Team no sleep gathered to help Aileen finish the WST this particular weekend.

Kaena Point

Mahalo to Edgar for dropping off us at the trailhead in the middle of the night.

Kaena Point

All bright eyed and bushy tailed. Or maybe not.

Kaena Point

Skirting the predator proof fence that protects 59 acres of land that are home to endemic fauna and flora.

Kaena Point

The westernmost views from the first bunker on the ridge.

Kaena Point

Climbing our way to the second and third WW2 bunkers.

Kaena Point

Akira climbing over a clump of boulders.

Kaena Point

Tessa scrambling her way up.

Kaena Point

Traversing the open area littered with loose rocks, barbed wire and hale koa shrubs.

Kaena Point

Skirting the visitor proof fence that protects 153 acres that are home to the US Space Force. Not be confused with Spaceballs.

Kaena Point

Wait. Inside or outside?

Kaena Point

I had to f*cking lie flat down. I had f*cking thorny seed pods on my legs. Maybe it was the lack of sleep or time of day that resulted in the outburst of profanity from somebody.

Kaena Point

Going through a gate meant to keep out the large bovid ungulates? No cow tipping.

Kaena Point

We spent an inordinate amount of time bushwhacking even with the artificial illumination being cast our way before we got back on track.

Kuaokala Trail

Taking a break at the picnic shelter. Too much excitement is not good for the heart of outbreaks of profanity.

Kuaokala Trail

Back on the trail again.

Kuaokala Trail

Starry night. A view best savored in person and more enjoyable than the Dutch post-impressionist painting of the same name.

Kuaokala Trail

Are we taking a power nap? No, then we wouldn’t be living up to our name.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Leaving the 4×4 road for a trail more suited to hiking.

WST

Catching the breaking sunrise after the exhausting cardio climb up the deeply rutted hill.

Moku

Gloves optional at the geodetic marker.

Pahole NAR

Hiking through the 685 acres set aside to protect endemic fauna and flora in the lowland mesic zone. Stay on trail.

Pahole NAR

When you fall, get up and fall down again.

Pahole NAR

Looking back at how far we had come. Optical illusion?

Pahole NAR

Skirting past the native snail habitat.

Makua Valley

We left the tree line and broke out into the open ridgeline to view the stunning vista of the verdant valley that belies its scarred history of when the US Military evicted all the valley residents after the Pearl Harbor attack. White crosses were then painted on the church and homes and were then bombed, infrastructure was razed and demolished, fishing holes bombed,
and fresh water wells were used as dumps for waste oil. Planes and ships shelled the valley for target practice which basically rendered the valley uninhabitable. In fact, the US Army in 1955 declared the valley as so contaminated that it was not practical to return the land to the previous owners. Despite promises by the US Military that after WW2 ended, the valley was promised to be cleaned and cleared and returned to the Commissioner of Public Lands after six months. To this date, the land still remains off-limits much like Waikane Valley that was rendered indefinitely contaminated by the US Marines for live fire training during the war as well.

WST

Akira grooming Tessa. Or something close to it.

WST

Following the fence line as we made our way on the ridge line.

WST

Passing the Mokuleia Shelter on our left. No stop needed for water, avocados or oranges.

Mokuleia Bench

Group photo at the bench with a different view of the valley. The Hawaiians believe this is where man was first created, hence the name makua, which means parent in Hawaiian.

WST

Hiking up hills after hills, or that’s how it seemed to us.

WST

Enjoying the relatively flat section of the trail while it lasted.

WST

Going down the steepest part of the trail.

Three Corners

Somebody can sleep anywhere anytime at the drop of a hat. Not living up to the team name.

Three Corners

Group photo with valley views of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia.

WST

It was time to go swimming in uhule.

WST

We had to do multiple fence crossings, more than the illegal migrants down South.

WST

Now you see him. Now you don’t. The uluhe ferns was so thick and seemingly impassable at several spots.

WST

We could soon see the road for the overgrowth.

WST

Aileen down climbing a steep spot with slippery stakes masquerading as steps.

WST

Pushing through the last of the insufferable uluhe ferns as signs of civilization was just a step away.

Ka’ala Road

Transitioning from trail to road.

Ka’ala Road

There is no lack of visibility here at this spot.

Ka’ala Road

Pounding the pavement. Literally.

Ka’ala Road

Walking commentary. If you understand Japanese, aside from hai hai arigatou gozaimasu.

Ka’ala Road

Sometimes you just have to stop, turn around and enjoy the views.

Mount Ka’ala

The slow and punishing walk of a little over two miles of incline road was quite tiring to say the least.

Mount Ka’ala

#22 – Customary champagne celebration dousing of the (un)lucky recipient. Congratulations to Aileen for completing her last section of the WST. Two feathers in her cap. KST and WST.

Mount Ka’ala

Can I get a nickel for this bottle?

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo at the highest peak on the island. Glad that Chico made it up here to bear witness and garnered a personal best in his time ascending the 4,025′ mountain.

Ka’ala Bog

Traversing the roughly 3/4 mile boardwalk that cuts through the 1,100 acres of native cloud forest where we also ran into dozens of volunteers from the OANRP.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Climbing down the steep trail as we descended off the summit.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Aileen climbing down the ladder on the first set of boulders.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Tessa and Chico enjoying the mountainous views on the second set of boulders.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Akira ready to drop down into the valley from Three Poles.

Waianae Valley

Walking down the much maligned paved road.

All pau

Shout out to Chico who not only met us at the summit but picked us up and drove us back to our cars at Mililani.

GPS Tracks

Our night to day trek through the Waianae Mountains covered just shy of 17 miles with good friends. Congratulations again to Aileen for f*cking completing the Waianae Summit Trail. Dessert before dinner. Soft serve ice cream cones at McDonald’s. Craving for loco moco was satisfied and substituted by latin food at Coquito’s. We all went home to take a hot shower and get some much needed shut eye.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, 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.

A bunch of us met up near Helemano Military Reservation to enjoy a 4×4 ride up to one of the most scenic spots on the island and have a potluck lunch at the cabin.

Wahiawa

Only two things can stop us. Inclement weather and the wrong gate combination. Bingo!

Mokuleia

Plan B.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Group photo left to right: Chico, Robin, Akira, myself, Haig, Cinja, Mona, Aileen, Jay, Mitch, Aida, Tessa, Roger, Mari and Ferlino.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Are we hiking or rucksack marching?

Ka’ena Point Trail

If there are no trees to climb, then a rock will have to do.

Ka’ena Point Trail

We left the Jeep road and hopped on the Coastal Trail.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Stopping to smell some native and not so native flowers on the trail.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Climbing up to an historic mass transit ruin.

Ka’ena Point Trail

The group gathered together at one of the remaining bridges that used to support the railroad tracks that at one time circled the island from Iwilei to Kahuku. The railroad tracks was begun in 1889 and completed in 1898, covering over 71 miles. In contrast, the modern resurrection known as Skyline was begun in 2011 and the clock is still ticking, it has yet to even reach the stated distance of 18.9 miles. That’s a couple more years and a couple more billion dollars over budget away. Thanks to the principal architects of this failed and bloated monstrosity that include but not limited to ex-mayors Mufi Hannemann and Kirk Caldwell, and the unnamed city clerk that deemed only 35,056 of the 49,041 signatures valid on the Stop Rail Now petition that would have created an ordinance that stated that Honolulu mass transit will not include trains or rail. There were too many pockets to be lined with bribes and kickbacks to allow Skyline to be derailed.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Walking up the sandy trail with the radar station of the US Space Force in the distance.

Ka’ena Point Trail

We briefly stopped at the sandy cove to find no monk seals but a lot of crabs and shells for the picking.

Ka’ena Point Trail

She sells seashells by the seashore.

Ka’ena Point Trail

The last known sighting of my sunglasses before the wind plucked it off my head and dropped it into the drink.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Aida asking the divers to vacate the ocean so that they don’t photobomb her picture. Give me 30 minutes and come back after half an hour.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Some in the group sought shelter in the rocks from the sudden downpour, only to witness a mud waterfall from Guam.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Playing outside in the rain.

Ka’ena Point Trail

The buck stops here for 4×4 vehicles, only two-legged bipedal animals allowed beyond this point.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Walking around the 2,133′ long predator-proof fence that protects 59 acres of land where native plants and birds are allowed to flourish relatively unmolested until that one time in 2015, when some punk kids from Punahou came to camp and killed and mutilated at least 15 Laysan albatrosses in this area. Future serial killers in the making.

Ka’ena Point Ridge

Climbing up the rocky ridgeline.

Ka’ena Point Ridge

Pink and blue 1901-1905 Picasso phase photo at the first of multiple WW2 bunkers on the ridge.

Ka’ena Point

Looking out towards the westernmost tip of the island that is home to old and new lighthouse structures.

Ka’ena Point Ridge

The gusting winds and lack of shelter for our lunch resulted in us returning back to sea elevation.

Ka’ena Point Trail

A pair of Federally protected Laysan albatrosses, these ocean birds while awkward on land are quite graceful in the air.

Ka’ena Point Trail

Somebody should have worn waterproof socks.

Ka’ena Point Trail

There’s a train tunnel in them thar hills!

Ka’ena Point

It takes a village to lower a hiker into the cave.

Ka’ena Point

Chico doing pushups on the remnants of the railroad tracks. Just don’t touch the third rail.

Ka’ena Point

Passing the memorial for Les Merrell, a hiker who tragically perished in a fall from Bear Claw Ridge back in 2012.

Ka’ena Point

Haig silhouetted in the tunnel that was apparently excavated from the mountain to create a service depot for the trains that used to circle the island from 1889 to 1947.

Ka’ena Point

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!

Ka’ena Point

Jay hanging off an abandoned railcar?

Ka’ena Point

Passing through the tunnel that was littered with 55 gallon drums.

Ka’ena Point

The others had circled from the other side …

Ka’ena Point

… to meet full circle with us, so to speak.

Ka’ena Point

Digging in our potluck spread that consisted of lechon, ribs, hotdogs, chicken, poke, smoked marlin, musubis, brownies, muffins, mochi donuts, cinnamon and spanish rolls, pear and beef jerky as the rainstorm lashed outside.

Ka’ena Point

Most of the group getting boosted out of the cave.

All pau

Walking back to our cars, not only were our clothes and bodies all wet, so was something else hanging off somebody’s lips. No high high.

Wahiawa

Some of us drove to upper Wahiawa to take in the sights of cherry blossom trees, whose origins can be traced back to Okinawa. The burning question is do they produce cherries or just flowers?

Kaneohe

Akira shooting himself in the foot. Literally. High high.

Kaneohe

Tessa NOT using the Bug-A-Salt gun for its intended purpose on a willing victim, I mean volunteer. High high.

GPS Tracks

Our fun and wet outing covered 5.58 miles out and back on the westernmost tip of the island.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Cinja Ribeiro, Ferlino Carinio, Haig Van Roubian, Jay McClain, Mari Saito, Mitch Komori, Monaliza Guillermo, Robin Farr, Roger Schiffman, Tessa Bugay, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

Met up with Aida, Art, Colt, Jen, Lilyn, Mauricio, Quan, Sofiya, and Tessa at Schofield Barracks to do an inclusive birthday hike. Scratch that due to ID problems. To keep the inclusivity, we collectively drove towards Plan B which was actually Plan A originally. Full circle.

Kaena Point Trail

We secured all our worldly possessions after a friendly cop told us to keep everything out of sight in our cars.

Kaena Point Trail

Walking on the isle of abundance side of the island. Surface waves pounded the shore as the energy in them dissipated into the foamy surf.

Manini Pali

Leaving the rutted jeep road for the trail that would take us up into the mountains.

Manini Pali

Mauricio in a field of plants that looked oddly familiar. Just can’t place my finger on it.

Manini Pali

Going up on a river of rocks.

Manini Pali

We cut out some of the switchbacks and just climbed straight up the steep cliffs.

Manini Pali

Watching the rest of the group make their way up.

Manini Pali

Not all those that wander are lost. Not all those that hike need ropes as well.

Manini Pali

Aida and Quan working their way up through the koa haole trees and dry grass. Just glad there were no kiawe trees around here.

Manini Pali

The couple that sweats together, stays together.

Manini Pali

Somebody needed immediate medical attention as a rock had landed on her head. Just wipe the blood off and good as new.

Manini Pali

Somebody else was eyeing for attention as well.

Manini Pali

Group photo on the pile of rocks.

Manini Pali

Sofiya reaching out for her next handhold on the less traveled route.

Manini Pali

The rest of the group stuck to the more familiar safe ground, so to speak.

Manini Pali

Art resisting the temptation to spread his wings.

Manini Pali

Teamwork in the mountains.

Manini Pali

Sofiya checking her facebook status.

Manini Pali

Checking out the mountain and coastline views from our rocky perch at roughly 850′.

Manini Pali

Tessa looking towards the town of Haleiwa and points North.

Manini Pali

Running across one of many cow patties that we saw on the “trail.” No magic mike or mushrooms spotted.

Waianae Mountain Range

Traversing the top of the mountain that serves as home to grazing cows and the US Space Force.

Waianae Mountain Range

How many clowns, I mean hikers can fit into this small cave? Nine with a lot of contorting and pushing and squeezing.

Waianae Mountain Range

Now, somebody just needs to play the music composed by Julius Fucik – Entry of the Gladiators.

Waianae Mountain Range

Brownie and Macaroons for the birthday girl. Overindulgence at its finest.

Waianae Mountain Range

Group photo at the last known sighting of the puka.

Waianae Mountain Range

Hey look, we can go down this way! Has anybody been down this way before? Crickets.

I’ve been here before gulch

The group checking which “path” to follow down.

I’ve been here before gulch

This is the direction that we need to be hiking to get down. This way!

I’ve been here before gulch

So much for that theory of lemmings following each other to certain doom as the group went their own separate way. Urban legend.

I’ve been here before gulch

Climbed up this crumbly pile of rocks to watch the group make their way down.

I’ve been here before gulch

Joined back up with the group as we hiked our way down the grassy and rocky gulch.

I’ve been here before gulch

Taking a break on the rock ledge as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up.

I’ve been here before gulch

Somebody was flexing in the mountains.

I’ve been here before gulch

Hugging the cliffs to avoid the drop in the middle.

I’ve been here before gulch

Scrambling our way down with the loose rocks underfoot.

I’ve been here before gulch

Looking back at the “slot canyon.”

I’ve been here before gulch

Colt trying out for American Ninja Warrior as we followed the dry streambed back to the jeep road.

All pau

Making our way back to the parking lot as we tried to beat the afternoon sun. In closing, a certain IG botanist recalled that the gulch did look familiar on our way out. I guess we didn’t refer to his IG page to get the skinny.

GPS Tracks

Our short birthday scramble up and down the mountain covered roughly 4.5 miles that was cut short due to us taking an unplanned exit route instead of the original way out that appealed to certain authority averse individuals. Fun hike with new and old faces.

Jerry’s Pizza

We finished by lunchtime, so we ate at the nearest food establishment that served us up pizzas, pasta, wings and a burger. Hold the bun and all the fixings. Drizzled with butter.

Paalaa Kai Bakery

Somebody was badly feeding their white powder fix in the parking lot. I don’t know this person.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Art Young, Colt Correa, Jen Odence, Lilyn Avendano, Mauricio, Quan Haberstroh, Sofiya Spencer, 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 decided to do another long haul hike back to back from coming off my camping weekend. I don’t want to get fat and lazy. Well maybe just fat. Thanks to Tessa for dropping Chris, Jen and myself off deep into Waianae Valley where the feral dogs still roam at will.

Waianae Valley

They must refresh the painting on the road every now and then. The message is always the same, but the delivery is slightly different.

Waianae Valley

Walking up the service road, our olfactory senses were dusted with a rustic mixture of smoke and shit.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Going down the trail to cross the dry streambed and making our way through the lowland forest.

Three Poles

Jen pulling herself up to the ridge line.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Climbing over the first boulder section with Kamaileunu and Ohikilolo ridges in the background.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Jen going up the ladder on the second boulder section.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Working for that elevation gain.

Mount Ka’ala

Walking through the native cloud forest, that was once home to a freshwater pond full of mullet and other fish.

Mount Ka’ala

The end of the roughly 3/4 mile walk through the stunted ohia forest that harbors endemic fauna and flora found nowhere else.

Mount Ka’ala

Skirting the radar tracking station that is operated by the HANG 169th ADS, to check out the mountain and coastal sights.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo at the relatively new sign proclaiming the elevation at 4,026′, the highest peak on the island. Smoke from recent brush fires gave the surrounding skies a hazy veneer.

Ka’ala Road

Walking down the road that only a truck could love.

Ka’ala Road

Road reflections.

Ka’ala Road

The saving grace to the unyielding road was the postcard views that decorated the way down.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We soon left the road and followed the fence line as it sliced an uneven corridor through the clawing and cloying uluhe ferns whose pollen was aggravatingly annoying.

Three Corners

Group photo with Makaha and Makua Valleys behind us. I don’t have an Insta360 camera.

WST

Following the fence line as it went up and down the highs and the lows on the ridge line.

Mokuleia Bench

Approaching the overlook where we ran across a couple on their way to Three Corners, perhaps they had an Insta360 camera and another individual who preferred to remain benched and came back for his hydroflask of … hot coffee on this hot day?

WST

Chris at the exposed ledge with the strikingly clear flat top mountain of Ka’ala and the fluted ridges that circled Makua Valley in the background.

WST

Switch backing our way down the hill that were festooned with blue flags and tinkling metal tags that marked endemic plantings?

WST

Jen snacking on the invasive strawberry guava plants that were sprinkled throughout the area.

WST

Thanks to Chris who brought us a bag of mountain apples or what I call nature’s hydroflask.

WST

Looking into the valley where ancient Hawaiians believed man was first created. Now the same man can’t step foot into this deceptively looking valley strewn with unexploded munitions dating back to WW2. The lease runs out in 2029, let’s see if the US military will give the land back to its rightful owners.

WST

Meeting up with the jeep road where we ran into several trucks making their way to Peacock Flats. No sparkling water was handed out.

WST

Leaving the jeep road for the fence line. One of the constants when hiking in Hawaii.

Kuaokala Trail

Following the fence line for the last time on the trail as it bordered the valley on one side and pine forests on the other side.

Kuaokala Trail

I heard rumors that Johnny Depp purchased this particular rock and re-named it the Amber Turd Rock. It just could be an urban legend.

Kuaokala Trail

Making our way to the pine tree forest, where we ran across another hiker who was seemingly picking flowers.

Kuaokala Trail

Our last pit stop as we took stock of our water and food supplies. Good to go.

Kuaokala Trail

Heading off the reservation.

Kaena Point

Are we on trail or off trail? Safe or not safe?

Kaena Point

Chris couldn’t decide whether to dribble or do a chip shot.

Kaena Point

Walking on the road that gives you ten minutes of self-induced anxiety.

Kaena Point

End of the road for us. Big sigh of relief.

Kaena Point

Going down the point that is believed to be the jumping off point for souls leaving this world for the next one.

Kaena Point

Jen making her way down the rocky ridge punctuated with multiple bunkers from WW2.

Kaena Point

Silhouetted against the sunset.

Kaena Point

Approaching the bottom of the ridge with sunlight to spare. We didn’t want no random encounters with the huaka’i po or night marchers.

All pau

Chris waiting for the green flash. Mahalo to Edgar for grabbing us at the bird sanctuary gate which saved us over two extra miles of walking. The dogs were barking loud and clear for some of us.

GPS Tracks

Our grinder of a hike covered 16.3 miles through the eroded remains of the shield volcano that is over 3 million years old. Post hike meal at the nearby beach where Cathy, Marilyn, Quan and Tessa joined and fed us with chicken papaya, summer salad and cold drinks. Much appreciated guys.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, Jen Odence 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.

Chris, Ferlino and myself decided to traverse the entire Waianae Mountain Range this Veteran’s Day Weekend. From the other side.

Nanakuli Valley

Day 1

Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us in the kiawe infested valley.

Nanakuli Valley

The chilly morning was soon replaced by the heat and humidity of the valley as we made the short and stiff climb to gain the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nanakuli Ridge

Escaping the oppressive sauna box as we gained the ridge line. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Nanakuli Ridge

Standing out on the rocky ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nanakuli Ridge

Looking back as the rising sun torched the top of Heleakala ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nanakuli Ridge

Climbing up the exposed ridge to gain the shade of the forested canopy at the top. Photo by Chris Bautista

Nanakuli Ridge

Looking back over into the largest coastal valley on the island that is also home to two of the tallest antenna towers in the Western hemisphere. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nanakuli Ridge

Chris coming up the sweaty hill.

Palehua

Running across one of many military or government structures that dot the island.

Palehua

Ferlino making good use of his hiking poles on the paved road. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Palehua

What many call the “official” start or end of the Waianae Summit Trail.

Palehua

Chris rolling through the Indiana Jones boulders after passing Mauna Kapu which once had a heiau at the point. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Palehua

Ferlino overlooking the valley views. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Palehua

Going up the staircase after we passed an area rich in endemic fauna and flora. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Palikea

Group photo at the 3,098′ ti leaf summit.

Heleakala

Looking at the ridge that descends to the “Hawaiian Pyramid.” Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Awash in a sea of uluhe ferns, clawing and scratching us as we went down.

WST

Following the fenced ridge as we lost some of the elevation we had just gained.

WST

Treading softly on the mossy corridor. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

Getting ready to drop into the pass. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

Come on down and join the fun!

Pohakea Pass

Climbing down the 80′ cliff. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pohakea Pass

Ferlino finally getting to climb the pass after so many missed attempts.

Pohakea Pass

Chris about to climb off the pass.

WST

Ferlino climbing up the crack.

WST

Back on the ridge line to have the sun shining down on our sweaty faces. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

We still had a little more rock climbing and scrambling ahead of us. Nothing to break a sweat over. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

Chris pulling himself up and around a rock blocking the ridge line.

WST

Nature’s rock climbing gym. Free. Just pay with your sweat and hopefully no blood.

WST

Putting distance between us and the imposing and intimidating pass. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

Climbing over the fence to continue our climb along the rocky ridge line.

Camp Kaua

We set up camp at the 3,127′ grassy summit.

Camp Kaua

Watching the sunset. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Camp Kaua

Good night from the third highest peak on the island.

Pu’u Kaua

Day 2

We broke down camp and welcomed the second day of our hike.

WST

Some people had to take the harder way instead of the contour. To each their own.

WST

Ferlino climbing his way down to the first obstacle. Sliding down works as well. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

Chris climbing down the rockface.

Gorilla Heads

Looking at the backside of the larger of the gorilla head obstacles. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Gorilla Heads

Ferlino climbing up and over the boulder.

Gorilla Heads

Going down the frontside of the crumbly rockface. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Gorilla Heads

Watching Chris and Ferlino making their way down.

Gorilla Heads

Chris the Redeemer and a photobomber on the smaller rockface. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

WST

O Tannenbaum. 42 days to be exact. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

Approaching the summit of Kanehoa.

WST

Scrambling over the rocky section after we left the 2,778′ summit.

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo on the squared off pad with wrap around views of the island. I have it on good authority that the actual 2,883′ summit was more up the hill.

Pu’u Hapapa

Enjoying the coastal views below from the pallet runway. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pu’u Hapapa

Taking shelter from the brutal afternoon sun where we took a short nap.

Hapapa Trail

We woke up refreshed and resumed our hike down the ubiquitous fence line.

Hapapa Trail

Going down the exposed and rocky ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Hapapa Trail

Ferlino approaching the second notch.

Hapapa Trail

Panoramic views from the top of the notch. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Hapapa Trail

Descending down towards the larger notch.

Hapapa Trail

Looking back at the sheer cliff. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Hapapa Trail

Sliding our way down through the stand of paperbark trees. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Hapapa Trail

Ferlino checking out a possible camp site. It was rejected for not meeting milspecs.

Kolekole Pass

We set up camp at the lowest point in the Waiane Mountain Range. Thanks to Chris who met Mia down the road to pick up our doordash delivery from Popeye’s.

Kolekole Pass

Day 3

We broke down camp as a steady stream of hikers started to show up. Mahalo to CJ for bringing us unexpected breakfast and other goodies.

Kolekole Pass Rock

It’s hard to find a person to play the victim in a realistic manner.

Kolekole Pass

Who brought the metal detector? I guess we have to tread softly.

Kalena Trail

Going up the stiff and eroded climb as the sun broke over the mountains behind us.

Kalena Trail

A military geocache that has seen better days. Time for a new ammo can. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kalena Trail

Hiking on the ridge line with the hazy mountains behind us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalena Trail

Scrambling up the narrow rock dike. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalena Trail

Clear views of both of our destinations – Kalena and Ka’ala, the two highest peaks on the island. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalena Trail

Enjoying the morning mountain views. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalena Trail

Chris traversing another narrow dike on the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kalena Trail

Ferlino passing sexxxy ridge as he followed the fence line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Star Trek

Live long and prosper. Man down. The search for more cardio. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalena Trail

Hiking up the final and steep climb to the 3,504′ summit. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pu’u Kalena

Group photo at the second highest peak on the island.

Pu’u Kalena

Chris enjoying the shade from the sun on the moss carpeted ohia tree.

WST

We ran into two other hikers, Takashi and Susy, coming from the other direction.

WST

Chris and Ferlino contouring up the ridge line.

WST

Climbing in and out of the split fence line.

Hobbs

Resting before the final leg to the highest peak on the island.

WST

Pushing through the thick and thorny overgrowth. Punctures for days.

WST

Somebody didn’t let the weight of the hike crush his spirit.

WST

I didn’t know this swing determines if you are a goat or monkey. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

Going up the steep and moss slicked boulders.

WST

Pulling myself up. It was rather taxing I must admit. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ka’ala Bog

Wandering through the misty rainforest home to endemic fauna and flora.

Ka’ala Bog

Meeting up with the boardwalk. We have no dogs. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ka’ala Bog

Ferlino approaching the 4,025′ summit and radar installation.

Camp Ka’ala

Bench with a view.

Camp Ka’ala

We set up camp after a worker nearby told us to be careful and spun some supernatural stories about this area. Sleep tight and don’t let the ghosts bite. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Ka’ala

Day 4

We woke up and broke down camp after a ghost free experience on the highest peak on the island. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Ka’ala

Looking back at the red blinking lights of the radar installation.

Mount Ka’ala

Walking down the road with the twinkling city lights of Waialua and Haleiwa in front of us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Ka’ala

Chris checking out the secret route to Stairway to Heaven. Hush hush.

Mount Ka’ala

Only one way traffic on the road this morning. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

WST

Leaving the road and going up the steep flank of the ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

The fence line served as our navigational aid in the dense sea of uluhe overgrowth.

Three Corners

Chris checking out the valley views of Makaha and Makua in front of him, Mokuleia was behind him. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

WST

Leaving the roughly 2,800′ hill as we followed the fence through dips and peaks along the way.

Makua Valley

Looking down into the valley where ancient Hawaiians believed man was first created. The original inhabitants were slowly driven out by the roaming cattle from nearby ranches and then completely evicted by the US military who wanted the verdant valley home to three temples and other endemic fauna and flora for bombing practice. The lease is set to expire in 2029. Let’s see if the land is returned as promised by the US military.

WST

Contouring off the ridge where we passed a snail habitat and a spread of blue flags denoting endemic plants.

WST

Back on the exposed fenced ridge line with coastal, valley and mountain views.

WST

Ferlino was too busy hiking to enjoy the splendid views of Makua Valley.

WST

Chris walking down the trail to connect to the jeep road.

WST

I flagged down one of the many 4×4 trucks driving on the road to see if any kind souls would sell us some ice cold soda. Shout out to the lovely couple that gave me a can of sparkling water to be split three ways. A cold beverage on a hot day on a dusty road never tasted so good.

WST

Leaving the jeep road. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kuaokala Trail

Can somebody get me a soda? Sorry, Chris was only making hot Korean ramen. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kuaokala Trail

Chris and Ferlino making their way through the pine forests and towards where I was sitting on top of the dodo rock.

Kuaokala Trail

Heading to the Makua Rim trail.

Kuaokala Trail

Where are those 4×4’s when you need them?

Kuaokala Trail

Taking a short break underneath the picnic shelter before our final push to the end. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kuaokala Trail

Enjoying the wide open trail while we can.

Kuaokala Trail

In search of a suitable trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kaena Point

Trying to stay on the off-beaten track is always a challenge.

Kaena Point

Putting the bushwhacking behind us.

Kaena Point

Straying off the off-beaten track after we lost the stalking truck.

Kaena Point

Our ten minutes of stress induced anxiety were finally over.

Kaena Point

Chris overlooking the westernmost point on the island, a place that ancient Hawaiians called the “leaping place for the souls.”

Kaena Point

Ferlino coming down from the mountain.

Kaena Point

Looking out towards the ocean where a little known volcano, Kaena, sank over two million years ago. Kaena along with Waianae and Ko’olau helped to create the island of Oahu. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kaena Point

#17. Group photo celebrating our first, third and eighth time finishing the entire Waianae Summit Trail. This also marked my twenty-first cumulative completions of both the KST and WST. 21 for 2021. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kaena Point

Somebody could already taste the ice cold soda coming down the grassy and rocky ridge.

Kaena Point

Thanks to Art, Lilyn and Quan for meeting us with cold carbonated beverages at the base of the ridge. It’s the little things that can pick you up after a long weekend. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kaena Point

Hiking our way back over the two mile long trail that follows remnants of railroad tracks and home to cliffs harboring tidepools, arches and abandoned vehicles.

Kaena Point

No green flash for us, but the sunset was still striking.

Kaena Point

Obviously the coordination to pull off a triple champagne dousing was a little beyond us. But everybody still got wet. Photo by Jasmin Carinio.

Electric Beach

Plenty thanks as well to Aida, Jasmin, Marilyn and Tessa for joining us with enough delicious food to whet our caloric deficit. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

All pau

Our bellies were full and our hearts content. Thanks again to everybody that came out and supported us. Much mahalos!

GPS Tracks

Our original three day hike turned four day hike due to technical difficulties covered 28.6 miles through the entire Waianae Summit Trail. The hike was filled with soaring temperatures, rough terrain and unmatched views. Best of all, it was done with and the support from great friends.

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 returned back to the West side to tie up some loose ends and with a 4×4 ride to boot.

Kaena Point

Star Trek meets Spaceballs. Thanks to Barry for driving Art, CJ and myself up to Peacock Flats.

Kaena Point

Tracking space debris since Statehood.

Kuaokala Trail

Enjoying our ride on four wheels and not two feet.

Cyanea Superba

When not one but two of the rare Hawaiian lobelioid are closer than you think.

Mokuleia Trail

When a good natured scare that walked up from the Mokuleia side is mistaken for a botanical berry.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Can you see the spiderweb for the pine tree? Photo by CJ Mendiola.

WST

Look! Up in the mountains! It’s a peak! It’s a cabin!

WST

When it’s easier to climb up a tree than get down from one.

WST

Climbing over the fence line to get a better look at the valley below us.

Makua Valley

10 seconds to spare for the group photo, left to right: myself, Art, CJ, Chris and Quan.

WST

Passing the enclosed habitat for endemic shelled gastropods. Photo by Art Young.

Pahole NAR

One of many fence crossings as we passed through part of the vast 685 acres of protected ecosystems. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Checking out the conservation work. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

WST

Art climbing up to refill his water supply. Filtration notwithstanding.

WST

Chris going down the heavily rutted jeep road.

WST

Backdrop of Makua Valley for our group photo.

WST

Following in the tracks of our earlier ride.

WST

Picking the abundant passion fruit that lined the trail slowed the forward progress. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

There were more 4×4 vehicles on the road today than hikers.

Kuaokala Trail

Back on a familiar trail for some.

Kuaokala Trail

Trying to not let the gate hit me on my way out or in? Photo by Art Young.

Kuaokala Trail

The group coming down the fenced trail.

Kuaokala Trail

Doing my best alcoholic impression. Photo by Art Young.

Kuaokala Trail

Behind the scenes photography.

Kuaokala Trail

Traversing along Makua rim populated by eucalyptus trees. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kuaokala Trail

We’re not finished yet. I don’t know why you guys are jumping for joy.

Kuaokala Trail

Walking down on what could arguably be the widest trail on the island. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Kuaokala Trail

We got to the shelter but had no picnic. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

WST

The ocean looked cool and inviting on this scorcher of a day. Photo by Art Young.

WST

The wildlife was very docile in these neck of the woods.

WST

Straying off or on the reservation? Photo by Art Young.

WST

Contorting and crawling was the name of the game today. Fun. Fun. Fun. Say it enough times and one might actually believe that gibberish. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

WST

Glad they are looking up at the heavenly bodies. Photo by Chris Bautista.

WST

Leaving the claustrophobic trail for a much more roomier one. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Farmer Bautista. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Tee time in the mountains. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Staying off the reservation. Photo by Art Young.

Kaena Point

Washing your hands is even more important in these COVID times that we live in.

Kaena Point

Leaving behind some irritated hornets that peppered me with stinging souvenirs when I disturbed their hive. Lucky it wasn’t those Asian giant hornets. Photo by Art Young.

Kaena Point

Hiking our way down the rocky ridge that was littered with military leftovers. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Kaena Point

Looking back at both sides of the island.

Kaena Point

#7. A perfectly good waste of sparkling wine. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Kaena Point

Coming down the mountain. Photo by Art Young.

Kaena Point

Treading over train track remnants from a different era when locomotives used to circle the island. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kaena Point

Art on the arch.

All pau

No green flash sighted. Thanks to Lilyn and Aida for shuttling the group to our parked cars. What happens if a hiker finishes the mountain range but no one is around, does it count? Benefit of the doubt and dubious congratulations to the lady from the sandbar for completing the WST today as well. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

GPS Tracks

Our finishing end to the Waianae Summit Trail covered roughly 15.6 miles through rugged terrain and raw beauty. Fun hike with good friends. Post hike meal at The Beach House by 604, where the clam chowder wasn’t world famous and the live unfiltered music made up for the mediocre food.

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.

Taking advantage of the three-day weekend, I did another more inclusive exploratory hikes. The more the merrier. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Manoa

Met up with everybody in the back of the vast valley, some chose the paid parking and others chose the public parking. Group photo left to right: Aida, Lilyn, Tessa, Ani, myself, Barry, Quan, Dale, Donna, Marilyn, Edgar, Cat, Narissa and Art.

Paradise Park

We had to detour around perceived homeless voices before entering the now shuttered bird zoo that closed back in 1994. Photo by Art Young.

Paradise Park

Strolling through the mud trail under the canopied tunnel that looped around the decaying park. Photo by Art Young.

Paradise Park

Apparently not all of the birds left the park. Some chose to stay for the free handouts and fallen fruit. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Paradise Park

Ducking underneath the sagging parts of the tunnel.

Paradise Park

Striking or passing resemblance?

Paradise Park

We found a lot of fallen mountain apples and ripening red bananas on the path.

Paradise Park

Walking through just a tiny part of the sprawling 76 acre lot. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Paradise Park

Poking around the abandoned buildings that have fallen to the same fate as others of their kind – graffitied. The TV show “Lost” also used this location to film some of their episodes.

Paradise Park

Going through the interrupted tunnel section. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Paradise Park

Taking our seats for the next Hawaii Stars show. Bring back the bird on the bicycle.

Paradise Park

It was good that we took a collective photo, rather than individual shots. Otherwise, we would have been here all day until closing time. Photo by Art Young.

Paradise Park

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Paradise Park

Birds of a feather flock together or is that monkey see, monkey do?

Paradise Park

Tessa looking for fresh cut flowers. Cheaper than the swap meet. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Paradise Park

Marilyn caught the bouquet of the bird of paradise that left 10 other individuals sorely disappointed.

Paradise Park

Everybody chose a slightly different exit point to get back to our cars.

Manoa

Some of the group went to wash their spikes and then plucked some low hanging avocados. We then all piled into our cars to make the long drive towards the West side, with the exception of Barry who returned home. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NwzWXYEU1w

Video by Edgar Gamiao.

Keawa’ula Beach

We drove to the westernmost tip on the island for our next exploration. Photo by Art Young.

Heart Cave

Looking at the anatomically incorrect shape of the cave with the lava tubes pumping salt water in and out. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Heart Cave

I crawled into one of the inner caves to try and stick my head out into the big cave to get captured by the drone. No such luck. I would have ended up in the churning waters and battered by the barnacle encrusted rocks. I’m sure that would have been a source of amusement for the others, but not myself.

Heart Cave

Different … Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Heart Cave

… perspectives … Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Heart Cave

… of the pumping cave. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Heart Cave

Cat standing on the arch. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Heart Cave

Some of us climbed down into the outer caves. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Heart Cave

Edgar flashed us a shaka from the top where he was … Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Heart Cave

… safe from the rushing waters that completely soaked the lower half of my body.

Heart Cave

Peering up towards the irregularly shaped hole. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Heart Cave

Looking out towards the ocean. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Heart Cave

When the photo shoot is interrupted by the incoming waves. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Heart Cave

Can you see the heart for the people?

Pohaku Kula‘ila‘i

We parked in the sandy lot and walked past the gate to see the stone where locals and tourists alike jump off into the water. A smaller version of Waimea.

Makua Beach

Group photo at the spot where the TV show “Lost” built Jacob’s statue for one of their episodes “The Incident.”

Makua Beach

Checking out the cave, inside and outside.

Pray for Sets

Looking out towards the rock where the weathered words “Pray for Sex” can supposedly still be made out. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Makua Beach

Is somebody going to help me get out? Thanks Dale! I mean, Donna.

Makua Beach

Dale, Donna and Quan basking in nature’s infinity tidepool before we left the beach, prayers unanswered.

Kea’au Beach

We bumped our way to the next beach park down the coastline. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kea’au Beach

The product of erosion. Mother Nature’s work.

Kea’au Beach

High view.

Kea’au Beach

Low view.

Kea’au Beach

Goodbye view. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kea’au Beach

When the big kid takes over the little kids water slide. We left the park to see turtles on a different street, but they were absent today, so we had a satisfying lunch at Coquito’s before heading to our last stop for the day.

Maili Beach

Is this the arch? No. It’s past the homeless camps, open pit toilets and stray dogs. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maili Beach

When you reach a certain age, afternoon naps are crucial to doing any activity, strenuous or otherwise. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Maili Beach

Dale on top and Ani on bottom. The arch.

Maili Beach

As somebody pointed out, sequencing is everything.

Maili Beach

Marilyn warming up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maili Beach

Quan cooling off. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maili Beach

Our last group photo for the day.

Maili Beach

We ended our day at Magnolia in Waipahu to all have some refreshing halo-halo’s. Many thanks to Dale, Edgar, Narissa and Quan for shuttling the group around the island and everybody for the fun times. Until the next adventure! Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8A4m0PEvjA

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our hike.

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.

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.

Gloomy weather conditions scratched another return to the saddle for Christine, Yoly and myself. Luckily Christine knew of a trail that was on my to do list. Yoly dropped out due to gas problems, not talking about the intestinal sort.

Jeep road

We drove to the end of the island as we started our hike in the Mokuleia section of the rugged park that hugs the coastline.

Trailhead

Turning off the main road as we headed towards the dry grass and shrubs that fringed the base of the mountains.

Manini Pali Trail

Headed up what All Trails calls the “rough cousin of Kealia Trail.” I can partially see the resemblance.

Manini Pali Trail

Making our way up the switch backs.

Manini Pali Trail

We lost the trail for a bit and decided to go up the most direct route instead.

Manini Pali Trail

Back on the trail again.

Manini Pali Trail

It was hot and humid going up the dry grassy trail. Wishing I was on the saddle instead. Photo by Christine Galiza.

Manini Pali Trail

The picture spot. Photo by Christine Galiza.

Manini Pali Trail

A little bit of rock scrambling lay in store for us.

Manini Pali Trail

Ocean to ocean view, one of the benefits of living on a small island in the Pacific.

Manini Pali Trail

All the uphill climbing was now behind us, just like the inviting blue ocean. Photo by Christine Galiza.

Cow Trail

Stepping foot on a trail made by cows?

Cow Trail

We spotted pink ribbons scattered throughout the dry brush.

Cow Trail

No signs of any four legged domesticated ungulates.

Golf Ball

Tracking space junk since Statehood.

Road

The ten minutes that was most filled with anxiety.

Lookout

Life imitating art.

Kaena Point Ridge

Christine leaving the solar observatory station.

Kaena Point Ridge

The start of our rocky climb down. Photo by Christine Galiza.

Kaena Point Ridge

Group photo at one of the bunkers that populate the ridge line.

Kaena Point Ridge

Making our way to the last bunker before dropping off the ridge.

Kaena Point State Park

Following the fenced trail on our way out.

Kaena Point State Park

Christine climbing through the vehicle barrier.

Kaena Point State Park

Shall we go back up again? Perhaps not. Photo by Christine Galiza.

All pau

Our cars were still intact and baking in the hot sun upon our return. Thanks to Christine for taking me on a new trail. Post hike meal at Jerry’s Pizza where you go big or go home. We went big as we were hungry.

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

Met up with Analyn, Anne, Chris, Cisco and Ferlino to labor our way in the mountains this weekend. Thanks to Jasmin for waking up at an ungodly hour to drop us off.

Trailhead

Walking in the footsteps of the trains that once circled this part of the island.

Ridge

Making our way up the rocky ridge line.

ArtByEoin

The pill boxes have eyes. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kaena Point

Is it time to use the red light or the white light?

Golf ball

Too early for tee time. Photo by Chris Bautista

Sunrise

Silhouetted against the morning sky. Photo by Anne Fai.

Grazing

Nothing to see here. Mooove along.

Blue Flash

We were able to capture her in slow motion due to the absence of motorized vehicles. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kuaokala Trail

Leaving the road behind us.

Kuaokala Trail

Chris looking out at the Waianae coastline.

BSA 162

Sun out. Sunscreen on. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Guava Tree

Branch to mouth. No middleman here.

Kuaokala Trail

Enjoying the broad and flat jeep road while we can. Photo by Chris Bautista

Kuaokala Trail

Looking out from the tree lined trail. Photo by Chris Bautista

Shark Fin

We put our packs down for photoshoot #1.

Kuaokala Forest Reserve

Looking across the tree topped ridge lines. Photo by Anne Fai

Kuaokala Trail

Stepping down the eroded rocky section.

Kuaokala Trail

Back on the jeep road, with a communications tower seen in the distance. We have four bars.

Kuaokala Trail

Chris taking a nap on the trail. We have four zzzz’s.

Makua Rim

Looking into the historic valley that has yet to be scrubbed free from her military scarring.

Pahole

Entering 685 acres of protected native fauna and flora.

Not potable

Break time. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Makua Valley

Trying to get the synchronization down for photoshoot #2. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Back to our regularly scheduled program of hiking.

Fruit Pickers

We came down the ridge hoping to pick some juicy Tangelos. Our stomachs were sorely disappointed.

Da Glove

The KST has its boot and the WST has its glove. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Three Corners

Time to go from vertical to …

Three Corners

… horizontal. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Three Corners

Lunch break with views. Some of us were too tired to take in the views. One was never too tired for photoshoot #3. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ridge

Dropping down to the road that winds its way to the highest point on the island.

Fence

Swinging over the fence line. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Hairy Ball

Singular, not plural. What happens when you don’t clear the fence. Photo by Chris Bautista

Road Trip

The road was extremely punishing this time around. Frequent breaks were the order of the day.

Weeping Wall

Free water. Just bring your own bottles. Filter optional, but highly recommended. Photo by Chris Bautista

#78

The end of the very long road.

Mount Ka’ala

Setting up camp at the highest point on the island. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Ka’ala

Communal dining while Cisco and I snored the night away. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

Jumping for air at our 4,025′ camp spot. Our morning departure was slightly delayed by photoshoot #4. Photo by Chris Bautista

Ka’ala Bog

Stepping foot onto the boardwalk that winds it way through 1,100 acres of moss covered trees and native plants.

Ka’ala Bog

One can’t escape the mud in here, it’s inevitable.

Ka’ala Bog

One can’t seem to escape the fence line as well.

WST

Leaving the bog and heading down the muddy ridge.

Boulders

Slipping my way down the rocks. Photo by Chris Bautista

Boulders

Study in concentration. Hand there. Foot there.

Hammerhead Worm

“Landshark” bipalium searching for its prey. Photo by Anne Fai

Boulder

Put your backs into it and tell the photobomber to pitch in as well.

Get a shell

What? Take a picture, it’ll last longer.

WST

Back on the fence line. Photo by Anne Fai

Hobbs Junction

Melts in your mouth, not in your hands. I think its the other way around. Photo by Anne Fai

Trail hazard

The attack of the terrifying inch worm with its looping gait. Pull out the magnifying glasses for this one and use your earplugs.

WST

Climbing in and out of the gap. Photo by Chris Bautista

WST

Ferlino climbing up a short and steep rocky section.

Pu’u Kalena

Heavenly, as in the clouds, views at the second highest peak in the island. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

WST

We left the 3,504′ summit to go down the overgrown ridge that soon yielded to eroded patches of ridge line populated with pine trees.

WST

The smell of garlic shrimp seemed to be coming up from the valley or was it simply the collective stink of the group?

WST

We finally got a view. Better late than never. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Mountain views

Mount Ka’ala and Pu’u Kalena also cleared up for our viewing pleasures.

WST

We wrapped up photoshoot #5 and went down the spur ridge.

Scareface

Say hello to my little friend. Photo by Chris Bautista

WST

Going up the dike and … Photo by Analyn Baliscao

WST

… coming down from the dike. Photo by Analyn Baliscao

WST

We left the ridge and headed down towards the manmade pass that was blasted out of the mountains in the mid-1930s.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

Cisco looking at the crumbly pile of rocks that makes up the forbidden mountain.

WST

Watching the clouds lazily drift across the mountainous landscape as we made our way down.

Kolekole

Sliding our way down the raw and red terrain that lives up to its name. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

GI Joe

The lone surviving toy soldier. There could be other survivors out there.

Exit

We could smell the fried chicken and hear the carbonated soda fizzing or was I just hallucinating?

Kolekole Pass

Enjoying ice cold soda at the lowest point in the Waianae Mountains. Shout out to Matt for bringing us the refreshing beverages and Louisiana chicken.

Kolekole Pass

I guess red beans and rice can be explosive.

Kolekole Pass

Setting up camp and preparing for photoshoot #6. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri

Camp Kolekole

All the greatest American and Filipino hits were being sung tonight.

Camp Kolekole

The karaoke gang migrated to somebody’s tent to have her join in, but she was busy washing herself with the extra water.

Camp Kolekole

Our morning departure was once again slightly delayed by photoshoot #7.

WST

Heading up the densely packed tree lined trail.

Nature recycling

Going up the corridor of paperbark trees.

WST

Matt at the top of the trail before it dips back down into the notches.

WST

Taking in the views. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Looking back at the West side. The best side.

WST

Cisco climbing out of the notches.

Rorshach Test

Mother Nature has a good sense of humor or some peoples minds are in the gutter. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Cisco and Matt on their way to the summit of Hapapa.

WST

This spider web was not even catching the dew drops, let alone any appetizing bugs. Location, location, location. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo at the squared 2,883′ summit left to right: Ferlino, Cisco, Matt, myself, Anne, Chris and Analyn. We sat down for photoshoot #8.

WST

Leaving the fifth highest peak on the West side.

WST

Following the fence line through the ridge line.

Bon Appetit

Finger food. It goes down slowly. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Making our way down to the rock edifice that dominates and straddles the ridge line.

WST

Climb or contour? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla

WST

Protruding rocks provided temporary relief from the cloying overgrowth.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Time to fly the drone again for the last time and our final photoshoot of the hike.

WST

Headed towards the most overgrown section of the WST.

Nobody better lay a finger on my butterfinger. Oh, wrong candy bar.

It was still hard, even after three days. Somebody should go see a doctor. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

Bushwhacking our way through overgrowth …

WST

… upon more overgrowth. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Climbing out of the overgrowth as the clouds started to roll in towards the mountains. Photo by Chris Bautista

Gorilla Heads

Making our way to the two obstacles known as Gorilla Heads or Kryangles. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

O Christmas Tree. 113 days left. Photo by Chris Bautista

Gorilla Heads

Chris going up the little head. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

Cisco at the top. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

Chris dislodged a couple loose rocks climbing his way up the big head.

Gorilla Heads

The grey clouds started to dislodge rain upon us as made our way up.

Gorilla Heads

Ferlino bringing up the webbing on his way up.

Gorilla Heads

Matt climbing his way down the backside.

WST

Climbing our way up to the interrupted fence line.

Gorilla Heads

Looking back at the rain showers sweeping the Waianae Mountains.

WST

Matt muscled his way up the slick section of rocks and threw webbing down for the rest of us.

WST

Slippery when mossy.

WST

Contouring our way through the overgrowth as we avoided …

WST

… the old vertical fence trail. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Climbing up the near vertical fence as it cut a swatch through the tangled mess of uluhe ferns.

Pu’u Kaua

Time and weather were not on our side, so we made the difficult decision to descend from the 3,127′ summit.

Trail

Leaving the third highest peak on the island.

Trail

Clouds clearing over agricultural lands that are slowly being developed into farm lots, off-grid and often unregulated housing.

Trail

I should have brought my cardboard box, or at the very least my spikes. Photo by Anne Fai

Trail

Chris riding the timber log ride at Kunia’s Berry Farms.

Kunia

Dimming the lights as we walked down the road past the slowly growing trailer village filled with a chorus of barking dogs.

All pau

Our 26 mile three-day hike that was filled with laughs, great views and good company; came to an abbreviated end in the farmlands of Kunia. Thanks to Lee for picking us up and bringing chilled Coca-Cola. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. You can’t go wrong with oxtail soup, unless it’s too expensive and then you fall back to the Zip Mein.

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.