Met up with Lilyn and Quan for a camping weekend in the mountains. It turned out to be a shorter stay than expected. Photo by Art Young.

Aiea Loop Trail

Stepping foot on the popular trail as it already started filling up with trail runners and casual hikers. Thanks to Allison for shuttling us to the trailhead.

Junction

Trading the wider trail for a narrower one. Why are our packs so heavy? Perhaps because we are camping?

Aiea Ridge Trail

Passing through introduced and native trees on the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Ridge Trail

We are going that way. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

The views were still holding steady as we paused at the 2,441′ peak.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Quan standing on top of the grassy clearing with commanding views of the Windward side. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Summit

Looking back at the Leeward side with its multiple ridges leading to the summits.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the 2,805′ top with uncommonly clear views of the Windward side.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Beginning our roller coaster ride on the ridgeline.

Valley of the Temples

A cramp perhaps of spiritual design directed somebody’s gaze to where her parents are buried. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

KSRT

Lilyn contouring her way past another powerline tower.

KSRT

The summit of Waimalu seemed so close, yet so far away. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Climbing our way up … Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

… to enjoy the valley views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Lilyn preparing for colder temperatures that thankfully never materialized.

KSRT

The ups and downs seemed to go on and on. Cardio city.

KSRT

The panoramic views never get old.

KSRT

Are we there yet? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimalu Summit

Our second summit of the day which turned out to be our last as we were running out of daylight.

Camp Waimalu

We pitched our tents and settled in for the sunset that never quite showed up.

Camp Manana

However, it did show up for Aida and Art who were camped on Manana Ridge. Lucky them. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Camp Manana

Camping night lights. Photo by Art Young.

Camp Waimalu

Somebody was “volunteered” to take our night lights.

Camp Waimalu

The morning moon greeted us rather than the sun peeking out from the mountains.

Waimalu Meadows

Hikers in the morning mist.

Slip’n’Fall

Pictures or it never happened. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimalu Meadows

Hiking down into the clouds. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimalu Meadows

The girls coming down the spongy ground.

Waimalu Meadows

And then just like that, Mother Nature snapped her fingers and lifted the cloud veil. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimalu Meadows

Our individual and not collective photographic memories of the meadows.

Water Cooler Talk

Somebody just had to get past the off-putting color and floating dead bugs to taste the H20.

Waimalu Meadows

One last look around at this magical and mythical place before we took our leave. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Waving from the edge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Leaving the largest meadows on the KST behind us.

KSRT

Quan enjoying a wide section of the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimano Summit

Panoramic view of from the 2,160′ top of Waihe’e Valley bordered by the toothy ridges of Kalahaku and Eleao Windward.

Waimano Summit

Our parting group photo as the girls decided to cut short the hike and go down the seven mile graded trail.

KSRT

Crossing over the landslide section. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

KSRT

Looking down into the saddle as the girls saw me off on what turned out to be an abbreviated journey for myself as well.

Eleao Meadows

Following the fence line as it lead me through the bowl shaped grassy field.

Manana Summit

Aida enjoying another uncommon view from the 2,660′ knob, before she made her way down. Photo by Art Young.

Manana Summit

The heat had gotten the better of me, so I decided to go down Manana instead.

Manana Summit

Art being recalled from the semi-dry watering hole.

Manana Ridge Trail

Traversing our way through the multiple humps on the ridge. Where is Aida?

Manana Ridge Trail

Passing through the gate with no latch and the 3.5 mile marker. Photo by Art Young.

Manana Trail

We left behind the countless false peaks and enjoyed the relatively flat trail as we made our way out.

Yellow Bird

Just glad it wasn’t us being airlifted. Even though we might have appreciated the ride.

All pau

Who wants to be my Popeyes? Thanks to Tessa who picked us up and brought ice cold beverages. Photo by Art Young.

GPS Tracks

Our camping hike covered roughly 13.5 miles, give or take. It seems the mileage varies with what GPS unit is tracking the hike. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where Lilyn, Narissa and Quan joined us. We were then segregated based on our odorous scents. At least oxtail soup was still on the menu. Fun weekend with good friends.

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.

I was in the mood for another grinder in the mountains. Met up with Art, Chris, and CJ in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in the wee hours of the morning. Photo by Art Young.

Trailhead

Look! Up in the tree! It’s a owl! It’s a rat! It’s just a cat. Call HFD.

Manana Trail

I think Chris wants a bike for Christmas.

Manana Trail

We took a quick break at the picnic shelter. No signs of campers today.

Manana Trail

CJ in the twisted tree. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manana Trail

Passing through the gate. Halfway to the summit. We also saw what looked like workers on an adjacent ridge. Fellow early risers.

Helipad

The KST looked strikingly clear from our flat vantage point. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Manana Trail

Chris striking a pose on one of the many humps we had to traverse. My friend calls this the b*tch trail for obvious cardio reasons.

Manana Summit

CJ at the 2,660′ knob. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manana Summit

Group photo left to right: CJ, Chris, Art and myself. The views were amazingly available today.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The end and beginning of the trails for our group.

KSRT

A flowering lobelia on the side of the scenic cliff.

KSRT

Sighted another lobelia with different colorings.

Eleao Meadows

Passing the small grassy fields made smaller by the fencing. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Leaving the fence line behind us as we went down the slippery slope to stay on trail.

KSRT

CJ soaking in the views. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

CJ crossing over the landslide section of the ridge line which soon marked our descent into the saddle.

Waimano Summit

Our last group photo together as Art decided to go down the seven mile graded trail after overworking his leg muscles coming up the muddy Manana Trail. Chris also collected his rubbish from his previous KST one shot hike and had to shed on of his pant legs.

KSRT

Climbing out of the 2,160′ summit with sweeping views of Waihe’e Valley.

KSRT

Back to our regularly scheduled program of up and down hills.

KSRT

Approaching the largest meadows on the KST.

KSRT

Dropping off the ridge line and into the meadows. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimalu Meadows

“Mythical” and “Magical” are the two most common adjectives used to describe this area.

Waimalu Meadows

We were struck by the fact that the meadows was eerily devoid of wind and clouds. No complaints here.

Waimalu Meadows

When you have no fork to eat your pancit, you fall back on what you got.

Waimalu Meadows

The slow and steady climb to the summit. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimalu Meadows

Always a lung buster going up the spongy ground. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimalu Summit

Chris pointing to our destination. Or he could have been stretching out his arm.

KSRT

What Mother Nature gave, she took away. Clouds rolled in and out of the mountains as we resumed our ups and downs on the ridge line.

KSRT

CJ climbing up towards the base of the power lines. Less than half an hour to the summit now. It can’t come any sooner.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the rainy 2,805′ summit. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Heading down the muddy trail.

All pau

We reached the Keaiwa Heiau Park 5-10 minutes before closing. But the gates were already locked. Thanks to Quan for picking us up outside the park.

GPS Tracks

Our 14.2 mile hike covered rollercoaster ridges, scenic and sunny mountain and meadow views, cloudy and rainy ridges. The complete hiking package. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where Art met up with us. Oxtail soup was sold out. Need to hike faster so we can get here earlier before they sell out. Thanks to CJ for picking up the tab. Great hike with a fun crew.

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

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

Uber for Hikers

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

Where’s the Beef?

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

GoPro Time

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

Search and Rescue

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

Trailhead

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

Poamoho Trail

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

Poamoho Trail

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

Halfway spot

Yielding to a group of trail runners.

10 minute call

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

Poamoho Summit

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

Poamoho Summit

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

Paws on the Path

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

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Janell against the scenic panoramic backdrop.

Poamoho Cabin

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

Poamoho Cabin

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

Pauao Junction

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

KST

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

Traffic Jam

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

KST

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

Schofield-Waikane Junction

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

KSRT

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

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

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

KST

Bill and Shirley scampering across the landslide area.

Terror on the Trail

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

KST

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

Tree of Life

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

Tree of Life

Ms. Groot. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KST

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

Camp Rust

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

Camp Schofield-Waikane

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

Camp Rust

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

Dancing for Dollars

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

KST

Wait for Lola! Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Climbing out of the clouds and into more clouds.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

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

KSRT

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

Waiawa Gap

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

Repeat after me

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

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Are we there yet? Photo by Anne Fai.

Corner

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

Corner

Chris and Tessa filtering and filling up their water bottles.

Sounds of Silence – NOT

Three yawyaws in the meadows.

Corner

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

Tricky turn

The group navigating the counter-intuitive junction.

KSRT

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

Manana Summit

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

Manana Summit

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

KSRT

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

Eleao Meadows

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Descending down into the clouds.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Waimano Summit

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

Camp Waimano

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

Camp Waimano

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

Camp Waimano

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

Camp Waimano

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Making our way down the somewhat narrow ridge line.

KSRT

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

Waimalu Meadows

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

Waimalu Meadows

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

Waimalu Meadows

Group photo by Bill Yogi.

Waimalu Meadows

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

Waimalu Meadows

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

Waimalu Summit

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

KSRT

We could see the powerlines for the mountains.

Ohi’a lehua

Analyn with a patch of uncommon yellow lehua flowers.

KSRT

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

KSRT

Roller coasting hiking. All day.

KSRT

What many of us called the mini Lanihuli Wall.

KSRT

The hills had hills.

KSRT

The last push to the summit.

KSRT

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

Aiea Summit

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

Aiea Ridge Trail

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

Aiea Ridge Trail

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

Pu’u Kawipo’o

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

Ohi’a lehua

Bouquets of unplucked crimson flowers lined the trail going down.

All pau

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

GPS Tracks

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

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

We paid a visit to the mythical meadows that never fails to impress first time and repeat hikers alike. Never say never.

Trailhead

Thanks to Rocky for dropping Analyn, Chris, Cisco and myself off at the top of Aiea Loop Trail, which saved us a bit of walking. It was 0630 and Mother Nature still hadn’t turned on the lights.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Catching the sunrise on the trail, as it was going to be a beautiful day in the mountains. Famous last words. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking at the H3 snake its way through Halawa Valley and burrow itself into the base of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Landslide

Over time, I expect full railing support to be put into place on this particular section. Safety first.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Embrace the mud, as you can’t escape it for long.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

The summit looked promisingly clear from our flat topped 2,441′ hill. Empty promises. False promises.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Dropping down to the powerlines as the clouds started rolling in. Never fails. All one can do is laugh. Forced laugh.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the now socked in 2,805′ summit, left to right: Chris, Analyn, myself and Cisco. At least the sign is still here.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Making our way down to the second set of powerlines to discover that the homeless tent has left the mountains.

KSRT

Wrap around Windward views as the winds temporarily pushed the rain clouds away.

KSRT

Looking back at Aiea summit.

KSRT

One can never get tired of these views. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Somebody didn’t have their mountain legs today, so slow and steady was the plan of the day.

KSRT

Cisco coming down the cardio inducing ridge line.

KSRT

Chris standing next to a tree that was more moss than ohia?

KSRT

Making our way down the ridge in the shadow of Kalahaku Teeth.

KSRT

Taking time to stop and smell the salmon lehua flowers. Does it smell fishy?

KSRT

We could see the summit for the meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Sliding our way down into the cloud soaked meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Somebody was not particularly impressed with the mythical meadows. Perhaps it had something to do with the passing rain showers.

Waimalu Meadows

One last look at the meadows before our departure. Still not impressed?

KSRT

Raindrops are falling on our heads. And just like the hikers whose feets are too big for the trail. Nothing seems to fit. Those raindrops are falling on our heads, they keep falling.

Waiau Summit

Passing the summit with the tortured trail that leads one down to the gated community of Wailuna.

KSRT

Spotting the scarred mountainside that marked the end of our hike.

KSRT

Analyn and Cisco making their way to the summit to join us.

Waimano Summit

Leaning over the edge to get our group photo at the 2,160′ summit.

Waimano Trail

Heading down the seven mile graded trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimano Trail

The rain that had teased us in the mountains had not trickled down enough to engorge our stream crossing. No complaints here.

Waimano Trail

Cisco making his way up the trail to the light at the end of the tunnel.

All pau

Black tongues marked the end of our KST grinder hike that covered 14.5 miles through rolling hills and passing rain cloud showers. Mahalo to Lopaka for picking us up and graciously allowing us to ride in the bed of his truck so as not to pollute his cab. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where inspirational stories were passed around over steaming bowls of oxtail soup.

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

The mountains were calling and we answered with a weekend camping hike.

Trailhead

Met up with Chris, Ethan and Shirley at the top of Pacific Palisades to start our hike. I guess when you have to park, you have to park.

Manana Trail

Chris grabbing the tree by its branches.

Manana Trail

Synchronized sunrise picture taking. Soon to be an Olympic sport.

Manana Trail

Ethan going down the eroded section of the trail.

Manana Trail

Passing the picnic shelter as mans best friend and the smell of campfire cooking greeted us.

Manana Trail

Shirley at the 2.5 mile marker. The day has just started.

Manana Trail

Your pack is heavy. Your pack is not heavy.

Manana Trail

Apple break. The fruit and phone kind. Photo by Shirley.

Manana Trail

We could soon see the hole for the summit.

Manana Trail

Chris and Shirley passing a dry waterfall chute. Glad the waterworks were turned off today.

Manana Summit

The group at the top of the b*tch trail.

Manana Summit

Group photo by Out of My League, left to right: myself, Shirley, Ethan and Chris.

Manana Summit

Panaromic view from the 2,660′ summit by Ethan Clavecillas.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Leaving the summit behind as Shirley almost forgot her sweater and somebody’s number.

KSRT

Ethan up close and personal with a Ko’olau Range lobelia. Photo by Chris.

Eleao Meadows

The group dropping down into the wide open grassy field.

Eleao Meadows

Ethan providing assistance in the form of sweater securement. Photo by Chris.

Eleao Meadows

Chris leaving the lush and rolling field. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KSRT

The group traversing the hilly up and downs of the Ko’olau spine.

Waimano Summit

Group photo at the 2,160′ lookout.

Waimano Summit

What is that smell? When you got to go, you got go.

Waimano Summit

Leaving the summit and the panoramic views of Waihe’e Valley behind.

Waiau Summit

Who’s on the summit?

KSRT

One of the few times that I have witnessed the meadows so clear. Lucky us.

KSRT

Chris dropping into the meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Shirley striking a pose. Yoga pose.

Waimalu Meadows

Water hole. Scoop. Strain. Sterilize. Is the light supposed to be on? Try again. Repeat.

Waimalu Meadows

The lush and spongy meadows that have often been described as magical and mystical. Something to be experienced in person. Photo by Chris.

Waimalu Meadows

Group photos in the meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Leaving the meadows and hiking up towards our home for the night. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Waimalu Summit

What’s for dinner?

Waimalu Summit

Dining in the clouds. Reservations required. Photo by Chris.

Waimalu Summit

Panoramic view from our campsite.

Waimalu Summit

The sun setting in the cloudy mountains. Magical. Photo by Shirley.

Waimalu Summit

Standing on a spur ridge with the sunrise behind me. Mystical. Photo by Chris.

Waimalu Summit

Turning the lights on in the mountains. Who brought the honey whiskey? Photo by Shirley.

Waimalu Summit

Spinning the glow light fantastic. Without ecstasy.

Waimalu Summit

If you can’t catch the moon at night … Photo by Shirley.

Waimalu Summit

… you can catch the sun at daybreak. Photo by Chris.

Waimalu Summit

Breakfast in a bag. Who needs Starbucks?

Waimalu Summit

Group photo ushering in another beautiful day in the mountains.

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Time to hit the mountains.

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The clouds started to roll in from the Windward side …

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… but were kept at bay by the ridge line.

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Break time.

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Back to the hill climbing.

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The group passing through another meadow. Photo by Chris.

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The clawing vegetation had claimed my left pants leg. Now I didn’t have a hiking pants leg to stand in. The view was blinding. Time to finally retire my hiking pants. Patches and all.

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We can see the power lines!

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Ridge life. Photo by Chris.

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What are we pointing at?

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We spotted the yellow bird flying around.

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Do the electric slide.

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Making the final push up the last hill.

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Almost there. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the 2,805′ summit with clear views all around.

Aiea Ridge

We left the summit as Shirley left a silent present behind for some other unfortunate hikers.

Aiea Ridge

The heat and the hills.

Aiea Ridge

Shirley giving the H3 traffic and trail report.

Aiea Loop Trail

A bench with a valley view.

All pau

The heat had really gotten the best of me as I was burning up. As luck would have it, a group was eating at the picnic area. Not only was I thirsty, but I was also a HTMC member. Membership has its rewards. Thanks to Chris’s friend, Joey, who picked us up and dropped us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our fun camping hike covered 15.7 miles through hilly terrain, grassy meadows, verdant vistas with great company. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant. Their oxtail soup gives Kam Bowl a run for their money.

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.