We went to the mountains to help celebrate a friends birthday today. No cabins were cleared this year, unlike the prior one. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Road

Thanks to Andy and Roseanne for letting us borrow her 4×4 so that we could all drive up the muddy, rutted road. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Andy, Dale, myself, Marilyn, Aida, Lilyn, Art, Tessa and Quan.

Poamoho Trail

This was Andy’s first time stepping foot on this trail. Killing two birds with one stone.

Poamoho Trail

Somebody was either taking headcount or was turned around. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

HTMC has done a remarkable job in clearing the overgrowth and reclaiming the trail from the numerous landslides that had wrecked the area from earlier this year.

Poamoho Trail

Dale ducking underneath one of the many downed trees on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

Going across the first landslide. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

One usually stretches before the hike and not during the hike.

Poamoho Trail

Andy looking down at a direct route to Poamoho stream. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Side stepping our way up the muddy trail.

Poamoho Trail

The teacher was reading while the rest of us just milled around at the halfway point. Further vs farther. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Yelling and falling in a hole go hand in hand. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Going off trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

View from the sloping landslide.

Poamoho Trail

Over and under.

Poamoho Trail

Rounding the corner to the largest landslide on the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

The group crossing the mass wasting.

Poamoho Trail

Looking back at the recently cleared trail. A vast improvement from our last visit. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Poamoho Trail

Popper telling us about the heavenly body that he sees at his waterfall hikes. I think he was trying to pull up a picture on his phone. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

Poamoho Trail

Art heading into the cloud soaked gulch.

Poamoho Trail

The group crossing the stream while displaying individualistic and teamwork tendencies.

Cline Memorial

We hunkered at the memorial for our group photo and sought scant shelter from the storm like conditions sweeping the summit.

Poamoho Summit

Hikers in the wind. All we are is hikers in the wind. Same old summit. Just asking for a view of the endless valleys.

Poamoho Summit

It was looking to be another socked in summit day. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Summit

Then out of the blue, the winds blew away the clouds to reveal the magnificent views. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Summit

Andy against the verdant valley backdrop. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Poamoho Summit

Our group photo at the now clear but still windy 2,520′ summit with commanding views of Punalu’u and Kahana valleys.

Poamoho Summit

The howling winds snatched more than one of our Santa hats from our heads.

Poamoho Summit

All Santa hats were recovered with the help from Art, Dale and a certain red-headed stepchild of a hiker.

Poamoho Summit

Art keeping his social distance from the group. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Summit

Group shot by segregated gender.

Poamoho Summit

Jump shot. Not the kind that will blow out your knee.

Poamoho Summit

Many happy returns to the Birthday girl as she blew out her imaginary lit candles. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Group photo as we descended back down the stream.

Poamoho Trail

Going back down what was once a marsh trail. Talks of exploring the falls went out with the wind. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Poamoho Trail

The girls holding a bunch of botanical berries and the blossom.

All pau

Splish splash. Andy was trying to give Art and Dale a mud bath driving back down the jeep road. Thanks to everybody for coming out for this fun hike. Post hike meal at Chicken in a Barrel where they cater to people like us and only toast the corn bread if asked. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

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.

Back to the muddiest section on the KST to help another friend connect his dots. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Trailhead

A big thanks to Edgar for driving Art, Katie, Tessa and myself up the mud caked jeep road. At one point, we thought we might either have to get out and walk or push. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

We all answered the call of nature in our own ways as we started on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

So far, it was just another day on the same graded trail that we have hiked countless times. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

We turned around the bend and it became a totally different day and trail. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Looking down straight to the stream. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Didn’t there used to be steps around here? Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

The landslide had wiped out the trail down to the rock in some sections. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Crossing the loose and unstable topsoil on the trail. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Another perspective looking back at the mass wasting on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

Katie going up what I call the drainage ditch.

Poamoho Trail

Finding our way over a massive blowdown that was covered with a carpet of uluhe ferns. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Lost & Found

It wasn’t Art’s size, so he returned it to its rightful owner. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Mother Nature had scarred the side of the ridge as she took everything down in her path. Trees, stones, dirt and plants got pushed down to the stream. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Art crossing over the new trail. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Standing on the exposed rock. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

This was by far, the most devastating rupture that the landslides did to the trail. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Katie contouring her way around the massive landslide.

Poamoho Trail

Tessa scrambling her way across the slippery slope. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Katie threading her way through the last major blowdown.

Poamoho Trail

Art stepping carefully on the fallen trees as he made his way across. Some of us weighed more than the others. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Working my way around some trees to make my way across to some other trees. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Art traversing the last landslide on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

I was sure glad that we were off the maintained trail and hiking the unmaintained portion of the trail. Well, that’s what the sign said.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the gulch to go over the stream crossing.

Poamoho Trail

Approaching the cloud soaked and wind blasted summit. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Summit

The clouds soon cleared, but the winds stayed behind. Good enough for photographic opportunities.

Cline Memorial

Leaving the 2,520′ summit behind us for mud soaked trails and spectacular ridge, valley and coastline views. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Snail habitat

Unlocking the gate that set us free on the KST, but not the snails. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Art contouring below the fence line on an old landslide. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Misty mountains. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Art standing on the historic KST carved out of the mountains in the 1930s overlooking the Leeward ridges and the Waianae Mountain Range. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Tessa pushing up the hill to reconnect to the fence line. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Art and Tessa approaching the intersection where the old and new trails meet.

KST

Following in Art’s deep footsteps through the muddy spots on the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Catch me if you can.

KST

Going down the fence line as it followed the convoluted landscape. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Approaching the iconic boot junction. Soon to be replaced by the more iconic slippah. Photo by Art Young.

Boot Junction

Some of us got booted off the sign.

Boot Junction

Going over the fence line.

Fence Meadows

Crossing the spongy ground to get to the other side. Photo by Art Young.

Fence Meadows

Standing on the fence to get a better view of the valleys below us. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Enjoying a more expansive view further up the fence line. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Looking at Opae’ula Cabin in the distance. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Going down the fence line down where we soon detoured and followed the trickling stream bed to explore a waterfall. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waterfall #1

Nothing to write home about … Photo by Art Young.

Waterfall #1

… but good enough to take a photo. Photo by Art Young.

Kaluanui NAR

We kept to the left to stay on trail. Go to the right to see more waterfalls. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Huh. What the hell. Oh my gosh. Disgusting. It was disgusting. Level inflection was maintained throughout. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Kaluanui NAR

Is this the beginning or the end?

Rabbit Hole

Pushing through the overgrowth on the mud soaked trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

You know it’s getting serious when somebody puts on their gloves, the mud was deep. Photo by Art Young.

KST

The fence sprawl has gradually spread throughout the mountains. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Papali Junction

I was too hungry and cold to smile at the camera. Slurping down a hot bowl of pho was priority on my list. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Katie coming up through a corridor of moss encrusted trees.

Waterfall #2

Looking at another massive landslide on thankfully another ridge with a small gurgling waterfall besides it. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

How long have I been hiking with this stick?

KST

Art making his way on the somewhat narrow trail masked with overgrowth and pitted with false holes and tripping roots, branches and vines.

Scenic rock

Tessa skirting around the scenic-less rock, but gave it a hug nonetheless. Photo by Art Young.

Waterfall #3

Spotting a waterfall coming out of the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Meandering our way through the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waterfall #4

Another waterfall spotted running off the side of the mountain. This is probably the most waterfalls I have seen on this section of the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Art climbing his way out of the notch. We are almost there! To the cabin that is.

Waterfall #5

Looking at a waterfall coming out of the landslide. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

We soon regained the fence line which meant we were close to the cabin. Locked? Unlocked? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Disgusted much? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Koloa Cabin

Some of us didn’t handle our approach down to the cabin as gracefully as the others.

Koloa Cabin

No liquor was consumed in the production of this photo.

Koloa Cabin

Outside the cabin that had a new door and fresh paint.

Chariots of Fire

The traditional mud race upon leaving the cabin. Art enjoyed the fruits of victory, while I enjoyed the spoils of the pungent mud. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waterfall #6

Spotting our last waterfall on the nearby ridge. Malaekahana Falls? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Art making his way on the trail that was covered and carpeted with cascading uluhe ferns.

Dale’s Birthday

Aida, Dale, Cisco, Hana, Jenn, Lilyn, Quan and Sally had hiked up the Laie Trail, frolicked in the waterfalls and ended at the summit. While waiting for us, they celebrated a past birthday.

KST

Sloshing through the bowl shaped depression. I was so over the mud. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Summit

Trying to beat the clock as the group didn’t want to wait one minute past the hour. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Quan’s Birthday

Celebrating a future birthday.

Laie Summit

#15. Pouring my traditional celebratory champagne over Art to congratulate him for completing his last section needed to finish the Ko’olau Summit Trail which spans from Makapu’u to Pupukea. Welcome to the club. No secret handshake, just an empty champagne bottle to mark your induction.

Laie Summit

Group photo left to right: myself, Katie, Aida, Quan, Tessa, Art, Lilyn, Sally and Cisco.

Laie Trail

Taking our leave of the 2,240′ summit. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Working our way down the muddy trail. Photo by Sally Chow.

Laie Trail

Brushing our way on the uluhe carpeted ridge line.

Laie Trail

You guys call this a landslide? Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Flanking the side of the steep cliff. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Laie Trail

Somebody was overly optimistic in saying we could get down within 90 minutes. You’re the forgetful hiker and not the fast hiker. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Laie Falls Junction

We became night marchers in more ways than one, from this point down to the road. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Laie Trail

The Hawaiian version of bread crumbs. Photo by Sally CHow.

All pau

Exiting the trail where we passed one farmer who was surprised to see us, possibly thinking we were poachers. Shout out to Cisco and Quan for driving us back to our cars in Mililani. Most of us just wanted to crawl into a shower and hit the sack, so no post hike meal today.

GPS Tracks

Our 15.5 mile hike had an unforgettable beginning and a memorable finish through the Northern Ko’olau Mountains. Congrats again to Art for completing the KST.

Note: DLNR has shut down Poamoho Trail as of March 15, 2021 due to trail conditions.

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.

Met up with Chris, Christine, Cisco, Ferlino and Janell to do some possible river riding on the longest stream on the island. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Trailhead

Janell had checked the rain gauges online earlier and it did not look promising for a day of tubing. We fell back on Plan B. Get lost in the woods. Not literally.

Downhill

Going down the steeply rooted hill as we passed the twin iconic water tanks that were enveloped with scaffolding.

Blowdown

Making our way over the fallen trees blocking the trail. Time for some trail clearing. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Stream

Passing through a clump of elephant ears. Or was it taro plants?

Waterfall

Ferlino’s stay was brief due to the depth and temperature of the pool.

Downhill

We headed up and over to another water crossing.

Kaukonahua Stream

Janell crossing the longest stream in the island. Water levels were definitely low, good for crossing and not so good for tubing.

Uphill

They don’t call this place Wahiawa Hills for nothing. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ewa Forest Reserve

Janell overlooking the expansive forest and watershed. Photo by Christine Galiza.

Trail

Pushing up another hill dotted with paperbark trees.

Magic mushrooms

The forest floor was littered with the usual leaves and occasional yellow capped mushrooms living on fallen tree branches.

4×4 road

We soon broke free of the tree line and walked on the rutted jeep road that lead to the hunting area. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Poamoho

Cisco contributing to the ongoing perforation of the hunting sign.

Poamoho

Janell treating Cisco for shooter’s elbow. Firing too many blanks. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Poamoho

Group photo left to right: Christine, Janell, Ferlino, myself, Cisco and Chris with his eco selfie stick.

Poamoho

Where there’s a tree, you will find an upside down Ferlino. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

4×4 road

I had wanted to refresh my trail memory going to Poamoho, so with that being satisfied, we turned around and headed back.

Stream

The group getting their feet wet crossing one of several small stream crossings. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Wahiawa Hills

Back on the loop trail.

Junction

Getting off the loop trail.

Watercolor

You should be in a painting by Photoshop.

Log trail

Walking on the fallen tree that was seen as suspect by some.

Trail

Sliding our way down amongst the giant ferns and loose rocks.

Underworld

We dropped down into the tunnel that had a giant tree wrapped around the front entrance. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Underworld

Sloshing and subjecting our extremities to the chill of cold water. It got waist deep as we headed deeper into the tunnel.

Underworld

Looking ahead to the light that existed at the end of the tunnel. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Underworld

Group photo by Chris Bautista at the end where the full force of the water was muffled by the branches that had clogged the gates over time.

Underworld

Chris being diffused by the natural light from above.

Underworld

Thanks to Janell for showing us the “underworld.”

Trail

Scrambling our way back out of the gully.

Tipping point

Chris and Ferlino going out on a limb.

Downhill

Swimming our way through the green ocean of uluhe ferns.

Stream

Arriving at our launch or lunch spot, depending on the time of day.

Stream

Ferlino didn’t carry the inner tube all day for nothing. Time to huff and puff, but not for the hills this time.

Stream

We all tried riding the currents and being swirled around for our amusement. Found out that we needed bigger floaties. These little doughnuts would not have cut it, if we had gone tubing as originally planned. Lesson learned.

Stream

Panoramic photo by Janell Tuttle.

Stream

After our bottoms were somewhat dry, we launched our way out of the lunch spot.

Trail tree

One of many seemingly dead but still standing trees in the hills. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Uphill

Huffing and puffing this time for the hills.

Tree poser

This is not your high school graduation photo. Photo by Chris Bautista

Trail

Coming down our last hill where we intersected with the loop trail from this morning.

Uphill

Climbing our way back up the steeply rooted hill.

Open road

The firing ranges were silent today as Cisco guided us to our last hike of the day.

Downhill

Leaving the spent brass behind us as we made our way down the slippery slope.

Tower

Our first glimpse of the 90′ plus tower that was built back in the 1920s. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla

Valve Tower

Ferlino wishing he had his hammock for that perfect picture. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla

Tower

Somebody always has to be different in the crowd.

Tower

The metal rungs became progressively worse as it reached higher to the top.

Ku Tree Reservoir

Group photo without Janell, as she decided to stay topside.

Kalakoa Stream

The carbonation was flat, but the taste was somewhat briny and gritty.

Empty metal jacket

Reporting for duty. Call of duty or off duty? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla

Trail

I guess Uber is not picking us up on this road.

Trailer

Just some bondo and duct tape and we can haul it away.

Jungle

Low crawling through my flash backs or just trying to find that penny that I dropped. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Blackhawk down

I wish I could fly.

All pau

One’s childhood is only finished when one say it’s finished. Our adventure filled day covered over 11 miles through rolling hills, tunnels, and some neat finds. Post hike meal at Dong Yang Inn, where’s it more of an instituition than a meal. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

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.

Glenn wanted me to set up a hike to this picturesque summit in the Ewa Forest Reserve for his 24 hour fitness buddies. A social mixer hike. The only problem was that his social buddies decided to work out at 24 Hour Fitness instead. At least Alexis, Brian, Chris, Dale, Daryl, Ferlino, Glenn and Josh showed up at Helemano.

Gate

Permit in hand, we swung the gate open to the six mile jeep road. Thanks to Brian and Glenn for driving up the road in their 4x4s. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Access Road

Ferlino clearing the trail of any stray branches that might scratch Glenn’s truck. Heaven forbid.

Poamoho Road

I’m sure glad the cows kept to their side of the fence today.

Poamoho Road

Off-roading through the deep ruts made by the lead 4×4. Thanks Brian.

Poamoho Road

One truck got the “shake, rattle and roll” treatment more than the other. Guess which one? Photo by Alexis Widick.

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Dale, Chris, Glenn, myself, Brian, Ferlino, Josh, Alexis and Daryl.

Poamoho Trail

Poamoho stream trickling in the valley below us.

Poamoho Trail

Speak softly so the hunting dogs will not follow.

Poamoho Trail

Learning about the history of the Ewa Forest Reserve.

Poamoho Trail

Transitioning from the maintained to the unmaintained trail. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Poamoho Trail

Following the fence line up the ridge. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Poamoho Trail

Chris crossing the landslide section of the trail.

Poamoho Trail

Ferlino and Dale crossing the stream through the gulch crossing.

Poamoho Trail

Approaching the socked in summit.

Poamoho Summit

Hanging out near the Cline Memorial.

Poamoho Summit

Taking in the fleeting valley views from the 2,520′ summit, where windy conditions brought in more clouds and lowered the temperature. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Poamoho Summit

We took a bunch of pics, hoping that the clouds would clear in due time. Expectations clouded our judgment, so we left the summit and contoured on the Leeward side to reach the cabin.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Following the boardwalk that gave us a brief stay from the cloying mud. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Stepping off the boardwalk and onto the muddy switch backing trail.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Contouring around the fenced Leeward side of the ridge.

Poamoho Cabin

Carved pumpkins and assorted characters hanging out in the cabin.

Poamoho Cabin

Where failed pole dancers go to retire, toiling in anonymity. Photo by Alexis Widick.

KST

Brian and Glenn taking their leave of us as they had to drive the trucks back down the road. Thanks again for the ride guys.

KST

Passing through the gate as we contoured on the Leeward side.

KST

Approaching the man made notch from the Windward side of the ridge.

KST

Looking down into the cauldron of churning clouds in Kahana Valley.

KST

Rustling our way through the loulu palm trees.

Pauao Junction

Leaving the KST and going down the Windward ridge from 2,680′ elevation. Hats off to the HTMC for clearing this trail recently, giving us easier passage.

Pauao Ridge

Descending down the steep pitch of the ridge.

Pauao Ridge

Looking into Kahana Valley.

Pauao Ridge

Ferlino and Dale making their way down the moss carpeted trail.

Pauao Ridge

The ridge soon leveled off to a more walkable grade.

Pauao Ridge

Leaving the clouds behind us as we quickly lost elevation on the cleared trail.

Pauao Ridge

Looking back, we saw a multi-tiered waterfall. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Pauao Ridge

Heading down into the valley floor.

Pauao Ridge

Sliding down the slippery slope of wet hala leaves.

Pauao Ridge

Making our way down the “candy corn lane.”

Kahana Valley

Somebody was happy to be off the ridge. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Kahana Valley

It was a soggy but satisfying hike up and down the ridges.

All pau

Walking out to Chris and Ferlino’s vans that we had staged earlier in the morning for our ride back to Helemano.

GPS Tracks

Our pre-Halloween hike covered 13.97 miles through the raw, rugged beauty of the Northern KST. It was a day well spent with a fun group. Post hike meal at Dot’s in Wahiawa. Somebody didn’t show up even after somebody else washed their truck.

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.

Visions of carved pumpkins dancing on a certain extinct crater were soon extinguished, to be replaced by another Halloween hike deep in Kahana Valley. Dale picked me up from Helemano Military Reservation and we journeyed around the island to a place where cell phone reception does not exist.

Trailhead

These boots are made for walking. Or was that past tense?

Hunters & dogs

We saw a pack of hunters ahead of us that went down the Nakoa trail. We were headed uphill to the water tank.

Water tank

The trail for us was the opposite of the sign’s direction.

Cleared trail

HTMC had recently cleared the bottom part of the trail. Lucky us.

Sunrise

The sun was trying to pierce the clouds and the clouds were winning.

Pauao Ridge

The trail soon met up with the ridge and we turned left to continue our climb towards the Koolau Summit Trail (KST).

Uluhell

The cleared trail slowly lost ground to a tangled mess of uluhe ferns as we climbed higher.

‘ie’ie

Endemic woody climbers scattered on the trail.

Ridge

Our destination was masked by heavy cloud cover.

Mossy break

Taking a break amidst the mossy covered trees and ground.

Waterfall

Tucked away deep in the valley. Another hike for another day. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Cloudy ridge

One of many false summits that teased us on the hike.

Steep

We lost our bipedal locomotion as the ridge angle slowly increased.

Steeper

The ridge maintained the steep angle to the summit. Crawling and climbing. Huffing and puffing.

KST

Looking at the contour trail carved into the side of the mountains.

Kahana Valley

Besides being the wettest valley on the island, it also boasts one of the best views on the island.

Where is the KST?

You’re standing on it Dale!

Pauao junction

Group photo at the top. Small group. Not really a group.

Loulou palms

Dale passing through a cluster of endemic palm trees with their rustling fan shaped leaves.

Cloudy trail

We turned right on the trail towards Poamoho.

Signs

This must be a hiking trail. There is a sign. Signs of progress or not. Depending on ones point of view.

KST

Dale looking out at the historical Ko’olau Summit Trail that was originally created for hunters to control the feral pig population and not for hikers back in the 1930’s.

Magic gate

My feet never touched the gate, however not the same could be said for my posterior which kissed mother mud. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Leeward trail

The trail crossed to the Leeward side, affording us cloudy views of the Waianae Mountain Range and Central Oahu.

Notch

Dale opening one of many gates we would encounter on the trail.

Windward trail

The trail switched back to the Windward side with stunning views of Kahana Valley and the Windward side.

Gated trail

The trail switched back to the Leeward side, sheltering us from the howling winds.

Cabin trail

Dale making his way to the cabin.

Poamoho Cabin

The legend of the old man in the cabin was true! Photos by Dale Yoshizu.

Happy Halloween!

Dressing for the occasion. We both wore pumpkin orange.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

That way?

The other way.

Windward trail

Dale making his way towards the summit.

Poamoho summit

One of the greatest views on the island. That is, when the weather cooperates.

Cline memorial

The only view was that facing the Waianae Mountain Range.

Mud gate

Dale leaving the no view summit.

Stream jumper

Dale making sure his feet does not touch water. Just mud.

Checking in

Or was that checking out?

Trail

We left behind the unmaintained trail. Walk in the park from this point. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Poamoho trail

The trail meandered through the vast Ewa Forest Reserve.

Bananas

Slightly radioactive leathery berries.

Trail steps

Dale climbing up the steps on the trail.

Trailhead

The easy part was over. Now the long and boring part lay ahead of us.

Poamoho road

Six miles of jeep road. There is actually a permit you can obtain to drive a 4×4 on this road to save you some mileage. Unfortunately for us, we were going down and not up.

Moo

We decided to move along in case they became bored with just chewing grass. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

What’s the combination?

The first of three gates we would encounter on the trail.

All pau

The sun was still shining on our sweaty faces. My car was still parked where I left it. Intact. All treats and no tricks today.

GPS Tracks

Our Halloween Ko’olau traverse hike covered 13.95 miles. Mahalo to Dale for keeping me company on today’s hike. Post hike meal at Zippy’s.

I found myself back in the rolling hills of Wahiawa with Gen, Jose, Katy, Matt and Rob.

Cardio Hill

Jose going down the steep tree rooted lined hill.

Stream crossing

Matt looking back at our first little stream crossing. No tubing here.

Going down

Gen going down one of the steep ridges.

Kaukonahua Stream

Gen and Matt crossing the longest stream in the islands. I heard it’s great for tubing when the stream levels are high enough.

Going up

Eucalyptus trees lined many of the ridges, throwing off their distinctive minty pine smell.

Hills for days

They don’t call this place Wahiawa Hills for nothing.

Well done

A brush fire back in August had scorched over 500 acres before finally being extinguished. Click here for the larger image.

Traveler’s Palms

Flowering plants masquerading as trees marked a road that was not our path. We picked up the trail in the bushes and continued our merry way.

Rolling hills

The vast expanse of the Ewa Forest Reserve.

Coming down

Gen coming down one of the steep hills. Luckily the hills were amply rooted with sturdy trees.

Stream crossing

Gen trying not to get her feet wet on our last stream crossing.

Going up

I lost count of all the hills that we went up and down.

Good morning

Sun beams in the forest. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Lost in the woods

You guys are where? Hello? The many twists and turns and multiple hills of this area have given many hikers pause and even swallowed one without a trace. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mountain Yoga

We had a couple hours to kill since half of the crew went “exploring”, so Gen and Matt practiced their yoga skills.

Reunited

Many intermittent calls, dropped calls, failed texts and hoarse hollering finally guided the rest of the crew back to us.

Hmmm

What are we looking for? Oh yeah, koa seeds.

Poamoho Hunting Area

Group photo left to right: Katy, Rob, myself, Matt, Gen and Jose.

Flagpole

Matt displaying his upper body strength. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Cleared

HTMC had recently cleared the trail, so we thought it would be prudent to take advantage of it before the uluhe ferns reclaimed it back to Mother Nature.

West side

Looking out at the Waianae Mountain Range, Helemano and Wahiawa.

Open fields

The hills eventually gave way to open flat fields of flowing weeds.

Trail meets road

We left the trail and hopped over the chain onto Poamoho road. Where’s a 4×4 truck when you need one?

Poamoho road

That’s a huge koa tree. Wait. My bad. It’s just a big tree.

4×4 trucks

Oh there they are!

Poamoho trailhead

Group photo at the trailhead.

Poamoho trail

Just in case you missed it.

Barricade

Group photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Graded trail

Hiking on a state sanctioned trail. Felt odd.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Hazard

Don’t try this on a hike.

Meeting

We bumped into Ryan Chang and Katie Ersbak and some politicians I’ve never voted for.

Hello

Looking back at the trail cut into the side of the mountain. Oh and there’s Matt.

End of maintained trail

Rough trails ahead. Not really. There are two hikers in this photo. Really.

Hunter check in station

Where is the hiker check in station?

Cline memorial

The clouds had beat us to the summit. Lost views of Kahana and Punalu’u Valleys.

Staring into the sun

The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades. Or close my eyes.

Poamoho summit

Let’s all pretend there is a view behind us at the 2,520′ summit.

Follow the fence

We pushed onto the cabin as once again we got robbed of the best views on the island.

Poamoho cabin

The cabin was unlocked. I heard that the workers sometimes lock the cabin to protect their personal belongings. Luckily no work was being done on the mountain today.

Pumping

Jose and Matt filtering the rain water for the rest of the crew that needed to replenish their camelbaks before resuming our hike.

Trail

Hiking on the KST. Wish we had a view.

Cloudy trail

Still wishing. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Loulou Palms

Katy and Rob passing through a clump of the only native palm trees to Hawaii.

Trail

Gave up wishing.

Schofield Waikane Junction

Group photo at the junction.

Schofield-Waikane Trail

Time to beat a path down the mountain or have the mountain beat us up for the next seven miles.

A long trail

Schofield-Waikane or Wahiawa trail is a long rugged hike through seemingly untamed country.

Rain

What would a hike in the mountains be without rain? Exactly.

Ridges for days

We still had quite a way to hike. Nothing but open country. The smell of tiger balm also started to decorate the air.

Trail

The trail for the most part contoured on the Windward side below the ridgeline.

City lights

Phhhttt. Hear that? Must be a wild pig. Those sounds would follow us to the end. Inside joke.

Trailhead

All pau.

Zzzzzzz

Not quite. We still had to walk out a stretch of military jeep roads to get out. And wake somebody up that was knocked out cold. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Deep thoughts

Facebook status check. Korean chicken. Chocolate milkshake. Shower. Sleep. We eventually roused ourselves from a semi-stupor and slumber and made our way out of the East Range, some through a gate and others over barbed wire.

GPS Tracks

The looping hike took us through the rolling hills of Wahiawa, the KST and down Schofield Waikane trail that covered 17.09 miles. Another grinder hike with a great crew. Major props to Katy for pushing through the pain to finish the trail. Post hike meal at Zippys. Miss my prime rib and clam chowder.

I got an excuse to break in my spanking brand new Costco backpack this weekend. Met up with Chris B, Chris C and Thessa to explore the rolling hills of Wahiawa.

Water tanks

We shouldered our 40 pound backpacks and disappeared into the hills.

The hills

The group making their way down the first hill through a stand of eucalyptus trees.

Dry stream

Passing through uprooted trees scattered like so many matchsticks.

Going down

We climbed up a hill, hit a switchback and followed the trail down to our first stream crossing.

North Fork Kaukonahua Stream

Took off our shoes and waded to the opposite bank in clear, cold waters.

Going up

The ample leaves surrounding us came in handy to dry our feet off. Climbing up another hill. Theme for the day.

Group photo

Cameras and monkeys fall out of trees. No monkeys around today. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Follow the ribbon

We followed this ribbon down into a thickly vegetated valley floor with false drops, so we turned around and headed back up again.

Let’s try this way

The trail looped back the way we had come from, so we found another side trail to explore.

Looks like a trail

Let’s see where this goes.

Poamoho stream

The trail dropped us down into another stream. Photo by Chris Chun.

Hills

Climbing up another hill peppered with paperbark trees.

Deja vu

Muttered curses filled the air as I topped the hill only to realize we had looped back again!

Ridge trail

Let’s find out where this ridge will take us.

Kaukonahua stream

We meet again. It the waters were higher, we might as well have gone tubing! Photo by Chris Chun.

Come on down

We crossed the stream and picked up a faint trail that soon disappeared as the uluhe got deeper and denser as we bushwhacked our way up another hill. Losing daylight. Time to turn around and set up camp. We didn’t lug these tents around for nothing.

Campsite

Group photo left to right: Chris B, Chris C, Thessa and myself.

What’s for dinner?

Cup of cramps. All night long. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Sunset

The day was drawing to a close. No more exploring for today. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Good night

Snoring. Cheese Farts. Eating. Rain. Tree branches creaking. Sleep. Not necessarily in that order. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Good morning

Wakey, wakey eggs and bakey. Or in our case, leftover MREs.

Back on the trail

We broke our campsite down, packed our bags and headed back out.

Uluhe forest

Nice to look at, not nice to be in it.

Rising waters

Runoff and rain had swollen and colored the muddy brown stream. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Until we meet again

Recycled walking sticks.

Playtime

The looping hike covered roughly 6 miles of rolling hills, pig trails, hunter trails, hiking trails, ridges and streams. Real easy to get lost in these hills. Post hike meal at Zippys. The eye is bigger than the stomach.