We actually got some ridge time today, albeit a very short one for Marilyn’s birthday hike today.

Service Road

Thanks to Ferlino and Lilia for dropping our group off at the side of the highway.

Service Road

What was that? The only thing more concerning than the morning showers was a plastic against metal sound. Apparently one of our drivers had mistaken the gate for the highway. Not my car, still my problem.

Powerlines Trail

Marilyn pushing against the overgrowth as we made our way up the moss slicked steps.

Powerlines Trail

Pushing our quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves on the short and stiff climb up the hill.

Powerlines Trail

Our guide explaining what lies in store for the group.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Thankfully the rain was replaced by typical trade winds as we stepped foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains. I was this close to calling the hike off due to less than ideal conditions for tackling a portion of what some consider one of the hardest hikes on the island. Diamond Head excluded.

KSRT

The million dollar question. Will Edgar fly his drone to capture stunning scenic views on the hike today? Breezy winds say no.

Camp Centipede

Less talking, more hiking.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring around the knob to stay on trail.

Kalihi Saddle

We left the “sidewalk” parts behind us as the ridge narrowed somewhat on our approach to the conical shaped peak.

Kalihi Saddle

The three rules of falling. #1 – Don’t fall. #2 – If falling, fall to the Leeward side. #3 – Never fall on the Windward side.

Witch’s Hat

Have broomstick, will climb.

Witch’s Hat

Kenny conquering his fear of heights as he approaches the pinnacle of the peak.

Witch’s Hat

Edgar sitting pretty on top of the first of many colorfully named obstacles.

Witch’s Hat

What goes up must come down.

Witch’s Hat

Somebody needed to be coaxed down, just let perspiration, anxiety and gravity do the rest.

Kalihi Saddle

The witch and her hat, or is that the birthday girl and her hike?

Kalihi Saddle

We just go straight ahead?

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving Kenny behind us on Witch’s Hat as he promised to keep our seats warm.

Kalihi Saddle

A view best seen from afar, for some people that is.

Kalihi Saddle

Crawler’s Ledge exists outside of Kalalau Trail as well.

Kalihi Saddle

Everybody’s here at the scenic spot. Let the photoshoot commence!

Kalihi Saddle

Let me dislodge this loose rock before somebody gets hurt, like myself.

Kalihi Saddle

Marilyn’s first time on this section of the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

The views never fail to disappoint.

Kalihi Saddle

The rest of us have been here multiple times. Still never gets old.

Kalihi Saddle

Who had the best seat in the house? Perspective.

Kalihi Saddle

Flashbacks to the 22 pushup challenge.

Kalihi Saddle

Akira demonstrating his balancing skills.

Kalihi Saddle

Please keep your hands and arms inside the ride at all times and please do not fall off.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody was not paying attention and yelled my name in panic, violated the first rule of falling but followed the second rule.

Witch’s Hat

Elevator service was requested. Thanks to Chico for the assist. Just call us Otis and Schindler.

Witch’s Hat

Schindler scrambling his way up to the birthday party.

Witch’s Hat

Blowing out a candle is considered a form of witchcraft in some circles. We are on the right place. Happy Birthday Marilyn!

Witch’s Hat

Scrambling our way down the obstacle named by the OG hiker, Pete Clines.

Witch’s Hat

All safe and sound at the base, as another member in the also group observed the second rule of falling.

Kalihi Saddle

Multi-colored hikers on the trail as we made our way to Camp Centipede.

All pau

Our last group photo at the Powerlines before we headed back down and got picked up by Ferlino and Lilia. Mahalos!

GPS Tracks

Our short sample of a saddle hike covered less than two miles with fun friends and good times. Hats off to everybody for hiking and working together to have a safe and amazing experience. Post hike meal at Saito and Pho where the tasty food was offset by sterile service. They need to drop my name from their restaurant. lol. Happy Birthday again to Marilyn, the wicked witch of the West.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpEI1v98kM4

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Christy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, 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.

Somebody asked me to hike this section today for their birthday. I often get confused for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Wiliwilinui Trailhead

Thanks to Scott, Susan and Tessa for shuttling us to the trail nestled in the luxury neighborhood of Waialae Iki that was founded in the 1960s.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Looking back at the sunrise shimmering over the Pacific Ocean as we hiked up the trail that was originally a service road built by the US Army in 1941.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Reverse tug of war, where the mountain pulls you up the hill.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Somebody thought this was the end of the line and were about to turn around and call it a day. He was sadly mistaken.

Wiliwilinui Trail

The show must go on. Reluctantly.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Staggering out the group to prevent trail erosion or maintain social pacing or was that distancing. Is that even a thing anymore?

Wiliwilinui Summit

Arriving at the summit hoping for panoramic views of the East side only to have them dashed. Not all birthday wishes come true.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Happy Birthday Private School. Enjoy your public school made cup cake.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Group photo of the party of sixteen on the 2,700′ summit.

Wiliwilinui Summit

And then they were ten. Edgar, Joyce, Mari, Marilyn, Scott and Tessa departed the summit to go back down the trail. They had places to go and things to do and being on the KST was not one of them.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Stepping foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains that was shrouded in low hanging clouds which helped people with acrophobia.

KSRT

Capturing the moment before the shorts adjustment.

Wailupe Summit

One of countless uses for duct tape, the ubiquitous adhesive that was invented in 1942.

Wailupe Summit

Group photo at the 2,580′ socked in summit.

KSRT

Sliding our way down into the cloud soaked ridge line.

KSRT

Some embraced the slide more than others.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Most people eat trail mix or energy bars on the hike for energy. Ferlino eats rice. Not adobo with rice. Not multi-grain rice. Not brown rice. Just white rice. Carbs.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Enjoying our streak of continuous cloud coverage at the 2,520′ knob.

KSRT

The group making their way down a steep section.

KSRT

Pushing our way through the thick carpet of the contradictory invasive but indigenous uluhe ferns.

Kulepeamoa Summit

This was the flapping chicken summit and not the clapping chicken summit that tops out at 2,500′. Always one in the crowd.

KSRT

Kenny using an existing webbing to stabilize his descent down another steep section on the ridge line.

KSRT

The rest of the group making their way down the trail.

West Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Somebody was glad we had reached our lunch spot at the grassy hill.

West Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Ferlino enjoying the muted views with his bowl of white rice, where CB soon joined the group to finish out the hike.

KSRT

Lower elevation translated into the much anticipated views.

KSRT

Kenny living life on the edge.

KSRT

Cristy approaching the scalloped section.

KSRT

Just missing the tent and disco ball.

KSRT

Looking back at the gender segregated photo.

Bear Claw

Checking out the Windward ridge that sprawls down into Waimanalo.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Close enough for hiking work. Group photo near the 2,200′ flat-topped hill.

KSRT

Going up the eroded rockface.

KSRT

The rest of the group making their way down the heavily rutted side of the mountain.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Arriving at one of the most heavily trafficked trails on the island due to its relative ease of access and sweeping views from the top.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Group photo at the 2,028′ eroded hill.

KSRT

Leaving the summit for our last summit of the day.

KSRT

Passing through the first set of power lines on the ridge line.

KSRT

Inspecting this crimson colored starfish fungus, a distant relative of the starfish flower? Didn’t want to subject our olfactory senses to the smell test.

KSRT

Twists and turns in the forest.

Hahaione Pyramid

Some took the easy way. Some took the hard way. Depends whose direction you followed.

Hahaione Pyramid

Group photo at the 2,100′ apex of the triangular shaped hill.

Hahaione Pyramid

One has to know their limitations.

Pyramid Trail

Time to beat the sun down.

Pyramid Trail

Descending down the initial steep pitch of the trail, which was a more direct route than the discarded option of the valley route.

Pyramid Trail

Can you see the hiker for the tree?

All pau

We made it down to the valley floor with over an hour of daylight to spare.

GPS Tracks

Our birthday hike covered 6.86 miles with a fun and large group. Post hike birthday dinner at Gyotaku where we arrived too late for the early bird specials. Happy Birthday Susan!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH4p3B2uSfY

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.

Photos taken by Aileen Augustin, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Chris Bautista, Cristy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Joyce Uhlmer, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Robin Farr, Scott Dea, Susan Katz, Tessa Bugay, Val Wang, 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.

Plan A was dismissed for lack of permit, Plan B was discarded due to lack of commitment, and so it was down to Plan C today.

Aiea Loop

Thanks to Tessa for dropping us off at the park as they opened the gates, perfect timing as it saved us 10 minutes of walking. We are part-time hikers.

Aiea Loop Trail

Bench with a semi-sunrise view on the trail that follows the historic railway that operated between 1898 to 1947 that supported the sugar industry.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back at the John A Burns Freeway that was mired in controversy before its opening in 1997, but the passage of time has proven its effectiveness as another transportation corridor that helps to reduce clogged traffic on the island.

Pu’u Kawaipo’o

My office view today from the 2,441′ hill.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Hiking over one of multiple humps on the ridge line.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Akira and Kenny making their way on the muddy trail.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Passing somebody’s discarded tent on the trail. Perhaps the original occupant will come back to claim it, if not, CB said he will put it to good use on his next visit.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Akira passing near the crackling powerline transmission tower that is part of the infrastructure that keeps the islands humming with electricity.

Aiea Summit

Drone view of the socked in 2,805′ summit.

Aiea Summit

Thanks to Chef Suzuki for the bacon, eggs and rice brunch at the socked in and soggy summit.

Aiea Summit

Leaving the summit as we stepped foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains that were thankfully shedding the cloud coverage.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Enjoying the expansive views of Kaneohe Bay and beyond while somebody else was focused on keeping his footing steady on the ridge line.

KSRT

Cramping with the verdant valley views that were strangely devoid of the normally present strong circulation movements aka wind. No complaints here.

KSRT

Descending towards what has been called a raft of different names: Haiku Hidden Stairs, North Haiku Stairs and the more common Stairway to Hell.

Stairway to Hell

Welcome to Stairway to Hell, the red-headed stepchild of Stairway to Heaven.

Stairway to Hell

Group shot on the dilapidated stairs that are slowly returning to Mother Nature.

Stairway to Hell

Climbing back up the stairs that were left incomplete by the US Navy due to the ridge topography that doesn’t lend itself well to man-made infrastructure.

Stairway to Hell

Exploring the bunker that was pleasantly clean and devoid of the rank smell of ammonia from past visits.

Stairway to Hell

Threading our way through the tetanus spikes that were once part of the railings and are now slowly rusting away.

Stairway to Hell

Passing through one of multiple platforms that were once home to A-Frames that hung suspended antenna cables across the valley.

Stairway to Hell

Climbing the rusted stairs out of Hell.

KSRT

Going up a small hill to be soon replaced by bigger hills.

KSRT

Kenny making his way down the trail with the presumably vacant Stairway to Heaven beckoning to us from across the valley.

KSRT

Akira hiking on the edge of the pali (cliff) overlooking the H-3 Freeway as the traffic noise wafted up to the ridge line.

Red Hill Summit

The guys approaching the summit that looked like it was recently cleared as it was almost unrecognizable from my last visit.

Moanalua Saddle

Striking out towards the Western half of what is considered the “easiest” of the three main saddles on the KST.

Moanalua Saddle

One has to crawl before one can walk.

Moanalua Saddle

Akira climbing down the rockface section while Kenny contemplates the meaning of life or thinking he could be relaxing in his new home instead of subjecting himself to today’s hike.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the saddle against the backdrop of Halawa Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Standing and scooting our way down the grassy ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Descending down the long line as I like to call it.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving the imposing and intimidating looking mountains behind us.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Our final group photo at the summit before heading down into the valley and the 28 stream crossings and the endless road out. We left the summit at 1630 and hustled our way out in two hours as we didn’t want to test the police presence that shuts the park down at 1900 and we also wanted time to wash our muddy shoes.

GPS Tracks

Our virgin saddle hike covered 11.5 miles to hell and back. Great job on Kenny’s part as he works on overcoming his acrophobia. Post hike meal was at Plan A which was Pepper Lunch but too crowded. Plan B was Alley Restaurant which was also too crowded. We ended up at BBQ Chicken which was not crowded, where we were joined by Tessa and Marilyn.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Kenny Lui, 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.

Somebody waited five years to finish this section. Good things come to those who wait.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Alex and Lilia for dropping Chico, Katie and myself off at our starting point today.

Pali Puka Trail

Inside or outside trail?

Pali Puka

Group photo in the hole in the cliff, that was witness to the Battle of Nu’uanu in 1795 that saw Kamehameha take over the island of Oahu.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Climbing up the short and slippery slope to regain the ridgeline.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the breaking sunrise over Olomana.

Incisor Rock

Time to put the spikes on to floss the slippery tooth.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the crumbly ridgeline.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making our way down the constantly changing character as erosion takes its toll. What’s here today, gone tomorrow.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Approaching the 23rd letter of the alphabet.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pausing on the grassy hill overlooking Nu’uanu Reservoir #4 which was built in 1910 for flood control and water supply for the surrounding areas.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Katie descending down the flank of the hill to regain the ridgeline.

W

Contouring and climbing our way on the triple diked obstacle.

W

Making our way down the sliver of rock and dirt that seems a tad more slender on each visit.

Anvil

Whipping winds were blowing dirt into any exposed open orifices. Anybody got Visine?

Anvil

Chico pulling himself up the constantly crumbling hill that is still more preferable than the original contour route IMO. To each their own.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Our group making our way up to the hill after the long climb.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back as we saw the three trail runners catching up to us.

KSRT

Making our way towards the summit known as Swirling Heavens.

Lanihuli Summit

Adriana, Stacy and Susana soon caught up with us at the 2,700′ top and decided to join us to the finish line. The more the merrier.

KSRT

Descending from the summit against the expansive backdrop of the Windward coastline.

KSRT

Chico putting his ScuttleButt to good use on the grassy hill.

Kalihi Saddle

Sliding our way down into what some hikers argue is one of the hardest sections of the KST. I would argue it’s Diamond Head, but then again the iconic tuff cone is not part of the mountain range system.

Dirt Dragon

The group riding the dusty creature that is near the brink of extinction.

Kalihi Saddle

Susana and the rest of the group balancing our way down the skinny and crumbly ridgeline that is seemingly held together with grass, uki and woody climbers.

Lanihuli Wall

Katie descending down the long drop on the flank of the ridgeline.

Lanihuli Wall

Waiting for the rest of the group to descend down the wall which is notorious for falling rocks, I can bear witness to that.

Lanihuli Wall

The girls contouring their way around the Can Opener.

Can Opener

Katie and Susana under the shadow of the Can Opener and what I like to call the “Bulging Fridge.” A sizeable rock that seems to jut out inch by inch every time I pay a visit to this spot. Or maybe I just have an active imagination.

Can Opener

Group photo at the scenic saddle spot.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way down the brittle ledge.

Kalihi Saddle

Katie making her way down the near vertical drop.

Pimple

It was too windy to pop the pimple today, despite a willing volunteer.

Doorstop

Climbing queue, as Adriana and Stacy wait their turn.

Doorstop

Stacy approaching the top of the wedge shaped obstacle.

Bunny Ears

Pete Clines the legendary hiker was the one that gave these “silly names” to these obstacles on Kalihi Saddle so as to make them less intimidating.

Bunny Ears

Katie striking a pose on the mushroom rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Living life on the edge. Or as skydivers would say, “If you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.”

Kalihi Saddle

Searching for the triangle shaped obstacle.

Shark Fin

Thar she is!

Powerlines

Victory dance at the finish line. Congratulations Katie on completing the KST!

Powerlines Trail

Descending down into Kalihi Valley, that are home to a colony of Australian rock wallabies, that escaped from the private zoo of Richard Trent in 1916. The last survey conducted in the 1990s pegged the marsupial population to number in the 70s.

Kalihi Valley

Never let your feet touch the ground.

All pau

Walking out to the highway where we were picked up by Alex and Lilia.

GPS Tracks

Our KST completion hike covered 2.97 miles through two saddles and unexpected company. Congratulations again to Katie for a finish that was long in the making. Post hike meal at Nalu Health Bar & Cafe where I was pleasantly surprised by the menu offerings.

Photos taken by Adriana Hunter, Chico Cantu, Katie Lockerton, Stacy Paquette, Susana Escobar and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

I decided to recreate a hike that we did for Chico’s finish almost two years ago. Too close for comfort.

Trailhead

Parked in the neighborhood that started off as the Manana ahupua’a which was turned into pineapple fields and evolved into the residential neighborhood as it exists today. Solitary hike today as the usual suspects had other plans on the platter.

Manana Trail

Hiked the 5.5 miles of the ungraded ridge trail that was seemingly comprised of endless humps and knobs as the darkness slowly began to be erased by the increasing illumination of the sunrise.

Manana Summit

Arrived at the 2,660′ dew soaked summit to be met by a wall of whiteout. Expect nothing. Get nothing. Turned right on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains to continue my hike in the clouds.

Eleao Meadows

Passing through the wind swept grassy area that we had once foolishly camped overnight. Needless to say, we did not enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Followed the fence line until the gate breached it and allowed me passage down the hill to regain the ridge line.

KSRT

I soon caught a break as airflow, temperature and moisture intersected to provide a window into the valley views.

KSRT

Passing the large landslide as I descended towards the saddle and the reflective sign that marked the 2,160′ summit of Waimano.

Waimano Summit

Photo of myself with the background of Waihe’e Valley bordered between Kalahaku Teeth and Eleao Windward. I contemplated going down Waimano Trail as the mud soaked trail, intermittent rain showers and overgrowth from Manana was trying to tell me something. However, I had barely scratched the morning and was hard of hearing, so I decided to press forward on the trail.

KSRT

Scrambling out of the saddle, I looked back to see the seven mile graded trail beckoning to me. I was also myopic.

KSRT

Traversing over the stretch of cardio hills and false summits that was aggravated by overgrowth that gave me unwanted acupuncture treatments many times over and mud slicked trails that resulted in my hands cramping for the first time ever as I had to compensate for the loss of traction by disproportionately using more of my upper body strength climbing up the multiple hills. Just falling victim to Father Time.

Waimalu Meadows

Climbing up the spongy hill as I made my way out of the neither mythical nor magical meadows today.

KSRT

Working my way in and out of the clouds.

KSRT

Pitter patter of rain that soon turned into a wet mess that was sandwiched between a downpour and torrential rain.

KSRT

The trail that kept giving.

Aiea Summit

I reached the 2,805′ summit shortly after dark. My dreams were dashed of finishing the hike when the sun was still out. Time to make new dreams.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Going down the gem of a ridge as described by Stuart Ball, I have never felt more exhausted by a trail as today. I felt like cowboy camping on the lower parts of the trail. The only thing that stopped me was a streak of stubbornness and the fact that I was saturated and soaked head to toe.

All pau

My 14.02 mile hike that didn’t turn out as well as I expected tested me to my limits today. Many thanks to Kenny and Akira who met me at the deserted road where a neighbor couldn’t believe that I had finished hiking at this ungodly hour. Thanks to Kenny who drove me home and saved me from a potential accident on the road and Chico who drove me the next morning to collect my vehicle.

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 had a vacation day to burn off so I spent it in the mountains.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Checked into the gated neighborhood that came into its own in the 1980s, this entire ridge was once home to Wiliwili trees that are now replaced by upscale homes.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Going up the stairs that were collecting mud puddles, missing the swing that used to be at the base of the stairs, until the powers that be dictated that was not safe and too much fun.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Standing underneath the power lines buzzing at a higher audible level due to the humidity in the air.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Looking back at the valley views.

Wiliwilinui Trail

I don’t think that is the regular gate. That is why we can’t have nice things.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Gained the first summit of the day at 2,480′ elevation with sweeping views.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Threading my way up the row of power line poles that were crackling due to the corona discharge.

Kulepeamoa Summit

No flapping chickens or papaya trees around. Getting hungry.

KSRT

Climbing up to the summit of True Lanipo, where pipe dreams go to die.

Pu’u Kainawa’aunui

The clouds soon erased any views upon reaching the fourth summit, leaving me to hike in a soupy fog.

KSRT

Glad I’m going down the BFH (Big F*cking Hill) this time around.

KSRT

The clouds wrapping around the tuff cone gave it a postcard picture effect.

Ka’au Crater

Standing at the “top” of the tuff cone that was created in Hawaiian legend when Maui’s fishhook snapped and landed in Palolo Valley and created the marsh filled crater.

KSRT

Pushing up to my last big climb of the day towards Mount Olympus.

Awa’awaloa Summit

My last summit of the day before I headed back down. The true summit is actually a little further up, but for all intents and purposes, this will suffice.

Wa’ahila Ridge

Running down the rutted section of the trail that separates Palolo and Manoa Valleys.

Wa’ahila Ridge

Manoa valley views where I soon crossed paths with the only other hiker I saw the whole day.

Wa’ahila Ridge

Took the junction which was the faster way down to the valley.

Kolowalu Trail

Enjoying the forest views and going down the slippery roots and rocks.

All pau

Five hours and fifty minute later, I found myself back in civilization. Thanks to Kenny for picking me up, stopping at Paradise Park to wash off and driving me back to my car. Post hike meal was tossing down some Taco Bell on the way home.

GPS Tracks

My vacay day turned hike clocked in at 6.74 miles where the weather was surprisingly kind as winds only buffeted me on the ridge and the heavens sparingly sprinkled me with water. Not a bad day to get in some cardio and mountain views.

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 time to hit up the mountains one last time before our trip to Europe. Why not make it a saddle hike?

Route 63

Thanks to Aileen’s friend, Kenny and Tessa for dropping us off on the side of the highway named after King David Kalakaua’s sister.

Kalihi Valley

Making our way up the short and steep trail used by HECO workers to service the powerline poles at the top.

Kalihi Saddle

Trade winds greeted us at the top which was a welcome relief from the oppressive humidity that existed in the land of the wallabies.

Camp Centipede

Glad no predatory arthropods came out to greet us.

Camp Centipede

Duct tape can fix anything.

Kalihi Saddle

We contoured around the knob as we set foot on the trail.

Kalihi Saddle

Threading our way on the narrow ridge line bordered by thick overgrowth on the Leeward side and sheer drops on the Windward side.

Witch’s Hat

The group climbing up using a mixture of grass, branches and old suspect webbing.

Witch’s Hat

Val watching Aileen scramble her way up the conical shaped peak.

Witch’s Hat

The group climbing down from the other side.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling and scooting on the space deficient ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Andy was probably muttering “Den Gipfel erreichen.”

Kalihi Saddle

Val scrambling up the fractured rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Akira sprinting across one of many narrow stretches. No fear.

The Hump

Are we humping the mountain or is the mountain humping us? I think it’s the latter.

Kalihi Saddle

The group traversing over the rolling and restricted ridge line.

Tabletop

Andy trying to secure reservations or just a good handhold.

Tabletop

The rest of the group clambering over the oddly placed rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Hanging on by a very thin sliver of crumbly rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Val wasted no time on this narrow of narrow sections, not a good place to dawdle.

Rock Triangle #1

Climbing up on the Windward side of this rockface where I dislodged a good sized rock that plummeted down to the valley floor that gave somebody a panic attack.

Rock Triangle #1

Somebody was determined not to duplicate and pass on my anxiety inducing attacks.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Aileen making her way around the overhanging ledge.

Rock Triangle #2

The rest of the group waiting for their turn to go up the second rockface. Which begs the question, is it better to go first, middle or last?

Rock Triangle #2

Jeremy using his USMC background to climb this very surmountable obstacle.

Kalihi Saddle

Passing over the area where a broken webbing was one of two witnesses to a hiker that fell two years ago from this same spot. A story best told after everybody has left the area.

Broken Wave

Scrambling my way up the trail of raining rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

The group preparing to leave the ridge line and plunge into heavy overgrowth.

Dirty Slide

Can you see the hikers for the overgrowth? The passing rain shower didn’t help as well.

Kalihi Saddle

Everybody had to eat their Wheaties in order to make the exhausting climb up the flank to regain the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Roger contouring his way around the slippery slope.

Kalihi Saddle

No rest for the weary.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way up the dirt ribbon of a ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody said this was the hardest part of the saddle. Could it be a former member of the military branch that was established in 1775?

Kalihi Saddle

We left behind the “technical” and “sketchy” sections of the saddle to continue our hike on typical KST ridge lines filled with multiple false peaks.

Bowman Summit

Group photo at the cleared 2,740′ summit. Views all around. Lunchtime.

Ko’olau Summit RIdge Line (KSRT)

We left the saddle behind us as we resumed our hike on the dormant fragmented shield volcano. Yes dormant.

Tripler Summit

Our last summit photo with wrap around views of the Windward coastline.

Tripler Ridge

The group exiting the KST.

Tripler Ridge

Aileen “Jackson Chameleon Whisperer” Agustin discovered a rather plump looking invasive lizard which were originally imported from Africa in 1972 as stocks for a pet shop. Then they were intentionally set loose and the rest is history.

Tripler Ridge

The group preparing to descend down a spur ridge into the valley.

End of the Road Trail

The three horned male version of the invasive lizard that eats native insects, spiders, and snails.

All pau

We soon dropped off the ridge and plunged into head high ginger plants and California grass. The overgrown trail eventually became a rather cleared road where we met Kenny and the collective group walked out of the valley and back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our introductory saddle hike for some covered 6.43 miles, mileage may vary depending on whom you ask. Solid day with a great group that helped each other out on what many hikers consider as the “hardest” section of the KST to complete. Post hike meal venue was supposed to have been at Alley Restaurant, as somebody was pushing for their chocolate desserts. Excessive wait time forced us to consider Mexican. Closed. Chicken. No. We all then drove to Pearlridge Center to eat at Big City Diner where Aida, Kenny and Tessa joined us.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Andreas Wiegand, Jeremy Cannone, Roger Schiffman, Val Wang 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.

Throwback. The mountains were calling and we must go. Or was that Heaven? Hope it wasn’t the other dark and dank place.

Moanalua Valley

We all met up in the valley that was once owned by Samuel Mills Damon who inherited it from Bernice Pauahi Bishop in 1884. The C&C employee promptly opened the gates to the park at 0700. Mahalo.

Kamananui Valley Road Trail

Crossing over one of seven bridges built to accommodate the horse drawn carriages of the Damon family back in the day.

Kamananui Valley Road Trail

Kenny checking out the “stone of the old woman.” This boulder carved with petroglyphs stopped the H3 construction in its tracks. It was of course re-routed through Halawa Valley at an insane cost of $1.3 billion and took 37 years from planning to completion in 1997. The current Skyline will easily exceed the time and money spent.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Plunging into the trail intersected with 28 stream crossings and tangled thickets of hau branches.

Kulana’ahane Trail

One of multiple stream crossings.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Short and sweet cardio climb up the spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Summit

We caught up with Jace, Allie and Samuel at the terminus who had mistakenly taken the wrong ridge to their destination. Saddle. Ridge. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Moanalua Saddle

Our group remained the same in numbers, but the composition was slightly different as Jace replaced Kenny in the group.

Moanalua Saddle

Jeremy climbing up the direct path as he upheld the three core values of the Corps. Courage, Commitment and Honor. Semper Fi. Besides, he didn’t want to hear those motivating words from Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. “Are you quitting on me? Well, are you? Then quit, you slimy fucking walrus-looking piece of shit! Get the fuck off of my obstacle! Get the fuck down off of my obstacle! NOW! MOVE IT! Or I’m going to rip your balls off, so you cannot contaminate the rest of the world! I will motivate you, Pvt. Pyle, EVEN IF IT SHORT-DICKS EVERY CANNIBAL ON THE CONGO!”

Moanalua Saddle

Deborah electing to take the Leeward contour. She wasn’t in the military.

Moanalua Saddle

The group clinging on the Windward side.

Moanalua Saddle

Regaining the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way towards the triangular shaped obstacle that lay in our path.

Dirt Triangle

Contoured on the right to climb the flank of the cliff while keeping our footholds and handholds firm to avoid sliding down the hill.

Dirt Triangle

One at a time. Falling rocks for everybody behind. Climbing helmets optional.

Dirt Triangle

Deborah pulling herself up, one step at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing over small rocks to get to bigger rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Slow and steady will get you across the finish line.

Moanalua Saddle

A curious helicopter with no markings buzzed us briefly and peeled off as the weather conditions worsened.

Moanalua Saddle

This was probably the most fractured and crumbly section of the saddle. Every visit shows a different character of the saddle as it constantly changes due to weather and traffic.

Moanalua Saddle

Now that we didn’t have any aerial gawkers, we could safely concentrate on climbing up this near vertical section.

Moanalua Saddle

Deborah slowly making her way up on the crumbly rocks, checking it twice, gonna found out which rocks are naughty and nice.

Moanalua Saddle

Six faces of determination. One even had a good sized rock fall in his lap. More determination.

Moanalua Saddle

All the “technical” sections were behind us. Just had to look forward to hiking in the rain.

Moanalua Saddle

We decided to have a quick bite to eat at the first landing.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the ladder to see first hand the results of the “Brazilian wax” that stripped most of the metal from the ‘aina.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down to the second landing. Back in the day, each landing had an A-frame that in total hung five suspended antenna cables across the amphitheater shaped valley that was used by the US Navy to communicate with far flung ships and submarines in the Pacific.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching the CCL building that was built to house emergency communication back-up for the ground communications link during WW2. The twin microwave antennas on top of the building were installed after the war ended, for use by the US Air Force and later the US Coast Guard.

CCL Building

Group photo at the terminus for the storied 3,922 steps, count is actually less as people have stripped some of them for souvenirs, that make up the Stairway to Heaven. You can thank Bill Adams and Louis Otto who climbed the seemingly insurmountable cliffs in two weeks to lay the foundation for the original wooden Haiku Ladder in 1942. The fate of the stairs is tied up in the courts as FHS and the City both have opposing agendas.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

We left the summit of Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe to continue our traverse on the muddy ridge line.

KSRT

Leaving the defunct radar station in the clouds and rain.

KSRT

Passing multiple sets of power line towers that transfer power from East to Windward.

Kaho’omoe’ihikapulani

Last group photo of the day at the summit most commonly referred to as Tripler, for obvious reasons.

Tripler Ridge

We left the 2,706′ peak and the clouds and rain as sunshine and other company soon greeted us on the trail.

Tripler Ridge

Going off the ridge and descending down the “End of Valley” trail. There used to be a green HTMC sign that marked the junction, now the only visual reminder is a weathered rope. Perhaps a victim of weather or scavengers.

Moanalua Valley

Hitting the valley floor that is initially covered in head high ginger plants and California grass.

Moanalua Valley

We soon met up with a patient Kenny who had been waiting for us at the Kulana’ahane Junction and we walked out the long road together.

All pau

Our day in the mountains covered 10.66 miles through inclement and sunny weather made bearable by hearty company. Post hike meal at Wendy’s so that the carnivores could join us. One to eat and one to socialize.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Deborah Tom, Jace Quinata, Jeremy Cannone, Kenny Lui, Scott Peterson, 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.

Strong winds scattered our original saddle plans today and blew us to another part of the mountains. Thanks to Chico for dropping and picking us up.

Hahaione

Mahalo to Kenny and Roger for shuttling us to our new starting point for today. What started out as a chilly morning quickly turned oppressively humid.

Hahaione

We went “exploring” and Alexis twisted her ankle on the return trip back. She slapped Scott’s compression sleeve on her stretched ligaments and was back on her feet.

Hahaione

Making our way to the fence line. The correct fence line.

Hahaione

Jeremy pulling himself up as we scrambled our way to the spur ridge line.

Hahaione

It was a huff and puff cardio climb towards the top.

Hahaione

We were within spitting distance of the summit. Then again, with the strong winds blowing, it might have ended up back in our faces.

Hahaione

Sitting life on the edge while overlooking the valley that used to be home to fishponds and sweet potatoes before contact with Europeans. Too risky standing.

Hahaione Summit

Group photo at the summit that was being actively cooled by extremely strong trade winds.

Hahaione Summit

The point of no return. Who will you listen to? Choose carefully.

Hahaione Pyramid

Descending down the direct way.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Back on solid footing with the background rock structure that bears a passing resemblance to a triangular shape.

KSRT

Our office view today.

KSRT

Climbing our way towards the second summit on the trail.

KSRT

Alexis and Kenny testing their handholds and footholds as they near the top.

KSRT

What’s for lunch? Red miso soup with rice and ontama. Thank you Chef Suzuki.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Group photo on Kaluanui Summit, the place that Kamehameha Schools would like you to forget, as they shut down the trail back in 2013.

KSRT

Our bellies full and with the wind at our back and in our faces, we resumed our hike.

KSRT

Scott and Roger catching up with the group as they were looking for Roger’s phone that had slipped out of his case on the trail. No need to use the phone insurance for a second time.

KSRT

Akira soaking in the views.

KSRT

Climbing down the cliff with … a printer cable? The things you find on hiking trails.

KSRT

Leaving the canopied trail behind us as we struck out on the exposed ridge line.

KSRT

Alexis and Roger framed by the power lines as they made their way down.

Tom-Tom Summit

Seeking scant shade at the terminus that was named after Tom McGuire and Tom Cadle who rediscovered the old Hawaiian trail that started in Waimanalo and crested to the ridge line and beyond.

KSRT

Roaming through “open country.”

KSRT

Some took the climbing path, others took the contour trail. They both ended at the same destination.

KSRT

Taking a break after an exhausting fight against gravity on the pine needle covered trail.

Kamiloiki Summit

Brief stop to take our group photo at the summit with expansive Windward views. No time to camp today.

KSRT

We could see the road at the end of the tunnel, so to speak.

KSRT

Descending down the rocky saddle bordered by thin and coarse vegetation.

KSRT

What goes down, must come up.

KSRT

The face of determination. Hats off to Kenny for slowly working on his fear of heights.

KSRT

Making our way towards the active communications tower that was once neighbors to the infamous Dead Man’s Cat Walk.

KSRT

Working our way around one of the abandoned radar towers that used to control the Nike missile batteries down in Bellows Air Force Station from 1961-1970.

KSRT

When you mistakenly go on the inside and bypass the canned recording, you get to climb over one of Charles Barnard’s invention.

All pau

Enjoying the scenic walk down the road back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our Plan B hike that also helped Scott fill in one of his holes on his journey to complete the KST covered 4.85 miles with windy weather and fun company. Post hike meal at Tex808 BBQ where we just missed the live music.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Jeremy Cannone, Kenny Lui, Scott Peterson, 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.

Somebody was not ready to finish the KST today, but Roger was ready to take the open slot. You snooze, you lose.

Pali Lookout

Some drove, some carpooled and others got dropped off to start our hike this morning.

Pali Lookout

Quick, let’s take a group photo before the wind knocks the tripod over.

Pali Notches

Tackling the first of two man-made notches that were reputedly cut out of the mountains by Ka’iana of Kauai.

Pali Notches

The notches housed British canons that Kalanikupule, ruler of Oahu, had planned to use against the invading army of Kamehameha in 1795.

Pali Notches

Those original plans were thwarted when Kamehameha sent his scouts down from Konahuanui to take out the cannons.

Pali Notches

The last known sighting of Santa’s beard.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Checking out the Windward views and the planet’s rotation toward our heat furnace.

Sunrise

We didn’t have the erupting Kilauea vent to watch, but we had the spectacle of a fiery sunrise.

Nipple

Taking the direct route instead of the contour trail.

Nipple

Stacked and staggered.

Nipple

Akira climbing up the single rope that has replaced the previous web of ropes and webbing. Bravo to whoever did the replacement.

Chimney

Dragging my sushi belly up the slabs of rocks was especially taxing on this climb. Too much ono Japanese food from my recent vacation. Chico saw us off and turned around due to his wobbly equilibrium. We need Santa to show up on Christmas Day.

Chimney

CB testing his balance and his luck with the winds.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Scrambling up and around rocks of assorted sizes and stages of erosion.

Contour

Aileen making her way up the spot where Agnes Bryant fell roughly 300′ and lived to tell the tale on September 18, 2012 in the company of Laredo Muredo and Marvin Chandra. Something best to repeat after the section and not during the climb.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pushing ahead on the steady climb up the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group contouring around the boulder, in the not so distant past, the boulder would have been directly climbed.

Mud Wall

Going up the steep wall that time and traffic have changed the climbing profile to make it more user friendly.

Konahuanui

Approaching the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range where a trail runner soon turned around after finding out the trail conditions were less than hospitable.

Konahuanui

Group photo at the 3,150′ summit. Typical conditions. No views.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing between the cloud soaked Schweddy Balls.

K2

Nothing to see. Passing through.

KSRT

We dropped in elevation and left the two large testicles and the cloud canopy behind us.

KSRT

Hiking down the ridge line as the distinctive fluted flanks of the mountain popped into view.

Manoa Middle Summit

Group photo at the grassy clearing whose side trail leads down into Manoa Valley.

KSRT

Resuming our hike as we had places to go and people to meet.

KSRT

Climbing on the rocks, kicking tires and looking for that sedan model.

KSRT

Going up one of multiple hills to reach the summit of ‘Awa’awaloa or Mount Olympus.

Mount Olympus

Group photo at the stand-in summit that sits at an elevation of 2,486′.

Mount Olympus

The water droplets hanging in the clouds soon became heavy enough to fall on the mountains which forced our early departure from the sixth highest summit on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Ka’au Crater

We soon were looking over one of three tuff cones on the island, this particular one was tucked right against the mountain range and the crater was filled with a marsh that feeds the three waterfalls below it.

Ka’au Crater

Taking a breather after we climbed up the rutted trail and to the top of the ridge line.

KSRT

No rest for the weary. Another BFH was coming up. I’m pretty sure you can figure out what the acronym stands for.

KSRT

We definitely got our cardio workout for today. No question.

Pu’u Kainawa’aunui

Taking a well deserved break at the grassy summit.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Meanwhile, down in the gated community, the reception committee assembled while waiting for a certain individual that was working on her volcano reel. Luckily, there was an Uber hiker at work today.

True Lanipo

Giving up the pipe dream.

KSRT

Looking ahead to the last summit for today.

KSRT

Are we there yet?

Wiliwilinui Summit

Our arrival at the finish line where we waited for the rest of the group to make their way up to the top.

Wiliwilinui Summit

We spotted several mongoose at the top, descended from the original 72 invasive animals that were introduced to the islands in 1883 from Jamaica. They were introduced to control the rat problem that was plaguing the sugar industry. One small problem. Rats are active at night and mongoose are active during the day, and never the twain shall meet.

Wiliwilinui Summit

#25 – My traditional champagne dousing on the finisher. Congratulations to Roger on completing the last segment needed to finish the entire 52 miles of the Ko’olau Summit Trail that extends from Pupukea to Makapu’u.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Now they both have another thing in common, KST finishers.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Group photo at the 2,480′ summit along with the latest bag charm fad, Labubu.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Leaving the summit as we made our way down the 2.3 mile trail.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Something miraculous happened on the descent, as somebody seemed to have lost their fear of heights. Will wonders never cease. What’s next? The saddles?

All pau

We arrived at the parking lot, some changed, wiped and freshened up and then piled into the cars to take our leave.

GPS Tracks

Our memorable KST finish hike covered 7.58 miles with an awesome group and thanks to everybody that came out to help celebrate Roger’s finish. Post hike meal at Gyotaku, where the early bird specials only apply on weekdays. Congratulations again Roger on your KST finish!

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Allison Banks, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Jeremy Cannone, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Roger Schiffman, Susan Katz, 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.