We hiked an abbreviated version of the original plan but still put in decent mileage on today’s hike.

100% ID check in progress.

Thanks to Aida and Marilyn for dropping us off at the trailhead.

Making our way on the secluded trail where we only encountered one other soul on the hike who trailed us for a time before turning back.

Is this the way? The arrow points the other way.

In memory of somebody’s favorite feathered friend, Mana.

Pushing off on the wide jeep road bordered with pine trees.

Hiking up one of many steep hills on the trail.

Jeremy wanted to show us a lesser known spot, some of us went and the others waited at the junction.

Chico marking the shelter at the top of the trail.

Back to our regularly scheduled program of hiking.

Chico making a deposit on the Doodoo Rock. Also known as Fin Rock or Amber Turd Rock.

Group photo on the distinct brown colored rock formation as Jeremy finally came down from his favorite scenic spot.

Our first contact with the fence line in the mountains. Not to be our last.

We soon crossed paths with CB who had come up from Kealia Trail to join the group.

Break spot at the junction where three trail runners were canvassing the area for the upcoming Peacock Flats 50k or 50 mile trail run. No thanks, I’ll stick to hiking.

The original fenced way to the road was heavily infested with overgrowth, so we took the connecting road instead.

Passing the junction where Kealia Trail intersects with the road.

Are we being tracked?

Hiking up the steep road that was sprinkled with multiple blowdowns to connect to the fenced ridge line.

Trail snacks to keep one nourished. A typical guava has roughly 38 calories packed into each fruit.

Scenic spot of Makua Valley, that was seized by the US Army in 1941 for training and assured the native families that after WW2 ended, that the land would be returned to them. Broken promises.

Hiking up the steep, rutted road while ignoring somebody’s pleas that there was a longer but easier contour trail to the right. Sounds like a Coastie.

All shoes on the geodetic marker “Moku.”

Chico going over one of multiple fence posts as we followed the trail.

Hiking into part of the 685 acres of the Pahole Natural Area Reserve that was established in 1981 to help protect and preserve rare Hawaiian plants, animals and ecosystems.

Making sure everybody stays on the same track.

Switch backing our way up through the hill covered with fluttering ribbons and tinkling tags.

Chris rolling out the kinks in his back.

No worries. We have a Coastie with us in case of contact with any UXO. Oh wait, he’s a Marine. We’re screwed.

Passing one of the largest native snail habitats seen in the mountains.

Another group shot of the valley that are home to over 44 endangered and threatened species of plants, birds and snails. The military lease expires in 2029 and there are talks that the military wants to terminate the lease early. Only time will tell.

Following the fenced trail as it bordered the valley.

Somebody was trying to lead us astray. Somebody failed land navigation, despite doing this trail over 50 times. Wait, it keeps fluctuating like a body count.

Leaving the Waianae Summit Trail for greener pastures.

Eating under the shelter, no avocados or oranges for the picking.

Leaving the Pahole Natural Area Reserve behind us as we closed the gate.

Walking underneath the swaying pine trees, that were planted in the area circa 1926.

The girls decided to use the bathroom at the deserted Peacock Flats Campground.

Is that our Uber? Can it fit seven? Looks like we are pounding the pavement.

Group photo at the mileage marker, only 3.5 miles of asphalt between us and our cars.

Why is everybody running? Where’s the fire?

If you can’t walk, then might as well jog down the road.

Chris in the Barrel. Are you scared? Are you not entertained?

The road soon leveled out, enough of this running nonsense.

Trying to line everybody up for a fly through. Are you drunk? Hit my leg. Not spread wide enough. Scratch the idea.

Hopping over the drone on our way out.

Our walk across the West side covered 11.4 miles with a fun group. Hiking is always an adventure to be had. Thanks to Jeremy for driving CB back to his car at Kealia Trail and Aida for picking the rest of us up. Post hike meal at Jerry’s Pizza where they really do have one of the best cheeseburgers in the island. Forget about Shima’s.

Photos/Crew taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Cristy CM, Jeremy Cannone, Roger Schiffman, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

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