Fin

Looking back at the last major obstacle on the saddle as the dorsal shaped rock became more clearly defined from this perspective. Photo by Cinja Strickland.

Powerlines

We saw a group of waterfall explorers waiting for us ahead. Photo by Tess Cochran.

Powerlines

Heading down towards the terminus of our hike. Who has the Coke? Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

When the people you intend to scare end up having a good laugh instead. Fail.

Trail

Group photo left to right: Aida, Lilyn, Quan, Art, myself, Cinja, Tess and Chris.

All pau

When you have too much time on your hands. Idle hands are the hiker’s workshop. Thanks to Breanna and Somphet for picking our group up and shuttling us back to our cars. Photo by Aida Gordon.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered barely three miles with new and old friends. Post hike meal at Pieology. Some of us still had to stuff our face with McFlurry’s.

Laie Trail to Pupukea Trail (CB KST One Shot)

kenji SAITO — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 16:00:39 +0000

To begin this story, I have to rewind the clock back six days as Chris asked me to chronicle his KST one shot from South to North. Bear with me as I wasn’t with him until the last day. LOL.

Makapu’u Puka

Day 1 Sunday, November 8, 2020 – Tessa dropped Chris off at Makapu’u to start his journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Nothing like a cold bottle of caffeinated cola to start ones day.

Sunrise

Catching the sun rising over the bulging eye.

Kamehame

Chris and his shadow to keep him company on the hike. It also pays to talk to oneself on the hike as well.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Safety tip: Always wear a hard hat while hiking to avoid being conked on the head by those falling pine cones.

Kamiloiki Summit

Enjoying the views of the Waimanalo coastline.

Tom-Tom Summit

Don’t worry, keep hiking.

Mariner’s Summit

Chris left the hard hat behind for other hikers that are a little bit more safety conscious.

Hahaione

Taking a picture as it will last longer.

Lost & Found

Chris found Quan’s cap that was lost on an earlier hike.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Setting up tent at the helipad. Home for the night.

Sunset

Capturing the sun as it goes down over the communications tower.

KSRT

Day 2 Monday, November 9, 2020 – Dropping in between the valley.

Sedan Rock

Contoured and met back up with the ridge line.

K2 Summit

No views at one of the testicles. Hold and cough.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Coming down the cloud soaked ridge line.

Chimney

Taking a break from selfies and taking a shoefie instead.

Chimney

Looking back at the hardest obstacle on this saddle as Chris made his way down past the notches and down to the lookout.

Camp Pali

Lilyn, Quan, Tessa and myself met up with Chris after work to give him food, drinks and company. Quan got her cap back as well. We left before the night marchers came out. Sleep tight.

Pali Puka

Day 3 Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – Looking for those views.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Going up the crumbly saddle as the clouds rolled in from the ocean.

Chris about to contour and climb the donkey kong obstacle.

KSRT

Climbing out of the saddle and onto more solid footing.

Lanihuli Summit

Clear views at the 2,700′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking another break from the selfies as Chris gets ready to ride the dirt dragon.

Lanihuli Wall

Testing out the new webbing.

Can Opener

Chris at the iconic photo spot, right before he got stuck going up the Doorstop. Elevator services were offline.

Doorstop

Looking back at the steepness that is Lanihuli Wall. Best appreciated in person from far away.

Bunny Ears

Coming off the pair of hills and heading towards Shark Fin. Getting hungry for Chinese food.

Powerlines

Dropping down towards the middle of the saddle as Chris pushed on. No rest for the weary.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the conical rock face.

Rock Triangle

Heading towards the hardest of the rock triangles. But first, Chris had to flash a shaka.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading towards the summit of Bowman after polishing off the saddle.

Tripler Summit

To camp or not to camp? Too early.

Stairway to Heaven

Only one soul in heaven today.

Food Pantry

When the rats are more thirsty than you.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going down the stairs that time forgot.

Dirt Triangle

Somebody made use of the yellow rope that was sitting up there.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Chris pitched his tent on the summit with sweeping views of Halawa Valley and points beyond.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Day 4 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 – Catching the morning valley views.

Red Hill Summit

Still no closure after five years. Sad for the family.

Stairway to Hell

Never enter Hell without your tetanus shot.

REI Outlet

The selection was quite sparse. They need to stock up.

North Haiku Stairs

No views. Just shaka views.

KSRT

Rounding the bend around the fenced plant enclosure.

Aiea Summit

The man and his sign.

KSRT

Catching the Windward views.

KSRT

Rolling hills ahead.

Waimalu Meadows

The winds were blowing something fierce and snatched Chris’s phone out of his hands and flung it a good distance. Lucky it landed on the spongy ground and not off the cliff.

Waimano Summit

Home for the night with views overlooking Waihee Valley.

KSRT

Day 5 Thursday, November 12, 2020 – Looking back at the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Eleao Meadows

Fence by fence, they will take over the mountains.

Manana Summit

End of trail? Not for Chris.

Corner

Last chance for H20.

KSRT

Approaching Waiawa Gap.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping into the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

Waiahole Windward

Reminiscing about the ridge from bushwhacking hell.

Kipapa Summit

Where the KSRT becomes the KST. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Tree of Life

Windy as usual. Stay here long enough and you too will become bent over.

KST

Keep the country country.

KST

Soaking in the spectacular Northern views.

Schofield Waikane Junction

To camp or not to camp? There were still a couple hours of daylight left. Press on.

KST

The rare Ko’olau Goose is getting long in the tooth and shorn of feathers.

Pauao Junction

Chasing the sun.

KST

The notch that dynamite built.

Poamoho Cabin

Home for the night.

Poamoho Cabin

Watching the sunset.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 6 Friday, November 13, 2020 – The morning sun streaming through the windows provided the wake up call in the mountains.

Poamoho Summit

Enjoying one of the best views on the island.

Cline Memorial

How many more miles do I have left?

KST

Going my way?

KST

Lobelia in bloom.

KST

Lobelia along the fence line.

Da Boot Junction

Surprising that the boot has held up this long.

KST

Lobelia in the meadows.

KST

The fence line following the convoluted topography of the KST.

KST

Lobelia overload.

Rabbit Hole

Slogging through more mud pits.

KST

Following the fence line to Papali.

Papali Junction

Running into Charlie at the summit. Small world.

KST

They don’t call this section the muddiest for nothing.

KST

Native loulu palm trees interrupting the ridge line.

KST

Sunbather or sacrificial lamb?

KST

Let’s get in one more mud bath, shall we?

Koloa Cabin

Open for business, despite the rumors.

Koloa Cabin

What’s for dinner? Oxtail soup? Prime rib, crab legs and asparagus? Salmon and Poke? Let’s get back to reality. Filipino sardines and rice it is.

Laie Trail

Day 7 Saturday, November 14, 2020 – Tessa and I met up at the trailhead to hike the six mile trail to the summit to meet Chris and continue with him to the finish line.

Koloa Cabin

Last day to be in the mountains!

Laie Trail

Tessa told me to wait at the summit for her, as she had to fertilize the mountains.

Laie Trail

Going up the humid, overgrown and wet trail. The joys of hiking.

KST

Chris leaving the cabin for the summit.

Laie Trail

The woman of the mountains.

KST

The man of the hour.

Laie Summit

Group photo in the foxhole. Chris got his requested Coke and snacks. Much needed nourishment after seven days in the mountains.

KST

Leaving the 2,240′ summit for the most overgrown section on the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Making our way on the trail as the windmills pinwheeled in the background.

Maleakahana Junction

The glove that Chris left many years ago to replace the green sign that used to mark the spot.

KST

Winding our way through the lush landscape. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Halfway there and time for our lunch break.

KST

Tessa disappearing into the uluhell overgrowth.

KST

Tessa pulling Chris’s leg and then some.

KST

Pushing up the last hill through the strawberry guava corridor.

Puu Hina

Group photo at the summit overlooking the North Shore.

KST

Heading down to the finish line.

Black Junction

My traditional champagne dousing of the finisher. This time Chris got two for the price of one. Major congratulations to Chris Bautista for his second KST one shot (first documented both ways, North-South and South-North) and his sixth overall finish of the KST. #beastmode.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

We didn’t expect to see this individual when we popped out of the trail.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

You have cold beer in your backpack? Chris’s best buddy.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Swinging my way down the road. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Greet and scare. Aida, Lilyn and Quan were waiting in the bushes to surprise us. It worked for some.

All pau

Group photo left to right: Lilyn, Quan, Chris, myself, Tessa, Arnold and Aida. It was high time for somebody to take a shower as well.

Post hike meal

Dale also came up to congratulate Chris on his accomplishment. Thanks to the gang for bringing us cold drinks, pizza and chicken. Mahalo to Quan for making Chris a Corona lei. That beer didn’t help him catch any chickens. Also found out that chickens will eat their own kind. Fried to boot. Thanks to Lilyn for driving us to the showers and back to our cars in Laie.

Post hike meal Round 2

Chris, Tessa and myself then drove to Waianae for the WST one shot turned KST one shot party as well at Bill and Shirley’s house. One shot for the one shot team. Chris could finally dig in to oxtail soup, prime rib, crab legs, grilled asparagus, poke and mashed potatoes. Thanks to Shirley for giving me the only Coke in the house. Mahalo to Analyn for the oxtail soup to go order. Fun times with Analyn and Chris, Liezl and Micah, Mia, Matt, Mike and Amber.

GPS Tracks

Chris’s traversal from Makapu’u to Pupukea covered over 52 miles in seven days. Amazing accomplishment Chris! Props to you my friend.

GPS Tracks

Tessa and I hiked 12.8 miles in nine hours through some of the worst overgrowth this side of the KST. Fun times all around with good friends during and after the hike. Thanks to all that came out to support Chris. Mahalo!

Nu’uanu Pali Puka to Kalihi Saddle (Powerlines)

kenji SAITO — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 15:02:14 +0000

Deja vu. I found myself back doing the same hike from last weekend, this time to help Bill and Shirley finish their KST for the first and second time respectively. Thanks to Lilyn for dropping Analyn, Bill, Matt, Shirley and myself off at the tourist-less attraction. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Pali Lookout

Making our way up the rocky and steep climb with artificial illumination.

Pali Puka

Looking into nature’s window on the mountain. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Ducking and weaving our way up the flank of the ridge. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

KSRT

Bill climbing his way to the top of the ridge line. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Waiting for the rest of the group. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Dropping into the saddle.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Brisk winds and cloudy conditions were our company on the hike.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Catching the Windward views. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring and climbing on the saddle. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Incisor Rock

No slipping off the rock this time. Got video as well. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Incisor Rock

Bill contouring on the Windward side as the others waited their turn.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Masking and social distancing on the hike.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Bill enjoying a flat section of the ridge line. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Back to the up and down climbing.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Grabbing what views we could since the clouds decided to hang out.

Bill approaching the climb to the second main obstacle on the saddle. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

The group on their way up.

Hello from the other side. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

The group climbing and contouring their way around the cloud soaked rock faces.

It was getting crowded at the top. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Making our way slowly down the narrow rock face.

Anvil

Bill using all available resources on his climb down. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Analyn pulling herself up the severely eroded hill. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Traversing between the false peaks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Lanihuli Summit

Our group photo at the top of lani “no-can-see” huli. Photo by Bill Yogi.

KSRT

After our late breakfast, we resumed our hike in the misty mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving the clouds behind us as we dropped in elevation down the ridge. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Kalihi Saddle

Bill walking on the ridge line through clumps of uki grass, the mountain grass that will save your life one day.

Dirt Dragon

Trying to figure out how to fit five people on this mound of crumbly dirt.

Dirt Dragon

Four people sitting and one standing. That’s how you make it fit. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading down the ridge, one of my favorite hikes. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Kalihi Saddle

The group climbing over the ridge smothered with native woody climbers.

Kalihi Saddle

The group scooting and hiking down the exposed and barren section of the ridge. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Lanihuli Wall

Getting ready to climb down the side of the ridge, but first take our photo. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Lanihuli Wall

Looking back at the steep flank we all descended. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Lanihuli Wall

Analyn going down the shorter and second tier.

Kalihi Saddle

Analyn contouring below the bulging can opener.

Can Opener

I guess the girls were not ready. Of all people not ready to get their picture taken. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing down the crumbly hill to climb another crumbly hill. Saddle hiking.

Pimple

Looking ahead to the rock faces that were ahead of us. Colorful names makes it more fuzzy and less intimidating. Or so the theory goes. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Doorstop

Climbing to the top of the wedge shaped rock face. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Doorstop

Extra webbing is always appreciated.

Bunny Ears

Nothing soft and fuzzy about these “ears.” Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Bunny Ears

I believe somebody “suggested” that since I visit this area quite frequently, that I should at least have the decency to clear the trail of any offending overgrowth. No comment.

Bunny Ears

Climbing down the last rock face of the pair.

Kalihi Saddle

Bill traversing the exposed skinny ridge line with steep drops down to the highway. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Shark Fin

The girls climbing down the dorsal shaped rock face.

Powerlines

All smiles as the journey to complete the KST had come to its conclusion. Congrats to Bill and Shirley for their first and second KST completions respectively!

All pau

What KST finish would be complete without the celebratory champagne dousing? Exactly. Although one was more enthusiastic than the other about the waste of perfectly good alcohol. Perhaps walking back up the service road in bare feet had something to do with it. Bill was also Lucky #13. As in the 13th person I have helped finish the KST. I guess that would make Shirley #14. Oh wait, I only count first timers and not repeat business. LOL. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Post hike meal

Thanks to Analyn for bringing the ono-licious lumpia and pancit and Bill’s stash of cold beverages. Good enough to take home for leftovers. Mahalo to Chris for picking us up and taking us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered a little over three miles in bi-polar weather with great company. Another KST completion hike in the books. Congrats again to Bill and Shirley!

Video by Matt Vidaurri of Bill and Shirley’s KST final hike.

Nu’uanu Pali Lookout to Kalihi Saddle (Powerlines)

kenji SAITO — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 15:57:09 +0000

It was time to help another friend finish her last section of the KST today. Thanks to Sally for dropping Aida, Cisco, Somphet and myself off in Chinatown to start our hike. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pali Lookout

Scrambling up the steep and rooted climb under the cover of darkness.

Pali Puka Trail

Somphet making his way on the narrow trail bordered with thick growth on one side and steep cliffs on the other.

Pali Puka Trail

Aida approaching the towering rock edifice. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Pali Puka

Outside looking in.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing and contouring our way up through the scattered blowdowns.

KSRT

Cisco pulling himself up to the ridge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the sunbeams streaming through the clouds as they scattered across the valley floor.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way down the first hill on the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at Olomana framed between the ridge line and the Pali Notches.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The distinctive summit of Lanihuli in the background, our halfway point. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Somphet leaning in the same direction as the tree. Being one with nature.

Incisor Rock

Climbing up the tooth shaped rock. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Incisor Rock

Contouring around the narrow edged rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way up to the Leeward side of the ridge, where the winds were absent and the trees in abundance. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida cresting at the top of the ridge with verdant views of the Windward side in the distance.

Approaching what I now call “little Olomana.” Photo by Aida Gordon.

The crew contouring and climbing down the backside, mindful of the drop.

True Pali Notches

Climbing up and over the middle “tooth.” Photo by Aida Gordon.

Donkey Kong

The rest of the group coming down from the skinniest and tallest of the three “teeth.”

Anvil

Dropping down from what some people think was once a puka or hole in the ridge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Anvil

Aida’s turn at descending the steep and concave wall.

Nu’uanu Wall

Contouring our way up the thimble berry infested trail that took us back to the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the steep and eroded section that was once easily passable. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Somphet pulling himself up the ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

You can’t pay me $20k to do this again. Can I quote you on that? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

KSRT

The group traversing over a couple false peaks to get to swirling heavens.

Lanihuli Summit

We lucked out with clear views from the 2,700′ top. Group photo left to right: Cisco, myself, Somphet and Aida.

KSRT

Leaving the summit as we climbed up our last false peak before dropping down into the saddle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Dropping in elevation as we slid down the grassy ridge line. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

Following the curvature of the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Parts of the ridge were smothered in woody climbers which provided a help and hindrance at often the worst possible times.

Kalihi Saddle

The other parts were bald of vegetation and often were cracked, crumbly and eroded.

Kalihi Saddle

A solitary lehua flower clinging to a well weathered ohia tree. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Dirt Dragon

Making our way down to a part of the ridge that was particularly skinny, eroded and crumbly more than any other section. And we were going to sit on it. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Dirt Dragon

Angles.

Kalihi Saddle

Traversing on another patch of exposed ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting was the main mode of movement on the ridge coming down.

Lanihuli Wall

Dropping off the ridge line as we contoured the suicidal descent down the Can Opener. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Lanihuli Wall

The group controlling their descent coming down.

Lanihuli Wall

Looking for those footholds.

Lanihuli Wall

Waiting for those footholds. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Lanihuli Wall

Cisco coming down from the multi-tiered climb down the wall. Photo by Somphet Chanhpheng.

Kalihi Saddle

Aida contouring her way back to the ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Group photo at the scenic spot that stretched all the way to the summit of Kahua’uli and Heaven.

Can Opener

Slowly making our way down the crumbly and shifting rocks, lest we tumble and fall off.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing down to our next set of obstacles. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

The blowing winds threw dirt in our face and made sure we kept our center of gravity low to the eroded ridge coming down.

Pimple

Playing human anchor again. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pimple

Somphet and Cisco scrambling their way to the next obstacle. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Doorstop

Spotter at the top. Hiker in the middle. Spotter at the bottom. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Doorstop

Aida pulling herself up to the top.

Kalihi Saddle

Coming down from the doorstop and making our way towards the bunny ears. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Bunny Ears

Aida coming down the crumbly bunny ear. Nothing soft and fuzzy here.

Kalihi Saddle

Perched on the arch. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Bunny Ears

Aida between the last bunny ear and the mushroom rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Somphet and Aida hiking over the loose rocks and scattered tree roots on the ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

Some enjoyed the spectacular views, while others seemingly concentrated on the trail views. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Traversing the skinny ridge to the dorsal shaped rock face. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Shark Fin

Aida downclimbing the last obstacle on the saddle.

Powerlines

Descending towards the middle of the saddle which also marked the terminus for our hike today. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Powerlines

Payment for services rendered. A shiny nickel. And I wonder why I’m still not financially independent. Photo by Somphet Changhpheng.

All pau

Traditional dousing of top shelf champagne on the willing victim. No expenses spared. Congratulations to Aida for completing the KST in its entirety. Photo by Somphet Changhpheng.

Post hike meal

Mahalo to Sally and Ed for picking us up on the side of the highway, reeking of alcohol. We retired to Lilyn’s driveway where Aida got lei’d and snacked on baked goods. No venue was spared for Aida’s celebration.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle traversal covered roughly 3.28 miles that marked the end and completion for Aida’s KST journey. Congratulations again!

Pali Puka to Lanihuli

kenji SAITO — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:05:16 +0000

This was our third and successful attempt at hiking Pali Puka to Lanihuli. The previous two attempts were rained out. I picked up my friend from the top of Alewa Drive and we found ourselves at the Pali Lookout as the chickens were greeting the new day as we were to start our longest hike to date.

Panaromic view of Kaneohe

We entered the trailhead where the tour buses park on the left, climbing over the broken section of the rock wall to start our climb through the bamboo grove. We quickly gained elevation to see a sweeping view of the Windward side of the island. Click here to see the original and much larger panoramic image.

Pali Puka

One can easily overlook the Pali Puka, a natural hole in the mountain, as you have to climb down from the ridge right before the towering peak, to get to it.

The Peak

We contoured to the left of the peak, hauling our butts up to the ridgeline with the aid of an old electrical cord. You actually see a wide assortment of assists on the trails on Oahu ranging from electrical cables, nylon straps, parachute cord and ropes. Whatever works is my motto!

The fun begins

The fantastic views of the Windward side popped up after we regained the ridgeline. That’s the main reason I love these ridge hikes, is the fantastic views afforded to those that make the effort to get out there.

The trail to Lanihuli

We started climbing the narrow ridge trail towards Lanihuli, the trail was thickly covered with vegetation which proved to be a blessing and a curse. Blessing as it seemed that it provided some sort of false security on the narrow ridge and a curse as you had to constantly contend with pockets of thick vegetation which seemed to more hinder than help. Click here to see the original and much larger panoramic image.

Puu Suicido

I believe this part of the ridge was named Puu Suicido by some other hikers due to the “toothy” look of the ridge that has to be climbed. Luckily, there was a rope that we used to climb down the backside of the “tooth”.

Looking back towards Konahuanui

Looking back at the ridgeline we had just climbed. The weather was perfect as we saw the top of Konahuanui, which is usually cloaked in clouds.

The "W"

Scrambling towards the “W” or “Donkey Kong” which some hikers consider the “True Pali Notches.”

Donkey Kong

The “W” wasn’t particularly hard as we climbed down to the left side of the first notch and climbed over the last two notches. Then we came to the “anvil rock” where a rope was tied around this piece of rock that didn’t look particularly stable. Ahead of us, the ridge had eroded to the point where it was concaved and the only way around it was to climb down the rope from the anvil rock to the left side of the mountain. After we got to the bottom of the rope, we had to perch precariously on some clumps of grass as we looked for the non-existant trail. After resting a bit, we finally pulled ourselves up to the ridgeline. Thank goodness for all that vegetation as there was no rope to help us get up to the ridgeline.

Top of Lanihuli

We arrived at the top of Lanihuli at an elevation of 2,700 feet. Clouds rolled in and out, partially obscuring the view, but what a great view it was.

Clear and Cloudy

We started to head down and it looked like the windward side of the mountain was holding the clouds at bay from rolling over to the town side.

Headed down

We came across a trunk that had almost a dozen colored ribbons that marked the junction to turn left towards Alewa.

Forest for the trees?

As we started our descent, it seemed to go on forever. We thought we took the wrong turn down, as the sun soon started to set and the end of the trail was nowhere in sight. We ran across what looked like a camping site with a couple pitched tents and thought we might have to make use of it that night.

What happened to the sun?

Half hour after the sun had set, we heard dogs barking and knew civilization was near. We then came across an enclosed fence and followed it to the right to an unlocked side gate where we found our car. This was the longest in duration hike that we have done to date. It took us almost twelve hours to finish. I didn’t think it would take so long after reading other hikers blogs. Either we were very slow that day or somehow took a wrong turn. But we finished it safe and sound.