Nanakuli Valley to Pu’u Kaua

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

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.

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

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

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

Looking back at the backdrop of Heleakala and Lualualei Valley.

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

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

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

The group scrambling their way up the eroded section.

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

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

Art tending to his medical needs.

CJ observing the speed limit. Photo by Art Young.

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

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

The tree that people ask about and forget about.

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

Misty mountains ahead of us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

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

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

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

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

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

The group climbing down the steep fenced ridge line.

CJ in the “Emerald Forest.”

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

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.

Chris climbing his way down. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

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

Leaving the imposing cliff behind us.

Going up the crack in the mountains. Photo by

Chris climbing his way back up to the ridge line.

Playing in nature’s rock climbing gym.

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

Art contouring his way around the rock obstacle.

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

Art pulling himself up.

Are we having fun yet? Photo by Art Young.

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

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

Final group photo at the 3,127′ summit.

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

Art was on a mission to get down. Quickly.

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

Meandering through the valley on the kukui shells covered trail.

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

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

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.

Tagged as: nanakuli valley, palehua, palikea, pohakea pass, pu'u kaua, waianae summit trail, wst