We spent Veteran’s Day weekend with veterans and non-veterans to help a friend finish the KST.

Jeep Road

Mahalo to Jimell and Mona for driving us up the road that was filled with cows and a solitary hiker.

Poamoho Trail

Stepping foot on what used to be known as the marsh trail until it was improved by the Civilian Conservations Corp in 1934 and renamed it to what it’s called today.

Poamoho Trail

The solitary hiker that we thought we had left in the dust on the jeep road soon caught up with us on the trail and passed us. Who is this guy?

Poamoho Trail

Crossing the small stagnant stream as we approached the windy grassy summit.

Poamoho Trail

We passed multiple Koolau Range lobelia whose tubular flowers were blooming.

Cline Memorial

No views at the summit so we started heading towards the cabin.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Traversing the boardwalk that was installed to limit the spread of invasive seeds to the mostly endemic area.

Poamoho Cabin

Pit stop at the oldest cabin on the KST for water and where we met up again with the hiker on the trail who turned out to be a cool guy named Eric. He was planning on hiking all the way to Manana but the inclement weather changed his mind.

KST

Using the trail that was blasted, chipped and dug out of the mountainside during the years of 1933-1936.

KST

Chico stepping through one of many gates on the trail that serves to allow passage to humans but not feral animals. Is there a difference?

KST

Traversing over one of many landslides on the trail that have long been weathered by footsteps and plant growth.

KST

Eric soon had his fill of the cloud soaked trail and turned back.

KST

The clouds were fighting with the views. The suspended water droplets were winning.

KST

Following the fence line that was installed to prevent feral ungulates from decimating the endemic fauna and flora.

KST

The Ko’olau Goose was receiving some unwanted or wanted attention.

KST

Looking ahead to the Waikane-Waiahole Junction.

KST

Life imitating art.

KST

The girls hugging the cliff as they made their way on the trail.

Schofield-Waikane Summit

We took lunch at the 2,360′ socked in clearing where we were denied views of the four undeveloped valleys. Rain, rain, go away. The nursery rhyme didn’t seem to work in the mountains.

KST

Chris pointing out the many false holes that pocketed the trail.

KST

Taking the high road as we split from the junction as the other trail drops down to Waikane Valley.

KST

Crossing over the well trodden landslide area.

KST

A snail on its last slimy trail? This particular unshelled gastropod was looking for a calcium fortress in all the wrong places.

KST

Contouring on the Leeward side of the mountain.

KST

Pushing through the corridor of congested uluhe ferns on the trail.

KST

Following the fence line down in the dark.

Tree of Life

Lack of daylight forced us to make camp in the wind blasted meadow that had everybody struggling to pitch their tents as the strong winds coupled with darkness pierced by our headlamps made a usual task extraordinary. On top of that, somehow my stake bag got lost and lucky I was camping with CB that had his knife and carved wooden stakes out of his hiking stick. To make matters more interesting, it started to rain on our parade as well which made us setting up our tents more urgent if we wanted to stay more dry than wet.

Tree of Life

Chico turned on his burner to stay warm and also added extra ventilation to his tent.

Tree of Life

Day 2 – Saturday November 11, 2023
Waking up the next morning to the illuminated lights from the central plain.

Tree of Life

Pictures with the vertical and horizontal Japanese Sugi Pine Trees. Yes that is a tree and not a bush behind us. We broke down camp as the winds persisted in keeping us company.

KST

It was a chore just to get out of the wind tunnel and back onto the trail. Any lighter and some of us would have been Mary Poppins.

KST

Walking on the trail that seemingly interrupted the flow of uluhe ferns that cascaded down the mountainside.

KST

Finally getting a break in the views.

KST

Approaching the small cut in the mountains.

KST

Passing the notch which I assume to be man-made much like the earlier notch after Poamoho.

KST

Dropping into the patch of Japanese Sugi Pine Trees under the shadow of Waiahole Summit.

KST

Walking amongst the moss covered red-cedar trees which are considered the national tree of Japan.

KST

We left Camp Rusty and climbed our way back to the ridge line.

Kipapa Summit

Where tomato becomes tomatoe. KST to KSRT.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The trail soon followed the ridge line instead of meandering throughout the mountains.

KSRT

Enjoying expansive views of the Windward coastline and valleys.

KSRT

Picking our way through the ankle biters, shin hitters and false holes on the trail.

KSRT

Crossing over with verdant views of the meadows, valleys and peaks.

Waiawa Gap

Taking a breather at the gated fence line.

Waiawa Gap

Descending into the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

KSRT

To bee or not to bee. The idea of whether is it better to live or to die. In this case for the honeybee, quite relevant.

KSRT

Mountain views for days.

KSRT

Back to our regularly scheduled program of hiking.

KSRT

I don’t know if I was giving the signal to land or to cook lunch. This was roughly the same spot where Doug Ross was plucked from the mountains and flown back to sea level.

KSRT

The hills had hills.

KSRT

Chris going through the tree tunnel and dropping off the ridge to the meadow below us.

The Corner

Much like salmon spawning, we went upstream to collect water from the creek.

The Corner

It was another deja vu moment as we all struggled to climb out of the wind swept meadow.

KSRT

Rounding the landmark ‘ohi’a tree. No plucking of the flowers, we don’t need any more rain on our parade.

KSRT

Descending down the ridge with the expansive overlook of the ancient ahupua’a, divisions of land which ranged from the mountain to the ocean, which was meant to sustain the local population and excess was for tribute.

KSRT

Passing the Windward views as we made our way to the final terminus on the trail.

Manana Summit

#20 – My customary champagne celebratory dousing of Aileen who had just finished her last section to put all the pieces together to complete all 52 miles of the Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST). Congratulations!

Manana Summit

Group photo at the 2,660′ knob. Chris made another pot of saimin which he shared with us at the top.

Manana Summit

Leaving the summit for what Stuart Ball calls “the best of the ungraded Ko’olau ridge trails.” I would have to respectfully disagree.

Manana Trail

Golden hour.

Manana Trail

Our last group photo as the sun slowly sank below the horizon, plunging the trail into darkness.

Manana Trail

Chico testing out the Uluhe bedding on the trail for potential camp spots.

Manana Trail

We interrupted a couple in their pitched tent on one of many false summits. I hope that’s all we interrupted.

All pau

We got out from the trail a little past midnight. Sorry that my banged up knee kept everybody up past their bedtime. Post hike meal was served on site from Teddy’s Burgers courtesy of Aida, Ferlino and Jasmin and a colony of feral cats. Congrats again to Aileen for finishing the KST and the group for another memorable hike that covered over 17 miles through the mountains.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, 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.

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

Trailhead

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

Manana Ridge Trail

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

Manana Ridge Trail

The most dangerous part of the trail.

Manana Ridge Trail

Adjusting and organizing at the picnic shelter.

Manana Ridge Trail

Welcome to the jungle. Uluhe jungle.

Manana Ridge Trail

The start of the rolling hills and false peaks.

Manana Ridge Trail

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

Manana Ridge Trail

It can. The rain paused in watering the mountains.

Manana Ridge Trail

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

Manana Ridge Trail

Watching random waterfalls flowing in the distance.

Manana Ridge Trail

Is this the last false peak?

Manana Summit

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

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the 2,660′ summit for greener pastures.

Corner

Sliding our way down to the creek.

Corner

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

Corner

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

KSRT

Back on the cloud soaked ridge line.

KSRT

Inching along.

KSRT

Are we having fun yet?

KSRT

We finally got a postcard worthy view.

KSRT

Passing through a small meadow in the mountains.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Panoramic valley view.

KSRT

Talking shop in the mountains.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Waiawa Gap

Making our way down the cloud soaked mountains.

Waiawa Gap

Sunrise in the mountains.

Waiawa Gap

Hiking on the edge.

Waiawa Gap

Slippery climb up = taxing cardio.

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Kipapa Summit

Where tomatoe becomes tomato.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Sliding our way down the soft and spongy ground.

KST

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

KST

Passing through the scented Japanese Sugi Pine Tree Grove.

Camp Rusty

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

KST

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

KST

Meandering our way through the mountains.

KST

Thomas going over the selfie stick fence junction.

KST

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

KST

Rounding the bend.

Tree of Life

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

Contouring for daze.

KST

Going over the second fence junction.

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

Finding our way down to the bottom trail.

KST

Are we there yet?

KST

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

Schofield-Waikane Summit

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

Passing through the gated notch.

KST

Back on the fence line.

Poamoho Cabin

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

Poamoho Cabin

Obligatory log entries.

Cline Memorial

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

All pau

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

GPS Tracks

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

Photos taken by Amber Fonte, Doug Ross, Thomas Barrett, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

We spent a camping weekend in the mountain and defied the weather predictions of rain all weekend.

Poamoho Trailhead

Thanks to Renato for picking Alexis, Quan, Tessa and myself up and shuttling us to the Poamoho trail. He also managed to finally break in his 4×4 on the jeep road and get a taste of what’s it like to carry a heavy backpack.

Poamoho Trail

Passing the halfway mark, thankful that we no longer have to worry about cannibals. Just have to read about them.

Poamoho Trail

Headed into the gully where we soon passed two other kids who had spent the night at the cabin and were making their exit down the trail we had just come up from.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ grassy summit with some of the best views on the island.

Poamoho Trail

Leaving the summit for the boardwalk.

Poamoho Cabin

We filtered water to stock up our water supplies, signed the log book and poked around the cabin. Clean as a whistle.

Poamoho Cabin

I think not many hikers know you can reserve this cabin in advance. But I’m not sure how that would play out in real life. Would a group that had no reservations but were already staying in the cabin vacate for an arriving group with reservations? We had no reservations so we took a group photo and shoved off.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Making our way towards the man-made notch in the mountains.

KST

The group crossing one of many meadows in the mountains.

KST

Hiking on the trail that was blasted and dug out the side of the cliffs back in the 1930s.

Pauao Junction

Looking down at the ridge that drops down into Kahana Valley.

KST

Alexis staying hydrated on the trail. A good practice that would result in running low on H20 later in the day.

KST

Looking back at the lush and verdant valleys separated by multiple peaks.

KST

Weather forecast had shown a 40% chance of rain today. The KST weather in the mountains is always unpredictable and rewarding at the same time it seems.

KST

Tessa petting the last known specimen of the Ko’olau Goose. Looking rather long in the tooth.

KST

Background view of the valleys with the three peaks of Kualoa, Manamana and Ohulehule.

KST

Leaving the fence line and taking the lower trail.

Schofield-Waikane Summit

Quan picked up a leaf hitchhiker that stayed with her for some time. I think she is taking the green movement a bit too seriously.

Schofield-Waikane Summit

Panoramic view of the mostly undeveloped valleys from the 2,360′ summit.

KST

Heading towards the split in the trail that was visibly etched into the mountains.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

Going up the higher trail to stay in the mountains. Taking the lower trail will descend down into Waikane valley.

KST

Traversing over the well-trodden landslide.

KST

Contouring on the Leeward side as we rounded hill after hill.

KST

Taking a break in the mountains. Miles away from civilization. Many miles.

KST

Resuming our contouring below the ridges. Are we there yet?

KST

Hiking by the city lights.

KST

Following the fence line down as it dropped us into the valley for the night.

Tree of Life Campsite

We set up camp in the dark on the grassy slope and ate our dinner in compartmentalized solitude.

Tree of Life Campsite

The bee that proved science wrong, as it hung outside her tent all night after being swatted by Alexis. Science claims that insects do not possess such high order intelligence to harbor anger or vengeance. I guess this bee was literally just dying to prove that theory wrong.

Schofield-Waikane Campsite

Meanwhile, a couple clicks over, Chris had finished work and ran up the Schofield Waikane trail to camp at the summit for the night.

Tree of Life Campsite

Day 2
Catching the cloudy sunrise the next day from our campsite.

Tree of Life Campsite

Tessa standing in front of the horizontal leaning sugi pine tree that seems to be slowly creeping up the hill.

Tree of Life Campsite

Some wanted coffee for breakfast. No water. No coffee. Time to break down camp and take our leave.

Tree of Life Campsite

Climbing out of the valley to regain the trail.

KST

Looking out towards the other and older mountain range of Waianae.

KST

One of our last of multiple fence crossings on the trail.

KST

Hugging the uluhe carpeted mountain as we made our way on the trail.

KST

Picking our way through the trail riddled with false holes and shin and ankle high branches and roots.

KST

When you got to drink, you got to drink. Can you filter water from the leaves?

KST

Arriving at the notch that marked our descent down into the grove of pine trees.

KST

Looking back at Quan and Tessa at the notch.

KST

Walking through the grove of Japanese sugi pine trees under the shadow of Waiahole summit.

Camp Rusty

Taking a break at the former site of Kipapa Cabin.

KST

Climbing our way out of the grove of pine trees.

Kipapa Summit

Where the KST becomes the KSRT.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Chris the goat, soon caught up with the group on the trail.

KSRT

We left the mountain meandering behind us, as it was just straight up hiking on top of the mountains from this point on.

Waiahole Middle

Chris expressing his feelings about this windward ridge that we had climbed over five years ago.

KSRT

The walking wounded.

KSRT

Looking down at another cabin off the KST sitting on a spur ridge. Hmmm.

KSRT

The trail soon turned into a cardio rollercoaster. Big hills. Up and down. Repeat until finished.

KSRT

Chris going through the gate that leads to the saddle known as Waiawa Gap.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping down into the saddle.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing our way out of the low point. No bees reported.

KSRT

Hills. Let’s take a break. Drink water. Don’t tell me what to do.

KSRT

More hills.

KSRT

Looking down at a broken spectre, a natural phenomenon that happens when one is looking down from a misty ridge with the sun behind their back.

KSRT

Quan pointing to our water filling station in the mountains.

KSRT

Alexis passing through the tree tunnel that leads down to the creek.

The Corner

For some of us, reaching the water source couldn’t have come soon enough.

The Corner

The rest of us making our way towards the upper creek, one soggy step at a time.

The Corner

Replenishing our water stocks. With increased water comes increased weight.

The Corner

What’s for lunch? Saimin with chicken is what’s for lunch.

The Corner

Sun worshippers.

The Corner

Climbing out of the creek bed with water in our tummies and on our backs.

KSRT

Hiking up and around what can be a confusing junction when socked in. Not so much today.

KSRT

Tessa hanging a shaka towards the cloud frosted peaks and valleys we had left behind.

KSRT

Yes, I know I can take my own shadow picture. But I would like you to take it. Aye aye Captain.

KSRT

Chris catching a clear and cloudy view of the corner.

KSRT

Tree hugger.

Kaneohe Bay

Looking out towards the largest sheltered body of water in the islands.

KSRT

Hiking towards our last summit of the weekend.

KSRT

Heading to the summit. That is the summit. I don’t care what you say.

KSRT

Scrambling the last few hundred feet to the top.

Manana Summit

A rather dramatic expression of how we all felt after arriving at the 2,660′ summit that marked the end of our KST weekend traverse.

Manana Summit

Our last group photo after somebody regained their composure from overacting.

Manana Trail

Catching the golden hour as we left the massive knob.

Manana Trail

Shedding light on our way down the 5.5 mile ridge trail.

Manana Trail

Looking back at the mountains as the moon began its rise towards the heavens.

Manana Trail

The arachnid burning the midnight oil as it instinctually weaved its geometric web, that is considered a engineering marvel that serves as its home and a food trap.

Manana Trail

A big thanks to Art who had hiked up the trail to meet us with pork hash and assorted drinks. I think I want a soda. Oh, was I thinking out loud?

Manana Trail

Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey. Don’t hit your head on the way down from the bench.

Manana Trail

Looking up towards a moon ring, which is another atmospheric optical phenomenon that is formed by moonlight being refracted from suspended ice crystals. There was a planet in the orbit of the moon ring, not sure if it was Mars or Venus. I flunked astronomy.

All pau

We came down to the trailhead in the dead of night with no chance encounter with the resident homeless who supposedly likes to get too close for comfort.

GPS Tracks

Our weekend hiking covered almost 17 miles through the country country of the Northern KST with fun company.

Post hike meal was at the Pearl City Drive-Thru McDonald’s. That’s what happens when you finish late. You can’t be picky about your food choices.

Photos taken by Alexis Catarina, Chris Bautista, Quan Haberstroh, 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.

I spent the weekend in the mountains celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year.

Keaiwa Heiau State Recreations Area

Day 1

Walking under the moonlight with nothing but feral cats and nothing else I hope to keep me company. Thanks to Marilyn for dropping me off.

Interstate H-3

Leaving the loop trail as I caught a glimpse of the interstate highway that is not connected to other states but built to the same standards.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

This was pretty much my last view at the 2,441′ summit as I continued my climb towards the top of the ridge line.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back at the power-line tower that I contoured to get back on the ridge.

Aiea Summit

Cloudy and rainy at the 2,805′ summit. Just another day in the Ko’olau Mountains.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

I followed the HECO (local utility) ropes down the knee high overgrowth and muddy trail as I approached the second power line tower.

KSRT

The constant drizzle and moisture laden clouds kept the peaks and dips of the ridge sufficiently saturated.

Waimalu Meadows

Descending down towards the largest meadow on the Ko’olau Mountains where brisk winds and rain kept my stay short.

Waimalu Meadows

Climbing out of the meadow as I looked back at the native palm trees dotting the landscape.

KSRT

The strong winds intermittently punched through the clouds to tantalize me with Windward views.

Waimano Summit

Dropped down to the 2,160′ summit in the saddle and left my John Hancock in the bauble of a log.

KSRT

Climbing up to the fence line to find that there is now a gate that makes it easier to navigate in socked in conditions.

Eleao Meadows

Somebody must have plucked one of these dew kissed crimson flowers from an ohia tree. In Hawaiian mythology, Ohia (tree) and Lehua (flower) were two lovers who were turned into local flora by a jealous Pele (Goddess of Fire). It is said that if you pick the flower from the tree, then the skies will be filled with rain, much like today.

Manana Summit

Reaching the 2,660′ knob where my stay was cut short due to nothing to write home about.

Corner

Scooping up water in the bug and foam filled creek.

KSRT

The weather finally started to break apart as I approached the Waiawa Gap.

Camp Ko’olau

I had my fill of the rainy ridge conditions and decided to make camp at the flattest spot I could find on the ridge.

Waiawa Gap

Day 2

The next day was quite a change from yesterday. The sun was out and the clouds were high in the sky. Picture perfect.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping down through the grove of Loulu palm trees.

Waiawa Gap

Looking towards the Waianae Mountains in the middle of the field of flowers that were swarming with bees.

KSRT

Enjoying the views after I lost my brand new phone on the trail which I luckily recovered and then the wind plucked the cap off my head. Needless to say, my enthusiasm to continue the hike had been considerably dampened.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Passing the summit of Kipapa as I left behind the ridge trail.

Camp Rusty

Relaxing in the middle of the stand of Japanese Sugi pine trees.

KST

Pushing my way through the knee to shoulder high overgrowth on the trail.

Tree of Life

Approaching the backside of the horizontal leaning Japanese Sugi.

Tree of Life

Enjoying an uncommonly clear day at this spot.

KST

Pulling myself up the fence line with Windward background views.

KST

Looking back at the trail system that contours it way through the mountains.

KST

The peaks of Manana, Ohulehule and Kanehoalani in the distance.

KST

Shadow hiker.

Schofield-Waikane Summit

The unmatched 2,360′ summit view of the valleys of Kahana, Ka’a’awa, Hakipu’u and Waikane.

Pauao Junction

Looking down into the ridge that drops down into Kahana Valley.

KST

Traversing the trail that was blasted out of the side of the mountains back in the 1930s.

KST

One of multiple gates on the trail meant to keep out the foraging pigs.

Poamoho Cabin

I was expecting solitude at the oldest cabin on the KST and instead found two hikers that I knew and two others along with their dogs. Quite a pleasant surprise.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 3

Cabin companions. We soon all went our separate ways as Dana and Shari were going down Schofield-Waikane and Jon and Marissa were going down Pauao trail. I decided to not continue towards Laie and took the easy way down after Jon gave me the combination to the gate.

KST

Hiking over the cloud soaked boardwalk.

Cline Memorial

I bypassed the wind swept and socked in 2,520′ summit and hurried down the mud soaked trail.

Poamoho Trail

HTMC and other parties did a remarkable job in repairing the landslide ravaged trail.

Poamoho Road

Shout out to Andy for picking me up on the road like the dirty hitchhiker that I was.

All pau

The end of my hike did not reach the planned destination but it was time still well spent in the mountains. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

GPS Tracks

My three day hike covered almost 28 miles through the most cardio intensive and scenic stretch of the Ko’olau Mountains. Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse, where we came too early for the prime rib.

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.

It was another deja vu camping hike for me this weekend. Thanks to Bill for taking Art, Katie, Tessa and myself up the Poamoho Jeep Road and for wishing us a dry day on the trail.

Trailhead

Starting off on the wet foot. Have rain jacket, will hike.

Poamoho Trail

Stepping foot on the mostly graded trail that was peppered with small landslides and blowdowns. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Sloshing through the muddy trail. Setting the tone for the weekend. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Cline Memorial

Art trying to figure out the mileage to our destination. Hint: It’s not listed. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Summit

The views were noticeably absent on the wind blasted summit. Let’s take our photo anyway for posterity’s sake.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Making our way on the boardwalk, somebody probably wished the whole KST was laid out in this manner. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Cabin

The reports of overcrowding were greatly exaggerated. Reservation place cards were on the four bunks. Honoring them was another question entirely.

KST

Our bladders and bottles topped off, we pushed off from the cabin to resume our hike on the Leeward side. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Art on the exposed trail and exposed views. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Preparing to hike on a trail that was blasted and dug out of the mountains back in the 1930s. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Tessa passing through one of many meadows on this side of the mountains. Photo by Art Young.

Schizaea robusta

Art finally found his toothbrush fern in the wild after looking for many years. Now he just needed to find extremi longiores foris dentifricium to complete his search. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Hiking with views. Not a bad way to spend the weekend. Photo by Art Young.

Pauao Junction

Looking down into Kahana and her surrounding valleys.

KSRT

Traversing on the trail pitted with false holes and landslides. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Wrap around views of the spectacular scenery. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ko’olau Goose

No feeding or petting of wild animals allowed. Some people are just born rebels. Photo by Art Young.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

At least we got views at this summit stop.

KST

Heading towards the fork in the trail. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

Tessa mistaking the marker for a resting pole. A common occurrence in the mountains. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Going uphill. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Katie traversing the well trodden landslide.

KST

The trail interrupting a line of native loulu palm trees running down the mountain. Photo by Art Young.

KST

If you look closely, you will find a couple gold earrings that was surrendered to the uluhell overgrowth. Finders keepers.

KST

Meandering our way through the contour trails. Photo by Art Young.

KST

One of many fence crossings that we went over on the trail. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Somebody was asking why can’t the entire trail be like this section. You can ask. Just don’t expect an answer.

KST

Dropping down towards the wind blasted meadows. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Tree of Life

To camp or not to camp? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Tree of Life

Group photo with the horizontal leaning sugi pine tree. If we stayed any longer, we would be horizontal leaning as well.

Tree of Life

We had no wish to camp here, so we picked up and pressed on.

KST

Are we there yet?

KST

We are home! Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Is that somebody waving at us? Somebody that is 5’11” and orange?

Camp Rusty

Art demonstrating to Tessa that butane cans are our friends and not to be feared. What’s for dinner?

Camp Rusty

Our camp site for the night, nestled in the grove of sugi pine trees at the base of Waiahole. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Rusty

The audio has been deleted to protect the innocent. Claims of partially obstructed breathing from the male side of the camp were dubiously made.

Camp Rusty

Cinja’s group came down from the mountains to crash our camp site. Group photo left to right: Art, Tessa, Katie, Tess, Somphet, myself, Cinja and Leslie.

Camp Rusty

The group heading towards Poamoho and an unfortunate date with rolling. And not rolling with laughter either.

KST

Back on the ridge line to see … well nothing.

Kipapa Summit

Art trying to be one with the sign. Lean more to the left. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The cloudy start to our constant climbing for the day. Photo by Art Young.

Raindrops keep falling into my mouth

Why wait for the water, when the water comes to you? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The group making their way down to another meadow and one of my old camp sites.

KSRT

Passing through a landslide area that seems to be slowly being taken over by clumps of white lichen?

KSRT

The spiderwebs on the trail were catching nothing but dewdrops and our faces.

Waiawa Gap

Low clearance trees.

Waiawa Gap

Smile for the camera. Photo by Art Young.

Waiawa Gap

We quickly passed through the once bee infested ridge line to start our soggy hike up the hill. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

High clearance trees. Somebody lost their Garmin GPS in the general vicinity. Need another Garmin to locate the missing Garmin.

Lunch break

Time for some hot food and a hot belly. Both inside and outside. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Hitchhiker

Sorry, no free rides here. Photo by Katie Bingham

KSRT

The ridge line keeping the clouds at bay on the Windward side.

Allstate

Need a helping hand or just a good hand? Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Katie crossing another meadow to stay on the ridge line.

KSRT

It appeared the ridge line was slowly breaking up and dissipating the clouds back into the atmosphere. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Broken Spectre

Only seen by the three of us, the person in the front just got to hear stories about it. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Looking back at the mountainous terrain we had covered this past weekend. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KSRT

Going through the tree tunnel. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Leaving the ridge line for the meadow with the running creek. Running did you say? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Corner

Seeking water in stagnant pools.

Corner

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s our picture being taken!

Corner

Leaving the creek with our bags slightly heavier but content knowing we would not be dehydrated anytime soon.

KSRT

Art on his throne of mossy ohia trees.

KSRT

The group making their way around the tricky turn.

KSRT

Going down the ridge line. And back up. We should be used to it by now. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Reaching the summit of Manana. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The group ascending the ridge to join me at the 2,660′ knob.

Manana Summit

Katie tried to capture the steam coming off of Art’s overheated body, but only ended up photographing Tessa taking a selfie.

Manana Summit

Our last group photo of the day.

Manana Trail

Going up and down the 5.5 miles of roller coaster ridge line that can’t come to an end soon enough.

Manana Trail

Enjoying the views from the helipad. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Manana Trail

A big shout out to Chris who met us at the picnic shelter with a bag of fried chicken and a cooler of cold carbonated Coke. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

All pau

Exiting the trail into the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and our ride home. Photo by Katie Bingham.

GPS Tracks

Our weekend camping hike covered 16.8 miles through rugged terrain and jaw dropping scenery when Mother Nature permitted them. Fun times with good friends. Thanks to Chris for taking us back to our cars. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. The nearby Popeyes was sorely tempting, but we just had chicken as our appetizer. Next stop was Zippy’s after all.

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.

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

Trailhead

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

Poamoho Trail

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

Poamoho Trail

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

Poamoho Trail

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

Poamoho Summit

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

Poamoho Summit

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

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

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

Poamoho Cabin

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

KST

Back on the fenced trail.

KST

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

KST

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

Pauao Junction

The overgrown trail that goes down into Kahana Valley.

KST

Our pic … Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KST

… for your pic. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

Analyn approaching the junction.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

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

KST

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

KST

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

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

Blink and you’ll miss it.

KST

Traversing the now well-trodden landslide.

KST

Looking out into the rugged landscape.

KST

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

KST

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

KST

Analyn rounding the bend in the trail.

KST

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

Tree of Life

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

Tree of Life

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

Selfie Stick Junction

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

KST

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

Camp Rusty

Three tents made the campsite more comfortable.

Camp Tessa

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

Camp Rusty

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

Kipapa Summit

Where tomato becomes tomatoe.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Waiawa Gap

Dropping down the thickly vegetated saddle.

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

We all survived the non-existent bee attack.

KSRT

Shaka to the sky.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Never say Never

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

Corner

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

Corner

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

Corner

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

Corner

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Are we there yet? Are we here?

Manana Summit

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

Manana Summit

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

Manana Trail

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

Manana Trail

Analyn making her way down from the top.

Manana Trail

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

Manana Trail

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

Manana Trail

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

Manana Trail

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

Manana Trail

Contact with the fence line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Manana Trail

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

Manana Trail

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

Manana Trail

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

Nature Walk

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

Manana Trail

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

Scared Stoopid

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

Champagne Celebration

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

All pau

Walking out the road to our cars.

GPS Tracks

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

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

To begin this story, I have to rewind the clock back six days as Chris asked me to chronicle his KST one shot from South to North. Bear with me as I wasn’t with him until the last day. LOL.

Makapu’u Puka

Day 1 Sunday, November 8, 2020 – Tessa dropped Chris off at Makapu’u to start his journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Nothing like a cold bottle of caffeinated cola to start ones day.

Sunrise

Catching the sun rising over the bulging eye.

Kamehame

Chris and his shadow to keep him company on the hike. It also pays to talk to oneself on the hike as well.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Safety tip: Always wear a hard hat while hiking to avoid being conked on the head by those falling pine cones.

Kamiloiki Summit

Enjoying the views of the Waimanalo coastline.

Tom-Tom Summit

Don’t worry, keep hiking.

Mariner’s Summit

Chris left the hard hat behind for other hikers that are a little bit more safety conscious.

Hahaione

Taking a picture as it will last longer.

Lost & Found

Chris found Quan’s cap that was lost on an earlier hike.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Setting up tent at the helipad. Home for the night.

Sunset

Capturing the sun as it goes down over the communications tower.

KSRT

Day 2 Monday, November 9, 2020 – Dropping in between the valley.

Sedan Rock

Contoured and met back up with the ridge line.

K2 Summit

No views at one of the testicles. Hold and cough.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Coming down the cloud soaked ridge line.

Chimney

Taking a break from selfies and taking a shoefie instead.

Chimney

Looking back at the hardest obstacle on this saddle as Chris made his way down past the notches and down to the lookout.

Camp Pali

Lilyn, Quan, Tessa and myself met up with Chris after work to give him food, drinks and company. Quan got her cap back as well. We left before the night marchers came out. Sleep tight.

Pali Puka

Day 3 Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – Looking for those views.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Going up the crumbly saddle as the clouds rolled in from the ocean.

W

Chris about to contour and climb the donkey kong obstacle.

KSRT

Climbing out of the saddle and onto more solid footing.

Lanihuli Summit

Clear views at the 2,700′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking another break from the selfies as Chris gets ready to ride the dirt dragon.

Lanihuli Wall

Testing out the new webbing.

Can Opener

Chris at the iconic photo spot, right before he got stuck going up the Doorstop. Elevator services were offline.

Doorstop

Looking back at the steepness that is Lanihuli Wall. Best appreciated in person from far away.

Bunny Ears

Coming off the pair of hills and heading towards Shark Fin. Getting hungry for Chinese food.

Powerlines

Dropping down towards the middle of the saddle as Chris pushed on. No rest for the weary.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the conical rock face.

Rock Triangle

Heading towards the hardest of the rock triangles. But first, Chris had to flash a shaka.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading towards the summit of Bowman after polishing off the saddle.

Tripler Summit

To camp or not to camp? Too early.

Stairway to Heaven

Only one soul in heaven today.

Food Pantry

When the rats are more thirsty than you.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going down the stairs that time forgot.

Dirt Triangle

Somebody made use of the yellow rope that was sitting up there.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Chris pitched his tent on the summit with sweeping views of Halawa Valley and points beyond.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Day 4 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 – Catching the morning valley views.

Red Hill Summit

Still no closure after five years. Sad for the family.

Stairway to Hell

Never enter Hell without your tetanus shot.

REI Outlet

The selection was quite sparse. They need to stock up.

North Haiku Stairs

No views. Just shaka views.

KSRT

Rounding the bend around the fenced plant enclosure.

Aiea Summit

The man and his sign.

KSRT

Catching the Windward views.

KSRT

Rolling hills ahead.

Waimalu Meadows

The winds were blowing something fierce and snatched Chris’s phone out of his hands and flung it a good distance. Lucky it landed on the spongy ground and not off the cliff.

Waimano Summit

Home for the night with views overlooking Waihee Valley.

KSRT

Day 5 Thursday, November 12, 2020 – Looking back at the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Eleao Meadows

Fence by fence, they will take over the mountains.

Manana Summit

End of trail? Not for Chris.

Corner

Last chance for H20.

KSRT

Approaching Waiawa Gap.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping into the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

Waiahole Windward

Reminiscing about the ridge from bushwhacking hell.

Kipapa Summit

Where the KSRT becomes the KST. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Tree of Life

Windy as usual. Stay here long enough and you too will become bent over.

KST

Keep the country country.

KST

Soaking in the spectacular Northern views.

Schofield Waikane Junction

To camp or not to camp? There were still a couple hours of daylight left. Press on.

KST

The rare Ko’olau Goose is getting long in the tooth and shorn of feathers.

Pauao Junction

Chasing the sun.

KST

The notch that dynamite built.

Poamoho Cabin

Home for the night.

Poamoho Cabin

Watching the sunset.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 6 Friday, November 13, 2020 – The morning sun streaming through the windows provided the wake up call in the mountains.

Poamoho Summit

Enjoying one of the best views on the island.

Cline Memorial

How many more miles do I have left?

KST

Going my way?

KST

Lobelia in bloom.

KST

Lobelia along the fence line.

Da Boot Junction

Surprising that the boot has held up this long.

KST

Lobelia in the meadows.

KST

The fence line following the convoluted topography of the KST.

KST

Lobelia overload.

Rabbit Hole

Slogging through more mud pits.

KST

Following the fence line to Papali.

Papali Junction

Running into Charlie at the summit. Small world.

KST

They don’t call this section the muddiest for nothing.

KST

Native loulu palm trees interrupting the ridge line.

KST

Sunbather or sacrificial lamb?

KST

Let’s get in one more mud bath, shall we?

Koloa Cabin

Open for business, despite the rumors.

Koloa Cabin

What’s for dinner? Oxtail soup? Prime rib, crab legs and asparagus? Salmon and Poke? Let’s get back to reality. Filipino sardines and rice it is.

Laie Trail

Day 7 Saturday, November 14, 2020 – Tessa and I met up at the trailhead to hike the six mile trail to the summit to meet Chris and continue with him to the finish line.

Koloa Cabin

Last day to be in the mountains!

Laie Trail

Tessa told me to wait at the summit for her, as she had to fertilize the mountains.

Laie Trail

Going up the humid, overgrown and wet trail. The joys of hiking.

KST

Chris leaving the cabin for the summit.

Laie Trail

The woman of the mountains.

KST

The man of the hour.

Laie Summit

Group photo in the foxhole. Chris got his requested Coke and snacks. Much needed nourishment after seven days in the mountains.

KST

Leaving the 2,240′ summit for the most overgrown section on the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Making our way on the trail as the windmills pinwheeled in the background.

Maleakahana Junction

The glove that Chris left many years ago to replace the green sign that used to mark the spot.

KST

Winding our way through the lush landscape. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Halfway there and time for our lunch break.

KST

Tessa disappearing into the uluhell overgrowth.

KST

Tessa pulling Chris’s leg and then some.

KST

Pushing up the last hill through the strawberry guava corridor.

Puu Hina

Group photo at the summit overlooking the North Shore.

KST

Heading down to the finish line.

Black Junction

My traditional champagne dousing of the finisher. This time Chris got two for the price of one. Major congratulations to Chris Bautista for his second KST one shot (first documented both ways, North-South and South-North) and his sixth overall finish of the KST. #beastmode.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

We didn’t expect to see this individual when we popped out of the trail.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

You have cold beer in your backpack? Chris’s best buddy.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Swinging my way down the road. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Greet and scare. Aida, Lilyn and Quan were waiting in the bushes to surprise us. It worked for some.

All pau

Group photo left to right: Lilyn, Quan, Chris, myself, Tessa, Arnold and Aida. It was high time for somebody to take a shower as well.

Post hike meal

Dale also came up to congratulate Chris on his accomplishment. Thanks to the gang for bringing us cold drinks, pizza and chicken. Mahalo to Quan for making Chris a Corona lei. That beer didn’t help him catch any chickens. Also found out that chickens will eat their own kind. Fried to boot. Thanks to Lilyn for driving us to the showers and back to our cars in Laie.

Post hike meal Round 2

Chris, Tessa and myself then drove to Waianae for the WST one shot turned KST one shot party as well at Bill and Shirley’s house. One shot for the one shot team. Chris could finally dig in to oxtail soup, prime rib, crab legs, grilled asparagus, poke and mashed potatoes. Thanks to Shirley for giving me the only Coke in the house. Mahalo to Analyn for the oxtail soup to go order. Fun times with Analyn and Chris, Liezl and Micah, Mia, Matt, Mike and Amber.

GPS Tracks

Chris’s traversal from Makapu’u to Pupukea covered over 52 miles in seven days. Amazing accomplishment Chris! Props to you my friend.

GPS Tracks

Tessa and I hiked 12.8 miles in nine hours through some of the worst overgrowth this side of the KST. Fun times all around with good friends during and after the hike. Thanks to all that came out to support Chris. Mahalo!

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

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

Makapu’u Lighthouse

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

Makapu’u Lighthouse

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

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

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

Makapu’u Puka

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

Shaka sunrise

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

Hang gliding platform

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

KSRT

Going through the fenced enclosures.

KSRT

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

KSRT

The girls dipping into the saddle under the withering sun.

KSRT

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

KSRT

Breaking out onto the exposed trail.

Kamiloiki Summit

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Mariner’s Summit

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

Kaluanui Summit

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

Mariner’s Summit

Climbing down from the 1,361′ top.

Hahaione Pyramid

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

Hahaione Powerlines

Mahalo to Janell for stashing water on the trail.

Between a rock and a hard place

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

Pictures Plus

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

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Are we there yet?

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Hawaii Loa Summit

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

KSRT

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

Camp Wiliwilinui

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

Camp Wiliwilinui

Our door dash drivers departing down the mountain.

Camp Wiliwilinui

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

KSRT

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

Kainawa’aunui Summit

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Ka’au Crater

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

Ka’au Crater

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

The girls climbing towards the notch of Olympus.

KSRT

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

Awaawaloa Summit

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

Wa’ahila Ridge Trail

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Manoa Middle Summit

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

KSRT

The girls passing a small meadow on their way up.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

K2 Summit

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

Butt grab

Some mountain traditions must be maintained.

KSRT

Traversing between the two large, hairy testicles.

Konahuanui Summit

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

Piliwale Junction

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

Mud Wall

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

No rock climbing today.

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

Chimney

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

Camp Pali

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

Camp Pali

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

Trash Day

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

KSRT

Tessa coming up the pine needle carpeted trail.

Depend

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

Pali Puka

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

KSRT

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

Anne scrambling her way up.

W

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

Deviled egg

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

Donkey Kong

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

W

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

Anvil

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

Anvil

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

Nu’uanu Saddle

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

KSRT

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

Lanihuli Summit

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

KSRT

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

The girls carefully climbing their way down.

Dirt Dragon

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

Kalihi Saddle

The girls scooting their way down the crumbly mess.

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

The girls coming down through the thicket of woody climbers.

Lanihuli Wall

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

Lanihuli Wall

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

Lanihuli Wall

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

Kalihi Saddle

Less texting, more hiking. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

Anne contouring around the sliver of a rock pile.

Doorstop

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

Bunny Ears

Standing on one ear.

Bunny Ears

Sitting on the other one. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Powerlines

We were not going to make heaven today after all.

Camp Centipede

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

Camp Centipede

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

Camp Centipede

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

Camp Centipede

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

Camp Centipede

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Witch’s Hat

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

Kalihi Saddle

Slowly making our way across the crumbly ridge line.

Rock Triangle

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

Broken Wave

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

Kalihi Saddle

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

Dirty Slide

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

Dirty Slide

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

KSRT

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

Stairway to Heaven

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

Stairway to Heaven

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

Stairway to Heaven

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

Moanalua Saddle

Coming down the dilapidated stairs that time forgot.

Moanalua Saddle

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

Moanalua Saddle

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

Moanalua Saddle

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

Dirt Triangle

Anne contouring her way down the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

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

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa coming down one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

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

Camp Kulana’ahane

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

Camp Kulana’ahane

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

Camp Kulana’ahane

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

Camp Kulana’ahane

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

Moanalua Saddle

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

Moanalua Saddle

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Stairway to Hell

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

KSRT

Climbing our way out of hell.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Camp Aiea

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

Camp Aiea

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Hills after hills. Our mountain workout.

Waimalu Summit

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

Waimalu Meadows

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

Waimalu Meadows

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

Waimalu Meadows

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

Waimalu Meadows

Anne getting back on the ridge line.

Waimalu Meadows

One last look before the clouds swallowed her back up.

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

Waimano Summit

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Tessa walking on the fence for a change.

KSRT

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

Eleao Meadows

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

Camp Manana

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

Camp Manana

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Coming down the tricky turn. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

The Corner

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

The Corner

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

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

KSRT

Approaching the gap.

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

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

Waiawa Gap

Let’s make like a bee and buzz off!

Waiawa Gap

Climbing our way out of the gap.

KSRT

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

KSRT

Sweeping panoramic valley and ridge views.

KSRT

Passing a distant cousin of Waimalu Meadows.

KSRT

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

Kipapa Summit

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

KST

Anne coming down the hill.

KST

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

Camp Rusty

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

Camp Rusty

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

Camp Rusty

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

Waiahole

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

KST

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

Selfie Stick Junction

It works better with a phone. Just saying.

Tree of Life

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

Tree of Life

Taking photographic advantage of the uncommonly clear meadows.

KST

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

KST

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

KST

Views of Kahana Valley.

KST

Views of a dirty hiker. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Crossing the well-trodden landslide.

KST

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

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

The easily missed metal stake that marks the junction.

KST

Making our way on the ridge line.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Lunch break at the original terminus of the KST.

Do not feed the animals

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

KST

Enjoying a relatively wide section of the trail.

Pauao Junction

No views of Kahana and Punaluu valleys for us today.

Happy dance

The gate. The gate. We’re home!

KST

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

KST

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

Poamoho Cabin

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

Log entry

Leaving our comments in the storied cabin books.

Poamoho Cabin

Girls just want to have fun.

Poamoho Cabin

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

Camp Poamoho

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

Poamoho Cabin

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

Poamoho Cabin

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

KST

Anne following the fence to the summit.

Poamoho Summit

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

KST

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

Boot Junction

Kicking it up.

KST

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

KST

Climbing down the ravine that spills out into a waterfall.

KST

Mud. Our constant cloying companion on the Northern KST.

KST Junction

Going down the rabbit hole. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

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

Papali Junction

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

KST

Back on the trail.

KST

When the overgrowth almost swallows you on the trail.

KST

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

KST

Sitting on the scenic rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Life Alert

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

KST

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

KST

The fence. The fence. We’re home!

Koloa Cabin

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

Log entry

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

Koloa Cabin

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

KST

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

Koloa Cabin Mud Run

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

KST

Walking on the uluhe carpeted trail.

KST

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

Lost & Found

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

KST

Crossing the bowl shaped depression to regain the ridge line.

KST

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

Laie Summit

Looking for views from the 2,240′ foxhole.

KST

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

KST

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

KST

Traversing the countless switchbacks through the mountains.

Malaekahana Junction

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

KST

Looking at the windmills pinwheeling in the distance.

KST

Halfway there! Time for lunch. Photo by Tessa Bugay

KST

You want some of mama’s saimin?

KST

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

KST

Breaking out into the much needed fresh air.

KST

Are we there yet?

NSFW

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

Pu’u Hina

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

KST

The girls coming down the summit. Almost home.

Black Junction

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

Black Junction

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

Black Junction

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

Black Junction

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

Pupukea

Taking the trail back to civilization.

Pupukea

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

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

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

All pau

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

GPS Tracks

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

Post hike meal

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

Post hike meal

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

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