Heleakala to Palehua

by kenji SAITO on May 25, 2015

It was a nice hot day to do a ridge in Waianae. Met up with Chris and Gen in Nanakuli at the trailhead.

Morning shade

Morning shade

We scrambled up through the dry brush and scattered rocks with the ridge providing temporary shade from the withering Waianae sun.

Northwest ridge

Northwest ridge

Climbing up the shorter but steeper route. Shaved half a mile. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Morning sun

Morning sun

The elevation gain also came with the loss of the morning shade. Good morning Waianae.

Buddha has left the mountain

Buddha has left the mountain

Group photo at the 1,870′ summit of Heleakala, left to right: Gen, myself and Chris.

Going down

Going down

Dipping into the saddle to shed 1,000′ of elevation.

Going up

Going up

Just like those fad diets, we gained all of the 1,000′ elevation back and then some.

Watering hole

Watering hole

No twerking bees here. Move along.

Rocky climb

Rocky climb

It was a rocky rollercoaster ride up and down the ridge.

Getting hot

Getting hot

Time to slather liberal amounts of sunscreen on our exposed epidermis.

Lualualei Valley

Lualualei Valley

Looking into the largest coastal valley on the Leeward coast.

Panoramic view

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Climbing down

Climbing down

Going down one rock at a time.

What's wrong with this picture?

What’s wrong with this picture?

Lucky she was a southpaw. Still had three fingers and the hook of her elbow. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

False summit ahead

False summit ahead

Plunging ahead into overgrowth country.

Contouring

Contouring

The exposed rocks intermittently broke up the continuity of the overgrowth.

Where's that rope?

Where’s that rope?

The main rock obstacle on the ridge. We had actually spotted a rope on the right side as we approached it through the overgrowth but lost sight of it and went up the hard way. No rope. Character building. Dislocated thumb. More character building.

More rock climbing

More rock climbing

I’d rather deal with climbing rocks than thick overgrowth any day.

I don't need help

I don’t need help

Color me impressed. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Looking back

Looking back

The hardest part of the ridge was behind us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tangled branches

Tangled branches

Ducking and weaving.

Summit ahead

Summit ahead

The ridge soon leveled out and became more exposed as we neared the summit.

WST

WST

We climbed over the fence to mark our arrival at the 3,035′ point on the Waianae Summit Trail.

Follow the fence

Follow the fence

After eating our lunch, we followed the steps and fence back down.

Broken step

Broken step

Somebody needs to lose weight. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Central view

Central view

Soaking in one of the many views along the ridge.

Close the gate

Close the gate

Leaving the Palehua Nature Preserve.

Headed out

Headed out

Passing the rock passage. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Scenic point

Scenic point

Time to bust out the selfie stick again. Make that plural.

Climb that tree

Climb that tree

That tree was made for sitting.

Indiana Jones Boulders

Indiana Jones Boulders

Hoping not to get rolled over. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Heleakala ridge

Heleakala ridge

The ridge was filled with cardio climbing and rock scrambling. Throw in some heat for good measure, tempered with weak winds.

Switchbacks

Switchbacks

One coming. One going.

Bamboo forest

Bamboo forest

Funny finding bamboo grass on the West side.

Back to civilization

Back to civilization

Walking down to the communication towers. The end of the hiking trail and the start of the road trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

The long road out

The long road out

The long winding road went down five miles past lettered lots, Camp Timberline and assorted wildlife, fenced and free range.

GPS Tracks

GPS Tracks

The hot and scenic hike covered 9.59 miles. Post hike meal at Outback. No prime rib? Chopped steak for me.

Leave a Comment

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Troy June 11, 2015 at 11:34 am

Crazy Gen broke her thumb on the hike.

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kenji SAITO June 11, 2015 at 9:32 pm

Yup Troy. But she finished the hike safely and ate first before going to ER! Haha.
Mahalo

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