Our camping weekend was a working case of what can go wrong and right at the same time.

Trailhead

Met up with Amber, Doug and Thomas in the cat village at the top of Pacific Palisades. My original group of five had shrunk to two and Amber’s group had shrunk to two as well, and they were supposed to have started from Poamoho. Two groups passing in the night. In the end, we decided to combine our groups, which turned out to be fortuitous in the end. I also gave fair warning that I had some bad food and that might compromise my already slow pace, which would manifest itself later in the weekend.

Manana Ridge Trail

Rolling off the bike ramp. Imagination can take you a long way. And then cardio reality hits

Manana Ridge Trail

The most dangerous part of the trail.

Manana Ridge Trail

Adjusting and organizing at the picnic shelter.

Manana Ridge Trail

Welcome to the jungle. Uluhe jungle.

Manana Ridge Trail

The start of the rolling hills and false peaks.

Manana Ridge Trail

Rain showers at mile marker 3.5. Can it get any better?

Manana Ridge Trail

It can. The rain paused in watering the mountains.

Manana Ridge Trail

Steady grind in the mountains. One foot in front of the other.

Manana Ridge Trail

Watching random waterfalls flowing in the distance.

Manana Ridge Trail

Is this the last false peak?

Manana Summit

Group photo at the cloudy and rainy knob. Just another day in the mountains.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the 2,660′ summit for greener pastures.

Corner

Sliding our way down to the creek.

Corner

Thomas filtering water from the upper part of the muddy creek.

Corner

Some in the group didn’t need water or perhaps the thought of drinking mud and bug strained H20 wasn’t appealing.

KSRT

Back on the cloud soaked ridge line.

KSRT

Inching along.

KSRT

Are we having fun yet?

KSRT

We finally got a postcard worthy view.

KSRT

Passing through a small meadow in the mountains.

KSRT

Doug coming around the trail with the background views still holding.

KSRT

A bush of mountain naupaka flowers on the trail, these common endemic half flowers are found only on Oahu and Kauai.

KSRT

Going down on the trail section that has eroded over time. Hence, the webbing.

KSRT

Panoramic valley view.

KSRT

Talking shop in the mountains.

KSRT

This would be a nice place to camp. Be careful what you wish for.

KSRT

Somebody is looking for Olomana. No pointing allowed on this hike.

KSRT

Hiking on the ridge with the prominent Kualoa Ridge in the background.

KSRT

We need to have a meeting of the minds. Doug was rather extremely exhausted and options were discussed. Camp and rest. Return back to where we had started. None of them seemed feasible, so the call was made. I also got a text from CJ, our backup pickup at Poamoho, who advised me that the lock combination didn’t work. Fly in the ointment. Glad we found out sooner than later.

KSRT

Hello. This is Doc Brown. I need a ride. Back to the future.

KSRT

Where’s your DeLorean? In the shop. You guys want a ride down too? No, we are staying put. Yes, we know it gets cold and we have shelter, food and water. Thank you for the offer.

KSRT

Kudos to the skill of the chopper pilot that landed on the postage stamp sized spot to get Doug back to his warm bed tonight.

KSRT

And then they were three. Good night from Camp Ginger.

KSRT

Day 2
We had a lot of ground to make up as the unfortunate turn of events had put us back 4-5 hours from where I had originally wanted us to be today.

Waiawa Gap

Making our way down the cloud soaked mountains.

Waiawa Gap

Sunrise in the mountains.

Waiawa Gap

Hiking on the edge.

Waiawa Gap

Slippery climb up = taxing cardio.

Waiawa Gap

The clouds started to break apart, to give us some views worth hiking for.

Waiawa Gap

Taking a well-deserved break at the gated fence to enjoy the morning mountain views.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

KSRT

Hiking into the clouds. Mother Nature can be so temperamental at times. Take what you can.

KSRT

Enjoying the last of the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail section.

Kipapa Summit

Where tomatoe becomes tomato.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Sliding our way down the soft and spongy ground.

KST

Walking in the clouds as the sounds of civilization punched its way through the clouds.

KST

Passing through the scented Japanese Sugi Pine Tree Grove.

Camp Rusty

Group photo at the planned camping spot which is also the site of the former Kipapa Cabin.

KST

We passed under the shadow of Waiahole Summit as we crossed through the man-made notch.

KST

Meandering our way through the mountains.

KST

Thomas going over the selfie stick fence junction.

KST

Approaching the emerald depression where a certain tree is growing parallel to gravity.

KST

Rounding the bend.

Tree of Life

Thomas and Amber in front of the horizontal growing Japanese Sugi Pine Tree. It gets bigger every time I visit this magical place.

KST

If you haven’t slept on a bed of tree moss, you haven’t lived.

KST

Pulling our way up on the fence line with Windward views at our back.

KST

Contouring for daze.

KST

Going over the second fence junction.

KST

Amber coming around the last “tricky” junction, easier from our direction to find it.

KST

The trail for the most part contours on the Leeward side with ample Windward views to keep us motivated.

KST

Thomas going around the trail with the Waianae Mountain Range in the background.

KST

Amber crossing over one of the biggest landslides on the trail.

KST

All smiles as we popped out on the Windward side which meant we were pretty done with the contouring part of the trail.

KST

Finding our way down to the bottom trail.

KST

Are we there yet?

KST

Looking back at the peak of Pu’u Ohulehule, that is privately owned. Believe it or not!

Schofield-Waikane Summit

Group photo at the 2,360′ spot that also marked Thomas’s completion of the KST. Congratulations! Champagne is waiting at the car. We also asked Doug who was presumably well-rested from his recovery, to check the gate lock for us.

KST

Hiking on the runway of a trail. Or at least that’s what somebody said.

KST

No feeding of the Ko’olau Goose. However, drone flying is permitted.

KST

Hello? Yes, I would like to order a working gate lock. If my request is granted, I promise to stop pointing at Olomana.

KST

Enjoying what daylight we had left as the sun began to set. Doug also had mentioned that he had gotten ahold of somebody at DLNR to hopefully come out and change the locks. If for some reason, the lock could not be changed or opened, I suggested Plan B, which was to stay overnight at the cabin.

KST

Hiking by headlamps. Doug also confirmed that the lock was changed and the combination worked as it should.

KST

Passing through the gated notch.

KST

Back on the fence line.

Poamoho Cabin

Just a quick stop to filter water since Plan B was no longer needed.

Poamoho Cabin

Obligatory log entries.

Cline Memorial

It was also my KST finish as well. #16 in the books.

All pau

Many thanks to Cary for picking us up despite the late hour and driving us down the dark jeep road. Also a big mahalo to Aileen who was waiting down at the gate for us with food and drinks from McDonald’s and took us to our cars in Pearl City. Glad you didn’t come on the hike after all!

GPS Tracks

Our memorable camping hike covered 17.10 miles, always get different mileages when I do the same route. Go figure. This weekend proved that everything happens for a reason. It started with certain individuals dropping out of the hike for different reasons. Then, my friend CJ told me about the lock not working. Heads up on that one. Doug got pulled off the mountain, thanks to HFD, and he turns out to be the one that called DLNR to get somebody out there at night to get the lock fixed so that our ride, Amber’s husband who drove up the road to pick us up in the middle of the night. And lastly, Aileen who waited patiently for us well after midnight at the bottom of the gate with food and drinks and took us back to our vehicle. Many thanks to everybody that was part of the group and the support that we got during the weekend.

Photos taken by Amber Fonte, Doug Ross, Thomas Barrett, 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.

Team BASK had its rare meet up in the mountains this weekend. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trailhead

Mahalo to Edgar for driving Analyn, Bill, Shirley and myself up the bumpy jeep road. No cows sighted this time around.

Poamoho Trail

Passing through the barriers that filtered only two legged hikers onto the trail.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the gulch with a trickle that was barely passable as a stream.

Poamoho Trail

Isolated pockets of still flowering lobelia punctuated the trail on our approach to the windswept grassy hump.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ summit, where I also discovered one of my slippers had popped out of my backpack. Not again.

Poamoho Summit

The views did not disappoint as did the winds. It was blowing hard at the summit.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Sheltered from the winds as we made our way on the Leeward side of the trail.

Poamoho Cabin

We ran into a group of bullfrog hunters that were staying at the cabin, where we topped out our bladders and bottles, left a cupcake surprise for the birthday girl and alerted Tessa and company of the situation. Photos and facetiming slowly convinced her of the impending cabin conflict.

KST

Back on the fenced trail.

KST

Analyn hiking out on what I like to call the “runway.” The runway to spectacular scenic views second to none.

KST

Looking back at the trail cut into the side of the mountain. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Pauao Junction

The overgrown trail that goes down into Kahana Valley.

KST

Our pic … Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KST

… for your pic. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

KST

Hugging the side of the cliff as the winds were really gusting hard in the mountains today.

KST

The winds were so loud that it drowned out YawYaw#2, no small feat I can tell you.

KST

Even the endangered Ko’olau Goose was being battered and stripped of its feathers. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KST

Analyn approaching the junction.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Group photo at what is arguably the superior viewpoint of the valleys below us.

KST

Brushing past one of many loulu palm trees that dotted the trail.

KST

Making our way over the uneven terrain towards the split in the trail.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

Blink and you’ll miss it.

KST

Traversing the now well-trodden landslide.

KST

Looking out into the rugged landscape.

KST

Wait, why are we doing this section again? After some of us said one and done?

KST

Bill was doing some kind of obscene dance over Shirley as she was tying her shoes. It’s okay, they’re engaged.

KST

Analyn rounding the bend in the trail.

KST

Following the fenced line down towards the first clumping of sugi pine trees.

Tree of Life

Group photo with the horizontal pine tree. I should work on my camera angles.

Tree of Life

Climbing our way out of the meadows as the winds tried to push us back.

Selfie Stick Junction

Might as well make myself comfortable as we’ll be stuck here for quite awhile.

KST

Passing through the notch as we dropped into the grove of Japanese Sugi pine trees.

Camp Rusty

Three tents made the campsite more comfortable.

Camp Tessa

Meanwhile back at the cabin, Tessa and her group had somehow convinced the other group to camp outside. They partied the night away with my missing slipper that was recovered by Jenn. Happy Birthday YawYaw #3.

Camp Rusty

We woke up after a night of intermittent rain showers to stunning morning views. Chris had already left the cabin with the snoozing and snoring group in the dark to catch up with us.

KST

Climbing out of our campsite as we approached our first of many hills for the day.

KST

Looking back at the Windward valleys populated with ridges and peaks. Photo by Bill Yogi.

KST

Climbing up the steep hill was our morning wake up call.

Kipapa Summit

Where tomato becomes tomatoe.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The trail soon followed the summit crest rather than contouring and meandering in the mountains.

KSRT

Bill traversing the summit trail with Windward and Leeward views on both sides.

KSRT

Getting your head out of somebody’s else arse is a lot easier than your own. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

KSRT

Approaching the gap, which has seemingly lost its cardio bite over the repeated visits.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping down the thickly vegetated saddle.

Waiawa Gap

Approaching the middle of the gap, where we all buttoned up in anticipation of the onslaught of female honey bees with their barbed stingers.

Waiawa Gap

We all survived the non-existent bee attack.

KSRT

Shaka to the sky.

KSRT

The random window openings were always a treat for our eyes. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

KSRT

The goat soon caught up with us. Somewhere around this spot, I found a free drone that I had to give back to its rightful owner at the end of the hike. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Everybody had their own opinion on this trail section, some more obscenely than others. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Never say Never

Team BASK on their last group photo on this section, as three vowed never to set foot on this route again. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Corner

Dropping off the ridge to look for much needed water. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Corner

The lower creek was running dry, so we followed the creek to its source where we found enough standing water to filter and fill our bottles and bladders.

Corner

Life in the creek, some were more active than others.

Corner

We left the cloud soaked meadow with our packs a little heavier from the mountain water.

KSRT

There is always time for another photo. And another. And another. To be continued. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

KSRT

Chris making his way to the last summit of the day.

KSRT

Are we there yet? Are we here?

Manana Summit

The champagne got turned on myself as this hike marked my 11th completion of the KST.

Manana Summit

Drone photo by Bill Yogi of our group at the 2,660′ knob.

Manana Trail

Leaving the summit for the 5.5 mile ungraded trail or as Shirley calls it, the b*tch trail.

Manana Trail

Analyn making her way down from the top.

Manana Trail

Somewhere in the mountains, it was hump day. We were smack dab in the middle of it.

Manana Trail

Approaching the helipad where Aida had hiked up to meet us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Manana Trail

Thanks to Aida for bringing me a frozen bottle of carbonated goodness. But first, Analyn didn’t let any of the overflow go to waste. Good until the last drop.

Manana Trail

Group photo, left to right: Aida, Chris, myself, Shirley, Bill and Analyn. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Manana Trail

Contact with the fence line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Manana Trail

Looking back as we closed the gate on hump day ad nauseam. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Manana Trail

Analyn going down one of the steeper sections with the help of a rope.

Manana Trail

Walking through the grassy fields as we approached the picnic shelter. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nature Walk

Taking pictures as it will last longer. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Manana Trail

Analyn crossing over the eroded section of the trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Scared Stoopid

Only one was scared, the others were either too tired or saw the terrifying group of Lilyn, Quan, and Tessa before they could spring their surprise scare.

Champagne Celebration

Another bottle of perfectly good alcohol going to waste. Photo by Aida Gordon.

All pau

Walking out the road to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our camping hike covered 18 miles through the Northern Ko’olau Mountains with good friends and fun company. Looking forward to the next Team BASK reunion, which will probably be in six months to a year. LOL. Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse. Clam chowder was finally back on the menu. It’s the small things that counts. Thanks to Quan for dropping Analyn and myself off in Mililani where we had parked our cars.

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.

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.

W

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!

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.

The current global pandemic had scuttled my plans to hike the Mount Blanc Trail in Europe, so that’s how I found myself with Anne and Tessa on the fragmented remnants of the Ko’olau Shield Volcano in Hawaii.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Day 1 Saturday – Thanks to Aida for dropping us off as we hiked up the dark and deserted road.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

All hands on the tower that has the largest lens of any lighthouse in the United States. Walking back down the paved road, we met another hiker who surprised us coming up the trail and I fell in the ditch while texting. An auspicious start to our hike.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Going up the rocky trail that was kept in navigational perspective by the shimmering coastal lights and our headlamps.

Makapu’u Puka

Pit stop at the prominent hole in the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Shaka sunrise

Anne greeting our first sunrise of the hike. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hang gliding platform

I believe I can fly. I mean, hike. No drugs allowed on this hike.

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Going through the fenced enclosures.

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Leaving the communication towers and former Nike air missile defence site behind us.

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The girls dipping into the saddle under the withering sun.

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The ironwood forest granted us temporary shade as we made our way out of the saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Breaking out onto the exposed trail.

Kamiloiki Summit

Sweeping views of the Waimanalo coastline and inviting blue-green waters greeted us at the top. No stop at Camp Awesome today.

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Making our way through the hardscrabble terrain of this section that is usually scorching hot and the least favorite section of the KST for me, but thankfully it was overcast and relatively cool today.

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Walking through the feathery ferned forest that always makes me forget that I’m hiking on the KST for some reason. We barely crossed paths with two other female hikers going the opposite way as well. I think they were avoiding us.

Mariner’s Summit

Did my cap shrink or my head get bigger? My money is on the latter.

Kaluanui Summit

Group photo at the abandoned summit with views of the Southern spine of the Ko’olau’s, Olomana and other points of interest.

Mariner’s Summit

Climbing down from the 1,361′ top.

Hahaione Pyramid

We saw three hikers milling around the 1,594′ triangular peak. We declined to join them for the sake of social distancing.

Hahaione Powerlines

Mahalo to Janell for stashing water on the trail.

Between a rock and a hard place

Tessa trying to squeeze her way through on the trail. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pictures Plus

A picture is worth a thousand words. In her case, make it 10,000 words. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Are we there yet?

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Group photo at the usually bustling 2,028′ summit. Where is everybody? Has the zombie apocalypse finally happened? Something close to it. COVID-19, the apologetic apocalypse.

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Climbing our way up the severely eroded hill. Ropes included.

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Approaching the oft photographed spot that was lacking a tent and a hiker. Any volunteers? Where is yawyaw#2 when you need her? Photo by Anne Fai.

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We passed Pu’u O Kona with a slight pause to take in the cloud covered views before resuming our traverse on the numerous small hills that populated the ridge line.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Taking in another cloud obfuscated view at the barren 2,520′ knob.

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Approaching the communications tower that signaled the end of our day. We passed the 1,597′ summit and dropped down a bit to reach our camp site.

Camp Wiliwilinui

We reached the heli-pad around 1530. Kudos to Aida, Ed, Sally and Somphet for hiking to our campsite to bring food and drinks that was much appreciated.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Our door dash drivers departing down the mountain.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Good night from our temporary home in the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Day 2 – Sunday. We woke up to a slightly chilly and cloud soaked morning. Cooked up breakfast, broke down camp and pushed off around 0715 on the trail.

Kainawa’aunui Summit

Brief stop at the 2,520′ terminus of the roller coasting ridge. Glad we were not going on that ride today. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Anne scooting her way down the big hill. Sometimes it’s better to go with the flow of gravity rather than resist relativity. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Preparing to transition from standing to scooting. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Catching fleeting valley views before the clouds snatched them away. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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The day was turning out to be rather nice as the clouds were melting back into the sky.

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Tessa pushing her way through chest high overgrowth on the trail. It’s all a matter of perspective. Photo by Anne Fai.

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Looking ahead to the powerline towers that ring one of three tuff cones on this island.

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After bringing somebody back on the trail as she either wanted to fetch water or go home, we all made our way down the rutted trail.

Ka’au Crater

Peering into the marshy crater that is sandwiched in between civilization and the base of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ka’au Crater

Snack break at the top of the rim. In fact, this is the hike where I first met yawyaw #1. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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The mountains are calling and we answered. Photo by Anne Fai.

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The girls climbing towards the notch of Olympus.

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Anne climbing her way up the steep hill to have an audience with Zeus. Sorry, wrong mythology. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Awaawaloa Summit

Group photo by Tessa Bugay at the 2,486′ top.

Wa’ahila Ridge Trail

Walking down the severely rutted trail that would give Moanalua Middle Ridge and Ka’au Crater a run for their money.

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Making our way on the uluhe smothered trail that afforded grand views of Manoa Valley and points beyond.

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Threading our way around the stand of pine trees blockading the ridge line.

Manoa Middle Summit

Tessa on the terminus of the ridge that drops down into Manoa Valley. Photo by Anne Fai.

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The girls passing a small meadow on their way up.

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Mesmerized by the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains that was colored in different shades of green. Photo by Anne Fai.

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Climbing false peak after false peak. The suspense just drags in the mountains.

K2 Summit

We bumped into Bill, Chris and Shirley who had just come up from the Pali and were on their way down to Manoa Middle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Butt grab

Some mountain traditions must be maintained.

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Traversing between the two large, hairy testicles.

Konahuanui Summit

Uncommonly clear day on the highest peak that soars to 3,150′ on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Piliwale Junction

Passing the spot where the Windward ridge drops down into Maunawili Valley.

Mud Wall

Going down the slippery slope. Right after this, the mountains grabbed a souvenir from my head and sent it down the side of the ridge. Not wanting to give up my sun protection, I scrambled down and recovered my cap.

Nu’uanu Saddle

No rock climbing today.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The girls climbing down the ridge that looks steeper than it actually is. Rear view hiking.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We contoured the rock face that had sent a friend falling 300′ down into the trees and survived over eight years ago.

Chimney

Tessa oscillated on her way down as the bigger pack threw her balance off.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The girls decided to contour the nipple instead of going up and over. Taking the scenic route.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We delayed our arrival at the lookout due to unwanted visitors at the bottom.

Camp Pali

Thanks to Aida, Art, Lilyn and Quan for bringing us vittles and all the fixings. It was much appreciated. Lilyn also brought a portable shower which Tessa promptly drained all the water while still lathered in shampoo, so Quan had to finish her off with a jug of water. Teamwork. Team KAT + Q.

Camp Pali

Goodnight and don’t let the night marchers bite. Photo by Anne Fai.

Trash Day

Day 3 – Monday. Mahalo to Quan for bringing us breakfast fresh out of a fast food eatery. We greeted a city and county employee on our way to the trail. Lost in translation. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Tessa coming up the pine needle carpeted trail.

Depend

Somebody was having a bad case of incontinence due to her internal or external bladder leaking. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pali Puka

Trying to capture the whole hole. Framing and perspective somehow got lost in the process. Photo by Anne Fai.

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Welcome to the jungle, we got fun and games. All day.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking ahead to our destination in the heavens. Photo by Anne Fai.

Nu’uanu Saddle

My right hand had swelled up to fatty proportions, due to a bee sting the day before, as I must have brushed against a flower in pollination. This allowed me to grab more of the rocks, albeit a little lopsided. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Anne scrambling her way up.

W

Making our way to the 23rd letter in the alphabet. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Deviled egg

Tessa literally sucked in her smashed boiled egg. Killing two birds with one inhaler. Photo by Anne Fai.

Donkey Kong

The girls dropping and contouring their way down the side of the letter shaped obstacle.

W

Anne and Tessa finally climbing down after looking for a non-existent contour.

Anvil

Preparing to drop down on the moveable rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Anvil

Anne hugging the side of the cliff as the trail was barely wide enough to hold our feet.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Huffing and puffing our way up the last steep section on this side of the saddle.

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The girls making their way to the heavenly summit that was surprisingly clear of any swirling.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the 2,700′ hill with sweeping mountain and coastal views.

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Leaving the summit after our lunch break. Somebody almost took the trail down to Alewa Heights. Thoughts of bailing must have been still swirling in her head.

Kalihi Saddle

Following the ridge line as it curved down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls carefully climbing their way down.

Dirt Dragon

Petting what’s left of the dragon. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls scooting their way down the crumbly mess.

Kalihi Saddle

The saddle’s so windy, I got to wear shades. Borrowed shades. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls coming down through the thicket of woody climbers.

Lanihuli Wall

Descending down the near vertical flank of the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lanihuli Wall

The other descent option, the suicidal climb down the can opener. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lanihuli Wall

Following the white rope on our way down the ridge’s flank as we contoured our way back to the ridge line under the ominous rock jutting out from the can opener. One day it’s going to pop and I hope nobody is around.

Kalihi Saddle

Less texting, more hiking. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne scooting down the unstable pile of rocks, as it literally shed rocks each time one of us crossed over.

Kalihi Saddle

Popping the pimple on my way up. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne contouring around the sliver of a rock pile.

Doorstop

Working for Allstate. You’re in good hands. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Bunny Ears

Standing on one ear.

Bunny Ears

Sitting on the other one. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving the bunny ears behind us as we didn’t find any rabbit’s foot either on the trail.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne heading out to Shark Fin. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Powerlines

We were not going to make heaven today after all.

Camp Centipede

Many thanks to Art and Ben who delivered Filipino sardines, haole cooked rice and drinks. No centipedes crawling around today. My hand had puffed out to maximum tightness, Anne gave me some Benadryl to reduce the swelling. Tessa said if my swelling didn’t go down soon, I should go see a doctor. Do doctors still make house calls? In the mountains?

Camp Centipede

Our camp site overlooking the home of the wallabies. We went to sleep as strong winds and rain tested our tents. One would fail. Somebody was praying that rain storms would lash the mountains so hard that she could go home. Thankfully her request was not answered. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

Day 4 – Tuesday. We not only woke up to the sun breaking through the clouds but daylight breaking through my tent. At least my swelling had gone down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

The clouds didn’t look too inviting as they rolled through the saddle, so we stayed put until more favorable weather conditions manifested itself. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

Shout out to Lilyn and Quan who swung by our camp site to loan me her tent. Back in business.

Kalihi Saddle

And just like that; the sun came out to play, so we pushed off around 0900.

Witch’s Hat

Anne climbing down the conical shaped rock that is perhaps closely related to the witch’s toes.

Kalihi Saddle

Slowly making our way across the crumbly ridge line.

Rock Triangle

Anne climbing her way up the Leeward side before working her way up the rock face. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Broken Wave

Looking back at the narrow and eroded ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne was either practicing her ninja skills or spider skills. Either way, she needs more work. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Dirty Slide

Pulling myself up the slippery slope. Some would argue this is the hardest obstacle on this side of the saddle. The jury is still out on that as well. Photo by Anne Fai.

Dirty Slide

All the hard parts were behind us now as we just had to climb up to the 2,740′ summit of Kahuauli.

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No stops at the overgrown summit of Bowman or the flat and open 2,760′ summit of Tripler before running across the defunct radar tower.

Stairway to Heaven

We topped out at Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe before traversing the short muddy trail to heaven, which was lacking the usual live souls. Photo by Anne Fai.

Stairway to Heaven

The skies soon cleared and we were treated to heavenly views at the 2,480′ summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Thanks to Allison and Laredo for stashing water and snacks for us. The rats had helped themselves to some of the tasty vittles. More for them, less for us.

Moanalua Saddle

Coming down the dilapidated stairs that time forgot.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down what some would argue is the more eroded of the three main saddles. The jury’s still out on that one too. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Anne spotting Tessa as she climbed down the crumbly and steep section.

Moanalua Saddle

Hugging the rocks as we climbed down, some more tightly than the others.

Dirt Triangle

Anne contouring her way down the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving all the main obstacles behind us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa coming down one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Going up and over the last hump for the day. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

We reached the summit around 1630, set up camp and watched the setting sun torch the tips of the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Catching the fiery sunset and making noodles for dinner. Just another day in the mountains.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Going to bed as the city lights in the background provided our night lights. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Day 5 – Wednesday. We cooked our breakfast, broke down camp and pushed off around 0800 on the trail.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way up the relatively easier side of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa climbing out of the saddle. Photo by Anne Fai.

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We passed Red Hill Summit and crossed over the H3 as it sliced through Halawa Valley below us. Photo by Anne Fai.

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Going down the rusted stairs that took us to hell. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Following the broken stairs to hell as we got a slice of heavenly views on our way. It was a good contrast. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Hell

Group view at the more scenic stairway. No arguments. Hands down.

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Climbing our way out of hell.

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Dropping down and contouring our way around the fenced plant enclosure. I still have yet to see the protected plants.

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Looking into the wind blasted and cloud tinted valley views. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Getting back on the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Anne reaching the 2,805′ summit at high noon with surprisingly clear views. Despite having more than enough time on our hands, we called it a day. It would turn out to be good timing in the end.

Camp Aiea

Set up camp and picked up our supplies that Aida, Ed, Sally and Somphet had brought up earlier in the week. Much appreciation for the assistance guys.

Camp Aiea

We had a lot of time on our hands and feet due to our early arrival. Who brought the playing cards? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Day 6 – Thursday. We broke down camp and with our packs a little heavier, hit the trail at a little past 0700.

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Putting our heads down as we started the major cardio section of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Anne Fai.

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Hills after hills. Our mountain workout.

Waimalu Summit

We paused to take our group photo on the flat grassy plateau that was largely devoid of trees, just a lot of wind.

Waimalu Meadows

Going down the spongy spur ridge as we dropped below the cloud cover.

Waimalu Meadows

The largest grassy meadows on the Ko’olau Range. Often called mythical and magical. Both doesn’t do it justice.

Waimalu Meadows

Looking at the windswept meadows with the palm trees tucked into its nooks and crannies.

Waimalu Meadows

Anne getting back on the ridge line.

Waimalu Meadows

One last look before the clouds swallowed her back up.

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The clouds came back to keep us cool and under cover.

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Descending down into the saddle to meet a familiar face and a frozen coke.

Waimano Summit

Group photo at the 2,160′ summit that looks into Waihe’e Valley. Art had hiked up to meet us and join our hike to the end. Unfortunately, he sprained his ankle on his way up and had to turn around. We made the best of the situation and cannabalized his supplies. Including a can of spam. Something that yawyaw #1 would regret.

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Slow scramble out of the saddle. It’s hard to get back in the groove when you’ve been sitting in one spot too long.

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We passed the landmark landslide as we continued our traverse on the ridge line.

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Looking back at the clouds streaming over the mountains from Windward to Leeward.

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Tessa walking on the fence for a change.

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Following the sometimes confusing spur ridge to the meadows. Photo by Anne Fai.

Eleao Meadows

Anne passing the red haired stepchild of Waimalu Meadows at the 2,654′ top.

Camp Manana

Having dinner at the typical socked in summit. We just had to look at each other for the views.

Camp Manana

It was a tight fit, but we shoehorned our three tents onto the 2,660′ knob. One was more sheltered than the others. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Day 7 – Friday. We woke up with no centipede surprises, ate breakfast, broke down camp and hit the now clear trail around 0745.

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Passing by the distinctive moss encrused ohia tree. Photo by Anne Fai.

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Coming down the tricky turn. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

The Corner

Descending down into the land of creek and clouds. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

The Corner

Brushing our teeth and filtering water for our hydration needs. Water was for the most part clear and while not running, was not exactly stagnant. Good enough for our purposes.

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Anne ducking under the moss encrusted tree tunnel. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Walking into a postcard. The views on this side are just too pretty for words and not enough justice for pictures.

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Approaching the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Losing elevation, that we will soon have to gain back. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waiawa Gap

Anne found a hat to keep the glove company. Photo by Anne Fai.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping down the grassy and spongy flank of the ridge that was dotted with native palm trees.

Waiawa Gap

What? We not stopping here! Get bees flying all over the place!

Waiawa Gap

Let’s make like a bee and buzz off!

Waiawa Gap

Climbing our way out of the gap.

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Choosy moms choose Jif. Nom nom, mama make me mama saimin. Dumpster diving for “rubbish rice.”

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Sweeping panoramic valley and ridge views.

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Passing a distant cousin of Waimalu Meadows.

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We soon caught the only rain showers on our entire hike through the mountains. Thankfully Mother Nature kept it a short visit at 30 minutes.

Kipapa Summit

No flying geese were spotted at the 2,786′ socked in summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Anne coming down the hill.

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Walking across the ridgeline against the backdrop of Waiahole, Waikane and Kahana valleys. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Rusty

Dropping down into the former site of the Kipapa Cabin, now our campsite for the night.

Camp Rusty

Good night and don’t let the rusty metal bite. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Rusty

Day 8 – Saturday. Leaving our last camp site that we would need to use a tent. Looking forward to communal living in the cabins. I also woke up to a swollen left hand, guess the bees wanted to make it a complete pair.

Waiahole

Walking through a mixture of ferns and clidemia undergrowth that was shaded by the stand of sugi pine trees.

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Standing on the notch with the Waianae Mountain Range in the background. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Selfie Stick Junction

It works better with a phone. Just saying.

Tree of Life

Approaching the back of the meadows that are home to horizontal and vertical sugi pine trees.

Tree of Life

Taking photographic advantage of the uncommonly clear meadows.

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Pulling our way up the ridge line. And then there was the disagreement on where to get off to get back on the trail. Let’s take the hard way.

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Holding hands and singing kumbaya on the trail. Just don’t let go.

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Views of Kahana Valley.

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Views of a dirty hiker. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Crossing the well-trodden landslide.

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Traversing what is arguably the most scenic stretch of the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

The easily missed metal stake that marks the junction.

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Making our way on the ridge line.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Lunch break at the original terminus of the KST.

Do not feed the animals

Rare sighting of the Ko’olau goose and common sighting of the fence line.

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Enjoying a relatively wide section of the trail.

Pauao Junction

No views of Kahana and Punaluu valleys for us today.

Happy dance

The gate. The gate. We’re home!

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No dancing. Just take our picture. Photo by Anne Fai.

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The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) used dynamite to carve these trails from the steep cliffs back in the 1930s. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Cabin

We got to the cabin around 1415 and the party of Analyn, Bill and Shirley arrived shortly after using two legged drive to come up the five mile road.

Log entry

Leaving our comments in the storied cabin books.

Poamoho Cabin

Girls just want to have fun.

Poamoho Cabin

Somebody was smacking their lips over Foodland’s salt’n’vinegar chicken wings. Served up with surprisingly tasty instant mashed potatoes with gravy. Somebody needs to learn to drink in moderation.

Camp Poamoho

Hear that? Count your lucky stars that you can’t. Somebody was snoring so loud they would have put a drunken sailor to shame. Even hearing the rats fight outside was infinitely more preferable.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 9 – Sunday. We cleaned up the cabin, harvested some taro and headed out at a little past 0800.

Poamoho Cabin

The vegetable farmer showing how she carries her heavy load. That’s using your head. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Anne following the fence to the summit.

Poamoho Summit

It’s hard to believe, but back in 1941, the US Army proposed paving the entire trail to the summit. Luckily it never materialized as the summit would have been overrun with people crowding one of the best scenic spots on the island. Too late. You should be here!

KST

We said goodbye to our friends as they went back down the Poamoho trail, as we continued on the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

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Coming up the trail to the fence. Go right to stay on trail. Go left to explore. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Meandering through the mountains with majestic views all around us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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No, I don’t want to shake your hand. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Sometimes it feels like we are cattle being fenced in the pastures.

Boot Junction

Kicking it up.

KST

We crossed the spongy meadow to reconnect to the fence on the other side.

KST

Climbing down the ravine that spills out into a waterfall.

KST

Mud. Our constant cloying companion on the Northern KST.

KST Junction

Going down the rabbit hole. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

If I push this one, my f*cking feet go inside too! My knee. My ankle. Kenji, I’m really stuck! I no more energy. Wait, my shoe is right there! I need to take off my bag. The running commentary was hilarious.

Papali Junction

Taking a well deserved break after almost a half hour of sole sucking mud.

KST

Back on the trail.

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When the overgrowth almost swallows you on the trail.

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Showing off our mud dipped shoes. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Sitting on the scenic rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Life Alert

My back sore. My knees sore. How am I going to answer nature’s calls?

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Tessa climbing out of the hole that signaled we were close to the cabin.

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The fence. The fence. We’re home!

Koloa Cabin

We arrived at the open cabin around 1530 and cooked up chicken gumbo and mashed potatoes for our dinner. Somebody spilled the gravy.

Log entry

Same message, different cabin. We went too sleep early again or tried too as some of us didn’t have earplugs.

Koloa Cabin

Day 10 – Monday. Waking up to our last day in the mountains. We made a big bowl of combined saimin, cleaned the cabin and left around 0800.

KST

Tessa swinging over the fence line go get back on the muddy trail.

Koloa Cabin Mud Run

I think I was the only participant in the mud race. I guess I won. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Walking on the uluhe carpeted trail.

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Leaving the fence behind and something else. What could it be? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lost & Found

Anne realized she had left her phone somewhere back on the trail, so she backtracked a bit and luckily found it.

KST

Crossing the bowl shaped depression to regain the ridge line.

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Following the trail as it wound its way through the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Laie Summit

Looking for views from the 2,240′ foxhole.

KST

We resumed our hike on the most overgrown section of the KST.

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The overgrowth was only up to our knees at the start. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

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Traversing the countless switchbacks through the mountains.

Malaekahana Junction

Somebody almost missed the junction. Need to slow down and smell the glove. Photo by Tessa Bugay

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Looking at the windmills pinwheeling in the distance.

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Halfway there! Time for lunch. Photo by Tessa Bugay

KST

You want some of mama’s saimin?

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Plunging back into the overgrowth that was a mixture of uluhe ferns, strawberry guava trees and other plants that constantly tried to keep us at bay.

KST

Breaking out into the much needed fresh air.

KST

Are we there yet?

NSFW

I needed to go potty, but since the girls surged ahead with the wipes, I had to use my potty mouth instead. Diarrhea of the mouth.

Pu’u Hina

Finally empty and relieved, it was all smiles at the 1,896′ summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

The girls coming down the summit. Almost home.

Black Junction

A big thanks to Janell and Quan for meeting us with celebratory drinks that came in different flavors.

Black Junction

Our journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range had come to its conclusion. Thanks again to Team KAT and our friends that supported us on our hike, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Black Junction

Trying to douse ourselves and each other with champagne was harder than it looked.

Black Junction

We collected our liquid leftovers and took a final group photo before heading down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pupukea

Taking the trail back to civilization.

Pupukea

Making our way down the graded footpath that was strewn with fallen tree branches of assorted sizes.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Somebody just couldn’t wait to get out of their hiking shoes as we also crossed paths with a lot of mountain bikers.

All pau

Thanks to Katie and Richard for picking up three ripe hikers and two hitchhikers up, if somebody could just figure out how to open the doors and also to Dale that looked out for any furry rodents so that we wouldn’t get bitten.

GPS Tracks

Our hike across the entire Ko’olau Mountain Range covered the distance of two marathons, a little over 52 miles. It was quite the mountain marathon. Priceless memories with good friends.

Post hike meal

Agnes, Aida, Art, Bill, Chris, Dale, Janell, Jenn, Katie, Lilyn, Quan, Richard and family and Shirley joined us at Haleiwa Joe’s, the one in Haleiwa and not Kaneohe, for our first civilized meal in 10 days. Thanks to Jenn for the fragrant leis that worked hard to mask our pungent odors and to Lilyn for our one shot patron for the one shot hike.

Post hike meal

Mahalo to Dale, Quan and the waitress for our hefty cut of cow dinners. Thanks again to our friends for coming out and their support! It was quite the adventure and experience.

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 spent a memorial weekend, in more ways than one, in the majestic mountains of the Ko’olau Range.

Uber for Hikers

Thanks to Ferlino and Jasmin for dropping Anne, Bill, Shirley, Tessa and myself off at the Poamoho Trailhead where we met up with Analyn and hopped in Zack’s truck for the off road ride up. We also met up with Aida, Janell, Margaret and Quan who came in a separate jeep. Photo by Jasmin Carinio.

Where’s the Beef?

Sharing the road with the large domesticated ungulates. Photo by Aida Gordon.

GoPro Time

Enjoying the bumpy ride up the trail. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Search and Rescue

One bump too many and my phone popped off my stomach and fell through the tailgate crack and onto the ground. Luckily it didn’t fall into the huge chocolate milk puddle and Janell didn’t run it over as well. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Margaret, Analyn, Quan, Janell, myself, Tessa, Anne, Aida, Bill and Shirley. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Poamoho Trail

Hiking on the recently cleared trail that cut through the cascading wall of uluhe ferns. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Poamoho Trail

Janell passing by one of many downed trees on the trail.

Halfway spot

Yielding to a group of trail runners.

10 minute call

Quan deftly jumping her way across the placid stream. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo that partially blocked the sweeping views of Punalu’u, Kahana and Ka’a’awa Valleys. It was a typical cold and windy day. Somebody forgot their rain jacket.

Poamoho Summit

The views at the 2,520′ summit did not fail to disappoint.

Paws on the Path

We ran across a friendly pooch on the trail. The group coming back was not so lucky and almost had to run for the fence.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Janell against the scenic panoramic backdrop.

Poamoho Cabin

Brief stop at the cabin to sign the logbook and fill up on water for the weekend.

Poamoho Cabin

We got photo bombed by another hiker who instantly recognized the famous surely.i.am and automatically asked for her autograph. I believe money exchanged hands. We parted ways with the other group and continued our trek through the mountains.

KST

Setting foot on the historic trail blasted out of the mountains back in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

It’s hard to believe that beasts of burden used to trod on these trails back in the day.

KST

Crossing through one of many small meadows on the sheltered Leeward side. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pauao Junction

Looking down into the overgrown trail that drops down into Kahana Valley. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Following the fenced trail as it hugged the ridge line. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Traffic Jam

Passing another group of hikers who were going down the Schofield-Waikane Trail.

KST

Making our way to the S-W Junction. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Some of us enjoyed bottled wine and smashed eggs at our break spot.

KSRT

The clouds soon rolled in and immersed us in white out conditions as we resumed our hike.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

Taking the higher trail as we had no desire to drop down into Waikane Valley.

KST

Bill and Shirley scampering across the landslide area.

Terror on the Trail

Analyn practicing fern-jutsu on the most feared inhabitant of the KST – the inchworm. Photo by Bill Yogi.

KST

Bill enjoying the views and showing his approval with two thumbs up. Or was that two birds up? Where is the bail out trail?

Tree of Life

We dropped down into the meadow to enjoy the cloudy views of the horizontal sugi pine tree. Somebody found out that their water broke as well. And she wasn’t even expecting.

Tree of Life

Ms. Groot. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KST

Standing in the notch before the descent into the grove of sugi pine trees. Photo by Anne Fai.

Camp Rust

Camping on the grounds of the former Kipapa Cabin. Goodnight from Waiahole. Photo by Anne Fai.

Camp Schofield-Waikane

Day 2 – The morning view from S-W Junction. Thanks to Edgar who dropped Chris off at Poamoho yesterday after work, where he would catch up with us on the second day. Speedy Gonzales. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Camp Rust

When three yawyaw pinays overstay their welcome in your tent and move to another tent to take a group “snow” selfie. Thanks to everybody for my birthday cake.

Dancing for Dollars

Anne practicing her moves so she can pay for new leggings. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

KST

Wait for Lola! Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Climbing out of the clouds and into more clouds.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

We passed the Kipapa Summit which marked the beginning of the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail. Tomato. Tomatoe. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Sliding down into the cloud soaked gap. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waiawa Gap

The group crossing over to get back onto the ridge line.

Repeat after me

Okinnayo … nga … Babbai. Does that mean happy birthday? I’ll just stick with laulau poke. Photos by Shirley Gloriani.

Waiawa Gap

The clouds briefly cooperated to give us a clear group photo with Waikane Valley and points beyond as the backdrop.

Waiawa Gap

Chris soon caught up with us and loaned Bill a much appreciated rain jacket. Now we can hike in comfort. Relatively speaking.

Waiawa Gap

The group tried to cover from head to toe for the anticipated onslaught of the murder hornets. Slight exaggeration. Just honey bees that never showed up.

Waiawa Gap

Looking ahead to the stiff and spongy climb ahead of us.

Waiawa Gap

The theme of the day was cardio climbing. All day.

KSRT

Some spots we literally had to pull ourselves up the ridge with the uki grass as erosion has taken its toll.

KSRT

Are we there yet? Photo by Anne Fai.

Corner

We stopped at our first water source since the cabin to replenish our water from the creek.

Corner

Chris and Tessa filtering and filling up their water bottles.

Sounds of Silence – NOT

Three yawyaws in the meadows.

Corner

Climbing out of the windy meadow with heavier packs. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tricky turn

The group navigating the counter-intuitive junction.

KSRT

Every now and then, Mother Nature would tease us with scattered views.

Manana Summit

Mahalo to Art who hiked up the roller coaster Manana trail to bring us water, coke and freshly made joong. Thanks to Tessa for my second birthday cake.

Manana Summit

Group photo left to right: Tessa, Chris, Art, Anne, Analyn, myself, Shirley and Bill at the 2,660′ knob.

KSRT

Making our way to the summit of Eleao with Art who joined our group for the cross over to Waimano.

Eleao Meadows

Chris in the windswept grassy field. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Making sure we headed down the right spur ridge to connect back to the KSRT. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Descending down into the clouds.

KSRT

We crossed paths with two other hikers doing the exact opposite of our route, Aiea to Poamoho.

KSRT

Crossing over the landslide area as we dropped into the saddle.

Waimano Summit

Group photo at the 2,160′ summit before Art took his leave of us and went down the Waimano Trail.

Camp Waimano

There was some debate about pushing towards Waimalu Summit for our camp, but in the end, we spread out on the trail in three different spots.

Camp Waimano

Some yawyaw was yelling “we have the best view.” No argument here. Then she fed her face with camp cooked popcorn. The mountains enjoyed a temporary silence.

Camp Waimano

Day 3. Chris “catching” the sunrise. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Waimano

We experienced two types of sunrises at the summit. One was the stink kiss followed by you don’t deserve my dirty underwear. Romance is alive and well in the mountains. Just have to wash the pekpek to rekindle the fires. The second one was the chicken and dumplings experience where you spill food in somebody’s else tent and run outside for the sunrise.

KSRT

Climbing out of our camp site to spectacular views all around. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Looking ahead to the unrelenting hills ahead of us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Looking back at the stretch of mountains and beyond we had been hiking this weekend.

KSRT

Making our way down the somewhat narrow ridge line.

KSRT

Climbing our way back. The theme of the day – what goes down, must go back up.

Waimalu Meadows

We soon dropped down into what is arguably one of the most breath taking spots on the Ko’olauu Mountains, weather conditions permitting, the mythical Waimalu meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Somebody was not correctly filtering water in one of these pictures.

Waimalu Meadows

Group photo by Bill Yogi.

Waimalu Meadows

It was a rare clear day at the meadows and everybody took advantage of the countless photo opportunities.

Waimalu Meadows

Our packs heavier with water, we pushed up the spongy hill. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Waimalu Summit

The grassy plateau afforded us 360 degree views of the island. Some left early to get a jump on the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

We could see the powerlines for the mountains.

Ohi’a lehua

Analyn with a patch of uncommon yellow lehua flowers.

KSRT

Looking back we saw two other hikers on top of Waimalu Summit.

KSRT

Roller coasting hiking. All day.

KSRT

What many of us called the mini Lanihuli Wall.

KSRT

The hills had hills.

KSRT

The last push to the summit.

KSRT

Chris was the first to reach the 2,805′ summit, where Aida, Cisco, Lilyn, Quan and Sally had hiked up to meet us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Aiea Summit

Thanks to Aida for my still semi-frozen Coke and Lilyn for bringing my last birthday cake of the weekend. Mahalo to everybody for coming out to meet us.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Dropping down from the summit where we contoured around the power line tower.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Rain drops kept falling on our heads which made for quite a muddy trail going down.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Rainbows followed the rain at the 2,441′ cleared peak. Photo by Anne Fai.

Ohi’a lehua

Bouquets of unplucked crimson flowers lined the trail going down.

All pau

We ended our three day hike at the top of Aiea Loop Trail where Dale, Kamalani and Ferlino met us with a bucket of KFC, rice and thanks to Quan for the ice cold beverages. Photo by Bill Yogi.

GPS Tracks

Our three day fun filled hike covered 19 or 26 miles, depending which GPS track you asked, that covered the most cardio intensive section of the KST. Great times with great friends. Thanks to everybody that came out.

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.

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

Pupukea

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

Pupukea

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

For Sale

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

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Ethan passing the picnic shelter.

Sign Junction

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

Black Junction

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

Ko’olau Summit Trail

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

Pu’u Hina

Taking a short break amidst the whistling leaves of grass.

KST

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

Geocache

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

KST

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

Green Sign Junction

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

KST

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

Malaekahana Junction

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

KST

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

Laie Summit

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

KST

We left Arnold at the summit …

KST

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

KST

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

KST

The cabin in the distance.

KST

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

Koloa Cabin

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

Koloa Cabin

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

Koloa Cabin

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

Koloa Cabin

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

Koloa Outhouse

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

Koloa Cabin

Rob’s group heading out to rappel Koloa Falls.

Koloa Cabin

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

Crossing an open field to regain the ridge.

Smartwater Bottle Junction

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

KST

Approaching the fenced Papali summit.

Papali Junction

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

KST

Rounding the fenced corner to find …

Please do not pet the dead animal

… our lechon lunch? Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

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

KST Junction

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

KST

Misery aka knee deep mud loves company.

KST gate

Leaving the mud trail behind us.

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

Fence meadows

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

Boot Junction

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

KST

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

KST

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

Weather station

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

KST

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

Cline Memorial

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

Poamoho Summit

Sweeping views of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys.

Poamoho Boardwalk

Panoramic view of the recently installed boardwalk and Kahana Valley.

KST

Switch backing our way to the cabin.

KST

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

Poamoho Cabin

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

Poamoho Cabin

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

Poamoho Outhouse

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

Poamoho Cabin

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

Poamoho Summit

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

KST

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

KST

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

Pauao Junction

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

Fresh cut fans

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

KST

Leaving the fence for the trail.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

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

KST

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

KST

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

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

Back on the exposed windswept and cloud covered ridge line.

KST Junction

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

Metrosideros Rugosa

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

KST

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

Tree of Life

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

Selfie Stick Junction

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

KST

Passing through the notch in the mountains.

Cryptomeria

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

KST

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

Kipapa Summit

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

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

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

Waiahole Middle Junction

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

KSRT

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

Lost & Found

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

Waiawa Gap

Threading our way down into the heavily vegetated gap.

Waiawa Gap

Minding the buzzing bees in the notch.

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

The Corner

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

Camp Corner

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

The Corner

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Manana Summit

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

Pu’u Eleao

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

KSRT

Working our way back to the ridge line.

KSRT

The elevating mountainous views kept us grounded on the trail.

KSRT

Passing the constantly eroding and evolving ridge line.

Waimano Summit

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Waimalu Meadows

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

Waimalu Meadows

Group photo at the edge of the mythical meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Ethan heading up to the summit.

Waimalu Meadows

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

Whole Foods Market

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

KSRT

Back to our regular programming. The rollercoaster ridge.

KSRT

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

KSRT

The clouds came back to keep us company.

KSRT

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

Powerlines

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

Aiea Summit

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

Aiea Summit

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

Aiea Summit

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Passing the plant protected enclosure on the way to Hell.

KSRT

It was hump day in the mountains.

KSRT

Rounding the corner to find welcoming Windward views.

KSRT

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

North Haiku Stairs

Panoramic view from Stairway to Hell.

North Haiku Stairs

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

KSRT

Following the flag towards Moanalua Saddle.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Geodetic Marker

The weathered marker has seen better days.

Red Hill Summit

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

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the crumbly and eroded section.

Moanalua Saddle

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

Moanalua Saddle

The mountain tops trying to pierce the cloud ceiling.

Moanalua Saddle

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

Kulana’ahane Summit

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

Kulana’ahane Trail

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

Kamananui Valley Trail

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

Moanalua Saddle

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

Moanalua Saddle

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

Moanalua Saddle

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

Moanalua Saddle

Daryl climbing the steep hill to heaven.

CCL Building

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

ET Call Home

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

Camp Tripler

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

Tripler Summit

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

Bowman Summit

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Witch’s Hat

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

Witch’s Hat

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

Camp Centipede

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

Powerlines

Vienna Sausage break. Just missing the saimin.

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

Looking ahead to the crown jewels of Kalihi Saddle.

Bunny Ears

Daryl making his way up. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Can Opener

The classic photo spot. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Lanihuli Wall

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

Dirt Dragon

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

KSRT

Almost there.

Lanihuli Summit

Taking a short break. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Anvil

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

W

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

Pu’u Suicido

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

Pali Puka

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

Pali Lookout

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

Pali Lookout

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

Camp Pali

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

Camp Pali

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

Pali Notches

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

Chimney

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

Awaawaloa Summit

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

Ka’au Crater

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Passing the powerlines. Almost pau for the day.

Camp Wiliwilinui

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

Wiliwilinui Summit

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

KSRT

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

Hawaii Loa Summit

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

KSRT

Passing through a sliver of a trail.

KSRT

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

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

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

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Daryl at the abandoned lookout. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tom-Tom Trail

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

KSRT

No photo shoots to delay their progress.

Kamiloiki Summit

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Dropping down the rocky ridge to find …

Makapu’u Puka

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

KSRT

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

Makapu’u Lookout

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

All pau

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

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