Camping plans got shelved so it was off to hike the highest peak on Oahu today.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Thanks to Edgar and Jasmin for shuttling us to the valley of stripped cars, stray dogs and stealers.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Walking up the road that is nobody’s friend.

Waianae Kaala Trail

End of the road and start of the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Going up the steep leaf carpeted hill for our morning cardio.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Group photo at the horizontal leaning tree, which is a position some in the group wanted to assume.

Waianae Kaala Trail

We’ve only just begun to hike
Sunscreen and bug spray
A deep breath and we’re on our way
We’ve only begun

Three Poles

Taking a rest after all that elevation gain. We still got roughly 1,300′ more of climbing to do.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Tessa making short work of the jumbled rocks with short legs.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Flying the drone to get a birds eye view.

Waianae Kaala Trail

It takes a group to raise a friend.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Our group photo on top of the rocks. Shaken, not stirred.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin climbing up the trail from an approach she has never done before. First time for everything.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Mari climbing up the ladder on the second set of jumbled rocks found on the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

The group going up the long stretch of rope and rocks.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Not out of the woods yet.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Looking for those native snails. I saw one on this very same tree on one of my last visits. I guess they moved on.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Pop! Boom! Bang! That’s how Cristy hikes. Or at least that’s how her pants rolls.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin with the panoramic background the valleys and ridges behind her.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Exhaled condensation became visible due to altitude, temperature and humidity levels. Photographic evidence did not manifest itself unfortunately.

Mount Ka’ala Bog

Meandering our way through the 1/4 mile boardwalk that protects the 1,100 acres of the native ecosystem of plants and animals.

Mount Ka’ala

Congratulations to Mari for completing the climb to the highest peak on the island that sits at 4,025′ above sea level.

Mount Ka’ala

Kenny and myself went clockwise around the FAA radar station established in the 1960s and often called “Red Bluff.” We were trying to hike down to the hoist structure but took the wrong trail.

Mount Ka’ala

Meanwhile, the rest of the group soon followed and not seeing us had assumed that we had just circled the radar station. “Assumptions are made, and most assumptions are wrong” – Albert Einstein. So the group had to come back to the scenic spot to have our lunch.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo near “Red Bluff,” named because of the iron-rich soil found at the site where the radar station is situated.

Mount Ka’ala

Looking into the radar station that is jointly managed by the FAA and Hawaii Air National Guard.

Mount Ka’ala

Lunch is served, vodka not included.

Mount Ka’ala

Akira was either having a kanak attack or cramp attack or panic attack.

Mount Ka’ala

Not all of us chose the same way to exit the grassy spot overlooking the central plains.

Mount Ka’ala

Our last group photo before leaving the summit.

Mount Ka’ala Bog

Heading out through the cloud forest on the boardwalk.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Can’t beat the views going down.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Traffic Jam.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin leaving the ridge line as we descended back down to the valley floor.

All pau

Thanks to Edgar and Jasmin for picking us back up at the end of our hike.

GPS Tracks

Our hike to the highest mountain on the island of Oahu covered 7.48 miles with good friends and good times.

The Beach House by 604

Our post hike meal was at the dirty spoon aka flyblown as we had our dinner and sampled the not so famous clam chowder and Mr. Suzuki became the new Mr. Miyagi. We did have a nice sunset for our viewing pleasure.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Cristy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Robin Farr, 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.

A friend got sick and was unable to complete the KST this weekend, so Eric and I did a hike on the West side instead.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Chico and Groot for dropping us off in the area that was once dominated by sugar and cattle plantations from roughly 1906-1946.

Ka’ala Trail

We passed some hunters who when they learned of our destination, suggested we take the road instead. No thanks, we’ll stick to the higher ground. There was enough pavement on this road leading up to the trail that was enough for me.

Ka’ala Trail

Old and new. Trail markers that is. The purple bottle caps was set by Waianae Steve many years ago and the pink ribbons by hikers many months ago?

Three Poles

Climbing out of the valley was a good stiff cardio exercise as we reached the top where we saw the prominent Bolo Head ridge next to us.

Ka’ala Trail

Eric climbing over the first boulder section.

Ka’ala Trail

Can you take my photo of me going up the ladder section? My phone is locked out.

Pu’u Ka’ala

Reaching the top of the highest mountain on the island, while the true summit was a short walk away, this was good enough for today. We also ran into two brothers from Texas who was unprepared for the inclement weather, as it’s always sunny in Hawaii right?

Pu’u Ka’ala

One of eight species of koli’i taken by the botanist on the hike, this particular one takes about five years to grow and then blooms its pink flowers and dies off.

Ka’ala Bog

Eric entering the 1,100 acre area that was once home to a fishpond and is now home to endemic plants and species.

Ka’ala Bog

Got mud?

Ka’ala Bog

Mud misery loves company.

Ka’ala Bog

The botanist identified this as kanawao, a species of perennial flowering plant of the Hydrangeaceae family, that is only found in Hawaii.

Ka’ala Bog

Contact with the fence line which lead us to the …

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

… overgrown and cloud soaked ridge line.

WST

Making my way down the slippery climb due to the prior rain and morning dew.

WST

Eric going across the Leap of Faith.

WST

When the weight on your shoulders is too much. Just let it roll down the valley.

WST

Two native plants – Hawaiian mint that has no smell due to no predators and the uluhe ferns that are important to the native ecosystem in terms of building soil and also impede hiking traffic on many a trail.

WST

I found the overgrowth presence on the trail was markedly less than on previous visits. No complaints here.

WST

Following the fence line on the undulating ridge line.

WST

The fence while a bane to some hikers and a boon to conservationists, it does help one to navigate more easily through the overgrowth, sometimes.

WST

Watching rain showers march across Lualualei Valley. the largest coastal valley on the Leeward side of the island.

WST

Passing by shrubs of Naupaka Kuahiwi, the mountain yin to the Naupaka Kahakai, the ocean yang. The half flowers symbolize division in Hawaiian mythology and when united, symbolize love and reunion.

WST

Eric making his way around the “split” fenced ridge line.

WST

Dropping down to a narrow shelf as we made our way on the trail.

WST

Eric climbing his way up.

WST

Contouring our way around the trail that was riddled with erosion and landslides.

Pu’u Kalena

Group photo on the second highest peak on the island that sits at 3,504′ elevation.

WST

We took a short break at the summit and then pushed our way through the overgrowth.

WST

Climbing our way through the denuded section of the trail.

Star Trek Junction

My Vulcan salute was looking pretty weak. Live long and prosper.

WST

Passing through the pine tree section.

WST

Making my way along the eroded section of the trail.

WST

Eric going over one of multiple fence crossings.

WST

Looking out towards sexxxy ridge, so named due to the razor thin ridge and sheer drops on both sides.

WST

Eric climbing down the hill towards the rock dike ahead of us.

WST

Trailing on the narrow dike.

WST

Leaving the fence line behind us as we descended down the trail which lead to another rock dike.

WST

Eric climbing his way down with Ka’ilio in the background.

WST

Making my way down the narrow dike.

WST

Passing through the “Martian” area while stopping to check out some red lichen on the rocks.

All pau

Lucky we are illiterate. Thanks to Chico for picking us up and bringing us coke floats. Big mahalos!

GPS Tracks

Our final hike of the year covered just under seven miles through a mixture of wet and dry terrain and cloud soaked and sun kissed views. Post hike meal at Chicken in a Barrel. They didn’t have any chicken left. Really? So we split a pizza at the nearby Old Town Pizzeria. Thanks Eric for picking up the pizza. Fun hike to end 2024.

Photos taken by Eric Sadoyama 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 no sleep gathered to help Aileen finish the WST this particular weekend.

Kaena Point

Mahalo to Edgar for dropping off us at the trailhead in the middle of the night.

Kaena Point

All bright eyed and bushy tailed. Or maybe not.

Kaena Point

Skirting the predator proof fence that protects 59 acres of land that are home to endemic fauna and flora.

Kaena Point

The westernmost views from the first bunker on the ridge.

Kaena Point

Climbing our way to the second and third WW2 bunkers.

Kaena Point

Akira climbing over a clump of boulders.

Kaena Point

Tessa scrambling her way up.

Kaena Point

Traversing the open area littered with loose rocks, barbed wire and hale koa shrubs.

Kaena Point

Skirting the visitor proof fence that protects 153 acres that are home to the US Space Force. Not be confused with Spaceballs.

Kaena Point

Wait. Inside or outside?

Kaena Point

I had to f*cking lie flat down. I had f*cking thorny seed pods on my legs. Maybe it was the lack of sleep or time of day that resulted in the outburst of profanity from somebody.

Kaena Point

Going through a gate meant to keep out the large bovid ungulates? No cow tipping.

Kaena Point

We spent an inordinate amount of time bushwhacking even with the artificial illumination being cast our way before we got back on track.

Kuaokala Trail

Taking a break at the picnic shelter. Too much excitement is not good for the heart of outbreaks of profanity.

Kuaokala Trail

Back on the trail again.

Kuaokala Trail

Starry night. A view best savored in person and more enjoyable than the Dutch post-impressionist painting of the same name.

Kuaokala Trail

Are we taking a power nap? No, then we wouldn’t be living up to our name.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Leaving the 4×4 road for a trail more suited to hiking.

WST

Catching the breaking sunrise after the exhausting cardio climb up the deeply rutted hill.

Moku

Gloves optional at the geodetic marker.

Pahole NAR

Hiking through the 685 acres set aside to protect endemic fauna and flora in the lowland mesic zone. Stay on trail.

Pahole NAR

When you fall, get up and fall down again.

Pahole NAR

Looking back at how far we had come. Optical illusion?

Pahole NAR

Skirting past the native snail habitat.

Makua Valley

We left the tree line and broke out into the open ridgeline to view the stunning vista of the verdant valley that belies its scarred history of when the US Military evicted all the valley residents after the Pearl Harbor attack. White crosses were then painted on the church and homes and were then bombed, infrastructure was razed and demolished, fishing holes bombed,
and fresh water wells were used as dumps for waste oil. Planes and ships shelled the valley for target practice which basically rendered the valley uninhabitable. In fact, the US Army in 1955 declared the valley as so contaminated that it was not practical to return the land to the previous owners. Despite promises by the US Military that after WW2 ended, the valley was promised to be cleaned and cleared and returned to the Commissioner of Public Lands after six months. To this date, the land still remains off-limits much like Waikane Valley that was rendered indefinitely contaminated by the US Marines for live fire training during the war as well.

WST

Akira grooming Tessa. Or something close to it.

WST

Following the fence line as we made our way on the ridge line.

WST

Passing the Mokuleia Shelter on our left. No stop needed for water, avocados or oranges.

Mokuleia Bench

Group photo at the bench with a different view of the valley. The Hawaiians believe this is where man was first created, hence the name makua, which means parent in Hawaiian.

WST

Hiking up hills after hills, or that’s how it seemed to us.

WST

Enjoying the relatively flat section of the trail while it lasted.

WST

Going down the steepest part of the trail.

Three Corners

Somebody can sleep anywhere anytime at the drop of a hat. Not living up to the team name.

Three Corners

Group photo with valley views of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia.

WST

It was time to go swimming in uhule.

WST

We had to do multiple fence crossings, more than the illegal migrants down South.

WST

Now you see him. Now you don’t. The uluhe ferns was so thick and seemingly impassable at several spots.

WST

We could soon see the road for the overgrowth.

WST

Aileen down climbing a steep spot with slippery stakes masquerading as steps.

WST

Pushing through the last of the insufferable uluhe ferns as signs of civilization was just a step away.

Ka’ala Road

Transitioning from trail to road.

Ka’ala Road

There is no lack of visibility here at this spot.

Ka’ala Road

Pounding the pavement. Literally.

Ka’ala Road

Walking commentary. If you understand Japanese, aside from hai hai arigatou gozaimasu.

Ka’ala Road

Sometimes you just have to stop, turn around and enjoy the views.

Mount Ka’ala

The slow and punishing walk of a little over two miles of incline road was quite tiring to say the least.

Mount Ka’ala

#22 – Customary champagne celebration dousing of the (un)lucky recipient. Congratulations to Aileen for completing her last section of the WST. Two feathers in her cap. KST and WST.

Mount Ka’ala

Can I get a nickel for this bottle?

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo at the highest peak on the island. Glad that Chico made it up here to bear witness and garnered a personal best in his time ascending the 4,025′ mountain.

Ka’ala Bog

Traversing the roughly 3/4 mile boardwalk that cuts through the 1,100 acres of native cloud forest where we also ran into dozens of volunteers from the OANRP.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Climbing down the steep trail as we descended off the summit.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Aileen climbing down the ladder on the first set of boulders.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Tessa and Chico enjoying the mountainous views on the second set of boulders.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Akira ready to drop down into the valley from Three Poles.

Waianae Valley

Walking down the much maligned paved road.

All pau

Shout out to Chico who not only met us at the summit but picked us up and drove us back to our cars at Mililani.

GPS Tracks

Our night to day trek through the Waianae Mountains covered just shy of 17 miles with good friends. Congratulations again to Aileen for f*cking completing the Waianae Summit Trail. Dessert before dinner. Soft serve ice cream cones at McDonald’s. Craving for loco moco was satisfied and substituted by latin food at Coquito’s. We all went home to take a hot shower and get some much needed shut eye.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, 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.

Tessa, Thomas and myself spent part of the Memorial Day Weekend camping on the West side.

Waialua

Mahalo to Edgar for driving us past the DLNR checkpoint and dropping us off at the entrance to the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve.

Kaena Point

Passing by the fenced enclosure that protects one of the last intact dune ecosystems in the islands.

Kaena Point

Hiking up to the first bunker on the ridge.

Kaena Point

Standing on the second bunker looking out towards the jumping off point for departing souls according to Hawaiian legends.

Kaena Point

Tessa looking out towards Yokohama Bay or Keawa’ula Beach.

Kaena Point

The sun aka the heat rising above the third bunker.

Kaena Point

Scrambling our way through the dry grass and basaltic rocks.

Kaena Point

Approaching the military base that first appropriated 153 acres of this area back in 1959.

Kaena Point

Tessa making the final push to the top.

Kaena Point

Skirting the fenced base that tracks satellites in orbit.

Kaena Point

Enjoying our brisk walk in the morning.

Kaena Point

Leaving the radomes behind us.

Kaena Point

Oh give me a home where the cows roam, Where the pigs and the pheasants play, Where seldom is heard a discouraging warning, And the skies are not cloudy all day.

Kaena Point

Open the gate. Close the gate.

Kaena Point

Have permit, will hike. We shall see.

Kaena Point

Looking for somebody to check our permit out. He found us.

Kaena Point

Thomas waiting for his ride.

Kaena Point

No H & H for us this weekend.

Kuaokala Trail

The group reunited and ready to hike.

Kuaokala Trail

Somebody’s illusion of the trail being relatively flat was soon to be rudely shattered.

Kuaokala Trail

Breakfast break at the picnic shelter.

Kuaokala Trail

Following the hiking stick figure. He must know the way.

Kuaokala Trail

Thomas coming down the tree lined corridor.

Kuaokala Trail

Trading in the soft ground for some hard rock.

Kuaokala Trail

Standing tall.

Kuaokala Trail

An ubiquitous sight in the mountains. Fences.

Kuaokala Trail

Brief break at the trail sign.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Back on the road again.

WST

When 2WD is better than 4WD.

WST

Detouring off the jeep road.

WST

Makua Valley views along with a splash of rain.

WST

Going up the hill multiplied by a heavy pack. Fun all day.

WST

All feet on the side of the geodetic marker, not the top.

WST

One of many fence crossings on the trail.

WST

Switch backing our way up through the hill of reforested endemic plants.

WST

Contouring our way around the endemic enclosure.

WST

One of the best scenic spots to soak in Makua Valley.

WST

Following the fence line as it bordered the valley.

WST

Windmills in the background, shelter in the foreground.

WST

We decided to change plans and make camp down in the valley.

Camp Mokuleia

Staking out our respective tent spots for the night as the mosquitoes sought to distract us.

Camp Mokuleia

We filtered water from the leaky hose and ate our dinner. Most of us retired early to our tents since the night life around these parts was lacking, while some wandered the trails.

Camp Mokuleia

Day 2
We woke up the next day and broke down camp.

Camp Mokuleia

Our breakfast to start the day was Spanish roll dipped in coffee, reconstituted food and spam musubi fried rice.

Camp Mokuleia

Back to our regularly scheduled program of hiking.

WST

Nothing to wake you up in the morning like a good cardio workout.

WST

Looking down into the valley where ancient Hawaiians believe man was first created.

WST

Enjoying a relatively flat spell of the trail strewn with assorted boulders.

WST

Back on the undulating trail.

Three Corners

360 degree view of the valleys of Makaha, Makua and Mokuleia.

WST

A solitary scarlet lehua flower.

WST

Plunging into the overgrowth.

WST

So close, yet so far.

WST

The fence line is the hikers lifeline in the uluhell.

WST

Making our way off the hill.

Ka’ala Road

Trail meets the road.

Ka’ala Road

Somebody was stretching out for the 2.5 mile walk up the paved road littered with rockfalls.

Ka’ala Road

Using the traffic mirror for our group photo.

Ka’ala Road

Pushing off the gradual ascent up to the highest peak on the island.

Ka’ala Road

Taking in the views.

Ka’ala Road

Halfway there! Numerically speaking that is.

Ka’ala Road

Straight from the pipe. Unfiltered. Undrunk.

Ka’ala Road

End of the road for us.

Mount Ka’ala

Brief stop at the recently built three walled shelter.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo at the highest peak on the island.

Mount Ka’ala

Walking on the roughly 3/4 mile boardwalk that traveled through the endemic cloud forest.

Mount Ka’ala

Trematolobelia flowers were in bloom throughout the bog.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Dropping off the summit on our way down to the valley.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Climbing down one at a time.

Waianae Kaala Trail

On rope.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Going down the steep mountainside.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Scrambling down the second set of boulders on the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

On our way down, we ran into a pack of boy scouts who were planning to camp at the shelter. That was going to be a tight fit, squashed like sardines.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Things that go bump in the night. Things that rustle in the grass. They both will scare you when you least expect it.

All pau

Many thanks to Chico who had arrived earlier and hiked up to the summit, got cold and went back down and struck up a long running conversation with a honest person who would never take stuff that didn’t belong to him, for picking us up in the remote valley and driving us back to our cars in Mililani.

Popeyes Chicken

Post hike meal at Louisiana Chicken where we chowed down chicken and ice cold soda to replenish all the calories we spent on our 16.7 mile weekend hike. Good fun with great people.

Photos taken by Tessa Bugay, 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.

We paid a visit to Nature’s climbing gym on the West side today. Outdoors. Free. Can’t beat it.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Leander for dropping Marilyn, Quan and myself off in the valley of broken glass, stripped cars and running dogs.

Waianae Valley

We pounded the pavement for a thankfully short time before hitting the trail punctuated with ponds of taro and patches of the pungent bitter melon leaves.

Waianae Valley

Pushing up the short and steep firebreak trail.

Kawiwi Ridge

Standing at the foot of the spur ridge overlooking the coastal valleys. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Kawiwi Ridge

Making our way up the rock encrusted ridge smothered with dry grass and stunted trees.

Kawiwi Ridge

Climbing and contouring our way up. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kawiwi Ridge

The breezy conditions made the stepping stones an exercise of balance and keeping ones center of gravity low.

Kawiwi Ridge

Start from the bottom …

Kawiwi Ridge

… and end up at the top. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kawiwi Ridge

Which way to go? Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kawiwi Ridge

Climbing our way to the top. Almost there!

Kawiwi Ridge

Are we climbing that? Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Kawiwi Ridge

Circumventing the crack.

Kawiwi Ridge

Group photo at the overgrown summit.

Ridge

Gateway to more climbing and views.

Ridge

Did I say more climbing?

Ridge

Narrow ridge ahead. Keep your hands inside at all times during the ride. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Ridge

Looking back as Quan and Marilyn made their way over the narrow ridge with steep drop offs.

Ridge

It was just a matter of time before we hit the fence line.

Ridge

Climbing, crawling and scooting their way over the jumbled rocks.

Ridge

Where’s the flag? Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Ridge

Contouring around the narrow ledge.

Ridge

Threading our way carefully through the cacti plants. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

No Name Summit

Group photo at the unclaimed peak.

Ridge

Printer cables have many uses, especially in the mountains. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Tiki Summit

Not to be confused with Kiki and a certain rapper.

Ridge

Multiple crossing overs as we followed the fence line to the terminus.

3 Poles

Leaving the ridge as we headed down into the valley.

Waianae Kaala Trail

The girls hanging out on the trail.

All pau

Speak softly and carry a pig poker. Just in case. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

GPS Tracks

Our climbing hike covered a little over five miles with good company. Thanks to Leander for picking us up again. Post hike meal at Outback where not all steakhouse franchises are the same. No clam chowder.

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.

Somebody requested to hike the highest point on the island for his birthday hike. Thanks to Maureen for dropping Analyn, James, Ryan, Shirley and myself off deep in Waianae valley.

Trailhead

Four pairs of shoes and one pair of slippers hit the much reviled road.

Balut

From a fertilized egg to a sun bleached pig skull.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Reading with pictures.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

We soon left the valley floor and started to make our way up the steep hill.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Looking up the rooted and leaf carpeted trail.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Yoga on the trail. Bring your own tree branch.

Three Poles

Will the real Bolohead please stand up?

Valley views

Seeing double which meant twice the photo shoots. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Following the fence line which soon yielded to …

Boulders

… assorted rocks of various sizes …

Boulders

… that we climbed up and over them.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

James climbing up the steep, rock studded trail.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Ryan making his way up.

Ka’ala Natural Area Reserve

Established in 1981 to protect the diverse ecosystem found on this often cloud soaked flat summit.

Boardwalk

Walking through the mostly stunted native forest.

Lehua

Dew kissed lehua blossom. Hoping that rain will not kiss us on the hike today. Photo by Ryan Wong.

Mount Ka’ala

We soon saw the radar dome which signaled the end of the boardwalk.

Making a wish

Blowing the candle out before the wind does it. Happy Birthday James!

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo left to right: Analyn, Shirley, myself, James and Ryan.

Mount Ka’ala

Seeing double is usually a scary experience. Just ask Analyn.

Mount Ka’ala

Overlooking the North Shore towns of Mokuleia and Waialua. Photo by Ryan Wong.

Mount Ka’ala

Leaving the 4,025′ summit.

Optical illusion

Why is my phone making the photo circular? Smart phone problems. Photo by James Crabb.

Sumida Watercress Farm

Analyn picking the dark, leafy greens from the side of the road. Better than Farmer’s Market.

Weeping Wall

Cooling off from the humidity drenched day.

HFD

We saw the yellow bird circling the summit, looking for passengers?

Panoramic view

It was another nice day to be on the West side.

King Kong Ridge

Heading down the ridge.

King Kong Ridge

James and Ryan making their way down, mindful of the false holes.

King Kong Ridge

Squeezing myself in between the trees and the mountain. Photo by James Crabb.

King Kong Ridge

I wonder how long this webbing has been here? Still holding up.

King Kong Ridge

Shirley and Ryan coming down from the contour around the knob. Photo by Analyn Baliscao

King Kong Ridge

Hikers on the right, Kong on the left. Photo by Ryan Wong

Yellowjackets

The three victims of riled up social wasps. Analyn and I escaped unscathed, due to our lack of sweetness.

King Kong

No room for Ryan at the top.

King Kong

Shirley climbing her way down.

King Kong

Group photo on the shoulder.

King Kong Ridge

Heading back down the ridge after our photo shoot that was filled with bees and multiple re-takes.

Kahuna Cave

Approaching the larger than life boulders standing on the ridge.

Kahuna Cave

Hanging out with the mosquitoes. No yellowjackets allowed.

Strawberry Guava

Threading our way through the densely packed invasive trees.

Post hike meal

Cooking up strawberry guavas, wild mushroom and leaves with my imagination. Going be here for a long time.

Mango Tree

No stone fruits were ready to be picked today.

Streambed

Crossing one of three streambeds in the valley.

Avocado Tree

Ask and you shall receive. It also helps that Ryan threw rocks in the trees to scatter and shower the ground with the buttery berries. Yes, the avocado is botanically considered a berry.

Makaha Icy Ponds?

It was close enough for Ryan to cool off.

California Grass

We were in over our heads wading through the invasive and itchy grass.

Kane’aki Heiau

Analyn standing in front of one of Oahu’s best preserved and restored Hawaiian temples; thought to have been originally built in the 15th century and dedicated to Lono; the God of agriculture, fertility and rainfall.

Trail

Walking through the valley as we passed a farmer tilling her plot. Photo by James Crabb.

Road

Leaving the recently burnt valley that is nicely bouncing back.

All pau

Our valley to valley hike covered 9.6 miles with new and old friends. Mahalo to Chris for picking us up and saving us from the peacocks. Post hike meal at Thai Lao. Family style. Hold the seafood.

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 hiked to the highest point on the island today to visit a post-WW2 wreckage as gloomy weather derailed the original plan to saddle up. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off deep in Waianae Valley.

Trailhead

Is this a slipper optional hike?

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Heading deep into the valley, streambed was bone dry. No waterfalls today.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Rooting up the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Three Poles Junction

Is it time to shed the slippers yet?

Three Poles Junction

Group photo left to right: Anne, myself, Ferlino and Analyn.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Who said you can’t be in two places at the same time? Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Looking ahead to the steep climb ahead of us to the top. We only had to climb up roughly 1,425′ more of mountain to make it to the top.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Reflecting towards Waianae Valley on the first boulder section.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Taking the ladder and ladder-less way up on the second boulder section. Photo by Anne Fai.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Pitching up the steep rocky climb to the summit.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Who needs hiking shoes? Not Analyn.

Mount Ka’ala

Hikers in the bog. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

No hat, no salute

Somebody is not getting a salute today.

Lunch break

Most people get leg cramps, a few get mouth cramps. I heard they can be pretty painful. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

After lunch, we skirted the barbed wire fence surrounding the FAA tracking station to go exploring down a ridge.

Mount Ka’ala

Descending from the 4,025′ flat topped mountain towards Waialua.

Ridge

Making our way through the moss encrusted ohia trees as we followed the fence line down.

Ridge

Looking out towards the North Shore.

Ridge

Anne hopping over the fence.

Trail

Bushwhacking our way through suffocating ginger plants and prickly thimbleberry bushes as we tried to pick up the trail.

Trail

Stepping on history as we followed the trail of wreckage that soon lead us … Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

B-24

… to the crashed remains of the B-24 bomber “Evelyn.”

B-24

Exploring what remains of the plane that crashed on July 30, 1945 at 0910. Unfortunately, the eleven crew members did not survive the impact and were retrieved the next day and buried with full military honors.

B-24

Leaving the crash scene. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trail

You go that way and I’ll go this way. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ridge

Pausing after the short, steep and humid climb back up to the summit.

Mount Ka’ala

Up. Down. Across. Repeat. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

A poorly coordinated dragonfly interrupting somebody’s photo session. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo overlooking the central plain of Wahiawa and points beyond.

Mount Ka’ala

Circling our way around the tracking station.

Mount Ka’ala

Our last group photo at the top before taking our leave of the summit of “the awakening.” Photo by Analyn Baliscao

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Coming down from the highest mountain on the island.

Slip’n’Slide

Where are those cardboard boxes when you need them?

All pau

Slipper in. Shoe out. Mahalo to Jasmin for coming back to get us, despite Makaha not being Waianae. Fun group hike that explored a different side of the tallest peak on the island. Post hike meal at Pho My Vi, the best phocking rice noodles on the Windward side. Or that’s what I was told. Can’t believe everything you eat.

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.

Bolohead or bust. Met up with Chris, Gen, Justin and Thessa deep in Waianae Valley. Try and try again.

Trailhead

Back on the road again.

Picnic shelter pull-ups

Snapchat what? Cat’s meow. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Bolohead ridge

The weather did not look promising. Bust.

Three Poles

The trail was teeming with hikers today. Mount Ka’ala loomed heavy with dark clouds and the pregnant possibility of rain showers, so we turned towards Kawiwi.

Waianae

Major swaths on both mountain ranges are being fenced to protect the native ecosystem from pigs and goats. The end is necessary but the means are less than visually aesthetic. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Future camp site

Group photo by Justin Hirako, left to right: Gen, Justin, Thessa, myself and Chris.

Waianae

Panoramic photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

What the heck? Ka’ala is clear. Let’s go back. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Ms. Pac-Man

Who’s the pellet? Who’s the ghost? Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tiki Summit

Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Uphill, rocky climb. Photo by Justin Hirako.

No Name Peak

Happy Nuts.

No Name Peak

How much do you weigh? Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Panoramic photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Back on the trail.

Waianae

Panoramic view.

Waianae

Rock climbing ahead. Choke.

Waianae

Sometimes you have to contour the ridge … Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

… other times, you just pop up over the ridge.

Waianae

Hiking the dike.

Waianae

Chris and Thessa climbing their way up. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Almost there.

Kawiwi Summit

Group photo by Justin Hirako on the rainy and overgrown summit.

Kawiwi Ridge

We caught this beautiful double rainbow on the way down. Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Kawiwi Ridge

All down climbing from here. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Kawiwi Ridge

Justin and Chris coming down by the tricky crack section.

Kawiwi Ridge

If it’s not yoga, it’s dancing.

Kawiwi Ridge

You go first? Photo by Justin Hirako.

Kawiwi Ridge

Ridge hiker.

Kawiwi Ridge

Chris, Justin and Thessa on their way down.

Kawiwi Ridge

Gen going down the ridge.

Kawiwi Ridge

Chris coming off the ridge.

Waianae Valley

Random sightings in the valley.

Waianae Valley

Follow the fence.

All pau

Eh brah, caught any pigs?

GPS Tracks

Our West side hike covered 5.9 miles through valleys and ridges and a mixture of hot and rainy weather. Great hike with a fun crew. Post hike meal at Outback’s. If your prime rib is not cooked to order, it’s on the house. Just got to ask.

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.