Picked up from the last time when I tweaked my ankle and knee. Thanks to Ferlino for dropping Lilyn, Tessa, and myself off on the side of the highway as we started off unusually late for our hike.

Powerlines Trail

Going up the steps that time forgot, apparently the landscape service as well.

Powerlines Trail

We pushed up the wrecked trail to start hiking the saddle.

Camp Centipede

Tessa contouring around the knob.

Kalihi Saddle

Stepping foot on the saddle that was marked by a thin and crumbly ridgeline.

Witch’s Hat

This webbing looks familiar.

Witch’s Hat

Tessa climbing to the top of the conical shaped rockface.

Witch’s Hat

We were just missing a cauldron, black cats and broomsticks.

Witch’s Hat

Somebody forgot their broomstick so they had to climb down.

Kalihi Saddle

Resuming our hike as we slowly gained elevation with each crumbly rock that we either climbed or dislodged.

Scenic Spot

No time for vertigo.

Hump

Up and over another crumbly rockface.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody was muttering that they are going to retire this hike. Promises. Promises.

Tabletop

Looking for handholds and reservations.

Tabletop

The rest of the group climbing their way up.

Kalihi Saddle

Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times.

Rock Triangle

Lilyn climbing up the Windward side of the rockface.

Rock Triangle

Taking a picture of the person taking a picture. Redundancy at its finest.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking on the edge.

Hot Wheels Track

Pausing at the area that was completely denuded of any vegetation.

Rock Triangle

Going up the second triangular rockface.

Rock Triangle

Not as hard as it looks.

Deja vu

I delayed telling inquiring minds where the spot was that another hiker had fallen 100′ down on the Leeward side a couple months ago.

Broken Wave

Tessa climbing up to the spot I named after her. Inside joke.

Dirty Slide

Pulling ourselves back up to the ridgeline.

Dirty Slide

It was all upper body strength on this one. Who needs the gym?

Slippery Slope

Tread lightly.

Kalihi Saddle

Lilyn coming up the grassy slope with the panoramic views of the Windward coastline behind her.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Climbing towards our first peak.

Bowman Summit

360 degree group photo at the 2,740′ summit of Pu’u Kahuauli.

KSRT

Traversing between summits.

Tripler Summit

Clear views from the 2,760′ grassy knob.

KSRT

Somebody wished they had balls where they could stand up and swing them.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Passing the flat 2,820′ summit where we followed the rutted trail to the top of Haiku Stairs.

CCL Building

Just missing her wings.

CCL Building

Where is everybody? It was deserted. Not a soul in sight.

CCL Building

Except these spooky spirits caught on camera.

CCL Building

Don’t we know this guy?

Stairway to Heaven

Time was not on our side so as not be a burden on the taxpayers of the City & County of Honolulu, we were forced to go down the safest trail on the island. What other trail has stairs and rails from top to bottom? Exactly.

Stairway to Heaven

Sunburst over Moanalua Saddle. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Stairway to Heaven

Tessa relaxing and pondering what it would be like to hike down the adjacent ridge from us. Only one way to find out.

All pau

Looking back at the old and new stairs. Thanks to Allison for letting us exit through her backyard. Fun Halloween hike with good company. Post hike meal at Kizuna. Domo arigato gozaimasu. Ni shuo shenme?

Photos taken by Lilyn Avendano, 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.

Met up with familiar and not so familiar faces to hike what would later be known as the Ko’olau Summit Trail according to the fourth estate. Not far off from the mark.

Kalihi Valley

We got dropped off on the side of the highway where we started our hike in the valley of introduced macropods and outdoor mechanics.

Powerlines Trail

Got to the top of the saddle to find out that Amber, Justin and his friend Jackson had arrived earlier to catch the sunrise.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing up the first ropes of the day.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody pointing to their three favorite peaks and photobombing at the same time. Multi-tasking at its finest.

Camp Centipede

Passing through the land of predatory arthropods.

Kalihi Saddle

The early birds coming down from their lofty perch to join us on the trail.

Witch’s Hat

Climbing up the backside.

Witch’s Hat

Looking down at the congo line making its way up.

Witch’s Hat

Chico going down against the backdrop of the imposing and steep saddle.

Witch’s Hat

Somebody was waiting for a holiday to fly off the conical shaped rockface.

Hump Rock

It was only Sunday. It’s going to be a long week.

Kalihi Saddle

Thomas walking across the skinny ridge line.

Tabletop

Does your group have reservations? Party of nine.

Tabletop

Can’t beat the view from the saddle.

Rock Triangle #1

Chico climbing up the Windward side.

Rock Triangle #1

Jen topping out as the others waited their turn.

Kalihi Saddle

The group traversing over the crumbly and eroded ridge line.

Hot Wheels Track

Everybody in the holding pattern, waiting to climb up the next obstacle.

Rock Triangle #2

Negative Ghost Rider, the pattern is full. Drone fly by.

Rock Triangle #2

Gecko eye view of the group climbing up.

Crumbly Contour

Watch your webbing on the way up.

Kalihi Valley

We soon heard the sounds nobody wants to hear in the mountains, “Somebody fell.” We climbed back down to make a better assessment of the situation and found out that that Jackson needed to be extracted for medical attention. The call was made to 911 and the response was swiftly forthcoming.

Kalihi Valley

The harness being lowered by Air Rescue after Jackson received on site medical attention by the first responder.

Windward

Jackson being extracted to the landing zone in Kaneohe. What lead to his fall is all a matter of conjecture, as only he can answer that question. What we do know for sure; is that accidents happen, the group reacted and responded well to the events that unfolded and a big thanks to HFD for their urgent help in this matter. Best wishes for his speedy recovery.

Broken Wave

Nothing to see here, except a rain of rocks, move along.

Dirty Slide

It was all about upper body strength on this section. For many, this was the hardest part of the trail.

Kalihi Saddle

Thomas using his wide wingspan to grab the next rock. According to one study, the average adult man has an arm span 2.1 inches longer than his height. That would give Thomas a whopping 6’5″ wingspan, still not good enough for the NBA.

Kalihi Saddle

The group scrambling out of the saddle.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Amber practicing her survival skills. Uki grass is your best friend in the mountains.

KSRT

Hiking our way to the first summit of the day.

Bowman Summit

Somebody was out of the Navy.

Bowman Summit

Group photo at the 2,740′ summit.

KSRT

Traversing between summits.

Tripler Summit

Group photo with Trump and his MAGA supporters at the summit of Kaho’omoe’ihikapulani.

Tripler Summit

Justin launching his drone from the 2,760′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

As the drone flies. Straight to the summit of Lanihuli.

Kalihi Saddle

Return trip.

Tripler Summit

Close, but no cigar. The saying originated from early carnival days when cigars were the prizes.

KSRT

Making our way to the second set of powerline towers.

KSRT

Chico keeping his feet grounded.

KSRT

The group making their way to the summit of Pu’u Keahi’a’kahoe.

KSRT

Rose in the rutted trail that is almost a continuation from Moanalua Middle Ridge as we made our way to the Communications Control Link (CCL) building that was built back in 1942.

CCL Building

We asked a Marine to take our group photo and not to cut off the radar dishes at the top. I got this. Semper Fi.

Stairway to Heaven

The plan to continue our saddle hike was aborted in favor of getting off the mountain quickly as we didn’t want to be the source of repeat business.

Stairway to Heaven

Somebody finally noticed Profile Rock on our way down. Better late than never.

Stairway to Heaven

Going down the last of the 3,922 steps, give or take, that makes up the infamous “attractive nuisance.” The fate of these stairs, which literally draws thousands of people from the four corners of the world, is up in the air as the political winds keep shifting the goal post.

Stairway to Heaven

The group stepping off the stairs and into Haiku Valley.

All pau

Mahalo to Jasper, Allison and Quinn for showing us the way out, while the rest of the group went to church. Thanks to Lilia for picking us up.

GPS Tracks

Fun hike that covered a little over four miles and was tempered with a dose of reality with new and old friends. Post hike meal at Pho My Vi, where the burning question was how big are your carrots?

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Amber Fonte, Chico Cantu, Jen Odence, Justin Nambounmy, Rose Mathis, Thomas Barrett 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.

I put together this hike to help somebody tackle this particular saddle, but they ended up staying home instead. The show must still go on; so met up with Art and Aya at Moanalua park in the early morning.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Art and Aya crossing one of seven bridges that span the trail. Chris was running fashionably late. Surprised?

Moanalua Valley

Chris catching up with us on the trail. Speedy Gonzales.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Ducking and weaving our way through the hala grove.

Moanalua Falls

Looking at the dry falls to our right as we made our way up the short and steep spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Segregated group photo by gender. I guess the all gender movement hasn’t migrated to the photographic world.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris climbing up the first crumbly rock section. Many more to come.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Why climb, when you can contour on the Windward side.

KSRT

What’s going on here?

Moanalua Saddle

Aya and Art regaining solid ground on the ridge line.

Dirt Triangle

Traversing our way to the most famous obstacle on the saddle.

Dirt Triangle

Aya pulling herself up.

Dirt Triangle

Art making short work of the crumbly obstacle.

Moanalua Saddle

Aya at the top of the dirt triangle and enjoying the views.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going up another crumbly pile of rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back to the other side of hell. The flip side of heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris scrambling up the hot mess of rocks that passes for a crumbly ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Almost there.

Moanalua Saddle

I don’t need no string on a twig to climb this!

Moanalua Saddle

Panoramic view of the saddle overlooking H3 freeway below us in Haiku Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the stairs that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the backdrop of the Waianae Mountain Range as we made our way up the dilapidated stairs.

Moanalua Saddle

The stairs soon petered out to be replaced by a cable that lead us to the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Are we in heaven yet?

Stairway to Heaven

Danny, Quan, Roseann and Tessa had taken the stair shortcut to meet us at the top.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Wishing Art and Chris both belated happy birthday wishes in heaven. How long will it take before somebody recognizes the guy in the shades being hand fed and sitting on top of the building?

CCL Building

Come out and join the crowd!

CCL Building

Group photo left to right: Roseann (stuffing her face), Aya, Chris B, Art, Yuki, Chris F, Quan, Danny, Tessa and myself.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Some eat with forks, others use their fingers. To each their own.

KSRT

We soon took our leave of the summit as Danny and Tessa went back down the stairs and Chris F and Yuki went back down the ridge.

KSRT

Pointing to our exit destination.

KSRT

Roseann enjoying the views.

KSRT

Making our way down to the landmark defunct radio tower.

KSRT

Some preferred to get “shocked” …

KSRT

… while others chose to remain grounded.

KSRT

Chris in between poles.

KSRT

The group climbing up to the grassy knoll.

Tripler Summit

Group photo left to right at the 2,760′ summit: Art, Roseann, myself, Quan, Aya and Chris.

Tripler Summit

Wait! Let me apply my facial before we leave. Does it contain serum or semen?

KSRT

The group traversing to the last summit before the descent down into the saddle.

Bowman Summit

Taking a quick bite and naps before our “serious” hiking starts.

KSRT

Leaving the summit for harder pastures ahead.

Kalihi Saddle

The group coming down the grassy slope.

Stepping Stone

This rock was made for sitting.

Slippery Slope

Somebody needed additional traction and decided to put it on the crumbly side of an exposed cliff with a huge drop. Well, maybe not that huge.

Dirty Slide

I need a helping hand! Or was that a pair of good hands?

Dirty Slide

That was fun! Let’s do it again! Just pass the wipes.

Broken Wave

Going with the flow of the falling rocks.

Broken Wave

Aya climbing her way down one crumbly rock at a time.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing and contouring down the side of the crumbly ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Quan making her way down the tricky climb.

Rock Triangle #1

Roseann going down the hardest climb on this side of the saddle.

Rock Triangle #1

Quan climbing her way down the near vertical section of the rock face.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris watching the rest of the group making their way down.

Rock Triangle #1

Roseann watching Art with her open mouth, I mean eagle eyes.

Hot Wheels Track

Chris giving YawYaw#1 a helping hand to cross a particularly narrow section.

Kalihi Saddle

Quan keeping her center of gravity low by scooting down the narrow and uneven ridge line.

Rock Triangle #2

Climbing our way down on the exposed Windward side.

Rock Triangle #2

Don’t rain any rocks on my parade!

Tightrope

Applying downward pressure to my forward movement, as I didn’t want to experience any downward movement.

Table Top

Art and Roseann climbing their way down the jumbled rock pile.

Standing Wave

Before one can walk, one must learn to crawl first.

Kalihi Saddle

Walking and scooting our way on the narrow strip of rock and dirt bordered on one side by shrubbery and the other side by an exposed drop to the highway.

Scenic Point

Aya striking a pose.

The Hump

Is today Wednesday or Sunday?

Kalihi Saddle

Chris climbing his way down the ridge line.

Witchs Hat

Quan striking a pose before the final up climb.

Witchs Hat

Roseann making her way up the conical shaped rock face.

Witchs Hat

The last tricky down climb.

Witchs Hat

Watch out for snapped webbing!

Camp Centipede

Our last group photo before hiking down into the valley.

Powerlines

Reflecting.

Powerlines Trail

Who brought a headlamp?

All pau

Thanks to Richie and Tessa for meeting and picking us up at the gate. Good job to Aya and Quan for popping their cherry saddles on our 7.59 mile traverse through crumbly terrain, spectacular scenery and good company.

Post hike meal at Zippy’s, one of the few places that was nearby and still open for business at this time of the night. You know service standards are slipping when you send back your lukewarm oxtail soup to get it heated and it comes back at the same temperature. Somebody was too hungry to care and would have slurped down the soup even if it was ice cold. The joys and pangs of hunger.

Photos taken by Art Young, Aya Asanuma, Chris Bautista, Quan Haberstroh, Roseann Fai, 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.

To begin this story, I have to rewind the clock back six days as Chris asked me to chronicle his KST one shot from South to North. Bear with me as I wasn’t with him until the last day. LOL.

Makapu’u Puka

Day 1 Sunday, November 8, 2020 – Tessa dropped Chris off at Makapu’u to start his journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Nothing like a cold bottle of caffeinated cola to start ones day.

Sunrise

Catching the sun rising over the bulging eye.

Kamehame

Chris and his shadow to keep him company on the hike. It also pays to talk to oneself on the hike as well.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Safety tip: Always wear a hard hat while hiking to avoid being conked on the head by those falling pine cones.

Kamiloiki Summit

Enjoying the views of the Waimanalo coastline.

Tom-Tom Summit

Don’t worry, keep hiking.

Mariner’s Summit

Chris left the hard hat behind for other hikers that are a little bit more safety conscious.

Hahaione

Taking a picture as it will last longer.

Lost & Found

Chris found Quan’s cap that was lost on an earlier hike.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Setting up tent at the helipad. Home for the night.

Sunset

Capturing the sun as it goes down over the communications tower.

KSRT

Day 2 Monday, November 9, 2020 – Dropping in between the valley.

Sedan Rock

Contoured and met back up with the ridge line.

K2 Summit

No views at one of the testicles. Hold and cough.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Coming down the cloud soaked ridge line.

Chimney

Taking a break from selfies and taking a shoefie instead.

Chimney

Looking back at the hardest obstacle on this saddle as Chris made his way down past the notches and down to the lookout.

Camp Pali

Lilyn, Quan, Tessa and myself met up with Chris after work to give him food, drinks and company. Quan got her cap back as well. We left before the night marchers came out. Sleep tight.

Pali Puka

Day 3 Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – Looking for those views.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Going up the crumbly saddle as the clouds rolled in from the ocean.

W

Chris about to contour and climb the donkey kong obstacle.

KSRT

Climbing out of the saddle and onto more solid footing.

Lanihuli Summit

Clear views at the 2,700′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking another break from the selfies as Chris gets ready to ride the dirt dragon.

Lanihuli Wall

Testing out the new webbing.

Can Opener

Chris at the iconic photo spot, right before he got stuck going up the Doorstop. Elevator services were offline.

Doorstop

Looking back at the steepness that is Lanihuli Wall. Best appreciated in person from far away.

Bunny Ears

Coming off the pair of hills and heading towards Shark Fin. Getting hungry for Chinese food.

Powerlines

Dropping down towards the middle of the saddle as Chris pushed on. No rest for the weary.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the conical rock face.

Rock Triangle

Heading towards the hardest of the rock triangles. But first, Chris had to flash a shaka.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading towards the summit of Bowman after polishing off the saddle.

Tripler Summit

To camp or not to camp? Too early.

Stairway to Heaven

Only one soul in heaven today.

Food Pantry

When the rats are more thirsty than you.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going down the stairs that time forgot.

Dirt Triangle

Somebody made use of the yellow rope that was sitting up there.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Chris pitched his tent on the summit with sweeping views of Halawa Valley and points beyond.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Day 4 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 – Catching the morning valley views.

Red Hill Summit

Still no closure after five years. Sad for the family.

Stairway to Hell

Never enter Hell without your tetanus shot.

REI Outlet

The selection was quite sparse. They need to stock up.

North Haiku Stairs

No views. Just shaka views.

KSRT

Rounding the bend around the fenced plant enclosure.

Aiea Summit

The man and his sign.

KSRT

Catching the Windward views.

KSRT

Rolling hills ahead.

Waimalu Meadows

The winds were blowing something fierce and snatched Chris’s phone out of his hands and flung it a good distance. Lucky it landed on the spongy ground and not off the cliff.

Waimano Summit

Home for the night with views overlooking Waihee Valley.

KSRT

Day 5 Thursday, November 12, 2020 – Looking back at the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Eleao Meadows

Fence by fence, they will take over the mountains.

Manana Summit

End of trail? Not for Chris.

Corner

Last chance for H20.

KSRT

Approaching Waiawa Gap.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping into the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

Waiahole Windward

Reminiscing about the ridge from bushwhacking hell.

Kipapa Summit

Where the KSRT becomes the KST. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Tree of Life

Windy as usual. Stay here long enough and you too will become bent over.

KST

Keep the country country.

KST

Soaking in the spectacular Northern views.

Schofield Waikane Junction

To camp or not to camp? There were still a couple hours of daylight left. Press on.

KST

The rare Ko’olau Goose is getting long in the tooth and shorn of feathers.

Pauao Junction

Chasing the sun.

KST

The notch that dynamite built.

Poamoho Cabin

Home for the night.

Poamoho Cabin

Watching the sunset.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 6 Friday, November 13, 2020 – The morning sun streaming through the windows provided the wake up call in the mountains.

Poamoho Summit

Enjoying one of the best views on the island.

Cline Memorial

How many more miles do I have left?

KST

Going my way?

KST

Lobelia in bloom.

KST

Lobelia along the fence line.

Da Boot Junction

Surprising that the boot has held up this long.

KST

Lobelia in the meadows.

KST

The fence line following the convoluted topography of the KST.

KST

Lobelia overload.

Rabbit Hole

Slogging through more mud pits.

KST

Following the fence line to Papali.

Papali Junction

Running into Charlie at the summit. Small world.

KST

They don’t call this section the muddiest for nothing.

KST

Native loulu palm trees interrupting the ridge line.

KST

Sunbather or sacrificial lamb?

KST

Let’s get in one more mud bath, shall we?

Koloa Cabin

Open for business, despite the rumors.

Koloa Cabin

What’s for dinner? Oxtail soup? Prime rib, crab legs and asparagus? Salmon and Poke? Let’s get back to reality. Filipino sardines and rice it is.

Laie Trail

Day 7 Saturday, November 14, 2020 – Tessa and I met up at the trailhead to hike the six mile trail to the summit to meet Chris and continue with him to the finish line.

Koloa Cabin

Last day to be in the mountains!

Laie Trail

Tessa told me to wait at the summit for her, as she had to fertilize the mountains.

Laie Trail

Going up the humid, overgrown and wet trail. The joys of hiking.

KST

Chris leaving the cabin for the summit.

Laie Trail

The woman of the mountains.

KST

The man of the hour.

Laie Summit

Group photo in the foxhole. Chris got his requested Coke and snacks. Much needed nourishment after seven days in the mountains.

KST

Leaving the 2,240′ summit for the most overgrown section on the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Making our way on the trail as the windmills pinwheeled in the background.

Maleakahana Junction

The glove that Chris left many years ago to replace the green sign that used to mark the spot.

KST

Winding our way through the lush landscape. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Halfway there and time for our lunch break.

KST

Tessa disappearing into the uluhell overgrowth.

KST

Tessa pulling Chris’s leg and then some.

KST

Pushing up the last hill through the strawberry guava corridor.

Puu Hina

Group photo at the summit overlooking the North Shore.

KST

Heading down to the finish line.

Black Junction

My traditional champagne dousing of the finisher. This time Chris got two for the price of one. Major congratulations to Chris Bautista for his second KST one shot (first documented both ways, North-South and South-North) and his sixth overall finish of the KST. #beastmode.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

We didn’t expect to see this individual when we popped out of the trail.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

You have cold beer in your backpack? Chris’s best buddy.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Swinging my way down the road. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Greet and scare. Aida, Lilyn and Quan were waiting in the bushes to surprise us. It worked for some.

All pau

Group photo left to right: Lilyn, Quan, Chris, myself, Tessa, Arnold and Aida. It was high time for somebody to take a shower as well.

Post hike meal

Dale also came up to congratulate Chris on his accomplishment. Thanks to the gang for bringing us cold drinks, pizza and chicken. Mahalo to Quan for making Chris a Corona lei. That beer didn’t help him catch any chickens. Also found out that chickens will eat their own kind. Fried to boot. Thanks to Lilyn for driving us to the showers and back to our cars in Laie.

Post hike meal Round 2

Chris, Tessa and myself then drove to Waianae for the WST one shot turned KST one shot party as well at Bill and Shirley’s house. One shot for the one shot team. Chris could finally dig in to oxtail soup, prime rib, crab legs, grilled asparagus, poke and mashed potatoes. Thanks to Shirley for giving me the only Coke in the house. Mahalo to Analyn for the oxtail soup to go order. Fun times with Analyn and Chris, Liezl and Micah, Mia, Matt, Mike and Amber.

GPS Tracks

Chris’s traversal from Makapu’u to Pupukea covered over 52 miles in seven days. Amazing accomplishment Chris! Props to you my friend.

GPS Tracks

Tessa and I hiked 12.8 miles in nine hours through some of the worst overgrowth this side of the KST. Fun times all around with good friends during and after the hike. Thanks to all that came out to support Chris. Mahalo!

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.

Some Ohio Professor thought I was joking about taking him to the saddles for his special day. Happy Birthday!

Trailhead

I picked up Andy from Kalama Valley and we drove to Moanalua Valley, where Analyn was kind enough to take us to the trailhead off Likelike Highway.

Powerlines

Our first views of the day. Hope it won’t be the last. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hanging onto the plants as we made our way along the ridge.

Witchs Hat

Scrambling up the backside of the conical shaped rock, depending on your point of view.

Witchs Hat

Climbing down the frontside or wait, is this the backside? Depends on your direction of travel. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Witchs Hat

The best seat on the saddle.

Rock Triangle #1

Climbing up on the Windward side. The best side. On this side. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Rock Triangle #1

Andy making his way up with Olomana in the background.

Rock Triangle #2

Climbing up on the Leeward side. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Broken Wave

Pretending to be a billy goat helps when going up a crumbly ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Dropping off the ridge and contouring on the Leeward side.

Dirty Slide

Going up the soft, shifting dirt makes one fight for every inch gained.

Power problems

There are more pressing problems than trying to safely traverse a crumbly ridge, like changing a dead GoPro battery.

Kalihi Saddle

Andy making his way up the windswept ridge.

KSRT

Swimming through the overgrowth.

Bowman Summit

Halfway done at the partially socked in summit of Kahuauli.

KSRT

Traversing the cloud soaked ridge line.

Tripler Summit

Missing out on the Windward views.

KSRT

Heaven must have sneezed as the clouds blew away to reveal the ridge and all the man made structures in all her glory.

KSRT

Looking back at the Windward views that we had missed earlier.

KSRT

In exchange for receiving zero assistance in locating Diamond Head, we pointed a California visitor from Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe to the terminus of Stairway to Heaven. Still looking for the hardest hike on the island.

CCL Building

Picture with a photobomber.

Stairway to Heaven

You guys can go that way …

Moanalua Saddle

… and we’ll go this way.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down against the backdrop of Halawa Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving Heaven behind us. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Moanalua Middle Ridge

Watching other hikers take the longer and slightly less eroded ridge back down.

Moanalua Saddle

Scooting our way down as the ridge took on a decidedly eroded character.

Moanalua Saddle

Andy trying to get his footing on the ever crumbling rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way over windswept trees, crumbly rocks and scenic views. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Dirt Triangle

Leg eye view of myself making my way down the most famous obstacle on this saddle. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Moanalua Valley

Andy contouring his way around with the valley in the background that was originally the planned home for the H-3 Highway.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving behind the polygon of rocks and dirt behind us.

Moanalua Saddle

Backing our way down the Windward contour. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Andy was disappointed that the saddles hadn’t been more “challenging”, so we had to do it on one leg with our hands tied behind our back. The one eye shut is open to speculation as we were both wearing sunglasses.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Are we having second thoughts about pushing towards Red Hill? Perhaps not.

Dry chute

The ridge wasn’t crying us a river, let alone a waterfall.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Making our way underneath the tangled thicket of hau branches.

All pau

The end of the road that still hasn’t grown on me and probably never will. Our 7.55 mile hike was a good saddle introduction that was blessed with overall good weather. Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse, where the meals were a little rich for somebody’s liking.

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.