I embarked on a solo hike rather late in the day. Thanks to Ani for dropping me off at the top of Aiea Heights.

Aiea Loop Trail

The trail was bustling with traffic since it was almost lunchtime.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Pushing through the heat and humidity on the trail. It would not last long.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back as I enjoyed my last views in the mountains before the clouds gobbled them up.

Aiea Summit

I gained the 2,805′ summit and had a bite to eat as there was nothing else to see at the top.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Passing through the fenced plant enclosure where I noticed parts of the fence was down, perhaps to allow access to the very plants that I have never seen or perhaps unable to identify?

Stairway to Hell

The stairs that have seen better days. I guess this must be hell, no views with mud galore and bone chilling wind whipping around me.

Red Hill Summit

Taking a load off my feet as all I could hear was the traffic coming down below from the H3 highway.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the easier side of the crumbly saddle as the clouds dissipated and the views returned.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Enjoying the scenic overlook.

Moanalua Valley

Descending down the spur ridge and into the valley covered with hau trees and countless stream crossings.

All pau

I think this was the first time that I have witnessed a wet floor sign on a wet trail. It almost made my day as I ended my 13 plus mile hike in the mountains as darkness fell in the valley and I blocked out the large sounding critter sounds emanating from the forest as I hurried back to my car.

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.