It was supposed to have been a beautiful day today for Aida’s WST finish hike. And it was on the West side. Never take anything for granted.

Kunia

Chico parked his truck near the trailhead on this chilly morning, for Hawaii people that means in the 60s and 70s.

Kunia

Making our way through the re-routed access as roaming dogs shared our path. Lucky they were all bark and no bite.

Kaua Trail

Akira and CB balancing their way on the trail.

Kaua Trail

The pink ribbons mark the way.

Kaua Trail

We soon passed the junction with the Honouliuli Contour Trail and crossed over the fence to continue on the trail.

Kaua Trail

The grade of the trail started to get steeper as we gained elevation.

Kaua Trail

Aida negotiating her way over the slippery rocks.

Kaua Trail

Climbing up the steepest part of the trail.

Kaua Trail

Waiting near the summit as rain showers started to pelt the mountains. So much for sunny skies today.

Kaua Summit

Group photo at the third highest peak on Oahu.

Kaua Summit

We found out that there is no room for eight shoes to comfortably fit on a geodetic marker.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Pushing our way through the dense overgrowth that choked the fenced trail.

WST

Jeremy climbing his way down over boulders that periodically punctuated the trail.

WST

The boys trying to get some rhythm in the mountains.

WST

CB crossing over the fence line that we left behind us.

WST

Scattered clouds and rain made for a surreal hiking experience.

WST

Playing hot potato or in this case, cold potato in the mountains.

WST

Threading our way down through what CB called the mini-Pohakea Pass.

WST

The rest of the group contouring their way around the rocks.

WST

Where do we go?

WST

We go this way.

WST

CB climbing his way down as the rest of the group waited their turn.

WST

Watching everybody from my perch.

WST

CB dropping down the next rock climb.

WST

Aida making her way down as the rest of the group watched her progress.

WST

Looking behind as Roger and Jeremy were the last ones making their way down, as the rain clouds stopped watering the mountains. Thank you very much.

WST

It’s been awhile.

WST

It’s this way guys!

WST

I think, no need webbing.

WST

Somebody accidentally almost bumped me off the ridge, as I think he was trying to give me a natural high.

WST

The rest of the group making their way across the short ledge. Wait, why is the marine using the webbing?

WST

Resuming our hike.

WST

Making our way on the rocky trail that was mostly populated with low lying trees, cacti and dry grass.

WST

CB taking the higher “road.”

WST

Tessa climbing her way down the narrow crumbly slot.

WST

Taking a break at our former camp site as we waited for Chico who decided to take a detour to get in more cardio time.

WST

Chico clearing dead trees from the forest. I think he was vying to get a spot on the HTMC trail clearing team.

Pohakea Pass Junction

#24 – My customary champagne celebration as we congratulated Aida for completing her last segment needed to finish the 26 mile Waianae Summit Trail. Two feathers in her cap now.

Pohakea Pass Junction

This also marked my #11 finish of the trail that was carved out of this ancient shield volcano that forms the Western half of the island. When am I going to Disneyland?

Pohakea Pass Junction

Our sausage sandwich lunch courtesy of Chef Suzuki. Arigatou Gozaimasu.

Pohakea Pass Junction

Our last group photo of the day as the rain came back to water the mountains.

Kunia

We all scampered and slid down the rain soaked hill as we soon connected to the Honouliuli Contour Trail and back to our staged cars, where we met some hunters and their dogs going up the trail in search of game.

All pau

This is not the satellite branch of the Hawaiian Humane Society, please return the puppies.

GPS Tracks

Our double finish hike barely scratched four miles with a solid, fun group. Congrats again to Aida for finishing the WST. Post hike meal at Denny’s as the voice calling for Thai food was lost in the rain showers.

Postscript

On our ride home, we got to witness the multiple waterfalls pouring off the Ko’olau mountains due to the torrential rain. Great ending for a great day.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Jeremy Cannone, 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.

Back on the west side for sunshine and rain showers. Equal parts. Met up with Chris, Lilyn, Quan and Tessa in Kunia to start our hike as the chickens and dogs announced our arrival.

Kunia

Who let the dog out? Give me food or I’ll bark and/or bite. All five pounds of me.

Kaua Trail

We passed the 1959 Punahou Memorial Grove as the trail wound its way through the forest floor carpeted with kukui nut shells.

Kaua Trail

The sight and smell of a pig pseudo rat hanging on the fence made somebody’s day.

Kaua Trail

No rodents were harmed in the testing of this rat trap. The irony.

Kaua Trail

The pitch of the trail picked up as the kukui nuts were soon replaced with a thick carpet of leaves which at times made the footing slippery.

Kaua Trail

Lonely hearts rock.

Kaua Trail

Quan climbing towards the summit that was marked with steep climbs and ropes and webbing of indeterminate age.

Kaua Trail

Looking back at the central plains as we neared the top.

Kaua Summit

Group photo at the ti leaf marked 3,127′ summit, the third or fourth highest peak on the island. Depends on whom you ask.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We left the summit and some of the group decided to climb the fence instead of contouring. To each their own.

WST

Going down the uluhe fern corridor sliced open by the fence line.

WST

Dropping down the fenced ridge line as the twin obstacles started to get larger than life.

WST

Going down the front way. Where is everybody?

WST

The rest of the group decided to follow the webbing and contour their way down. To each their own.

WST

Lilyn following the fence line back to the ridge.

WST

Chris trying to see if he could climb down without using the fence.

WST

In the end, everybody used the fence.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing up the first and bigger of the Gorilla Heads. Visiting hours are open.

Gorilla Heads

Push and pull gets the job done.

Gorilla Heads

Lilyn pulling herself up and over the boulder.

Gorilla Heads

Chris going down face first.

Gorilla Heads

Lilyn coming down the steeper section of the obstacle. Maybe it’s just the angle.

Gorilla Heads

No acting was involved in the taking of this photo.

Gorilla Heads

Traversing to the smaller simian shaped rock. It’s all about angles and perspectives.

Gorilla Heads

The group coming down the last Gorilla Head.

WST

O Tannenbaum to be later corrupted to O Christmas Tree. The German song was originally written about a fir tree and later came to be adopted by the Christmas camp.

WST

All that’s missing is the mistletoe.

WST

Looking back at the twin rock formations. Visting hours are over.

WST

The cactus are not your friend in the mountains. Look but don’t touch.

WST

Making our way through the pine needle carpeted forest.

WST

Somewhere in the mountains, it’s lunchtime.

WST

Somebody wanted to join us for lunch or be lunch.

WST

Quan lowering herself down the rocks before going back up.

WST

Pushing through the tangled mess of overgrowth to reach the flat topped peak.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Come back so we can take a group photo!

Pu’u Kanehoa

Group photo at the 2,728′ summit, our second summit. No, we are not flashing peace signs.

WST

Chris passing over a severly eroded section of the trail, where another side trail takes one down to Kunia if so desired.

WST

Take my photo!

WST

Me too!

WST

The group scooting, straddling, climbing and walking over the narrow rock dike.

WST

Sighting of the bearded moss hiker.

WST

Looking for the trail in all the wrong places.

WST

Dropping below the ridge line to contour around the boulders.

WST

Trying to climb to impossible heights.

WST

Following the fenced trail in white out conditions soon to be followed by Mother Nature’s sprinkler.

Pu’u Hapapa

Okay let’s take our group photo and get out of this rain. Art, if you are reading this, this will always be the summit to me.

Pu’u Hapapa

It was perfect timing as we hit the shelter just as the rain showers came down like cats and dogs.

Pu’u Hapapa

We mulled over our exit options in the pouring rain, which were go down the loop trail which was longer but avoid the slippery rocks or go down the shorter but slippery way? Let’s throw some tupig on the barbie as we think about it.

Pu’u Hapapa

Looking back at the helipad as another hiker enjoyed the solitude and showers all to himself.

WST

We left our shelter and decided to go down the direct way to save on time and the rain started to slack off.

WST

Chris standing on the slippery rock.

WST

Going down the loop trail by mistake, until a distant voice recalled us to the more direct route.

WST

The swirling clouds painted a surreal picture of our descent down to the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range.

WST

Approaching the first of two notches on the trail.

WST

Chris standing on top of the second notch.

WST

Tessa climbing her way down the wet and slippery rocks.

WST

Fighting against gravity. Pushing against gravity.

WST

Are we in Machu Picchu or are we in Hawai’i?

WST

Hiking our way down the side of the cliff.

WST

Chris on the first notch with clouds soaking the ground and saturating the skies.

WST

Double shaka, near sighted and far sighted.

WST

The girls peering into the cloudy abyss.

WST

Hanging like a koala on the paperbark tree native to Australia.

WST

Last group photo at the scenic overlook as the weather cleared. Never fails.

Kolekole Pass Rock

Quan wanted a bigger stick.

All pau

The porta potties and hand washing stations were gone from the trailhead, so we started to walk down the rainy road as we had nothing else to do. Thanks to Aida and Art for picking us up at Kolekole Pass and Popeye’s and shuttling us back to our cars in Kunia.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 5.23 miles through the rugged terrain of the Waianae Mountains. Fun hike with good friends. Post hike meal at Thelma’s, where apparently Coke means Pepsi. I guess it must be my accent.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, Lilyn Avendano, Quan Haberstroh, 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.

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.

Met up with Bill, Lilyn and Shirley to spend Easter in the mountains this weekend.

Kunia

Thanks to Jalen who dropped us off and wished us well on our “painful” hike, how did he know?

Sunflower field

Grow them and they will come. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kunia

Heading towards the tree line. We missed it by that much. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kunia

Making our way up the short and stiff spur ridge.

Kunia

The trail was a marked departure from the last time I hiked it three years ago, as some folks had cleared the overgrowth and marked the trail. We also found somebody’s stash of chemical leached bottled water. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hono’uli’uli Contour Trail

We soon met up with the firebreak road that contours on the Windward side of the Waianae Mountain Range. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hono’uli’uli Contour Trail

Leaving the trail that spans from Kolekole Pass to Palehua Road.

Kunia

Following the trail which soon dipped into a saddle.

Kunia

Looking back into the Kunia farm lands as we gained elevation in the mountains. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kunia

Lilyn climbing out of the saddle and up to the WST.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Stepping foot on the eroded remains of an ancient shield volcano. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Looking back as the rest of the crew emerged from the spur trail.

WST

We topped out on the ridge line just shy of Pu’u Kanehoa to be met by stiff winds and spectacular views wherever we cast our wandering eyes. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

The only sheltered spot on the ridge line from the gusting winds that dropped the air temperature and discouraged some from continuing the hike. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Photo of our group before we dwindled down to a pair of hikers.

WST

Bill and Shirley decided to explore the sheltered trails at lower elevations. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Dropping down the side of the rock face. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Two dots on the ridge line. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Lilyn making her way on the exposed ridge line buffeted by the strong winds. Nature’s air conditioning.

WST

Ready to plunge into the forested spot of the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Breaking out of the forest and back onto the exposed ridge line.

Gorilla Heads

Meeting up with the first pair of obstacles. One small and one big. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Gorilla Heads

Lilyn working her way up the smaller rock face.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing up the bigger head. Webbing optional. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Gorilla Heads

Lilyn climbing up while trying not to lose her Chicago Cubs hat. No mean feat by itself in these windy conditions.

Gorilla Heads

Going down the backside. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Gorilla Heads

Lilyn looking for her next foothold or spot.

Gorilla Heads

Can you see the primate for the rocks? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Fence hopping. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Going up through the fence line that was interrupted by the rocky ridge line.

WST

Climbing up the fenced hill. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Lilyn overlooking the Gorilla Heads.

WST

We resumed our hilly climb to be briefly interrupted by several nasty patches of uluhe overgrowth before reaching the third highest peak.

Pu’u Kaua

Photo from the remarkably cleared 3,127′ summit.

WST

Leaving the summit and following the fence line where some spots of the trail were littered with non-potable water jugs and barrels.

WST

Enjoying the central plains view. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

We soon left the fence line behind us and started our program of rock climbing. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Lilyn angling her way down one of the rock climbs.

WST

Low center of gravity. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

High center of gravity.

WST

Lilyn contouring her way down the short and steep climb.

WST

Going down a short drop. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pohakea Pass

It was butterfly time as we made our way towards the imposing 80′ crumbly cliff. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pohakea Pass

Lilyn climbing up towards the base of the pass using ropes that have seen better days.

Pohakea Pass

Climbing straight up, always mindful of the chossy rocks. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pohakea Pass

Like somebody said, pictures do not do this climb justice.

Pohakea Pass

We both passed the pass.

WST

Lilyn scrambling back up the ridge line, thinking all the hard stuff was behind us. Think again.

WST

So far, so good.

WST

Enjoying the windy views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Pushing up the last big hill. Promise?

WST

We had to jump the fence line multiple times to stay on trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

The suffocating uluhe overgrowth and the seemingly never ending false peaks were exhausting and irritating. This was the hardest section according to the backseat hiker. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Heleakala

Looking at our original exit route which got tossed out due to lack of time. I also switched my music from headset to speaker to serve as a pseudo-navigational aid, as the overgrowth and multiple trails were a tad confusing. It also helped to drown out the broken record. I didn’t know record players could work in the mountains.

Palikea

Happy Easter from the 3,098′ ti leaf summit where I marked my sixth time finishing the WST.

Palehua

Crossing through forest land teeming with native fauna and flora.

Palehua

Keeping the feral ungulates out but the two legged primates in. Or something like that. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Palehua

Leaving the pine tree forest behind us as we enjoyed central and town views on our way out.

Palehua

Rolling through the Indiana Jones boulder tunnel. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Palehua

End of the trail for us but the beginning of the long ass road that winded down to Makakilo.

Palehua Road

Pounding the pavement as several cars passed us on the road, all failing to follow protocol.

All pau

Hit the road, Jack. And don’t you come back. No more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the road, Jack. And don’t you come back no more. A more lyrical interpretation of the greeting we received at the end of the road. Thanks to Bill and Shirley for picking us up and giving us cold carbonated beverages. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

GPS Tracks

Our 12 plus mile covered the hardest climbing section of the WST, made even more taxing by the annoying overgrowth. Post hike meal at McDonald’s where we locked our doors for peace of mind as we ate our cholesterol drenched 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.

I went out the West side to dry out this weekend with Charlie, CJ and Tessa. Thanks to Matt for dropping us off at Schofield Barracks. Citizens of all country are welcome.

Trailhead

The start of the trail was teeming with hikers. We got a jump on them before the trail got too congested. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KoleKole Pass Rock

I hope heads will not be rolling today.

Meadows

Group photo before Matt took his leave of us, left to right: Matt, Tessa, myself, CJ and Charlie. The brisk winds aborted Matt’s attempt at some drone shots. So he called it a day and bade us farewell.

Hapapa Trail

We took the crumbly and direct route up. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Hapapa Trail

The rest of the group making their way up. Somehow, somebody got lost on their way up. Excuse me, he was exploring. LOL.

Hapapa Trail

We made our way through the stand of paperbark trees and soon found ourselves at the towering rock dike. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Hapapa Trail

Climbing down to start our climb up the first notch. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Hapapa Trail

CJ and Tessa on the photogenic dike.

Hapapa Trail

Tessa sitting on her perch in the mountains. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Hapapa Trail

The girls on top of the second notch.

Hapapa Trail

Are we home for the night? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo on the square summit overlooking the West side. The best side.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We left the 2,883′ summit to begin our hike on the fenced trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

WST

Looking back as Tessa climbs over one of many fenced junctions.

WST

Descending down towards the imposing rock dike which interrupts the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

WST

Making our way around the eroded section. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

WST

Heading towards the knob of Kanehoa.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Group photo at the 2,778′ summit that offered splendid panoramic views.

Pu’u Kanehoa

One of the splendid views from the top.

WST

Looking back at the exposed summit. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

WST

Tessa hiking through the mixed tree section of the ridge.

WST

Approaching the “Christmas Tree” which is the gateway to the first set of obstacles before us.

WST

CJ and Tessa cresting over the small hill.

Gorilla Heads

Scrambling up the smaller head. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing down towards the bigger head. Don’t touch it too much. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Gorilla Heads

CJ making her way up. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Gorilla Heads

Charlie bringing up the rear. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Gorilla Heads

Looking for my next foothold. Where’s my spotter? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Gorilla Heads

Tessa’s turn to climb down. Step by step. Heart to heart. Left, right, Left. We all fall down. Wait, don’t follow the last lyric.

WST

CJ making her way up the interrupted fence line. Hard for the fence installers to follow the pitches of the ridge line.

Need webbing?

We soon left the fence line to climb up a rock face. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Bee in my bonnet

Tessa was being buzzed and it wasn’t from alcohol. I was of no help. Luckily CJ had a stick handy and flicked the bee out.

WST

Back on the fence line.

WST

Charlie pushing through the overgrowth. Visibility was mostly uluhe ferns in your face. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pu’u Kaua

The 3,127′ summit was extremely overgrown, no stop here. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

WST

Back on the fence line with CJ pointing at our destination, which was still far away. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

WST

Climbing my way down. The start of the most rock climbing this side of the WST. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

WST

Charlie ready to climb down.

WST

Looking for our next rock face to climb down. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

WST

CJ making short work of the rock face. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

WST

Tessa climbing down the correct route.

WST

The other two decided on an “easier” descent and ended up losing their webbing. Apparently my words of advice were drowned out in the wind. LOL. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

WST

Contouring a somewhat tricky rock face. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

WST

The others following in my footsteps. Pack optional.

WST

Scrambling up another rockface. After another. And another. You get the picture. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

WST

Give me your hand and forget about losing your manhood.

WST

Contouring around the tree line to stay on trail.

WST

Tessa dropping off the ridge line. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

WST

The group hugging the rockface as we made our way down the sliver of a trail.

WST

Making my way down a short drop. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Pohakea

Camp life. We could have survived for quite some time in the mountains what with Charlie’s industrial sized can of butane fuel and copious amounts of unfiltered water. We were just missing enough food. We didn’t look appetizing to each other.

Camp Pohakea

Camp site. We pitched tent on what looked like the remains of another cabin or bunker. We were not breaking new ground.

Camp Pohakea

Good night from the Waianae Mountains. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Camp Pohakea

We woke up the next morning after rain showers pelted our campsite, made breakfast, broke down camp and left to tackle the biggest obstacle in the mountains. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Pohakea Pass

I won’t lie. Every time I see this 80′ crumbly cliff, I get butterflies in my stomach.

Pohakea Pass

Climbing and contouring our way up. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Pohakea Pass

The group queued up at the base of the cliff.

Pohakea Pass

Everybody ready to climb? Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Pohakea Pass

The climb up was greatly assisted with the red webbing that another group had left. Caution was still exercised as never fully trust webbing that wasn’t set by your own hands. It pays to also have somebody that can safely free climb obstacles in case webbing is suspect or lacking.

Pohakea Pass

Checking out the group coming up, the wind stalled somebody’s progress immeasurably. But everybody made it up safely. In the end, that’s all that matters.

Pohakea Pass

CJ perched on her rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pohakea Pass

Hello from the top of the pass.

Bonsai Trail

Leaving the pass behind us.

WST

It was another steep climb up the fenced ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

WST

Wading through the sea of forest green uluhell.

WST

Water catchment break. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

Palikea Summit

Group photo with the rainbow behind us in Lualualei Valley.

Palehua

Going down the stairs. We must be nearing civilization.

Palehua

Leaving the forest of pine trees as we left the gated area.

Palehua

Traversing the trail cut from the side of the cliff.

Palehua

Indiana Bugay coming through the boulder tunnel. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Palehua

Switch backing our way to the bamboo forest.

Palehua

Going down the last set of stairs for the day.

Palehua

End of the trail and beginning of the road. We are not out of the woods yet.

Hiker Humane Society

I am not your Daddy! Photo by Charlie Antonio.

All pau

Mahalo to Quan for picking us up halfway on the road.

GPS Tracks

Our two day camping and climbing hike in the Waianae Mountains covered 9.5 miles with fun company and marked my fifth time completing the Waianae Summit Trail (WST). Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse where Aida, Chris, Lilyn and Quan also joined us on two separate tables. No clam chowder on the menu. What is this world coming to?

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 Matt for a hike in his backyard today.

Trailhead

Nobody else showed up at the appointed time, so we pushed off into the farmlands.

Swing

Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that give you the most happiness. But this is not one of them. LOL.

Kunia

Going up the trail littered with forest detritus.

Honouliuli Contour Trail

Briefly setting foot on the graded trail …

Spur Ridge

… before heading up the spur ridge.

Scenic spot

Looking through the forest canopy across Wahiawa to the lagoon harbor and the iconic symbol of Hawaii.

Saddle

Battling the overgrowth as we descended to the low point on the ridge.

Uluhell

What hike in Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without the clawing and scratching staghorn ferns?

Destination

We could see the mountain for the overgrowth.

Two-Minute Mark

No turning back now.

Spur Ridge

A short scramble was all that separated us from …

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

… the washed out area just shy of the summit of Kanehoa.

WST

Matt decided to keep me company on the way to Kolekole Pass.

WST

Looking back at missed opportunities.

WST

Did we miss the trail?

WST

Matt contouring his way around the ridge line.

WST

Looking back at the exposed grey rock edifice sticking out like a sore thumb amidst all the green overgrowth.

WST

Following the fence line. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

A-OK

No complaining back here.

WST

Fences for daze. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

WST

Passing showers, not enough to melt.

WST

Clouds on the left and windmills on the right. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

Lualualei Valley

Looking back at the largest coastal plain that also has the tallest man made structures as well.

Pu’u Hapapa

Standing on the 2,883′ squared summit.

Washout

The quickest but highly not recommended way down to Wahiawa. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

Hapapa Trail

I always particularly liked the panoramic vista that this approach offered when dropping down from Pu’u Hapapa. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

Hapapa Trail

Matt making his way down the ridge.

Notch

Climbing down the shallower and smaller cut in the ridge. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

Notch

Matt making his way down the deeper and bigger incision in the ridge.

The Gap

Feeling small, insignificant and full of wonder.

Hapapa Trail

Matt coming down the corridor of paperbark trees.

Hapapa Trail

Overlooking the ridges, valleys and coastline.

Meadows

Soaking in the views one last time. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

Kolekole Pass Stone

Dead tired. Don’t take it literally.

Instafamous

“You’re Matt? I follow you on IG!”

All pau

Our hike through the Waianae Mountains covered 5.4 miles through rugged terrain and raw scenery. Thanks again to Matt for showing me his “backyard.” Shout out to Mia for picking us up at the lowest point in the mountain range. Post hike meal at Popeye’s Chicken.

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.