Camping plans got shelved so it was off to hike the highest peak on Oahu today.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Thanks to Edgar and Jasmin for shuttling us to the valley of stripped cars, stray dogs and stealers.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Walking up the road that is nobody’s friend.

Waianae Kaala Trail

End of the road and start of the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Going up the steep leaf carpeted hill for our morning cardio.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Group photo at the horizontal leaning tree, which is a position some in the group wanted to assume.

Waianae Kaala Trail

We’ve only just begun to hike
Sunscreen and bug spray
A deep breath and we’re on our way
We’ve only begun

Three Poles

Taking a rest after all that elevation gain. We still got roughly 1,300′ more of climbing to do.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Tessa making short work of the jumbled rocks with short legs.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Flying the drone to get a birds eye view.

Waianae Kaala Trail

It takes a group to raise a friend.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Our group photo on top of the rocks. Shaken, not stirred.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin climbing up the trail from an approach she has never done before. First time for everything.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Mari climbing up the ladder on the second set of jumbled rocks found on the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

The group going up the long stretch of rope and rocks.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Not out of the woods yet.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Looking for those native snails. I saw one on this very same tree on one of my last visits. I guess they moved on.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Pop! Boom! Bang! That’s how Cristy hikes. Or at least that’s how her pants rolls.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin with the panoramic background the valleys and ridges behind her.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Exhaled condensation became visible due to altitude, temperature and humidity levels. Photographic evidence did not manifest itself unfortunately.

Mount Ka’ala Bog

Meandering our way through the 1/4 mile boardwalk that protects the 1,100 acres of the native ecosystem of plants and animals.

Mount Ka’ala

Congratulations to Mari for completing the climb to the highest peak on the island that sits at 4,025′ above sea level.

Mount Ka’ala

Kenny and myself went clockwise around the FAA radar station established in the 1960s and often called “Red Bluff.” We were trying to hike down to the hoist structure but took the wrong trail.

Mount Ka’ala

Meanwhile, the rest of the group soon followed and not seeing us had assumed that we had just circled the radar station. “Assumptions are made, and most assumptions are wrong” – Albert Einstein. So the group had to come back to the scenic spot to have our lunch.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo near “Red Bluff,” named because of the iron-rich soil found at the site where the radar station is situated.

Mount Ka’ala

Looking into the radar station that is jointly managed by the FAA and Hawaii Air National Guard.

Mount Ka’ala

Lunch is served, vodka not included.

Mount Ka’ala

Akira was either having a kanak attack or cramp attack or panic attack.

Mount Ka’ala

Not all of us chose the same way to exit the grassy spot overlooking the central plains.

Mount Ka’ala

Our last group photo before leaving the summit.

Mount Ka’ala Bog

Heading out through the cloud forest on the boardwalk.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Can’t beat the views going down.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Traffic Jam.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin leaving the ridge line as we descended back down to the valley floor.

All pau

Thanks to Edgar and Jasmin for picking us back up at the end of our hike.

GPS Tracks

Our hike to the highest mountain on the island of Oahu covered 7.48 miles with good friends and good times.

The Beach House by 604

Our post hike meal was at the dirty spoon aka flyblown as we had our dinner and sampled the not so famous clam chowder and Mr. Suzuki became the new Mr. Miyagi. We did have a nice sunset for our viewing pleasure.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Cristy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Robin Farr, 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.

I joined a different team this weekend to tackle the other mountain range on the island, the Waianae Summit Trail. Thanks to Mike for dropping Analyn, Bill, Shirley and myself off under the bright lights of the Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station to start our late evening hike. Team BASK.

Kaena Point

Walking on the remnants of the railroad tracks where only our shadows kept us company.

Kaena Point

I guess we should have gotten a 4×4. Whose name was on the rental contract?

Kaena Point

Passing one of several WW2 pillboxes on our way up the grassy and rocky ridge line that was under lunar illumination.

Kaena Point Tracking Station

Approaching the military installation that dominates the landscape of the 1,500′ ridge line.

Kaena Point Tracking Station

Somebody wanted to shed more light on themselves and bring unwanted attention to ourselves. Talks of hiking in the dark to our destination soon became a distant memory as we set up camp at the BSA shelter. Bill and Shirley shared a tent, while Analyn and I shared the picnic table.

BSA Shelter

We woke up the next day, broke down the tent, cleaned off the table and had breakfast.

Kuaokala Trail

Hiking the wide tree lined corridor that was strewn with pine cones and needles.

Kuaokala Trail

Making our way through the barren and rocky terrain where views of Makua Valley greeted us.

Kuaokala Trail

First contact with the fence line that is sprawled over the mountain range.

Kuaokala Trail

We followed the fence line down for a bit before it spit us back onto the trail.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Leaving the well trodden trail for the overgrown one.

WST

We snacked on lilikoi passion fruit before trudging back up the road.

Moku

Turned a right at the geodic marker to pick up the trail.

Pahole NAR

Entering the 685 acres of protected ecosystems that are home to native fauna and flora. Mount Ka’ala looked so close, yet so far.

WST

Seeking scant shade from the blistering sun.

WST

Fences for daze.

Mokuleia Trail

We dropped down to the shelter to have our lunch and top off our water. Slim pickings for the oranges and avocados. Who the hell brings a chair to a hike? A comfortable person that’s who.

WST

Back to hiking under the hot sun.

WST

Giving our hands a workout as we went up and down the fenced hills.

WST

Approaching the summit where a shin high metal stake caught a couple of us on the way up. Ouch!

Three Corners

It was a nice day to be enjoying the sweeping views of Makaha, Makua and Mokuleia Valleys.

WST

Plunging through the dense uluhe corridor laced with thorny thimbleberry bushes. While hiking has a lot of joys. This was definitely not one of them.

WST

Looking ahead to the road that would take us to the 4,025′ summit.

WST

Coming down the steep hill, Analyn skinned her right hand on the fence coming down. Wear and tear.

Ka’ala Road

Two bumps on the road otherwise known as potential road kill.

Ka’ala Road

Click your heels together three times and say ‘There’s no place like home’ and you’ll be there. Unfortunately, this is not the movies and you are not Dorothy. This is the Ka’ala Road, hard and unforgiving. Photo by Bill Yogi.

Ka’ala Road

Putting our heads down and putting one foot in front of the other. This road sucks.

Ka’ala Road

End of the road. Thank goodness. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Camp Ka’ala

We set up camp; enjoyed a stunning sunset, munched on Godiva Chocolate and somebody got gassed to the point of retching.

Camp Ka’ala

Our morning view from the highest peak on the island, as rain showers slowly marched its way towards us.

Camp Ka’ala

Breaking down camp under a light drizzle of mountain rain.

Ka’ala Bog

On the boardwalk that crosses through 1,100 acres of ancient Hawaiian rain forest home to many native plants and animals. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Ka’ala Bog

The Northern KST doesn’t have the exclusive monopoly on deep sole sucking mud. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Ka’ala Bog

Finding the fence line and following it down to the ridge line.

WST

Going down the slippery slope. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Analyn climbing her way down.

WST

The girls climbing down and out from the moss covered boulder section. Photo by Bill Yogi.

WST

Bushwhacking through the fenced corridor of uluhe ferns and thimbleberry bushes. The overgrowth was too much for Bill’s selfie stick as I cracked the tip while clearing the trail, no fusion videos of the hike. My bad. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

The last time I saw my selfie stick before the overgrowth snatched it out of my pack. It’s supposed to be used for selfies and not bushwhacking. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

The girls passing through a stand of trees that were thickly padded with green and spongy moss.

WST

The trail overgrowth relented somewhat, but not that much. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Hobbs Junction

Taking a break from all that bushwhacking. Agony by a thousand punctures.

WST

Resuming our fenced hike with the second highest peak staring us in our sweaty faces.

WST

Making our way down the split ridge.

WST

Waiting for our turn to climb down. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Shirley contouring the crumbly ridge line. Photo by Bill Yogi.

WST

Looking for that ledge to land her size 7.5 shoes on. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Analyn climbing up one of the last rock faces before the summit.

Pu’u Kalena

Fabulous views of the West side from the 3,504′ peak.

Pu’u Kalena

What? No lunch break here? Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Back on the fenced trail to get to the eroded section over on the next hill.

WST

Lunch break and scenic photography spot.

WST

False peak after false peak.

WST

Selfie at one of the step fence sections. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Looking down at the hot mess of crumbly rocks otherwise known as Pu’u Ka’ilio.

WST

West side boy on the West side dike.

WST

Looking back at sexxxy ridge. No opportunity for sexxxy time. Next time. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

We left the fenced ridge line and made our way down the spur ridge.

WST

Analyn throwing out a shaka before going down another narrow dike section.

WST

There’s always time for another shaka on the dike. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Getting off the rocky ridge line as we descended towards the pass, the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range.

Lualualei Valley

Looking down into the largest coastal valley on this side of the island.

WST

Can you take a video of me sliding on my butt sis?

WST

Sure thing sis! Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Kolekole Pass

Why did the hikers cross the road? To get to the other hiking trail.

Pohaku Hupeloa

Everybody try and keep their heads about them.

Kolekole Pass

Approaching the clearing with sweeping views and looking for my carbonated beverage. Sorry Analyn.

Kolekole Pass

Thanks to Matt for bringing us the fried chicken without an apostrophe. Our group just got bigger by one. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Our bellies full, we climbed straight up the crumbly hillside to save 15 minutes. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

Matt bringing the chicken with him. Leftovers are the best. For some people.

WST

The sun silhouetting Matt as we descended down to the notch.

WST

Bill and Shirley climbing out of the first notch.

WST

Coming over the second notch. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Almost there.

Camp Hapapa

We set up camp; enjoyed another spectacular sunset, no dessert this time and no gassing was reported as well.

Camp Hapapa

Twinkling city lights. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Camp Hapapa

The morning sunbeams spilling over on the central plain. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

We broke down camp and set out for the square sized summit of Hapapa.

Pu’u Hapapa

Our collective photographic poses on the 2,883′ peak.

WST

Leaving the summit.

WST

Misty mountains.

WST

Looking back at Matt and the valley that are home to two of the tallest transmission towers in the Western hemisphere.

WST

Contouring and not climbing. Photo by Shirley Gloriani

WST

Traversing the eroded section of the ridge line.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Cheesy pose by the girls at the 2,728′ summit. Not my words. From the cheesy person herself.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Watching Bill “No Breaks” Yogi moving on the ridge line. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Matt checking out the views and kicking himself for not bringing his drone.

WST

The clouds drifting over the mountains.

WST

Most of the clouds soon left, but some stayed. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

We went through a section of pine forest before getting back onto the exposed ridge.

WST

Approaching the “Christmas Tree” that marks the gateway to the first main obstacle.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing up and over the smaller of the primate rocks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Gorilla Heads

Supplemental webbing does a body and mind good. Or so I heard. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Gorilla Heads

Bill climbing up the biggest of the ape rocks. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Gorilla Heads

Shirley’s turn.

Gorilla Heads

Passing resemblance to their Simian namesake. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Gorilla Heads

Bill climbing his way down.

Gorilla Heads

Spotting Analyn coming down. Catching services not included. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Gorilla Heads

Looking back at the two humps. And it wasn’t even Wednesday yet.

WST

The group going up between a hard rock and a fence. There was only one decision to make. Up.

WST

There’s always a photographic opportunity in the mountains, especially with these two. Photo by Bill Yogi.

WST

Blackhawk doing a fly by. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

You go right, I’ll go left. Who wants to follow? Webbing will be provided.

WST

Analyn contouring her way around the crumbly rock. We took a musubi break at this spot. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

Following the fence line as we climbed up the rocky ridge.

WST

Pushing our way through the insufferable patch of uluhe ferns that was thankfully interrupted by the fence line.

Pu’u Kaua

Looking back at the mountains we had traversed from the third highest peak on the island.

Pu’u Kaua

Group photo by Analyn Baliscao, left to right: Analyn, Bill, Matt, myself and Shirley at the 3,127′ peak.

WST

What broad shoulders you have, the better to see the views with. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Bill coming down the rock face, the start of the most rock climbing on this section of the WST that you can shake a crumbly rock at.

WST

Team BASK perched on the rocks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

The girls climbing their way down and posing. Multi-tasking at its finest. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

Follow me. Or maybe not. Some people have to learn the hard way. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

Matt making his way around the rock that was in our way. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

WST

Contouring our way around the slippery and rooted hill to pick up the trail. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

Analyn climbing down the short drop with the overhang. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

WST

The pine tree corridor that took us to the main obstacle of the day.

Pohakea Pass

Going up the crumbly 80′ cliff for the fourth time and my stomach still had butterflies. The saving grace was the red webbing that was leftover from another group’s ascent. No free climbing needed this time. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Pohakea Pass

Bill climbing his way up.

Pohakea Pass

Shirley using the blue and red webbings to pull herself up. We just had to have a white webbing and it would have been a patriotic climb. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Pohakea Pass

Somebody was focused on getting to the top. Need a hand? Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Scrambling up and away from the sheer cliff.

WST

Shirley threading her way between the trees on the mossy ground.

WST

Pulling ourselves up the last major fenced climb.

WST

Pondering the anticipated removal of my facial hair after my self-imposed shaving hiatus that was to be lifted when I finished both mountain ranges in one shot. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Palikea

Brief stop at the ti leaf summit that at 3,098′ elevation had panoramic views of the West side. Only an hour left to the end of our hike.

WST

Trying to beat the sun to the bottom. Mother Nature would win.

Palehua

Our last selfie of the day as the daylight slipped away from us.

All pau

Not quite. We still had a roughly five mile road to walk down to Makakilo. We were going to pool our cash together to get a ride back down. But nobody answered the call of opportunity. So we ended up pounding the pavement all the way down to Makakilo. We piled into Matt’s truck and met up with Janell at the nearby shopping center where frozen cokes and bubbly were waiting for us.

Post hike celebration

Matt was the only one afforded the traditional champagne dousing over the head, as he had to head home. The rest of us retired to Bill and Shirley’s lawn and just sucked it down. I don’t know who got the better deal. Thanks again to Janell for giving us a ride. Photos by Janell Tuttle.

GPS Tracks

Our Labor Day weekend hike over the entire Waianae Mountain Range and then some, covered almost 33 miles through rugged and spectacular terrain that defines the West side. Amazing adventure with awesome friends. Until the next adventure.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

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

Trailhead

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

Waianae Valley

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

Waianae Valley

Enjoying the wide open service road while we can.

Dog Shit Luck

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

Waianae Valley

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

Hobb’s Ridge

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

Hobb’s Ridge

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

Hobb’s Ridge

No switchbacks here, just an honest straight up climb.

Hobb’s Ridge

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

Hobb’s Ridge

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

Hobb’s Ridge

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

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

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

WST

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

WST

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

WST

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

WST

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

WST

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

Hawaiian Mint

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

WST

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

WST

Some were more convincing than others.

WST

Are we climbing that? Photo by Art Young.

Swing of Life

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

Swing of Life

Katie’s turn.

Swing of Life

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

Sitting Stones

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

Sitting Stones

Chris pulling himself up.

Sitting Stones

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

Ka’ala Bog

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

Ka’ala Bog

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

Oahu Tree Snail

Is this one of the 13 surviving species?

Ka’ala Bog

Shaking hands with Groot’s relative.

Ka’ala Bog

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Butt Grab Ridge

Gender segregation in the mountains. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

Lunch time. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

Nap time. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

Anne and Lilyn waiting their turn to climb up Bolohead.

Bolohead Ridge

Katie climbing up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

Katie raining rocks on the unfortunate individual standing below her.

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

Silhouetted hikers against the valley. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

The narrow ridge soon widened to sidewalk proportions.

Bolohead Ridge

Tessa overlooking the Leeward valleys. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waianae Valley

Dropping off the ridge and onto the valley floor.

Waianae Valley

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

All pau

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

GPS Tracks

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

Post Hike Meal

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

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

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

Trailhead

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

Potassium pants

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

Ka’ala Road

Time to leave the road and get our feet dirty.

Waianae Valley

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

Waianae Valley

I guess yellow is for Bolohead.

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Game of Thrones

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

Bolohead Ridge

Is that Bolohead? Nope.

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

One of a few trees on the ridge line itself.

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

Time to climb to the highest peak on the island.

Uluhell

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

Stand your ground

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

7-11

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

Bolohead Ridge

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

Bolohead Ridge

Passing some hairy balls on our way up.

Bolohead Ridge

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

Ka’ala Bog

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

Ka’ala Bog

Shirley getting swallowed up in the uluhe ferns.

Ka’ala Bog

Following the fence line as we passed native lobelia plants.

Mount Ka’ala

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

Waianae Kaala Trail

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

All pau

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

GPS Tracks

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

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.