Forecasted heavy rains scuttled my camping plans, so it was off to explore a “trail” that appeared after the heavy rains.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We all met up and parked outside the protected coastline that are home to sand dunes, sea arch and caves, and native plants and wildlife.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Passing several mass wastings that were triggered by the recent rainfalls. A certain inquiring mind wondered if any one of these newly minted stripped paths were stable enough to follow up to the mountain. Only one way to find out.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We picked the “easiest” looking one and started bushwhacking through the chest high overgrowth.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking back to discover that we had missed an easier path. Missed it by that much. Oh well.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Kenny climbing up a waterfall? Not again.

Ka’ena Point State Park

It’s staggering to think how much rainfall kinetic energy was released during the Kona lows to trigger the sediment movement that pushed boulders, trees and everything in its path down the side of the mountain.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Following the trickling stream as we steadily climbed up the “trail.”

Ka’ena Point State Park

Tessa standing next to a pretty poor representation of a waterfall. Where are those thunderstorms that were predicted to hit this area? Lie Hagi strikes again. No complaints from the peanut gallery.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Edgar and Aida making their way up the “trail.” Whose ideas was this?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Now would be a good time to go to the bathroom. There may be a slight color variation.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Tessa going up the “stairway” as we steadily advanced up the “trail.”

Ka’ena Point State Park

When good intentions are canceled out by the grinding pressure on ones hand as it’s pressed against unyielding rock.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Glad somebody brought webbing on today’s hike. Thanks Dale.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Well, that rock isn’t going to roll by itself.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale and Akira climbing and contouring another trickling stream.

Ka’ena Point State Park

The group inching their way up the steep hill as we passed the start of the landslide.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking towards the sprawling 153 acres that is home to the remote tracking station of the US Space Force.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Ani and Aida climbing towards the top as rolling clouds intermittently masked the area.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Kenny and Tessa taking photos of their Japanese imports, Minilla and Monchichi, monster and monkey.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Group photo on a rock perch that wasn’t meant to hold eight people.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Our view of the coastline from our roughly 980′ elevation point.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Car check to make sure the morning chronic wasn’t cruising around again.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Passing through the treeline where we came across a campfire pit in the mountains. Remember … Only YOU can prevent forest fires. Where was Smokey the Bear when you need him?

Ka’ena Point State Park

The original plan was to go down the Manini Pali trail. That was the plan. Plans change.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Approaching another waterfall in the distance.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We’ll be coming ’round the mountain. We’ll be slipping on six big rocks and then some.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking for the trail down.

Ka’ena Point State Park

This must be the trail. Manini Pali trail?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking at one of the spur ridges dropping away from the mountain as we scrambled our way down.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Is this the way down?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Descending down the trail of least resistance or most resistance?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Akira watching the group climbing down the cliffs.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale, Tessa and Edgar climbing down the rocks.

Ka’ena Point State Park

I don’t think this is the Manini Pali Trail.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale showing the rest of the group how it’s done.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Cave views.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Aida checking out the footing as she climbs down a hike she later characterized as harder than Witch’s Hat.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Tessa dropping down the roughly 10′ drop. Not much unless you got short legs.

Ka’ena Point State Park

This part is kind of tricky (Japanese accent).

Ka’ena Point State Park

Kenny assisting the rest of the group as we hugged the cliff.

Ka’ena Point State Park

The group soon traded unstable terrain for more unstable terrain.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We are pourin’ like an avalanche comin’ down the mountain. We don’t mind the rain sometimes. Name that paraphrased song from the late 90s.

Ka’ena Point State Park

The group soon met up with the road again.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale sitting pretty in a field of sunflowers on our way out and back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our rolling stones gathers no moss hike covered 2.34 miles through unstable terrain and cloud soaked mountains with an extra pinch of excitement to keep it just right with good friends.

Waialua

Post hike meal in the former sugar plantation town where we had pizza and some would say one of the better burgers at Jerry’s Pizza Mill. Move over Shige’s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCQR1p4rnD8

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our landslide falls hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Ani Lagpacan, Dale Yoshizu, Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, Tessa Bugay, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

We spent the last Sunday in June doing our perimeter walk#6 around the island.

Waimea

Thanks to Matt for dropping Agnes, Aida, Enrique, Jasmin, Mari, Tessa, and myself off near Waimea Bay where we had last ended our walk.

Samurai House

Passing by the oceanside home that has a Japanese theme and built around five bedrooms and nine bathrooms. Rumours that actor Jonah Hill bought the property was squashed by the VRBO owner.

Kamehameha Highway

Finders keepers, losers weepers.

Kamehameha Highway

Walking on the shaded part of the road as the sun started heating up the ambient temperature.

Laniakea Beach

Too early for the turtle traffic, whose peak hours range from 1100 to 1500. Sad we missed the hard shelled herbivores but not the hard headed traffic that ties up the area.

Kawailoa Ranch

Passing the grazing horses.

Kamehameha Highway

Waiting for the bus or to get our picture taken?

Kamehameha Highway

Jasmin filling up her plastic bag with kamachile, a tart but sweet fruit. Are we on public property?

Haleiwa

Group photo in front of one of the restored signs that was first erected in 1996 by California artist Carole Beller. Years of neglect and vandalism saw the sign being covered in graffiti and even the surfer was chopped off. In 2005, Japanese Tatsuro Ota repaired the sign on his own dime and time. In 2006, Carole Beller took down the repaired surfer and replaced it with the current wahine surfer to protect her copyrighted creation.

Haleiwa

Why does my name get paired with an expletive? I just happened to be in the area and made a suggestion.

Haleiwa

Take a selfie and get a sticker.

Haleiwa

Take a selfie and get a photo.

Haleiwa

No pictures. Camera shy.

Haleiwa Beach Park War Memorial

Standing in front of the white obelisk that honors the sixteen locals who gave their lives in WW2 and was built and dedicated in 1947 by the Waialua Lions Club.

Haleiwa

Straining in front of the Bob Marley tribute that was done in 2014 by cryptik.

Haleiwa

Which way is Waialua?

Haleiwa

Pre-preening peacock.

Haleiwa

Fallen angel. These pair of wings are part of Colette Miller’s Global Angel Wings Project that started back in 2012 and has spread over the world.

Rainbow Bridge

I need a bicycle to get up this double arched bridge built in 1921 that carries traffic over Anahulu Stream.

Haleiwa

Popped into the nearby convenience store to get some ice cream refreshments.

Haleiwa Road

No get sassy otherwise I’ll get slappy. Are we on public property?

Haleiwa Harbor

Hello? I would like to order a mango picker.

Haleiwa Road

Pushing her luck. Where’s that neighbor when you need him.

Haleiwa Road

We spotted a colorful saffron finch that was introduced to Hawaii in 1965.

Kealiiokamalu Church

Some used their hands to pray at the Hawaiian church built in 1939.

Haleiwa Road

Others used them to pick calamansi.

Kaika Bay Beach Park

Group photo in front of the mushroom shaped balancing rock called Pohaku Lana’i, legend has it that the rock floated ashore from a distant land called Kahiki.

Kaika Bay Beach Park

We decided to have lunch at the shadowy sea park that covers 53 acres.

Haleiwa Road

Is this a good idea?

Haleiwa Road

Maybe not.

Waialua Beach Road

Why did the hiker cross the road? To see a misleading roadside advertisement up close.

Waialua Elementary School

Is that a verb or noun?

Waialua Beach Road

Some of us came more prepared for the rain than the others.

Waialua Beach Road

Share the road!

Crozier Drive

Air conditioned papayas.

Crozier Drive

Yard sale on the right.

Crozier Drive

Is this sign lost?

Crozier Drive

Checking out a secluded beach.

Crozier Drive

Too rich for my blood.

Mahinaai Street

Walking out towards the highway.

Mahinaai Street

Why let a perfectly manicured lawn go to waste?

Mahinaai Street

The girls checking out one of the honor fruit and vegetable stands in the area.

Farrington Highway

Milk it for all it’s worth. Or just take a picture.

Dillingham Ranch

Group photo in front of the property that was formerly Kawailoa Ranch until the railroad tycoon Benjamin Dillingham purchased it in 1897. His son, Walter would later be responsible for dredging Pearl Harbor, developing Honolulu Airport and Waikiki Beach.

Farrington Highway

Richard Cleveland introduced the first horse to Hawaii in 1803 to King Kamehameha. Today, they are used primarily for trail rides, rodeos and polo matches.

Dillingham Airfield

Who wants to skydive? Don’t everybody jump at once.

Dillingham Airfield

What’s the hardest part of skydiving? The ground.

Dillingham Airfield

The closest I’m getting to skydiving today.

Dillingham Airfield

Walking back to our cars.

All pau

Last chance?

Jerry’s Pizza Mill

Post-walk meal at the nearby pizzeria. Anybody order pineapple toppings?

GPS Tracks

Our longer than expected walk from Waimea to Waialua covered 12.5 miles that was made bearable with good company.

Photos taken by Agnes Bryant, Aida Gordon, Jasmin Nepomuceno, Mari Saito, Tessa Bugay, 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.

Jon Medrano had sent me a link to this video, which was the inspiration for today’s hike. Met up with Chris B, Chris C, Jon, Matt and Rebecca deep in Waianae Valley.

Trailhead

It was still dark as we pushed off the much hated road that leads to the Waianae Ka’ala trail trailhead. Copper thieves must have struck in the area, as illumination was noticeably absent. Save for the twinkling stars.

Mothman prophecies

Giant spider webs and moths were our only company on the trail. No sign of Richard Gere.

Purple Trail

We followed the trail that were profusely marked with purple caps and ribbons.

Three Poles

The group taking a break at the 2,720′ junction. What’s for breakfast?

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Looking ahead

Halfway there. Just warming up.

Boulder climbing

The crew making their way over the two boulder sections.

Kaala Natural Area Reserve

Group photo at the highest mountain on the island, left to right: myself, Rebecca, Matt, Jon, Chris C and Chris B. Photo by Chris Chun.

Boardwalk

Rebecca making her way though the ancient Hawaiian forest ecosystem, home to many rare endemic fauna and flora.

Water sample

Matt collecting water to test for future hikes. Then an Australian accent chimed in “I don’t understand you Americans, we just drank straight out of the stream back home. What’s the big fuss?”

Bog

The crew exiting the 1,100 acre cloud forest.

Open house

Free cookies and a ride down. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Follow the fence

We skirted the fenced installation and began to make our way down the ridge.

FAA tracking station

Leaving Mount Ka’ala. The clouds would soon follow us down the ridge, much to our dismay.

Kamaohunui ridge

The long ridge down. We just didn’t know it yet.

Coming down

The trail up to this point was still somewhat passable with little effort. That was about to change.

Central view

Looking out towards Schofield Barracks.

Bushwhacking

The trail quickly disappeared into a dense tangle of blackberry thorns and uluhe ferns. Rebecca soon parted ways with us and returned back down Ka’ala.

Evelyn

Looking down in the valley, we clearly saw the wrecked remains of a B-24 bomber that crashed in the forest shortly after takeoff in 1945 from Wheeler Airfield. Another hike for another day.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Looking back

Chris chatting with a neighbor on the other side of the fence. Is the grass greener?

Fence trail

Typical ridge hiking. Multiple short ups and downs.

Halo rainbow

We saw this fleeting rainbow down in the valley.

Fenced trail

The metal eyesore extended as far as the eye could see, or more accurately as far as the clouds would let us see.

Break spot

Group photo. Where’s the view? Photo by Chris Bautista.

GPS huddle

Let’s see. That tree looks familiar. Let’s not follow those blue ribbons. Hmmm, we seem to be on the right track.

Webbing trail

The fence was gone for now. Webbing took its place. As we dropped in elevation, we left behind the clouds and began to see what was around us.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Waialua Whiskey

We climbing that?

Bark worse than the bite

Easy peasy. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Looking back

Matt popping the pimple.

Contour

Chris contouring the ridge on the Windward side.

Ridge

Hiking on top the ridge.

Looking back

Jon making his way down the ridge.

Ridge

The ridge rose and fall with multiple false summits to mark each passing.

Saddle

Are those metal poles staked on the ridge?

Looking back

The crew climbing out of the saddle. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ridge

Are we there yet?

Erosion

Chris C and Matt making their way over a eroded section of the ridge. Where’s that fence when you need it?

Helipad

We waited for the chopper to fly in our prime rib and clam chowder. In vain. Photo by Chris Bautista

Pu’u Pane?

Chris B and Chris C approaching a summit we thought was Pu’u Pane. Thought.

Junction

Jon climbing over the fence to begin our descent down the spur ridge.

Climb

Rock climbing galore ahead.

North Shore

Looking out towards the sugar town of Waialua and the tourist town of Haleiwa.

Hiker’s pole

Chris C responding to a milk shortage. Watch out for the bark shavings!

Tricky crack

Chris B about to make his way down.

Blue webbing

Rated to 4,000 pounds. Should be enough. Wait, how much do you weigh again? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Love rock

Chris C hugging the rock as he makes his way down.

Rocky ridge

The crew between moments of concentration and relaxation as they made their way down.

Looking back

That was a fun ridge. Not finished yet.

Cliff

Chris C and Matt coming down a steep section.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Twilight

The setting sun reflected off the shimmering windmills in the distance.

Wild West

We soon got off the ridge to be met by blocking tree lines and head high California grass. Bushwhacking. Night bushwhacking. Complete with wild life.

Waterfall

Eventually we bushwhacked our way to the stream, which offered a respite from the suffocating overgrowth. Photo by Chris Chun

Kaukonahua Stream

Our last obstacle was a fast flowing stream that fluctuated from knee to waist high depth. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

All pau

After our white water stream crossing, we walked out through the gated housing area and made our way to Matt’s staged truck.

GPS Tracks

Our West side hike to North shore hike covered 10.22 miles through rugged terrain and beautiful scenery. Epic hike with a great crew. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. Missing my prime rib and clam chowder.

The mountain was calling. The highest mountain on the island. Ka’ala. Met up with Carmi, James, Rocky, Ron and Ryan at Waipio Costco, our staging point. Ron’s wife was nice enough to drop us off in Waianae Valley. We even got to watch a comedy video while driving to the trailhead. All we were missing was the drink service.

Clear skies

The skies above Mount Ka’ala were unusually clear. A good sign.

On the road again

There’s just no getting around the paved road to Ka’ala.

Leaving the road

Transitioning to the dirt road. Straight ahead. The trail to Tiki Ridge is on the left.

Purple junction

We turned left at the purple bottle capped tree and dropped into a gully to continue the hike.

Morning cardio

Making our way up the tree covered ridge that provided ample shade that kept the heat down.

When a tree falls in the forest

Walk on it and see where it goes. Photo by Rocky Abad.

Three Poles

Group photo at Three Poles junction left to right: Ryan, myself, James, Garmi, Ron and Rocky.

Bolohead ridge

Bolohead Ridge and sweeping views of Lualualei and Waianae Valleys to our right.

Follow the fence

Making our way up the fenced Kamaile’unu Ridge.

Scenic point

Picture perfect day. Break out the camera. Photo by Rocky Abad.

Still a long way to the top

The ridge flattened and widened though an Australian tea grove as the mountain loomed ahead of us.

First boulder section

The only rock climbing to be found on this trail.

Test all ropes

Ron making his way up.

Second boulder section

Fun but short lived. The trail soon became rather steep and muddy to the top.

Summit view

The view was strikingly clear all the way to the “golf ball” radar stations at Kaena Point.

Ka’ala Natural Area Reserve

Severe fly infestation at the top. They were either feeding or breeding. Let’s get out of here!

Entering the bog

Rocky walking on the boardwalk that helps to protect the fragile ecosystem that are home to endemic mosses, ferns and plants.

Leaving the bog

After walking about 3/4 of a mile through the misty blog, we emerged on the other side.

How many hikers can fit on a bench?

The answer is two. Group photo in front of the expansive bog.

Fly away

A glider flew overhead and swung around the summit. We thought we had a view, that pilot must have had a better view. Photo by Rocky Abad.

No hat, no salute

Group photo in front of the FAA tracking installation. Only James, Ron and Ryan gets a salute.

Mount Ka’ala Road

Walking down the road with a million dollar view.

Group selfie

Who cleans all these mirrors?

Dupont trail

Leaving the road for greener trails.

Stairs

The stairs extended for a good stretch down the trail.

Goodbye Ka’ala

Looking back at Mount Ka’ala.

Any echo? Any echo?

Is this thing active? Good question to ask before poking your head inside.

Da Bus Stop

Is my watch broken? Hey, is that Steve Perry? What does my horoscope say today? Running thoughts at the bus stop. Thanks to Troy Solano for pointing this iconic hiking fixture out to me. Photo by Ron Kimura.

Freycinetia arborea

The ‘ie’ie plant, has medicinal qualities when combined with other endemic plants.

Checking out the view

Sometimes you just have to stop hiking and eyeball the views. Photo by Rocky Abad.

Hiking past erosion

The group making their way past one of several eroded sections on the trail.

Hiking on the edge

Ron and Rocky making their way past the shrubbery on the trail.

Rock climbing…sort of

Rocky going up a 30′ rock face. Ron waiting his turn. Easy peasy.

Tasty trail snacks

James picking from the abundant strawberry guava trees that lined the trail.

Walking on the ridge

The group making their way along the well defined section of the ridge.

Dirt slalom

Going down this eroded section was fun. Had to stay balanced and slide on loose dirt, past the narrow section without falling down. Staked ropes were provided for assistance.

Looking back

The radar dome on the summit was getting smaller as we made our way down.

High ground

Still a long way to go.

Following the dirt trail

The trail was for the most part open and obvious…

What trail?

…until we hit this section of head high California grass that just swallowed the trail and us. I could barely see Ron ahead of me.

Back on the trail

Visibility restored.

Cattle fence?

Our first fence on the trail. Meant to keep cattle from higher ground?

Trail disappears

We ended up bushwhacking a bit to regain the trail.

Sunday services?

We spotted a huge white cross on the ridge to our left.

Dry trough

No water. No cows. Makes sense.

Back on the trail

The trail soon turned into a jeep road.

Broken gate

The group making their way over a gate that looked like it got hit by a cattle stampede.

No signs of cows

Other hikers had told us of cows giving chase on the trail. Guess they were sleeping or it was too darn hot to be out and about.

Headed to the highway

The road to civilization. Photo by Rocky Abad.

Security stop

Security stopped us short of the gate, asking where we had come from. Down from the mountain. They said next time call the landowner, Pioneer in advance to request permission. Thanks for the tip!

Hold the gate

As we approached the road, the gate swung open to let a car in. Perfect timing. James brother in law was waiting on the other side to give us a ride back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our 8.43 mile hike started on the Waianae side, crossed over the highest mountain on the island and ended up on the Waialua side. Love hikes that don’t come back the same way. Post hike meal at Outback. No surprise. Great hike with old and new friends.

1:30pm starting time + traffic = not going to make it. I had persuaded Glenn to sign up for the Warrior Dash, which is a 3 mile obstacle course which benefits the St. Jude Hospital. But first we had to get to Dillingham Ranch in Waialua on the North Shore, where the race was being held. Traffic was backed up all the way on Kaukonahua Road due to an earlier accident. To make matters worse, Glenn’s empty fuel tank alarm had just gone off. Luckily, we made it to a gas station in Haleiwa and took the back roads to Dillingham Ranch, where we merged with cars either parking on Farrington Highway to save the $10 in parking fees or parking on the ranch grounds.

Grab your horns and start running!

We made our way towards the booths to pick up our registration packets and faux viking hats. It seemed that nobody cared or checked what starting times people were in, as we just made our way to the starting line. We had to wait about 15 minutes before our batch was released onto the course at 2:30pm. Just as we passed under the start banner and the twin puffs of fire, Mother Nature turned on the sprinklers.

Obstacle #1 – Barricade Breakdown

Jogging and walking the first mile in rain got the trail nice and muddy. The rain stopped as we got to the first obstacle. Climbing over and under barricades. Warm up.

Water Break #1

Water already? Just enough to moisten the mouth and spit the rest out.

Obstacle #2 – Storming Normandy

On our hands and knees. Crawling under a net and weaving in between obstacles with butts in your face. Hoping nobody would butt burp.

Obstacle #3 – Mud Mounds

Lamest obstacle on the course. Bunch of mud piles. Most runners just passed on the edge. Including myself.

Obstacle #4 – Mud Trenches

A quick crawl underneath wooden planks. Ho-hum. Where are the obstacles?

Obstacle #5 – Cliffhanger?

Going up and over, slowed by some girls who were afraid of heights. Are you kidding me?

Obstacle #6 – Leader’s Ledge?

Now this was fun. Balancing on foot wide planks going up and down. A nice splash on the bottom if you trip and fall.

Obstacle #7 – Mud Slope

Running down the muddy slope and back up the slippery slope.

Obstacle #8 – Vicious Valley

Climbing up mud encrusted blocks of wood over and over. Mud made it a bit slippery to climb up. I got some mud on my GoPro here and it stayed with me until the very end. Gotta rub some Rain-X on my case next time.

Water Break #2

Used the water to rinse my muddy hands. Why bother? Use the grass instead.

Obstacle #9 – Deadweight Drifter

Taking a cold plunge in chest high waters and pulling your water soaked body over these floats.

Obstacle #10 – Hard Rain

Time to take a shower while climbing over this obstacle.

Obstacle #11 – Cargo Climb

Climbing the cargo net. Just like back in the Army days, only easier.

Obstacle #12 – Warrior Roast

Jumping over two small fire lines. Marshmallows anybody?

Obstacle #13 – Muddy Mayhem

Nothing like a cool and refreshing mud bath while floating to the finish line, underneath barbed wire.

Don’t forget your medal!

Almost missed the folks giving out the medals. Where’s my turkey leg?!

The Last Obstacle

Standing in a sea of mud caked runners waiting to rinse off. Waiting my turn probably took longer than the entire race! This was a fun race, expected more challenging obstacles but hey it was all for good fun and a good cause.

We drove all the way to the North Shore to hike Kealia trail which starts at Dillingham Airfield. There were already several cars waiting at the gate at the end of the runway when we got there, as they don’t open until 6:30am. 

Kealia Trail

We pulled into the parking lot by the control tower that was quickly filling up already. As we walked to the trailhead that is right across the parking lot, we passed some Boy Scouts that were just waking up and taking down their tents.

Falling rocks

There are 19 switchbacks going up the face of the mountain. This all made for slow and steady climbing on the trail that was littered with boulders of all shapes and sizes, I guess that’s what the earlier sign meant by “falling rocks.”

Picnic table

The picnic table marks the end of Kealia trail. We stopped for a spell to gulp water down and chowed down on power bars.

Kuaokala Trail

From here on we were hiking on the red dirt roads of Kuaokala Trail. We turned right at the first junction which soon led to the Kuaokala Public Hunting Area. Didn’t see any pigs or goats. We turned left at the next junction and another left at the T-junction. We kept to the right at the last junction which led to the lookout.

Lookout point

We made it to this lookout and discovered that somebody had driven their Mercedes SUV all the way up to this point. There was also a campfire pit with a bunch of bottled water next to it. We found out later that somebody had staged it there for a hiking group that was coming from the Kaena Tracking Station side. Now that’s planning!

Makua Valley

We took the trail to the right from the lookout and soon had a nice view of Makua valley which is used by the military for live fire training exercises. Needless to say, it is not advisable to hike down into the valley.

Kaena Tracking Station

It was also at the point in the trail that we met the hikers from the Kaena Tracking Station. They offered to give us a ride back to the airfield if we wanted to follow them back, we thought about it but decided to just go back the way we had come. On second thought, we should have took them up on the offer as who knows when the next time we would be able to visit the Kaena Tracking Station?

Mokuleia and Haleiwa

Coming down the switchbacks, we had sweeping views of Mokuleia and Haleiwa. We also saw skydivers, hang gliders, ultralights and glider planes floating around the airfield. The hike took us about four hours to complete.