Kuli’ou’ou to Makapu’u Lookout

Met up with Aida, Art, Chris, Janell, Katie, Lilyn and Tessa at the top of the neighborhood watch to begin our rainy day hike.

Starting off on the ten switchbacks that would eventually take us out of the valley. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Walking through the grove of pine trees with the needle droppings that carpeted the trail.

Halfway break at the halfway house. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Nobody was home. All the hollering was for nothing.

Katie showing her best side at 40%.

Aida making her way up the puddle soaked steps. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Group photo at the eroded and wet hill, left to right: Chris, Katie, Lilyn, Art, myself, Tessa, Aida and Janell.

Leaving the 2,028′ summit for wetter pastures. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

A picture is worth a thousand rain drops.

I believe I can fly. Until my umbrella folds up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

We contoured around Hahaione Pyramid until we climbed to the flat scenic spot that afforded muted views of the coastlines.

That’s one big step for Lilyn, one last leap for the hiker. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Climbing up the slippery rocks to the top of Kaluanui. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Watching the group make their way up, while Art and Chris decided to take the contour path. What contour trail? Learn something new everyday.

Seeking what scant shelter we could find under the pine trees that filtered the rain water down to our soggy lunches. Are we having fun yet? Photo by Katie Bingham.

Group photo at the terminus of the ridge that drops down into Waimanalo.

Leaving the lonely summit.

Plunging into the feathery soft patch of ferns. which was infinitely preferably than the usual clawing and scratching uluhe ferns.

Katie and Janell climbing back onto the ridge line.

Art living life on the edge.

Tessa dropping down the contour. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Looking down at the crumbly rock formation that some have done and others haven’t. Today was not the day to check off that list.

Scenic spot overlooking the town of Waimanalo and the Tom-Tom summit. Photo by Aida Gordon.

The others queuing up for their turn on the photogenic rock.

Chris decided to get away from the crowds. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Taking pictures of the picture takers. Photo by Chris Bautista.

A happy tree hugger. Are there any other kind? Photo by Aida Gordon.

Making our way over the rolling and exposed rocky hills under the cover of rain.

The group hiking up to the now abandoned proving grounds. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Isn’t there a camp around here? Camp Awesome?

Approaching the saddle as we passed through the stand of pine trees to make our descent down into the dip.

The group climbing out of the depression. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Approaching the abandoned Nike missile defense tower and the somewhat fenced communication tower.

Pounding the pavement as we made our way down to contour back to the ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon

Christmas is alive and well in the mountains.

Passing the second hang gliding platform with the islands of Manana and Kaohikaipu in the background.

What happens in the mountains, has apparently stayed in the mountains. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Panoramic view of the low lying coastal terrace.

Katie making her way down the extremely rocky terrain.

Group photo at the hole in the ridge.

Making our way through what I call the Stonehenge of Makapu’u, due to the numerous vertical and horizontal rock slabs on the edge of the cliff.

Looking down at the long pier that are home to scientists, divers and fishermen.

Chris making his way over the barren and rocky terrain. The only saving grace was that the rainy weather kept us cool on the exposed trail.

Following the fence line down. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Making our way to the parking lot where one of our rides were waiting to pick us up. We didn’t want the other ride to pick us up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Our nearly eight mile hike ended with us running into fellow hiker, Nandor at the parking lot. Always great to run into a friendly and dry face. Thanks to Quan and Sally for picking us up. Post hike meal at Mama Pho’s, where hot soup does a cold body good. Not to mention a borrowed blanket.

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.

Tagged as: hahaione pyramid, kaluanui summit, kamiloiki summit, koolau summit ridge trail, ksrt, kuliouou ridge, kuliouou summit, makapuu puka, mariners ridge summit, tom-tom trail