Pupukea to Laie

Back for another grinder. I joined Ted and his crew of Steve, AJ, J, Tom, Laredo, LyZel, Sara, Heather, and Randy. We were piggybacking on Marvin’s first leg of his three day trek from Pupukea to Waiahole Uka. What a way to spend the Memorial Day weekend! We were doing the abbreviated version from Pupukea to Laie, which was far enough for me.

No hunters this time

After staging some of our cars in Laie, we all met at the end of Pupukea Road. There are actually some very nice houses nestled in this area. We set off past the Boy Scout Camp and Sunset Ranch and headed off into the hills of Pupukea.

On the beaten path in Pupukea

Eventually the dirt trail turned into a stretch of asphalt road known as Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road, which was originally built by the military.

Off the beaten path

After pounding the pavement for about 40 minutes, we finally came to the junction that would lead us into the bushes.

Which sign to follow?

A short while later, we came across these well constructed signs that pointed to a summit lookout.

Pupukea summit

A wide open area fringed with heavy vegetation marked the summit lookout. Light rain showers resulted in a number of us digging into our backpacks for some rain gear.

Back on the trail

We got back on the trail and thankfully, left the rain showers behind us.

Windmills

Looking north to Kahuku and the wind farm populated by giant pinwheels.

“True” Pupukea Summit

Group photo. Back row left to right: Marvin, Steve, Ted, LyZel, Laredo, Sara and Randy. Front row left to right: myself, Tom, J, AJ and Heather.

View of Laie

Looking out towards Laie with the native Loulu Palm trees dotting the flanks of the Koolaus. It was around this point in the hike, that my foot got stuck in a tree root and my body went the other way. Now I had a nicely sprained ankle halfway through the hike. Nothing like an injury to build character. Or something like that.

Follow the sign

The trail soon became a thicket of strawberry guava trees, ferns and heavy jungle vegetation.

Laie summit

As we neared the Laie summit, the heavy growth tapered off somewhat, but it was still a bear.

In the horseshoe

The wind was whipping up at the summit, Laredo is one tough bastid hiking sans shirt. I don’t see how he does it. Group photo. Back row standing left to right: Heather, J and Marvin. Front row sitting left to right: Ted, myself, Tom, Steve, Randy, LyZel, Laredo, Sara and AJ. Photo by Heather Mina. Marvin and our group soon parted ways as he continued on the KST and we went down the Laie trail.

Going down

As we descended down the Laie trail, we soon left behind the clouds and cold, biting wind. Nice change of pace from the last time. 

Clear views

We could actually see the coastline and the ridges coming down. The last time we were on the trail, it was under the cover of darkness and rain.

Laie falls trail

The rest of the group made their way up to Laie Falls, while I choose to continue hobbling down the trail.

Laie Falls in all her glory

The group had a nice and refreshing swim in the pool below Laie Falls, makes me wish I had gone up the trail, sprained ankle and all. Photo by Tom Engle.

Laredo in all his glory

NSFW…LOL. Photo by Tom Engle.

Pine trees

The abundance of Pine trees marked the lower elevation of the trail, reminds me of the Wa’ahila trail.

Dirt bike trail

For some reason, walking down this trail as it transistions from strawberry guava trees and uluhe ferns to pine trees and dirt bike trails, make it seem longer than it’s five miles. Maybe it’s just me.

Aloha!

Colorful signs and language greeted us as we made our way out from the trail. These made my day.

GPS tracks

The 13.3 mile hike took us under 8 hours to complete even with a side trip to Laie Falls and my bum ankle. For some of us, it was off to Papa Ole’s for some ono grinds after getting back to our cars. I’m so glad we didn’t need to use headlamps on this hike.

Tagged as: koolau summit trail, kst, laie, laie falls, maleakahana, northern koolaus, pupukea