Forecasted heavy rains scuttled my camping plans, so it was off to explore a “trail” that appeared after the heavy rains.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We all met up and parked outside the protected coastline that are home to sand dunes, sea arch and caves, and native plants and wildlife.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Passing several mass wastings that were triggered by the recent rainfalls. A certain inquiring mind wondered if any one of these newly minted stripped paths were stable enough to follow up to the mountain. Only one way to find out.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We picked the “easiest” looking one and started bushwhacking through the chest high overgrowth.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking back to discover that we had missed an easier path. Missed it by that much. Oh well.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Kenny climbing up a waterfall? Not again.

Ka’ena Point State Park

It’s staggering to think how much rainfall kinetic energy was released during the Kona lows to trigger the sediment movement that pushed boulders, trees and everything in its path down the side of the mountain.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Following the trickling stream as we steadily climbed up the “trail.”

Ka’ena Point State Park

Tessa standing next to a pretty poor representation of a waterfall. Where are those thunderstorms that were predicted to hit this area? Lie Hagi strikes again. No complaints from the peanut gallery.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Edgar and Aida making their way up the “trail.” Whose ideas was this?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Now would be a good time to go to the bathroom. There may be a slight color variation.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Tessa going up the “stairway” as we steadily advanced up the “trail.”

Ka’ena Point State Park

When good intentions are canceled out by the grinding pressure on ones hand as it’s pressed against unyielding rock.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Glad somebody brought webbing on today’s hike. Thanks Dale.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Well, that rock isn’t going to roll by itself.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale and Akira climbing and contouring another trickling stream.

Ka’ena Point State Park

The group inching their way up the steep hill as we passed the start of the landslide.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking towards the sprawling 153 acres that is home to the remote tracking station of the US Space Force.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Ani and Aida climbing towards the top as rolling clouds intermittently masked the area.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Kenny and Tessa taking photos of their Japanese imports, Minilla and Monchichi, monster and monkey.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Group photo on a rock perch that wasn’t meant to hold eight people.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Our view of the coastline from our roughly 980′ elevation point.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Car check to make sure the morning chronic wasn’t cruising around again.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Passing through the treeline where we came across a campfire pit in the mountains. Remember … Only YOU can prevent forest fires. Where was Smokey the Bear when you need him?

Ka’ena Point State Park

The original plan was to go down the Manini Pali trail. That was the plan. Plans change.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Approaching another waterfall in the distance.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We’ll be coming ’round the mountain. We’ll be slipping on six big rocks and then some.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking for the trail down.

Ka’ena Point State Park

This must be the trail. Manini Pali trail?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking at one of the spur ridges dropping away from the mountain as we scrambled our way down.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Is this the way down?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Descending down the trail of least resistance or most resistance?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Akira watching the group climbing down the cliffs.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale, Tessa and Edgar climbing down the rocks.

Ka’ena Point State Park

I don’t think this is the Manini Pali Trail.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale showing the rest of the group how it’s done.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Cave views.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Aida checking out the footing as she climbs down a hike she later characterized as harder than Witch’s Hat.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Tessa dropping down the roughly 10′ drop. Not much unless you got short legs.

Ka’ena Point State Park

This part is kind of tricky (Japanese accent).

Ka’ena Point State Park

Kenny assisting the rest of the group as we hugged the cliff.

Ka’ena Point State Park

The group soon traded unstable terrain for more unstable terrain.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We are pourin’ like an avalanche comin’ down the mountain. We don’t mind the rain sometimes. Name that paraphrased song from the late 90s.

Ka’ena Point State Park

The group soon met up with the road again.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale sitting pretty in a field of sunflowers on our way out and back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our rolling stones gathers no moss hike covered 2.34 miles through unstable terrain and cloud soaked mountains with an extra pinch of excitement to keep it just right with good friends.

Waialua

Post hike meal in the former sugar plantation town where we had pizza and some would say one of the better burgers at Jerry’s Pizza Mill. Move over Shige’s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCQR1p4rnD8

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our landslide falls hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Ani Lagpacan, Dale Yoshizu, 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 walked around the Windward side of the island to collect Easter eggs but failed to meet the Easter Bunny today.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Leaving Groot and Lilia behind us as we started our day.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Chico plucking some ripe calamansi from the nearby shrub, which turned out to be real sour and became regurgitated.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Passing by the townhome community developed in the early 1970s that transformed this former agricultural area into a residential development.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

ChatGPT photo at an intersection. Where did those mangoes come from?

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Practicing for the Coconut Tree Climbing Championship. ‘E’ita!

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Gas prices are skyrocketing, so time to trade in the car for the ultimate green, zero-emission mode of transport, the shopping cart. This cultural symbol of modern consumerism was invented in 1937 by Sylvan Goldman of Humpty Dumpty Supermarkets in Oklahoma.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Yielding to vehicular traffic on the road.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Even drones fall from trees. Monkeys are safe today.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Group photo on the tree that few climbed, the rest of us stayed on terra firma.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Just missing the bubblegum. Is that how they used to dance back in the day?

N Kalaheo Avenue

Groot was here.

N Kalaheo Avenue

Crossing over Kawainui Canal that was constructed in 1952 for flood control but has resulted in Hamakua Marsh slowly drying out. Unintended consequences.

Beach Access

The guys sticking it on the chain link fence. All beaches in Hawaii are public with the exception of military bases and there must be public access pathways. However, some financially entitled owners try to claim the beach fronting their property as their own, which leads to friction with locals and transplants.

Beach Access

Why can’t we have nice toys like these? The usual suspects.

Kailua Beach

Getting our feet sandy on part of the 2.5 mile beach that has been ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.

Private Road

Back on the road again.

N Kalaheo Avenue

Passing by the Naupaka Kahakai flowers that are only found by the ocean. They only have half the petal as there is another half of the flower called Naupaka Kuahiwi that are only found in the mountains. Legend has it that these were two lovers that were killed due to a forbidden romance and were turned into ocean and mountain flowers, forever separated in life and death.

Mo’okua Street

We were looking for a garage sale and instead found a house filled with driftwood artistic interpretations.

McDonald’s

Sitting on hamburger stools, possibly the last restaurant out of 72 stores in Hawaii that still has these nostalgic seats.

Uloha

We decided to check out the store whose acronym means “Uncle’s Local Outfitter of Hawaiian Adventures.” The original town store opened in 2017 and this second location opened in 2024 due to strong demand. Buy local, when you can afford it.

Uloha

Thanks to Tessa for pointing out that they were Easter Eggs hidden in the store and they each were worth from 10% to 50% off on store merchandise. Our group found all five and purchased stuff we wouldn’t have if it weren’t for the discounts. We also met Micah who rang up our sales and found out he was another fleet of foot KST hiker. Watch out Derek, Dylan and Conrad. He told us he hiked from Pupukea to Pali in a day and change. To be young again.

Tokyo Central

Having fun with dollar bubbles and seasonal Peeps.

Paia Fishmarket

Ending my 46 days of self-imposed ban on Coca-Cola as we had our lunch at one of the restaurants that had its origins in the plantation town of Pa’ia.

Hamakua Drive

Ok, now how do I get back up to the bridge? With a little help from my friends.

Keolu Drive

Walk with Aloha!

Keolu Drive

All pau. Perfect timing as the rain started to fall from the heavens as we made it back to our cars. We drove to Windward Mall to take a photo with the Easter Bunny only to find out he didn’t show up for work. It’s like finding out that Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy doesn’t exist. Crushed dreams.

GPS Tracks

Our Easter Egg walk and #16 of the perimeter walks covered 6.2 miles with fun friends and good times.

Ka hale o Cantu

The group continuing the tradition that started in Protestant Germany in the 16th century.

Ka hale o Cantu

Some found more than one Easter Egg. Lucky them.

Ka hale o Cantu

What do we have here? One egg was worth more than the 50% off previously discovered, actually the value was to the end consumer, the right end consumer. The others contained George Washington bills not yet autographed by the 47th President. Thanks to everybody that came out for the Easter Egg walk and only one more to go!

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Cristy CM, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, 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 flew to the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago to do some exploring this weekend.

Honoapi’ilani Highway

Matt picked us up at the airport and we decided to drive to the West side of the island to escape the rain that was showering the central part of the Valley Isle, motoring along the coastal highway that was built in 1927 to replace the 1900s dirt road that had 115 hairpin turns. Talk about getting carsick.

Honoapi’ilani Highway

We stopped at the side of the highway and talked story with Alan “Yamaz” Yamamoto, a local Molokai boy, who is a graduate and retired employee of Lahainaluna School.

Honoapi’ilani Highway

Yamaz cleared and started this rock garden after the 2020 COVID pandemic from rock and coral culled from nearby Olowalu Beach. The Hawaiian words “O Keia Ke Kukui Pio’ole I Ka Makani O Kaua’ula” roughly translate to “This torch can’t be extinguished by the winds off Kaua’ula.”

Honoapi’ilani Highway

One of many “message rocks” that border the front of the rock garden.

Honoapi’ilani Highway

If you ever find yourself driving Westside, stop by and thank this guy for all his hard work. And maybe leave a “message rock” while you’re at it.

Lahaina Memorial

We paid our respects to the 115 crosses that represents each of the lives lost in the tragic fire that swept Lahaina on August 8, 2023. On a personal anecdote, a friend had told me he got a sweet deal on a place to stay in Lahaina two weeks prior to the fires. Luckily, he was able to walk out of town but lost all his personal belongings except his car which somehow survived intact.

Lahaina

Looking at the first banyan tree planted in the Hawaiian islands on April 24, 1873 to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission.

Lahaina

This is how the tree looked after the wildfires had ravaged the old whaling town. Its recovery symbolizes the hope and strength of the surrounding community. Photo by Dominick Del Vecchio.

Lahaina

The residential heart of Lahaina are slowly being rebuilt with the commercial areas moving at a kahuli pace. The 30′ “L” has been overlooking the town since 1929, the large letter is refreshed annually by the Lahainaluna students.

Makaluapuna Point

Walking alongside the lava formation known as Dragon’s Teeth.

Makaluapuna Point

Chico circling inside the Kapalua labyrinth that was built in 2005 as a peace project.

Honolua Bay

Scenic point at the bay famous for its long right hand point surf break.

Honolua Bay

We walked down to the bay shoreline and the normally turquoise blue waters were somewhat muddied due to all the recent heavy rain and runoff.

Honolua Bay

The guys talking to Leialoha Manuwa, descended from ali’i (noble ruling class) and claimant to the Crown Lands that we were standing on. Thought bubbles not included.

Honolua Bay

Rowing and rowing our boat and not getting anywhere. Maybe water would help and no holes in the boat.

Honolua Bay

This place looks like it’s straight out of a Harry Potter book. Enchanted. Magical. Mystical. Enthralled. Captivated. Mesmerized. Bedazzled. Running out of superlative adjectives.

Chutes and Ladders

Matt angled and parked the van to ensure clean lines of sight as we stopped at our next adventure. A mother and daughter pair decided to follow us down the trail, hoping to see something enchanted. Wrong place.

Chutes and Ladders

We had to bushwhack a bit to find the cliff going down. Maintaining three points of contact as the rocks were a tad slippery due to recent rain. The female duo decided to turn around as there was nothing to see. Move along.

Chutes and Ladders

Scotty making his way down.

Chutes and Ladders

Chico climbing his down the roughly 40′ cliff face.

Chutes and Ladders

Scott approaching the tide pools that was on his bucket list. Look but don’t touch. Close enough.

Chutes and Ladders

The blue-green tide pools get regularly flushed out by the ocean.

Chutes and Ladders

Our scattered group shot against the pebbly rock face.

Chutes and Ladders

Climbing back up the cliff face and to our next spot.

Nakalele Blowhole

Despite what the sign says, are we at Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge?

Nakalele Blowhole

Will the real blowhole please stand up? Thank you.

Nakalele Blowhole

This is what the Nakalele Heart Rock used to look like.

Nakalele Blowhole

Now it looks like this. Constant ocean erosion finally split the iconic rock formation in half as of January 2020. Another victim of the COVID pandemic?

Nakalele Blowhole

Well, if I can’t get a heart rock photo, I can at least get a shaka photo.

Nakalele Blowhole

Going back up the trail, this dislodged turned runaway boulder almost split Chico in half. Luckily, he rolled and tumbled out of the boulder’s path. Nimble as a ninja or at least a Beverly Hills Ninja ala Chris Farley.

Olivine Pools

Some were convinced we were not at the right tide pools. The rest of us didn’t know any better.

Olivine Pools

Double exposure. One is more than enough.

Olivine Pools

Leave only footprints. Muddy footprints.

Kahukuloa

Driving through the isolated village that doesn’t appreciate any honking of the horns.

Kahekili Highway

Roadside recyclable graffiti.

Kahekili Highway

Driving on this stretch of the road involves multiple hairpin turns, steep ocean drop offs often with no guardrails and narrow one-lane sections.

Howzit Hostels

We had time to kill so we ended up driving to Iao Valley for naught as the road was closed and somebody could have cared less, had dinner at Kalei’s Lunchbox and checked into our place for the night.

Wailuku

Day 2
Checking out of our hostel where we missed the creative pancakes and picked up McDonald’s instead. Matt also picked up four new hiking friends in the form of Brittney (Canada), Steve (Chicago), Sophie (Germany) and Zollo (Texas). Social media influencer and hostel volunteers.

Sunny D

Passing the Car-BQ as we plunged into the jungle.

Sunny D

Climbing our way down to the stream.

Sunny D

Passing a smaller waterfall as we followed the stream down. Some of us will be back.

Sunny D

Scotty approaching the end of the waterfall and the beginning of the ocean.

Sunny D

The girls wanted to make a splash in the deep pool.

Sunny D

Group photo at the end of the waterfall that drops into the ocean.

Sunny D

Pull back drone photo of the 150′ waterfall and other coastal waterfalls spilling into the ocean.

Sunny D

Brittney assured her nervous friends that her butt was wedged into the rock and she was locked in. No worries, she wasn’t going anywhere. Famous last words?

Sunny D

POV of the 45 meter drop to the ocean for our European friend.

Sunny D

Peering over the edge with Insta360.

Sunny D

Leaving the tidefall behind us.

Sunny D

The rest of the group streamed to the smaller waterfall while Kenny, Scotty and myself climbed back up the hill.

Sunny D

Brittney swam out to the base of the waterfall as she was already wet.

Sunny D

Chico wanted to make a splash in the pool as he was already wet as well.

Sunny D

Somebody filming themselves on the trail. Who needs somebody to take their picture when you can do it yourself?

Squirts

Walking to our next waterfall.

Squirts

This is not the trail. Turn around.

Squirts

Back on the road again.

Squirts

Following the sound of rushing water to its source.

Squirts

Miles and miles, hours and hours of rock hopping. Actually it turned out to be around 40 minutes. It just seemed endless.

Squirts

How long more? Somebody threw in their shoes and turned back.

Squirts

The girls next to a side waterfall.

Squirts

Climbing and contouring our way around a fallen tree.

Squirts

The end is in sight!

Squirts

Group photo at the end of the coastal waterfall.

Squirts

Jurassic Island in the background.

Squirts

Droning the 250′ falls crashing into the ocean below us.

Squirts

Product placement. Social media influencer and all. The apple got a free ride.

Squirts

Chico peering over the edge with his Insta360.

Squirts

Forget Door Dash and Uber Eats, there is a little known service that delivers to remote areas called Sherpa.

Squirts

Much to our relief, we found the trail that bypassed the rock hopping stream and ended up taking roughly 10 minutes. Time saver.

Squirts

Back on the road.

Squirts

We walked back to our cars; airdropped photos, consumed earned calories and somebody talked smack.

Savor Maui

Stopped at a nearby food truck to have pulled pork sandwiches and watched the preening peacock and food snatching peahens. These screeching birds, native to India, were introduced to Hawaii in 1860 and have since colonized all the major islands.

Naval Air Station Puunene

We tried to see some other bunkers but access was closed off. So we drove further down the road and checked out these abandoned structures that date back from WW2.

Naval Air Station Puunene

Running across the top of the earthen-bermed structures formerly used for ammunition storage.

Naval Air Station Puunene

Practicing my collision avoidance skills in the old telephone exchange building turned chop shop.

Naval Air Station Puunene

We checked out a couple other abandoned structures, cleaned up the van, and had a late lunch at Sonic. Where are the carhops? Big shout out to Matt who rented the van and was our uber driver for the weekend and for showing us around the island. Thanks to the group for an amazing adventure filled with exploration, waterfalls and scenic spots.

Photos/Crew taken by Chico Cantu, Kenny Lui, Matt Vidaurri, 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.

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.