Permit in hand and with a 4×4 ride secured; Jasmin dropped Ferlino, Yoly and myself off at the Kaena Point Tracking Station Road. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Jeep convoy

Waiting for the rest of the jeeps to roll in. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Guard shack

We checked in and made sure that we got the right ID’s back. Mistaken identity averted. We then took off from the main jeep convoy as we had places to go and people to drop off. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Jeep road

Our two truck convoy had to stop and regroup as a low hanging branch had cleaned off Brian’s water tank on his roof. Some took this as an opportunity to pick low hanging guava fruits. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Jeep road

On the bumpy drive to our destination, we were treated to scenic ocean and mountain views.

Sun beams

I chose to sit in the back of the truck to immerse myself in the dust clouds being kicked up on our drive.

Peacock Flats

Turning into the Earl Prawn Campground.

Trailhead

We got off our rides and prepared ourselves for the grueling 15 minute hike to the shelter. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

Mokuleia Trail

Brian opening the gate to Pahole Reserve. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

Mokuleia Trail

Hiking the trail that was first constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

Mokuleia Trail

Strawberry guava trees are solid and sturdy trees. Perfect to sit on and take a family photo. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mokuleia Lookout

We left the barely standing shelter and made the short and steep climb to the bluff overlooking Makua Valley. Group photo, left to right: Yoly, Elle, Ivy, Bradley, Ferlino, myself, Brian and Nora.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We parted ways with Brian and his group and followed the fence for ridges.

WST

Looking ahead to our intended destination, Mount Ka’ala with her white radar dome perched on top.

WST

Skirting the fenced ridge that borders Makua Valley. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

WST

The ultimate selfie stick. It fit like a gloved hand. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Three Corners

Group photo with two of the three corners, Makaha and Makua Valleys.

Three Corners

Looking out to the third valley, Mokuleia, where dark clouds were gathering. A harbinger of wet tidings to come.

WST

Why pack your food can out, when you can simply leave it on the fence post?

WST

The uluhe ferns and thorny thimbleberry bushes formed a dense and suffocating corridor that we had to push through. Not high on my fun list. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

WST

We were in over our heads. Literally. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

#38

I was so glad to be on solid ground and not being pulverized by plants, that I did not feel the usual misery going up the slow slog of the 2.5 mile road. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Hairy balls

Hangs low and to the right. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ka’ala Road

On road. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Ka’ala Road

Off road. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ka’ala Road

We were warned. Rain showers began dumping on us and soon made it slippery when wet. Photo by Yoly Bedford

Ka’ala Road

The little known but equally challenging ladder to Ka’ala. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

#78

Forty stops later and we were at the highest point on the island. All wet. Photo by Yoly Bedford

Flag Day

We sought temporary refuge from the rain underneath the shelter where we ran across some volunteers from the OANRP, that were nice enough to take our group photo.

Mount Ka’ala

Bench with a view. Sometimes. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Mount Ka’ala

Ferlino going over the boardwalk that protects the fragile bog.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Panoramic view of the valley that opened up as we left the forested summit.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Yoly climbing down the bolted ladder. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Making our way over the last boulder section.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Sweeping views of Bolohead Ridge, Waianae Valley, Kamaileunu Ridge, Kawiwi and No Name Peak. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Following the fenced trail down to the Three Poles Junction.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

A vertical Ferlino standing on a horizontal tree. I’m surprised he wasn’t hanging upside down. Not enough clearance. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Yoly crossing the trickling stream bed on our way out.

All pau

Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up in the remote valley where barking dogs kept us company.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 19.82 miles through jeep roads, ridges, mountains and valleys. Post hike meal at Coquito’s; where if the pork chops are not fried to your liking, you can take it home and fry it yourself.

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.

Looking for a short easy hike to do this weekend, I found it in the form of Kuaokala Trail. Thanks to Quan for letting me tag along with her group. Photo by Lahela.

Trailhead

We found the road to Kaena Point closed due to high surf, but the road going up to the Kaena Point Tracking Station was still open for business. Our military escort took us to the trailhead where we parked and started our hike.

Trail

It was my first time setting foot on this trail …

Trail

… from this way.

Junction

I always wondered what trail this was. Wonder no more.

Picnic Shelter

The tree was not doing a very good job of hiding Quan. Or was it the other way around?

Trail

I still say this has got to be one of the widest trails on the island.

Helping hand

Lahela pulling Quan up the hill. What about the rest of us?

Junction

No mountain bikers seen today.

Trail

Somebody was standing on Quan’s “rock.”

Trail

The group coming down the denuded section of the trail.

Shark Fin Rock

Waiting for some company on my lofty perch. Photo by Quan Haberstroh

Shark Fin Rock

Group photo left to right: Quan, Ehjay, myself, Lahela and Lani.

Trail

Going over the fence to get to another fence.

Makua Valley

Backdrop photo of the “parent” valley, where man was first created according to Hawaiian mythology, but now is home to unexploded military munitions. Photo by Ehjay.

Kawailoa Wind Farm

Looking over into the pinwheels that populate Hawaii’s largest wind farm.

Lookout

We met another family at the fence line who had come up from Kealia Trail and attempted to take something that resembled a group photo before heading back.

Wild Mushroom

Running across a flat topped shroom on our way back.

Trail

Watching the group make their way down the fence line back to the shark fin rock.

Trail

Group photo by Lani Ricasa. Nobody was left out.

Trail

Hello from the other side.

Pine cones

We collected some of the woody cones on the trail. Arts and Crafts.

Junction

Nobody wanted to take a walk on the wild side, so we went back down the signed junction.

All pau

Our 4.8 mile hike ended in the blink of an eye. Slight exaggeration. Nice hike on the West side. Post hike meal at Coquito’s. BYOB and BYOD (dessert).

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.

Rainy weather in Wahiawa diverted Chris, Ferlino and myself to the end of the island. Plan B.

Kaena Point Tracking Station

Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off in front of the guard shack, where we waited for our 4×4 rides to show up while we watched a couple of cannibal chickens peck at a roadkill.

Deja vu

I had a strange feeling that I’ve been down this road before.

Road

Entering the facility that has been tracking satellites since statehood.

Road

Leaving our escort behind us as we left the 153 acres of military controlled land.

Kuaokala Trail

Catching some fresh air before I was shaken, rattled and rolled to the truck bed and splattered with mud. The joys of off-roading. Somebody’s kid was amused at my misfortune.

Kuaokala Trail

What happens when you under-inflate your tire, you lose your bead. Luckily, somebody had a lot of toys on their jeep.

Trail runners

Are you guys with AAA?

Kuaokala Trail

I decided to sit out the rest of the ride safely ensconced in the truck cab.

Peacock Flats

We soon passed the Earl Pawn Campground and barreled our way up the road. Mahalo to Brian and Zack for driving us all the way to the trailhead. Saved our feet from pounding out many miles.

Mokuleia Trail

Stepping foot in the Pahole Natural Area Reserve.

Mokuleia Trail

Taking a well deserved break from the punishing 15 minute trail. It was brutal, stay hydrated my friends. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mokuleia Trail

I guess somebody told these two about the birds and the bees.

Mokuleia Trail

Passing the shed with no signs of hanging avocados or ripe tangelos.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Climbing out of the ravine to the WST.

Mokuleia Lookout

Group photo left to right: myself, Chris and Ferlino.

WST

Hiking underneath the ominous blanket of udderly striking clouds.

WST

Experiencing three different types of cloud formations in the mountains. It was quite the visual treat.

WST

Picking our way through the assorted rocks strewn on the trail.

WST

When the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing, let alone where it’s at.

WST

Making the push up the final hill. Almost there.

Three Corners

Panoramic view of Makaha and Makua Valleys.

WST

Bushwhacking our way through the dense and tangled thicket of uluhe ferns and thorny thimbleberry plants.

WST

A hop, skip, and a jump and we were back into the bushes.

King Kong Ridge (KKR)

Making our way down. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KKR

Dropping down the initial steep descent that was marked by weathered webbing. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KKR

Looking down at the stone sentinel that gives the ridge its name.

Pueo Falls

Watching the thousand-foot waterfall cascade down into the valley. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KKR

Scrambling our way to the top of the rock that resembles the iconic gorilla. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Halloween

An escapee from the local sanitarium, who after being locked up for 15 years wanted nothing but an ice cold soda. Lukewarm will do.

KKR

Contouring our way down another steep descent down the ridge.

Kahuna Cave

Going around the massive boulder that got deposited here ages ago. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KKR

Chris gathering some wild mushrooms. Magic, poisonous or edible?

KKR

If it’s true that we swallow four spiders a year while sleeping, I might as well do it awake. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Halloween II

Too soon for the sequel? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mango Tree

No avocados or mangos on the trail for us to pick today. Farmer’s market was closed.

BWS

Passing through the head high and itchy California grass.

Makaha Icy Ponds

Some of us took a dip into the local watering hole. Splish for one and splash for the other.

Chain link fence

Chris and Ferlino coming up to the end of the road.

Temple of Lono

One of the best preserved Hawaiian temple in the islands.

got poi?

Passing by a taro patch on our way out. Just need to find a pua’a now.

All pau

We ended our 18.8 mile hike amongst the pecking peahens and the strangely deafening silence of the strutting peacocks. Another hike where the mileage was mostly done through sitting on our okoles as we bumped our way through the Waianae Mountains.

Post hike meal

Mahalo to Jasmin for picking us up and bringing us back to the Windward side of the island. Shout out to Analyn for bringing her home made oxtail soup and Shirley for her store bought dessert that made it one of the best post hike meals to date. We should do this more often.

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.