In search of more training grounds to hike, we met up on the congested street in East Oahu. Keep your voice down, lest you upset the neighbors.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

This trail has been called one of the finest hikes on the island by noted hiking author, Stuart Ball. Who am I to argue?

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Somebody forgot their phone at the trailhead. Shades of Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Switch backing our way up the mountain.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Going or coming?

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Puka in the tree stump.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Arriving at the picnic shelter that was being renovated with fresh paint and new wood planks.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Scrambling up the rooted section of the trail.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

The trail took on a more direct approach as we huffed and puffed our way up the steep sections under the canopy of pine trees.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Touchup. No pullup.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

A bench with a view.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Steps, steps and then some more steps.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Views of Koko Crater and Koko Head in the background. Often confused for each other.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Group photo at the surprisingly empty 2,028′ summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the eroded hill as we started our traverse on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

KSRT

Plunging into the forest.

KSRT

Mari using the organic hiking stick to its fullest.

KSRT

Approaching the first set of powerlines.

KSRT

Mari doing the forward low tree limbo.

KSRT

Passing through the second set of powerlines.

KSRT

The spiderweb of vines were insufferable as they pulled, strangled and tripped you if not careful.

KSRT

Making our way through the mountains on a carpet of pine needles.

KSRT

Contouring our way around the base of Hahaione Pyramid.

KSRT

That’s one small step for woman, one giant leap for hiking.

KSRT

If it looks like a pyramid, sits like a pyramid, then it’s a pyramid.

KSRT

We ran across two other hikers that were coming from the opposite direction.

Mariner’s Summit

Is that Chef Boyardee cooking his signature spaghetti in the mountains?

Kaluanui Summit

Most of us enjoyed the cooking show, while others checked in on their social media.

Kaluanui Summit

Group photo at the summit that Kamehameha Schools would like you to forget.

KSRT

Climbing our way down from the summit.

KSRT

Walking through a carpet of feathery ferns.

KSRT

Clash of vivid colors in the mountains.

KSRT

Seriously? We have to climb down this cliff on a printer cable?

KSRT

Deborah and Aida making their way down to the base of the cliff.

KSRT

Aida with Dorito’s Tower in the distance.

KSRT

Traversing our way through the exposed and rocky section of the trail.

KSRT

Where there’s a rock, there is always somebody that will climb on top.

Tom-Tom Summit

Standing on the summit whose trail was named after Tom McGuire and Tom Cadle who rediscovered the old Hawaiian trail.

KSRT

Take less pictures and more spotting.

KSRT

Climbing up rocks after rocks.

KSRT

Scrambling our way up the ever shifting ground of pine needles. One step forward, two steps back.

Kamiloiki Summit

No smile for the summit.

KSRT

Passing through another stand of pine trees.

KSRT

Descending our way down the trail as we approached the last climb of the day.

Kaiona Beach Park

Watching the fire dancers from the nosebleed section.

KSRT

The communications tower looked so deceptively close as we approached it. Appearances can be deceiving.

KSRT

Mari climbing her way out of the saddle.

KSRT

That plant is made for drinking and not for smoking.

Manana Island

The direct sun was reflecting off the uninhabited island that is now home to a protected bird sanctuary.

KSRT

Contouring our way around the abandoned radar towers that used to control the Nike Missiles Sites down at Bellows.

KSRT

The group was glad they were back on solid ground. Some more so than others.

KSRT

Where there’s a hole, there’s a way.

All pau

Walking down the road that was made easier since Camp Winner was in session. No gate to contour or hurdle.

GPS Tracks

Our “training” hike covered a little over seven miles with good company. Good job to Mari for finishing another chunk of the KST. Post hike meal at Mama Pho. Pho Time was out of business.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Deborah Tom, Mari Saito 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 a solo section of the KST today as the forecasted weather called for beautiful conditions.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Drove through the hilltop community created in the 1960s and known as the original luxury view ridge on the island. I was hoping to bag some of those luxury views myself, albeit without paying millions of dollars for those heavenly heights.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Trail meets the stairs.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Erosion has taking a toll on the steps footing on the large ridge.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Cloudy conditions greeted me at the 2,480′ summit. No surprise.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Looking back at the trade winds pushing the cloud over the mountains.

Wailupe Summit

Shoefie at the 2,403′ peak.

KSRT

Bagging the views. That’s what it’s all about.

Hawaii Loa Summit

I had the 2,520′ knob all to myself.

KSRT

Checking out the Leeward views.

Kulepeamoa Summit

360 degree view of the 2,480′ summit of the flapping chicken.

KSRT

Welcome to the jungle.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Shaking the shaka at the 2,200′ flat topped summit.

KSRT

I ran into a couple of girls who had come up from the West ridge line and were looping it back down towards the valley.

KSRT

360 degree view of one of the most photographed spots between Kuli’ou’ou and Pu’u O Kona. Different perspective.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Took a group photo with Kelly and Paul at the 2,200′ flat topped summit who I only knew from Facebook. Small world.

KSRT

Going down the well cleared trail past the first set of powerline towers.

KSRT

Breaking out into the clearing after pushing through the overgrowth.

KSRT

Looking back at Hahaione Pyramid, a natural rock formation that was not built by aliens or an advanced civilization.

Mariner’s Summit

Enjoying my frosty beverage on the 1,640′ summit that Kamehameha Schools would like the public to forget, as the trail is now shuttered and only open to certain approved hiking groups.

KSRT

Leaving the forest behind as I broke out into open ground.

KSRT

I’m glad to see that the printer cable is alive and well.

Tom-Tom Summit

Tom-Tom rolls off the tongue more smoothly than McGuire-Cadle.

KSRT

Looking out towards Kailua and Kaneohe Bays.

Kamiloiki Summit

Campfires in the mountains. Is that such a thing?

KSRT

Panoramic view of the ridge line before entering the stand of pine trees.

KSRT

In the saddle.

All pau

The gates were open as I walked down the road where Tessa was waiting to pick me up. Mahalo!

GPS Tracks

My little slice of the Southern KST covered 9.38 miles through cloudy to clear conditions to the very end.

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.

Picking up where we left off from last week; met up with Aida, Art, Cinja, Lilyn, Marilyn, Quan and Tessa at the end of an East Oahu neighborhood. Photo by Art Young.

Sunrise

Early hikers get the view of the sun seemingly breaking the horizon plane. It’s actually the earth’s rotation. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kamehame Road

I guess we came before visiting hours, but you wouldn’t know it by the amount of people walking up and down the road.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

It was our turn to take our group photo on this small plot of artificial grass with sweeping views of the Southern and Windward coastlines.

KSRT

Skirting the fenced compound so as not to awaken the neighbors. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Trying to get the hang of flying my drone at the second hang gliding platform. Need more practice.

KSRT

Scrambling up a small hill. Thankfully not many hills on this section of the trail.

KSRT

Going down the hill with expansive views of Makai Pier, Sea Life Park and the islands of Manana (Rabbit) and Kaohika’ipu (Black Rock).

KSRT

Picking our way along the uneven rock studded ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Hiking on the edge of the cliff. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Silhouetted hikers against the morning skies. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

The trail soon worked itself away from the edge towards more solid footing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Approaching the cluster of rocks which I like to call Hawaii’s Stonehenge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Puka

Drone views.

Makapu’u Puka

Selfie views.

KSRT

It was a hop, skip and a jump to the next rock to climb.

Thinker

Top down views. Now which way do we climb down?

KSRT

Tessa finding her own views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

The group scrambling out of the saddle.

KSRT

Some of us took the high road and the others took the low road.

Puka Lite

Hanging loose in the hole. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

The correct way of taking a scenic picture. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

The incorrect way. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

We saw a rather large group of hikers headed towards us but they took the contour trail to avoid meeting us. Social distancing.

KSRT

3. 3. 3. Someone obviously had no idea of the concept of a countdown.

KSRT

Going down the rocky, downhill climb. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Looking both ways before crossing to avoid becoming roadkill. The most dangerous part of the hike.

Makapu’u Point

Aida scrambling up the rocks. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

What happened to my belayer? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

The rest of the group were monopolizing the climbing crag with photo shoots.

Makapu’u Point

I found my own piece of rock to stand on. Somebody take my picture. Photo by Art Young.

Makapu’u Point

We crested to the top of the ridge and took a break to enjoy the hang gliders circling around the area. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

Approaching the crowded lookout.

Makapu’u Point

Bypassing the crowds to enjoy our own lookout. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

What happened to my spotter? Photo by Art Young.

Makapu’u Point

Spotting duties. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Makapu’u Point

Going down the less traveled trail to the lighthouse. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Makapu’u Point

Climbing down to the notch that was blasted out of the lava rocks to build the lighthouse. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Celebrating our completions of the Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST). #4 for Tessa and #12 for myself.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Some of us could reach higher than the others.

Makapu’u Point

Following the arrow like lemmings off a seaside cliff. Literally.

Whale Watching

All hiking was temporarily suspended to watch the gentle giants slapping the waters with their tails. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

The group climbing down to find the “official” end of the KST.

Makapu’u Point

Will the real KST finisher please stand up?

Makapu’u Point

Who’s coming down with me? Crickets. Only two of them followed me down. Photo by Art Young.

Makapu’u Point

Art climbing down the side of the crumbly rocks to the narrow ledge below him.

Makapu’u Point

Testing the rocks as we made our way down. Photo by Art Young.

Makapu’u Point

Somebody wanted to call it. I turned up my ELO music.

Makapu’u Point

Forward progress was stalled by a steep cliff, so we contoured to our right. Photo by Art Young.

Makapu’u Point

Sliding down the crumbly rocks.

Makapu’u Point

Art climbing his way down. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

The rest of the group watching our progress from the safety of the lighthouse. I’m pretty sure some of my crickets wanted to be topside as well. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Makapu’u Point

Checking to make sure we could climb back up after each down climb.

Makapu’u Point

Art stretching his glutes on his way down to the stack of rocks. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

We could smell the ocean. We were that close. So close, yet so far. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

The buck stops here. Or at least this hiker does. Photo by Art Young.

Makapu’u Point

Lilyn watching my progress from a safe distance.

Makapu’u Point

End of the cliff for us. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

We retreated back on the trail and found the most suitable flat spot to take our group photo.

Makapu’u Point

Lilyn scrambling back up to the narrow ledge. Photo by Art Young.

Makapu’u Point

Making our way back up the ridge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

It was a lot easier climbing our way back up. Photo by Art Young.

Makapu’u Point

Lilyn pulling herself up.

Makapu’u Point

Climbing up the slabs of rocks. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

Art coming up the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

Almost there. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Point

Climbing our way back to the lighthouse. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Aerial views of the 35′ concrete tower that holds the largest hyperradiant lens in the country. The lighthouse sits 395′ above the water serving as a navigational aid to ships that ply the nearby Hawaiian waters.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Watching out for falling rocks on our way out. Photo by Art Young.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Walking down the hot, paved road that were teeming with hikers.

All pau

Champagne ceremony. I think I prefer to be on the giving end rather than on the receiving end. Thanks to Quan and Lilyn for shuttling us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our short day covered a little over five miles where we almost touched the waters of the Pacific Ocean, but content in our adventure and accomplishments. Fun day with a great group of friends. Post hike meal at Island Brew Coffeehouse which did not sit well with some of us, so we went to Uncle Clay’s to fill up our tummies.

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.

It was time for another camping weekend in the mountains.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Lilyn for dropping me off to begin my brief solo hike. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pali Notches

I soon ran across a group of hikers who were climbing down the second notch. They asked me two questions. Have you done this before and where is the rock formation? I could only answer one of their questions to the best of my knowledge. I asked them what their route was through these mountains. They could not answer my question. Or more accurately, All Trails could not answer it for them.

Chimney

I then ran across another solo hiker, Joy, who climbed the “rock formation” with me and gave me a good scare coming around the contour. Luckily the other group decided to trust their gut intuition rather than All Trails and turned around.

Mud Wall

Watching Joy approach the mud wall with clear views of the Windward coastline and mountains behind her.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Crossed paths with two hikers who were planning on going down to the Pali from the Kalawahine Trail. Thanks to All Trails.

Konahuanui

Uncommonly clear views on top of the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Olomana

Watching paragliders soaring on the thermals as they drifted lazily through the sky.

K2

Joy descending down from the two large testicles.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Walking into a postcard painted by fluted flanks cascading from the crest of the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Photo by Joy Rodriguez.

Manoa Middle Summit

Panoramic views of Maunawili Valley and points beyond.

KSRT

Lost in a sea of green. Photo by Joy Rodriguez.

Castle Trail

Contouring our way below the ridge line where we soon met up with the Wa’ahila Ridge Trail where Joy decided to hike down to make her daughter’s ballet recital.

Awaawaloa

Summit view from the massive peak between Manoa and Palolo Valleys.

Ka’au Crater

Climbed down from the 2,486′ peak and soon approached the power lines that mark one of three tuff cones on the island.

Ka’au Crater

Looking down into the marsh filled crater. I was also asked if I was a crane repair man sent up here to fix something. Perhaps it had something to do with my work shirt, but still somewhat perplexed as to how a crane would find itself on top of these mountains.

KSRT

Looking into Palolo Valley and the other tuff cone which also happens to be the hardest hike on the island.

Kainawa’aunui

Taking a load off my feet on the 2,520′ summit after the short and stiff climb up the huge hill.

Pu’u Lanipo

My dream of hiking Lanipo Windward is slowly becoming a pipe dream.

KSRT

Descending down the ridge marked with power line towers and approaching the cell tower that marks Wiliwilinui ridge.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Many thanks to Chris, Dale and Sally that brought us chicken and water and stayed to share the sunset with us.

Camp Wili

We enjoyed a cold, clear and crisp night at the summit camp. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Wili

The morning cloud formations filtered and painted the skies and scenery. It was quite the show.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Art hiked up to join us at the top, carrying a couple of sodas and two legged and four legged hikers in tow.

KSRT

Leaving the 2,520′ summit behind us as we started another day of hiking in the mountains.

Wailupe Summit

What’s going on here? What happened to the prayer flags and the green sign?

KSRT

It’s always hump day in the mountains.

KSRT

Slightly overcast conditions kept us from overheating in the mountains. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Somebody sounded faintly familiar at the 2,520′ knob.

KSRT

Hiking up the next hill to look for that flapping chicken. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kulepeamoa Summit

Never say never? Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

The hills have hills.

Kuli’ou’ou 2?

Isn’t this Pu’u O Kona? I have the same book as well you know. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The debate was still not settled and with a lunch riding on the outcome, we left the questionable summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Art warned us to be careful on this eroded section and promptly reinforced it by falling down. Thanks Art!

KSRT

Tessa showing us how to safely cross the trail. Somebody needs to take notes.

KSRT

Scenic view of Waimanalo and points beyond. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Just missing the tent. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Art making his way to the sounding knee. Maybe creaking knees. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Met up with Aida, Bill, Narissa, Quan, Shirley and Tanya at the 2,028′ eroded hill.

KSRT

It was time to take our leave of the windy and overpopulated summit. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Aida on the exposed ridge before being swallowed up by the forest. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Hey, let’s leave an arrow made of sticks so the rest of the group goes down the right junction. One problem with that, they will have to notice it.

KSRT

Are we on the right trail? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The group making their way down the set of powerline towers that straddle the ridgeline. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Did you see the arrow? What arrow?

Scenic point

Where did the other three go? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Contouring on the Windward side of the ridge that was thickly covered with pine needles and cones. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hahaione Pyramid

Looking ahead to the roughly triangular shaped rock that predates the more famous ones located over 9,000 miles away.

KSRT

Some of us took the high road and others took the low road. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Taking in the Windward views on top of the small, flat topped hill. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Tessa climbing up the short rockface. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Watching the rest of the group make their way up to the summit that Kamehameha Schools would like you to forget. Photo by Art Young

Kaluanui Summit

Lunch in the shade. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Back on the trail that alternated between stands of trees and exposed ridge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Everybody waiting their turn to go down the printer cable. Yes, printer cable. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Contouring around the rock that nobody wanted to climb. Photo by Art Young.

Tom-Tom Summit

Passing the powerlines that marks the trail that drops down into Waimanalo. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Scrambling our way up and over the rockfaces that dominated the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

The sun was taking a beating on us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Headed up to the steep and shaded pine forest. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamiloiki Summit

Planking at the shaded spot overlooking the Waimanalo coastline.

KSRT

Breaking out onto the exposed trail before plunging back into another stand of pine trees.

KSRT

Leaving the brief shade before getting another does of Vitamin D. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Dropping down into the depression. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Scrambling out of the saddle. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Taking a brief break on top of the small denuded hill before another small dip. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kamehame Road

Physical dehydration, fatigue and inducements of free dinner convinced us to end the hike early. Early being relative. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kamehame Road

I guess it was past closing time. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

All pau

End of the well trafficked road for us. Thanks to Chris for picking us up and feeding us with fast food.

GPS Tracks

Our hike depending who you went with and what routes one took, covered a little over 12 miles. Post hike meal at Pho time. It took time for some of us to get our food. Guess it wasn’t pho time for everybody. Fun hike with new and old 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.

They said one of the ways to celebrate Veterans Day is to get outdoors with a veteran. So I rounded up a couple of my friends to polish off a small chunk of the KST.

Kamehame Drive

Met up with Aida, Angela, Art, Lilyn, Quan and Sally at the end of the road with million dollar views. There was a lot of two way traffic on this popular “hike” that was teeming with local residents and hikers alike.

Kamehame Drive

Leaving the road for the mountains.

Trail

Going up the steps with valley views behind us. Photo by Art Young.

Hang Gliding Platform

Hanging out and not hang gliding out.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Sally kicking it in the mountains.

South Pole

The temperature must be dropping as somebody assumed the fetal position.

KSRT

It soon rained on our parade.

Reflection, refraction and dispersion

Rainbows followed the rain. No sign of any purple dinosaur.

Hang gliding platform

Lilyn still looking for that hang gliding ride. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

What goes up … Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

… must come down.

KSRT

Scooting and scrambling down the rocky terrain. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Dropping down to the hole in the mountains. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Puka

Cartwheeling, lounging and standing around.

Makapu’u Puka

Group photo top row, left to right: Lilyn and Angela. Bottom row, left to right: Aida, Sally, myself, Art and Quan.

Hawaii Stonehenge

Climbing up rocks, the easy and hard way.

KSRT

Going up another hill. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Makapu’u Puka Jr.

Peeking through another small hole on the way up.

KSRT

Looking back as the rest of the group makes their way up. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

KSRT

Scenic photo shoots.

KSRT

The shadow kicking somebody in the butt. More hiking, less photo taking. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

KSRT

Following the rugged coastline as we made our way on the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Panoramic view of Makai Pier, Manana Island, Kaohikaipu and Sea Life Park. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Stretching before my short jump. Missed it by that much.

KSRT

Aida making her way along the rocky edge of the cliff.

KSRT

The group making their way down towards the large and flat area for more photo shoots. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Stupid Human Tricks

Gender segregated butt squeezing, kung fu fighting and leaping over a supine hiker.

KSRT

Sally bending with the fence as we made our way down and crossed the highway where we lost Quan who had to go in for work.

Hands Ten

Art climbing up the cliff side of the lookout.

KSRT

Sally perched on top of the rock climbing crag looking out towards the buoyant island that was staying above the waterline. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Angela and Sally stayed at the top while the rest of us made our way down to the lighthouse.

KSRT

Making our way down to the lighthouse that serves as an important navigation aid to the maritime commerce plying the waters around Hawaii. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Walking down the steps to the lighthouse that was constructed in 1909. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Individual and group photos at the lighthouse that is home to the largest lens in the country that measures 12′ high and 8′ wide.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Contouring around the manmade obstacle. Photo by Art Young.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Looking back at the third highest lighthouse in the country that sits at an elevation of 420′. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

The girls decided to take the lower trail, while we elected to take the higher trail.

All pau

Walking out the two mile paved road and back to our cars. Photo by Aida Gordon.

GPS Tracks

Our short hike covered 5.3 miles with fun friends. Post hike meal at Happy Days where Quan rejoined us for lunch. Tip: Don’t have a bunch of public school graduates try to figure out the collective bill, you might be there until closing.

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.