Back to back Kona Lows meant another waterfall hike. Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.

Pali Lookout

We all met up at the natural wind tunnel that was out of service today.

Pali Lookout

Everybody chose their ingress to the Old Pali Road based on body type.

Old Pali Road

We didn’t start this stack of stones, but we are going to finish it.

Old Pali Road

It’s hard to believe this road used to accommodate two lanes of traffic before it was closed down in 1961, in favor of the current Pali Highway.

Old Pali Road

The water draining from the road that was blasted out of the Pali in 1897.

Old Pali Road

Some struggled more than others in attempting to execute this common callisthenic exercise.

Old Pali Road

Aerial view of Twin Falls. The flow was not as voluminous as it was during the storms.

Old Pali Road

Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming the road through landslides and overgrowth.

Pali Trail

Paralleling the bustling highway as we walked through the corridor of uluhe ferns.

Pali Trail

Drones are like dogs, they don’t always follow you.

Pali Trail

Accident prone hikers need to exercise extreme caution crossing this foot bridge. Said hiker was not in this photograph.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Look but don’t touch. I think we got it backwards. Or twisted.

Maunawili Demo Trail

We decided to explore our first stream crossing to our first waterfall.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Marilyn next to a side waterfall.

Maunawili Smalls

If you are gullible enough, people will believe your made up name.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Walking over the slippery bridge as we passed by a trickling waterfall. Accident prone hikers beware.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Coming across a historic landmark on the trail that dates back to the 1930s, an old rainwater collection tank that is connected to the Saint Stephen Diocesan Center located below the hill.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Crossing over one of multiple streams flowing down from the mountains.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Pausing at the junction to Piliwale Ridge, a steep Windward trail that touches the KST.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Edgar working his way around one of multiple blowdowns on the trail.

Maunawili Bigs

Our group photo at the turning point on the trail as we saw our destination through the low hanging clouds and trees.

Maunawili Bigs

Another view of the four waterfall chutes flowing down from the mountains.

Maunawili Bigs

Working our way upstream under the giant ferns.

Maunawili Bigs

Blonde Buddha at the first waterfall.

Maunawili Bigs

Waterfall point of view.

Maunawili Bigs

Climbing our way up the second waterfall.

Maunawili Bigs

Not much flow for the effort.

Maunawili Bigs

Ani joining the spectators down below.

Maunawili Bigs

Running into the Katz family on the trail.

Maunawili Bigs

Short hike up to the third waterfall.

Maunawili Bigs

More flow, less effort.

Maunawili Bigs

Look up in the sky, it’s a i’iwi bird, it’s a tour helicopter, it’s a upper tier waterfall!

Maunawili Bigs

Slipping, sliding and falling on our way to the last waterfall.

Maunawili Bigs

Akira on top of the lower tier. Come and join us. Our invite fell on water clogged ears.

Maunawili Bigs

Scrambling our way over loose rocks and blowdowns to the upper tier.

Maunawili Bigs

Photo with the raging 600′ gusher of a falls. Dramatic exaggeration for those that missed it.

Maunawili Bigs

Making our way back down loose rocks and trees. One tree gave way which resulted in Akira sliding down the hill before being stopped by a not so loose tree.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Chico checking to make sure the fellow hiker from Beijing is properly attired for the trail.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Heading back to the Pali Lookout just as rain showers started to sweep the area.

All pau

Kenny met us at the end and took our final group photo. Quite the artist.

GPS Tracks

Our waterfall hike covered 6.10 or 7.5 miles, depending on whom is tracking. Mad respect to everybody that came out for today’s adventure. Post hike meal at Kam Bowl, hyped as “Home of The Best Oxtail Soup Since 1965,” but the jury is still out, as some would argue Kapiolani Coffee Shop has the best oxtail soup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueMt-d-2uGU

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our irresponsible hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Ani Lagpacan, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, Marilyn Bermudez, 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.

Back to back birthday hikes. We went to explore the aftermath of the heavy rains that had lashed the islands from the recent seasonal cyclone.

Nu’uanu Pali

Thanks to Chico for squeezing nine of us plus man’s best friend in his truck.

Nu’uanu Pali

Groot leading the pack on the road littered with storm debris and passing cars.

Judd Trail

We soon stepped foot on the trail named after the medical missionary who arrived in Hawaii in 1828.

Judd Trail

Somebody didn’t want to get wet. This is not what I signed up for.

Judd Trail

Gangis, King of the Waterfalls.

Judd Trail

Dale and Doug checking out the banyan tree that was featured in the movie, A Midsummer’s Hawaiian Dream, that had a couple local actors in the movie and was shot entirely in Hawaii.

Judd Trail

Threading my drone through the branches of the tree that has its origins in India and first came to Hawaii in 1873.

Judd Trail

Crossing the swollen Nu’uanu Stream to get to the other side of the trail.

Judd Trail

Walking through a corridor of bamboo that was brought to the islands by early Polynesian settlers.

Judd Trail

Swinger.

Judd Trail

Spectators.

Judd Trail

Swinger.

Judd Trail

Spectator.

Judd Trail

Climbers. Where’s Ferlino when you need him?

Judd Trail

Groot surveying the land or just looking for his daddy.

Luakaha Falls

We have arrived. She’s a gusher!

Luakaha Falls

The group fording the surging and swollen stream.

Luakaha Falls

Group photo with the 50′ waterfall at the place of relaxation or resting place.

Luakaha Falls

Wading into the washing machine. Nobody else wanted their clothes laundered.

Judd Trail

Only the slender may pass. Others go around.

Kaniakapupu

Looking at the “Old Ruins” is how a 1874 map described the former summer retreat of King Kamehameha III and Queen Kalama, built in 1845 and was host to the Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day in 1847 that was attended by a reported 10,000 people.

Kaniakapupu

The original stone house was a simple large room and two sleeping rooms surrounded by a fenced veranda. Reportedly built on the site of Kawaluna Heiau, the property was known as Luakaha and is now known by its current name. The retreat was mysteriously abandoned to the jungle in the 1870s and rediscovered in the 1950s. The ruins has been defaced and vandalized in the past by irresponsible persons and should be seen and not touched.

All pau

Leaving the lush forest that is for the most part alien and invasive to the area; as the original lands were home to taro ponds, koa trees and ferns which are not in evidence today.

Kenko-ya

Happy Birthday Gangis! The restaurant even piped in birthday music as well to celebrate the birthday of Dale, thanks to everybody that came out for his birthday hike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFuHRNDu2lE

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu and Groot, Dale “Gangis” Yoshizu, Doug Ross, Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, 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.

We actually got some ridge time today, albeit a very short one for Marilyn’s birthday hike today.

Service Road

Thanks to Ferlino and Lilia for dropping our group off at the side of the highway.

Service Road

What was that? The only thing more concerning than the morning showers was a plastic against metal sound. Apparently one of our drivers had mistaken the gate for the highway. Not my car, still my problem.

Powerlines Trail

Marilyn pushing against the overgrowth as we made our way up the moss slicked steps.

Powerlines Trail

Pushing our quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves on the short and stiff climb up the hill.

Powerlines Trail

Our guide explaining what lies in store for the group.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Thankfully the rain was replaced by typical trade winds as we stepped foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains. I was this close to calling the hike off due to less than ideal conditions for tackling a portion of what some consider one of the hardest hikes on the island. Diamond Head excluded.

KSRT

The million dollar question. Will Edgar fly his drone to capture stunning scenic views on the hike today? Breezy winds say no.

Camp Centipede

Less talking, more hiking.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring around the knob to stay on trail.

Kalihi Saddle

We left the “sidewalk” parts behind us as the ridge narrowed somewhat on our approach to the conical shaped peak.

Kalihi Saddle

The three rules of falling. #1 – Don’t fall. #2 – If falling, fall to the Leeward side. #3 – Never fall on the Windward side.

Witch’s Hat

Have broomstick, will climb.

Witch’s Hat

Kenny conquering his fear of heights as he approaches the pinnacle of the peak.

Witch’s Hat

Edgar sitting pretty on top of the first of many colorfully named obstacles.

Witch’s Hat

What goes up must come down.

Witch’s Hat

Somebody needed to be coaxed down, just let perspiration, anxiety and gravity do the rest.

Kalihi Saddle

The witch and her hat, or is that the birthday girl and her hike?

Kalihi Saddle

We just go straight ahead?

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving Kenny behind us on Witch’s Hat as he promised to keep our seats warm.

Kalihi Saddle

A view best seen from afar, for some people that is.

Kalihi Saddle

Crawler’s Ledge exists outside of Kalalau Trail as well.

Kalihi Saddle

Everybody’s here at the scenic spot. Let the photoshoot commence!

Kalihi Saddle

Let me dislodge this loose rock before somebody gets hurt, like myself.

Kalihi Saddle

Marilyn’s first time on this section of the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

The views never fail to disappoint.

Kalihi Saddle

The rest of us have been here multiple times. Still never gets old.

Kalihi Saddle

Who had the best seat in the house? Perspective.

Kalihi Saddle

Flashbacks to the 22 pushup challenge.

Kalihi Saddle

Akira demonstrating his balancing skills.

Kalihi Saddle

Please keep your hands and arms inside the ride at all times and please do not fall off.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody was not paying attention and yelled my name in panic, violated the first rule of falling but followed the second rule.

Witch’s Hat

Elevator service was requested. Thanks to Chico for the assist. Just call us Otis and Schindler.

Witch’s Hat

Schindler scrambling his way up to the birthday party.

Witch’s Hat

Blowing out a candle is considered a form of witchcraft in some circles. We are on the right place. Happy Birthday Marilyn!

Witch’s Hat

Scrambling our way down the obstacle named by the OG hiker, Pete Clines.

Witch’s Hat

All safe and sound at the base, as another member in the also group observed the second rule of falling.

Kalihi Saddle

Multi-colored hikers on the trail as we made our way to Camp Centipede.

All pau

Our last group photo at the Powerlines before we headed back down and got picked up by Ferlino and Lilia. Mahalos!

GPS Tracks

Our short sample of a saddle hike covered less than two miles with fun friends and good times. Hats off to everybody for hiking and working together to have a safe and amazing experience. Post hike meal at Saito and Pho where the tasty food was offset by sterile service. They need to drop my name from their restaurant. lol. Happy Birthday again to Marilyn, the wicked witch of the West.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpEI1v98kM4

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Christy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, 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 flew over to the Garden Isle to do another of my favorite activities, waterfalls! Actually it was on the bucket list for some of our friends who had never been to this particular watering hole.

HNL

Entertaining ourselves as we waited to board our twilight flight. We are easily amused.

Pacific Ocean

Flying the friendly skies. Wrong airline.

Kauai

Landed in Lihue, picked up our black jeeps, had dinner at a popular eatery and then checked in at Banyan Harbor Resort for the night.

Lihue

Day 2
Woke up before the crack of dawn, packed our stuff and made a quick pit stop to pick up food for the day. Too early for poke.

Wailua

Traversing the multiple stream crossings were a breeze now thanks to the improvements made on the Loop Road back in 2024-2025.

Wailua

Capturing the sunrise being filtered by the trees.

Wailua

It was a bumpy and muddy ride as we passed the Jurassic Park Poles on the roughly five mile unmaintained road. Contrary to popular belief, these are simply markers and are not leftovers from the original set. The actual gates were farther up the road and were demolished after the filming was done. No souvenirs for Hawaii.

Blue Hole Trail

Eleven clean shoes at the start of the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Somebody was really excited to be here.

Blue Hole Trail

Our first stream crossing. One of many more to come.

Blue Hole Trail

Slipping and sliding through the mud.

Blue Hole Trail

Passing a flowering Nun’s Orchid on the trail, it was the first tropical orchid to flower in England as it’s native to Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Blue Hole Trail

“What you doing in the water, squatting like that?” Based on the popular myth, the stream water would be turning a bright blue, much like her shade of beet red.

Blue Hole Trail

Leaving the urine soaked water behind us.

Blue Hole Trail

Morning mist.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny washing his face with the urine water. Oh wait, we are upstream, so he’s safe. Feel sorry for the rest of the group that were downstream.

Blue Hole Trail

Bible studies with the annoying church slut on the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Matt looking for the waterfalls at the end of the tunnel.

Blue Hole Trail

Taking a break as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up. No bathroom breaks.

Blue Hole Trail

Approaching the first major waterfall of the day.

Guardian Falls

Checking out the gatekeeper falls on the trail. Nobody took a dip.

Blue Hole Trail

The rest of the group were enjoying the stream life.

Guardian Falls

Some of us explored a side waterfall. Slippery when wet.

Guardian Falls

Making my way back to the group as I was feeling lonely, wet and cold.

Blue Hole Trail

Roger showing off his rock balancing skills.

Blue Hole Trail

We contoured to the left of the falls to regain the trail.

Blue Hole Trail

Following the stream into the canyon.

Blue Hole Trail

Matt looking at a small waterfall.

Blue Hole Trail

So he decided to make a smaller one himself.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny didn’t feel the need to add any more waterfalls.

Blue Hole Trail

Rock hopping and scrambling our way up the stream.

Blue Hole Trail

The waterfall walls began to constrict as we hiked deeper into the canyon.

Blue Hole Trail

We left the stream as we climbed up to get back on trail. Matt boosted the rest of the groups confidence as he said this is where he almost died. Climb on!

Blue Hole Trail

The steady stream of pulsating helicopters above our heads became more incessant and irritating.

Blue Hole Trail

Chico making his way up the slippery rocks.

Blue Hole Trail

Going through the gate. Almost there!

Blue Hole Trail

Going down the hill as we could see the Blue Hole for the first time.

Blue Hole Trail

Allison using both ropes as she climbed her way down the slippery rocks.

Wailua Headwaters

Exploring this water soaked and moss carpeted canyon that was carved from constant rainfall from what was once the wettest spot on Earth, Mount Wai’ale’ale. Pictures don’t give scale to the canyon walls that soar thousands of feet to the summit. Something that must be experienced in person through hiking or riding in a tour helicopter. This was the first time seeing this place for Chico, Edgar, Kenny, Marilyn and Sandra as well. It did not disappoint.

Weeping Wall

Drone view of our partial group photo against the backdrop of the canyon walls weeping with waterfalls.

Blue Hole

This angle illustrates the reason why some people call it the “Blue Hole.” However, the weather was not cooperating by providing us with blue skies today. Instead it provided us with greyish-whitish skies and a steady diet of vertical-lift aircraft carrying tourists who only caught seemingly seconds of the Blue Hole. Hope it was worth it.

Blue Hole

Getting close to the base of the falls.

Weeping Wall

Matt getting real up close and personal.

Blue Hole

Time to take our leave of this natural waterpark that Mother Nature has gifted us.

Weeping Wall

Not so fast. Aida, Ferlino and Roger caught up to us and had to have their round of picture taking as it was their first time here as well.

Blue Hole Trail

Climbing our way back down to Wailua Stream.

Blue Hole Trail

Kenny showing us how it’s done.

Blue Hole Trail

Passing a stand of ornamental banana trees. Not to be confused with Orientals. We also crossed paths with a pair of hikers who had started late and assured us they could hustle to make it back out before dark.

Blue Hole Trail

Somebody was glad that we had brought webbing on the trail.

Guardian Falls

Can this picture go on the blog? I guess.

Blue Hole Trail

You go that way and we’ll go this way.

Wailua

We drove out of the unmaintained road and switched Kenny with Mari at the airport. Post hike meal was at Hukilau Lanai where our group was split into two tables and checked out with fine dining prices. Overall despite some in the group getting lost, two hiking poles wrecked and Chico suffering a couple abrasions and cuts, the day went swimmingly. Our total mileage for the hike came out to a little more than four miles round trip, some others have quoted eight miles round trip. Whatever the exact mileage was, it sure felt like the latter one at the end of the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ced84n5DHWs

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Blue Hole hike.

Lihue

Day 3
Checked out of our Airbnb, stopped at the local bakery that has been around since 1965 to fuel up for the day and drove to Waimea.

Waimea Canyon

Looking into the Grand Canyon of the Pacific where the distant Waipo’o Falls could be seen.

Hale Manu Valley

Getting our bang for the buck out of our rental jeeps.

Hale Manu Valley

Matt grooming another Princess in the group.

Hale Manu Valley

We’re not getting muddy, right?

Cliff Lookout

Our muppet group photo. Who’s who? Rijah Dat! Something got lost in the translation.

Canyon Trail

You guys want to see a better view? Rajah Dat!

Canyon Trail

Running commentary. Do you want my spikes? No. I have webbing. No need. It’s all for the gram, right? No. Does he have insurance? Yes. Can I get a ride from the airport? Yes.

Canyon Trail

There’s no “I” in team. In this case, I guess there is.

Canyon Trail

Group photo with the backdrop of the canyon that was formed over 4 million years ago when the shield volcano collapsed and the river and rain did the rest.

Canyon Trail

Synchronized spinning.

Canyon Trail

Ascending hikers have the right of way over descending hikers. It’s not always true, but normally?!?

Canyon Trail

Descending towards the falls. I didn’t have to yield to any ascending hikers.

Canyon Trail

Scenic spots.

Canyon Trail

Climbing down the direct way to the falls.

Waipo’o Falls

The girls standing at the top of the head-water falls before it plummets down the canyon walls.

Waipo’o Falls

Matt trying to thread his drone through the arch. Close but no cigar.

Waipo’o Falls

Getting all wet on the second of the smaller upper tier of the falls fed by Koke’e Stream.

Waipo’o Falls

Matt’s dramatic drone shots of the two-tiered 800′ waterfall.

Waipo’o Falls

On the way out, some of the group checked out the first of the smaller falls with a plunge pool. No plunging today.

Hale Manu Valley

Looking up into the pear or plum blossoms may result in a bug falling into your eye. Luckily our resident RN was able to fish it out of Mari’s eye on an out-patient basis.

Waimea Canyon

We drove over to the lookout to take the typical tourist photos.

Waimea Canyon

Spotting two feral goats climbing the rocky cliffs of the canyon. These invasive species were introduced in the 18th century by Captain Vancouver in 1792 on Kauai.

Waimea Canyon

Goat see, goat do.

Waimea Canyon

Running commentary. Those are idiots! I won’t disagree with you on that. One idiot is one idiot. Two idiots are two idiots. Four idiots are a hiking group.

Waimea Canyon

Birds eye view.

Waimea Canyon

Drone views of the canyon that plunges over 3,000′ deep.

Waimea Canyon

The unofficial mascot of Kauai clucking their way around the parking lot and everywhere else, as the feral population exploded due to chickens being released during Hurricanes Iwa and Iniki.

Hamura Saimin

We drove over to Lihue to eat at the local saimin stand that has been operating since 1952. It even received a James Beard award, believe it or not.

Scotty’s Car Wash & Detail

Cleaning our jeeps in Kapa’a, where we even had City & County supervision to ensure that we didn’t miss any spots before returning them back to the airport and catching our flight home. Thanks to Scotty for letting us wash our jeeps at his place. Mahalo to Edgar for booking the Airbnb and Chico, Edgar and Roger for getting the jeep rentals. Amazing weekend with a fun group that was made even better as the forecasted rain failed to make its appearance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoDUOkIHyeY

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Waipo’o Falls hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, Mari Saito, Matt Vidaurri, Roger Schiffman, Sandra Walter 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 all dithered and dickered over the venue for Princess’s birthday hike today. It was too dry for the original waterfall hike, other venues were rejected before finally settling on a large and extinct tuff cone on the East side of the island.

Koko Crater

There was some apprehension about certain individuals that were loitering near the botanical garden entrance but a military connection was soon formed and such feelings soon evaporated as we headed for the marked trail.

Koko Crater Rim

We waited for the group to collectively come together as some of them had taken the scenic route or as they say they were “exploring.”

Koko Crater Rim

Streaming hikers making their way up the mauka side of the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

Andrew and Susana discussing their color choices.

Koko Crater Rim

Climbing up the steeper section of the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

The girls throwing a high and low shaka that correspondingly indicates their comfort level.

Koko Crater Rim

Dave scrambling up the bulging rock and proving that all hikers subscribe to the Egalitarian doctrine.

Koko Crater Rim

Standing shakas must indicate a high level of comfortability on the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

Everybody approached this section according to their own comfort level or peer pressure.

Koko Crater Rim

Drone view of the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

Threading our way around the upper edge of the cliff.

Koko Crater Rim

Drones were buzzing all around us over the puka as four unmanned aerial vehicles competed for our attention.

Koko Crater Rim

Is that a nine-foot selfie stick or are you just glad to see us?

Koko Crater Rim

With big group comes big wait.

Koko Crater Rim

Jumping for joy or peer pressure.

Koko Crater Rim

Edgar running the rim to catch up with Susana who left the group to circle the fringed vulva or Kohelepelepe. According to Hawaiian legend, the goddess Kapo left behind her private parts as a decoy so that her sister Pele could escape the demigod Kama’pua’a. Now I see why Edgar was running.

Koko Crater Rim

Scott and Mister Green waiting for the rest of the group to catch up as swarms of ladybugs kept them company.

Koko Crater Rim

Walking through grassy fields supposedly results in stress reduction, improved balance and grounding effects.

Koko Crater Rim

I don’t think these are the grassy fields they are talking about.

Koko Crater Rim

Single file. Pass on the right.

Koko Crater Rim

Where’s Roger?

Koko Crater Rim

Scrambling our way to the summit of Pu’u Mai.

Koko Crater Rim

Climbing the last steep section. All downhill from this point.

Koko Crater Summit

Some girls want chocolate. Some want flowers. Some want bling. Aida just wants four ounces of churned dairy cream with a candle on top. Happy Birthday Princess!

Koko Crater Summit

Aida coaching and coaxing everybody for picture taking time. Scott, stop talking to the Japanese tourist. Chico, get in the frame. Ferlino, stop taking selfies. Front row, show some teeth. Edgar, turn around. Kenny, stop thinking about pot. Matt, stop flying your drone. Say cheese!

Koko Crater Summit

Our final group photo. No photoshop involved.

Koko Crater Stairs

Time to head down the 3/4 mile of refurbished WW2 tramway. Hats off to the Kokonut Koalition and its volunteers that did such a superb job of fixing up the stairs.

Koko Crater Stairs

All pau pau. Let’s go kau kau. Everybody made it down safe and sound unless you count two counts of cactus penetration, sounds worse than it actually was.

Gyotaku

Matt serving our lunch as his manager looks on to make sure he gets our orders right. It’s hard to find good help these days.

Gyotaku

The only thing more insane about this cake is its price. Don’t ask. Thanks to everybody for coming out to celebrate Aida’s birthday hike. Fun times all around.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTqt6vAtIfE

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Andrew Hirai, Chico Cantu, Cristy CM, David and Susan Katz, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, Matt Vidaurri and Nick, Scott Dea, Roger Schiffman, Susana Escobar, Tesssa Bugay, 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 perimeter walk got washed out due to the heavy storm activity over the weekend, so it was off to chasing waterfalls again. Yay! The original group of 17 people shrank to only seven peeps when all was said and done. They were dropping like flies. I think they all went to go eat at The Beach House by 604 with the rest of their friends.

Pali Lookout

What remained of the group met up at the lookout where we skipped the panoramic views and made our way down the rain soaked road that was blocked by a fallen tree that was being quickly disposed of by HFD who questioned our mental capacity for being out in the storm system that was currently thrashing the islands. I’m pretty sure some of them were making side bets if they were going to be called back later to rescue said hikers.

Nu’uanu Valley

The group crossing the irrigation ditch.

Nu’uanu Valley

Passing over one of multiple swollen streams in the valley.

Nu’uanu Valley

We navigated our way through the forest through the diluted smell of the bloodhound and Val’s tracks and ribbons.

Nu’uanu Valley

Ferlino crossing a stream and taking a selfie. That man loves his selfies. Not to be confused with self love.

Nu’uanu Valley

The rest of us just stuck to hiking the trail. Stay focused.

Nu’uanu Valley

We soon spotted the waterfalls in the distance. Now we just had to get to it.

Nu’uanu Valley

Somebody said there was cardio involved in today’s hike?

Nu’uanu Valley

It looked like we were going further away from the falls as we got higher on the ridgeline as the footing became less secure and sure.

Nu’uanu Valley

We scrambled and slid back back down to relative safety.

Z Falls

Making our way to the base of the waterfall.

Z Falls

Like its neighboring cousin, V Falls, this dry chute only carries H2O during heavy rainfall.

Z Falls

Group photo at the lower tier, where is Ferlino?

Z Falls

He had climbed up and lowered webbing down the falls. Is that for ascent or descent? Or both? We would never find out.

Z Falls

We soon followed him up to the second tier of the falls by climbing and contouring the ridgeline, all except one. The very one that orchestrated this waterfall hike. The wet irony.

Z Falls

Looking up at the second tier as the winds were whipping something fierce and were flying most of the water into the air, rendering the waterfalls less voluminous in appearance.

Z Falls

Group photo at the base of the second falls.

Z Falls

Val looking up at the waterfall. There was probably a third tier, but no discernible means of approach. Plus, we were getting cold. Hawaii people and all.

Nu’uanu Valley

Leaving our precarious perch on the hill as we scrambled our way back down the soft and slippery slope.

Nu’uanu Valley

Edgar following the stream as we made our way back out.

Nu’uanu Valley

Passing underneath a fallen tree which answers the philosophical question. If a tree falls in a forest, just make sure you get the hell out of the way.

Nu’uanu Valley

Passing by the former Mosquito Bucket Junction, now seemingly taken over by the Hunter Bucket Association.

Nu’uanu Valley

And then our group shrank by three, as Allison, Edgar and Joyce parted ways and went back to their cars.

Nu’uanu Valley

The group going through the bamboo grass forest, whose underground root system ensures that the plants are perennial.

Waipuilani Falls

It’s been a hot minute since I last visited these falls over 10 years ago and they were trickling as compared to today’s flow.

Waipuilani Falls

End of the line for us in the roughly 100′ deep cave. Opinions have been tossed out as to the nature of the cave, whether it’s man-made or natural. There is an irrigation pipe that runs the length of the cave and another albeit short tunnel that branches off from the main one towards the end. Both dead end into the rock.

Waipuilani Falls

Group photo from the cave between the twin waterfalls.

All pau

Where’s HFD when you need them?

Kaneohe

The group retired to Chico’s house to change into dry clothes where we were joined by Anne-Marie, Herb & Shirley, Mari, Marilyn, Robin, Susan & Andrew, Tessa & Akira. We all ate a hearty meal from the potluck spread and celebrated Lilia’s Birthday. Happy Birthday and many more!

Kaneohe

Recreating the group photo from last year, albeit with a couple stand-ins and missing people.

Kaneohe

Let it rain dollars. Next stop, Club 939.

Kaneohe

One for the road. Maybe a couple more.

Our waterfall exploration hike that was lead by the annoying church slut measured roughly 3.7 miles that bore witness to a “new” and old waterfall. Thanks to Chico and Lilia for hosting the Super Bowl/Birthday party at their house and everybody for the fun company on and off the trail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI_GN9ErxqE

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our waterfall day.

Photos/Crew taken by Aileen Agustin, Allison Banks, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Joyce Uhlmer, 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.

My original hiking plans got shelved, that seems to be happening a lot lately, so it was off to find a route to the numbers that Scotty had been wanting to check out.

Maunawili

Our destination was in sight. Now we just had to find a way to get up there.

Maunawili

Turning off the road that is reputedly haunted at night by ghostly hitchhikers and menehunes. During the daytime, it’s primarily occupied by chronics, homeless and illegal dumpers.

Maunawili

Chico trying to find his balance on an abandoned car.

Maunawili

The trail / road was just a relentless slog uphill.

Maunawili

Ferlino living up to the stereotype. Anybody need parts for their 4Runner?

Maunawili

Webbing? We don’t need no stinking webbing.

Maunawili

Anybody needs some snow fungus in their salad?

Maunawili

Passing through one of many weathered ribbons that marked the trail.

Maunawili

Edgar approaching the summit with the quarry behind him that was started up in 1949 to meet the increased rock demand due to the suburban development of Oahu.

Maunawili Cliffs

We knew the number “26” was somewhere below us, so Edgar flew his drone out to pinpoint the location.

Maunawili Cliffs

Preparing to descend and scout out the rock below us to see if we could approach the painted numbers. We also wondered if we were visible to the hikers on Olomana, somebody dubiously claimed they did see us.

Maunawili Cliffs

The numbers change annually to reflect the graduating senior class. Competition with the Kailua and Kalaheo students, who have their own numbers.

Maunawili Cliffs

We determined further descent was too precarious, so we scrambled back up the rocks.

Maunawili

Making our way onto the quarry road.

Maunawili

Can you see the smile for the rock?

Maunawili

Hiking our way to the other end of the ridge to see a bench that was last seen 10 years ago by Scotty’s friend.

Pine Tree Hill

We decided to take a break in the stand of pine trees.

Pine Tree Hill

The bench had to be partially re-assembled as it lay scattered amongst the pine needles.

Pine Tree Hill

Ferlino showcasing his impressive core and upper body strength while the rest of us struggled to keep up.

Maunawili

So much for collision avoidance.

Maunawili

Medic! I think I can save the eyeball. The eyelashes maybe not.

Maunawili

Climbing into a bench with a view.

Maunawili

Far, far, far away.

Maunawili

Going back to our cars where we ran across more discarded items of civilization, that may one day be somebody’s treasure.

All pau

We ended our roughly five mile hike none the worse for wear other than an corneal abrasion, a dropped phone that was thankfully recovered by Edgar and smothered in fun times. Post hike meal at Saigon Noodle House which used the wider noodles in its sweeter broth. Thanks to Scotty for today’s hike and everybody for the fun company.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3HHEBDB0qk

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our hiking day.

Photos taken by Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Scotty Dea, 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.

Camping plans got shelved so it was off to hike the highest peak on Oahu today.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Thanks to Edgar and Jasmin for shuttling us to the valley of stripped cars, stray dogs and stealers.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Walking up the road that is nobody’s friend.

Waianae Kaala Trail

End of the road and start of the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Going up the steep leaf carpeted hill for our morning cardio.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Group photo at the horizontal leaning tree, which is a position some in the group wanted to assume.

Waianae Kaala Trail

We’ve only just begun to hike
Sunscreen and bug spray
A deep breath and we’re on our way
We’ve only begun

Three Poles

Taking a rest after all that elevation gain. We still got roughly 1,300′ more of climbing to do.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Tessa making short work of the jumbled rocks with short legs.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Flying the drone to get a birds eye view.

Waianae Kaala Trail

It takes a group to raise a friend.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Our group photo on top of the rocks. Shaken, not stirred.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin climbing up the trail from an approach she has never done before. First time for everything.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Mari climbing up the ladder on the second set of jumbled rocks found on the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

The group going up the long stretch of rope and rocks.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Not out of the woods yet.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Looking for those native snails. I saw one on this very same tree on one of my last visits. I guess they moved on.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Pop! Boom! Bang! That’s how Cristy hikes. Or at least that’s how her pants rolls.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin with the panoramic background the valleys and ridges behind her.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Exhaled condensation became visible due to altitude, temperature and humidity levels. Photographic evidence did not manifest itself unfortunately.

Mount Ka’ala Bog

Meandering our way through the 1/4 mile boardwalk that protects the 1,100 acres of the native ecosystem of plants and animals.

Mount Ka’ala

Congratulations to Mari for completing the climb to the highest peak on the island that sits at 4,025′ above sea level.

Mount Ka’ala

Kenny and myself went clockwise around the FAA radar station established in the 1960s and often called “Red Bluff.” We were trying to hike down to the hoist structure but took the wrong trail.

Mount Ka’ala

Meanwhile, the rest of the group soon followed and not seeing us had assumed that we had just circled the radar station. “Assumptions are made, and most assumptions are wrong” – Albert Einstein. So the group had to come back to the scenic spot to have our lunch.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo near “Red Bluff,” named because of the iron-rich soil found at the site where the radar station is situated.

Mount Ka’ala

Looking into the radar station that is jointly managed by the FAA and Hawaii Air National Guard.

Mount Ka’ala

Lunch is served, vodka not included.

Mount Ka’ala

Akira was either having a kanak attack or cramp attack or panic attack.

Mount Ka’ala

Not all of us chose the same way to exit the grassy spot overlooking the central plains.

Mount Ka’ala

Our last group photo before leaving the summit.

Mount Ka’ala Bog

Heading out through the cloud forest on the boardwalk.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Can’t beat the views going down.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Traffic Jam.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin leaving the ridge line as we descended back down to the valley floor.

All pau

Thanks to Edgar and Jasmin for picking us back up at the end of our hike.

GPS Tracks

Our hike to the highest mountain on the island of Oahu covered 7.48 miles with good friends and good times.

The Beach House by 604

Our post hike meal was at the dirty spoon aka flyblown as we had our dinner and sampled the not so famous clam chowder and Mr. Suzuki became the new Mr. Miyagi. We did have a nice sunset for our viewing pleasure.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Cristy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Robin Farr, 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.

Our planned trip to summit the largest active volcano on Earth was scuttled due to lack of permits, so we just decided to explore some spots on the youngest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. No sense wasting a perfectly good three day weekend.

Teshima’s Restaurant

Our flight landed on the Keahole Point runway that was built on the 1801 lava flow and met up with Roger and picked up our Turo Jeep. Brunch was at the Japanese restaurant built in 1957 and consisted of American breakfast fare as lunch time was so close but yet so far.

Pebble Beach

We briefly stopped at Roger’s house and then drove down his neighborhood to start our coastal hike. Why walk when you can drive?

Puoa Point Trail

Roger and Aida using the stepping stones over the chunky and crunchy ‘a’a lava. Ow! Ow!

Puoa Point Trail

Mari passing through a stand of trees that offered the only shade on the trail.

Puoa Point Trail

Ferlino hanging off a tree. A force of habit.

Puoa Point Trail

Approaching the wave weathered rock formation that will eventually erode and allow the coastline to migrate inland.

Puoa Point

The power of the ocean as demonstrated by the high surf crashing against the rocks which continuously change the character of the coastline.

Puoa Point

Looking out towards one of numerous sea arches that populate the shoreline.

Puoa Point

Perched on top of the rocks as the ocean waters churned all around us.

Puoa Point

Can you see Roger for the waves?

Kaluahe’e Rock

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Do I want to be on the six o’clock news? Where is the nearest lifeguard station? How are the medical facilities on this island? Prudence was the better part of valor in this case of rough waters and lack of strong swimming skills.

Kaluahe’e Rock

Ferlino demonstrating the safer practice of hanging over terra firma.

Kaluahe’e Rock

Drone view of cable rock towards the group. Roger stated that an enterprising local strung up this cable wire during the height of Covid to secure his own fishing spot.

Puoa Point Trail

Walking over the different textures of pahoehoe lava.

Puoa Point Trail

Our search for the lava tube that descended vertically into the sea was called off due to lack of time.

Puoa Point Trail

Does Pele’s Curse apply to goat skulls?

Puoa Point Trail

I left my heart in Captain Cook or more accurately Kealakekua Bay.

Puoa Point Trail

On the way back, high surf completely drenched a particular Galaxy Phone and her owner. Electronic devices and seawater do not mix well.

Puoa Point Trail

Keeping out of the surf zone. I have an iPhone.

All pau

Following the trail back to our cars and dry clothes for some.

Manago Restaurant

The hotel has been closed as of 2023, but the restaurant is still open for business. The food and settings appear to have been frozen in time since the 1940s. Of course we had to sample their famous pork chops. Comfort food.

Manago Restaurant

Eating our dinner in the no-frills, rustic and old school eatery that won the 2023 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award, which has been described as the “Oscars” of the food industry.

Manago Restaurant

Group photo in the longest continually running restaurant in Hawaii. We retired to Roger’s house to play the card game of Shithead. The former winner declined to play and the host was declared the winner that night.

Day 2

Punalu’u Bake Shop

The next day, we had Chicken Papaya for breakfast that Ferlino had prepared the night before. Salamat. We then made the trip to Hilo which takes roughly two hours, on the way we stopped at the Southern most bakery in the US to sample the best malasadas according to somebody. I think she’s all wet. Oh wait, that was yesterday. It was actually ono (delicious).

Punalu’u Bake Shop

Chowing down our bakery breakfast before continuing the relatively long drive to Hilo.

Kulaniapia Falls

We picked up Scotty and rolled into what is billed as Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall. Mahalo to Scott for the suggestion to check out this place. They don’t take walkups as one might be trampled by the hordes beating a path to their door so to speak. Staff gave us a short briefing and initially I thought this is what we paid a Benjamin for?

Kulaniapia Falls

Two trails diverged in a bamboo forest,
And happy we could travel both
And looked down as far as we could
To where water flowed in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and a waterfall;
Though as for that the passing there
I doubted if we should ever come back.

Kulaniapia Falls

Making our way clockwise on the loop trail as we descended down towards Waiau Stream.

Kulaniapia Falls

Rearranged the furniture for our group shot from the pavilion.

Kulaniapia Falls

The landscape of the place has a strong Asian-inspired feel to the 22-acre property.

Kulaniapia Falls

In search of that “hot tub” that Scotty had pointed out earlier.

Kulaniapia Falls

I think somebody and their phone are marked safe from any “splashing” today.

Kulaniapia Falls

Scrambling downstream where I ran across multiple rappelling anchors bolted into the rocks. Optional activity that was not considered by the group due to lack of interest, time and cost.

Kulaniapia Falls

So close, yet so far. I didn’t want to pull an “Aida” and decided to stay put and dry.

Kulaniapia Falls

We explored a little more downstream to discover triple waterfalls.

Kulaniapia Falls

Flying Filipino on the rocks. Shaken, not stirred.

Kulaniapia Falls

We followed the trail to the main falls where others were engaged in the optional activities offered for a price.

Kulaniapia Falls

Group photo in front of the recorded 120′ falls. Some would dispute that number.

Kulaniapia Falls

Keeping the social distance of 20′ away from the falls where the height of the falls became less disputable.

Kulaniapia Falls

Making our way back to our cars which ended our “exhausting” less than a mile loop trail and dropped Scotty off at the airport to catch his flight back home.

Hilo

We had pho at Van’s Vietnamese Cuisine, visited the local Baskin Robbins, picked up an apple pie from the local supermarket that we never ate, sampled free cookies and coffee and even had time to clean the eco-system that was growing in the gutters.

Volcano House

Is that Episode 41? Hoping against hope. Come back next weekend.

Volcano House

We had a roughly one hour wait at the bustling building that has been around since 1941, but has its roots going back to 1846. Our dinner was pepperoni and wild mushroom pizza which was gobbled down in short order as Aida had to catch her flight back.

Highway 11

Driving back to Kona on the inky blacktop, we were surprised by the Blue Light Special. The police gave us a marked down speeding ticket. Not quite the sale we had been hoping for. Nobody was in the mood to play another card game of Shithead. So we all hit the sack.

Day 3

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

We arrived at the trailhead of the many furrowed hill while staying under the speed limit on our last day in Kona.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Why did the sheep cross the road? The sheep identifies as chickens, if it works for humans, why not domesticated ruminants?

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Approaching the jello mold hill as we soon traded the paved road for a jeep road.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Passing an abandoned structure, multiple guesses were tossed out as to the original use of the building.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Slowly gaining elevation on the hill.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Border control. No whistling allowed.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Dung beetle hard at work rolling cow shit into a ball to be buried for food storage which also plays a part in soil nutrition and seed dispersal. They are also quite strong as they can pull over 1,100 times their own body weight, which is the equivalent of an average person pulling four loaded city buses.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Cresting over the 4×4 road that are used by ranchers and students planting native plants and trees.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Approaching the steep section. Where?

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Looking back at the now steep section. Perspective.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

The cows had the right idea as they were sheltering for shade.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a

Ferlino approaching the summit.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a

Group photo at the 3,956′ top of the 100,000 year old cinder cone.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a

Drone views.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a

Looking out towards Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Descending off the cinder cone that sits on the North slope of Hualalai, the third highest peak on the island. Next on my list.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

Looping back on the trail.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

All downhill from here.

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail

“Pulling” the cinder cone towards us. If only it was that easy.

All pau

Hop, skip and a jump and we were back to our car.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 6.68 miles with an elevation gain of 1,864′ and 3 hours and 26 minutes of hiking time.

Kona

We stopped to get our bag of the Kona version of Maui style chips and had a late lunch at the restaurant housed in a building that dates back to the 1930s. Looks like it.

The Coffee Shack

Enjoying our panoramic views of the Kona coast and the natural air conditioning afforded by the missing window pane.

Kona

We caught the sunset on the way to the airport to catch our flight back home and got upgraded to exit row seats as we all needed the extra legroom for our extremely long limbs. Many thanks to Roger for hosting us at his house, Ferlino and Roger for driving all over the island and everybody for the fun company. MLK weekend well spent.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Ferlino Carinio, Mari Saito, Robin Farr, Roger Schiffman, Scott Dea, 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.

Somebody asked me to hike this section today for their birthday. I often get confused for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Wiliwilinui Trailhead

Thanks to Scott, Susan and Tessa for shuttling us to the trail nestled in the luxury neighborhood of Waialae Iki that was founded in the 1960s.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Looking back at the sunrise shimmering over the Pacific Ocean as we hiked up the trail that was originally a service road built by the US Army in 1941.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Reverse tug of war, where the mountain pulls you up the hill.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Somebody thought this was the end of the line and were about to turn around and call it a day. He was sadly mistaken.

Wiliwilinui Trail

The show must go on. Reluctantly.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Staggering out the group to prevent trail erosion or maintain social pacing or was that distancing. Is that even a thing anymore?

Wiliwilinui Summit

Arriving at the summit hoping for panoramic views of the East side only to have them dashed. Not all birthday wishes come true.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Happy Birthday Private School. Enjoy your public school made cup cake.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Group photo of the party of sixteen on the 2,700′ summit.

Wiliwilinui Summit

And then they were ten. Edgar, Joyce, Mari, Marilyn, Scott and Tessa departed the summit to go back down the trail. They had places to go and things to do and being on the KST was not one of them.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Stepping foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains that was shrouded in low hanging clouds which helped people with acrophobia.

KSRT

Capturing the moment before the shorts adjustment.

Wailupe Summit

One of countless uses for duct tape, the ubiquitous adhesive that was invented in 1942.

Wailupe Summit

Group photo at the 2,580′ socked in summit.

KSRT

Sliding our way down into the cloud soaked ridge line.

KSRT

Some embraced the slide more than others.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Most people eat trail mix or energy bars on the hike for energy. Ferlino eats rice. Not adobo with rice. Not multi-grain rice. Not brown rice. Just white rice. Carbs.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Enjoying our streak of continuous cloud coverage at the 2,520′ knob.

KSRT

The group making their way down a steep section.

KSRT

Pushing our way through the thick carpet of the contradictory invasive but indigenous uluhe ferns.

Kulepeamoa Summit

This was the flapping chicken summit and not the clapping chicken summit that tops out at 2,500′. Always one in the crowd.

KSRT

Kenny using an existing webbing to stabilize his descent down another steep section on the ridge line.

KSRT

The rest of the group making their way down the trail.

West Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Somebody was glad we had reached our lunch spot at the grassy hill.

West Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Ferlino enjoying the muted views with his bowl of white rice, where CB soon joined the group to finish out the hike.

KSRT

Lower elevation translated into the much anticipated views.

KSRT

Kenny living life on the edge.

KSRT

Cristy approaching the scalloped section.

KSRT

Just missing the tent and disco ball.

KSRT

Looking back at the gender segregated photo.

Bear Claw

Checking out the Windward ridge that sprawls down into Waimanalo.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Close enough for hiking work. Group photo near the 2,200′ flat-topped hill.

KSRT

Going up the eroded rockface.

KSRT

The rest of the group making their way down the heavily rutted side of the mountain.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Arriving at one of the most heavily trafficked trails on the island due to its relative ease of access and sweeping views from the top.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Group photo at the 2,028′ eroded hill.

KSRT

Leaving the summit for our last summit of the day.

KSRT

Passing through the first set of power lines on the ridge line.

KSRT

Inspecting this crimson colored starfish fungus, a distant relative of the starfish flower? Didn’t want to subject our olfactory senses to the smell test.

KSRT

Twists and turns in the forest.

Hahaione Pyramid

Some took the easy way. Some took the hard way. Depends whose direction you followed.

Hahaione Pyramid

Group photo at the 2,100′ apex of the triangular shaped hill.

Hahaione Pyramid

One has to know their limitations.

Pyramid Trail

Time to beat the sun down.

Pyramid Trail

Descending down the initial steep pitch of the trail, which was a more direct route than the discarded option of the valley route.

Pyramid Trail

Can you see the hiker for the tree?

All pau

We made it down to the valley floor with over an hour of daylight to spare.

GPS Tracks

Our birthday hike covered 6.86 miles with a fun and large group. Post hike birthday dinner at Gyotaku where we arrived too late for the early bird specials. Happy Birthday Susan!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH4p3B2uSfY

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.

Photos taken by Aileen Augustin, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Chris Bautista, Cristy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Joyce Uhlmer, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Robin Farr, Scott Dea, Susan Katz, Tessa Bugay, 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.