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.

Unwanted attention forced us to a different venue for today. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Analyn, Cisco, Ferlino, Tene and myself off at the airfield that will soon fall back into the hands of the Army. Tick tock.

Trailhead

Starting our way up the salt encrusted trail.

Kealia Trail

Going up the 19 switchbacks where we saw hikers coming up and going down, some familiar and some not so familiar.

Kealia Trail

Looking down at the fish pond that was once the rock quarry used to build … Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kealia Trail

… Dillingham Airfield, formerly known as Mokuleia Airfield. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Picnic Shed

Group photo at the top of the trail where we sought shelter from the blazing sun, left to right: Ferlino, myself, Tene, Analyn and Cisco.

Water Tank

If he’s not hanging off something, he’s not happy. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kuaokala Trail

Heading up the hilly trail as it turned into the back of the sun.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Following the fence line back down to the trail. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

Walking the wide open jeep road bordered by itchy California grass.

WST

Chocolate milk reflections.

WST

Not quite the Energizer Bunny, but A for effort.

WST

Enjoying the fenced view of Makua Valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

WST

Following the fenced level trail before it turned into a sloped trail. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Moku

Cisco approaching the geodetic marker where we turned right to continue on the trail.

WST

Entering the 658 acre Pahole Reserve that protects the native ecosystem. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

WST

Cisco making his way over the wooden fenced trail.

WST

Switch backing our way up through the tinkling markers for native plants. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

The group skirting the new and improved snail habitat.

WST

Breaking out into the eroded open section to scenic views of Makua Valley.

WST

Resuming our hike on the surprisingly cleared trail.

Mokuleia Lookout

Our photo break at the benched lookout was as brief as the thought to drop down to the picnic shed and pluck the refreshing tangelos in season.

WST

Pulling ourselves up the hilly trail.

WST

The group cresting the top of a hill and making their way down.

Three Corners

Group photo looking out towards Mokuleia Valley.

Three Corners

Analyn and Tene perched on the fence with Makaha and Makua Valleys behind them. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

WST

Pushing our way through the insufferable jungle of uluhe ferns and thorny thimble berry bushes. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

We can see the road for the uluhe ferns.

WST

Tene dropping down the steep section of the fence line. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ka’ala Road

Pounding the paved road, at least we don’t have to walk all the way up to marker #78. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Junction

Trading our short stay on asphalt for crumbly dirt and strawberry guava trees.

King Kong Ridge

Tene going down the steep section of the ridge with the assistance of webbing that carbon dating failed to determine its age. No wonder, it’s not organic. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

King Kong Ridge

Looking ahead to the simian shaped rocks interrupting the forested spur ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

King Kong

Perched on top of the not so terrifying head.

King Kong

Ferlino making his way down.

King Kong

Happy Easter, hoping our brightly colored plastic eggs were filled with TP and face masks. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

King Kong Ridge

Contouring our way to the right where we slowly regained the ridge line.

Kahuna Cave

Approaching the back of the huge boulder that got deposited on the ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kahuna Cave

Five and only five souls for our group photo by Ferlino Carinio.

King Kong Ridge

The bottle capped trees guided our way down through the strawberry guava tree line.

Makaha Valley

Passing the BOWS pumping station.

Kane’aki Heiau

Checking out the restored agricultural temple from a social distance.

Mohala I Ka Wai

Walking through the lo’i kalo (taro patch) meant to revitalize the lush valley.

Makaha Valley

Back on the road. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

All pau

Heading out of the valley where we killed time with strutting peacocks and thorny plants until Jasmin picked us up. Mahalo!

GPS Tracks

Our 15.4 mile coast to coast hike covered ridges, mountains and valleys populated with overgrowth, fences and spectacular views all around. A nice grinder hike with a fun crew. Post hike meal at L&L Drive Inn where shakes were not on the menu.

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.

West side is the best side, especially for hiking. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Alexis, Annalyn, Ferlino and myself off in Kea’au.

Trailhead

Starting our dawn retreat into the valley.

Ohikilolo Valley

Party of four for the horseback adventure tours? It’s amazing how a few years can commercialize this valley.

Ohikilolo Valley

Hiking on the rocky, dirt road with views of Kaena Point in the distance.

Ohikilolo Valley

Going off the beaten trail into the bushes and the fence line.

Ohikilolo Valley

Hunter’s tree stand doubling as a flag pole. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Ridge

Leaving the valley floor and vegetation behind as they soon yielded to the rocky spur ridge.

Ridge

Contouring and climbing our way up the short and steep spur ridge that was punctuated with rugged dikes. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ridge

Looking back at the ocean views along with the bleating sounds of goats bouncing around the valley.

Ridge

Alexis scrambling her way up to the ridge line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Time to give our fingers a work out on the fenced ridge line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

But let’s take a fence selfie first. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Going up in the shadow of the sun.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The ridge separating Makua and Ohikilolo Valleys.

Ohikilolo Ridge

I was pleasantly surprised to find no decomposing goats as we made our steady climb up the ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Crossing an open section of the ridge before plunging into the mixed forested area right before the summit.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Ferlino mingling with the swarm of dragonflies that were dancing and darting around us at the broad clearing before the cabin. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Ohikilolo Cabin

Closed for business. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ohikilolo Outhouse

Open for business. BYOTP.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking ahead to the triangular peak of scooped out brains.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Keeping close to the fence line as the eroded ridge dropped off towards Kea’au.

Ohikilolo Summit

Group photo at the 3,052′ peak, left to right: Alexis, myself, Ferlino and Analyn. Clear views of Makua, Makaha and Ohikilolo Valleys were revolving around us, a primer for the upcoming Three Corners summit.

Ohikilolo Summit

Dropping off the peak. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ohikilolo

Zig zagging our way down the severely eroded back side.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Back on the fence line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Fences for days. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ohikilolo Ridge

All fences lead to Ka’ala. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The ridge widened enough to a point to take a scenic break.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Ferlino standing on the crumbly rock dragon. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The ridge continued to thin out in most sections, made even thinner with the fence line taking up valuable real estate.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Descending down the ridge with the help of the handy fence line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking ahead to Pueo Falls deep in Makaha Valley.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Analyn straddling the fence from the Windward to the Leeward side to contour around a boulder that interrupted the fence line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

I heard somebody yelling at us from Three Corners. Turned out to be Chris and Ted who had hiked in from Mokuleia.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Analyn contouring her way between the boulder and the fence line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Preparing to climb up the steepest section of the fenced ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking back at the rest of the group making their way up.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Rat country.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Twin views of Makaha and Makua Valleys.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Making the final push towards the summit.

Three Corners

Views of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia valleys spinning around us.

Ridge

Thirty minutes of bushwhacking hell through the tangled mess of dense uluhe ferns and thorny thimbleberry plants lay ahead of us.

Ridge

We could finally see the road for the uluhe ferns, but not the see the mountain for the clouds.

Ka’ala Road

Alexis descending down through a corridor of uluhell ferns. The original plan was to exit from the Waianae Kaala Trail, but time and safety considerations dictated the easier option down.

Ka’ala Road

Walking down the five miles of paved road with mountain views.

Ka’ala Road

Road mirrors are good for blind turns and group selfies.

Pig Country

Barking loudly and carrying a big stick while walking down the road. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ka’ala Road

Color check at the cow sign.

Ka’ala Road

Oops. It’s too late to turn back. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Ka’ala Road

The walk down the road soon turned into a farmers market hike with avocados and java plums being plucked and picked from the roadside.

Ka’ala Road

Hey guys, you don’t want to harvest some honey? Oh wait, those are wasps. Never mind. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Cow Problem #1

We saw a herd of cows blocking the road. Cover the backpack and replace the shirt. Patience is a virtue as they soon grew bored of watching us and moved off to greener pastures.

Cow Problem #2

I was walking down the road when Alexis yelled to let me know that a big, black cow was charging its way through the field towards my general direction. However, when the cow hooved the road, it looked at me and the rest of the group and decided to investigate the group, who promptly scattered up the hill. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Cow Problem #3

Further down the road, we saw a big bull blocking the road ahead of us, as his herd was crossing the road to move off to greener pastures as well. Patience was a virtue, yet again. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ka’ala Road

I think we had our fill of pigs, cows, dogs and an angry farmer today. It was not a good day at Old McDonald’s farm. Photo by Alexis Widick.

All pau

Now all we had to do was wait for our ride. Sit down and wait. Wave at the passing cars and wait. Stand up and wait. Calling other options and wait. Sit down and wait. Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up despite the navigational and directional challenges.

GPS Tracks

We hiked 10.18 miles from Kea’au to Mokuleia on our coast to coast trek. Amazing adventure with good friends. Post hike meal at Restaurant Kunio. The long wait time was somewhat sated by extra helpings of their ono garlic edamame.

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.

A heavy soaking the day before forced us off the ridges into a valley deep in Waianae. Met up with Chris, Ethan, Huckett, Khym, Ryan, Shirley, Tina and Yoly at the crowded trailhead. Let’s make sure everybody goes with the right group now. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Waianae Valley

Chris and Khym coming up the road that has few fans.

Waianae Valley

We dropped down from the trail and followed Ka’ala Stream like so much spawning tilapia.

Waianae Valley

Hiking through the lush and verdant valley.

Waterfalls #1

Yoly and Shirley at the first multi-waterfall. Photo by Chris.

Waianae Valley

Tina with her trademark smile, at one of many stream crossings.

Waianae Valley

Climbing and contouring our way up. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Waianae Valley

Sometimes it’s just easier to walk in the water.

Waianae Valley

The water fanning out before it hits rock bottom. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Waianae Valley

To eat or not to eat.

Waianae Valley

Ryan making his way around one of the fallen trees. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Waianae Valley

Color coded bottle caps marked the trail. Pink was the color of this trail.

Waterfalls #2

That fallen tree looks solid and sturdy. Only one way to find out. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Waterfalls #2

Time to get wet. Just add soap and shampoo. Photo by Tina Corpuz.

Waterfalls #2

Need spikes? You have to fish them out from the the stream first.

Waianae Valley

The rest of the group waiting at the top of the waterfalls.

Waianae Valley

Going against the flow.

Waterfalls #3

Pass me that webbing since you’re not going to wait for me.

Waterfalls #4

These spikes sure do come in handy.

Waianae Valley

Want your spikes back?

Waterfalls #5

Tina about to climb up.

Waterfalls #5

Ethan making his way up.

Waianae Valley

Ryan ducking under the fallen tree branches.

Waianae Valley

Does this count as a waterfall? Maybe not.

Waterfalls #6

Ryan catching up with his friend.

Waterfalls #7

Shirley sharing her shaka with the rest of us at the bottom.

Waterfalls #7

Chris scrambling up. The pool at the base of the waterfall was quite deep. Just ask Ethan.

Waianae Valley

Almost there.

Ka’ala Falls

Huckett approaching the roughly 200′ waterfall.

Ka’ala Falls

Group photo left to right: Ethan, Ryan, Yoly, myself, Chris, Tina, Shirley, Huckett and Khym.

Ka’ala Falls

Yoly standing on a ledge in the waterfall. Hiker see, hiker do. Tina, Huckett and Chris soon followed. Don’t mind the raining rocks. Best to bring a helmet.

Ka’ala Falls

The correct way to pose on a rock underneath a waterfall. Photo by David Huckett.

Ka’ala Falls

The wrong way. Photo by Shirley.

Waianae Valley

We took the fast way down the ridge instead of returning the way of the waterfalls. Looks like this is part of the Ramble Trail.

Waianae Valley

Shirley back at the sign, looking for her friend.

Waianae Valley

Some used the murky water to wash off their spikes and others drank it.

All pau

Our group count dwindled by three as shoes were wet and chores had to be done, so the rest of us drove to the other side of the island.

Mokuleia

It was hot as heck as we made our way over the concrete pilings. Which begs the question. Why is Yoly wearing her jacket?

Mokuleia

Transitioning from concrete piles to boulders. All we were missing was the water.

Mokuleia

Rustling through shoulder high grass. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Mokuleia

Hello from the top.

Mokuleia

I think we go that way. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Mokuleia

The rocks up here were surprisingly wet from the water seeping from the top. Why is Yoly still wearing her jacket in the blazing sun?

Mokuleia

Shirley and the sun.

Mokuleia

We’ll be back to get all up in that crack.

Mokuleia

Khym making his way along the edge of the cliff.

Mokuleia

Half a cave is better than no cave.

Mokuleia

Shirley passed her chili cheese fritos around as we had a cave side seat to a whale that was breaching offshore.

Mokuleia

Look down in the water! It’s a … boat. Photo by Chris.

Mokuleia

Chris and Shirley making their way between the contrasting sheared smooth and cracked crumbly rocks. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Mokuleia

Hey there’s a rope around the corner. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Mokuleia

Climbing and crawling up and through the crack.

Mokuleia

Shirley perched on the rocks, looking out all the way to Pupukea. Photo by Chris.

Mokuleia

Time to make our way back down.

Mokuleia

Yoly and the sun.

Mokuleia

Chris and Khym making their way down.

Mokuleia

Enjoying the shade while it lasted on our way back down.

Mokuleia

Some of us sought shelter from the sweltering sun and the stalking paparazzi. Others looked for their phone. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Mokuleia

Yoly sought shade under a parked car.

Mokuleia

You guys go that way and we’ll go our way. The bushwhacking way.

Mokuleia

Wrong gulch. It wasn’t a total bust. We got to see a coconut tree. No coconuts. Well, maybe it was a bust. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Mokuleia

Passing by one of several camouflaged bunkers that dot the foot of the cliffs.

Mokuleia

Maybe the gulch is that way?

Mokuleia

Group photo at the bunker.

Mokuleia

The way back to the road was a whole lot easier than going in.

Mokuleia

Half of the group went scouting. Thanks for the invite.

Mokuleia

Making our way back on the muddy road.

All pau

Fun day exploring both sides of the island with great and special friends. We made our way to the bustling and commercialized town of Haleiwa where we spotted Bu La’ia out of retirement and a jumper on the bridge. Both did not look successful. Post hike meal at Haleiwa Joe’s. Chris finally got his prime rib.

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

Met up with Gen, Justin and Matt on the West side with the intention of doing a camp over. Sweeping rain showers that inundated the highest point on the island dictated otherwise. Besides camping in the rain was getting old already. Just a week old. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae Valley

Group photo by Justin Hirako, left to right: Matt, Justin, myself and Gen in front of our reserved parking space.

Trailhead

The road to the highest mountain on the island.

Prickly Pear

Harvest time.

Trail snacks

Peel carefully, lest you get some spines lodged in your hands. Just ask Matt. Photos by Justin Hirako.

Dirt road

Trading the paved road for a dirt road.

Picnic shelter

Nothing to see here. Hike along. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae Kaala Trail

A sign is needed here to prevent hikers from going astray and getting lost or rescued.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Slow, steady climb. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Halfway there.

Three Poles

Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Follow the fence.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Gen and …

Waianae Kaala Trail

… Justin made short work of the slippery boulder sections.

Mount Ka’ala

Rain, rain go away. Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Ka’ala bog

Hitting the boardwalk.

FAA tracking station

No hat. No salute. Talk of camping went away as fast as the rain came our way.

What’s cooking?

We ended up eating lunch. Chicken noodle soup and Chicken pho.

Solitude

Catching the scenery when the clouds gave us a break.

Trematolobelia kaalae

Spectacular flowering of this endemic bellflower plant.

Community service

We ran across some volunteers who volunteered to give us a ride back down to Waialua. So we volunteered to help pull those thorny blackberry plants and other invasive plants from the bog. One by one. Ouch by ouch.

Mount Ka’ala Bog

Adopt a plant.

Mount Ka’ala Road

Letting the tires do the riding and not our feet do the walking for a change. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Hawaiian tree snails

The volunteers pulled off the road a short distance down to show the group these endemic tree snails.

Mount Ka’ala Road

The road is slippery when wet … Photo by Justin Hirako.

Stoppe!

… and so are the mountains. Just ask the two Norwegian girls who had been hiking from Three Corners and saw our cars and flagged us down in the rain. Talk about timing and luck. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Sjokolade

The best chocolate in the world. Well, according to the girls from Norway.

All pau

The volunteers dropped us off in Waialua and we dropped the girls off at their friends place. Pay it forward. Driving back to Waianae Valley, we even saw one of Marvin’s models in a photo shoot. None other than Kat Sweets. Photo by Justin Hirako.

GPS Tracks

While our hike didn’t go as planned; we got to meet some awesome volunteers, including Ken Lee, pulled some invasive plants from the highest mountain on the island, ate the world’s best chocolate and met a facebook famous model. All in all, it was a great day well spent with friends. Post hike meal at Tacos and More. More salsa please.

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

Back in the Waianae Mountains. Joining me on today’s trek were Gen and Jose. Others were doing the Spartan race this weekend. We had our own Spartan race in the mountains today.

Trailhead

We arrived early to beat the rush hour hiker traffic.

Junk Beach

Where old trucks go off the railroad tracks to die.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

We skirted the fence, that protects the fauna and flora populating one of the last sand dune ecosystems in the islands, to the base of the mountain.

Memorial

I hopped into a somewhat obscure cave at the base, that is home to a memorial for Les Merrell, a well known hiker who unfortunately perished on Bear Claw several years ago. The heat and humidity dictated a short stay as we still had a long day ahead of us. A very long day.

Scrambling

Jose and Gen climbing up the rocky ascent sparsely covered with dry shrubs.

First bunker

Don’t fall in the hole.

Hiking to the top

Enjoying the shade while it lasted.

Second bunker

Group photo left to right: Gen, myself and Jose. Somebody forgot their sunglasses.

Waianae sun

Hiking on the sunny exposed ridge.

Kaena Notch

No shaka and double shaka.

Panoramic view

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

Area 51

Approaching the Kaena Point Tracking Station.

Carrion flowers

Nothing like the smell of rotting flesh to start off your hike. Inhale deeply.

Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station

Sorry, no tours today.

Life imitating art

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki

Life failing art

Let’s try again, shall we? Photo by Jose Luis Delaki

Satellite Tracking Station Road

Just out for a Saturday walk. No jumping in the bushes today.

Radome

Tracking space objects since 1959. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki

Walk the line

I am not drunk. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki

Detour

We had no desire to catch the Yokohama Express, so we rang the bell and got off the beaten path.

Bushwhacking

Enjoying the back country of the North Shore.

Scouting

The coast is clear. Pays to wear a camouflage boonie hat. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Back on the road again

We popped back on the road and checked for traffic before continuing our hike.

Kuaokala trail

Waiting for somebody to open the gate. Got permit?

Wide trails

Jose going up the expansive tree lined road.

Wakey wakey eggs and bakey

Just have to find a pig now. A very, very small one.

Trail

The wide road eventually narrowed to a footpath that contoured along the Makua Valley.

Gated view

Gen enjoying the views. Time to move along now. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki

The fence line

The fence are becoming the invasive species, invading the mountains to control the invasive species. Irony.

Looking back

Leaving Kaena Point and her golf balls behind us.

Share the trail

Yield to hikers or was that the other way around?

Back at the fence

We soon left the main trail and headed back up to regain the fence line.

Follow the cable

We briefly left the fence line to make our way up the hill.

Moku

All shoes on the geodisc marker. Hey, no mud today. We must be on the West side.

Supply shed

Gen looking through the supply of condoms and KY jelly. What goes on up here in these mountains? Get a cabin.

Rolling ridges

No signs of civilization as far as the eye can see.

Pahole Natural Area Reserve

Entering the fenced area that protects 658 acres of native fauna and flora from feral pigs, rats and other invasive species.

Almost there

Somebody started saying that. Wasn’t going to be the last time.

See the sign?

Not all of us have 20/5 vision.

Mokuleia lookout

Group photo with Makua Valley in the background.

Almost there

The broken record kept on playing.

Up and down

The fence was an unsightly blight on the terrain, but it provided useful handholds and as an obvious navigational aid.

The Glove

Michael Jackson has left the mountains. The WST answer to the KST boot.

Three Corners

Group shot with Makaha Valley in the background.

Three Corners

Looking towards Mokuleia Valley.

Three Corners

Another view of Makua Valley.

Back to the fence

We resumed our hike after a short break and lunch by following the fence towards Mount Ka’ala. Almost there.

Goodbye fence

The fence was soon replaced with a wide swath of thick uluhe and overgrowth. Bring back the fence.

Kaala Road

We eventually dropped down from the ridge onto Mount Ka’ala Road. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Uphill

The long boring road. Hard on our feet. The only saving grace was the mountain views. While it lasted.

Double tuck

We ran into a fellow hiker on the road. He looked somewhat familiar.

Got water?

Running out of liquid nourishment. Time to share. Thanks Gen.

Last scenic point

Looking out at the Kawailoa Wind Farm before the cloud deck dropped.

Hiker in the mist

Gen walking up the road towards one of the smaller relay stations. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Mount Ka’ala

We are here!

Bog walker

Walking through the bog under twilight cloudy conditions. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Bouldering

Racing to beat the sun.

City lights

Twinkling lights of Waianae Valley.

Sunset

Enjoying the sunset as we made our way down to Three Poles junction.

Night hiking

Coming down from the highest mountain on the island.

Star gazing

When we arrived at the paved road, we sprawled down to enjoy the night skies and …

Creepy crawlers

…then we realized we were sharing the road with all these critters.

Light show

Twerking the glow light fantastic.

All pau

Now all we needed was a spooky story and roasted marshmallows to end our hike. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

GPS Tracks

The scenic and very long hike covered 18.76 miles, made bearable by good company. Post hike meal at Jack in the Box. It was the closest. 24/7 breakfast. We found out that a chronic had helped himself to some of Gen’s gas. Hope he got a severe case of indigestion.

Today’s hike was to tidy up some unfinished business with Ka’ala Road.

Waianae Valley

At the crack of dawn, I met up with Chris, James, John, Jose, Marvin and Thessa at the end of Waianae Valley Road.

Goodbye paved road

We spent scant minutes on the much hated road and then turned right into the bushes. No complaints here.

Into the boonies

The grass was only about waist high in the beginning of the trail. It would get much higher as we went deeper into the valley.

To boldly go…

The junction for the Star Trek trail. Another time to boldly go where many have trodden.

Nice trail

The trail opened up at times, giving us a break from all the overgrowth.

What trail?

Shoulder high California grass soon swallowed the trail. We spotted the faded pink ribbon that marked the ridge to our right. Up we went.

Hear any buzzing?

Other hikers had warned of a nest of yellow jackets at the beginning of the ridge. No buzzing heard or stings inflicted.

Hobb’s Ridge

Learning the color coded bottle caps helps a lot when hiking in Waianae.

Steady climb up

No switchbacks here. Just an honest climb straight up the ridge.

Looking back

We had gained quite a bit in elevation.

Bolohead Ridge

Looking at Bolohead Ridge to our left.

Final push up the ridge

Chris climbing to the top of the ridge with his Spanish bread about to spill out of the plastic bag.

The fence

Back on the Waianae Summit Trail, where we turned left towards Ka’ala.

Follow the fence

We jumped over the fence to avoid the prickly thorns that seemed to dominate the Waianae side of the fence line. Some got it worse than others. John’s legs can attest to that. His days as a leg model are over.

Flower and the fruit

No trail snacks for us today.

At least you can’t get lost

No prickly thorns on this section.

The end is near

Looking ahead, we could see the fence coming to an end before a huge rock face.

I can’t hold it much longer

Playing around with a huge boulder. One day, this boulder is going to roll down the mountain. Don’t want to be around when that happens. Or nobody else for that matter. Photo by John Garrity.

Major obstacle

I thought we were going to have fun climbing over these pile of rocks. Dry rocks.

Slippery when wet

Instead we contoured to the right and found mossy covered rocks and a steady trickle of water coming down. As we were helping each other cross over a gap, we heard a yell and found out that John had slid down about 20′. Luckily he was holding onto the ropes when he lost his footing. Just a bruised butt and ego. Photo by John Garrity.

You got this

Going up this slippery section took a lot of energy and effort on our part. If it were under dry conditions, it would have been a piece of cake.

Mount Ka’ala

The white dome of the tracking station started to loom larger in our sights.

Central Oahu

Looking out towards the central plain of Oahu. We could hear live fire training coming from Schofield Barracks.

Lualualei Valley

Looking into the largest coastal valley on the West side. Oahu is said to have originated from this spot when volcanic eruptions formed the island.

Are we there yet?

The expression says it all. The last pitch coming up made you work for it.

Lobelia

Sighting of the Koolau Range Lobelia. Hey, aren’t we are on the Waianae Mountains?

Bogging

We were not out of the woods or bog yet. We picked up the ribboned trail. Lost it. Picked it up again. Lost it. Picked it up again. You get the idea.

On the boardwalk

On solid ground. Err, planks. We simply followed the planks out of the bog.

Ka’ala Bog

Top of the highest mountain on Oahu, at 4,025′ elevation. Group photo left to right: John, Thessa, James, Marvin, Chris, myself and Jose.

FAA

End of hiking trail…

Mount Ka’ala Road

…Start of paved road. All seven miles. Yeah.

Goodbye Ka’ala

We checked for any incoming traffic, found none and proceeded down the road.

Road with a view

The view coming down the road from 4,000′ elevation was breathtaking. Let’s build some homes up here!

End of hiking?

Where is the start of the hiking trail?

Let’s all take a selfie

The ultimate group selfie. Yeah, we are a bunch of narcissistic individuals collectively lumped together.

Dupont trail

I believe the end of hiking sign refers to the Dupont trail when it was open. Now it’s closed due to access issues.

The long road down

Wish we had those sneakers with wheels. Life would have been much easier.

Roadside flora

What is this? Photo by John Garrity.

Give us a lift?

A truck sped past us at this section. Didn’t even stop to ask if we needed a lift.

Inspection team

The crew lining up, for their chance to climb the famous Ka’ala ladder. Only Thessa went up.

Ohikilolo ridge

Squinting hard enough, we could see the cabin past the pyramid peak of Ohikilolo.

Scenic view all the way down

Hard hats optional.

Kamaileunu and Ohikilolo Ridges

Click here for the larger image.

Erosion at work

Since the road was blasted out of the mountain, the exposed sides are in a state of erosion, with rocks and dirt being showered on the road. Who cleans this stuff up?

Safe from hunters

We can take off our fluorescent safety vests now.

Coming down the mountain

No sign of the friendly dog from last time. Sad. Since we were coming down the road, we didn’t see the signs until we hopped over some gates and looked back. This road is closed to hikers. I will miss you Ka’ala Road. Not.

GPS Tracks

The 11.6 mile hike was filled with rock scrambling, summit and road hiking and thankfully no yellow jackets. All in all, a nice day on the West side. Post hike meal at Ramen-Ya. Don’t expect the hot tea to be free. Buck fifty. Sheesh.

Good weather beckoned us back to the mountains. The Waianae Mountains. We picked up where we left off from last time. Photo by Steve Lin.

Kealia Trail

Jame’s wife was nice enough to drop our group off at the Kealia trailhead. A dog even greeted us as we got ready and then bounded off to her master that was ahead of us. We would see her again. Soon.

How many switchbacks?

Thessa and Marvin cutting across one of 19 switchbacks that makes up the trail.

Hot? Thirsty?

Look who we ran into again. The same dog that greeted us at the beginning. She must have got separated from her master and was panting like a dog. Steve gave her some of his water to cool down. Where was her master?

Mokuleia

The higher we got, the better the views.

No more switchbacks

Thessa making her way to the picnic table at the top. What, no food?

Wide open

After a short break at the top, we continued on the trail towards Ka’ala.

H20

Not all tagging is an eyesore. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Duck!

Passing the bullet riddled sign announcing the Kuaokala hunting area. Seems all hunting signs are marked in this fashion.

Kuaokala Trail

The trail soon turned left.

Are we hiking?

The wide open and relatively flat trails made it less of a hike and more of a stroll.

Follow the signs

We continued towards Mokuleia trail. Still no sign of the dog’s master. Perhaps he went to the AF tracking station?

Right is right?

The trail soon forked. We took the high road. Which led us to this…

Scenic point

A somewhat obstructed but still fantastic view of Makua Valley. Training grounds for the U.S. Army.

Back on the road

We dropped back onto the dirt road.

Makua Valley

The trail contoured around the rim of Makua Valley, opening up the views.

Mokuleia

Looking out towards the North Shore.

Going up

The trail started to drop, so we took this other trail leading back up top.

The fence

Seeing a familiar sight on the Waianae Summit Trail, the fence line.

Moku

All feet on the marker. We turned right at the marker to continue our hike. Going left was a bailout trail.

No dogs

The maze of fences that crosses the Waianae Mountains are the result of the Oahu Army Natural Resources Program. They want to give back by helping save endangered fauna and flora for taking away large chunks of land for their training.

That way

Thanks to Steve for pointing us in the right direction.

Pahole

Entering the 685 acre natural area reserve that protects endemic fauna and flora.

Say what?

Explosives in a nature preserve? To take out the invasive species?

Fence crossing

We never did spot any of the endangered fauna and flora. But we weren’t looking that hard either.

Scenic point

This was a breathtaking spot to soak in the valley views. Click here for the larger image. Photo by Marvin Chandra

Back to the fence

After leaving our scenic spot, the fence line splits. We took the right fence line to continue to Ka’ala.

End of Mokuleia Trail

Group photo back to front: James, Steve, Marvin, Thessa and myself.

Down the fence

James following the fence line down.

Just follow the fence

Thessa following the fence line up. Then back down.

Mokuleia

We arrived at Three Corners; roughly 2,600′ in elevation, affording some of the best views on the island.

Makua Valley

Looking into the lush green Makua Valley, it’s hard to believe it was once blackened and scarred by military live fire training.

Makaha Valley

If you listen hard enough, you can hear the crying peacocks in Makaha Valley.

Straddling the fence

Some were more graceful than others when crossing over the fence to continue the hike.

Mount Ka’ala

Thessa making her way down the ridge which soon terminates, forcing us to drop on the road to the left. Now how do we get down?

The hard way down

Someone, who will go unnamed, said this was the way down. I wouldn’t recommend it as it was quite steep and crumbly coming down. Steve and James soon followed me down, dislodging small rocks onto the road.

The easy way down

The trail to come down was actually further up the ridge, marked by a patch of uluhe ferns. The original plan was to continue the road to Ka’ala and go down the Waianae-Kai trail. Plans change. We decided to just continue down Ka’ala road.

Mirror selfie

Staple of road hiking. The mirror selfie. Photo by Marvin Chandra

The long road down

Five miles of paved road. At least it was going down.

Mama pig?

I saw this little pig pop out of the trees and warily looked for a protective mama, luckily the pig went back into the tree line.

Don’t have to worry about this guy

Cows are safe with Marvin.

Cattle proof?

There were a couple of these crossings that had wide spaced bars to prevent cattle from moving up the mountain.

Can see the ocean

A couple of miles into the road, and the views of the mountains were replaced by the ocean. Getting closer.

Chicken adobo?

Just looking for a hand out.

Belly rub

A friendly dog greeted us. All she wanted was belly rubs. Photo by James Crabb.

Paved road ends

Steve about to make the transition from the paved road to the rocky dirt road. Less hard on the feet.

Go home

The friendly dog wanted to follow us home, until James scolded her and she turned around.

Until next time Mount Ka’ala

Mount Ka’ala beckoned for us to come back. Another day.

GPS Tracks

The 13.6 mile hike started off with a dirt road and ended with a paved road. That probably made it quite easy despite the distance. Many thanks to Jame’s sister for picking us up on the side of the highway. We all had some good pizza at Jerry’s Pizza in Waialua for dinner. Beverage tip: If you need real Coke, you have to go to the store and get it.