Nanakuli Valley to Pu’u Kaua

by kenji SAITO on July 18, 2021

Taking a break from the KST, we headed out to the West side this weekend. Photo by Art Young.

Nanakuli Valley

Nanakuli Valley

We are not cattle. Maybe chattel. Thanks to Aida for dropping Art, Chris, CJ and myself off in her spotless car. Mahalo to Takashi for the beta on this trail.

Nanakuli Valley

Nanakuli Valley

Trying to avoid getting punctured as we walked through the Kiawe forest. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nanakuli Valley

Nanakuli Valley

Escaping the oppressive humidity in the valley as we crested to the top of the first hump on the ridge.

Nanakuli Valley

Nanakuli Valley

Pushing off on the grassy ridge line where we exchanged the humidity for windy conditions. Photo by Art Young.

Nanakuli Valley

Nanakuli Valley

Looking back at the backdrop of Heleakala and Lualualei Valley.

Nanakuli Ridge

Nanakuli Ridge

Making our way up the ridge where the clouds had frosted the tops of the mountain. Photo by Art Young.

Nanakuli Ridge

Nanakuli Ridge

CJ taking a break from the climb to enjoy the panoramic views. Photo by Art Young.

Nanakuli Ridge

Nanakuli Ridge

The overgrowth become thicker and taller as we approached the top of the ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Nanakuli Ridge

Nanakuli Ridge

The group scrambling their way up the eroded section.

Nanakuli Ridge

Nanakuli Ridge

Following the rusted pipes and steps to civilization, or so we hoped. Photo by Art Young.

Palehua

Palehua

It’s always amazing to me to find these government and military structures scattered throughout the island in seemingly remote places.

Palehua

Palehua

Art tending to his medical needs.

Palehua

Palehua

CJ observing the speed limit. Photo by Art Young.

Palehua

Palehua

Our flock grew by one until the chicken crossed the road. The riddle that has been bothering mankind since 1847 was finally answered.

Palehua

Palehua

Stepping foot in an area rich in Hawaiian history and folklore.

Palehua

Palehua

The tree that people ask about and forget about.

Palehua

Palehua

Chris pointing out the path to Kunia if one can find it for the overgrowth.

Palehua

Palehua

Misty mountains ahead of us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Palehua

Palehua

Rain drops started falling on our heads as we entered the forest of pine trees.

Palehua

Palehua

CJ going up the picturesque stairs in the forest. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Palikea

Palikea

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Shall we press on in this inclement weather or bail at Heleakala?

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Pushing through the uluhe overgrowth as we continued our hike without any abortions or interruptions.

WST

WST

The clouds leaving the mountains as we made our way down. Photo by Art Young.

WST

WST

The group climbing down the steep fenced ridge line.

WST

WST

CJ in the “Emerald Forest.”

Pohakea Pass

Pohakea Pass

Art making his way down to “I don’t know what I’m getting myself into.”

Pohakea Pass

Pohakea Pass

It was all our first time climbing down the roughly 80′ crumbly cliff during high winds to boot. It was a hoot for some and not so for others.

Pohakea Pass

Pohakea Pass

Chris climbing his way down. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Pohakea Pass

Pohakea Pass

Making my way down to terra firma. Photo by Art Young.

Pohakea Pass

Pohakea Pass

Leaving the imposing cliff behind us.

WST

WST

Going up the crack in the mountains. Photo by

WST

WST

Chris climbing his way back up to the ridge line.

WST

WST

Playing in nature’s rock climbing gym.

WST

WST

Covering the gap with the yoga stretch. Photo by Art Young.

WST

WST

Art contouring his way around the rock obstacle.

WST

WST

Climbing and contouring around one of many rock obstacles sprinkled on the ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

WST

WST

Art pulling himself up.

WST

WST

Are we having fun yet? Photo by Art Young.

WST

WST

We caught up with the fence line again which took us straight to our last summit of the day.

Pu'u Kaua

Pu’u Kaua

Panoramic views of the central plains and the ridge where we had just came from.

Pu'u Kaua

Pu’u Kaua

Final group photo at the 3,127′ summit.

Kaua Trail

Kaua Trail

Leaving the third highest peak on the island for flatter elevation.

Kaua Trail

Kaua Trail

Art was on a mission to get down. Quickly.

Kaua Trail

Kaua Trail

Taking a break from the rapid descent from the mountain. Photo by Art Young.

Kaua Trail

Kaua Trail

Meandering through the valley on the kukui shells covered trail.

Kaua Trail

Kaua Trail

Why did the hiker cross the log? To get to the other side. Thank you very much.

All pau

All pau

Thanks to Bill and Shirley for picking us up despite the navigational hiccups. We also found out that somebody was born in a barn.

GPS Tracks

GPS Tracks

Our ten mile plus hike covered a lot of climbing through the rugged Waianae Mountains. Amazing adventure with good friends. Post hike meal at Restaurant Kunio, where the wait was longer than the time we spent in the eatery itself. The only saving grace was that the food was actually tasty.

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.

Leave a Comment

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Cj August 7, 2021 at 7:34 am

Its was really great feeling when you finished something that you can’t even imagine how we can do this or are we can make it this or not.? But in the end we did it and we made it.!
Thanks for this extra banganza experienced’
I really treasure it..
Thanks boss kenji for allowing me to join in your group.. ????
Much Mahalo for the experienced ????

Reply

kenji SAITO August 8, 2021 at 4:23 pm

Aloha CJ,
Yup it was definitely an amazing adventure. Thanks for coming!
Mahalo

Reply

Aulani Rogers October 4, 2021 at 11:19 am

i absolutely loved these pic born and raised in Nanakuli didnt know of the beauty of NANAKULI MOUNTAINS.THANK YOU FOR SHARING. also saw fences and i didnt why.. MAHALO PIHA

Reply

kenji SAITO October 4, 2021 at 8:52 pm

Aloha Aulani,
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the pics. Yes, the West side has a charm all its own.
Mahalo

Reply

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