Poamoho Trail to Manana Ridge Trail

by kenji SAITO on July 26, 2024

Hiking Poamoho Trail to Manana Ridge Trail

The original venue of this weekends camping hike changed, but we still found ourselves in the mountains.

Trailhead

Trailhead

Thanks to Sandra for driving us up the six-mile bumpy jeep road after work.

Trailhead

Trailhead

Stepping foot on the mostly graded trail that the US Army proposed to pave all the way to the summit to allow vehicle access in June of 1941. WW2 saw that the plan would never come to fruition.

Poamoho Trail

Poamoho Trail

Traversing over one of the larger landslides that had wrecked and temporarily closed the trail back in March of 2021.

Poamoho Trail

Poamoho Trail

Making our way through the side gulch where we soon heard running water. I have to stop and use the bathroom. I’ll catch up with you guys later.

Poamoho Trail

Poamoho Trail

Crossing the stream that also meant that we were less than 10 minutes from the summit.

Cline Memorial

Cline Memorial

Passing the rock monument that was built in 1978 by Geraldine Cline’s friends who all carried a rock to the summit to build the memorial in her memory.

Poamoho Summit

Poamoho Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ grassy hump with sweeping views of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys. The typical gale force winds (39-54 mph) at the summit did not disappoint.

Ko'olau Summit Trail (KST)

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Walking on the boardwalk which was slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature.

KST

KST

Leaving the exposed Windward side for the sheltered Leeward side.

Poamoho Cabin

Poamoho Cabin

Somebody’s wishes of cold beer in the fridge would sadly not happen. Wish for something more realistic next time. Like a cold carbonated cola.

Poamoho Cabin

Poamoho Cabin

We changed clothes, filtered water, made dinner, talked story and turned in for the night in the oldest cabin on the KST. Our shelter kept us dry from the elements and long-tailed rodents scurrying outside.

Poamoho Cabin

Poamoho Cabin

Saturday, July 27

Taking our leave of the four bunk cabin that was very hospitable to us. Thank you.

KST

KST

It’s hard to believe that pack mules used to traverse this trail.

KST

KST

Checking out the splendid Windward views that never fail to disappoint, that is when they don’t disappear into the clouds.

Pauao Junction

Pauao Junction

Attempts at letting the rest of the group know about the ridge that drops into Kahana Valley fell on deaf ears.

KST

KST

Following the fence line meant to keep out invasive pests which destroy the endemic fauna and flora. The only question is from which way are they being stopped?

KST

KST

Photo of the only known extant KST Goose. Pet it lightly boys. Keep it around for future generations.

KST

KST

We left the fence line above us as we continued to contour below the mountain.

Schofield-Waikane Summit

Schofield-Waikane Summit

Group photo at the 2,360′ spot with commanding views of Kahana, Ka’a’awa, Hakipu’u and Waikane Valleys.

KST

KST

The relatively untouched valleys provided an awesome backdrop.

KST

KST

Approaching the split in trails. It’s best to take the higher road in this case.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

Hey, where did the new guy go? Oh, there he is.

KST

KST

Looking out towards a single, stunted Loulu palm tree, the only native palm tree to the islands. No, it’s not the coconut tree, which is currently being devoured by the rhinoceros beetles.

KST

KST

Contouring our way around to the Leeward side and hopefully refuge from the battering winds.

KST

KST

The only documented capture of the many slips, trips and falls we all had on the overgrown, shifting and uneven terrain.

KST

KST

Raindrops are fallin’ on my GoPro. Slippin’ on the hike. Nothin’ seems to dry. Those raindrops are fallin’ on my GoPro. ‘Cause I’m never gonna stop the rain. By complainin’. Should’ve just smeared rainx.

KST

KST

One of multiple fence crossings to stay on the trail.

KST

KST

Rounding the bend on one of the few stretches of trail that was wide and flat.

KST

KST

Descending down the fenced ridge line as the clouds denied us any surrounding views.

Tree of Life

Tree of Life

Working our way through the patch of Japanese Sugi Pine Trees.

Tree of Life

Tree of Life

Group photo with the horizontal leaning Japanese Sugi Pine Tree that is slowly creeping up on the side of the hill.

Tree of Life

Tree of Life

The funneled winds attempted to delay our departure from the lush and verdant valley.

KST

KST

Passing through another clump of Japanese Sugi Pine Trees.

KST

KST

The guys were more excited upon the discovery of water puddles than the nearby proximity of the campsite.

KST

KST

Ryan in the thick of the pine trees native to the land of the rising sun and often planted around temples and shrines.

Camp Rusty

Camp Rusty

The guys trying to turn chocolate milk into drinkable water.

KST

KST

Leaving the sheltered campsite as we made our way on the exposed ridge line.

KST

KST

Climbing our way up the hill.

Kipapa Junction

Kipapa Junction

Where tomato becomes tomatoe. Contouring and meandering in the mountains now gives way to relatively straight up ridge line traversing.

Ko'olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Somebody was bummed that they had just lost their water bottle. Guess it’s time to pay another visit to Ross.

KSRT

KSRT

Trying not to get blown off the mountains as we descended down from another peak.

KSRT

KSRT

Climbing up to another peak was extremely taxing with the wind and rain being thrown our way.

Trail

Trail

Taking a much deserved break from the whipping winds as we did an unexpected convoluted detour off the trail.

Cabin

Cabin

An unexpected but welcome surprise.

Cabin

Cabin

The timing of our arrival was most fortuitous as pounding rain and violent winds paid us a visit as soon as we stepped foot into the shelter.

Cabin

Cabin

Sunday, July 28

We took our leave of the cabin that provided us with safe and sound shelter through the night. Small and beady eyes outside confirms that Hawaii has a big rat problem. The travails involved in getting here probably meant no future visits.

Trail

Trail

Finding our way back on the treacherous trail.

KSRT

KSRT

Back on familiar territory.

Waiawa Gap

Waiawa Gap

Descending down the narrow saddle bordered by steep Windward drops and Leeward landscape dotted with shrubs and stunted trees.

Waiawa Gap

Waiawa Gap

Climbing our way up to higher ground and more solid footing.

KSRT

KSRT

Scott enjoying his time on the Ko’olau Range.

KSRT

KSRT

Passing through one of many meadows in the mountains.

KSRT

KSRT

Climbing my way up to our break spot.

KSRT

KSRT

Ryan and Scott going through the tree tunnel as we dropped off the ridge line.

Corner

Corner

The weekend soaking of the mountains had recharged and replenished the creek, resulting in clear and flowing water.

KSRT

KSRT

Rounding the landmark moss encrusted ohia tree.

KSRT

KSRT

Traversing the wind and rain soaked ridge line.

KSRT

KSRT

Approaching the last summit on the trail for us.

Manana Summit

Manana Summit

Group photo at the 2,660′ massive knob that was socked in, allowing for temporary teasing glimpses of the views below us.

Manana Trail

Manana Trail

Leaving the wild weather of the KST for much calmer elements as we descended down “the best of the ungraded Ko’olau Ridge Trails.” Not my words.

Manana Trail

Manana Trail

Somebody seemed to be in a hurry to see man’s best friend. Or perhaps we just smelled badly?

Manana Trail

Manana Trail

Ryan approaching the gate that marked we had hiked a little over two miles from the summit.

Manana Trail

Manana Trail

We had a little over 3.5 more miles left on the trail. They could not go by fast enough.

Manana Trail

Manana Trail

I was actually missing the winds as we made our way down the mountain with elevated temperatures.

Manana Trail

Manana Trail

Something familiar caught the eagle eye of Ryan. Shortly after this sighting, Amber met up with us on the trail bearing cold soda and spanish sausages. That was a much welcome caloric intake and psychological boost.

Manana Trail

Manana Trail

Kudos to the person(s) that installed these steps to help retard trail erosion.

Manana Trail

Manana Trail

Passing through the eroded section as we worked our way towards the exit and civilization.

All pau

All pau

We got out of the trail around 1733. Just in time for dinner.

GPS Tracks

GPS Tracks

Our weekend camping hike covered anywhere from 18 to 21 miles, depending on whose GPS tracker you asked. Despite the challenging weather and terrain, any hike you can safely finish is a good hike in my book. Fun times with old and new friends. Post hike meal at Beastside Kitchen. Great tasting food without the live music. Thanks Ryan.

Photos taken by Ryan Meyer, Scott Peterson and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

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