A friend came out of his hiking hibernation to start wrapping up loose ends on the KST. Slight exaggeration. Just slight.

Kalihi Valley

Thanks to Ferlino for dropping Akira, Chico, Ryan, Scott and myself off to the starting point where we met up with Aileen to round out today’s group.

Kalihi Valley

Walking up the service road used by the electric utility that had its genesis with King Kalakaua who had Iolani Palace wired for artificial illumination in 1886. By 1890, 797 homes in Honolulu had electricity. And in 1891, Hawaiian Electric was incorporated.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hiking into the sun, better than into the rain. Don’t speak too soon.

Kalihi Saddle

Starting on the saddle route that was pioneered by Pete Clines and friends back in 2011.

Shark Fin

Is that Shark Fin? How many times have you done this?

Kalihi Saddle

Scott starting on an easy saddle or so he thought.

Shark Fin

Squeezing our way between the trees and the rocks as we contoured to the top.

Shark Fin

Aileen and Scott scrambling their way up the rockface.

Kalihi Saddle

Stiff trade wind breezes kept us steady on the narrow ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Akira watching his step as he made his way on the trail. Medicine will be consumed after we are off the trail.

Kalihi Saddle

Up and over another small hill.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing, pulling, scooting, straddling and walking were all used during our traverse of the saddle.

Bunny Ears

Pete Clines was the hiker that gave these menacing pinnacles their “silly names.”

Bunny Ears

The group waiting in the climbing queue for their turn.

Bunny Ears

Climbing towards the top of the first “ear” feathered by pine trees.

Bunny Ears

Akira intently observing our climbing progress.

Bunny Ears

Climbing and contouring around the top of the second “ear.”

Bunny Ears

The group traversing between the two rock obstacles.

Doorstop

Scott ready to flex his guns going down the next obstacle. Better not be firing blanks.

Doorstop

Ryan climbing down with additional webbing for that additional peace of mind.

Doorstop

Akira taking his own route to climb down. That’s okay, I have long legs.

Pimple

Contouring the obstacle, but no popping today.

Pimple

The group working their way down and up out of the rock obstacles.

Can Opener

Chico climbing up the crumbly pile of rocks and dirt.

Can Opener

Ryan interrupted his lunch to provide a helping hand.

Can Opener

Group photo at the scenic spot with the bulging refrigerator above our heads.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring below the crumbly ridge line.

Lanihuli Wall

Climbing up the lower tier of the “wall.”

Lanihuli Wall

A passing rain shower briefly moisturized our epidermis and rain jackets.

Lanihuli Wall

Akira climbing his way up the grassy flank of the ridge line. Different perspective.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambled to the “end” of the ridge in the “wrong” direction.

Kalihi Saddle

The closest I will ever get to the top of the Can Opener, unless I want to push my threshold.

Kalihi Saddle

Resuming our crumbly climb towards the summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Native plants such as the uki and ‘ie’ie were our constant climbing companions in the mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

Keep to your left. Your other left.

Dirt Dragon

Sitting on the shadow of its former self.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving the eroded section for greener pastures.

Kalihi Saddle

Ryan testing the rocks before committing to the climb.

KSRT

The group beginning their slow and steady climb up the grassy slope against the backdrop of the Windward side.

KSRT

Traversing over a couple false peaks to get to to the true peak.

Lanihuli Summit

Sausage, eggs and rice are what’s cooking in the mountains. Priorities.

Lanihuli Summit

Mother Nature treated us to a clear scenic view at the 2,782′ summit.

Kapalama Trail

Dropping off the massive mountain as we began our descent down on the trail that was carved out of the forest in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Kapalama Trail

Looking back as the summit whose name that means swirling heavens receded in the distance. It seems that reaching the summit wasn’t a reality until circa 1996 not for lack of trying.

Kapalama Trail

Passing through a grove of pine trees, that were introduced to Hawaii in the early 19th century for economic, forestry and ornamental reasons.

Kapalama Trail

The trail skirting the boundaries of the Oahu Country Club and Nu’uanu whose close proximity to the town of Honolulu ensured that it would become home to many of the movers and shakers that shaped Hawaii into what it is today.

All pau

We rode the White Dragon at the end, which was more stable and comfortable. I don’t think it’s going away anytime soon. Thanks to Agnes for the unexpected pick up after her work shift ended. Now Ferlino can go pray for our souls. Some of us need it more than the others.

Post hike meal

We had our dinner at Kenko-ya where Japanese was not really Japanese per the Japanese. Our one step closer to the finish line hike covered 5.17 miles with a solid group.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Ryan Meyer, Scott Peterson, 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.

Our last hike of the year was spent climbing and scrambling on an eroded ridge. The abbreviated version.

Kalihi Valley

Thanks to Alexis and Lilia for dropping Aileen, Aya, Chico and myself off on the side of the dark highway where we apparently interrupted a couple in progress. I’ll leave it to your imagination as to what was interrupted.

Powerlines Trail

Looking back into the valley of introduced marsupials and interrupted intimacy couples.

Powerlines

Chico pointing in the direction that we will be hiking today. It pays to have somebody with good navigational skills in your group.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling up the hill and leaving the power grid behind us.

Shark Fin

Catching the breaking sunrise over the dorsal shaped rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Aya with the peak of Bowman behind her.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking on the edge. Literally.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way up the grassy hill.

Bunny Ears

Making our way towards the first of the not so fluffy pinna shaped rocks.

Bunny Ears

First rule of falling. Don’t. But, if you have to fall, fall on the Leeward side and not the Windward side. The reasons should be quite obvious.

Bunny Ears

Climbing our way up after we passed the first rule.

Bunny Ears

The group descending down the other side.

Bunny Ears

Traversing between the two pinna shaped rocks.

Bunny Ears

Aya leaving the Bunny Ears behind her as she climbed up the back of the doorstop.

Doorstop

Pointing out the steep climb ahead of us to the group. It looks more impressive than when you actually climb it.

Doorstop

Aileen climbing her way down the 40′ plus slab of rock.

Doorstop

Aya making short work of the climb down. Noticed that a lot of rocks have dislodged since my last visit.

Pimple

Contouring our way around the blister of a rock.

Pimple

Chico staying high and close.

Pimple

Climbing my way down the crumbly sliver of rocks held loosely together by compacted dirt.

Pimple

The rest of the group climbing down, one crumbly rock at a time.

Kalihi Saddle

Aileen watching Chico climb his way up.

Kalihi Saddle

Chico making his way to the Can Opener.

Can Opener

Checking out the bulging fridge on top. One day.

Can Opener

The group scrambling their way up through loose dirt and rocks.

Can Opener

Group photo at the oft-photographed background of Kalihi Saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Chico’s friend doing a fly-by. No free tour?

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring our way below the Can Opener.

Lanihuli Wall

Climbing up the grassy slope.

Lanihuli Wall

The rest of the group making their way up the lower tier.

Lanihuli Wall

View from the upper tier of the wall looking down. One at a time going up.

Lanihuli Wall

Chico testing the webbing and watching for falling rocks before he begins his nearly vertical climb.

Lanihuli Wall

The group climbing their way back to the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

We only had roughly 700′ more of elevation gain before the summit.

Kalihi Saddle

The group going up the steady climb of eroded sections and woody climbers.

Dirt Dragon

I guess the dragon was hungry. Poor bird.

Dirt Dragon

Crawl or sit. Take your poison.

Dirt Dragon

Leaving the severely eroded legendary creature behind us.

Kalihi Saddle

Chico with a commanding view. Remember the first rule.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way up the seemingly serpentine ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view of the Windward coastline behind us.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The group making their way through the overgrown trail to the summit.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the 2,700′ summit that lived up to its name. Swirling Heavens.

Kapalama Trail

It was decided that the group was not ready for the full tour, so we made our way down a trail favored by Kamehameha students.

Kapalama Trail

Looking back at Kalihi Saddle in its entirety.

Kapalama Trail

Chico pretending to be a hot dog as he sucks down the mustard packets.

Kapalama Trail

Enjoying the city views on our way down before we lost them when we descended down into the tree line and made our way to the park.

All pau

Ringing in the New Year with my last saddle tour hike. It will be hard to keep prices down to a wooden nickel. Inflation and all.

GPS Tracks

Fun times with a great group on our 5.5 miles hike. Mahalo to Lilia for picking us up. Happy New Year to all and to all a peaceful night.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Aya Asanuma, Chico Cantu 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.

It was supposed to be a promising day to be in the mountains today. A sucker is born every minute.

Trailhead

Thanks to Barry for dropping Aida, Art, Chris, Marilyn, Quan and myself off at the Pali Lookout. Somebody woke up late and still forgot their spikes. See you on the next hike.

Pali Puka Trail

Quan scrambling up the short and stiff climb. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pali Puka Trail

Catching the breaking sunrise that was textured with the drifting clouds.

Pali Puka

Marilyn making her way to the hole in the cliff.

Pali Puka

Group photo left to right: Marilyn, Quan, myself, Aida, Chris and Art.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The group making their way up the steep contour littered with blowdowns and loose under footing.

KSRT

Climbing our way up through the forested flank of the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida at the top of the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Cloudy and windy conditions greeted us on the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida pulling herself up the first of many humps. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Trying to keep our balance on the skinny ridge without getting blown off. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing down past the leaning tree of Nu’uanu.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group making their way up and over the rugged ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Incisor Rock

Quan hugging the boulder as she makes her way down. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Incisor Rock

Aida contouring the rock shaped tooth. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Lehua blossoms

Passing a cluster of the endemic red stamen flowers. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Everybody was busy climbing while Chris checked into Instagram. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group climbing up the crumbly ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Gaining elevation as the moisture laden clouds enveloped the ridge line and released its cargo. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Are we having fun yet?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hiking in the clouds.

W

Can you see the 23rd letter for the clouds? Photo by Aida Gordon.

W

Dropping off the hill to contour our way around the fourth-to-last letter of the alphabet. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

W

Don’t look down!

W

Contouring and climbing our way up and over the rock obstacle. Photo by Art Young.

W

One will be amazed to find the assortment of climbing aids in these mountains. Wire. Printer Cable. Webbing. Rope. Twine. String. The best climbing aids are a few good friends.

W

Going down the narrow spire of a rock. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

W

Aida climbing down as the winds were whipping something fierce. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group making their way to the what many think used to be another puka (hole) in the mountains before erosion took its toll. Photo by Art Young.

Anvil

Quan going down the point of no return where a small section of the trail had been washed away from a landslide. Actually, there was a point of return which the girls took to double back down to the Pali. Mahalo to Narissa for picking them up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Anvil

Art making his way down the one way trail. Gender segregation.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris climbing his way out of the saddle.

Lanihuli Summit

White out conditions at the 2,700′ peak. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Stick with the original plan or go down with Chris?

Kapalama Trail

Heading down the trail as rain showers saturated the ridge. Good call on Plan C.

Kapalama Trail

When plants provide amusement for others. Photo by Art Young.

Jackson’s Chameleon

Sighting of the invasive species that got its name from the first Governor of Kenya. Photo by Chris Brower.

Napu’u Mai’a

We dropped almost a 1,000′ in elevation as we took in the views from the 1,831′ hill.

Kapalama Trail

Walking down the pine needle carpeted trail while hearing multiple choppers overhead and sirens in the distance. Unanswered calls. Dark thoughts. Unfounded thoughts. Photo by Art Young.

Kapalama Trail

Nearing Na Pueo Park as the city views unfolded before us. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

We met up with two hikers going up the mountain who were training for the Kalalau Trail, which is still on my bucket list. Thanks to Quan for picking us up.

GPS Tracks

Our Independence Day hike covered a little over five miles that included a crumbly ridge line, inclement weather, good company but no fireworks. Somebody finally got to finish this section, while two others have to come back one day when trail and weather conditions are more favorable. Post hike meal at Pieology.

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.

My saddle tour business model continued with Ben, Cisco, Katie and Yoly where Quan and Lonnie were nice enough to drop off us at the trailhead. At a nickel a pop, I have to do a lot of business in order to succeed, which I learned in college. A slow study. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Powerlines Trail

Walking up the mosquito and ginger infested service road.

Powerlines

Making our way up to the saddle while watching out for the metal punji stake that was waiting to give somebody a reason for a tetanus shot.

Kalihi Saddle

Watching the rain shower as it made its inexorable march from sea to summit.

Kalihi Saddle

The soaking was brief enough to not let us think twice of turning around.

Kalihi Saddle

The drifting clouds muted the mountain landscape. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Kalihi Saddle

The thick vegetation on the Leeward side and the pushy Windward winds kept us grounded on the edge of the ridge line.

Shark’s Fin

Climbing up to the fifth sequel? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Bunny Ears

Descending from the stand of pine trees at the top.

Bunny Ears

Ascending to the top of the second ear. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Bunny Ears

Cisco reminding us what obstacle we were currently on.

Doorstop

Top down view. Somebody had to be reminded which way the spikes faced on the shoes. Photo by Ben Hinders

Doorstop

Yoly climbing down to her right. The other right.

Pimple

Looking ahead to the crumbly elevation of shredded rock. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Pimple

We are not climbing up and over this one.

Pimple

Katie doing her best not to pop any of the rocks on her climb down.

Kalihi Saddle

Ben and Cisco contouring their way around the pimple.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way up to the heavily eroded section below the can opener.

Can Opener

The sofa sized rock that is just waiting to fall out. Don’t want to be around for the clearance sale. Photo by Katie Bingham

Skittles

Aerial view of our shower soaking reward. Drone photo by Ben Hinders.

Kalihi Saddle

Wide angle photos of the scenic spot overlooking the saddle, courtesy of the iPhone 11.

Lanihuli Wall

Contouring around the can opener to ascend the grassy flank. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Lanihuli Wall

Passing the first tier of the wall and going to the next and longer tier.

Lanihuli Wall

Cisco pulling himself up the near vertical flank. Look for the red dot. Drone photo by Ben Hinders.

Lanihuli Wall

Almost there. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Kalihi Saddle

The face of sheer exhaustion.

Kalihi Saddle

The centipede crawl up the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

When arms and legs go akimbo as the ridge was too narrow to pass. Photo by Yoly Bedford

Dirt Dragon

Straddling and standing on the skinny serpentine of a ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Time to get off the back of the dragon and back on the ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kalihi Saddle

Pushing ourselves up the slow and exhausting climb.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way out of the saddle. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the swirling heavens, left to right: Yoly, Katie, myself, Ben and Cisco.

Lanihuli Summit

Leaving the 2,780′ summit.

Kapalama Trail

Going down the initial steep descent that was clogged with vegetation and muddy underfooting.

Kamanaiki Junction

We briefly considered doing the overgrown loop and then thought better of it.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at the spur ridge that we had originally planned to go down, but discovered that the junction fell short of the summit. Lesson learned.

Kapalama Trail

Making our way down the rustic trail.

Kapalama Trail

The tree that time forgot.

Kapalama Trail

The trail soon took on a more manicured and maintained appearance going down.

Kapalama Trail

Where horizontal and vertical intersects outside of mathematical equations and poetry.

Kapalama Trail

Looking for the correct trail to follow amidst the colored ribbons littered on the ground. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Kapalama Trail

Following the fence line on the outside to avoid being trapped and detoured to another exit.

Kapalama Trail

Yoly overlooking the extinct volcano of Pouwaina surrounded by urban blight.

All pau

Walking up to the postage stamp sized of a park where Quan and Lonnie where waiting to pick us up.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle and ridge hike covered 5.56 miles with a great group. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery where the oxtail soup never seems to run out.

Video by Ben Hinders of our saddle 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.