Met up with Aida, Chico, Ferlino and Tessa on the ridge that are home to WW2 bunkers and significant Hawaiian burial sites, as it was a place of refuge during the time of King Kamehameha. Unfortunately it was not a place of refuge for a 2D Jackson chameleon, a lizard that was imported from Kenya by Robin Ventura in 1972 to sell as pets but was deliberately released into his backyard as they looked rather unhealthy and he thought the fresh air would do them good. Instead, he unwittingly became the principal architect that began the invasive spread throughout the Hawaiian island chain with the exception of Kauai and Lanai.
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
Group photo at the trailhead before we pushed off. One had to be picked up and the other dropped off.
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
Walking on the path that began as the Wai’alae Trail back in the 1920s.
Wiliwilinui RIdge Trail
Going up the stairs with the backdrop of panoramic views of East Honolulu behind me.
Wiliwilinui Summit
Group photo at the 2,480′ summit along with Jeff and Rocky who we met at the top.
Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)
Leaving the summit as we traversed the ridgeline that was being lightly washed by rain showers.
KSRT
Going up the ridge line that is punctuated by HECO powerline poles.
True Lanipo
Standing at the terminus of the ridge that Dick Davis down climbed back on Christmas Day in 1944, resulting in the loss of all his fingernails.
KSRT
Man down! Chico getting a couple pairs of helping hands to pull himself out of his predicament that was brought on by his spikes.
Kainawa’aunui Summit
Group photo at the socked in 2,520′ summit.
KSRT
We dropped in elevation and also left the cloud cover behind us as well.
KSRT
Letting gravity take us down the “Big Hill.”
KSRT
Descending down from the steep hill and back on relatively flat ridge line.
KSRT
Group photo at the resplendent valley views of town and Diamond Head.
KSRT
Ferlino climbing up another hill with views of three peaks behind him. No finger pointing.
Kau’au Crater
When one is out in the wilderness and lacking zip ties to secure their spikes, one can just use the abundant uki grass instead. Eco hiking at its finest.
Kau’au Crater
Going down the eroded and rutted trail that leads to the twin powerline towers that overshadows the tuff cone that was created from the extinct volcanic crater.
Kau’au Crater
Looking into the marsh filled crater and Palolo Valley that was once home to an airfield in WW2. The name “Ka’au” came from the name of a supernatural chicken that lived in the valley, Ka’auhelemoa.
Kau’au Crater
Where there is a structure to climb, Chico and Ferlino will be on it.
Kau’au Crater
The rest of us had our feet firmly planted on the ground.
KSRT
Heading towards the notch that marks the ascent towards the summit of ‘Awa’awaloa.
‘Awa’awaloa
Climbing up the base of the mountain.
‘Awa’awaloa
Watching Ferlino and Aida making their way to the summit.
‘Awa’awaloa Summit
Lunch break at the 2,486′ summit also known as Mount Olympus.
Wa’ahila Ridge Trail
Briskly going down the steep, eroded and rutted trail. I sense a pattern here.
KSRT
Stepping foot on the Castle trail.
KSRT
Back on the ridge line.
KSRT
Contouring through the thick, tangled hot mess of uluhe ferns and other vegetation.
KSRT
Hello from Sedan Rock.
KSRT
Climbing up the exposed ridge line. The views were infinitely better and the ventilation was a much needed relief.
KSRT
Heading towards the patch of ironwood trees.
KSRT
Aida and Ferlino picking their way on the ridge line.
KSRT
A solitary fiery lehua blossom standing out on our climb to the summit.
Manoa Middle Summit
Chico needed another hand, at least it wasn’t to get pulled out of the bushes again.
Manoa Middle Summit
Our last group photo at our last summit. The original plan was to exit down Piliwale Ridge, but time and spirits dictated otherwise.
Manoa Middle Trail
Going down the initially steep ungraded trail towards Manoa Valley.
Manoa Middle Trail
Climbing down the steep cliff.
Queen’s Bath
Will the real Queen’s Bath please wash itself?
Pu’u Pia Trail
The climb up our last hill registered on Tessa’s face. Somebody needed medicine. A certain type of medicine.
All pau
Exiting the heavily rooted and rocky trail where Jasmin picked us up. Our traversal over the Ko’olau Mountains covered slightly less than seven miles with good company. Post hike meal at Pho Time where certain individuals should not be discussed as it will result in high blood.
Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, 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.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hahahaha! LOL at high blood!!! Well, now we know better than to bring up that certain name
Haha! Fun hike with awesome peeps tho! Thank you for the invite Kikaida San
Aloha Tessa,
Thanks for coming and now Jasmin knows!
Mahalo