That once in a blue moon struck again this weekend as Team BASK and friends met up for a hike on the West side. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Mike for dropping Analyn, Bill, Ferlino, Lilyn, Shirley and myself off at the trailhead.

Waianae Valley

Most of us put our heads down as we trudged up the service road, while some of us held their heads up high. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waianae Valley

Time to leave the road and hit the trail that was …

Waianae Valley

… marked with yellow arrow …

Waianae Valley

… and bottlecaps.

Bolohead Ridge

Leaving the trail as we started our way up the rocky ridge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

Gaining elevation as we left behind the forest canopy. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bolohead Ridge

Bill and Shirley scrambling up the ridge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

Turning around for views of Waianae and Lualualei Valleys and the coastline.

Bolohead Ridge

Preparing to assume my rightful seat … Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Bolohead Ridge

… until I was dethroned. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bolohead Ridge

The group preparing to traverse the somewhat skinny dike while holding aloft a GoPro to record said activity.

Bolohead Ridge

Activity recorded. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Bolohead Ridge

Making our way to the first hump on the ridge. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bolohead Ridge

Now I know what it feels like to be on a short leash. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Bolohead Ridge

Lilyn climbing her way up. Webbing optional.

Bolohead Ridge

Contact with the fence line in the middle of the ridge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

The burning bush had spoken and halted progress for some in our group that would descend back down to the valley.

Bolohead Ridge

Drone photos by Bill Yogi. Still waiting for mines.

Bolohead Ridge

Ferlino hopping over the fence. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

Topping out at the not so bolohead rock face. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bolohead Ridge

Ferlino pulling himself up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

Climbing down the backside of the rock face. Somebody said it didn’t look that high. It’s all about perspective. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

Lilyn making her way down while looking for her next foothold.

Bolohead Ridge

Analyn and Ferlino leaving the rock face behind them. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Scrambling our way up the steep flank of the mountain. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

Looking back at the ridge we had just traversed. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Mount Ka’ala

Following the sound to the waterfall. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

Standing on the scenic rock or something close to it. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Climbing up the rock slide. One way. Fingers crossed. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Lilyn pulling herself up while trying to avoid a flashback.

Mount Ka’ala

We soon traded in the hot and harsh conditions for a more refrigerated one. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Analyn and Ferlino crossing through the wetland. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Dropping down the fence as we crossed a small stream. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Following the fence line through the overgrowth.

Mount Ka’ala

The end of the fence. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Walking on the boardwalk that cuts through over 1,000 acres that is home to native fauna and flora. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Lilyn leaving no leaf overturned in her search for native snails.

Mount Ka’ala

We ended our hike at the highest point on the island. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Lunch in the drizzling rain. We soon moved to shelter to be fixated by a shiny ball. All that was missing was the disco music. Bill and Shirley soon rejoined the group.

Mount Ka’ala

Running reflections. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Mount Ka’ala

The weeping wall. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Walking down the mist shrouded road during off peak hours. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear, left to right: Ferlino, Analyn, Lilyn, myself, Bill and Shirley. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

Does this apply to ladders as well? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

We should have brought our hardhats. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mount Ka’ala

End of the road.

King Kong Ridge

Going down the initial steep descent. Strawberry guava trees and faded webbing was most helpful. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

King Kong Ridge

The grade soon leveled off.

King Kong Ridge

Going down a small rock face. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

King Kong Ridge

Analyn climbing her way down. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

King Kong Ridge

Looking for yellowjackets and the primate rock. Luckily, one was a no show. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

King Kong Ridge

Scrambling up the slippery rocks to get a better view from the top. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

King Kong Ridge

The resemblance still went unnoticed. Group photo on top of the pile of rocks.

King Kong Ridge

Standing on the shoulders of primates.

King Kong Ridge

Going down the very slippery slope.

King Kong Ridge

Standing before the spirit cave which was formed when giant boulders landed on the side of the mountain. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

King Kong Ridge

A couple of hikers hanging upside down.

King Kong Ridge

Now we were flying down the trail like bats out of hell. Well some of us were, some were just trying to make it back before curfew.

Makaha Valley

Not all tree huggers are liberals.

Makaha Valley

Leaving the trail for the road. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makaha Icy Ponds

The ponds were indeed icy for the three of us that took the plunge.

Makaha Valley

Crossing the stream where we took the less trodden trail to exit the valley. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makaha Valley

Approaching the towers that were built in the 70’s.

All pau

The last picture of the hike. Fingers crossed. Photo by Bill Yogi.

GPS Tracks

Our ridge to ridge hike covered 9.72 miles with fun friends. Thanks to Bill’s family for picking us up and taking us back to our cars. Post hike meal at A&G Steaks & Things where we enjoyed Hawaiian food, live music and impromptu dancing.

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.

We took a break from the KST and went hiking on the West side today. West side is the best side.

Trailhead

Thanks to Janell and Shirley for dropping Anne, Art, Chris, Katie, Lilyn, Tessa and myself off in Waianae Valley.

Waianae Valley

Luckily we only had to walk a short distance up the paved road before plunging into the forest.

Waianae Valley

Enjoying the wide open service road while we can.

Dog Shit Luck

Lilyn decided she needed extra luck for the climb ahead of us and put her backpack down in dog poop. The smell that keeps on giving. We kept our distance, before social distancing became popular.

Waianae Valley

Scrambling up and over through overgrowth and blowdowns. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hobb’s Ridge

The ridge started off broad and at a slight grade, enough to get our lungs pumping.

Hobb’s Ridge

Art staying low in the agave plants that dominated the lower slopes of the ridge.

Hobb’s Ridge

No switchbacks here, just an honest straight up climb.

Hobb’s Ridge

Our quadriceps were getting a good workout today. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Hobb’s Ridge

Looking back at all the elevation we had gained through sweat, sweat and sweat.

Hobb’s Ridge

The unrelenting climb soon became marked with faded webbing strewn on the ridge that narrowed and became slightly steeper to the top. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

I can’t speak for the others, but I was never so glad to see a fence line in the mountains as I was today.

WST

Group picture left to right: Lilyn, Art, Tessa, Katie, myself, Anne and Chris.

WST

Bushwhacking our way through a tangled mix of thorny thimbleberry vines, trees and overgrowth. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

It was puncture city what with us sandwiched between the thimbleberry bushes and the sharp edged fence line.

WST

Following the fence line as it passed through a patch of dry grass. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Tessa at one of the mossy spots that contoured around the fence line and gave us a break from the thorns in our side. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hawaiian Mint

The endemic plant that takes the mint out of mint. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Leaving behind our painful session of mountain acupuncture. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Some were more convincing than others.

WST

Are we climbing that? Photo by Art Young.

Swing of Life

Swinging myself over the small gap between the boulders. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Swing of Life

Katie’s turn.

Swing of Life

Lilyn stretching before her turn at the swing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Sitting Stones

Tessa climbing up the moss covered boulders. Photo by Art Young.

Sitting Stones

Chris pulling himself up.

Sitting Stones

Art looking for his next handhold. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ka’ala Bog

We soon found ourselves skirting the massive bog that sits on top of the highest point on the island.

Ka’ala Bog

Lilyn squeezing herself between the fence and the vegetation. At least it wasn’t more thimbleberry vines. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Oahu Tree Snail

Is this one of the 13 surviving species?

Ka’ala Bog

Shaking hands with Groot’s relative.

Ka’ala Bog

Enjoying the views as we broke out of the bog. Photo by Art Young.

Bolohead Ridge

Sliding our way down the uluhe infested ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Bolohead Ridge

Katie went feet first, Lilyn went head over heels and Art decided to climb his way down. It pays to be last sometimes.

Bolohead Ridge

Making our way down the grassy ridge line that masked the loose and rocky under footing. Photo by Art Young.

Butt Grab Ridge

Gender segregation in the mountains. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Bolohead Ridge

Art making his way down to the lunch spot. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Bolohead Ridge

Lunch time. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

Nap time. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Bolohead Ridge

Dropping down the grassy ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Bolohead

Our first view of the rock face named by Waianae Steve due to the appearance of a bald head. Looks like its been taking rogaine as of late. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

Chris with a commanding view of the West side. Photo by Art Young.

Bolohead Ridge

Approaching Bolohead. The bark is worse than the bite. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Bolohead Ridge

Anne and Lilyn waiting their turn to climb up Bolohead.

Bolohead Ridge

Katie climbing up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

Art following Tessa and Lilyn on the way up. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Bolohead Ridge

Making my way down the front side. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Bolohead Ridge

Katie raining rocks on the unfortunate individual standing below her.

Bolohead Ridge

Anne following the short section of fence that straddled the two main rock obstacles on the ridge line.

Bolohead Ridge

Silhouetted hikers against the valley. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

Climbing down the second rock face on the ridge line. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Bolohead Ridge

The rest of the group making their way down the rock face.

Bolohead Ridge

Walking along the short stretch of narrow dike. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Bolohead Ridge

The narrow ridge soon widened to sidewalk proportions.

Bolohead Ridge

Tessa overlooking the Leeward valleys. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waianae Valley

Dropping off the ridge and onto the valley floor.

Waianae Valley

We took several twists and turns on the trails as we followed the yellow bottle caps on our way out.

All pau

As we pushed our way through the pesky and itchy California grass, we were treated to the rare blood moon that peeked out and became brighter and larger as the hike dragged on.

GPS Tracks

Thanks to Janell and Shirley for picking us up in the valley of the barking dogs after finishing our 6.37 mile hike. At least they were not attacking dogs. Amazing adventure with a fun crew and everybody had dozens of puncture wounds as their hike souvenirs.

Post Hike Meal

We met up with Dale, Janell, Jasmin, Quan, Sally and Somphet at The Beach House by 604 where we helped celebrate Aida’s birthday, where the wait for the steak was so long you had to bag it for take out.

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.

Nobody was in the mood to do a grinder on the KST, so we switched to the West side to do a shorter but slightly sketchy hike. Depends on your interpretation of what exactly is sketchy.

Trailhead

Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off deep in Waianae Valley where we soon picked up a certain four legged companion that tagged along for our first hike of the year.

Potassium pants

Is that a banana in your pants, or are you just glad to see us?

Ka’ala Road

Time to leave the road and get our feet dirty.

Waianae Valley

We soon lost our canine companion to a group of hikers who were irritated that she was throwing off their dogs.

Waianae Valley

I guess yellow is for Bolohead.

Bolohead Ridge

The meandering trail through the valley eventually lead us to our desired destination.

Bolohead Ridge

Pushing our way through the dry grass to clamber over the moss covered boulders.

Bolohead Ridge

The pitch of the ridge soon relented to a more bipedal friendly grade.

Game of Thrones

Optical illusion, as the space was not big enough to park my skinny butt. Photo by Shirley.

Bolohead Ridge

Is that Bolohead? Nope.

Bolohead Ridge

Group photo by Ferlino Carinio on the very narrow and windy ridge.

Bolohead Ridge

The group making their way over the skinny ridge while trying not to get blown off.

Bolohead Ridge

Our first climb of the day. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bolohead Ridge

Which way does the wind blow? Just let the webbing show you.

Bolohead Ridge

One of a few trees on the ridge line itself.

Bolohead Ridge

It was just a matter of time before we ran across a fence in these mountains.

Bolohead Ridge

I had tied some webbing to my pack to secure at the top for the rest of the group as I climbed up the front, little did I know that Shirley was at the end of the webbing, stalling my progress. I had thought the webbing had snagged onto a branch and I was pulling up dead weight. It was just Shirley.

Bolohead Ridge

The back side of Bolohead, since nobody got a picture of the front side.

Bolohead Ridge

Time to climb to the highest peak on the island.

Uluhell

The hardest part of the hike where we were in over our heads literally with uluhe ferns that were so dense and the pollen and dust being released had me constantly choking and gagging. Ferlino climbed up a tree to point us in the right direction as we battled our way out of the fern forest.

Stand your ground

We ran across this rock dove who didn’t flinch or fly away at our approach. Perhaps she was nesting and keeping a wary eye on us to see if we were egg eaters.

Bolohead Ridge

The tangled thicket of ferns soon gave way to dry grass. Thank goodness.

7-11

Our well deserved lunch spot for the day. Photo by Shirley.

Bolohead Ridge

Group photo left to right: Cisco, Shirley, myself and Ferlino with the ridge we had just climbed in the background.

Bolohead Ridge

Passing some hairy balls on our way up.

Bolohead Ridge

One last photo. I promise. Where have I heard that before?

Ka’ala Bog

We soon reached higher elevation, at the point where refrigerated air from the bog cooled us down.

Ka’ala Bog

Shirley getting swallowed up in the uluhe ferns.

Ka’ala Bog

Following the fence line as we passed native lobelia plants.

Mount Ka’ala

Nobody with the exception of Cisco had an interest in going to the actual summit, despite the excellent weather conditions. We are only interested in going to the summit when it’s rainy and windy, like our last visit.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Grabbing the fence line as we made our way back down to the valley.

All pau

Look who we found waiting for us at the bottom! Photo by Shirley.

GPS Tracks

Our first hike of the year covered 5.5 miles through valleys and ridges that was blessed with fun company and ideal weather, albeit windy conditions. Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up again and shuttling us to our post hike meal at Coquito’s. The go to eatery on the West side.

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.

I had a hankering to revisit the entire Waianae Summit Trail. Helping me to scratch that itch again was Chris, Gen and Jose. Shout out to Brian who dropped us off deep in Waianae Valley.

Trailhead

A friendly hunter greeted us and advised us to sign in, just in case we got lost. Hmmm. We then talked about the hanging cloud system over Ka’ala and hoped it would clear up. The hunter quickly dissuaded us from such foolish notions, by saying it was sticking around. All day. And then some. Really? And then some?

The long road

Walking up the paved road. Loving it. Not. Click here for the larger image.

Harvest time

Waianae Farmer’s Market is now open. Bring your own knives.

The dirt trail

We left the road behind us and started following the purple caps and ribbons as we made our way up. Hiking bread crumbs. No time for picnicking.

Steady climb

Nothing like a good cardio workout to get your juices flowing in the morning.

Three poles

Scenic break overlooking Waianae Valley.

Follow the fence

We ran into a hiker that had returned from attempting to summit. He ran into the boulder section and couldn’t get past the slippery rocks. Better safe than sorry.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image of Bolo Head Ridge, Waianae Valley, Kamaileunu and Ohikilolo Ridges. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Boulders

Gen working her way up.

Slippery when wet

Safe. Not sorry.

Native forest

Chris making the final steep climb to the summit.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo at the highest point on the island at 4,025′, left to right: Jose, myself, Gen and Chris.

On the boardwalk

Keeping our feet dry.

Off the boardwalk

Getting our feet wet.

Jewels of the forest

We ran across some native Hawaiian tree snails, of which only 25 known species are known to exist. Their habitats are found at the cooler, higher mountain elevations.

Got moss?

There was an actual flagged trail running through the misty bog that we followed.

Boggy day

Rain, rain go away.

Raindrops keep falling on our heads

Jose making his way down the cloudy exposed ridge.

Look out below

Gen getting ready to climb down the steep, rain slicked boulders.

Next

Chris making his way down.

Leap of faith

Jose looking back at the small gap that we had to get over.

Boulders in the mist

Inspected the inviting boulders. One day.

Heavy burden

Somebody always has to be different in the group. Guess who?

Hello fence

Abundant and abusive blackberry thorns became a major obstacle along this section. Hawaiian barbed wire. Ouch for miles.

Clearing up

We dropped in elevation below the cloud deck to gather some views and enjoyed a brief respite from the thorns in our sides.

Soaking in the views

Somebody was yelling about the views. She was drowned out in the mountain’s vast silence.

Scenic view

Click here for the larger image.

Landslide

Erosion at work.

Overgrown

Time for some trail clearing action. Break out the machete.

Hobbs terminus

Chris passing the junction with the spur ridge that comes up from Waianae Valley.

All smiles

We said goodbye to those pesky blackberry thorns. Or so we thought. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Ohia lehua

Brushing past the numerous crimson colored flowering evergreen trees. Make it rain.

Summit in sight

Getting closer to the top of Puu Kalena.

Fence interreptus

The fence line was soon interrupted by the earth that was rent asunder. Or something like that.

Climbing down

One person at a time.

Spikes?

Gen about to climb down a steep section. Needed extra traction.

Climbing up

Jose reaching for a hold to pull himself up.

Mossy ohia tree

Have a seat. Sign in. Make yourself comfortable.

Puu Kalena

Jumping for joy at the second highest peak on the island at 3,504′. I guess nobody gave me the memo.

Hitchhiker

Ladybug, Ladybug, Fly away home …

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Going down

Gen heading down from the summit.

Puu Ka’ilio

Looking down at the forbidden mountain.

Sumigaw!

The scream of nature. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Skinny section

Single file shuffle.

SeXXXy ridge

We hopped over the fence to pay a visit to sexy. ridge. that is. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Waiting

Patiently. Before the wind pushed me off the rock. Click here for the larger image. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Twister on the rocks

Everybody’s here. Say cheese.

Looking back

That was a fun little detour.

Dike crossing

The crew crossing the narrow sheeted rock.

Pu’u Kalena

The nipple of the Waianae mountain range.

Junction

Time to take our leave of the fence and head down. Missed that memo again.

Narrow dike

It was a little windy as we made our way down the steep descent.

Looking up

Coming down the mountain. Here we come. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Kolekole Pass

Making our way down to the lowest section on the Waianae range.

Surfing the mountain

Click here for the larger image. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Martians

Gen and Chris against the backdrop of the red, crumbly rock.

Sliding down

Making our way down the washed out section. Photo by Chris Bautista.

All pau

We dropped down onto Kolekole Pass Road and were picked up by Chris’s brother, Jonathan. Thank you!

GPS Tracks

The mountain and ridge hike covered a distance of roughly nine miles. Fun times with good friends. Post hike meal at Outback. Can’t go wrong with clam chowder and prime rib.

The mountain was calling. The highest mountain on the island. Ka’ala. Met up with Carmi, James, Rocky, Ron and Ryan at Waipio Costco, our staging point. Ron’s wife was nice enough to drop us off in Waianae Valley. We even got to watch a comedy video while driving to the trailhead. All we were missing was the drink service.

Clear skies

The skies above Mount Ka’ala were unusually clear. A good sign.

On the road again

There’s just no getting around the paved road to Ka’ala.

Leaving the road

Transitioning to the dirt road. Straight ahead. The trail to Tiki Ridge is on the left.

Purple junction

We turned left at the purple bottle capped tree and dropped into a gully to continue the hike.

Morning cardio

Making our way up the tree covered ridge that provided ample shade that kept the heat down.

When a tree falls in the forest

Walk on it and see where it goes. Photo by Rocky Abad.

Three Poles

Group photo at Three Poles junction left to right: Ryan, myself, James, Garmi, Ron and Rocky.

Bolohead ridge

Bolohead Ridge and sweeping views of Lualualei and Waianae Valleys to our right.

Follow the fence

Making our way up the fenced Kamaile’unu Ridge.

Scenic point

Picture perfect day. Break out the camera. Photo by Rocky Abad.

Still a long way to the top

The ridge flattened and widened though an Australian tea grove as the mountain loomed ahead of us.

First boulder section

The only rock climbing to be found on this trail.

Test all ropes

Ron making his way up.

Second boulder section

Fun but short lived. The trail soon became rather steep and muddy to the top.

Summit view

The view was strikingly clear all the way to the “golf ball” radar stations at Kaena Point.

Ka’ala Natural Area Reserve

Severe fly infestation at the top. They were either feeding or breeding. Let’s get out of here!

Entering the bog

Rocky walking on the boardwalk that helps to protect the fragile ecosystem that are home to endemic mosses, ferns and plants.

Leaving the bog

After walking about 3/4 of a mile through the misty blog, we emerged on the other side.

How many hikers can fit on a bench?

The answer is two. Group photo in front of the expansive bog.

Fly away

A glider flew overhead and swung around the summit. We thought we had a view, that pilot must have had a better view. Photo by Rocky Abad.

No hat, no salute

Group photo in front of the FAA tracking installation. Only James, Ron and Ryan gets a salute.

Mount Ka’ala Road

Walking down the road with a million dollar view.

Group selfie

Who cleans all these mirrors?

Dupont trail

Leaving the road for greener trails.

Stairs

The stairs extended for a good stretch down the trail.

Goodbye Ka’ala

Looking back at Mount Ka’ala.

Any echo? Any echo?

Is this thing active? Good question to ask before poking your head inside.

Da Bus Stop

Is my watch broken? Hey, is that Steve Perry? What does my horoscope say today? Running thoughts at the bus stop. Thanks to Troy Solano for pointing this iconic hiking fixture out to me. Photo by Ron Kimura.

Freycinetia arborea

The ‘ie’ie plant, has medicinal qualities when combined with other endemic plants.

Checking out the view

Sometimes you just have to stop hiking and eyeball the views. Photo by Rocky Abad.

Hiking past erosion

The group making their way past one of several eroded sections on the trail.

Hiking on the edge

Ron and Rocky making their way past the shrubbery on the trail.

Rock climbing…sort of

Rocky going up a 30′ rock face. Ron waiting his turn. Easy peasy.

Tasty trail snacks

James picking from the abundant strawberry guava trees that lined the trail.

Walking on the ridge

The group making their way along the well defined section of the ridge.

Dirt slalom

Going down this eroded section was fun. Had to stay balanced and slide on loose dirt, past the narrow section without falling down. Staked ropes were provided for assistance.

Looking back

The radar dome on the summit was getting smaller as we made our way down.

High ground

Still a long way to go.

Following the dirt trail

The trail was for the most part open and obvious…

What trail?

…until we hit this section of head high California grass that just swallowed the trail and us. I could barely see Ron ahead of me.

Back on the trail

Visibility restored.

Cattle fence?

Our first fence on the trail. Meant to keep cattle from higher ground?

Trail disappears

We ended up bushwhacking a bit to regain the trail.

Sunday services?

We spotted a huge white cross on the ridge to our left.

Dry trough

No water. No cows. Makes sense.

Back on the trail

The trail soon turned into a jeep road.

Broken gate

The group making their way over a gate that looked like it got hit by a cattle stampede.

No signs of cows

Other hikers had told us of cows giving chase on the trail. Guess they were sleeping or it was too darn hot to be out and about.

Headed to the highway

The road to civilization. Photo by Rocky Abad.

Security stop

Security stopped us short of the gate, asking where we had come from. Down from the mountain. They said next time call the landowner, Pioneer in advance to request permission. Thanks for the tip!

Hold the gate

As we approached the road, the gate swung open to let a car in. Perfect timing. James brother in law was waiting on the other side to give us a ride back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our 8.43 mile hike started on the Waianae side, crossed over the highest mountain on the island and ended up on the Waialua side. Love hikes that don’t come back the same way. Post hike meal at Outback. No surprise. Great hike with old and new friends.

I found myself walking on the Waianae Valley Road with Marcus, Jay, Tom, Scott, Brian and Aaron to hike up Bolohead Ridge. Did I ever mention I hate this mile plus road of unyielding concrete with a passion? This was our second attempt, as two weeks ago we got rained out and had to turn back.

Weather looks good!

It wasn’t raining and Mount Ka’ala looked clear and cloud free. Looking good!

Waianae Kai Forest

Passing the first water tank, we took a right onto a trail that took us deep into the Waianae Kai Forest as we followed the pink and yellow markers.

Start of Bolohead Ridge

About half an hour later, we found ourselves at the beginning of Bolohead Ridge.

Point of No Return

This was the same area where we had to turn back two weeks ago due to wet conditions. The rocks in this area start to get steeper and are covered with moss. Not a good idea to be climbing in these conditions when rainy and wet.

Group photo at the first obstacle

Back to front: Jay, Scott, Brian, Tom, myself, Aaron and Marcus. I would say this section of the ridge was the narrowest part on the whole ridge, and we were taking a group photo on it! Photo by Marcus Griego.

Looks harder than it actually is

As we prepared to tackle the first obtacle, we noticed moisture in the air and rain spilling over the top of Mount Ka’ala. We agreed that the best plan of action was to make it past the second obstacle and hope the rain would hit us after that, which the terrain would allow us to safely handle. Click here for the larger image.

First obstacle

Looks can be deceiving. From a distance, this obstacle looks imposing and somewhat intimidating. But up close, the climb was made easy by ample handholds and footholds. Photo by Scott Bowling.

Looking back at the thin ridge

Aaron making it to the top of the first obstacle with a neat view of the valley and the ridge we had just left behind.

Second obstacle – Bolohead itself

We soon approached the second and hardest obstacle, the feature named for the ridge itself – Bolohead. So named by Waianae Steve because it resembles a bald man. Sorry, I don’t get the resemblance. Maybe if I squint and look real hard from a certain angle. Then again, I’ve never been good at abstract thinking.

Watch out for falling rocks

While we were waiting our turn to go up Bolohead, we were being showered by dirt and small pebbles from the guys above us. If you got micro-spikes, now would be a good time to put them on. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any. Lucky me.

Climbing up Bolohead

A good chunk of Bolohead is all loose dirt and rocks, making it somewhat of a chore. A weathered rope that was installed who knows how long ago, greatly helped out.

Top of Bolohead

As we all made it to the top of Bolohead one by one, it was hard not to be impressed by the spectacular views below us.

Panoramic view of Waianae Valley

Click here for the larger image.

Climbing down the backside of Bolohead

The fun was not over yet. We stil had to climb down the backside of Bolohead, which involves a somewhat narrow rockface. Once again, there was webbing, but it was frayed so we didn’t depend on it much as we made our way down. Photo by Francis Joy.

Looking down the backside of Bolohead

Tom climbing down as he makes “love” to the rocks. Caveman jargon for hugging the rocks as you down climb.

Almost to the top of Ka’ala

Gone were the narrow ridge and the fun. Replaced by relatively wide open areas on the way to the top of Ka’ala. Luckily, the rain showers never did show up.

Getting bogged down

As we got nearer to the top, the open ridge was replaced by the bog forest and thick uluhe ferns. Photo by Scott Bowling.

Top of Mount Ka’ala

No sightseeing today. It was decided not to pay the Ka’ala bog a visit today and instead go straight down the mountain.

Coming down from the mountain

Tom passing one of the boulder sections as he makes his way down.

Tiki Ridge

Instead of going down the Waianae-Ka’ala Trail, we decided to go down the next ridge, which was Tiki Ridge. 

Tiki #1

Passing the first tiki marker on the way down the ridge. There are two small rockfaces that must be down climbed and the rest of the ridge is downhill.

Tiki #2

We made our way down the ridge, traversed the Waianae Kai Forest, waded through head high grass and popped back onto the much hated road and made our way back down to our cars.

GPS Tracks for Bolohead Ridge to Kaala to Tiki Ridge

The entire 6.3 mile hike took us 7.5 hours. Glad we made it the second time around. I heard there are seven trails to get to Ka’ala, two down and five more to go!

Walking back down from Waianae Valley after our failed attempt to hike Bolohead ridge was called off due to rainy conditions which made it unsafe to continue, we decided to end the day by exploring Upper Makua Cave.

Where is the trail?

We drove past Kaneana Cave, which I kick for myself for not stopping by and checking it out as I have never been to that cave as well. Several hundred yards after the cave, we parked on the side of Farrington Highway. There seemed to be several indistinct trails going up to the grassy gully, Scott and I and Jay and Marcus took two separate routes up to the cave.

Going up the gully

Going up the gradually increasing slope that was littered with loose rocks that constantly shifted under our weight, made it seem harder than it actually was.

Goat trails

Eventually we contoured to the right using what seemed like goat trails through the grassy incline.

Upper Makua Cave

Jay, Scott and myself standing in Upper Makua Cave. It took us about 30 minutes to reach the cave from the road.

Cave view

The cave is roughly 450 feet above sea level and affords one stunning views from Makua Beach to Kaena Point.

Cave-less view

Jay mentioned that other hikers have started from this point to continue on towards Ohikilolo. That would make for an interesting hike one day. After checking out the great views, we made our way back down and had a tasty lunch at Tacos & More in Waianae.