We camped this weekend in the mountains to find out how the aina had weathered the back to back storms. Nothing like first hand experience instead of second hand reporting.

Laie Trail

Thanks to Stephanie for dropping us off directly at the trailhead and it turned out that bouncing around on the jeep road in a jeep was more appropriate than a Jetta.

Laie Trail

Passing underneath a fallen pine tree that are directly descended from the original trees planted in the 1920s to help with reforestation and water retention.

Laie Trail

Crossing over the old landslide where reinforced posts and sandbags are installed to help retard erosion or staving off the inevitable.

Laie Falls

Passing the weathered sign that leads down to Wailele Stream. No skinny dipping today.

Laie Trail

Scott crossing over another old landslide.

Laie Trail

Traversing over a relatively “fresh” mass wasting.

Laie Trail

Hiking the trail bordered by a steep cliff on the right and sharp drop offs to the left.

Laie Trail

Scott rounding the exposed ridgeline that soon gave way to uneven terrain and overgrowth.

Laie Summit

Enjoying the exceptionally clear day from the 2,240′ foxhole.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Scott trying to avoid the mud pits that dot the landscape as we crossed over the bowl shaped depression to make contact with the ubiquitous fence line. Love them or hate them. They are here to stay.

KST

Using the fence line to traverse our way across the section that was wiped out by a landslide. Love them.

KST

Scott pushing his way through a patch of uluhe ferns that had clogged the trail.

KST

Following the fence line as the trail wound its way through the mountains.

KST

Scott climbing up one of the few incline sections on the trail.

Koloa Cabin

Walking past the collapsed outhouse that was taken down by either an explosive fart, the big bad wolf or successive storms.

Koloa Cabin

Checked out the largest cabin on the KST where somebody had left a stockpile of enough butane fuel to ride out the zombie apocalypse and rats had ravaged the stock of cup of noodles left behind.

Koloa Cabin

Taking a photo with the native duck sign.

KST

Back on the muddy trail.

KST

Scott climbing in and out of the notch.

KST

The trail overgrowth was cloying, stifling and at times confusing. We also heard a snort and rustling in the bushes which soon lead us to do our best impression of Who Let the Dogs Out.

Papali Summit

Rain soon replaced sunshine which flipped the weather narrative.

KST

When the gate is rusted shut, one has to climb over.

Opaeula Cabin

Cabin sweet cabin for the night.

Opaeula Cabin

Cloudy weather denied us the normal views of the spectacular sunset. But hey, we had a roof over our head and water for the night.

Opaeula Cabin

Day 2
We woke up the next morning, swept out the cabin and took our leave to be greeted by the typical mountain weather.

Opaeula Cabin

Hiking in the morning mist. Not good for people with respiratory problems. Luckily we did not suffer from those ailments.

KST

Passing the “rabbit hole” with the new and old signs.

KST

The forecasted rain was being substituted with suspended water droplets. No complaints here.

KST

Passing through the Kaluanui Natural Area Reserve which sprawls over 378 acres that was established to protect the 29 native endangered or rare species that call this place home.

KST

Scott at the start of what I like to call the “rolling hills.”

KST

Case in point.

KST

The sun was fighting the clouds. Where is Maui when you need him?

KST

Crossing the spongy and windswept meadow as we made our way to the other fence line.

KST

Break at the iconic boot and sign, both which have seen better days.

KST

Manipulating the battered glove to show aloha instead of “flipping” off traveling hikers.

KST

We left the fence line to stay closer to the ridgeline.

KST

Back on the fence line.

KST

The overgrowth gone wild which masked parts of the trail. One has to literally put their nose on the ground to see trampled vegetation which usually marks the way.

KST

Enjoying the splendid views as we contoured below the ridgeline.

KST

Scott leaving the overgrown trail behind him, or so he thought.

Poamoho Summit

Enjoying the windy and breathtaking views from the 2,520′ grassy hump.

Poamoho Summit

Looking out towards Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys.

Poamoho Summit

Scott passing the Cline Memorial and views of the Waianae Mountains as we left the summit.

Poamoho Trail

Crossing over the still stream.

Poamoho Trail

I’m glad we are leaving the unmaintained trail for the maintained trail. We were in for a rude shock.

Poamoho Trail

Approaching our first unstable slope that was easily traversed.

Poamoho Trail

The most pressing problem seems to be is that the overgrowth has overtaken the trail.

Poamoho Trail

Not to mention the numerous blowdowns that blocked and littered the trail. The more glaring concern is that the feral pigs have run rampant on the trail, evidence of their rooting was seen spaced out on the trail at roughly 50′ intervals.

Poamoho Trail

Scott walking over the second landslide.

Poamoho Trail

Skip, hop and a jump over the third landslide littered with accompanying plant life in varying forms of decay.

Poamoho Trail

Traversing over what’s left of the trail as the bottom slope had slid down to the stream below.

Poamoho Trail

Not out of the woods yet.

Poamoho Trail

Scott crossing over the final landslide on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

It doesn’t work if you come from the other direction.

Poamoho Road

Passing another landslide on the jeep road as we walked our way down.

Poamoho Road

Active shooters?

Poamoho Road

I’m glad the cows decided to stay in their lane.

Poamoho Road

Runoffs have severely eroded and rutted the lower parts of the road.

Poamoho Road

I’m glad I’m not a cow or I wouldn’t be able to traverse over the cattle guards.

Poamoho Road

The dirt bikers were having a field day as they had the road all to themselves.

All pau

Approaching the exit as we started and ended our weekend hike under 2WD. Thanks to Edgar and Stephanie for picking up our hygienically challenged bodies.

GPS Tracks

Our camping weekend covered close to 22 miles through mud, landslides, overgrowth, rain, sunshine and jaw dropping views. Or in other words, a typical weekend on the KST. Post hike meal at Chicken in a Barrel, where the chicken is still smoked but the carbonated beverages are served from a bar.

Photos/Crew taken by 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.

It was our second attempt with the same crew for the same trail. The first one was aborted due to severe weather. This time around was different. We would finish, come hell or high water or mud.

Poamoho Trail

Mahalo to Edgar for driving Aida, Jeremy, Roger and myself up the jeep road for our hike today.

Poamoho Trail

Jeremy crossing the barely wet stream that was a marked departure from our last visit where the stream was flowing quite forcefully.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo on the surprisingly still summit at 2,520′ elevation.

Cline Memorial

Leaving the summit as we stepped foot on the Ko’olau Summit Trail. Stuart Ball said “The Ko’olau Summit Trail is for experienced hikers only because it is overgrown, muddy, and sometimes narrow and obscure.” Truer words were never spoken for this day.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

We stayed to the left of the fence line as we made our way past the snail habitat and opened the gate to where the country is still country, trails less traveled.

KST

Contoured our way below the fenced ridge line and traversed across the old landslide until we regained the fence line.

KST

Breaking free of the mud and overgrowth, we enjoyed a brief respite on an open section of the trail. Enjoy it while it lasts.

KST

Climbing up the gradual slope where we soon regained the fence line again, a constant companion on the trails.

KST

Following the fence line against the backdrop of Kahana Valley and the prominent peak of Ohulehule.

Boot Junction

Group photo at the iconic junction, wondering when the boot will eventually fall off the stake due to constant exposure to the elements.

KST

Roger going over the fence after crossing the spongy meadow.

KST

Resuming our fenced walk.

KST

Keeping the fence to our left and the views to our right.

KST

Fences for daze.

Rabbit Hole

Group photo at the sign that needed a new home or was it the home needed a new sign?

KST

Roger and the rest of them did not want to get “baptized” by the deep mud at the foot of the gate. Sticks in the mud.

Papali Summit

Taking a well-deserved break at the summit.

KST

Resuming our hike on the trail. Roger was probably thinking “what trail?”

KST

The group following in the footsteps of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that blasted and carved the KST out of the mountains from Black Junction to Kipapa from 1933-1935.

KST

The mostly young men lead by experienced engineers had to work in inhospitable terrain and often in grueling conditions that was marked by low hanging clouds, incessant rain, mud and heavy overgrowth.

KST

The original purpose of building this trail was justified for invasive animal eradication, forestry management and later recreation.

KST

Watching the fiery sunbeams as it slowly washed over the Waianae Mountain Range.

KST

The group climbing in and out of the notch, which meant …

Koloa Cabin

… which meant we were close to our cabin for the night. The door was unhinged and almost fell on me as I turned the doorknob. What a welcoming surprise. The rest of the group wanted to see the cabin from the top before coming down to dry out as best as we could for the night. No one wanted to be a Shithead tonight, so my deck of playing cards stayed in its pack.

Koloa Cabin

Day 2
We woke up to starry skies which was a pleasant surprise to me as most of my overnighters were marked by gusting winds and rain and morning clouds.

Koloa Cabin

Once a princess, always a princess in the mountains.

Koloa Cabin

Group photo after we cleaned up the cabin, used the open air outhouse and got ready for another day of mud and more overgrowth.

KST

Mud race anybody? Tradition dies easily in the mountains.

KST

We all enjoyed the mud in our own ways.

KST

The jarhead wanted to take point and show us that he still got it, in terms of land navigation skills. Semper Fi.

KST

Let’s go this way as we don’t want to hike on the Kawailoa Trail. Not today.

KST

Winding our way through the mountains as “The Eddie” was kicking off at Waimea Bay.

Laie Summit

Celebrating Aida’s second KST finish with the non-traditional non-pouring of bottled water. Such a buzzkill.

Laie Summit

Leaving the 2,240′ foxhole summit as we made our way to the trail.

KST

Looking up at the satellite that keeps the tides and ecosystems in check on Earth.

KST

Somebody didn’t believe me when I said the overgrowth would be worse than yesterday and the duration and distance longer. Seeing is believing.

KST

Meandering through the mountains as we spied rows of the single trunked palm tree with fan shaped leaves below us, the endemic loulu palm trees.

Malaekahana Junction

There once used to be an HTMC green wooden sign that marks this spot, now only a friends glove marks the junction.

KST

Round and round we go throughout the mountains. That is why this is called the Ko’olau Summit Trail and not the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

KST

Disappearing into the overgrowth, only to pop up later like so many jack in the boxes.

KST

Jeremy was just having a grand ole’ time, wallowing in the overgrowth.

KST

Group photo at what I call the halfway spot on the trail.

KST

Taking our lunch break, further down the trail and away from the mud pits.

KST

Pays to be limber and flexible on this trail.

KST

Who brought the machete? Crickets.

KST

Crawling and scrambling our way through the often dense overgrowth.

KST

Overgrowth all day and then some. No exaggeration.

Pu’u Hina

Enjoying the city lights from the summit of Pupukea.

Black Junction

We reached the end or start of the KST. It also marked my #18 passage across the dormant fragmented shield volcano. Yes dormant, not extinct.

All pau

The yellow gates near Camp Pupukea did not mark the end of our hike. We still had another mile to walk to Jeremy’s car. 1.2 miles to be exact. Shall we call Uber? Don’t bother. Nobody’s going to come. Let’s start walking and get this night over.

GPS Tracks

Our weekend camping hike covered 19.46 miles through mud, overgrowth and mountainous scenery. Congratulations to Aida for finishing the KST for her second time. Fun times with a good group of friends. Post hike meal at Jack in the Box. In the parking lot.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Jeremy Cannone, Roger Schiffman, 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 to back hikes that replaced the overgrown hike with the muddiest one in the mountains.

Laie Trail

Thanks to Ferlino for driving Akira, Chris, Tessa, and myself all the way into the road to start at the trailhead. Saved us a whole ten minutes!

Laie Trail

Chris giving the surf report from the mountains.

Laie Trail

Hiking by artificial illumination.

Laie Trail

The sunrise peeking through the grove of Norfolk pine trees.

Laie Trail

Traversing the cleaned up landslide.

Laie Trail

Is this the summit or the falls? Trying to fool the new guy.

Laie Trail

Akira poking his head out of one of numerous trenches that were dug on the side of the trail during WW2. They were to be packed with explosives and set off in case the Japanese military had invaded Oahu after the attack on Pearl Harbor and wreck the trail.

Laie Trail

Some people are not easily fooled or scared.

Laie Trail

Passing the replacement sign on our way to the summit.

Laie Summit

Enjoying outstanding panoramic views of the Windward and Leeward sides at the 2,240′ foxhole.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Stepping foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KST

Contouring our way through the mountains.

KST

The group crossing the bowl shaped depression.

KST

Initial contact with the fence on the trail.

KST

Traversing through the uluhe carpeted trail.

KST

Climbing up the steep fenced hill.

KST

Akira embracing the suck.

KST

Why did the hikers cross the fence? To get out of the cold biting wind.

Koloa Cabin

Brief stop at the largest cabin on the KST.

KST

Back on the trail again.

KST

Tessa climbing in and out of the notch.

KST

Rounding the corner on one of the few sections of the trail that was devoid of overgrowth and mud.

KST

Who pushed Tessa down? The wind? The clouds? Akira?

KST

Vangee training with the speed bag for his upcoming match with Naoya “The Monster” Inoue.

KST

Tree hugger.

KST

Winding our way through the mountains.

KST

Approaching the group of mossed over trees that signaled we were close to the summit.

Papali Summit

A much needed break from the exhausting mud and overgrowth on the trail.

KST

Sole and soul sucking mud as we crossed the gated fence.

Rabbit Hole

The KST sign has seen better times.

KST

They were four constant companions on our hike today: mud, overgrowth, fence and clouds.

KST

Navigating through the KST has been made much easier with the fence line.

KST

Traversing through the cloud soaked rolling hills.

KST

The clouds finally relented and cooperated in providing us with valley and coastal views.

KST

Crossing the fence and meadow to reach the other side.

KST

Mountain views in the background.

Da Boot

Group photo at the iconic boot KST sign junction. The boot has seen better days as well.

KST

Talk to the glove.

KST

Staying on the right as we climbed up another hill.

KST

Leaving the fence temporarily behind as we descended down to the mud soaked trail.

KST

Exiting the gate to contour around the ridge line.

KST

Flowering lobelia against the backdrop of Pu’u Ohulehule.

KST

Entering our last gate on the KST.

Poamoho Summit

We pushed against the wind to make our way to promising views of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ grassy hump.

Poamoho Summit

Checking out our mountain mileage at the Cline Memorial.

Poamoho Trail

Halfway to the trailhead.

Poamoho Trail

Reflective trailhead.

Poamoho Road

A big shout out to Chico who drove up 4.4 miles up the road which meant we only had to walk roughly 1.6 miles down the overgrown and puddled road. Thanks also to Gordon and Nick for getting the gate combination over to us.

All pau

We ran into a cow blockade further down the road, infinitely preferable than a cow stampede. Glad we were safely encased in a truck when our paths met, otherwise we would have to learn to be paniolos on the job.

GPS Tracks

Our muddy hike covered 16.72 miles that could have been longer if not for Chico’s timely intervention. Punishing hike with old and new friends. Post hike meal at Popeyes on base where leaving our muddy tracks on a freshly mopped floor was not well appreciated.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Chris Bautista, 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.

It was that time to pay another visit to the least trafficked area of the KST.

Poamoho Road

Playing paniolo on a mechanized beast of burden while corralling cows back into their pastures.

Trailhead

Thanks to Edgar and Lilia for dropping us off at the start of the trail as it started to drizzle.

Poamoho Trail

Group photo, left to right: Ryan, Chico, Tessa, Aileen and myself.

Poamoho Trail

Dead roof rat on the trail. Rodent traps on the trails attempt to curb the scourge that attack native animal and insect populations.

Poamoho Trail

Hiking on the graded path, which the US Army once considered making this a jeep road all the way to the summit. The start of WW2 scuttled those plans.

Poamoho Trail

Halfway point. Checking for cannibals. Not cannabis.

Poamoho Trail

Crossing over the largest of the landslides that shut down the trail back in March 2021.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the side gulch above a small tributary of Helemano Stream

Poamoho Trail

Crossing the stream, which marked less than 10 minutes to the summit.

Poamoho Summit

Windy group photo at one of the best summit spots on the island with sweeping views of Punalu’u, Kahana and Ka’a’awa Valleys.

Cline Memorial

Seeking shelter below the stone memorial before resuming our hike.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Contouring our way below the ridge line.

KST

Going through the fenced rolling hills in the cloud soaked mountains.

Boot Junction

Taking our group photo at the iconic boot that has stood witness in these mountains for many years.

Boot Junction

Why did the hikers cross the fence? To get to the other fence.

KST

Following the fence line for daze.

KST

What am I doing here? Or maybe he’s just rubbing his eyes.

Rabbit Hole Junction

Ready for more mud?

KST

Some embraced the suck, while most avoided it like the plague.

KST

I remember when there was no fence line or gates, just a thin trail through the overgrowth.

Papali Junction

Somebody with the longest arm took our group photo.

KST

Pushing our way through the bog like landscape.

KST

Is this the trail?

KST

Taking a break from slogging through the mud soaked and overgrown trail.

KST

Winding our way through the verdant mountains.

KST

Traversing on the exposed ridge line.

KST

Climbing out of the notch and towards the cabin.

KST

Sloshing through the mud as we regained the fence line.

Koloa Cabin

Approaching our home for the night. Would Tessa’s gamble pay off?

Koloa Cabin

Wash time.

Koloa Cabin

Enjoying our brief and somewhat dry spell in the cabin as we plugged holes so no rats would come around, filtered water, cooked ourselves dinner and most of the group medicated themselves to sleep for the night.

Laie Trail

Day 2
Chris started early on the hike that is a study in contrasts according to Stuart Ball, to join us at the summit.

Koloa Cabin

We cleaned up the place and took a parting group shot.

Koloa Cabin

Leaving the most spacious cabin on the KST.

KST

Tessa getting her feet back in the mud.

KST

Going down the steep fenced hill.

KST

Ryan against the background of the Waianae Mountain Range.

KST

Following the fence line for the last time on this trail.

KST

Dropping down into the bowl shaped depression.

KST

Meandering our way through the mountains with sweeping views of the coastline.

Laie Summit

Meeting up with Chris at the 2,240′ foxhole of a summit.

KST

Leaving the summit behind us as we resumed our hike on the trail.

KST

Man on the ridge line.

KST

Following the trail carved into the sides of the mountains as it meandered through the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

KST

We can thank the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the US Army for carving the KST out of the mountains back in the 1930s.

KST

The KST was not made for hikers but rather for the military and pig hunters to access the previously inaccessible mountains.

KST

Tree hugger.

KST

Halfway there! Let’s have lunch.

KST

Back on the trail that was in serious need of trimming and then some.

KST

Face in the tree.

KST

Taking a break from the cloying and constant overgrowth.

KST

Let’s go that way. Never argue with a man with a machete.

KST

Going through the forest that was seemingly covered with moist moss.

KST

Rainbow in the mountains.

KST

Somebody looked slightly annoyed as we followed the trail that no longer looked like a trail.

KST

Climbing our way back up to the ridge line.

KST

The group emerging from the forest of constant poking and pulling.

KST

Approaching our last summit of the weekend. We were not out of the woods yet.

KST

Crawling through tunnels of overgrowth.

KST

I fought the uluhe and the uluhe won.

Pu’u Hina

Somebody disentangled the leaves, sticks and ferns in her hair while somebody else self-medicated their private parts. Turn away. Not safe for children.

Pu’u Hina

Group photo at Pupukea Summit, no need to stand up. This is also considered the junction for the abandoned Kahuku Trail built in the 1920s that has since been reclaimed by Mother Nature.

KST

Leaving the summit behind us.

Black Junction

The “official” end or start of the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

Pupukea Trail

We were still not out of the woods yet and caught the setting sun as we made our way down to the road.

Military Road

The one and done crew exiting the trail.

Military Road

Height check.

Military Road

Less walking, more running. You got a wife to meet at the bottom of the road.

Military Road

Things that go BOO in the night. Got me good.

All pau

Big shout out to Lilia for waiting several hours over the projected exit time and picking us up at the end of the dark and deserted road. Post hike meal was not at the much anticipated, mouth watering Haleiwa Joe’s thick cut of prime rib. Due to the late hour, we ended up eating at the nearby McDonald’s. In the parking lot.

GPS Tracks

Our grueling and taxing camping weekend with a good group that weathered the hike with a couple scratches to spare and ferns stuck in odd places covered over 18 miles where the country is still country.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Ryan Meyer, Tessa Bugay and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

I bit off more than I could chew on today’s hike. I was a tad ambitious in thinking that I could traverse from Poamoho to Pupukea in a single daylight day. My lack of fleetness and the punishing overgrowth and mud had me throw in the towel and cutting the hike short at Laie. I still spent a whole day in the mountains by myself. Forest time. Solitude time.

Poamoho Trail

A big thanks to Richie and Roseann for dropping me off at the trailhead. The overgrowth on the jeep trail was really out of hand which cut the driving time to a crawl.

Poamoho Trail

Going up the graded trail which looked like it was recently cleared and ate my banana breakfast at the halfway point.

Poamoho Summit

The winds were blowing the clouds away at the summit. Breathtaking as always.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

I left the Cline Memorial and the overgrowth was already impasssable on the trail, so I dropped to the fence line and followed it to the gate. A bad harbinger of things to come.

KST

Passing a lobelia plant that seemed on the verge of blooming.

Boot Junction

One hour after leaving the summit, I reached the boot that has seen better days.

KST

I elected to save my energy and plowed right through all the mud pits scattered along the trail. It takes too much energy trying to detour around them and not get muddy. Why stave off the inevitable? Embrace the mud. People pay good money to soak in mud. I was getting it all for free.

Rabbit Hole

My head was hunkered down as I was trying to make good time and before I knew it, I had overshot the junction and was almost at the doorstep of the Army Cabin. #*$@*!

Papali Junction

The weather had took a turn for the worse as I reached the Papali Junction complete with a spanking new sign.

KST

Meandered through the mountains as the trail contoured around the hills with trails that seemed to be surrendering back to Mother Nature in spots.

KST

Pushing my way through mud pits and clouds of uluhe, clidemia, thimbleberry thorns and other plants soon sapped my energy. I was not making good time.

KST

Taking a load off my legs as I rested on the scenic rock looking out towards the Waianae Mountain Range.

Koloa Cabin

I reached the cabin at 1pm, which was significantly slower than my last solo trek. I decided that the overgrowth was probably going to be worst past Laie based on how things were going, so I took a break at the cabin and decided to bail down Laie.

KST

Leaving the fence line behind me as I pushed towards Kawailoa.

KST

Descending down towards the bowl shaped depression.

Laie Summit

I reached my last summit at 3pm. My body and mind had enough of the KST today. The sole-sucking mud and punishing overgrowth had totally taxed what meager willpower I had in me. Excuses. Excuses. Excuses.

Laie Trail

Going down the six mile trail with another brand new sign.

Laie Trail

Passing the waterfalls where I heard some trail runners laughing ahead of me. Wish I could have laughed at that point. I was just bone tired.

All pau

My hike covered almost 16 miles through some of the worst overgrowth on the trails that I have witnessed in recent memory. Thanks to Quan for picking me up at the end. Post hike meal at Kenko-ya where everybody knows your name or at least your favorite dish. Order at the door. Better than door dash.

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 was unable to fly out to attend a good friends wedding on Kauai, so I camped in the mountains instead this Memorial Day weekend.

North Shore

Thanks to Jess for giving Elena and myself a ride to the North Shore and Patrick Rorie for inviting me on an uncommon HTMC three day camping hike, Pupukea to Schofield-Waikane. However, plans had changed and so the direction of the hike was detoured to start at Laie instead. The original route was still open, so I joined Gordon and Nick as we got dropped off at the Boy Scout Camp.

Boy Scout Camp

Mahalo to Gordon’s daughter for dropping us off in her spanking brand new car. Nick, being the dutiful DOFAW employee, signed in for us at the start of the trail.

Pupukea Paalaa Uka Military Road

The road has been almost completely repaired from all the erosion damage over the past years. Bring back the Stryker Brigade! Joke.

Pupukea Paalaa Uka Military Road

Leaving the road for the trail. Saying goodbye to civilization for the weekend.

Black Junction

The start or end of the “official” Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST). Black Junction was named after sections of the mountains that the Army had color coded. Learn something new every day.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Pushing our way through the dense uluhe ferns, which are surprisingly endemic and not invasive.

Pu’u Hina

Leaving Pupukea summit after taking a short break at the top.

KST

Arriving at the halfway mark after hours of insufferable overgrowth, which resulted in more bushwhacking and no picture taking.

KST

The overgrowth for the most part soon tapered from head high to knee high overgrowth.

Laie Trail

Somebody made a new sign marking the trail that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s to reach the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

Kawailoa

Making our way down to the bowl shaped depression. The original plan was to pitch tent on the summit of Kawailoa. However, inclement weather had a say in persuading the group to look for a more hospitable habitat. Unfortunately, Jess had enough of the cold weather and had bailed down the Laie Trail. The three of us decided to hunker down in the sheltered shadow of the summit.

Kawailoa

Day 2
The next morning, we emerged from our tents to another repeat of the rain parade from yesterday.

KST

Sloshing our way through the mud filled trail.

KST

We saw an unnamed waterfall in the distance being fed by the weekend showers.

KST

Going over the fence where we soon met up with the rest of the group. Eric, Gordon and Nick decided to go ahead of the main group, while I decided to hang with the group to meet new faces.

KST

Winona leaving the fence line behind her as we soon began our mud-filled journey of meandering through the Ko’olau Mountains.

KST

Sandy and Patrick traversing the small notch in the trail.

KST

Betsy and Josh going across a rather open area of the trail.

Papali Junction

Lunch break at the summit with Angela, Betsy, Elena, Josh, Pat, Patrick, Sandy and Winona. Radio communications established that Eric, Gordona and Nick were at what I like to call the “Rabbit Hole.”

KST

Winona experiencing deep mud immersion. People pay good money to get treated like this.

KST

Our last group photo at the “Rabbit Hole” with Elena, Josh and Winona who had decided to visit Opaeula Cabin while I continued my forward progress on the mud and rain soaked trail.

KST

Large sections of the fence line had been replaced which resulted in the trail being temporarily cleared of the overgrowth.

KST

The boot junction marked that I had roughly an hour to the summit.

Poamoho Summit

Last reunion with my original hiking buddies for the weekend before they continued to the cabin for the night and one more day of hiking to go down the Schofield-Waikane Trail. A big shout out to Art, Richie, Roseann and Tessa for driving up the jeep road with home made permit in hand to collect me at the summit and walking back down the trail to their 4×4 which saved me an extra five miles of unwanted walking.

Poamoho Cabin

Taro farmer at work. The pickings were rather slim today.

Poamoho Summit

Celebratory consumption of my favorite carbonated beverage on trail and off trail. #14 in the books.

Poamoho Trail

Tessa hiking on the trail, bum knee and toe. Trooper.

Poamoho Trail

Giving myself a facial cleaning. Am I using it wrong?

Poamoho Trail

Post hike meal shared with the mosquitoes at the trailhead. Mahalo to Roseann and Tessa for cooking Papaitan and Pork Adobo. Broke da mouth.

All pau

Going down the jeep road, we picked up two immensely grateful hikers who had underestimated the trail.

GPS Tracks

The two day holiday weekend hike covered 18.16 miles through the muddiest and overgrown sections of the Ko’olau Summit Trail. Mileage varied for the other hikers in the group. It was a nice meet and greet hike with one of the oldest hiking clubs in the islands. The mountains had claimed my sunglasses and one set of Nick’s micro-spikes, to be hopefully regurgitated one day to their rightful owners.

Photos taken by Art Young, Gordon Lau Jr, Nick Vargo, 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.

Back for a mud bath. Good for the soul and your body. Or so they said. Or was it you will have fun? Photo by Barry Lau.

Trailhead

A big shout out to Daryl and Edgar for driving us from Laie to the trailhead.

Poamoho Trail

The trail actually looked in better shape than the last time we saw it. Marked improvement. Kudos to the individual(s) or group(s) responsible for slowly restoring the trail back to its former self.

Poamoho Trail

Crossing over another landslide section. Photo by Barry Lau.

Poamoho Trail

Art passing underneath a testament to the raw power of Mother Nature as she constantly changes the terrain.

Poamoho Trail

Looking out to the still ravaged trail. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

It would have been something to have been witness to the raw fury that was unleashed in these mountains over six months ago. From a safe distance of course.

Poamoho Trail

Scrambling over a couple small blowdowns. Photo by Barry Lau.

Poamoho Trail

Leaving the maintained one for the unmaintained trail. What a relief.

Poamoho Trail

Catching the fleeting views. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Summit

Barry soaking in the sun while it lasts. Photo by Art Young.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Passing the escargot holding area as we crossed through the gate and the mountains untamed views. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Contouring below the fence line and a very old landslide. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Back on the fence line with windows of the views peeking through the clouds.

Boot Junction

It helps to be tough as old shoe leather to hike this trail.

KST

Standing at the crossroads. One way to the waterfalls and the other way to more mud than you can shake a shoe at. Tough decisions.

KST

Group photo before going down the rabbit hole. The very muddy hole.

KST

Barry experiencing the immersive experience of one of the deepest of the mud pits to be found on the trail.

Papali Junction

Taking a short break at the terminus that also leads down into the Windward side. But that was not our route today.

KST

Throw in a pinch of overgrowth and mixed with the mud for good measure. Photo by Barry Lau.

KST

Looking out towards the Windward coastline as the seemingly monotonous trail meandered its way through the mountains.

KST

Art putting the rock to good use. Never mind the rat carcasses littered around him.

KST

Barry climbing out of the notch that signaled that we were close to regaining the muddy fence line that would take us to the most spacious cabin on the KST.

Koloa Cabin

Locked up tighter than a drum.

KST

Climbing down the steepest section of the trail. Photo by Barry Lau.

KST

Making our way down through the bowl shaped depression.

Laie Summit

Clear views all around us at the 2,240′ foxhole.

Laie Trail

Descending down the convoluted ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Making our way down the side of the steep cliff.

Laie Trail

No side trip to the refreshing pool below us. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Going back down the long rut of an eroded trail. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

Mahalo to the friendly farmer that gave us a ride halfway out the road.

GPS Tracks

Our muddy grinder of a hike covered over 15 miles through the Northern Ko’olau Mountains with good company. Post hike meal at Jade Dynasty where we arrived, some more dirty than others, to celebrate Narissa’s 39th birthday. Say what?

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.

Back to the muddiest section on the KST to help another friend connect his dots. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Trailhead

A big thanks to Edgar for driving Art, Katie, Tessa and myself up the mud caked jeep road. At one point, we thought we might either have to get out and walk or push. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

We all answered the call of nature in our own ways as we started on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

So far, it was just another day on the same graded trail that we have hiked countless times. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

We turned around the bend and it became a totally different day and trail. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Looking down straight to the stream. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Didn’t there used to be steps around here? Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

The landslide had wiped out the trail down to the rock in some sections. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Crossing the loose and unstable topsoil on the trail. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Another perspective looking back at the mass wasting on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

Katie going up what I call the drainage ditch.

Poamoho Trail

Finding our way over a massive blowdown that was covered with a carpet of uluhe ferns. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Lost & Found

It wasn’t Art’s size, so he returned it to its rightful owner. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Mother Nature had scarred the side of the ridge as she took everything down in her path. Trees, stones, dirt and plants got pushed down to the stream. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Art crossing over the new trail. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Standing on the exposed rock. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

This was by far, the most devastating rupture that the landslides did to the trail. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Katie contouring her way around the massive landslide.

Poamoho Trail

Tessa scrambling her way across the slippery slope. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Katie threading her way through the last major blowdown.

Poamoho Trail

Art stepping carefully on the fallen trees as he made his way across. Some of us weighed more than the others. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Working my way around some trees to make my way across to some other trees. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Art traversing the last landslide on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

I was sure glad that we were off the maintained trail and hiking the unmaintained portion of the trail. Well, that’s what the sign said.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the gulch to go over the stream crossing.

Poamoho Trail

Approaching the cloud soaked and wind blasted summit. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Summit

The clouds soon cleared, but the winds stayed behind. Good enough for photographic opportunities.

Cline Memorial

Leaving the 2,520′ summit behind us for mud soaked trails and spectacular ridge, valley and coastline views. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Snail habitat

Unlocking the gate that set us free on the KST, but not the snails. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Art contouring below the fence line on an old landslide. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Misty mountains. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Art standing on the historic KST carved out of the mountains in the 1930s overlooking the Leeward ridges and the Waianae Mountain Range. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Tessa pushing up the hill to reconnect to the fence line. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Art and Tessa approaching the intersection where the old and new trails meet.

KST

Following in Art’s deep footsteps through the muddy spots on the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Catch me if you can.

KST

Going down the fence line as it followed the convoluted landscape. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Approaching the iconic boot junction. Soon to be replaced by the more iconic slippah. Photo by Art Young.

Boot Junction

Some of us got booted off the sign.

Boot Junction

Going over the fence line.

Fence Meadows

Crossing the spongy ground to get to the other side. Photo by Art Young.

Fence Meadows

Standing on the fence to get a better view of the valleys below us. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Enjoying a more expansive view further up the fence line. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Looking at Opae’ula Cabin in the distance. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Going down the fence line down where we soon detoured and followed the trickling stream bed to explore a waterfall. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waterfall #1

Nothing to write home about … Photo by Art Young.

Waterfall #1

… but good enough to take a photo. Photo by Art Young.

Kaluanui NAR

We kept to the left to stay on trail. Go to the right to see more waterfalls. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Huh. What the hell. Oh my gosh. Disgusting. It was disgusting. Level inflection was maintained throughout. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Kaluanui NAR

Is this the beginning or the end?

Rabbit Hole

Pushing through the overgrowth on the mud soaked trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

You know it’s getting serious when somebody puts on their gloves, the mud was deep. Photo by Art Young.

KST

The fence sprawl has gradually spread throughout the mountains. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Papali Junction

I was too hungry and cold to smile at the camera. Slurping down a hot bowl of pho was priority on my list. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Katie coming up through a corridor of moss encrusted trees.

Waterfall #2

Looking at another massive landslide on thankfully another ridge with a small gurgling waterfall besides it. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

How long have I been hiking with this stick?

KST

Art making his way on the somewhat narrow trail masked with overgrowth and pitted with false holes and tripping roots, branches and vines.

Scenic rock

Tessa skirting around the scenic-less rock, but gave it a hug nonetheless. Photo by Art Young.

Waterfall #3

Spotting a waterfall coming out of the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Meandering our way through the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waterfall #4

Another waterfall spotted running off the side of the mountain. This is probably the most waterfalls I have seen on this section of the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Art climbing his way out of the notch. We are almost there! To the cabin that is.

Waterfall #5

Looking at a waterfall coming out of the landslide. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

We soon regained the fence line which meant we were close to the cabin. Locked? Unlocked? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Disgusted much? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Koloa Cabin

Some of us didn’t handle our approach down to the cabin as gracefully as the others.

Koloa Cabin

No liquor was consumed in the production of this photo.

Koloa Cabin

Outside the cabin that had a new door and fresh paint.

Chariots of Fire

The traditional mud race upon leaving the cabin. Art enjoyed the fruits of victory, while I enjoyed the spoils of the pungent mud. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waterfall #6

Spotting our last waterfall on the nearby ridge. Malaekahana Falls? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Art making his way on the trail that was covered and carpeted with cascading uluhe ferns.

Dale’s Birthday

Aida, Dale, Cisco, Hana, Jenn, Lilyn, Quan and Sally had hiked up the Laie Trail, frolicked in the waterfalls and ended at the summit. While waiting for us, they celebrated a past birthday.

KST

Sloshing through the bowl shaped depression. I was so over the mud. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Summit

Trying to beat the clock as the group didn’t want to wait one minute past the hour. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Quan’s Birthday

Celebrating a future birthday.

Laie Summit

#15. Pouring my traditional celebratory champagne over Art to congratulate him for completing his last section needed to finish the Ko’olau Summit Trail which spans from Makapu’u to Pupukea. Welcome to the club. No secret handshake, just an empty champagne bottle to mark your induction.

Laie Summit

Group photo left to right: myself, Katie, Aida, Quan, Tessa, Art, Lilyn, Sally and Cisco.

Laie Trail

Taking our leave of the 2,240′ summit. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Working our way down the muddy trail. Photo by Sally Chow.

Laie Trail

Brushing our way on the uluhe carpeted ridge line.

Laie Trail

You guys call this a landslide? Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Flanking the side of the steep cliff. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Laie Trail

Somebody was overly optimistic in saying we could get down within 90 minutes. You’re the forgetful hiker and not the fast hiker. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Laie Falls Junction

We became night marchers in more ways than one, from this point down to the road. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Laie Trail

The Hawaiian version of bread crumbs. Photo by Sally CHow.

All pau

Exiting the trail where we passed one farmer who was surprised to see us, possibly thinking we were poachers. Shout out to Cisco and Quan for driving us back to our cars in Mililani. Most of us just wanted to crawl into a shower and hit the sack, so no post hike meal today.

GPS Tracks

Our 15.5 mile hike had an unforgettable beginning and a memorable finish through the Northern Ko’olau Mountains. Congrats again to Art for completing the KST.

Note: DLNR has shut down Poamoho Trail as of March 15, 2021 due to trail conditions.

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 celebrated Thanksgiving in the mountains with me being the only turkey on the trail. Thanks to Edgar for dropping me off at the trailhead.

Trailhead

Not being particularly fleet of foot, I always thought this route was a comfortable two-day camping hike. I decided to push outside my comfort zone and finish it off in one day.

Poamoho Trail

Looking at the summit from the halfway point, the forecast for views didn’t look promising. I skimmed the informational sign and just hoped there were no leftover cannibals lurking in the valley.

Poamoho Summit

I arrived at the summit at 0730 to find the winds pushing me around and the clouds masking the views. Time to set foot on the Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST).

Lobelia gaudichaudii

Ran across plants from the bellflower family on the tail end of their blooming season below the fenced ridge line.

KST

Enjoying the brief interlude on the trail with no fences around.

Hawaiian Mint

Back on the fence line with the plant that takes the mint out of mint.

Da Boot

Arrived at the junction at 0830 with the boot and sign that has seen better days. The rain decided to keep the winds company on the trail.

KST

Struggling to stay warm and find views on the trail.

Kaluanui NAR

Entering the first established natural area reserve on the island. Stay left.

Mud pits

Oh yeah, let’s not forget the sole sucking mud on the trail. Character building.

Rabbit Hole

Plunging into more mud and overgrowth on the trail. More character building.

Papali Junction

Got to the sign-less junction at 0930. Sat down and ate a snickers bar. I became myself again after finishing off the chocolate bar.

KST

Winding my way through the Northern KST. Wish I could’ve seen more of it.

Koloa Cabin

Arrived at the largest cabin on the KST at 1130.

Koloa Cabin

Seeking temporary refuge from the biting winds and freezing rain, I sat down shivering and chattering, while I scribbled in the logbook and munched on my musubi.

KST

Leaving behind the fence line for good on the trail as I made my way towards the summit.

Laie Summit

Got to the 2,240′ foxhole at 1300 and took shelter from the biting wind. No views around. Left the summit after I had another Snickers bar and a short break.

Laie Falls

Halfway down and the sun came out to play. Never fails.

Laie Trail

Tasting the feeling underneath the pine trees as it was still ice cold. Why not? I was hiking all day in basically a giant refrigerator.

All pau

Leaving the trail around 1545 and walking out surrounded by farmland. Is that my ride?

GPS Tracks

My cross over on the muddiest section of the KST covered 15.4 miles where I was pardoned from being a hiking turkey. A big mahalo to Quan for picking me up and driving me back to my car in Mililani. Thankful to have friends like her and she also brought me turkey and all the fixings for my dinner. Happy Thanksgiving!

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.

To begin this story, I have to rewind the clock back six days as Chris asked me to chronicle his KST one shot from South to North. Bear with me as I wasn’t with him until the last day. LOL.

Makapu’u Puka

Day 1 Sunday, November 8, 2020 – Tessa dropped Chris off at Makapu’u to start his journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Nothing like a cold bottle of caffeinated cola to start ones day.

Sunrise

Catching the sun rising over the bulging eye.

Kamehame

Chris and his shadow to keep him company on the hike. It also pays to talk to oneself on the hike as well.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Safety tip: Always wear a hard hat while hiking to avoid being conked on the head by those falling pine cones.

Kamiloiki Summit

Enjoying the views of the Waimanalo coastline.

Tom-Tom Summit

Don’t worry, keep hiking.

Mariner’s Summit

Chris left the hard hat behind for other hikers that are a little bit more safety conscious.

Hahaione

Taking a picture as it will last longer.

Lost & Found

Chris found Quan’s cap that was lost on an earlier hike.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Setting up tent at the helipad. Home for the night.

Sunset

Capturing the sun as it goes down over the communications tower.

KSRT

Day 2 Monday, November 9, 2020 – Dropping in between the valley.

Sedan Rock

Contoured and met back up with the ridge line.

K2 Summit

No views at one of the testicles. Hold and cough.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Coming down the cloud soaked ridge line.

Chimney

Taking a break from selfies and taking a shoefie instead.

Chimney

Looking back at the hardest obstacle on this saddle as Chris made his way down past the notches and down to the lookout.

Camp Pali

Lilyn, Quan, Tessa and myself met up with Chris after work to give him food, drinks and company. Quan got her cap back as well. We left before the night marchers came out. Sleep tight.

Pali Puka

Day 3 Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – Looking for those views.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Going up the crumbly saddle as the clouds rolled in from the ocean.

W

Chris about to contour and climb the donkey kong obstacle.

KSRT

Climbing out of the saddle and onto more solid footing.

Lanihuli Summit

Clear views at the 2,700′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking another break from the selfies as Chris gets ready to ride the dirt dragon.

Lanihuli Wall

Testing out the new webbing.

Can Opener

Chris at the iconic photo spot, right before he got stuck going up the Doorstop. Elevator services were offline.

Doorstop

Looking back at the steepness that is Lanihuli Wall. Best appreciated in person from far away.

Bunny Ears

Coming off the pair of hills and heading towards Shark Fin. Getting hungry for Chinese food.

Powerlines

Dropping down towards the middle of the saddle as Chris pushed on. No rest for the weary.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the conical rock face.

Rock Triangle

Heading towards the hardest of the rock triangles. But first, Chris had to flash a shaka.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading towards the summit of Bowman after polishing off the saddle.

Tripler Summit

To camp or not to camp? Too early.

Stairway to Heaven

Only one soul in heaven today.

Food Pantry

When the rats are more thirsty than you.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going down the stairs that time forgot.

Dirt Triangle

Somebody made use of the yellow rope that was sitting up there.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Chris pitched his tent on the summit with sweeping views of Halawa Valley and points beyond.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Day 4 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 – Catching the morning valley views.

Red Hill Summit

Still no closure after five years. Sad for the family.

Stairway to Hell

Never enter Hell without your tetanus shot.

REI Outlet

The selection was quite sparse. They need to stock up.

North Haiku Stairs

No views. Just shaka views.

KSRT

Rounding the bend around the fenced plant enclosure.

Aiea Summit

The man and his sign.

KSRT

Catching the Windward views.

KSRT

Rolling hills ahead.

Waimalu Meadows

The winds were blowing something fierce and snatched Chris’s phone out of his hands and flung it a good distance. Lucky it landed on the spongy ground and not off the cliff.

Waimano Summit

Home for the night with views overlooking Waihee Valley.

KSRT

Day 5 Thursday, November 12, 2020 – Looking back at the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Eleao Meadows

Fence by fence, they will take over the mountains.

Manana Summit

End of trail? Not for Chris.

Corner

Last chance for H20.

KSRT

Approaching Waiawa Gap.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping into the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

Waiahole Windward

Reminiscing about the ridge from bushwhacking hell.

Kipapa Summit

Where the KSRT becomes the KST. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Tree of Life

Windy as usual. Stay here long enough and you too will become bent over.

KST

Keep the country country.

KST

Soaking in the spectacular Northern views.

Schofield Waikane Junction

To camp or not to camp? There were still a couple hours of daylight left. Press on.

KST

The rare Ko’olau Goose is getting long in the tooth and shorn of feathers.

Pauao Junction

Chasing the sun.

KST

The notch that dynamite built.

Poamoho Cabin

Home for the night.

Poamoho Cabin

Watching the sunset.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 6 Friday, November 13, 2020 – The morning sun streaming through the windows provided the wake up call in the mountains.

Poamoho Summit

Enjoying one of the best views on the island.

Cline Memorial

How many more miles do I have left?

KST

Going my way?

KST

Lobelia in bloom.

KST

Lobelia along the fence line.

Da Boot Junction

Surprising that the boot has held up this long.

KST

Lobelia in the meadows.

KST

The fence line following the convoluted topography of the KST.

KST

Lobelia overload.

Rabbit Hole

Slogging through more mud pits.

KST

Following the fence line to Papali.

Papali Junction

Running into Charlie at the summit. Small world.

KST

They don’t call this section the muddiest for nothing.

KST

Native loulu palm trees interrupting the ridge line.

KST

Sunbather or sacrificial lamb?

KST

Let’s get in one more mud bath, shall we?

Koloa Cabin

Open for business, despite the rumors.

Koloa Cabin

What’s for dinner? Oxtail soup? Prime rib, crab legs and asparagus? Salmon and Poke? Let’s get back to reality. Filipino sardines and rice it is.

Laie Trail

Day 7 Saturday, November 14, 2020 – Tessa and I met up at the trailhead to hike the six mile trail to the summit to meet Chris and continue with him to the finish line.

Koloa Cabin

Last day to be in the mountains!

Laie Trail

Tessa told me to wait at the summit for her, as she had to fertilize the mountains.

Laie Trail

Going up the humid, overgrown and wet trail. The joys of hiking.

KST

Chris leaving the cabin for the summit.

Laie Trail

The woman of the mountains.

KST

The man of the hour.

Laie Summit

Group photo in the foxhole. Chris got his requested Coke and snacks. Much needed nourishment after seven days in the mountains.

KST

Leaving the 2,240′ summit for the most overgrown section on the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Making our way on the trail as the windmills pinwheeled in the background.

Maleakahana Junction

The glove that Chris left many years ago to replace the green sign that used to mark the spot.

KST

Winding our way through the lush landscape. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Halfway there and time for our lunch break.

KST

Tessa disappearing into the uluhell overgrowth.

KST

Tessa pulling Chris’s leg and then some.

KST

Pushing up the last hill through the strawberry guava corridor.

Puu Hina

Group photo at the summit overlooking the North Shore.

KST

Heading down to the finish line.

Black Junction

My traditional champagne dousing of the finisher. This time Chris got two for the price of one. Major congratulations to Chris Bautista for his second KST one shot (first documented both ways, North-South and South-North) and his sixth overall finish of the KST. #beastmode.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

We didn’t expect to see this individual when we popped out of the trail.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

You have cold beer in your backpack? Chris’s best buddy.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Swinging my way down the road. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Greet and scare. Aida, Lilyn and Quan were waiting in the bushes to surprise us. It worked for some.

All pau

Group photo left to right: Lilyn, Quan, Chris, myself, Tessa, Arnold and Aida. It was high time for somebody to take a shower as well.

Post hike meal

Dale also came up to congratulate Chris on his accomplishment. Thanks to the gang for bringing us cold drinks, pizza and chicken. Mahalo to Quan for making Chris a Corona lei. That beer didn’t help him catch any chickens. Also found out that chickens will eat their own kind. Fried to boot. Thanks to Lilyn for driving us to the showers and back to our cars in Laie.

Post hike meal Round 2

Chris, Tessa and myself then drove to Waianae for the WST one shot turned KST one shot party as well at Bill and Shirley’s house. One shot for the one shot team. Chris could finally dig in to oxtail soup, prime rib, crab legs, grilled asparagus, poke and mashed potatoes. Thanks to Shirley for giving me the only Coke in the house. Mahalo to Analyn for the oxtail soup to go order. Fun times with Analyn and Chris, Liezl and Micah, Mia, Matt, Mike and Amber.

GPS Tracks

Chris’s traversal from Makapu’u to Pupukea covered over 52 miles in seven days. Amazing accomplishment Chris! Props to you my friend.

GPS Tracks

Tessa and I hiked 12.8 miles in nine hours through some of the worst overgrowth this side of the KST. Fun times all around with good friends during and after the hike. Thanks to all that came out to support Chris. Mahalo!

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.