Chris and I did an abbreviated tour of the Ko’olau Mountains this weekend. Thank you Mother Nature.
Trail
Mahalo to Ferlino for dropping us off at the bulging eye to start our hike.
Sunrise
Looking back at the sun breaking over the horizon.
Christmas
The holiday spirit has worn out its welcome in the mountains.
Hang Ten
No hang gliding today. Photo by Chris Bautista.
LTE
Brushing past the fenced communications tower, failed to notice if we had five bars.
Saddle
Dropping down into the saddle, we noticed that the rope grinches absconded with the webbing that used to drape down the hill.
Rainbow
Looking out at the optical illusion arcing over Olomana.
Kamiloiki Summit
Stopping briefly in the shade and shadows of the pine trees.
Tom-Tom
Leaving the forested ridge line as we broke out into the open trail that was thankfully still being chilled by the trade winds.
Trail
Making our way over the crumbly and rocky section of the ridge line.
Trail
Back in the forest. Little too chilly now.
Mariner’s Summit
Lunch spot at the summit that KS/BE would like the public to forget.
Misty Mountains
Watching the clouds slowly swirl and drift over the Ko’olau Mountains.
Hahaione Pyramid
Pushing onto the triangular rock that becomes more defined depending on your point of view.
Picture Frame
Worth a thousand words?
Trail
Making our way to the strangely silent eroded hill.
Kuli’ou’ou Summit
Patience has its virtue. We were rewarded with a couple hikers that eventually joined us at the top and were kind enough to take our picture.
Pu’u O Kona
Leaving the 2,200′ flat topped summit empty handed. No stellar Windward views today.
Trail
Making our way to the wet and windy 2,520′ knob of Hawaii Loa. Continuing the pattern of no views.
Wiliwilinui Summit
We spotted a solitary figure bearing gifts.
Camp Wiliwilinui
Four is company. Thanks to Ani and Cisco for bringing us food and water to our windy spot for the night.
Camp Wiliwilinui
Catching the breaking sunrise the next morning. Was this going to be a positive omen for our hike? Fat chance.
Trail
Making our way down the roped trail towards the power lines that straddle the valleys.
Big Hill
Dropping down the steep hill from the summit of Pu’u Kainawa’aunui.
Trail
Rutting our way on the trail. Eat your heart out MMR!
Ka’au Crater
Approaching the twin power lines that mark one of three tuff cones on the island.
Ka’au Crater
Enjoying the tasty pork jerky on the trail at one of the few views we got on the hike.
Mount Olympus
Climbing up to the denuded summit of Awaawaloa. Photo by Chris Bautista.
Thirsty?
The only question we had was it to slake the thirst of a hungry human or a machine?
Trail
Cloudy views from the contour trail before we rejoined the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.
Manoa Middle Summit
We both prayed for the sun to come out and play. Nobody was listening.
Trail
Hitting the hills.
Trail
The last push up to K2, where we were greeted with more rain. Photo by Chris Bautista.
Konahuanui Summit
Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Weather patterns and bad feelings overrode the original plan to descend down to the Pali Lookout.
Piliwale
Making our way down the relatively easier Windward ridge.
Piliwale
Hiking into the void.
Piliwale
Webbing in all the wrong places. Photo by Chris Bautista.
Notch
Dropping down to the incision in the ridge line that marked the end of the steep descent.
Notch
Chris looking back at our slippery slide down.
Maunawili Trail
We made it down the whole ridge without seeing any of those infamous bees, guess it was too wet and windy for them. Photo by Chris Bautista.
Trail
Popping out of the trail before passing the power lines on our way out.
All pau
The end of the road for us as Chris changed into his dry clothes and I remained in my wet clothes, for lack of dry clothes. Mahalo to Lopaka for picking us up and giving me a ride in the bed of his truck, while Chris got to ride in the cab due to his slightly less offensive odors.
GPS Tracks
Our 13.5 mile hike in wintry (for Hawaii) conditions ended prematurely, but grateful for the good company. Post hike meal at Ferlino’s house where we enjoyed multiple servings of Anne’s ono oxtail soup. Thanks to Jasmin and Mia for rounding out the eating crew. Pile on that extra cilantro and green onions!
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.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I’d like to do the first day’s hike next time! 2nd day not so much! ???? glad you enjoyed the hike despite it being cut short. ????
Aloha Robin,
Really? The 2nd day is the best! Sure next time you cross the pond, we can do this hike.
Mahalo
Dang! You guys are incredible!
Aloha Craig,
Thanks, its the views that are incredible. If you want to tag along one day, lmk.
Mahalo