Back on the West side for another round of hiking.

Nanakuli

Thanks to Marilyn for dropping us off in the valley where they pretend to be deaf. Good, we won’t disturb them this morning.

Nanakuli

Webbing? We don’t need stinkin’ webbing. Well, at least for now.

Nanakuli

Climbing out of the ditch and onto the cattle trail.

Nanakuli

Passing through the landscape dominated by invasive kiawe trees.

Nanakuli

Pushing our way through head high invasive California grass. Where are the natives?

Nanakuli

We began the short and steep climb up towards the ridge line.

Nanakuli

Scrambling up the trail that I heard is popular with the local kids. Once we crested the ridge line, I noticed that my sunglasses that were perched on top of my cap must have been “snatched” by those pesky bushes coming up. Oh well. They were the cheap six dollar ones you buy at Ross.

Nanakuli

Thankfully Akira had recovered my sunglasses as he was coming up the flank of the ridge. Domo arigatou gozaimasu! I have my eye protection back!

Nanakuli

Climbing up the hardscrabble ridge marked with dry shrubs and rocks of assorted sizes and shapes punctuating the ground under our feet.

Nanakuli

Akira cresting a hump on the ridge with Nanakuli Valley in the background.

Nanakuli

Pushing through a patch of pine trees on the ridge.

Nanakuli

Following the spur ridge that will soon connect us to the Waianae Summit Trail.

Nanakuli

That’s why I love ridge hiking, the elevation and view gains, and the terrain changes that throws in some rock climbing here and there.

Nanakuli

Enjoying the scant shadow that offered a respite from the sweltering sun.

Nanakuli

Looking back at double views of Nanakuli and Lualualei Valleys.

Nanakuli

Scrambling up the eroded hill as we neared the top.

Palehua

Traversing the surprisingly well marked trail.

Palehua

Chico trying to figure out what purpose these government buildings serve. Fire watch towers?

Palehua

We navigated through the forest line and popped back out at the base of the communications tower that symbolically marks the start or finish of the Waianae Summit Trail (WST).

WST

Going up the stairs that leads us to the bamboo forest and beyond.

WST

Hiking through the forests of Palehua have been described as mystical, I would heartily agree as it’s steeped in history and legend.

WST

Just missing the fedora, leather jacket and bull whip.

WST

The tree huggers posing with the multiple trunked tree.

WST

Following the carved trail on the side of the cliff that would lead us through a gated fence and another grove of pine trees.

WST

Climbing through native plants and forest.

Palikea

Belated birthday hike for Akira with a spam musubi that was standing in for a cupcake.

Palikea

Group photo at the 3,098′ summit.

Palikea

Just missing the birds. The bee population in Hawaii and the country has been declining in alarming numbers. This should be of grave concern as they are one of the major pollinators for our food sources.

WST

Resuming our hike on the fenced trail.

WST

Burrowing our way through the dense and tangled mess of clidemia plants and uluhe ferns.

WST

This wouldn’t be the WST with at least one fence crossing.

WST

Working our way around a blowdown on the trail.

WST

“Swimming” our way through the sea of uluhe ferns.

WST

Akira admiring the central plain views and the strikingly clear profile of the entire Ko’olau Mountain Range.

WST

Going down the sleep slope while arresting our fall with the fence line.

WST

Contouring our way around the rocks and fence line.

WST

Going down a slippery slope. Unfortunately, it was the wrong one. Throw in another 25 minutes of extra cardio. Why not?

WST

Follow the one glove. It will never lead you astray.

WST

Traversing the emerald moss path.

WST

Approaching the steep cliff aka the highlight of the day.

WST

Who wants to go first?

Pohakea Pass

Descending down a “technical” climb is less desirable than ascending one.

Pohakea Pass

Akira making his way down.

Pohakea Pass

Watching gravity at work. Where is that guy that wanted to climb down this cliff? Oh yeah. He was watching his birds.

Pohakea Pass

Chico’s turn coming down. Since, there were only three in our group today, we didn’t have to wait that long for each person to make their climb down.

Pohakea Pass

Making our way back down to relatively “stable” ground.

Pohakea Pass

Nobody else wanted to climb on the rock to take a picture with the pass. Solo selfie it is.

WST

Making our way towards the junction in the forest that was dominated by pine trees.

WST

Our last group photo of the day as we got off the WST and made our way down the contour trail.

Kunia

Looking back at the the most difficult section on the WST. Until we meet again.

Kunia

We decided to see how cleared the trail was from start to finish.

Kunia

The overgrowth soon came back and claimed its first victim of the day. Man down.

Kunia

The trail soon intersected with the jeep road.

Kunia

Chico making friends on the trail.

All pau

Thanks to Matt for picking us up and congratulations on his promotion to E8. He also gave us a tour of his farm. Just missing a petting zoo. Our hike covered 6.45 miles with solid company. Post hike meal at Julie’z where Marilyn, Matt and Tessa also joined us. Should’ve stuck with the first choice of Thelma’s. Stewing chicken in the Chicken Papaya is just not cutting it anymore.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Marilyn Bermudez 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 came out of her self-imposed semi-retirement to see her significant other complete the Waianae Summit Trail today.

Waianae Valley

Mahalo to Lilia and Kenny for dropping us off in the remote valley that was once home to taro, cattle and sugarcane. Now it’s home to the occasional chronic, abandoned cars and stray dogs.

Waianae Kaala Road

I guess we follow the arrow for the group photo and the hiking trail.

Waianae Kaala Road

Walking this road will never grow on me.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Some use pens. Others use stickers.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Crossing the dry streambed into the valley.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Taking a standing break after the short cardio climb up the hill.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Bolohead meets bolohead.

Waianae Kaala Trail

West side is the best side. Except when chronics come calling. Kenny was getting alerts from his Tesla indicating that his car was getting some unwanted advances from a nearby chronic.

Waianae Kaala Trail

No rope. No hope. Don’t be a dope.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Kenny soaking in the realization that this was the highest he has climbed to date. Only 800′ more feet to go!

Waianae Kaala Trail

Props to the peeps that carried power tools and composite steps to attach them to this boulder. While not absolutely necessary, it does make the climb easier.

Mount Ka’ala

Kuli at the entrance to the 1,100 acres of ecosystems that harbors multiple native plants and animals.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo on part of the boardwalk that extends roughly 3/4 mile through the Ka’ala bog. We parted ways with Kenny who went on to terminate at the end of trail sign.

Mount Ka’ala

Kenny bumped into @blaquekangaroo on his way to the summit, a social media influencer on IG.

Mount Ka’ala

Picking our way through the faint and flagged trail.

Mount Ka’ala

Sole sucking mud seemingly waited for us at every turn on the path. Just ask Akira, who had to go fishing for Tessa’s shoe.

Mount Ka’ala

Man down!

Mount Ka’ala

Working our way through the moss encrusted stunted plant life.

Mount Ka’ala

Contact with the fence line that soon lead us off the highest point on the island.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Breaking out briefly on the ridge line that afforded expansive views of the Waianae Mountain Range and points beyond.

WST

You never let go of the ropes. Wise advice. Especially from somebody that just broke a tree branch as he was descending down the moss slicked boulders. This gave somebody else second thoughts but luckily it was just a fleeting one at that.

WST

Last one down.

WST

Helping hand at the leap of faith.

WST

Taking the direct route instead of the contour trail. Occam’s razor.

WST

The weight of the world was on Akira’s shoulders. Or at least a small piece of Waianae.

WST

The grass smells better on the other side of the fence line.

WST

Fence line keeping hikers away from the eroded sections.

WST

Plunging and pushing through the dense and insufferable uluhe fern overgrowth.

Hobbs Junction

Tessa is either trying to form the letter “H” or has the onset of arthritis in her hands.

WST

Following the fence line as it struggled to stay with the uneven ridge line.

WST

Crossing and climbing through a gap in the fence line.

WST

Tessa about to drop off the side of the cliff with the help of a rather faded and long in the tooth webbing.

WST

Chico picked up a traveling companion. These invasive critters that hailed from Kenya were released into the wild in 1972 and are responsible for the extinction or near extinction of many native species.

Pu’u Kalena

Taking lunch at what Hawaiian legend said was the nipple of a pregnant woman giving birth to the ocean. Mount Ka’ala was her pregnant stomach.

Pu’u Kalena

Group photo at the 3,504′ peak.

WST

Making our way down through the suffocating overgrowth as we followed the ubiquitous fence line.

WST

Climbing through the partially denuded section as we picked up elevation again on our climb back up.

Star Trek Junction

The group flashing the Vulcan salute made famous by Leonard Nimoy in the popular science fiction franchise show.

WST

Some took the hard way, while others took the easier way.

WST

Looking to our right, we were treated to views of sexxxy ridge and pu’u ka’ilio, both short and “punchy” hikes.

WST

Six o’clock views of the second highest mountain on the island.

WST

Chico descending towards the start of the narrow dike section. Not to be confused with intrusive igneous rock formations that identify with the rainbow coalition.

WST

Akira and Scott maintaining their sense of balance which was helped by the absence of stiff winds.

WST

Somebody was taking a break from crawling.

WST

Tessa bringing up the rear.

Pu’u Kumakalii

A familiar face greeted us at the 2,881′ peak.

WST

When do we get to the sketchy part? Is this it?

WST

Coming down the mountain. Yes we are.

WST

Akira scrambling his way down.

WST

The rest of the group climbing down the narrow dike.

WST

It looked like the mountains were letting off some steam today.

WST

We peeled off the ridge line and hiked down the valley towards the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range, where we also met up with Kenny again. A couple of folks in the group went off “exploring” and one had to be pulled from the edge of a cliff. Just another day at the office.

WST

Is Chico horizontally rappelling with his scuttlebutt?

WST

We walked through the valley of the shadow of UXO.

Kolekole Pass

#26 – No drinking the bubbly this time! Congratulations Akira-san on finishing the last section to complete the entire 26 miles of the Waianae Summit Trail.

All pau

Final group photo of the day, left to right: Scott, Jeremy, myself, Tessa, Chico, Akira, Kenny and CB. Thanks to CB and Kenny for shuttling us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our completion hike covered a distance of 7.06 miles that saw us summit the two highest peaks on the island before ending at the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range, from the highest to the lowest. Congratulations again to Akira for finishing the WST. We were joined by Cat and Edgar for our post hike meal at Zippy’s.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Jeremy Cannone, Kenny Lui, Scott Peterson, 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.

Our camping weekend on the Big Island got postponed, so we did the next best thing. Hiked the highest mountain on Oahu.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Jasmin and Lilia for dropping us off deep in the valley of barking dogs and broken glass. Somebody didn’t like the rain falling out of the sky and decided to take double secret probationary status instead. Why is it still dark at 0630? 31 more days until winter officially ends and spring rolls around.

Ka’ala Trail

Lights are on but nobody’s home.

Ka’ala Trail

Crossing the surprisingly dry streambed as we made our way on the trail.

Ka’ala Trail

Passing a perfectly good shelter against the rain. The hike must go on.

Three Poles

Sticker envy.

Ka’ala Trail

Chico and Akira scrambling up the first of two rock fragment sections that interrupts the trail.

Ka’ala Trail

Going up the second boulder section was made short work thanks to the bolted ladder.

Ka’ala Trail

Steady climb to the highest peak on the island.

Ka’ala Bog

Standing on the boardwalk that prevents us from sinking deep in the mud that is home to native fauna and flora.

Ka’ala Bog

Exiting the bog as we couldn’t see the radome for the rain clouds.

Ka’ala Summit

Group photo at the highest peak at 4,025′ elevation.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

One would think that your cell phone would have better connectivity near a cell tower. One would think.

WST

Does the pushup match the grade?

WST

No views on both sides.

WST

Mother Nature showing who’s boss in these mountains. The rock fall protection fence is a futile attempt to resist the mountain reclaiming the road that was blasted out of the mountains in the 1940s, similar to the coastal seawalls built in an attempt to retard beach erosion. It’s only a matter of time.

WST

Transitioning from asphalt to densely packed uluhe ferns.

WST

Not out of the woods yet. Still got a stretch of bushwhacking in the third degree.

WST

Hopping over the fence line more times than illegal migrants to avoid the dense overgrowth.

Three Corners

Group photo at the spot with the non-existent views of the valleys of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia.

WST

The Gloved One looking out over Makua Valley, and still losing pigmentation as well.

WST

We’re too stoned to know what time it is
I’m not swinging through the trail
My hike’s not getting harder
But you’re still my Mary Jane
And you smoke my Marijuana
*poetic license corruption of Spider Man 2 (Toby’s version)

WST

Proof that rats do live outside of Diamond Head.

WST

Following the fenced trail as we bordered Makua Valley.

WST

Group photo with the “parent” valley, whose lease to the US Army expires in 2029. How much did the military pay for the lease that was “signed” in 1964? One sawbuck. One dollar.

Mokuleia Shelter

We dropped off the ridge line and ran into a HTMC group who were having their annual President’s Day Camping Weekend. Picked out a couple of familiar faces that included Nalo Bob and Casper Rorie.

Mokuleia Trail

Leaving the Pahole Nature Reserve Area.

Peacock Flats

Walking underneath the towering pine trees that were introduced to the islands in the 1870s.

Mokuleia Access Road

Pounding the unyielding pavement as we went down the 3.5 mile road to the highway.

Mokuleia Access Road

Chico showing our fruit pickings from the shelter site. Thanks to Ferlino for climbing and plucking the oranges and avocadoes for us. Refreshing snacks.

Mokuleia Access Road

Distant relative of the “hairy balls” milkweed plant. More like “thorny balls.”

Mokuleia Access Road

The boys having their bromancing moment on the heart shaped tree.

All pau

Mahalo to Jasmin and Lilia for picking us up on the other side of the island.

GPS Tracks

Our Waianae to Waialua, rainy to sunny hike traversed 12.6 miles through the Waianae Mountain Range. Great hike with good friends. Post hike meal at Jerry’s Pizza.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio 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.

It was supposed to have been a beautiful day today for Aida’s WST finish hike. And it was on the West side. Never take anything for granted.

Kunia

Chico parked his truck near the trailhead on this chilly morning, for Hawaii people that means in the 60s and 70s.

Kunia

Making our way through the re-routed access as roaming dogs shared our path. Lucky they were all bark and no bite.

Kaua Trail

Akira and CB balancing their way on the trail.

Kaua Trail

The pink ribbons mark the way.

Kaua Trail

We soon passed the junction with the Honouliuli Contour Trail and crossed over the fence to continue on the trail.

Kaua Trail

The grade of the trail started to get steeper as we gained elevation.

Kaua Trail

Aida negotiating her way over the slippery rocks.

Kaua Trail

Climbing up the steepest part of the trail.

Kaua Trail

Waiting near the summit as rain showers started to pelt the mountains. So much for sunny skies today.

Kaua Summit

Group photo at the third highest peak on Oahu.

Kaua Summit

We found out that there is no room for eight shoes to comfortably fit on a geodetic marker.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Pushing our way through the dense overgrowth that choked the fenced trail.

WST

Jeremy climbing his way down over boulders that periodically punctuated the trail.

WST

The boys trying to get some rhythm in the mountains.

WST

CB crossing over the fence line that we left behind us.

WST

Scattered clouds and rain made for a surreal hiking experience.

WST

Playing hot potato or in this case, cold potato in the mountains.

WST

Threading our way down through what CB called the mini-Pohakea Pass.

WST

The rest of the group contouring their way around the rocks.

WST

Where do we go?

WST

We go this way.

WST

CB climbing his way down as the rest of the group waited their turn.

WST

Watching everybody from my perch.

WST

CB dropping down the next rock climb.

WST

Aida making her way down as the rest of the group watched her progress.

WST

Looking behind as Roger and Jeremy were the last ones making their way down, as the rain clouds stopped watering the mountains. Thank you very much.

WST

It’s been awhile.

WST

It’s this way guys!

WST

I think, no need webbing.

WST

Somebody accidentally almost bumped me off the ridge, as I think he was trying to give me a natural high.

WST

The rest of the group making their way across the short ledge. Wait, why is the marine using the webbing?

WST

Resuming our hike.

WST

Making our way on the rocky trail that was mostly populated with low lying trees, cacti and dry grass.

WST

CB taking the higher “road.”

WST

Tessa climbing her way down the narrow crumbly slot.

WST

Taking a break at our former camp site as we waited for Chico who decided to take a detour to get in more cardio time.

WST

Chico clearing dead trees from the forest. I think he was vying to get a spot on the HTMC trail clearing team.

Pohakea Pass Junction

#24 – My customary champagne celebration as we congratulated Aida for completing her last segment needed to finish the 26 mile Waianae Summit Trail. Two feathers in her cap now.

Pohakea Pass Junction

This also marked my #11 finish of the trail that was carved out of this ancient shield volcano that forms the Western half of the island. When am I going to Disneyland?

Pohakea Pass Junction

Our sausage sandwich lunch courtesy of Chef Suzuki. Arigatou Gozaimasu.

Pohakea Pass Junction

Our last group photo of the day as the rain came back to water the mountains.

Kunia

We all scampered and slid down the rain soaked hill as we soon connected to the Honouliuli Contour Trail and back to our staged cars, where we met some hunters and their dogs going up the trail in search of game.

All pau

This is not the satellite branch of the Hawaiian Humane Society, please return the puppies.

GPS Tracks

Our double finish hike barely scratched four miles with a solid, fun group. Congrats again to Aida for finishing the WST. Post hike meal at Denny’s as the voice calling for Thai food was lost in the rain showers.

Postscript

On our ride home, we got to witness the multiple waterfalls pouring off the Ko’olau mountains due to the torrential rain. Great ending for a great day.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Jeremy Cannone, Roger Schiffman, 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.

It was time for a certain individual to tackle one of her biggest challenges in the mountains to date, with a little help from her friends today.

Kunia

Somebody had time to snap a picture of the fiery sunrise over Ke Awa Lau O Pu’uloa (Pearl Harbor) and Le’ahi (Diamond Head).

Kunia

We all met up, eventually, at the trailhead to start our hike deep in farm country.

Honouliuli Contour Trail

Stepping foot on the trail that actually spans from Kolekole Pass to Makakilo. We were just going to taste a piece of it today. A very small piece.

Kunia

We soon left the wide open trail to plunge into the clump of itchy California grass.

Kunia

Climbing our way through the mixed forest.

Kunia

Noticeably absent from my last visit was the swarms of mosquitoes that had descended and made a feast out of us, but we were too busy scrambling our way up the hill anyway.

Kunia

We all soon took what we perceived as the path of least resistance to make it to the top.

Kunia

Matt explaining how he saw Chico dislodge two rocks the size of bowling balls that rolled towards Aida and Roger. Split. Not a strike.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We eventually joined up with the WST.

Pohakea Pass

Looking ahead to the 80′ crumbly cliff that loomed ahead of us.

Pohakea Pass

Matt climbing up to the base of the pass.

Pohakea Pass

Akira and Chico making their way to the base with a rainbow in the background. Just don’t send any rain showers our way.

Pohakea Pass

Climbing my way up.

Pohakea Pass

The group securing the webbing at the base.

Pohakea Pass

The only viable way to get Aida safely up the cliff was to have more than one person on the rope at one time. Falling rocks was another hazard.

Pohakea Pass

Matt and Chico guiding Aida up the pass.

Pohakea Pass

Dang! This is scary. Who said that?

Pohakea Pass

Chico hanging on the near vertical section of the pass.

Pohakea Pass

What? No running commentary in Japanese? Sonna koto nai desho

Pohakea Pass

Aida making the final climb to the top.

Pohakea Pass

The happy faces in ascending order.

Pohakea Pass

Our group safe and sound at the top. We can all take a deep breath and relax now.

Pohakea Pass

Scenic spot.

WST

Plunging into the mixed forest as we left the pass behind us.

WST

Walking on the spongy green moss. It was like Tempur-pedic for our feet.

WST

Matt working his way through the tree branches that were blocking our way.

WST

The slow and steady climb up the fenced hill.

WST

My koala patch must be working. No mosquitoes were bothering me today.

WST

“Swimming” our way through the sea of uluhe ferns.

WST

Aida taking in the view of the largest coastal valley on this side of the island.

WST

Traversing the tangled tree line.

WST

Looking out towards the ridge that ends at Heleakala, the Hawaiian pyramid.

WST

Matt taste testing what is non-potable water.

Palikea Summit

Steak, eggs and rice courtesy of Chef Suzuki.

Palikea Summit

Group photo at the 3,098′ summit marked by ti leaf plants. I noticed a lot of the summits are marked as such, as the leaves are believed to bring positive energy and purification and keep evil spirits away.

WST

Walking down the steps to an area that are rich in native fauna and flora.

WST

Echo. Echo.

WST

Passing through a grove of ironwood pine trees.

WST

Enjoying the sights on the trail. Look left.

WST

Looking out towards Nanakuli Valley, the name means to “look deaf” as in the old days, the valley was dry and didn’t lend itself well to planting crops so the locals were unable to offer food to passing travelers in the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality, so they pretended to not hear them and stayed indoors.

WST

Just missing the golden idol and the “The Raiders March” music.

WST

Walking up the trail carved out of the side of Mauna Kapu.

Palehua

A log bench with a stunning view of the West side.

Palehua

Group photo at the start or finish of the WST.

Palehua

The paved road down would have been too hard on our feet so we doubled back on the trail.

Palehua

Matt trying to plant the flag in the wrong direction.

WST

I think the tree hugger was trying to procreate another baby Groot.

Kunia

We left the well defined trail to traverse through a no defined trail as we made our way through the gully that was littered with fallen trees, rocks and clouds of mosquitoes.

Kunia

Are we out yet?

Honouliuli Contour Trail

Walking on the trail that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the US Military in the 1930s.

Honouliuli Contour Trail

The trail for the most part is unusable due to years of neglect, overgrowth, hurricanes and some parties would like to keep it that way as there are rare native plants that are best left undisturbed. Thankfully, the part where we had to walk was seemingly well trafficked and used by motorized vehicles as well.

Honouliuli Contour Trail

The Flyin’ Filipino not to be confused with Shane Victorino.

All pau

We all met back at our cars, took a look at another trailhead but didn’t have time to check out the farm that Matt grew. Next time.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 9.58 miles that had a brief adrenaline rush that finished with what seemed like endless miles walking on a jeep road that never seemed to end. Fun hike that was accomplished with teamwork where everybody had fun and came out safe and sound. Post hike meal at Julie’z as the first choice was closed. Food is food.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Jeremy Cannone, Matt Vidaurri, Roger Schiffman, 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.

I decided to cut today’s hike in half as I didn’t feel like hiking in the dark. Been there. Done that. Thank you very much.

Kolekole Pass

Thanks to Matt for dropping us off despite the gate not being open at the advertised time. Jeremy called Range Control and they came to open the gate for us.

Hapapa Trail

Nothing like early morning cardio to wake one up.

Hapapa Trail

Nobody wanted to be beheaded vicariously.

Hapapa Trail

Our first group photo of the day at the bench.

Hapapa Trail

Obviously my directions to take the less direct route fell on deaf ears.

Hapapa Trail

Group photo on the protruding dike where we met Kassaundra and Hannah looking for a group to join. Or maybe they were just waiting for us to move out of the way. I think it was the latter.

Hapapa Trail

Akira, Robin and Tessa standing on top of what I like to call the rock corridor.

Hapapa Trail

Deborah scrambling up the first notch.

Hapapa Trail

I guess break time is over.

Hapapa Trail

The group scrambling up to the second notch.

Hapapa Trail

Aida and Akira pushing their way up the hill.

Hapapa Trail

Jeremy meeting up with the inevitable fence line in the mountains.

Hapapa Trail

Robin on the creaking catwalk with sweeping valley views below us.

Hapapa Trail

Passing the tent as we approached what I still call the summit while others put it at the hump we had just put behind us.

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo on the square postage stamp sized of a summit.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We left the summit as the two girls retraced their steps back to Kolekole Pass.

WST

Tessa climbing her way down one of many boulders interrupting the relatively smooth traverse of the ridge line.

WST

Akira coming down from his natural high.

WST

Group selfie on the rocky outcrop protruding from the ridge line.

WST

Contouring along the eroded section of the ridge line.

WST

Mount Ka’ala was strikingly clear in the background.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Lying down photo at the 2,778′ knob.

WST

Jeremy contouring along the trail as we made our way back to the ridge line.

WST

Looking back at the summit of Kanehoa as the group worked their way around the rocks and overgrowth.

WST

Aida climbing her way up back to the ridge line.

WST

Making our way down the slippery slope of pine needle covered rocks.

WST

Robin and Tessa approaching the “Christmas Tree” that marks the nearby twin rock formations known as Gorilla Heads.

Gorilla Heads

Making our way up the smaller Gorilla Head and the one that actually resembles its name from a certain angle.

Gorilla Heads

The rest of the group climbing up.

Gorilla Heads

Approaching the largest rock formation.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing up the roughly 80′ plus hill.

Gorilla Heads

Jeremy making his way up to the top.

Gorilla Heads

Somebody said they didn’t know if it was harder going first or going last, either you wait at the top or at the bottom.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing down the backside and making our way around the boulder that interrupts a relatively smooth climb down.

Gorilla Heads

Robin lowering herself down over the boulder.

Gorilla Heads

I think it’s spelled Aloha.

WST

Climbing up and through the wobbly fence line.

WST

Looking back at the two “toothy” formations of the Gorilla Heads.

WST

Back on the fence line.

WST

The group making their way to the base of the last rock climb of the day.

WST

The bus is over there. Recycled joke.

WST

Jeremy scrambling over the top of the rocks.

WST

The tangled overgrowth was literally choking the trail as we went up and over the “ladder” fence.

Pu’u Kaua

Group photo at the island’s third highest peak. No time to check out the panoramic views from the overgrown grassy top. We had two hours of daylight left in the mountains.

Kaua Trail

Leaving the 3,127′ summit as we made our way down the trail.

Kaua Trail

We got to the valley floor as darkness descended upon us.

Kaua Trail

Following the trail out as we had to stumble through chicken cages in the dark and climbed over a makeshift fence. Found out later that the trail corridor had been re-routed.

All pau

Waiting in the dark for Matt to pick us up as the neighbor’s dog kept us company and the owners even checked in on us and offered us food, water and a ride to the highway. Mahalo! No time to check out the farm today.

GPS Tracks

Our wild wild west hike covered a little over five miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Deborah Tom, Jeremy Cannone, 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 bunch of us took a walk on the West side today.

Kuaokala Trail

Thanks to Edgar for driving Akira, Allison, Mari, Marilyn, Tessa, Val and myself up the winding road to the Kaena Point Space Force Tracking Station. Not to be confused with Spaceballs.

Kuaokala Trail

Foraging for trail snacks when we haven’t even been 10 minutes on the path. Priorities.

Kuaokala Trail

Yellow guavas are much sweeter than their red cousins.

Kuaokala Trail

Stepping foot on the Waianae Summit Trail (WST). It was a refreshing change to do this in broad daylight rather than under the cover of darkness.

Kuaokala Trail

Passing the Boy Scout Picnic Shelter. We are hiking today and not having a picnic. Besides, nobody brought steak today.

Kuaokala Trail

Rolling pine logs gather no moss. They just leave sap on your hands.

Kuaokala Trail

Following the well signed and marked trail. Hard to get lost.

Kuaokala Trail

Going down the exposed and eroded area of the trail.

Kuaokala Trail

Somebody had already staked out his position on the dodo or fin rock. You can call it whatever is most palatable for you.

Kuaokala Trail

How many people can fit on this spit of a rock? Apparently seven.

Kuaokala Trail

Going through the gate as we met up with the ubiquitous fence line that seems to dominate the mountains as of late.

Kuaokala Trail

Allison training for either one of her multiple half-marathons or the Inca Trail.

Kuaokala Trail

The end of the trail where we took a quick break.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Just a tad overgrown. Luckily, it was just for a short stretch.

WST

Sharing the road with others. Especially when they weigh several thousand pounds more than you do.

WST

Detouring off the road for higher ground.

WST

Scenic view of Makua Valley, the valley that has gone to hell and back. But not back to its rightful owners. The current 65 year lease that the US Army paid for with one dollar, expires in 2029. The local families that were forcibly evicted from their homes and were told they would get it back after WW2 ended. The clock is ticking.

WST

Trail snacks from your favorite convenience store. No need for any foraging for this one.

WST

Trudging up the rutted trail that is also a tad overgrown.

WST

Shoefie at the geodic marker “Moku.”

WST

Passing the water shelter with the hanging first aid kit that needs first aid itself.

WST

The group going over one of many fence crossings meant to keep out the invasive species that snack on the endemic fauna and flora.

WST

Welcome to Pahole, the 658 acres of natural area reserve established in 1981 to help protect the native fauna and flora from going extinct and to help build up their numbers in the wild.

WST

The group going down on another exposed and eroded section of the trail.

WST

Switch backing our way up through the plot of blue flagged native plantings.

WST

Passing the enclosed native snail habitat enclosure.

WST

The backdrop of the highest peak on the island that was strikingly clear, greeted us as we made our way out of the forest.

WST

Group shot on the ridge that borders Makua Valley.

WST

We followed the fenced ridge line as we started our descent down into the valley.

WST

Can you see the shelter for the forest?

WST

Turning off the WST as we dropped down the side trail towards the shelter.

Mokuleia Shelter

We had curry and noodles for lunch. Avocados for snacks. Future snacks. No fruiting oranges today.

Mokuleia Shelter

Everybody was looking forward to the long walk down as we collected ourselves from the shelter and made ready to leave.

Mokuleia Trail

It was a hop, skip and jump before we found ourselves at the end of the trail. Well, more closer to 15 minutes.

Peacock Flats

Walking down the jeep road that was dominated by the towering pine trees.

Peacock Flats

Passing through the camp grounds that was host to several families enjoying the weekend.

Peacock Flats

Leaving the 4×4 road for the 2×2 road.

Service Road

Walking down the paved road that is only open to two foot traffic.

Service Road

Halfway there! These roads get old pretty fast.

All pau

Shout out to Edgar who not only dropped us off but also picked us up on the other side of the island.

GPS Tracks

Our hike across the Waianae Mountains and valleys covered roughly 11 miles and change. Fun hike with a good group of friends. Post hike meal at Mililani BBQ due to Jerry’s Pizza not having enough room and more importantly no AC. Hot hikers want a cool environment to eat in. Spoiled, but that’s the truth.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our West side hike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzasyCnorA4

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Edgar Gamiao, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Tessa Bugay, Val Wang 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.

Easy hike Plan A got cancelled due to Poamoho Trail being closed. I settled on what I thought would be Easy Hike Plan B for the group. Relatively speaking.

Kolekole Pass

It was a chilly 53 degrees as Aida, Aileen, Akira, Chico, Ferlino, Jasmin, Mari, Tessa, and myself met up on the largest military base in Hawaii. The meeting spot was also the lowest elevation on the Waianae Mountain Range.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Akira playing the part of the sacrificial lamb at the “beheading rock.” Legend has it that Wahiawa people and the Waianae people would meet at this pass and battle each other for the right to cross over to the other side. The losing side would have to submit their chief to be beheaded on this rock and his skin would be stripped raw (kolekole). Others say this is a modern fabrication.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Passing through an open area as we skirted the fenced enclosure and followed the hiking trail signs.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Standing on the eroded bluff as the sun started to illuminate the mountains and central plain.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

We soon got to the grassy meadow with the crooked bench as I pointed our where we were headed next.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

That ridge? That steep and high ridge?

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Group photo in front of Lualualei Valley, the largest coastal valley on the island.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Can Ferlino tell the difference between Jasmin’s pat and Chico’s pat? Perhaps he enjoys both or is just a good sport.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

The group going up the rutted trail.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Single filing our way on the Honouliuli Contour Trail which contours the Windward side of the Waianae Mountain Range from Kolekole Pass to Makakilo.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Going up the hill dominated by paperbark trees which is also the start of the Waianae Summit Trail (WST).

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Jasmin probably thinking this doesn’t resemble Aiea Loop Trail.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Climbing our way down to the first notch or gap in the ridge line.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Group photo. Somebody was thinking they should turn around. Luckily it was just a passing thought.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Picture of the group standing on the gap with the dog hill pile of crumbly rocks aka Ka’ilio framed in the middle.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Watching the group make their way down from their lofty perch.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Scrambling in and out of the notch.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Contouring and climbing our way on the side of the mountain.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Jasmin pulling herself up on the OSHA approved strap.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Are we there yet?

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

The sun began to rise higher than the mountains, shining on our sweaty faces.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Climbing up the ridge as we continued to gain elevation and the destination got closer, not soon enough for some folks.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Standing and sitting on the rock that bears a passing resemblance to a chair.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Cactus Mickey Mouse Ears in the wild. Disney wants their royalties.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Climbing out of the second gap or notch.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Mari getting a helping hand.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Jasmin getting a helping stick.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Aileen found a female Jackson Chameleon in the bushes, these invasive critters were introduced to Hawaii in 1972 from Tanzania and Kenya.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Ferlino and Jasmin coming up on the ridge as it began to ease up on the steep angle.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

The introduction of the fence line. A common sight in the mountains as of late, meant to keep the feral ungulates from destroying what’s left of the endemic fauna and flora.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

A boisterous group soon caught up to us on the ridge.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Partial group photo with the Jumanji Explorers on the wooden walkway.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

The group passing the true summit of Hapapa at 2,883′ elevation as we skirted a massive erosion that seemingly leads straight down the mountain.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Getting the hang of it while on the helipad.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Fly by with the naval magazine in the background. Most of the munitions were supposed to have been transferred to West Loch, supposedly leaving the valley barren of explosives.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Keep your eyes on the GoPro, and your feet next to the poke. Today was a good day to be on the mountains as both ranges were exceptionally clear.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Akira smacking his lips as he was salivating in anticipation for his first camping hike. Or maybe it was just the ramen.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Watching a paraglider circle the area on thermals.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

The photoshoots must go on.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

We passed the tent on our way back down.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Following the fenced line as we lost elevation on the ridge line.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

The chameleon whisperer found another one, this time it was a male specimen with its distinctive three horns. Scientists have noted that the chameleons in Hawaii have evolved into brighter colors than their African cousins due to an absence of predators in the islands, this also helps them to find and attract the opposite sex.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Every heart shaped cactus has its spines.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

At least the hiking sticks got out of my backpack and into the hands of their rightful owner.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail Loop

We soon branched off to the loop trail instead of descending back down the WST.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail Loop

Enjoying the sun and scenery on our hike down.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail Loop

We let the Jumanji group pass us as they had another scheduled photoshoot.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail Loop

Sweeping views of the central plain and the windmills in the distance.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail Loop

Descending down the last rooted hill on the trail.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail Loop

Passing time as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail Loop

Ducking to make the low overhead clearance.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail Loop

The power couple crossing the creek after their little spill on the trail due to wet rocks and a loose hiking stick.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Intersecting the trail from where we had climbed up earlier.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Descending back down to the meadow.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

The French Bulldog smells something. Something pungent and earthy. Can’t quite put his nose on it.

Pu’u Hapapa Trail

Photo of Akira, Jasmin and Mari who hiked this ridge for the first time. Congratulations especially to Jasmin and Mari who hiked outside of their comfort zone and pushed it to the top.

All pau

Going down the steps and back to our cars.

Post hike meal

We had our dinner at Chicken in a Barrel, whose cooking style was brought from California and had its roots in Kauai.

Post hike smoke

Secondhand smoke. I don’t think it’s the kind of smoke these guys were looking for.

GPS Tracks

Our loop trail covered a little over three miles in the foothills and ridges of Kolekole Pass with a determined and supportive group.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Jasmin Carinio, 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.