It was that time to connect the shortcut and hope it doesn’t turn out to be another long day.

Kolekole Pass

100% ID check. Thanks to Edgar for dropping us off at the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range.

Kolekole Pass

Going up the wooden steps.

Kolekole Pass

Who wants to be on the chopping block?

Kolekole Pass

We have our first victim, I mean volunteer.

Kolekole Pass

This must be the way.

Kolekole Pass

Our first group photo of the day in the meadow and certainly not our last.

Hapapa Trail

Why take the contour when you can take the middleman out of the picture and go straight up?

Hapapa Trail

Enjoying the morning view. Just needed a cup of coffee.

Hapapa Trail

Hello from the other side.

Hapapa Trail

Scrambling out of the notch.

Hapapa Trail

Looking back at the group on the second notch.

Hapapa Trail

Slowly gaining elevation as we hiked up the ridge.

Hapapa Trail

The sunbeams were trying to fight the clouds and the clouds were winning.

Hapapa Trail

Following the fence line to the top.

Hapapa Trail

Passing through the tent shelter.

Pu’u Hapapa

In the clouds at the 2,883′ summit.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Traversing the fenced ridge line with far reaching views of the largest coastal valley on the island. Crossing unstable fences can lead to involuntary castration. Jockstrap optional.

WST

Looking back at the red and white striped twin guy masts that stand over 1,500′ tall and were built in 1972.

WST

Craning my neck upwards to get a better perspective of the spire rock.

WST

Thomas traversing over one of the elevated rock dikes on the trail.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Breakfast club at the 2,778′ knob.

WST

Headed into one of many small clumps of trees on the ridge line.

WST

CJ approaching the Christmas tree.

Gorilla Heads

Going up the smaller of the rock formations and the one that closely resembles its name.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing up the rock formation whose bark is worse than its bite.

Gorilla Heads

Thomas would agree.

Gorilla Heads

Can you see the gorilla for the mountains? I’m not talking about Aileen.

Gorilla Heads

Swinging over the backside.

Gorilla Heads

It helps to have long legs.

Gorilla Heads

Scooting our way down.

Gorilla Heads

You put your left foot out. You put your left foot in. And you climb it down. You do the Hokey Pokey. And you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about.

Gorilla Heads

CJ scrambling out of the simian shaped rocks.

WST

Thomas caught between a hard rock and a wobbly fence.

WST

Somebody sprained their ankle around here. Nothing that a little duct tape can’t fix.

WST

We don’t need no stinking webbing.

WST

Group photo on the slanted rocks.

WST

Pushing our way through the insufferable overgrowth.

Pu’u Kaua

Lunch at the the 3,127′ grassy area that is the third highest peak on the island.

WST

Climbing our way down through the insufferable overgrowth. Deja vu.

WST

Breaking out into the relatively open ridge line that was dotted with barrels and jugs of non-potable water.

WST

All smiles as we left the fence behind us.

WST

Traversing the ridge line that is dominated by these wind swept trees.

WST

Passing through the split rocks.

WST

Checking out my built-in ventilation.

WST

Just follow the rope on the way down. Easy peasy.

WST

Aileen climbing her way down the rock.

WST

Some went high …

WST

… others went low.

Pohakea Pass

Looking over at the crumbly cliff that has been tamed with questionable webbing.

WST

Contouring off the ridge line.

WST

Just here for the views and the photos.

WST

Sliding our way down through the narrow crack.

WST

All the dots are connected. All is right in the world of hiking.

Pohakea Pass Trail

Leaving the ridge line to head down into the valley.

Pohakea Pass Trail

Missed me by that much.

Pohakea Pass Trail

We soon joined up at the junction where we had come up from the mosquito infested valley back in April.

Pohakea Pass Trail

Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Hike. Hike who?

Pohakea Pass Trail

The trail going down seemed wide open at first and then it just disappeared into head high itchy grass, rocky under footing and scattered blowdowns.

Pohakea Pass Trail

We finally emerged from the overgrowth to the jeep road that was literally two steps away from the route we had taken up to the ridge line in April.

All pau

Thanks to Doug for picking us up at the end of the road. Small world.

GPS Tracks

Our scenic stretch of the Waianae Mountain Range covered less than six miles with a great group. Post hike meal criteria was that the place served the daily dietary staple of the people of ancient Mesopotamia. Chili’s fit the bill.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, CJ Mendiola, Thomas Barrett, 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.

Schofield Barracks was once again open to the hiking public this weekend. Thanks to Jamie for dropping Andy and myself off to the trailhead where we waited for Robert to drop off Aida, Andrew, Art and Lilyn.

Trailhead

We are hiking on a military base. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Hiking with hands in pocket. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Rock

This is what happens when you try to copy Mr. Green.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Following the signs. Staying on trail. Don’t want to step on an UXO. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Bench with a view. Why isn’t anybody on the bench? Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Shall we go up the steep route or the switchback way? Is that a rhetorical question? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Art standing on the edge.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Waiting for the rest of the group to join us. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Enjoying the views of the largest coastal valley on the island. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Scrambling up the first notch. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

Kolekole Pass Trail

G’Day Mates! Somebody finally got to say that in the proper context. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Andy climbing out of the second notch. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Making our way to the last major hill before it leveled off to a more walkable grade. Photo by Art Young.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Looking back at the highest mountain on the island that was strikingly clear. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Platform with a view. At least somebody is using the platform. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kolekole Pass Trail

Somebody was enjoying the solitary panoramic views. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kolekole Pass Trail

The group descending from the 2,883′ summit of Hapapa.

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo on the helipad left to right: Aida, Lilyn, myself, Art, Andrew and Andy. This will always be the summit to me.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Leaving the flat top as we descended down the steep and fenced ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Climbing down the assorted boulders that interrupted the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

We crossed over multiple times as we sought the trail that was less green on the other side of the fence. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

WST

Andy standing on a dead end with unbeatable views of the valley and surrounding areas.

WST

A different perspective of the trail we were traversing. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

WST

It’s all about the posing. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Art and Andy going the contour way. No climbing show today.

WST

We all took different paths to get … Photo by Aida Gordon.

WST

… back on the same trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kanehoa

This is the summit. Right Art?

Pu’u Kanehoa

Dropping down from the 2,778′ knob. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Contouring our way around the rockface and pushing through the overgrowth.

WST

Making our way over the multiple humps that characterized the ridge. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Watching the rain showers slowly marching its way towards us.

WST

Scooting our way down in confined spaces. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Approaching the two humps known collectively as gorilla heads or kriangles. Photo by Art Young.

Gorilla Heads

The group climbing their way up the smaller hump. Photo by Art Young.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing queue. Photo by Art Young.

Gorilla Heads

Art climbing his way to the top of the big hump as the rain showers slowly washed over us and then drifted away. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Gorilla Heads

Going down the backside. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Gorilla Heads

Andrew checking his six before hugging his way down.

Gorilla Heads

Our group bunching together in the middle of the saddle. Photo by Art Young.

Gorilla Heads

Art doing his best impression of “mountain climbing.”

WST

Going up the wobbly fence. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Everybody making their way over to the last climbing section.

WST

In addition to providing my standard elevator service, I also do chiropractic adjustments. Still only a nickel. What a bargain. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Art climbing his way above the gorilla heads.

WST

What would you do for a tangerine? Climb down a steep cliff to retrieve said citrus fruit. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

After our lunch break, we resumed our uphill climb.

WST

We can see the summit for the ridgeline. No we can’t. Photo by Art Young.

WST

Climbing up through the pollen saturated uluhe corridor. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Follow me, I know a shortcut. Famous last words. Photo by Aida Gordon.

WST

Aida climbing down the direct drop. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kaua

Group photo at the 3,127′ summit where we were afforded panoramic views of the Westside valleys, the entire Ko’olau Mountain Range and the Wahiawa plain.

Kaua Trail

It was time to head down and get a bite to eat. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kaua Trail

Aida making her way down the initial steep descent.

Kaua Trail

Standing in for Ms. Lonely. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kaua Trail

Breaking out on the exposed trail.

Kaua Trail

Representing an anatomically inaccurate shape.

Kaua Trail

Further skewing the inaccuracy. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kaua Trail

Somebody was either trying to stomp on somebody or releasing excessive flatulence. My money is on the latter.

Kaua Trail

Climbing over the last fence of the day that also intersected with the Hono’uli’uli Contour Trail.

Handstand

When reality fails to meet expectations. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kaua Trail

Testing my balance. No water to break my fall. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

All pau

Walking back to our staged cars. Saved us several miles of walking out to the highway.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered a little over five miles through the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range and ending at the third highest peak on Oahu. Post hike meal for the directionally challenged at Ono Steak and Shrimp in Kapolei. Fun hike with old and new 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.

Today was the day to polish off the last chunk of the Waianae Summit Trail (WST) for the second time around. Joining me today were Chris, Justin, Ryan and Thessa. Mahalo to Matt for dropping us off at the crack of dawn at Schofield Barracks. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Trailhead

Nobody but us early hikers on the trail. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

The trail has been considerably cleared and marked from the last time I was here. It’s like Disneyland. Without the lines. Well, if you come early.

Kolekole Pass Rock

Hiking infractions are dealt with harshly on military bases. You have been warned.

Bench

We stopped at the meadow and looked out towards Lualualei Valley and the blinking antenna lights.

Notches

Looking up at the notched ridge silhouetted against the twilight sky.

Trail

Chris and Ryan making their way up the paperbark tree lined hill.

Notch

Maybe this was the cliff hazard the sign had warned us about earlier?

Notch

Justin looking out at Pu’u Ka’ilio and Lualualei Valley.

Notch

Thessa climbing her way out of the big notch.

Trail

Impromptu group photo.

Notch

Ryan making his way over the notch.

Notch

Justin climbing his way out of the smaller notch. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Looking back

Leaving Kolekole Pass, the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range, behind us.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Sun beams

The sun poking through the thick clouds over the Wahiawa plain and Pearl Harbor.

Slide trail

The fastest way to get down to the valley. Not recommended.

Puu Hapapa

Group photo by Justin Hirako at the 2,883′ flat topped summit, left to right: Ryan, Thessa, Justin, myself and Chris.

Trail

After a short break, we resumed our hike by following the fenced ridgeline.

Leeward view

Looking back towards the rest of the rugged Waianae Mountain Range. Spectacular scenery all around.

Central view

Despite the heavy cloud cover, we could see all the way out to Diamond Head. I’ll say it again. Spectacular scenery.

Trail

Multiple choice: Is Ryan a) stretching b) scratching his back or c) reaching for his gopro.

Trail

The ridge overgrowth started to get out of hand.

Chef Boyardee time

Who brings canned food on a hike? Justin. That’s who.

Trail

Looking down at the large rock formation straddling the ridge.

Trail

We contoured to the right of the towering rock edifice.

Trail

The jumbled and scattered boulders helped to break up the overgrowth.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Thessa enjoying the view from the 2,778′ summit.

Trail

Chris hiking through the overgrowth.

Central view

Looking out towards Lualualei Valley, the birthplace of the island of Oahu.

Looking back

Typical ridge hike composed of short ups and downs.

Trail

Scattered rain and rolling clouds helped to cool us down on the overgrown ridge.

Trail

The cool weather soon evaporated. At least we got our views back.

Ladybug

A seven-spotted lady beetle looking for lunch.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Gorilla Heads

We soon came across the rock formations known as “Gorilla Heads” or “Kriangles.”

Gorilla Heads

Looking back at Pu’u Kanehoa.

Gorilla Heads

Ryan, Thessa and Justin making their way up the first and smaller gorilla head.

Gorilla Heads

Chris climbing up to join me at the top of the second and larger gorilla head. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Gorilla Heads

Ryan and Thessa making their way up. When it was Justin’s turn, he dislodged a good sized boulder coming up. Stuck. Nothing that webbing can’t fix.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing down the backside of the larger gorilla head. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Gorilla Heads

Justin and Ryan making their way down.

Gorilla Heads

What goes down… Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

…must go back up.

Looking back

Leaving the Gorilla Heads behind us. It was fun.

Pu’u Kaua

Group photo by Justin Hirako at the 3,127′ summit.

Pu’u Kaua

Another group photo by Justin Hirako at the third highest peak on the island.

Trail

Back on the fence line. We could see Pohakea Pass in the distance.

Looking back

Leaving Pu’u Kaua behind us.

Trail

Chris and Ryan making their way down the ridge.

Trail

We didn’t have to worry about overgrowth from this point. It was going to be climbing up, over and around small and big rocks.

Trail

Up and …

Trail

… over.

Trail

Scrambling out of the small saddle.

Trail

Climb or contour?

Trail

Thessa looking back at Ryan and Justin making their way around a tree. Tight squeeze.

Trail

Chris climbing down the roughly 20′ rock face.

Trail

A short stretch of pine trees separated us from the pass.

Pohakea Pass

We meet again. Somebody had left their yellow rope at the pass. What the heck? Photo by Ryan Leano

Pohakea Pass

I climbed up from the base and tugged on the rope to check out the condition. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Pohakea Pass

The rope quickly jerked and snapped, leaving me with a dangling rope. Luckily I didn’t have my weight on that rope. Rope left behind by others may look comforting as a form of assistance, but they are exposed to the elements 24/7 and intermittent abrasion. Conversations heard at the base “It’s not worth it mann.” Back and forth shuffling. “Let’s take the snapped rope and go back down the valley.” Photo by Justin Hirako.

Pohakea Pass

I secured my webbing at the top and threw it down to the waiting crew. NEXT!

Pohakea Pass

Looking for a helping hand. The top of the pass was crumbly. Dirt crumbly.

Sunset

I alternated between watching the sunset and the crew making their way up the pass. Two great views.

Pohakea Pass

Conversations from the bottom to the top of the pass. “Who’s watching the webbing?” “I am! Your life is in my hands. HAHAHA” I always like to punctuate my replies with a hearty and reassuring laugh to build confidence in people climbing up a crumbly cliff. Hanging by a webbing. Literally. At one point.

Pohakea Pass

The sound of music.

Pohakea Pass

The hardest part of the WST behind us. Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Hiking by head lamps.

City lights

Taking a well deserved break. Loads of bushwhacking through knee to waist high uluhe ferns lay ahead of us. In the dark. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Palikea

We reached the 3,098′ summit marked by ti leaf plants. One hour left to the road. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Palehua

Too dark to look for native snails and happy face spiders. Photo by Justin Hirako

All pau

Trail meets the road. The long five mile Palehua road. Luckily we had a ride.

GPS Tracks

The hardest segment of the WST covered 13.03 miles of bushwhacking, rocky ridges and cliffs and spectacular scenery. Fun hike with a great crew that didn’t bail. Cough. Almost. Post hike meal at Zippys. Eat then sleep.

Back to Pu’u Kaua. And beyond. Specifically to Kolekole Pass. Met up with Brian, James, John, Jose, Matt and Marvin on Kunia Road.

Keep on trucking

Plan A was to have Troy drop us off inside the farm. Marvin’s idea to save us some walking time. Photo by Troy Solano.

Parlez-vous francais?

Honest Abe is not welcome here. I don’t care if he has a twin. Don’t get friendly with the goats either. Parlez-vous NO? Back on the road again.

Plan b

These shoes were made for walking. Thanks for the five minute ride Troy!

The road isn’t so bad

We made our way to the trailhead without further incident.

Up the trail

Wet leaves on the trail was the only difference from last week. Same scenery, more slippery.

Pu’u Kanehoa in the distance

Looking out towards the Waianae Summit Trail.

Pu’u Kaua summit

Back on top for the second time in as many weeks. Group photo left to right: Jose, James, myself, Brian, Marvin, Matt and John.

Pu’u Kaua summit view

Click here for the larger image.

Follow the fence?

I didn’t know goats and pigs could run up the sides of mountains. Learn something new everyday.

Left side

We started hiking on the left side of the fence.

Right side

Terrain shifted, so we switched to the right side.

Which side?

And switched back again.

Take your pick

Most of us climbed over the rock face. James and Marvin decided to contour on the Kunia side which put them closer to the edge. Nice drop. Nice fence.

The easy part

Climbing down this short stretch put us close to the edge, so we used webbing coming down.

Gorilla Head #1

Jose going up the first obstacle dubbed “Gorilla Heads” or “Kriangles” by other hikers.

My turn

Have to work on that tan line. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Gorilla Head #2

Jose sitting on the smaller “Gorilla Head.”

Coming down

Coming down the crumbly backside and finding foot holds at the bottom was the hardest part of the “Gorilla Heads.” Photo by Jose Delaki

Looking down

Don’t drop that camera. Might bounce off Marvin’s head. Hmm. Tempting target. Photo by James Crabb.

Looking back

Bark is worse than the bite.

Hiking forward

Brian and John going down the second “Gorilla Head.” Yawn.

Hello?

We briefly talked to a guy that had come up a spur ridge. He was asking too many questions. Possible goat herder.

Boulder contouring

Marvin and James coming down the smaller “Gorilla Head.”

O Christmas tree

A lone Sugi Pine Tree stood out. Resisted the urge to decorate.

Goodbye “Gorilla Heads”

You were fun. Until we meet again.

Hello overgrowth

From the “Gorilla Heads” until Pu’u Kanehoa, the trail was unbearably overgrown.

Hands and knees

A tree is worth a thousand branches. Or more like a thousand pokes.

Exposed

Rain replaced the overgrowth on the trail. Brian was secretly cheering the inclement weather.

More rock climbing?

Nope. Just more contouring to the right.

Misty mountains

We all admired the mountains keeping the clouds at bay. Postcard picture. If it only could have kept the rain at bay too. Click here for the larger image.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Cloudy summit view at 2,778′ elevation.

Cloud free

Nobody wanted to stand up for the group photo.

Not this side

Except Matt.

Come on down

Tick tock. Brian is waiting.

So many rock faces to climb and so little time

Abundant rock climbs were sprinkled along the trail. Climb or contour. Take your pick.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Can you see us?

The views alternated between cloudy and partly cloudy, with chances of rain showers. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

All fences lead to the summit

At least this one did.

Up here

Looking up at the summit of Pu’u Hapapa. Long time no see.

Pu’u Hapapa

You say Hapapa, I say Hana Pa’a. Cool view from 2,883′ elevation. Gone were the army men that once ringed the summit.

Camouflage

Unusual coloring for a lady beetle.

Happy face spider?

Not happy at all.

Say what?

Leave your ATVs at home when you do this hike. Fair warning.

Don’t slip here

A nasty case of trail erosion. Nasty for the hiker if they slip and fall.

One way ticket

Down. Straight down. Several thousand feet. Photo by John Garrity.

Going down the ridge

Headed down towards Kolekole Pass.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Panoramic view

From sea to shining sea. Click here for the larger image.

Panoramic view

Clouds have cleared. Click here for the larger image.

Enough with the picture taking. Hike on.

We spent a considerable amount of time just soaking in the views and recording them for posterity. It was nice up here. Wouldn’t mind coming back again.

Climbing down the small notch

The group climbing down the first and smallest notch.

Looking back

Matt making his way down.

Climbing out of the notch

Jose climbing out of the first notch.

Going down the big notch

There are two ways to tackle the second and biggest notch. Easy way is contour to the right and the hard way is straight down the rock face. Take your pick.

Silhouette

Jose standing on the exposed dike.

Looking back

Looks bigger in person.

Going down

Scooting down the red dirt.

Meadow

Brian, Jose and John checking out the notches we had come down in the middle of a meadow overlooking central Oahu. Click here for the larger image.

Off with his head

Kolekole Pass Rock or Pohaku Hupeloa, supposedly once used for sacrificial purposes.

Heed the sign

The trail going down was slippery with pine needles.

See!

James did an excellent save and recover. I was not so lucky. Had a hard fall on my butt.

Hitchhiker

We saved this invasive critter from a horrible fate. She was trying to crawl up Marvin’s shorts.

Off duty?

100% ID check in progress.

Where’s our ride?

The original hike was supposed to end in Waianae, where I had staged my truck. Since that proved to be too ambitious, we came down Kolekole Pass and decided to terminate the hike. Matt arranged for his father to pick him up at the gate and then retrieved his truck in Kunia and came back to get us. Thanks Matt!

GPS Tracks

Our hike today was 7.9 miles through some of the most stunning scenery on the Waianae Mountains. Post hike meal was at Outback. Herb roasted prime rib for dinner. Yum! Congrats to Marvin for finishing the WST. I’m next. I hope.