We all met up to do a hike that fell short of its intended goal due to multiple distractions.

Makapu’u

Thanks to Jimell and Lilia who dropped us off after some last minute adjustments due to somebody’s alarm clock not working.

Makapu’u

Hiking by artificial illumination.

Sea Life Park

Looking down into the artificially illuminated marine mammal park.

Makapu’u

Following the path along the rocky cliffs.

Makapu’u

Looking out towards the two seabird sanctuary islands and Makai Pier.

Makapu’u

Okay, you can turn off your headlamps now.

Makapu’u Puka

Outside the puka.

Makapu’u Puka

Inside the puka.

Makapu’u Puka

Rocket revolution. We finally left the gathering place after hearing the retired chopper pilot talk about his wartime stories on and off the battlefield. I only heard six times. I leave that to ones imagination.

Makapu’u

It was another windy day in the mountains.

Makapu’u

Can you see the hiker for the puka?

Makapu’u

The girls posing by the ladybug tree.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Looking ahead to another hill that had to be climbed.

KSRT

The butterfly whisperer. Ferlino didn’t whisper enough as it was a common passion butterfly. I have yet to see a endemic Kamehameha butterfly in the wild.

KSRT

Akira and Mona checking out the cave as Ferlino flies the Hawaiian flag above them. The history of the flags origins goes back to when Britain and America both had vested interests in the islands so the flag has elements of the Union Jack and the stripes represents the eight major islands of Hawaii and Old Glory.

KSRT

Somebody stuck their head where the sun does shine.

KSRT

Cardio climb up the last big hill.

KSRT

Mona stuck herself in a hole that she could get out of.

KSRT

Somebody was tracking us. Somebody that was bright yellow and very loud.

KSRT

Can Camper and Winner come out to play?

KSRT

Somewhere in the mountains, it’s always Christmas. Just the singing is off-key. We soon met up with Tessa who had gotten off the night shift to join us.

KSRT

Group photo on what many people have now been erroneously calling Dead Man’s Catwalk. I guess it’s the new Dead Man’s Catwalk.

Kamehame Road

Walking up the road that used to be home to radar towers that once controlled the Nike missile battery known as OA-32 that was located at Bellows Air Field during 1961-1970.

Hidden Stairs

Aileen and Tessa hanging out.

Hidden Stairs

Group photo on the stairs that lead to nowhere and whose original purpose is still a mystery to some of us.

Kamehame Road

Our “social media” hike clocked in under four hours and covered only 2.15 miles at this point. We decided to drop to the road and take an impromptu meal break where fence climbing, medicinal smoking and dancing were ongoing as the hiking mojo slowly evaporated.

Dead Man’s Catwalk

Standing at the site of the original lookout that was demolished due to it being an attractive nuisance and to make way for telecommunication progress.

KSRT

Group photo at the scenic lookout.

KSRT

Picking our way on the trail as we passed one of the former radar towers.

KSRT

Group photo by an agave plant whose roots, sap and juice are used to make medicine that can be taken orally for flatulence among other things. Did somebody say flatulence?

KSRT

Dropping into the saddle.

KSRT

Going off the trail to explore a seemingly precariously balanced rock on the side of the mountain.

KSRT

Trying to find the center of gravity.

KSRT

Val making good use of her recently purchased Insta360.

KSRT

The girls making their way back on the tricky contour.

KSRT

Back to hiking. Isn’t that what we came out for today?

KSRT

Group photo at the lowest area between the two peaks.

KSRT

Climbing our way towards the stand of pine trees above us.

KSRT

Lunch spot with a view of the Waimanalo coastline.

KSRT

Some of us played in the pine needles …

KSRT

… while others played in the trees.

KSRT

Stretching our legs after another long pause as we resumed our hiking with urbanized views of Kamiloiki Valley.

KSRT

Reason #34 we are not making it to Wiliwilinui today.

Kamiloiki Summit

We were just passing through, with fleeting awesome Windward views.

KSRT

Jumping from one grove of pine trees to another small group of pine trees.

KSRT

Just missing the cardboard box.

KSRT

That’s not the way.

KSRT

This is the way.

KSRT

Climbing our way to the ridge line summit that are home to a series of power line towers that range all the way to Ka’au Crater and are part of the southern corridor.

Tom-Tom Summit

Some of us got comfortable and took a break while Aileen, Akira and Ferlino decided to go climb a rock.

Bells Tower

The trio going down the spur ridge to climb what is commonly called Dorito’s or Bells Tower.

Bells Tower

Ferlino watching Akira start his climb up the tower.

KSRT

Somebody got a little too comfortable in the mountains.

Bells Tower

Hard to tell from the angle, but Akira and Ferlino took a selfie from the top.

Bells Tower

Aileen and Ferlino making their way off the inverted cup shaped rock.

KSRT

Making our way out of the rocky and exposed area as we headed into the forest.

KSRT

Brushing against the relatively feathery soft laua’e ferns.

KSRT

Climbing our way to the last summit of the day.

Kaluanui Summit

Group photo at the 1,640′ peak more commonly known as Mariner’s Ridge Summit.

Mariner’s Ridge Trail

Making our way down the trail that Kamehameha Schools shut down years ago on December 6, 2013 due to the neighbors complaining about excessive foot traffic in the area.

Mariner’s Ridge Trail

Never argue with a man that has a knife and that hasn’t taken his medicine.

New Mariner’s Ridge Trail

Going off the established trail and onto the trail also used as a loop for Hahaione Pyramid.

Hahaione Valley

Crossing the dry streambed as we climbed out of the valley and walked down the road.

All pau

Waiting for Jasmin and Lilia to pick us up before the neighbors gave us more stink eyes.

GPS Tracks

Our relaxing day in the mountains covered 5.52 miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Liko’s Tap & Table where somebody got to celebrate their birthday again. On the house.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Kennard Capili, Monaliza Guillermo, Tessa Bugay, Val Wang, 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.

Despite predictions of gloomy weather, the naysayers were pushed aside so that today’s hike that was two weeks in the making could happen.

Hahaione Valley

Met up with the group in the valley of shifting sands that was once underwater and walked quietly into the mixed forest.

Hahaione Valley

The climb was short, steep and taxing.

Hahaione Valley

Somebody needed assistance in the form of chest compressions and artificial ventilation to jumpstart his heart, in more ways than one.

Hahaione Valley

Christmas is still alive and well in the mountains. Well, parts of it.

Hahaione Valley

A random hiker soon caught up with us. Not that kind of random hiker.

Hahaione Valley

Everybody took turns sitting and standing on the protruding rock that afforded commanding views below us.

Hahaione Pyramid

360 degree view at the top of the pyramidal rock.

Hahaione Pyramid

Are you spotting or scolding me?

Hahaione Pyramid

Climbing our way down from the summit.

Hahaione Pyramid

Traffic jam on the way down.

Hahaione Pyramid

Somebody was yelling that the trail was below us. Anybody got a roll of duct tape handy?

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the triangular basaltic structure behind us.

KSRT

Making our way on the rocky ridge to the summit of Kaluanui.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

The girls had a song to climb up the cliff with.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

I only had the silence between my ears to keep me company. It was deafening.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Group photo at the summit that Bishop Estate would like you to forget about.

KSRT

Making our way underneath the thicket of tree branches.

KSRT

Chico on the exposed wind swept ridge line.

KSRT

Back in the relatively protected tree line.

KSRT

Shuffling through the undergrowth of ferns.

KSRT

Does this electrical cord meet OSHA standards?

KSRT

Trying to keep my wits and my cap about me.

KSRT

Contouring and climbing their way down the steep cliff.

KSRT

The group equally divided.

KSRT

Chico hiking towards a dead end.

KSRT

Group photo at the top of Hershey Kiss.

KSRT

Climbing down from the somewhat tear drop shaped rock.

Tom-Tom Summit

Panoramic view of the summit. The trail was named after Tom McGuire and Tom Cadle who rediscovered the ancient Hawaiian trail that connects the summit from Waimanalo.

KSRT

Making our way down from the powerline towers.

KSRT

Looking down the steep drop towards the town of Waimanalo.

KSRT

Some would climb. Some would contour.

KSRT

Slow race to the top.

KSRT

We all took our own ways to arrive at the same spot eventually.

KSRT

Leaving the exposed trail for the ironwood forest.

KSRT

The arduous and seemingly slow climb up the pine needle covered hill.

Kamiloiki Summit

Group photo at the summit of the little milo tree.

KSRT

Jen in the tree with a stunning view of the white sandy beaches of potable water.

KSRT

Leaving the pine tree forest to crawl under thickets of tree branches.

KSRT

Dropping into the saddle.

KSRT

Climbing out of the lowest point between the two hills.

KSRT

Taking a water break in the shadow of the defunct Nike missile site OA-32 that was deactivated in 1970.

KSRT

Whereabouts is the Dead Man Cat’s Walk? Seven years too late.

KSRT

Passing the hang gliding marshal’s car on our way up to the platforms. Nothing to see here. You wasn’t here. Move along.

KSRT

I believe I can fly.

KSRT

I believe I can sleep.

KSRT

Dropping in elevation as we made our way along the rocky ridge above the coastline.

KSRT

Sitting on the edge.

KSRT

Puka in the ground.

KSRT

Hey, let’s go crawl into that cave!

KSRT

I think somebody satisfied their cave quota for the week.

KSRT

Making our way around the ladybug tree.

KSRT

Tessa on her perch with a commanding view.

Makapu’u Puka

Group photo from a different perspective.

Makapu’u Puka

Unobstructed view.

Makapu’u Puka

I don’t know if it was my cold hand that made Chico jump that high.

Makapu’u Puka

My days as an urologist was over.

Makapu’u Stonehenge

Jen climbing up the vertical rock.

Makapu’u Stonehenge

Chico standing on top of the rock.

Makapu’u Stonehenge

Traversing the linear rocks as we left the puka behind us.

Makapu’u Puka Jr

Framing a view of Manana and Kaohikaipu islands through the miniature opening.

KSRT

Climbing up the last hill. Promise?

KSRT

It was mostly all downhill from this point.

KSRT

Clumps of cacti dominated this short stretch.

KSRT

Still trying to keep my wits and cap about me.

KSRT

Following the fence line as we made our way down through the grass covered loose rock fields.

All pau

Everybody safely crossed the most dangerous part of the hike after looking both ways. Glad we got picked up by Lilia in the black truck and not the blue and white one. Post hike meal at Greek Marina. Not all of us agreed with the cuisine from the Greek diaspora.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 5.49 miles through forested and exposed ridgelines that were tempered by overcast clouds and cooling trade winds along with good company.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Jen Odence, Lilyn Avendano, Quan Haberstroh, Tessa Bugay 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.

Jasmin joined me today for an easy loop holiday hike on the East side of the island.

Pahua Heiau

We skirted the former Hawaiian agricultural temple to connect to the trail.

Taking the higher road

I think the trail is down here. But to each their own.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Looking back at the shrunken Kuapa Pond, that used to be home to schools of mullet but now is home to flotillas of pleasure craft.

Kamiloiki Ridge

We crossed paths with two sunrise seekers coming back down from the summit.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Preparing to plunge into the ironwood forest when I noticed these little golden hued flower puffs on the trail.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Jasmin roasting imaginary marshmallows over an imaginary roaring campfire.

Kamiloiki Ridge

I didn’t have to use my imagination. I was resting under an honest to goodness lean-to shelter. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Kamiloiki Ridge

Stacks of fungi going vertical on a tree stump.

Camp Awesome

We got the pots and pans. All we need are the plastic lawn chairs!

Kamiloiki Summit

Something splendid to witness.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Always notice these miniature bouquets of multi-colored flowers in the mountains.

KSRT

Walking on the exposed ridge line as we approached the saddle.

KSRT

Jasmin dropping into the saddle.

KSRT

Off trail with views of Manana (Rabbit) and Kaohikaipu (Turtle) Islands. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

KSRT

Jasmin popping up at the top of the saddle, with the Waimanalo coastline behind her.

KSRT

Approaching the former Nike-Hercules missile site now dwarfed by the towering communications tower.

(New) Dead Man’s Cat Walk

Not improved. No scenery whatsoever. Major letdown.

Original Dead Man’s Cat Walk

It actually looks better without the concrete. Au naturel.

Hidden Stairs

We went down Allison’s Stairs as far as we could go, until a wall of overgrowth stopped us in our tracks, so we retreated back to the top. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Hidden Stairs

Branching off down a termite riddled and rickety wooden stairs that also lead to nowhere. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

BBQ

What makes a hike complete? A BBQ! Propane not included.

All pau

Jasmin walking back to our ride out of the valley, while taking in views of Koko Crater and Koko Head on our way down.

GPS Tracks

Our short, sweet and scenic hike covered a scant 3.77 miles. Next stop. Zippy’s.

Note: I have been made aware the 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 met John on the Poamoho trail and he had asked me to take him and some friends on an intermediate hike one day. Today was the day. 

Leaving our truck behind

Joining me on this repeat hike, was John, Lyle, Maiko and Naoko. Lyle was the designated driver today and he picked me up from the top of Kaluanui Road and shuttled all of us to the Makapu’u Lookout.

Sunrise

We scrambled up the mountain in time to catch a twin sunrise – the sun and the Makapu’u Lighthouse.

Coming up to the powerlines

The group making their way up to the powerlines.

Ready for some rock climbing?

We have to climb on those rocks?

Isn’t this fun?

It’s amazing what some people with a fear of heights will do. Photo by Naoko Takaso.

There’s room up here!

Actually there wasn’t that much room. Photo by John Garrity.

Makapu’u Puka

We met three other hikers at the puka, they had hiked up from the lookout earlier than us. This was their return point. This was just our photo opportunity stop. Photo by Naoko Takaso.

Puka Junior

Passing another puka in the making.

Hiking to the moon

Small kine grinder. Only 238,900 miles.

All I need is a paraglider

Hanging out at the paraglider platform. Photo by John Garrity.

Looking out towards the ocean

A nice view of Manana (Rabbit) and Kaohikaipu Islands. Both are designated seabird sanctuaries. Jutting out from the coastline is the University of Hawaii’s Makai Research Pier.

Paragliding platform

Group photo left to right: myself, Maiko, Naoko, John and Lyle.

Hang gliding platform

Another group photo.

Kamiloiki Valley

Looking into Kamiloiki Valley, with Koko Crater and Koko Head in the background. The gate to access the “Hidden Stairway” is now padlocked.

Signal should be strong up here

Don’t be standing in front of those microwave dishes, unless you like it medium rare.

The Dead Mans Cat Walk

This spot has seen heavy traffic recently, as evidenced by the large amounts of graffiti that hikers have left behind. Heck, there were even two lawn chairs there! Leave it as you find it. Otherwise, access may be denied or severely restricted in the future. Look at Haiku Stairs.

Leaving Kamehame ridge

The group leaving the communications facility behind as they make their way down.

The rope is your friend

“Isn’t there another way down?”

Coming down the ridge

When you are hiking these ridges, most people never realize actually how close to the edge they are. This photo puts it in perspective.

Stopping and smelling the roses?

Checking out these tiny colorful flowers as I waited for the group.

Lunch spot

Taking our lunch under the shade of the pine trees and cooled by the trade winds.

Picture taking time

Everybody taking pictures at the same time. Who can blame them? It was a beautiful day on the Koolau’s.

Kamiloiki Summit

We ran into two hikers at Kamiloiki Summit who snapped our group picture. Mahalo!

Going to the Tom-Tom trail

Making our way to the Tom-Tom trail and a little something extra for me – Bell Tower, which is the rock formation in the middle of the photo.

Red Baron?

I noticed this vintage plane buzzing around the Koolau’s. The plane resembles a Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, Hawaiian Airlines first aircraft to fly in the islands.

Watch out for the canyon

The group making their way up to the Tom-Tom trail.

Tom-Tom trail

The Tom-Tom trail. We were not descending back down into Waimanalo today.

Bell tower

The last time we were on this trail, some in the group talked about tackling Bell Tower. Marcus said a hiker named doRito made the first documented climb. So it’s also known as doRito Tower.

Face to rock

John had agreed to accompany me down the crumbly spur ridge to the tower to act as my spotter. I found a brand spanking new piton and stake lying at the base of the tower. Perhaps somebody was planning on top roping the tower to make it easier for others to climb?

Climbing up the tower

The tower looked somewhat intimidating seeing it up close and personal. It didn’t help that John advised me not to make the climb. After checking it out from ground level and it seemed within my meager climbing ability, I started my way up. It was just a matter of finding the right handholds and footholds. I had a small “diaper change” moment when one of the rocks I was holding onto with my right hand came off the tower and plunged into the valley. John prudently stepped back after that. Photos by John Garrity and Maiko Nakagawara.

Top of the tower

Working from left to right up the tower, I was soon at the top. What a feeling! Now the hard part, making my back down. Photos by John Garrity and Maiko Nakagawara.

Carpet of ferns

After the fun was over, we got back on the trail to Mariner’s Ridge.

Almost to the top

Looking back at the Koolau Mountains. Another beautiful day in paradise.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Taking a last group photo at the 1,640′ summit of Mariner’s Ridge. We didn’t spend much time at the top, as the girls had a happy hour event waiting for them, so we took the trail back down to my car.

GPS Tracks

The 6.4 mile hike was a fun filled day with new hiking buddies and with a twist (Bell Tower) thrown in for good measure.