Some folks wanted to be broken into the saddle; so I met up with Ani, Annalyn, Chris and Stuart in Moanalua Valley.

Trailhead

I think it would be nice to ride this road in a 4×4 once in my lifetime. Just saying.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Looking for the Korean hikers that seem to dominate and populate this trail.

Kulana’ahane Trailhead

Is this the way to Haiku Stairs? Group photo left to right: Stuart, myself, Chris, Ani and Annalyn.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Walking underneath the tangled thicket of hau branches.

Awapuhi Ginger

One needs it and the other one doesn’t.

It’s a small world after all

You’re from the same village?

Kulana’ahane Trail

Climbing up the short and steep spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Clear views of the mountains, Leeward and Windward coastlines greeted us at the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Heading towards Heaven. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris giving pointers to Annalyn on climbing up the chossy rocks. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring up the Windward side.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way towards the Dirt Triangle. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Moanalua Saddle

Some people ( read: girls ) were having another photo shoot in the back.

Moanalua Saddle

The sweet but sometimes tart gift that keeps on poking. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Dirt Triangle

Chris hanging out and waiting for his turn to climb. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Dirt Triangle

Annalyn climbing her way up. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Moanalua Saddle

Say cheese! Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Moanalua Saddle

Stuart making his way up the dirt and rock encrusted ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the mountain tops shadowed by the clouds. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Moanalua Saddle

Ani climbing up the cracked and crumbly ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Striking distance of Heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Annalyn coming up to the first landing. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Smile! Smile! Smile! Smile! Smile!

Who are you talking too? I hope it’s not that inanimate object in your hand. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the ladder. Short people problems.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving the saddle behind us.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching the mountain where the sky and the Earth touch.

Stairway to Heaven

The view from Heaven. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Haiku Ladder

We have arrived at Heaven.

CCL Building

Memoirs of alcohol induced stimulation and perceived warmth lined the top shelfs.

CCL Building

Rocking radar dishes.

CCL Building

Just hanging out.

CCL Building

We are easily amused.

CCL Building

Somebody still has to grow into their wings and halo.

Haiku Stairs

Getting ready to leave the summit as all the photo shoots have been completed. I think.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Making our way along the ridge with Kalihi Saddle on the left. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pu’u Keahi A Kahoe

Panoramic sweep of the Heavenly and Windward views. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Moanalua Middle Ridge (MMR)

Descending down the noticeably empty ridge.

MMR

Making our way down the eroded and rutted trail. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

MMR

Heading down into Moanalua Valley.

MMR

What came first? The tree or the rock?

MMR

We heart the rock. Or is that we miss the heart rock? Photo by Stuart Krempin.

MMR

Hanging off the ridge to get her hands on an invasive fruit. I don’t get it either.

MMR

Passing one of many broken and fallen trees on the path down.

Kamanaiki Stream

Getting off the ridge and back onto the valley trail.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Crossing one of seven storied bridges in the valley.

Kamananui Valley Trail

We just missed the origami class.

All pau

Stuart and Chris doing a CrossFit workout on the trail. When the cardio and climbing just isn’t enough.

GPS Tracks

Our valley and ridge hike covered 9.73 miles. It was a beautiful day to be outside with a great group. Post hike meal at The Alley Restaurant. Everybody ordered Oxtail Soup. Except one.

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