Soaking rain derailed our saddle plans so off we went to explore waterfalls. Yay!

Windward

We piled into CB and Chico’s cars and drove over to the Windward side where we left civilization behind us as we drove into Ferlino’s sister-in-laws lush and verdant jungle property. Lucky nobody changed the lock like last time.

Windward

It was a short ten minute drive up the jeep road before we parked in front of the towering dead tree that was our landmark.

Windward

We plunged into the ditch trail to start our hike to the waterfalls. Anybody bring bug spray?

Windward

The group crossing one of several stream crossings. And here I am without my spikes!

Windward

Is that our first waterfall ahead of us? Pretty disappointing to say the least.

Windward

Checking out one of multiple CMU shelters on the trail.

Windward

We arrived at the first waterfall in around 15 minutes. It was a sliver of water coming down the roughly 80′ cliff. Our bodies were already drenched in perspiration. Oh wait, that’s the rain and there’s more waterfalls around the corner.

Windward

No permit. No entry.

Windward

Climbing up the three-tier waterfall. The lower fall was shorter but more voluminous in flow. Rain helps.

Windward

CB following me up the falls.

Windward

The rest of the group wading their way upstream to the next waterfall.

Windward

Checking out the possible routes to climb up.

Windward

CB assuring he got me if I slip and fall. Let’s not slip and fall shall we.

Windward

The rest of the group climbing their way up the fall with the assistance of webbing. Somebody chose to rely wholly on the roots. Roots break. Webbing doesn’t. Tessa would find that out later going back down.

Windward

Ferlino scouted up to see if it was feasible to climb to the top of the third tier. Crumbly and pointless. Come on back down.

Windward

Group photo in front of the third tier. End of the road.

Windward

If you’re wet, might as well get all wet.

Windward

Somebody else thinks the same.

Windward

What goes up, must come back down.

Windward

Group photo in front of the second tier.

Windward

Following the stream back down.

Windward

Team work gets everybody back down safely.

Windward

The boys having fun.

Windward

Searching for another waterfall.

Windward

Group photo in front of the third and smallest waterfall.

Windward

Heading back to our cars.

Windward

CB checking out the first waterfall whose flow had increased somewhat due to the ongoing rain.

Windward

What is the common denominator here?

Windward

Ferlino wanted to explore the upper waterfalls he had seen earlier. We’re hikers, we don’t walk, we just catch a hot minute ride up the road. I don’t think that’s OSHA approved.

Windward

I don’t know what’s worse. Scrambling uphill on hala leaves or pine needles and cones.

Windward

Ferlino demonstrating how thick and deep the uluhe ferns were on the ridge.

Windward

The two upper falls in question. We figured one of them fed the lower falls we had just visited and the other one was too far away. Time to eat lunch.

All pau

Climbing back down to the changing room. Thanks again to Ferlino for showing us the “private” waterfalls tour. Post hike meal at Saito and Pho where Aida joined us for lunch. No family discount. I guess blood is not thicker than water. Some of us then retired to Ferlino’s house where Akira was pressed into service to help make bilo-bilo dessert.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Chris Bautista, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Roger Schiffman, Tessa Bugay, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

Remnants of tropical storm Ela were set to batter the islands this weekend. Heavy rains forecasted. Great for exploring waterfalls. A sucker is born every minute.

Where’s the water?

Met up with Chris and Gen for our waterfall exploration in a Windward neighborhood. Barking dogs and inquisitive neighbors were our only company walking on the dry stream bed.

Tree fungi

Fallen trees criss crossed the stream bed.

Hau trees

Climbing and weaving through the tangled thickets.

Ginger shampoo

Now all we need is water. Where is the water?

Follow the fence

Flashbacks to the KST and WST.

Mossy rocks

Sitting stones gather a lot of moss.

Drainage ditch

Too many spider webs to crawl inside. The stream bed eventually dumped us to a water tank where we saw low hanging clouds covering the mountain tops which resulted in a few sprinkles. Not enough. But the heat was on full blast. All day.

Shortcut

We pushed our way up to the ridge to get a glimpse of the promised waterfalls.

Bushwhacking

Lots of uluhe ferns to wade through today. Fun, fun, and more fun.

Ocean view

Looking out towards Kaneohe Bay and Mokoli’i or Chinaman’s Hat.

Chutes

The waterfalls on this side do not flow unless the mountains get a good soaking from Mother Nature. We were banking on the heavy rain. Little did we know that the bank was closed this weekend.

Floaters

We followed the ridge down to the stream where ripened mountain apples were so abundant they were falling off the trees.

Waterfall #1

The stream lead us to our first waterfall.

Group photo

The waterworks were not on full blast. But it was still a good show.

Cooling off

One way of shaking off the heat.

Downstream

We followed the stream down, hoping it would lead to the other two waterfalls. No such luck.

Blue skies

What happened to the rain?

Tracking

We had to bushwhack up through a dense jungle of uluhe ferns to get back on the ridge. The heat and humidity were stifling almost to the point of heatstroke.

Going down

Chris making his way down to the stream.

Waterfall #2

We followed the bend in the stream and it lead us to our second waterfall.

Group photo

Wishing it would rain.

Roping down

We had to contour around a small waterfall.

Bonus waterfall

This waterfall.

Mountain

We made our way up the ridge again with the resonating tones of the brass bell coming from the nearby Byodo-in temple.

Down

Chris and Gen making their way down, mindful of the false drops.

Waterfall #3

Group photo at the last waterfall.

Downstream

We followed the stream down to make our way out.

Tire swingers

Our afternoon amusement.

Beating the bushes

Chris found a thick branch and used it to beat a trail back to the ridge.

Spot of tea

Relaxing at the gazebo. We didn’t want to leave.

Back on the road

We retraced our steps back to the water tank and dropped back down into the dry stream bed.

All pau

Our meandering waterfalls hike covered just shy of two miles. Bushwhacking through the thick uluhe forest made it seem longer. Post hike meal at Brick Oven Pizza.

Mari and I took a page from Stuart Balls “The Hikers Guide to O’ahu” for our Sunday hike. The directions were spot on as we have never set foot on what can be a confusing trail system with multiple junctions.

Trailhead

Cars and hikers were streaming into the Maikiki Forest Recreation Area when we pulled into the lot. A bathroom, washing area and trail information are located at the trailhead. How convenient. Not used to these amenities on a hike.

Kanealole Trail

We took a left at the first junction where native plants marked with descriptive signs lined the trail.

Between a rockwall and a stream

The soothing sounds of Kanealole stream kept us company for a short stretch.

Rabbit hole

Mari heading deeper into the forest.

Maikiki Forest

Climbing and clinging vines covered the trees.

Fair weather hiker

Who brings an umbrella to the hike? At least it’s the “Storm” umbrella.

Maikiki Valley Trail

We climbed up the trail to the left after we let a pack of hunting dogs come down. Something else was coming down. Rain.

Nahuina Trail

It was mango season. No mangoes for us, as the decomposing fruits littered and scented the trail. Fat bugs. We climbed a couple steep switchbacks and took a right at the junction.

Tree fungi

Mountain mushrooms feeding off the many fallen trees.

Tangled trail

Pockets of hau trees sprinkled the trail along with the tree canopy, provided spotty cover from the rain.

Botanical trail

White ginger flowers.

Tantalus Drive

Look both ways before crossing. Have hiking stick, will hike.

Kalahawaine Trail

We walked down the road a short distance before finding the next trail, formerly called Manoa Cliff Trail.

Hunter check in

No dogs. No check in.

Bench view

At least the rain stopped.

Snail trail

No silver trails spotted.

Bridge crossing

Hmmm, what is the load limit?

Toll trail

Watch out for the hiking trolls.

Tree trail

Just treeing around.

Junction

We continued straight on the trail past the junction that contours around Tantalus.

Stair trail

If you see stairs on a trail, safe bet is that it’s part of the Na Ala Hele trail system.

Ditch trail

One foot in front of the other. Left. Left.

Pauoa Flats Trail

We turned left at the junction.

Rooted trail

The trail became heavily rooted and muddy.

Nuuanu trail junction

We passed the junction that comes up from Judd trail and continued straight.

Ahuilamu Trail junction

A bamboo grove marked another junction that goes down to Manoa Falls, where we continued straight on the flats trail.

Bamboo trail

Feels like Kyoto. Well to some people.

Nuuanu Valley overlook

We met another group that were already at the 1,600′ summit. Clouds sprinkled with rain were our views for today. The trail to Konahuanui would have to wait another day.

Going back down

Back on the muddy trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

We went straight on the connector trail to make our way back.

Banyan tree trail

The trail took on a more pronounced pitch.

Switchback trail

Bends in the trail made it easier to go up the steep climb.

Manoa Cliff Trail

A closed gate marked a native reforestation project. Keeping out feral pigs since 2009.

Puu Ohia Trail junction

We passed the junction that goes up to Tantalus and continued straight on the cliff trail that soon left the gated area.

Traffic trail

Korean hikers seemed to be out in force today on the trails. Annyeong haseyo!

Bench view

Sitting on the Manoa Cliff Bamboo Rest Bench.

Fern trail

Lush ferns cascaded and covered the mountain side.

Round Top Drive

Mari coming down to the end of Manoa Cliff Trail. Watch for traffic.

Moleka Trail

Why did the hiker cross the road? To get to the other trail.

Bamboo trail

Back in Kyoto.

Twisted trees

Climbing up the side of Pu’u Kakea.

Maikiki Valley Trail

We reached the junction and turned right on the valley trail.

Tree trail

Hiking in one of the 17 forest reserves on the island.

Maunalaha Trail

We reached the last junction on our hike today.

Rocky ridge

Mari making her way down the steep ridge that was filled with fragrant eucalyptus trees.

Going down

We made our way back down to the trailhead.

All pau

We are ready for Mount Fuji!

GPS Tracks

The forest loop involved eight trails that covered 8.25 miles. Post hike meal at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Cold and hot ramen with pork cheeks.

Met up with Gen, Glenn, Jose, Khym and Marvin to tackle one of Troy’s unfinished project hikes. We all piled into Glenn’s truck and drove to Alewa Heights.

Na Pu’eo Park

Troy promised loads of bushwhacking and a miserable time. How could anybody pass up such a hike? Not us. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Mack’s chair

The best seat on the trail. It was taken.

Na Pu’eo Bypass Trail

The trail took us down and around the homes perched at the top of Alewa Drive.

Kapalama trail

We soon found ourselves on the Kapalama Loop Trail.

Kapalama Camp

Do the sit lie laws apply here?

Aromatherapy

Walking up through the haze of eucalyptus trees hanging in the morning air.

Down

It seemed for every hill that we climbed, there was an opposite reaction.

Tree hugger

If she’s not doing yoga, she’s hugging trees. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Tick tock

We took a short break at the gnarled and twisted koa tree where time stands still and marks the beginning of the Lanihuli trail.

Connector ridge

Troy approaching the connector ridge that would take us to Kamanaiki ridge and fall short of the summit of Lanihuli.

Kamanaiki Ridge

Looking at the ridge that would take us down into Kalihi Valley.

Turn around

Group photo left to right: Khym, Marvin, Troy, Gen, myself, Glenn and Jose. No summit for us today. After our picture taking time was over, we backed down the trail to beat the bushes to find the connector ridge.

Rabbit hole

Plunging into the overgrowth. Miserable times ahead.

Hiking on the edge

Tangled and thick overgrowth forced us to keep to the right of the ridge.

Hurry

I don’t know how much longer Khym can hold this dead branch back. Ninja powers rapidly fading.

Looking back

Troy looking back at the 2,700′ crowned summit of Lanihuli.

Jackson chameleon

Invasive critter. Live another day. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Catch me

The uluhe ferns were so deep and dense in some parts that we got swallowed up, from head to toe. Backstroking didn’t help.

Strawberry hills forever

We burrowed through more ferns and climbed down a roped section before going down the strawberry guava tree lined ridge.

More overgrowth

Uluhe ferns – The gift that just keeps on giving.

Tree junction

Pausing at the ohia tree that marks the end of the regular trail from the bottom. HTMC had just cleared the trail today. Lucky us.

Tree monkeys

Trying to shake one off the fallen koa tree. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

HTMC trail clearing

Freshly cut ferns littered the trail down.

Shroom

Magic or indigestion times. Pick and choose wisely.

Scenic point

Kalihi Valley and Saddle behind us. We didn’t find or see any wallabies today.

Civilization

The ridge started to level out and began dropping us down into the valley.

Trail clearers

Mahalo to the unsung heroes of HTMC that keep our hiking trails alive.

Mountain yoga

There she goes again. Lift that leg higher.

Water tank

The three wise monkeys, err, men of hiking.

Kalihi stairs

The lava steps took us down to the streets of Kalihi. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Urban hiking

1.3 miles as the mynah bird flies. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

GPS Tracks

The bushwhacking and miserably fun hike lasted 5.77 miles. Post hike meal at Kenny’s. Hawaiian food for lunch. No chili pepper water? No can.

Met up with Glenn, Ryan and Thessa in the backyards of Waimanalo to explore a new Windward ridge. Many thanks to Nalo Bob for letting us park at his place.

Bears, cats and horses

Only two are animals, the other is a mineral.

Open field

Walking across the open fields under sunny skies. It was going to be a beautiful day. Or at least that’s what somebody said. It wasn’t Guy Hagi.

Got Milk?

Lani Moo left the ranch in 2001. The University of Hawaii is slated to acquire all 360 acres.

Stay to the right

Ryan heading into the forest. Stay to the right of the gully. One of many gullies.

Nice ferns

Surprisingly we picked up a path through the ferns. Hunter’s trail?

Bushwhacking

The trail ended at the base of the steep ridge. No faded ribbons. No signs of civilization detritus.

Steady climb

Where’s that uki grass when you need it? What’s that noise? Rain.

Whichever way works

We clawed our way up with the help of deep rooted plants and sheer upper body strength.

Break spot

Pausing at the “flattest” spot we found on the steep ridge. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Back to climbing

Climbing and slipping on the wet carpet of pine needles as we made our way up.

Swing

Short webbing and a tall reach helped us past this tricky spot, which lead us to…

One branch at a time

…another crumbly rock face. Three of us climbed and perched on a shaky tree for a better look. A sapling marked the route up. Flashbacks. Was that lightning? Glenn took off his shoes for traction and slowly climbed to the top, mindful of dropping rocks on us. More rain. Glenn lashed webbing at the top for the rest of us to follow.

Falling rocks

Ryan making his way up. Two good sized rocks in rapid succession tumbled down the cliff. The first missed. The second exploded. Near his head. Strawberry season. Time to get a helmet.

Climb or contour

We alternated between climbing on the crumbly rocks until thick clumps of trees forced us to contour to the side and then back again on the slick rocks, mindful of the drops masked by the heavy growth.

Tree ridge

Thessa threading her way through the trees.

One sock at a time

Some people use spikes. Others use wet socks. To each their own.

Hug that tree

We thought the worst was behind us. Until we saw another steep rock face. Then we discovered a contour trail to the summit. We took the easy option.

Summit

Group photo at the 1,513′ summit left to right: Glenn, Thessa, myself and Ryan. The original plan was to go down Hahaione Windward, but strawberries and weather dictated otherwise. We recalibrated our plans to head down the Leeward side.

One Shoe Ridge

And now you know the rest of the story. If anybody knows the name of this ridge, please enlighten me, until then we’re calling it “One Shoe Ridge” in memory of our collective experience.

Windward view

The clouds started to clear. The rain stopped. The cruel irony.

Pyramid Rock

A short rocky climb.

Running on empty

Wet, cold and exhausted. Not necessarily in that order.

Enjoy the view

Enjoy the company.

Dike crossing

Watch your step.

Hahaione Valley

Now we have a view!

New Mariner’s Ridge

We noticed a lot more ribbons on the trail from last time.

Photo bomber

We skirted the water tank fence to make our way down to the road.

All pau

The crew walking back to civilization. Shout out to Jasmin for picking us up. She even had piping hot nilagang baboy in the trunk for us.

GPS Tracks

The crumbly, overgrown and steep hike covered a paltry 2.36 miles. Pouring rain magnified the difficulty of the ridge. Post hike meal at Teddy’s Bigger Burgers. Wrong burger. Free burger. One side of staples to go.

We wrangled an invite from Katy and Rob to hike into a waterfall chute tucked deep in Kaalaea Valley. On private property. Lucky us.

Ulimakoli ridge

Met up with Jake, Jose, Katy, Rob, Ryan and Thessa near Eleao Windward Ridge.

Glad it’s not raining

We followed Katy and Rob into the valley using the passable trail.

Gate crossing

Some slipped through the gates. Others simply opened the gate.

Kaalaea stream

Katy had to turn around at this point, so it was left up to Rob to show us the way.

Rock hopping

The stream level was low to dry along the path, which resulted in us alternating between rock hopping and trail walking.

Little waterfalls

The only waterfalls we were going to see on today’s hike.

Tree fungus

Helping the forest to decompose and recycle.

Lady in the chute

Can you see her? Group photo left to right: Thessa, Jose, Jake, Rob, Ryan and myself.

Grasshopper

Little critter was trying to catch a ride back with Jake.

White fungus

Looks like Saprotrophs or Jungle Mushrooms?

WTH?

There were a bunch of these worm looking critters crawling over the rocks. Rocks we were sitting on.

Going back

Time to head back. Didn’t have time to go looking for the other two waterfall chutes.

Splash of color

Looks like a Red Indonesian Wax Ginger Flower?

Dutch horse

Katy showing us the second biggest horse on the island. Didn’t catch his name.

GPS Tracks

The short and pleasant valley hike covered 2.47 miles. Many thanks again to Katy and Rob for showing us around their backyard. Post hike meal at Brick Oven Pizza. Beer and pizzas sure get expensive in a hurry.

Only had time for a quick hike today. Mokoli’i Island or Chinaman’s Hat as it is more commonly known fit the bill.

Getting ready

I met Jasmin at Kualoa Regional Park, which was crowded with weekend campers. We managed to launch the kayak in the water without flipping ourselves in the process. Always an accomplishment in my book.

Prepare to land

The waters were a little choppy and the current kept us making corrections to make sure we landed on the island. As we got closer, we could see several kayaks already on the beach and people on top of the island.

Pu’u Kanehoalani

Roughly 15 minutes later, we found ourselves on Chinaman’s Hat. Looking out towards the impressive Pu’u Kanehoalani which sits on Kualoa Ranch.

Panoramic view from the top

It was a quick 10-15 minute walk to the top. From the 210′ elevation, we could see the Ko’olau Mountain Range, Pu’u Ohulehule and Pu’u Kanehoalani. Quite a treat. Click here for the larger image.

Swimmers

We saw swimmers, SUP and more kayaks approaching the island. Guess this place gets a lot of traffic. The island is owned by the City & County and is open from dawn to dusk.

Cove

Looking down at the small cove on the northern side of the island.

Rain shower

The swimmers came ashore on the island just in time to catch a rain shower moving in from the ocean.

Mauka view

Looking towards the mountains.

Makai view

Looking towards the ocean.

Looking towards Kaneohe

Climbed down to get a better view of the island. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Looking back towards Kualoa

A different view of the island.

Rock climbing

Small kine rock climbing on the Kaneohe ocean side of the island. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Kayaking away

Leaving Chinaman’s Hat. It was fun.

GPS Tracks

Round trip mileage including kayaking and exploring the island was a whopping one mile. Short and sweet. Almost makes me want to buy a kayak. Next island to visit: Gilligan’s Island!

Taking advantage of the rainy week that was saturating most of the island, a bunch of us met at Swanzy Beach Park to hike up to Makaua Falls. I picked out a few familiar faces in the crowd: Marcus, Aaron, Kelly and Randy. Photo by Ashley Douglas.

Follow the rainbow

Following the rainbow down Kamehameha Highway, that would hopefully lead us to a raging waterfall. We soon hanged a left at the fire station and went straight into Makaua valley. Be mindful of noise as the trailhead cuts directly between houses.

Caveman briefing

We paused briefly at the junction, going straight takes you to the waterfall and going left takes you to another hike.

How’s the temperature?

Marcus playing lifeguard in case Randy and Orion showed signs of hypothermia while playing in one of the pools along the way. I understand the water was pretty much ice cold.

Rock hopping

The trail is pretty straight forward, most of us alternated between following the stream or taking the trail that parallels the stream. While heavy rain turns on the waterfall, it also injects possibility of flash flooding and rocks falling from above. Photo by Kelly Quinn.

Small waterfall

Marcus and Randy spotting on our first little waterfall. Expect to get wet and muddy on this hike.

Spottee and Spotters

A tad more challenging climbing up this section under their watchful eyes. Photo by Stephen Jonas.

A path less traveled

Tony decided to take the less rocky path that was covered with heavy vegetation, more hand holds perhaps?

Tree climbing

A huge tree had fallen onto the stream, roots and all. Made a nice little jungle gym. Photo by Kelly Quinn.

Another view of Makaua Falls

We were not alone. Ted and Lyzel had arrived earlier and were exploring the upper parts to find a path to the top. Photo by Ted Calvero.

Makaua Falls

Makaua Falls is usually bone dry without any significant amounts of rainfall. Today the falls was not raging, but still had a nice flow. Group photo left to right: Ted, Kim, Lyzel, Stephen, Orion, Bridgette, Tony, Marcus, Aaron, BobbiJo, Randy, myself, Ashley, Allicia and Kelly.

Headed back

Rain started falling on us as we made our way back. Good time to beat any flash flooding that may come our way. Photo by Kelly Quinn.

GPS Tracks

The hike was just over two miles roundtrip that brought us to a nice waterfall tucked away in Makaua Valley. Some of us had lunch at Brick Oven Pizza after the hike, service was trickling, much like our waterfall today.

I had gotten wind from Hiram on our last hike that he was planning on doing Kaupo #1 in Waimanalo. Bob and I joined him on today’s hike.

Waiting our turn

We entered the Waimanalo forest through the Tom-Tom trailhead and followed the ribboned trail to Kaupo Cliffs #2.

We go up

After descending into the chute, we soon found ourselves at the beginning of Kaupo #2.

Looks pretty steep

Gaining elevation quickly, we could see why the base approach to Kaupo #1 is not climbable due to the steepness of the cliff. Somebody would have to top rope the cliff in order for others to start from the bottom.

Let’s cross here

We soon found a good spot with lots of trees to grab to cross over from #2 to #1. Sounds like scatalogical humor.

Spot the hikers

Crossing over. Photo by Bob Tyson.

Kaupo #2

Bob had tweaked his back and decided to stay on Kaupo #2 and snap a couple photos of us climbing Kaupo #1 before heading back down. Next time Bob!

Kaupo Cliffs #1

We have arrived! Not at the top, but on Kaupo 1. Photo by Bob Tyson.

Our goal

Climbing up Kaupo #1 was not as challenging as I had expected. Basic climbing up a cliff is the best way to express it.

Climbing up

Look, Bob is still taking our pictures. Wave. Photo by Bob Tyson.

One step at a time

That’s how you enjoy life and continue to enjoy it. Or something like that. Photo by Bob Tyson.

Hiram climbing up

There are really no close to the edge climbing parts that I remember. Or tricky rock faces.

Hiram checking out Waimanalo

I stand corrected.

Tom-Tom trail

Looking at our return route – the Tom-Tom trail that are marked by the powerline poles.

Last pic of the day from Bob

It’s always nice to see your photo from a different perspective. Photo by Bob Tyson.

Had to do it

Nice day to be hiking.

Top of Kaupo #1

Testing out my GoPro on a stick. My tripod was on its last legs, literally. Time to join the crowd and get those aerial shots.

Koko Crater and Koko Head

I always thought those two volcanic cones were Diamond Head and Punchbowl. Geographically challenged.

Open for business?

Hmmm, how many hikers are flaunting the newly reinforced gates that are supposed to keep them off Kamehame Ridge?

Nice day for paragliding

Popular spot for paragliders.

Back down into Waimanalo

Making our way to the Tom-Tom trail, we practiced rock climbing along the way. Still got to hit the VRG (Volcanic Rock Gym) one day.

GPS Tracks

Thanks to Hiram for letting me tag along this fun little 2.57 mile hike. Now I only got Kaupo Cliffs #7 left to do!

Rain canceled our Saturday Pali Notches to Piliwale Ridge hike, so I tagged along with Chris and Kaimi for a Sunday hike from Makapu’u to Kamiloiki Ridge. Chris picked me up from Waioli Street and we met Kaimi at the Makapu’u lookout. Even security was there in the wee hours of the morning, in the form of Honolulu’s finest. Assured that our cars were safe as long as the donuts and coffee didn’t run out, we crossed Kalanianaole Highway around 6:14am to start our hike. 

Early Goats

We made our way up the rocky ridge following the chain link fence with danger signs plastered over them. As soon as we crested the top of the ridge, we noticed a herd of goats below us. After noticing our presence, they scampered away on their sure-footed hooves towards Sea Life Park. Now that’s what you call extreme hikers. 

Koko Crater

As we made our way along the ridgeline, views of Koko Crater and Kalama Valley opened up. 

Makapu'u Puka

The ridge soon robbed us of the elevation we had just gained, as we climbed down and took a brief break at the Puka. 

Makai Pier, Manana and Kaohikaipu Islands

We started climbing again as we made our way to Kamehame Ridge where a bird’s eye view of the Makai Pier, Rabbit and Turtle Islands greeted us. The sun also started coming out from the clouds, turning my face a bright beet red, despite the sunscreen that I had sprayed on earlier. In my opinion, this stretch of the Koolau’s is one of the hottest, rivaling those on the Waianae side.

Hang Glider Platform

No actual libation was involved in the making of this photograph at the second hang glider platform. 

Kamiloiki Stairs

We came down the steps from the second hang glider platform and made a right on the paved road which would lead us to the abandoned Nike Missile Station. Right before the locked gates, is a unlocked side gate that we went through to check out the Kamiloiki “Hidden” Stairs which like the Haiku Hidden Stairs only goes down partially towards Kamiloiki Valley.

Communication Tower

In an apparent oversight, some of the communication towers at the old Nike Missile Site are gated while others aren’t. Even the ones that are gated, can be easily circumvented as Chris ably demonstrates. 

Dead Man's Cat Walk

I have the runway, now all I need is a parachute.

Hang Glider

After waiting almost an hour at the Dead Man’s Cat Walk, one of the hang gliders took off from the second platform and put on quite an aerial show with his spins and turns. 

Waimanalo

Going down the saddle and climbing out of it, we made our way up to the grove of ironwood trees on the other side that would serve as our lunch spot.

Paragliders

As we munched on our bananas, granola bars and M&Ms; as that’s all the lunch wagon had left, a trio of paragliders circled lazily overhead. 

Panoramic view of Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo

 Click here to see the larger image.

Kamiloiki Ridge

We soon came to the summit of Kamiloiki Ridge and made our way down the ridge and came across a still smoldering campfire on the trail. Smokey says, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”

Pahua Heiau

The heat was bouncing off the clouds and rocks as we finally made our way down to the end of the trail which is marked by the Pahua Heiau. After we got into my car, we made a run for the border – Soft Taco’s and XL drinks with no ice.