Our hike today was over ten years in the making for a certain individual. Today his dream came true. Semper Fi. Thankfully, Hurricane Nolo was a bust this weekend.

Waimanalo

Thanks to Allison for dropping us off in the back woods of Waimanalo. We met another hiking group that were waiting to be assembled to go tramping in the foothills and one of them was kind enough to take our group photo.

Waimanalo

Somebody stepped on dog shit. The smell was in the air. Shoe checking.

Waimanalo

Jeremy bear hugging his way to the top.

Waimanalo

Wasaaaaabi! Just missing the sushi.

Waimanalo

Group photo with the backdrop of the knife edged peak named after the overseer who was tasked with managing the wetlands of Kawainui.

Waimanalo

Cristy climbing and crawling her way through one of the fallen trees that blocked the trail.

Ahiki

Making our way up the base of the third peak.

Ahiki

Aileen waiting in the climbing queue.

Ahiki

Jeremy and Cristy approaching the next near vertical climb.

Ahiki

Are we there yet?

Ahiki

Just pull up. You’re in my way, Kenji!

Ahiki

Scary! Ririi? It was also Akira’s first time ascending the backside of Olomana.

Ahiki

Did you even look this side? I see what you mean. When expectations tries to trump experience.

Ahiki

The best seat in the house.

Ahiki

When the eyes speak volumes.

Ahiki

Aileen contouring and climbing this treed section.

Ahiki

Cristy climbing to the best seat in the house.

Ahiki

Approaching the shakiest section of the trail. Literally.

Ahiki

Missing the PVC pipe ladder.

Ahiki

Group photo at the lowest of the three peaks at 1,480′ elevation.

Three Peaks

Climbing our way down from what is considered the most “technical” of the three peaks.

Ahiki

Making our way to the two remaining peaks.

Three Peaks

Can you see me for the hole? The Olomana Puka.

Three Peaks

Descending our way down the crumbly rocks.

Keyhole

Who’s climbing to the top? Crickets. Not even chirping.

Keyhole

Trying to cram five hikers in our group photo frame.

Keyhole

Contouring around the fractured dike that will surely crumble under its own weight one day.

Three Peaks

Approaching the base of the middle peak as we entered the canopied area that provided shade and shelter from the sun.

Paku’i

Climbing up one of the steeper sections of the trail.

Paku’i

Aileen looking back at the rest of the group making their way up.

Paku’i

Jeremy striking a pose that many hikers imitate with the background of the third peak.

Paku’i

Relaxing in the ultra light hammocks on the 1,520′ peak, that was named after the overseer of the Ka’elepulu fishponds. One of us even got spoon fed. Talk about service.

Paku’i

Traversing our way to the last and highest peak.

Olomana

Blowing Chef’s Kiss at the 1,643′ peak named after the giant and imposing warrior that once ruled the land between Makapu’u and Kualoa.

Olomana

Taking our leave of the highest peak as we descended towards the foothills of Maunawili.

Olomana

Scrambling down the big rock, where Jeremy descended down the difficult route. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Olomana

Climbing our way down the still steep section of the trail.

Olomana

Treading softly on the carpet of pine needles.

Olomana

Checking out a traditional ahupua’a land division marker on the shortcut trail out.

Olomana

Dropping down to the exit point which spits us out close to the guard house for the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club.

All pau

Walking back to our cars as we ended our 3.55 mile hike across the divided or forked hill with fun company and good friends. Post hike meal at Don Goyo’s Mexican Food. Delicioso!

Photos/Crew taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Cristy CM, Jeremy Cannone, 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 gathered at the Pali Lookout to ride the ridges but we found ourselves hiking in the shadows of the ridges instead. Called up Edgar to join us and some of us fed the feral chickens to kill time until he could join us.

Old Pali Road

Mindful of falling rocks, we set foot on the road that has fallen out of favor since January 3, 1961.

Old Pali Road

Don’t we know this guy?

Old Pali Road

Looking for waterfalls in all the wrong places.

Old Pali Road

Look down here.

Old Pali Road

The rodents seem to have decent dwellings in this part of town.

Old Pali Road

Akira climbing down the love ladder.

Old Pali Road

Crossing underneath the Windward lanes of the Pali Highway that opened to the public in 1958.

Old Pali Road

Group photo underneath the town bound lanes of the artery that opened back in 1957.

Old Pali Road

We checked out the graffiti art, some of us too closely. No need to choke the chicken Akira-san.

Old Pali Road

Following the road system that connects the Windward community to town.

Old Pali Road

It’s truly amazing how these graffiti artists are able to tag these structures in remote and seemingly out of reach places.

Old Pali Road

Sharing the road with bicyclists pedaling their way up the abandoned road.

Kamo’oali’i Stream

My Tarzan transition was a failure. I guess I have to keep my day job.

Kamo’oali’i Falls

Group photo at the trickling waterfall. The sense of disappointment hung heavy in the air. Or maybe it was just in my head.

Old Pali Road

Edgar making his way back to the road.

Old Pali Road

We soon spotted many of these leaf footed bugs crowding on the nearby plants, similar to stink bugs, as when crushed, they release a foul-smelling liquid. Keep distance.

Old Pali Road

Detouring off the bridge and road that was rebuilt in 1919.

Likeke Trail

Walking our way up to the refurbished water tank that was overshadowed by the hollowed Pali Puka that was looking down at us.

Likeke Trail

Exploring the tank, I remember when it was flat and you could actually climb and walk across the top. Not anymore.

Likeke Falls

The man-made spring fed waterfalls were teeming with Scouts and their leaders. Boy and Girl Scouts are a thing of the past. Political correctness at its finest.

Likeke Falls

Apparently, only Kenny and myself wanted to get wet in the waterfalls. And I don’t even particularly care for waterfalls!

Likeke Trail

We took our leave of the crowds and followed the trail that was overgrown and littered with blow downs.

Likeke Trail

Taking a short pause at the V Falls Junction. No water. No flow. Nothing to see. Move along.

Likeke Trail

Resuming our hike on the trail that has seen better days.

Likeke Trail

We finally broke out of the stifling humidity of the forest and got some trade winds on the exposed ridge line. Edgar decided to give his drone a proper send off, it was more like an involuntary separation. If anybody sees a Mavic DJI 3 Mini lying in the forest, please return to sender.

Likeke Trail

Shaking the trees and harvesting the bounty of mountain apples that fell from the skies like so much manna.

Likeke Trail

We soon found ourselves in mosquito country, where Akira was quick to lend a selective hand.

Likeke Trail

Scooting our way across a fallen tree that served as a bridge across the gully.

Likeke Trail

It was either a pledge for the tin hats or the hard hats. Hello! Anybody home?

Interstate H-3

The Dancing Queens doing their stuff underneath the highway that was built to connect Pearl Harbor with the Kaneohe Marine Corps base and opened in 1997.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Walking out to our cars where only Ninja Arashi got the photo so prized by influencers and tourists alike.

All pau

Only our dogs are barking and not pooping. Smile anyway.

GPS Tracks

Our meandering in the foothills covered a tad shy of six miles with fun company. Post hike meal at Saito & Pho. Need to distance myself. No relationship. No discount.

AI Photo

When AI runs amok. Next thing you know, we will be hiking vicariously through AI.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai3OsXaA_-A

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chris Bautista, Cristy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, 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.

I had an unplanned couple free days to spend in Japan rather than Yellowknife in Canada. Long story. Thanks to Val for letting me tag along with her planned adventures.

Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line

Riding the third of four transfer trains that took me from Shinjuku Station to Shuzenji Station in roughly 3 1/2 hours, where Val picked me up in her rental car.

Izu Panorama Park

The rain was sprinkling and the clouds were gathering in the skies above us, so we paid 4,000 Yen and took the seven minute ride on the ropeway to Mount Katsuragi, which is the highest mountain on the Izu Peninsula.

Izu Panorama Park

We got off at the top of the mountaintop resort at an elevation of 1,483′ and walked over the bridges and passed under the torii shrines.

Izu Panorama Park

Looking down at the statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of Japan who lived from 1147 to 1199.

Izu Panorama Park

Bird’s eye view of the Aqua ring, that is meant to evoke a floating sensation with serene views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay. Well at least we got glimpses of the bay.

Izu Panorama Park

We decided against dipping our toes in the Fujimi Foot Bath.

Izu Panorama Park

Val out on the glass walkway that is a perch for birdwatching.

Izu Panorama Park

Katsuragi Shrine is home to 108 Jizo statues, we didn’t count, where one can write your wish on a red bib and if it comes true, then report back on a yellow bib. No bibs to be found for us.

Izu Panorama Park

Acting our appropriate age at the Log Athletic Square.

Izu Panorama Park

Just missing the reflection of Mount Fuji in the reflecting pool of AO Terrace.

Izu Panorama Park

Riding the ropeway back down where we saw a hawk circling the forest below us. Minamoto no Yoritomo went hawking in this same area back in the day.

Izu Norimaki

We then found a shop selling hand rolled sushi with local brewed beer and spray on shoyu for lunch, this was after we provided entertainment for a local resident who watched us for a good amount of time trying to figure out how to pay for our parking. Hint: You pay when you leave, not when you arrive.

Joren Falls

It was still raining, so when Mother Nature gives you rain, go see a waterfall that is ranked as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.

Joren Falls

According to Japanese folklore, the 82′ falls are home to a spider that can transform into a seductive woman.

Joren Falls

Sampling the wasabi-flavored soft-serve ice cream, the hotdogs would have to wait another day as they were closed for business.

Kawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge

Driving in circles on the double looped highway that was built in 1981 after an earthquake leveled the original road.

Nanadaru Onsen Hotel

We checked into the traditional ryokan that was built in 1971 and was showing its rustic age, I mean charm.

Nanadaru Onsen Hotel

Our traditional tatami mat room with futon and “private” onsen baths to soak our wet and tired muscles.

Kawazu Nana-Daru

We had some time to kill before dinner, so we walked up the road to explore some waterfalls. Seven total to be exact, but not all would be explored.

Kani-Daru

Our first 6′ fall was the crab waterfall, so named due to the nearby rock formation resembling a crab shell. Still looking.

Kawazu Nana-Daru

Following the well lit walking trail where we noticed a private campsite across the Kawazu River along with its own private hot bath.

Shokei-Daru

Taking pictures with the statues inspired by the 1926 novel “Izu no Odoriko,” which chronicles first love lensed through platonic channels. The waterfall was named because it was the first falls that travelers saw when descending from the old nearby road.

Hebi-Daru

Standing in front of the Snake Waterfall that got its name due to the surrounding rock formations resembling the scales of a snake.

Kama-Daru

Climbing the walkway to bear witness to the plunging falls whose basin resembles a cooking pot.

Kawazu Odoriko-Takimi Bridge

Walking our way back on the pedestrian bridge with vantage views of the river surging below us. We only had time to check out four of the seven waterfalls as dinner was waiting for us back at the hotel and a nice hot onsen bath after the meal.

Nishi-Izu Skyline

Day 2
The next morning greeted us with more rain. Perfect time to do a ridgeline hike to a mountain top. We drove up the scenic road blanketed with clouds and drizzled with rain as we made our way towards the trailhead of our hike for today.

Izusanryosen Trail

Something tells me we were going to have the trail all to ourselves today. I’m just psychic.

Izusanryosen Trail

Val stepping up the waterlogged trail.

Izusanryosen Trail

The trail was wide open and manicured. A far cry from the KST.

Izusanryosen Trail

We came to a road which we followed for a bit. No traffic, just our foot traffic.

Izusanryosen Trail

Going up the short and steep hill to the summit.

Mount Daruma

Known to have the best views of Mount Fuji from anywhere in the Izu Peninsula. Not today. This particular 3,222′ dome shaped peak is named because it resembles the Indian monk Bodhidharma (known as Daruma in Japan). Dolls of Daruma are sold everywhere with blank eyes where you color one pupil for your goal, once it’s achieved, you color in the remaining pupil.

Izusanryosen Trail

Going back down the increasingly watered down trail.

Mount Kodaruma

Brief stop at the peak sandwhiched between Daruma and Kinkan which stood at 2,920′ complete with no views as well. Batting two for two. Yay!

Izusanryosen Trail

We came down the trail and crossed the road to pick up another trail to our last summit for the day.

Mount Kinkan

Standing at our last summit at 2,677′ elevation whose peak takes on a distinctive golden glow during sunrise and sunset and offers unparalleled views of Mount Fuji. Not today.

Izusanryosen Trail

Going back down the short trail as we just completed the trifecta of three summits with no views. Just another day on the KST.

GPS Tracks

Our triple summit hike covered 3.74 miles through rain and zero visibility when it came to Mount Fuji, but it was still an adventure with fun company.

All pau

We checked out a nearby tunnel that was vacant except for echos and draining water which gave it an eerie feeling. Hopped back into the car and looked for a nearby ramen shop to warm up our cold bones. We found a soba shop instead that served the best tempura this side of the Japanese Alps. It was that good or maybe it was because we were cold and hungry. Thanks to Val for two days of rainy day adventures and for dropping me back at the Shuzenji Station where I transferred my way back to Shinjuku.

Photos/Crew taken by 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.

It was time for that once a month club or something to that effect. Somebody had an itch to hike the saddle and that itch would be scratched, but not in the manner she thought it would be scratched.

Kalihi Valley

Thanks to Kenny and Lilia for dropping us off as we plunged into the forest looking for wallabies. Oh wrong hike.

Kalihi Valley

All smiles as the beginning trail was surprisingly cleared and clearly marked with orange and white ribbons. HTMC at work? The club was the one that actually “made” this trail after all.

Kalihi Valley

We soon came to a clearing marked by powerlines. HECO at work.

Kalihi Valley

Picking out the trail through the forest.

Kalihi Valley

Group photo in front of the bell pepper or dinosaur rock.

Kalihi Valley

Contouring around the second and smaller bell pepper or dinosaur rock.

Commando Trail

The group bushwhacked our way up from the valley to the spur ridge. The worst was behind us, right? Think again.

Commando Trail

Where is the trail?

Commando Trail

The trail had been swallowed by the uluhe ferns probably through a combination of the recent heavy rains and lack of foot traffic.

Commando Trail

Looking at Kalihi Saddle which was our intended destination as rain showers washed over the ridge line. Passing morning showers?

Commando Trail

Can you see the face for the mountain?

Commando Trail

Bushwhacking is tiring work, so we rotated the lead position when the foliage became dense and unyielding.

Commando Trail

Whose bright idea was it to climb up this ridge instead of the scheduled descent?

Bowman Trail

The heavy overgrowth made the transition from Commando to Bowman pass unnoticed by us but not under the watchful gaze of Jabba the Hut.

Bowman Trail

Climbing up the steep section with an assortment of climbing aids to include rope, webbing and printer cable. This is hiking in Hawaii.

Bowman Trail

Point of no return? The increasing frequency of the rain showers, while not pelting, was of concern along with the forecast for more rain in our future. It was decided, albeit grudgingly, to turn back and return another day.

Bowman Trail

What goes up, must come back down.

Bowman Trail

Clinging on the side of the mountain as we pressed forward or backwards.

Bowman Trail

The hike would not be complete without a showing from the Dancing Queens.

Bowman Trail

Traversing the undulating ridge line.

Bowman Trail

The webbing was set to warn hikers of the eroded section on the trail. Caution tape would’ve worked just as well.

Bowman Trail

Should we take this lower trail? Stay high on the ridge line.

Bowman Trail

Why is Marilyn shedding crocodile tears in the rain? A) We didn’t get to do Kalihi Saddle as originally planned. B) We seemed to have lost the trail high on the ridge line. C) All of the above.

Bowman Trail

Following the ridge line with no apparent trail in sight for over half an hour, we looked at the spacing of the topographical lines and decided to just bushwhack our way down to the ravine and eventually intersect the actual trail. It was only roughly 200′ give or take of elevation loss.

Bowman Trail

The initial descent was somewhat steep and carpeted with heavy uluhe that masked several deep holes.

Bowman Trail

We soon were able to actually see the ground below our feet and the grade became less severe as we dropped to the dry streambed below us.

Bowman Trail

Scrambling up the steep and slippery hill where we soon met up with the trail.

Bowman Trail

Cristy harvesting the abundant red and yellow strawberry guavas on the trail. The invasive plant that is native to Brazil, was introduced to Hawaii in 1825 by the British and spread throughout the islands by birds and pigs. They block out sunlight for native plants and consume more water than other plants.

Bowman Trail

Down …

Bowman Trail

… down …

Bowman Trail

… and down. We must be getting closer to the bottom.

Bowman Trail

Nope. The rolling ridge was punctuated with many false summits, just like any other ridge lines.

Bowman Trail

Contouring around the rock that squarely in our path.

Bowman Trail

Taking a break at the geodetic survey marker and not to be confused with a geocache.

Bowman Trail

Over …

Bowman Trail

… through …

Bowman Trail

… and under.

Bowman Trail

Are we there yet?

Bowman Trail

The end of the trail that was marked with a WW2 bunker probably meant for observation or command and control purposes?

Bowman Trail

Time to explore the exterior of the bunker as there was nothing of note in the interior of the structure.

Radar Hill Road

Nice views but this is not the way we want to go.

Radar Hill Road

Back the other way.

Trail

We branched off the road and descended down towards the urban creep.

Trail

The end is in sight! Yah! I think I can speak for the group and say we were over this trail and then some.

Kalihi Elementary

Playing hopscotch like it was yesterday.

Kalihi Elementary

Kid at heart. We were in the right place.

All pau

Thanks to Akira and Lilia for picking us up in the crowded neighborhood.

GPS Tracks

Our not as planned hike covered 5.17 miles with fun company and good times. Is it the journey or the destination? Neither. It’s the company. Post hike meal at Teishoku where we were also joined by Aida, Kenny and Val.

Photos/Crew taken by Aileen Agustin, Chico Cantu, Cristy CM, 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 gathered to hike to a place known to locals as Kalihi Ice Ponds or Tin Roof, but historically referred to as Moaniani or Hoaniani Falls.

Cantu Hale

Some people stretch before a hike, others hydrate and one particular individual had his eyebrows trimmed. Grooming matters. One has to look good and be able to see unobstructed on a hike.

Kalihi Valley

Thanks to Akira and Lilia for shuttling us to the trailhead. Private and public school math converged and came out to a group total of 16 peeps. Leave no hiker behind.

Kalihi Valley

Chris and Dave got in some warm up exercise before our strenuous hike.

Kalihi Valley

Dropping off the service road and into the storm drainage canals.

Kalihi Valley

Scrambling over the forest detritus scattered on the hill.

Kalihi Valley

Prepare to get wet. Looking down at the concrete canal that was filled with over a foot of water. If the weather was pouring rain instead of sunshine, we might have paused as concrete doesn’t slow down or absorb water like a mud or rock canal, and the canal could rise to threatening conditions in the blink of an eye. Happy Birthday.

Kalihi Valley

Scrambling and climbing our way down the embankment.

Kalihi Valley

The group waiting for the others to join us in getting our feet wet.

Kalihi Valley

All wet and accounted for, luckily it was just a hop, skip, and a jump to the tunnels.

Kalihi Valley

Seeking the path of least resistance.

Kalihi Valley

Walking through the rock strewn and graffiti covered tunnel.

Kalihi Stream

If a tree falls in a stream, take a group photo on the fallen perennial plant.

Kalihi Stream

Making our way through one of multiple blowdowns that littered the stream.

Kalihi Stream

Chris proving that hubcaps can also double as a man-made waterfall for Allison.

Kalihi Stream

Merrill holding his pet or lunch. These red swamp crayfish were introduced to the islands in 1923 into taro patches near Ahuimanu Stream. They are considered an invasive pest and are known to burrow into their surrounding grounds resulting in drainage of taro fields, snack on insects, snails and taro plants. These critters best belong in a gumbo pot. Where is Akira when you need him?

Kalihi Stream

Chris stayed in the shallow end and took our photo sitting on the vintage service road that time forgot.

Kalihi Stream

When IG expectations meet the cold breath of reality. Happy Birthday Chico and enjoy your cornstarch dusted cupcake.

Kalihi Stream

The fallen tree made the perfect backdrop for the Dancing Queens.

Kalihi Stream

The group alternating between walking on the banks and wading in the stream.

Kalihi Stream

Video! I think the novelty is wearing off, especially those within earshot.

Kalihi Stream

Halfway there! Is that the same as only 15 more minutes?

Kalihi Stream

Dangling from an apparent “treehouse” suspended above the stream with wire rope and steel beams. Unable to date it, but I have seen pictures of it with wood planks and Christmas lights. I would like to shake the hands of the people that hauled the materials down to the stream and built it hanging from a sturdy tree branch. Major props.

Kalihi Stream

Touching the block was my end goal, or more accurately somebody else’s end goal.

Kalihi Stream

Calling the Spartan Girls to join me up here. Hello?

Kalihi Stream

The birthday boy did it better, standing up. Chico, King of the Mountain.

Kalihi Stream

Group photo perspective of a round peg in a square hole.

Kalihi Stream

Chris with his boogie board, ready to ride the stream down. Or perhaps not.

Kalihi Stream

Only one pair in this set of photos could do what comes after sitting in a tree.

Kalihi Stream

Following the stream down.

Kalihi Stream

Double dunking in the waters.

Kalihi Stream

This is not your Sandy Beach.

Kalihi Stream

Looking for a needle in a deep and murky pool. Chico donated his prescription sunglasses that accidentally fell into the water to the aina.

Kalihi Stream

Threading our way through a massive blowdown blocking our forward progress.

Hoaniani Falls

Some in the group climbed down the dry way on the upper tier as we crossed paths with another group exploring upstream.

Hoaniani Falls

The rest of us took the wet way down.

Hoaniani Falls

Somebody only had one job on this hike and they let it float away.

Hoaniani Falls

Anne-Marie and Jenn crossing the middle tier of the falls.

Hoaniani Falls

Father and son enjoying the middle tier pool.

Hoaniani Falls

Somebody accused me of stealing their thunder by falling in the pool. It was not intentional. I do not particularly like waterfalls.

Hoaniani Falls

The rest of the group climbing their way down to the base.

Hoaniani Falls

Our last group photo of the day before we headed up the hill and called it a day.

All pau

My lack of balance resulted in an awkward spill on the side of the highway. Thanks to Akira, Dale and Lilia for picking us up and shuttling us back to the house. Our fun filled and waterlogged hike covered 1.12 miles with good friends.

Cantu Hale

Somebody wanted to try out my meta glasses. Video! It’s not your birthday Matt. Go get your own glasses. Aida, Dale, Kim, Matt, Roseann and KYC friends joined us at the house for the ono potluck.

Cantu Hale

The potluck spread of banana cream pie, chili, chocolate cupcakes, corky’s bbq pork, dim sum, enchiladas, pansit, pasta salad, pinakbet, salt vinegar chicken, sourdough bread, oxtail soup and many others that filled our tummies and our takeout containers. Kanak attack. Don’t let Matt the sleep stalker catch you.

Cantu Hale

No, the leaves are not edible.

Cantu Hale

We all wished Chico happy birthday. That joint candle is not real either btw. He is living proof that age is just a number. Many happy returns of the day from your friends and family.

Cantu Hale

Most of us retired upstairs to play LCR game and Dale hauled in the biggest pot to date. $78. Somebody could have used that money for their tow truck funds. Mahalo to everybody that came and participated in some form or fashion to celebrate Chico’s birthday. Thanks especially to Lilia for being the gracious host.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcyeUs3vTWw

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aileen Agustin, Allison Banks, Anne-Marie Caravalho, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Cristy CM, David and Susan Katz, Edgar Gamiao, Jenny Leigh, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Merrill Kalopodes, 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.

Time to shake the jet lag off in the mountains this weekend with friends to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

Ka’a’awa

We parked and met at the nearby beach park that was donated to the City and County in the 1920s from one of the Judd descendants to be used as a public gathering place. Let’s see how long the birthday balloon stays with the birthday girl today.

Kahekili Trail

The trail cut through the neighborhood, who says there aren’t mountain equivalent of public access to beaches.

Kahekili Trail

Should we turn back? We are committed and we are not amateurs. Maybe just casual enthusiasts.

Kahekili Trail

Marilyn staying in front of the pack as her gym training was paying off. Time to renew those membership fees.

Kahekili Trail

We decided to detour off the main trail to take in the views from a spur ridge.

Kahekili Trail

Group shot at the scenic spot where Edgar was missing …

Kahekili Trail

… as he was droning us from afar.

Kahekili Trail

Jeremy was anxious to get the hike back on track.

Kahekili OP

Exploring the military bunker built in 1943 as an observational lookout.

Kahekili Trail

Resuming our slog up the increasing grade of the ridge line.

Kahekili Trail

Up, up and up. No away.

Kualoa Ranch

Looking down at part of the 600 cattle herd grazing in the lush valley, eventually to become 100% certified Angus beef.

Kahekili Trail

Allison was making a good showing on her first time hiking this trail.

Kahekili Trail

Three of us split from the group to take the higher trail and play King of the Hill.

Kahekili Trail

The Hill was denied to us due to slippery rocks, so out of an abundance of caution, we looked for the slippery way down.

Kahekili Trail

Meanwhile, down below us, the group were contouring the rock formation.

Kahekili Trail

Tessa against the backdrop of Ka’a’awa Valley.

Kahekili Trail

Andrew and Marilyn enjoying the views, not from the top, but better than nothing.

Kahekili Trail

All the upward climbing was behind us as we descended down the trail.

Kahekili Trail

Traversing over a somewhat narrow and rocky section of the trail. I guess that’s why somebody installed webbing. Safety first.

Kahekili Trail

The boys making their way down the muddy and dense underbrush that carpeted the mountain.

Makaua Falls

Hanging out at the low depression on the ridge line which was roughly 1,175′ in elevation. I was told these falls ranged anywhere from 600′ to 200′ in height. I could tell for sure that this was at least a two-tiered waterfall and from a friend that has actually rappelled these falls, she guessed it was about 400′ in height. Regardless, it was a long drop down.

Makaua Falls

Group photo at the edge of the falls.

Kahekili Trail

Back to climbing again. What goes down, must come back up.

Kahekili Trail

Edgar decided to tag along for the rest of the hike as he didn’t want to return and climb back up the muddy trail. More the merrier.

Pu’u Manamana

We finally reached the plateau that marked the false summit and celebrated by giving Val a slightly smashed cupcake that didn’t travel well in my backpack. Happy Belated Birthday!

Pu’u Manamana

Group photo at 1,905′ elevation. The highest we were getting today with the exception of some that inhaled or didn’t inhale cannabis. The word actually comes from the Scythians, a nomadic group of people that settled in Ukraine and Southern Russia but whose culture went extinct around 3rd century BCE.

Manamana Trail

Leaving the summit as we descended down the trail. It’s all downhill right?

Manamana Trail

Video! Video! Akira wanted to take a photo instead.

Manamana Trail

Photo! Photo! No, I don’t want our photo taken. I’m trying to take a photo. Hey, it worked.

Manamana Trail

Okay, take our picture if you must.

Manamana Trail

Threading our way through the treed section of the narrow ridge line.

Manamana Trail

Video! Video! Shaddup! I guess somebody needed to concentrate on climbing over the rocks. BTW, the voice was masculine assigned at birth. Others chose to contour the rock, perhaps the yelling scared them away.

Manamana Trail

Allison making short work of the first rock “obstacle” that had to be climbed and not contoured.

Manamana Trail

Jeremy bringing up the rear as he wanted to make sure nobody else in the group heard all his “excitement.”

Manamana Trail

Approaching the hump on the ridge line, probably the one that was giving Mrs. Conrad Jones the most anxiety.

Manamana Trail

Up close and personal. All bark and no bite. You just have to know how to pet it.

Manamana Trail

Case in point.

Manamana Trail

All anxieties aside, we continued to follow the ribbon of a ridge line down.

Manamana Trail

The group scrambling and posing on the rocks. Multi-tasking at its finest.

Manamana Trail

Views of rippling Kahana Bay came into focus as we kept dropping elevation.

Manamana Trail

The birthday girl was still holding onto her balloon. Outstanding.

Manamana Trail

Profiles in posing.

Manamana Trail

Group photo sans the Marine. Not enough space and too close to the edge.

Manamana Trail

The Dancing Queens. Book them for your next party. Will work for food or some cheap laughs.

Manamana Trail

What happens when you leave your phone unattended. Something short of a Chef’s Kiss. Forgot to pinch your fingers. Regardless, rumor has it that Marilyn will use it as her wallpaper.

Manana Trail

Akira doing his best impersonation or interpretation of the Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Manamana Trail

Tessa trying out for The Dancing Queens as we climbed down the hill. Sorry, auditions are closed.

Manamana Trail

Are we there yet?

Manamana Trail

Can you see the Crouching Lion for the rocks?

Manamana Trail

Passing through an IG influencer’s photo shoot.

Manamana Trail

All that was missing was the punching bag. I think somebody was too tired to take out their frustrations on an inanimate object anyways. Hunger pangs dictated a different venue for our post hike meal but one that was literally a hop, skip and a jump away.

All pau

Thanks to Andrew and Marilyn who had staged their cars earlier at the exit point and Allison for shuttling them to our starting point. We had time to kill as we had to wait for Aida to join us so we all retrieved our cars from Swanzy Beach Park.

The Crouching Lion

Post hike meal at the historic landmark that started as a private house in the 1930s and was converted to an eatery in 1951 and was shuttered intermittently due to lack of customers and was reopened in 2024 and hopefully will stay in business. Happy Birthday Val!

GPS Tracks

Our loop hike against the backdrop of Ka’a’awa and Kahana Valleys clocked in at 3.34 miles with fun company and good times. Many more to come.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0rHYFCH5kU

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Andrew Green, Cristy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Jeremy Cannone, Marilyn Bermudez, 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.

In search of a new and relatively short hike near Shinjuku, I settled on hiking a mountain that was named for a real life samurai who lived during the Heian period and whose later life became mythologized into the golden boy of folklore who possessed extraordinary strength and wrestled bears.

Busta Shinjuku

I walked to the bus terminal from my hotel and boarded the 0635 bus that cost roughly $14.57 and was told they were only two passengers, turned out to be a third full of people.

Fuji-san

Catching a clear view of Japan’s highest and active volcano on the two and half hour bus ride.

Kintoki Shrine Entrance

I stepped off the air-conditioned bus and expected to be baking in the unusually hot summer temperatures of 100 plus degrees Fahrenheit that was roasting the urban cities of Japan. Surprisingly the reported temperature was around 85 degree Fahrenheit. Must be the mountain air of Hakone. But the high amount of water vapor in the air increased the heat to severe sweating levels.

Kintoki Shrine Entrance

Tourist trinkets anybody? People got to have memories and make a living. Win win.

Kintoki Shrine

Paying my respects to the shrine dedicated to Sakata no Kintoki who is best remembered as Kintaro. I must have missed Kintaro’s axe that is supposedly nearby. Or did somebody take it for their man cave?

Kintoki Trail

Starting off on the heavily wooded trail.

Kendo 731

I soon had to cross the artery and avoid the left hand traffic that originates from the samurai era when swords were carried on the left side and not from British influence as widely believed.

Kintoki Trail

Japan is ranked highest in the world for bear attacks relative to its bear population of roughly 55,000. Creeping urbanization, food shortages and declining people population all are contributing to a rise in bear attacks that number in the hundreds annually. I started talking loudly to myself and playing my music as bear bells and spray were not to be found on my person.

Kintoki Yadori Ishi

Peering into the giant rock that Kintaro cleaved in half with his axe and it’s where he and his mother took shelter against the elements. Believe it or not.

Kintoki Trail

I soon met other hikers ascending and descending the trail which gave me greater peace of mind as to the whether bears were lurking on the trail.

Kintoki Summit

Clear views of Mount Fuji greeted me at the 3,980′ summit of Mount Ashigara or Kintoki.

Kintoki Summit

It had taken me roughly an hour to ascend to the parasitic cone on the Hakone caldera. I didn’t have a chance to meet the “daughter of Kintoki Mountain,” who is an octogenarian that hikes the trail daily to the teahouse at top to serve soup and refreshments to hikers. My wish is to be active when I reach that age and do something useful with my life.

Otome Trail

Leaving the summit I soon encountered a trail sign in English which means they must get a lot of foreign traffic. I also wanted to make sure that I would make it back down in time to catch my bus back home.

Otome Trail

Descending down the trail that was mostly riddled with rocks and dirt and other hikers ascending and descending which allayed further fears of bear(s) surprising me on the the way down.

Otome Pass

I soon came to a clearing with tables and benches and one of three Fuji view mountain passes.

Otome Trail

No bears were encountered on the trail, just this particular venomous tiger keelback or yamakagashi in the act of wolfing down a toad on the trail. Glad it was the toad and not me as I almost stepped on this particular limbless reptile that would probably have not ended well for me.

Otome Trail

Crossing over a bridge as the sounds of civilization soon intersected with the trail.

Kintoki Trail

I soon left the somewhat obscure and overgrown trail exit and made my way on the strip of a shoulder towards the bus stop.

Kintoki-jinja-Iriguchi

Waiting at the correct bus stop as it took a couple of slow minutes to dawn on me that I needed to cross the street and catch the bus going back in the direction that I had come from. I blame the heat. I grabbed a can of Coke from one of the ubiquitous vending machines to slake my thirst as I waited half an hour for the 1231 bus. Another $14.57 well spent.

Hidakaya

Post hike meal was at a chain that specializes in cheap and tasty ramen. Where else can you get a bowl of shoyu ramen, six pieces of gyoza and a glass of soda for $5? Exactly.

GPS Tracks

My bus rides that totaled roughly five hours took longer than my solo hike that included views of Mount Fuji and thankfully no encounters with bears and just a hungry snake took me three hours to complete.

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 gathered to check off a list, not necessarily on everybody’s checklist, but a list nevertheless.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Lilia and Tessa for dropping us off at the historic vista that was witness to the 1795 Battle of Nu’uanu and was strangely devoid of the usual gawkers but not the whipping winds that caressed and carved the neighboring mountains.

Nu’uanu Pali

Climbing our way up the rooted and forested landscape.

Nu’uanu Pali

Enjoying the breaking sunrise as our blue marble rotated on its axis.

Nu’uanu Pali

Akira entering the rock corridor as we slowly gained elevation.

Pali Notches

Chico was not maintaining his three points of contact. Throwing caution to the wind.

Pali Notches

Scotty descending down the first notch on his first visit to this part of the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail or Nu’uanu Saddle.

Pali Notches

Marilyn climbing down the first of the rectangular gap which folklore states that Hawaiians carved these notches out of solid basaltic rock for canon emplacements to be used against King Kamehameha when he invaded Oahu in 1795.

Pali Notches

Climbing our way out of the first notch that was more likely formed when the dikes fractured over time and erosion.

Pali Notches

Scott going down into the largest of the dike fractures.

Pali Notches

Posing and climbing down into the second canon emplacement or scout lookout used by the defenders of King Kalanikupule against the invading army of King Kamehameha who sent his scouts up the mountain to disable the sentries.

Pali Notches

Cristy demonstrating the correct way to climb down and not the exaggerated leaning back look made for dramatic IG shots and potential falls.

The Nipple

Making our way towards the stubby column of isolated basaltic rock.

The Nipple

The group climbing down the rock spire.

The Nipple

Make or break time.

The Chimney

Deep thoughts. Somebody was not ready for prime time. The mountains will always be here.

The Chimney

Somebody still wanted a small taste, so without further aplomb, heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s off we go.

The Chimney

If there ever was a personified definition of true grit, it would be this individual right here. Kudos to Chico for completing his second climb up and down the chimney, unassisted.

The Chimney

Shout out to my noisy_hawaii fans. Please visit my YouTube channel.

The Chimney

Three’s a crowd. More the merrier.

The Chimney

Seen from the front and the back. Double the viewing pleasure.

The Chimney

Demonstrating the classic rule of gravity as immortalized by Sir Isaac Newton.

The Chimney

POV that makes the grade look not half bad.

The Chimney

I got you bro. Charge is still only a nickel. Doing my part to keep inflation at bay.

The Chimney

Akira waiting to get off the sliver of a rock to more solid footing.

The Nipple

Reunited back on the windswept rock where Akira lost his cap to the mountains but got it back on the contour trail below us.

Pali Notches

Olomana framed by the notch walls.

Pali Notches

We crossed paths with two other hikers who were debating going past the first notch, for one, the World Cup showing at 0900 took precedence over setting foot on new ground.

Pali Notches

The hike is not complete with dancing in some form or fashion. Participation is welcome.

Nu’uanu Pali

Hanging out at the KST campsite until Lilia and Scott came to collect us. Mahalos!

All pau

Chico being blown away by Akira channeling his inner Dragon Ball energy. Not to be confused with kimatteiru. Our morning hike didn’t even crack a mile let alone beads of sweat. It was still a safe and fun hike with good company. Post hike meal at Koa Pancake House as the wait at Koko Head Cafe exceeded our parking time.

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Cristy Meador, Marilyn Bermudez, Scott Peterson, 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 gathered to help somebody reintegrate into the hiking world due to a tweaked back and did a sandy stroll at the end of the world, or island in this case.

Kaena Point State Park

Shadows in the heat, time to slather on that sun protection.

Kaena Point State Park

It was nice to see Tessa back on the trails after a month long absence.

Kaena Point State Park

Trying to find the right weight, balance and equilibrium so we can play see-saw on the beach.

Kaena Point State Park

Standing on the remnants of the Oahu Railway and Land Company train line that used to transport sugarcane and passengers from Honolulu to the North Shore from 1899 until 1946, when the Aleutian tsunami damaged the tracks beyond financial point of repair.

Kaena Point State Park

Exploring the razor sharp rocks along the coastline.

Kaena Point State Park

Bushwhacking? Are we on the KST?

Kaena Point State Park

Skirting our way around several sea turtle nesting sites. Over 96% of turtles nest amongst the French Frigates Shoals and the rest are scattered through the Hawaiian islands.

Kaena Point State Park

Filtering our way through the gate meant to keep out motorized vehicles.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Entering through the predator proof fenced area that encompasses 59 acres of land that provides a safe haven for endangered species.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Passing the Leina a Ka’uhane rock or leaping place of the souls, where the recently deceased would journey into the afterlife.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Spotting a wedge-tailed shearwater (‘ua’u kani) fledgling in their coastal burrow.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

A Layson albatross juvenile spreading its wings.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

The engineer has determined that the ladder is structurally unsound and would not be prudent to climb any further.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Taking our group photo in the lighthouse that was erected in 1920 and fell to beach erosion in 1990.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

While we were taking our picture, Tessa was wandering the beach and found a Hawaiian monk seal popping out of the surf. This vulnerable species is one of only two mammals endemic to the islands.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Looking across one of the last intact coastal sand dunes in the Hawaiian islands.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

A fisherman about to throw net and try catch something. The individual throw net was introduced to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants in the 1890s and was quickly adopted by locals.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

He might catch a merman swimming around, probably throw him back and wait for one mermaid.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Saw crabs, helmet urchins and opihi on the rocky coastline.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Looking back at the rest of the group.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Jeremy training for the Chimney.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Following the latest beach photography fad.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Squatters.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Jeremy following the roped corridor out of the sanctuary that was established in 1983.

Kaena Point State Park

If you want to know what it means, just read the shirt.

Kaena Point State Park

Chico descending into a tunnel that was bored out by the US military to emplace turret guns for coastal defense.

Kaena Point State Park

I always thought this was part of the OR&L railroad tracks until further research proved me wrong. There is a shrine in the dark tunnel dedicated to Les Merrell who tragically fell off Bear Claw Ridge back in 2012.

Kaena Point State Park

Checking out a possible carrier that was meant to haul the shells on the tracks now covered with rubble from the ceiling of the cave.

Kaena Point State Park

Looking back at the junction where the tunnel connects together to form a loop.

Kaena Point State Park

Shadow vs. silhouette. It’s all about the lighting conditions and the surface or lack of one.

Kaena Point State Park

I was so glad to leave the sauna like conditions behind us.

Kaena Point State Park

Walking outside of the 2,133′ long fence that encloses the recovering sand dune ecosystem that was degraded over the years from off-road vehicles.

All pau

Our last group photo of the day as we concluded the six mile hike to the westernmost tip of the island with new and old friends. Post hike meal at Jerry’s Pizza where ahi katsu was introduced by the 100% disabled veteran.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Cristy Meador, Derek Ferguson, Jeremy Cannone, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Scott Peterson, 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 found ourselves back at the same place we had just hiked two days ago. But, we were going through the front door this time.

Manoa

Rewind several hours earlier to our earlier scheduled hike, and we found that the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak for some, or was it the other way around? Apologies to Ferlino and Lilia that woke up early to be our shuttle drivers for naught. Time to climb trees and find a place that was open for breakfast at this early morning. Thanks to Lilia for cooking us breakfast on the fly as we waited for others to flesh out the birthday group.

Olomana Trail

We cobbled together a more sizeable group and headed off to Chico’s “parking spot” where we met up with Cinja. Let’s not be another statistic this morning.

Olomana Trail

Some of us checked out the abandoned military pumping station that was built during WW2 to manage the water resources of Maunawili Valley.

Olomana Trail

Padding our way through the pine needle carpeted grove of ironwood trees.

Olomana Trail

To paraphrase Casey Kasem, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the rocks.”

Olomana Trail

Always stretch on a hike, or was that before the hike. I was never a good student.

Olomana Trail

It was Kenny and Rogers first time on “Oahu’s Matterhorn.” The climb is worth the views at the end, provided you actually enjoy the views.

Olomana Trail

Looking down at the “traffic jam” below me. It pays to take the trail less traveled.

Olomana Trail

A peak too far.

Olomana

The winds were blowing a pretty good clip at the 1,643′ peak, so why not fly my drone? What could go wrong? The winds caught my drone and cast it involuntary upward (again) and luckily the return function worked (again). Some people never learn. Always the one raising my hand.

Olomana

Group photo at the first, tallest and for some the final peak today.

Olomana

Cinja was nice enough to keep Kenny company on the trail back down.

Olomana

The rest of the group continued our traverse on the aptly named divided hill.

Olomana

We’ll be coming ’round the mountain when we comes. We’ll be hiking in five pairs of Merrells, Salomons and La Sportivas. Oh, we’ll all go out to climb all three peaks when we comes. Oh, we’ll all have American diner food when we’re done. We’ll be yelling “Cheehoo” when we’re pau!

Paku’i

Roger scrambling his way to the summit named after the caretaker of the nearby Ka’elepulu fishponds in Kailua that was dredged and developed into the Enchanted Lakes subdivision.

Paku’i

Akira leaving the peak that sits at 1,581′ elevation.

Paku’i

Roger climbing down the steepest section of the trail. No slip. No fall.

Paku’i

Scrambling our way to the iconic dike formation.

Keyhole

Hanging out until the two Chinese influencers have had their 15 minutes of fame and then some.

Keyhole

Our 15 seconds of fame.

Ahiki

Climbing our way up towards the final peak named after Olomana’s favorite headman that oversaw the resources of the ahupua’a.

Ahiki

Roger and Cristy contouring their way towards the 1,440′ peak.

Ahiki

We skipped the sparse summit views and descended down the very unstable ladder and had lunch at the base.

Ahiki

Climbing down the backside of the lowest peak and this was Cristy’s first descent as well.

Ahiki

Take my picture before a gust of wind blows me off this spit of a rock.

Ahiki

Cristy living life on the edge. Literally.

Ahiki

Top down view.

Ahiki

Far away view.

Ahiki

Bottom up view.

Ahiki

Cristy descending with some random hiker in tow. He had popped up by the ladder and was wondering if there was a trail that went down the backside. Follow the breadcrumbs.

Ahiki

Rope point of view.

Ahiki

Roger’s point of view.

Ahiki

This rope is now available for use.

Ahiki

Climbing our way down to the base of the peak.

Aniani Nui Ridge

When you hit your head not once, but twice on the low hanging branches. Some people just are not too bright.

Aniani Nui Ridge

Take out the hamburger patty and add a pick axe, and you just get the Spanish meaning.

All pau

Akira getting his birthday cupcake in the back of a pickup truck, what every guy wants. Thanks to Kenny for picking us up. Our birthday hike covered 3.82 miles over the divided hill with fun friends.

Ruby Tuesday

Post hike meal at the casual dining chain where Aida, Dale, Edgar and Cat, Ferlino and Jasmin joined us for good company and birthday song for dessert.

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Cinja Ribeiro, Cristy Meador, Kenny Lui, Roger Schiffman, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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