Ma’akua Ridge Trail

Met up with Analyn and Chris at the Ha’aula Beach parking lot, where we bumped into Dale and Quan who were with the HTMC group that were going up the same ridge we were going.

Pow Wow

The constantly evolving wall of art.

Trail

Met two other hikers coming down from the summit, where they had tried to find the Sacred Falls cabin. They couldn’t find it, so they camped at the Papali Junction on the KST.

Bench

Slathering on sun protection at the bench lookout, where abundant purple passion flowers teased us with future fruiting. Photo by Dale Yoshizu

Trail

We gradually gained elevation as we made our way up several switch backs.

Trail

Shedding the switch backs, the ridge took on a more pronounced incline as we slogged our way up.

Trail

We soon ran into the third person coming down from the summit.

Trail

Chris looking back at the coastal town of Hauula.

Trail

The trail had been cleared a week earlier by the HTMC clearing crew. Kudos for their hard work. Unfortunately, the humidity hung in the air like a smelly kitchen sponge.

Trail

Climbing our way up on one of the steeper sections of the ridge.

Trail

Watching the other club members make their way to our signed spot.

Papali

Look at her belly! While I made the gesture, I didn’t utter the directive. Group photo by Rich Bailey, left to right: Sarah, Dale, myself, Aida, Quan, Analyn and Chris. This was the turn around spot for the club, so we joined them in making our way back down.

Trail

Seeing how far I could go out on a limb. Photo by Analyn Baliscao

Trail

Heading back down the ridge.

All pau

Our short stroll through the mountains tracked 4.81 miles. Post hike meal at Papa Ole’s Kitchen where you get your meal first when you order last. Don’t question, just dig in and eat.

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: maakua ridge trail, papali ridge