Back on the West side for another round of hiking.

Nanakuli

Thanks to Marilyn for dropping us off in the valley where they pretend to be deaf. Good, we won’t disturb them this morning.

Nanakuli

Webbing? We don’t need stinkin’ webbing. Well, at least for now.

Nanakuli

Climbing out of the ditch and onto the cattle trail.

Nanakuli

Passing through the landscape dominated by invasive kiawe trees.

Nanakuli

Pushing our way through head high invasive California grass. Where are the natives?

Nanakuli

We began the short and steep climb up towards the ridge line.

Nanakuli

Scrambling up the trail that I heard is popular with the local kids. Once we crested the ridge line, I noticed that my sunglasses that were perched on top of my cap must have been “snatched” by those pesky bushes coming up. Oh well. They were the cheap six dollar ones you buy at Ross.

Nanakuli

Thankfully Akira had recovered my sunglasses as he was coming up the flank of the ridge. Domo arigatou gozaimasu! I have my eye protection back!

Nanakuli

Climbing up the hardscrabble ridge marked with dry shrubs and rocks of assorted sizes and shapes punctuating the ground under our feet.

Nanakuli

Akira cresting a hump on the ridge with Nanakuli Valley in the background.

Nanakuli

Pushing through a patch of pine trees on the ridge.

Nanakuli

Following the spur ridge that will soon connect us to the Waianae Summit Trail.

Nanakuli

That’s why I love ridge hiking, the elevation and view gains, and the terrain changes that throws in some rock climbing here and there.

Nanakuli

Enjoying the scant shadow that offered a respite from the sweltering sun.

Nanakuli

Looking back at double views of Nanakuli and Lualualei Valleys.

Nanakuli

Scrambling up the eroded hill as we neared the top.

Palehua

Traversing the surprisingly well marked trail.

Palehua

Chico trying to figure out what purpose these government buildings serve. Fire watch towers?

Palehua

We navigated through the forest line and popped back out at the base of the communications tower that symbolically marks the start or finish of the Waianae Summit Trail (WST).

WST

Going up the stairs that leads us to the bamboo forest and beyond.

WST

Hiking through the forests of Palehua have been described as mystical, I would heartily agree as it’s steeped in history and legend.

WST

Just missing the fedora, leather jacket and bull whip.

WST

The tree huggers posing with the multiple trunked tree.

WST

Following the carved trail on the side of the cliff that would lead us through a gated fence and another grove of pine trees.

WST

Climbing through native plants and forest.

Palikea

Belated birthday hike for Akira with a spam musubi that was standing in for a cupcake.

Palikea

Group photo at the 3,098′ summit.

Palikea

Just missing the birds. The bee population in Hawaii and the country has been declining in alarming numbers. This should be of grave concern as they are one of the major pollinators for our food sources.

WST

Resuming our hike on the fenced trail.

WST

Burrowing our way through the dense and tangled mess of clidemia plants and uluhe ferns.

WST

This wouldn’t be the WST with at least one fence crossing.

WST

Working our way around a blowdown on the trail.

WST

“Swimming” our way through the sea of uluhe ferns.

WST

Akira admiring the central plain views and the strikingly clear profile of the entire Ko’olau Mountain Range.

WST

Going down the sleep slope while arresting our fall with the fence line.

WST

Contouring our way around the rocks and fence line.

WST

Going down a slippery slope. Unfortunately, it was the wrong one. Throw in another 25 minutes of extra cardio. Why not?

WST

Follow the one glove. It will never lead you astray.

WST

Traversing the emerald moss path.

WST

Approaching the steep cliff aka the highlight of the day.

WST

Who wants to go first?

Pohakea Pass

Descending down a “technical” climb is less desirable than ascending one.

Pohakea Pass

Akira making his way down.

Pohakea Pass

Watching gravity at work. Where is that guy that wanted to climb down this cliff? Oh yeah. He was watching his birds.

Pohakea Pass

Chico’s turn coming down. Since, there were only three in our group today, we didn’t have to wait that long for each person to make their climb down.

Pohakea Pass

Making our way back down to relatively “stable” ground.

Pohakea Pass

Nobody else wanted to climb on the rock to take a picture with the pass. Solo selfie it is.

WST

Making our way towards the junction in the forest that was dominated by pine trees.

WST

Our last group photo of the day as we got off the WST and made our way down the contour trail.

Kunia

Looking back at the the most difficult section on the WST. Until we meet again.

Kunia

We decided to see how cleared the trail was from start to finish.

Kunia

The overgrowth soon came back and claimed its first victim of the day. Man down.

Kunia

The trail soon intersected with the jeep road.

Kunia

Chico making friends on the trail.

All pau

Thanks to Matt for picking us up and congratulations on his promotion to E8. He also gave us a tour of his farm. Just missing a petting zoo. Our hike covered 6.45 miles with solid company. Post hike meal at Julie’z where Marilyn, Matt and Tessa also joined us. Should’ve stuck with the first choice of Thelma’s. Stewing chicken in the Chicken Papaya is just not cutting it anymore.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, 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.

It was time for a certain individual to tackle one of her biggest challenges in the mountains to date, with a little help from her friends today.

Kunia

Somebody had time to snap a picture of the fiery sunrise over Ke Awa Lau O Pu’uloa (Pearl Harbor) and Le’ahi (Diamond Head).

Kunia

We all met up, eventually, at the trailhead to start our hike deep in farm country.

Honouliuli Contour Trail

Stepping foot on the trail that actually spans from Kolekole Pass to Makakilo. We were just going to taste a piece of it today. A very small piece.

Kunia

We soon left the wide open trail to plunge into the clump of itchy California grass.

Kunia

Climbing our way through the mixed forest.

Kunia

Noticeably absent from my last visit was the swarms of mosquitoes that had descended and made a feast out of us, but we were too busy scrambling our way up the hill anyway.

Kunia

We all soon took what we perceived as the path of least resistance to make it to the top.

Kunia

Matt explaining how he saw Chico dislodge two rocks the size of bowling balls that rolled towards Aida and Roger. Split. Not a strike.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We eventually joined up with the WST.

Pohakea Pass

Looking ahead to the 80′ crumbly cliff that loomed ahead of us.

Pohakea Pass

Matt climbing up to the base of the pass.

Pohakea Pass

Akira and Chico making their way to the base with a rainbow in the background. Just don’t send any rain showers our way.

Pohakea Pass

Climbing my way up.

Pohakea Pass

The group securing the webbing at the base.

Pohakea Pass

The only viable way to get Aida safely up the cliff was to have more than one person on the rope at one time. Falling rocks was another hazard.

Pohakea Pass

Matt and Chico guiding Aida up the pass.

Pohakea Pass

Dang! This is scary. Who said that?

Pohakea Pass

Chico hanging on the near vertical section of the pass.

Pohakea Pass

What? No running commentary in Japanese? Sonna koto nai desho

Pohakea Pass

Aida making the final climb to the top.

Pohakea Pass

The happy faces in ascending order.

Pohakea Pass

Our group safe and sound at the top. We can all take a deep breath and relax now.

Pohakea Pass

Scenic spot.

WST

Plunging into the mixed forest as we left the pass behind us.

WST

Walking on the spongy green moss. It was like Tempur-pedic for our feet.

WST

Matt working his way through the tree branches that were blocking our way.

WST

The slow and steady climb up the fenced hill.

WST

My koala patch must be working. No mosquitoes were bothering me today.

WST

“Swimming” our way through the sea of uluhe ferns.

WST

Aida taking in the view of the largest coastal valley on this side of the island.

WST

Traversing the tangled tree line.

WST

Looking out towards the ridge that ends at Heleakala, the Hawaiian pyramid.

WST

Matt taste testing what is non-potable water.

Palikea Summit

Steak, eggs and rice courtesy of Chef Suzuki.

Palikea Summit

Group photo at the 3,098′ summit marked by ti leaf plants. I noticed a lot of the summits are marked as such, as the leaves are believed to bring positive energy and purification and keep evil spirits away.

WST

Walking down the steps to an area that are rich in native fauna and flora.

WST

Echo. Echo.

WST

Passing through a grove of ironwood pine trees.

WST

Enjoying the sights on the trail. Look left.

WST

Looking out towards Nanakuli Valley, the name means to “look deaf” as in the old days, the valley was dry and didn’t lend itself well to planting crops so the locals were unable to offer food to passing travelers in the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality, so they pretended to not hear them and stayed indoors.

WST

Just missing the golden idol and the “The Raiders March” music.

WST

Walking up the trail carved out of the side of Mauna Kapu.

Palehua

A log bench with a stunning view of the West side.

Palehua

Group photo at the start or finish of the WST.

Palehua

The paved road down would have been too hard on our feet so we doubled back on the trail.

Palehua

Matt trying to plant the flag in the wrong direction.

WST

I think the tree hugger was trying to procreate another baby Groot.

Kunia

We left the well defined trail to traverse through a no defined trail as we made our way through the gully that was littered with fallen trees, rocks and clouds of mosquitoes.

Kunia

Are we out yet?

Honouliuli Contour Trail

Walking on the trail that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the US Military in the 1930s.

Honouliuli Contour Trail

The trail for the most part is unusable due to years of neglect, overgrowth, hurricanes and some parties would like to keep it that way as there are rare native plants that are best left undisturbed. Thankfully, the part where we had to walk was seemingly well trafficked and used by motorized vehicles as well.

Honouliuli Contour Trail

The Flyin’ Filipino not to be confused with Shane Victorino.

All pau

We all met back at our cars, took a look at another trailhead but didn’t have time to check out the farm that Matt grew. Next time.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 9.58 miles that had a brief adrenaline rush that finished with what seemed like endless miles walking on a jeep road that never seemed to end. Fun hike that was accomplished with teamwork where everybody had fun and came out safe and sound. Post hike meal at Julie’z as the first choice was closed. Food is food.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Jeremy Cannone, Matt Vidaurri, 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.

Organized another hike for another no-show. Well, the hike must go on. Mahalo to Mrs. Gill for allowing us to go up Palehua Road which shaved off a couple hours of our hiking time.

Palehua Road

Many thanks to Thomas for driving Art, Chris, Lilyn, Matt and myself up the road that is only 2.5 miles long but seemed twice as long.

Trailhead

Heading towards the towering communication towers that marks that start of the trail.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Matt walking through the bamboo forest.

WST

The trail below the hill has been severely eroded, but luckily has been shored up by the workers.

WST

Matt going through the stacked boulders that I like to call the “Indiana Jones Tunnel.”

WST

Lilyn finally got to see the tree that is plastered all over social media.

WST

Art going down the trail to Kunia that has been lost to the overgrowth.

WST

Contouring our way below the hill towards the cloud soaked grove of pine trees.

WST

Trying to identify endemics in this native rich section of the mountains. No Happy Face Spiders. No help from IG.

WST

Matt going up the iconic set of stairs in Palehua amidst the native rain forest.

WST

The group looking at the junction that takes one down to Heleakala ridge.

Palikea

There’s photobombing and then there’s photobombing on a different level. Thanks Matt!

WST

Making our way through the heavily wooded and overgrown trail.

WST

The group swimming their way down through the sea of uluhe ferns.

WST

Looking out over Pearl Harbor and the surrounding central plains.

WST

The group crossing through an exposed area before plunging back into the tree line.

WST

Going down the steep fence lined hill.

WST

The group controlling their descent down the pine needle covered hill.

WST

Looking down at the roughly 80′ climb. Made easier with the Christmas tree of webbings strung from the top.

Pohakea Pass

Checking out the holds and the webbing integrity as I climbed my way down.

Pohakea Pass

When orders get contradicted on the cliff during the climb down, compounded by the blowing wind.

Pohakea Pass

Art making his way down.

Pohakea Pass

Climbing down the crack. The one between your butt.

Pohakea Pass

Ate you go last. When that didn’t work, Chris came down last.

Pohakea Pass

Group photo at the bottom of the cliff.

WST

Trying to locate the trail that descends down towards Kunia. Our efforts were successful which warrants another trip back to this area.

WST

Matt stemming and climbing his way up the crack in the cliff.

WST

Sitting on the scenic rock while getting photobombed again.

WST

We didn’t see any Happy Face Spiders in the wild, but we did run across a Happy Face Joker, just in time for Halloween.

WST

Climbing down one of many rock obstacles on the ridge.

WST

Matt contouring and climbing his way around the tricky rock.

WST

The group climbing their way up one of the last rock obstacles on the trail.

WST

Chris looking back at the pass.

WST

The group having a deep discussion on where the terminus of our hike is located.

WST

Matt climbing over the fence line. Easy peasy. Just like the border crossings.

WST

Art sampling the local water supply.

WST

Following the fence line to the summit.

Pu’u Kaua

The group reaching the ti leaf marked grassy area.

Pu’u Kaua

The wind had died down enough for Matt to fly his drone to catch our group photo at the third highest peak in the island.

Pu’u Kaua

A 360 view of the 3,127′ summit.

Kaua Trail

Art going down the steep section leading down from the top.

Kaua Trail

Sliding down the leaf carpeted hill with the trees acting as our brakes.

Kaua Trail

Cat’s meow. Or does somebody smell a rat? Is it Christmas yet?

Kaua Trail

Sitting like a bump on a log while somebody wanted to pass.

Kaua Trail

Class reunion. Everybody looked pretty good for their age.

All pau

We climbed out of the hill to jump into Matt’s truck and picked up our cars at the top of Makakilo Drive. Fun hike through the Waianae Mountain Range that also connected the dots for Chris’s #4 and my #9 finish for the WST.

Post hike meal at Julie’z in Kapolei. Family style eating that ended with with a bunch of public school graduates deciding how to split the check at the end.

Photos taken by Art Young, Chris Bautista, Lilyn Avendano, Matt Vidaurri, 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.

Met up with Bill, Lilyn and Shirley to spend Easter in the mountains this weekend.

Kunia

Thanks to Jalen who dropped us off and wished us well on our “painful” hike, how did he know?

Sunflower field

Grow them and they will come. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kunia

Heading towards the tree line. We missed it by that much. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kunia

Making our way up the short and stiff spur ridge.

Kunia

The trail was a marked departure from the last time I hiked it three years ago, as some folks had cleared the overgrowth and marked the trail. We also found somebody’s stash of chemical leached bottled water. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hono’uli’uli Contour Trail

We soon met up with the firebreak road that contours on the Windward side of the Waianae Mountain Range. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Hono’uli’uli Contour Trail

Leaving the trail that spans from Kolekole Pass to Palehua Road.

Kunia

Following the trail which soon dipped into a saddle.

Kunia

Looking back into the Kunia farm lands as we gained elevation in the mountains. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kunia

Lilyn climbing out of the saddle and up to the WST.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Stepping foot on the eroded remains of an ancient shield volcano. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Looking back as the rest of the crew emerged from the spur trail.

WST

We topped out on the ridge line just shy of Pu’u Kanehoa to be met by stiff winds and spectacular views wherever we cast our wandering eyes. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

The only sheltered spot on the ridge line from the gusting winds that dropped the air temperature and discouraged some from continuing the hike. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Photo of our group before we dwindled down to a pair of hikers.

WST

Bill and Shirley decided to explore the sheltered trails at lower elevations. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Dropping down the side of the rock face. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Two dots on the ridge line. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

WST

Lilyn making her way on the exposed ridge line buffeted by the strong winds. Nature’s air conditioning.

WST

Ready to plunge into the forested spot of the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Breaking out of the forest and back onto the exposed ridge line.

Gorilla Heads

Meeting up with the first pair of obstacles. One small and one big. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Gorilla Heads

Lilyn working her way up the smaller rock face.

Gorilla Heads

Climbing up the bigger head. Webbing optional. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Gorilla Heads

Lilyn climbing up while trying not to lose her Chicago Cubs hat. No mean feat by itself in these windy conditions.

Gorilla Heads

Going down the backside. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Gorilla Heads

Lilyn looking for her next foothold or spot.

Gorilla Heads

Can you see the primate for the rocks? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Fence hopping. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Going up through the fence line that was interrupted by the rocky ridge line.

WST

Climbing up the fenced hill. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Lilyn overlooking the Gorilla Heads.

WST

We resumed our hilly climb to be briefly interrupted by several nasty patches of uluhe overgrowth before reaching the third highest peak.

Pu’u Kaua

Photo from the remarkably cleared 3,127′ summit.

WST

Leaving the summit and following the fence line where some spots of the trail were littered with non-potable water jugs and barrels.

WST

Enjoying the central plains view. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

We soon left the fence line behind us and started our program of rock climbing. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Lilyn angling her way down one of the rock climbs.

WST

Low center of gravity. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

High center of gravity.

WST

Lilyn contouring her way down the short and steep climb.

WST

Going down a short drop. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pohakea Pass

It was butterfly time as we made our way towards the imposing 80′ crumbly cliff. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pohakea Pass

Lilyn climbing up towards the base of the pass using ropes that have seen better days.

Pohakea Pass

Climbing straight up, always mindful of the chossy rocks. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pohakea Pass

Like somebody said, pictures do not do this climb justice.

Pohakea Pass

We both passed the pass.

WST

Lilyn scrambling back up the ridge line, thinking all the hard stuff was behind us. Think again.

WST

So far, so good.

WST

Enjoying the windy views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

Pushing up the last big hill. Promise?

WST

We had to jump the fence line multiple times to stay on trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

WST

The suffocating uluhe overgrowth and the seemingly never ending false peaks were exhausting and irritating. This was the hardest section according to the backseat hiker. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Heleakala

Looking at our original exit route which got tossed out due to lack of time. I also switched my music from headset to speaker to serve as a pseudo-navigational aid, as the overgrowth and multiple trails were a tad confusing. It also helped to drown out the broken record. I didn’t know record players could work in the mountains.

Palikea

Happy Easter from the 3,098′ ti leaf summit where I marked my sixth time finishing the WST.

Palehua

Crossing through forest land teeming with native fauna and flora.

Palehua

Keeping the feral ungulates out but the two legged primates in. Or something like that. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Palehua

Leaving the pine tree forest behind us as we enjoyed central and town views on our way out.

Palehua

Rolling through the Indiana Jones boulder tunnel. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Palehua

End of the trail for us but the beginning of the long ass road that winded down to Makakilo.

Palehua Road

Pounding the pavement as several cars passed us on the road, all failing to follow protocol.

All pau

Hit the road, Jack. And don’t you come back. No more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the road, Jack. And don’t you come back no more. A more lyrical interpretation of the greeting we received at the end of the road. Thanks to Bill and Shirley for picking us up and giving us cold carbonated beverages. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

GPS Tracks

Our 12 plus mile covered the hardest climbing section of the WST, made even more taxing by the annoying overgrowth. Post hike meal at McDonald’s where we locked our doors for peace of mind as we ate our cholesterol drenched food.

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

I joined Matt for a hike in his backyard today.

Trailhead

Nobody else showed up at the appointed time, so we pushed off into the farmlands.

Swing

Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that give you the most happiness. But this is not one of them. LOL.

Kunia

Going up the trail littered with forest detritus.

Honouliuli Contour Trail

Briefly setting foot on the graded trail …

Spur Ridge

… before heading up the spur ridge.

Scenic spot

Looking through the forest canopy across Wahiawa to the lagoon harbor and the iconic symbol of Hawaii.

Saddle

Battling the overgrowth as we descended to the low point on the ridge.

Uluhell

What hike in Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without the clawing and scratching staghorn ferns?

Destination

We could see the mountain for the overgrowth.

Two-Minute Mark

No turning back now.

Spur Ridge

A short scramble was all that separated us from …

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

… the washed out area just shy of the summit of Kanehoa.

WST

Matt decided to keep me company on the way to Kolekole Pass.

WST

Looking back at missed opportunities.

WST

Did we miss the trail?

WST

Matt contouring his way around the ridge line.

WST

Looking back at the exposed grey rock edifice sticking out like a sore thumb amidst all the green overgrowth.

WST

Following the fence line. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

A-OK

No complaining back here.

WST

Fences for daze. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

WST

Passing showers, not enough to melt.

WST

Clouds on the left and windmills on the right. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

Lualualei Valley

Looking back at the largest coastal plain that also has the tallest man made structures as well.

Pu’u Hapapa

Standing on the 2,883′ squared summit.

Washout

The quickest but highly not recommended way down to Wahiawa. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

Hapapa Trail

I always particularly liked the panoramic vista that this approach offered when dropping down from Pu’u Hapapa. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

Hapapa Trail

Matt making his way down the ridge.

Notch

Climbing down the shallower and smaller cut in the ridge. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

Notch

Matt making his way down the deeper and bigger incision in the ridge.

The Gap

Feeling small, insignificant and full of wonder.

Hapapa Trail

Matt coming down the corridor of paperbark trees.

Hapapa Trail

Overlooking the ridges, valleys and coastline.

Meadows

Soaking in the views one last time. Photo by Matt Sorenson.

Kolekole Pass Stone

Dead tired. Don’t take it literally.

Instafamous

“You’re Matt? I follow you on IG!”

All pau

Our hike through the Waianae Mountains covered 5.4 miles through rugged terrain and raw scenery. Thanks again to Matt for showing me his “backyard.” Shout out to Mia for picking us up at the lowest point in the mountain range. Post hike meal at Popeye’s Chicken.

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.

Met up with Analyn, Anne, Chris, Cisco and Ferlino to labor our way in the mountains this weekend. Thanks to Jasmin for waking up at an ungodly hour to drop us off.

Trailhead

Walking in the footsteps of the trains that once circled this part of the island.

Ridge

Making our way up the rocky ridge line.

ArtByEoin

The pill boxes have eyes. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kaena Point

Is it time to use the red light or the white light?

Golf ball

Too early for tee time. Photo by Chris Bautista

Sunrise

Silhouetted against the morning sky. Photo by Anne Fai.

Grazing

Nothing to see here. Mooove along.

Blue Flash

We were able to capture her in slow motion due to the absence of motorized vehicles. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kuaokala Trail

Leaving the road behind us.

Kuaokala Trail

Chris looking out at the Waianae coastline.

BSA 162

Sun out. Sunscreen on. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Guava Tree

Branch to mouth. No middleman here.

Kuaokala Trail

Enjoying the broad and flat jeep road while we can. Photo by Chris Bautista

Kuaokala Trail

Looking out from the tree lined trail. Photo by Chris Bautista

Shark Fin

We put our packs down for photoshoot #1.

Kuaokala Forest Reserve

Looking across the tree topped ridge lines. Photo by Anne Fai

Kuaokala Trail

Stepping down the eroded rocky section.

Kuaokala Trail

Back on the jeep road, with a communications tower seen in the distance. We have four bars.

Kuaokala Trail

Chris taking a nap on the trail. We have four zzzz’s.

Makua Rim

Looking into the historic valley that has yet to be scrubbed free from her military scarring.

Pahole

Entering 685 acres of protected native fauna and flora.

Not potable

Break time. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Makua Valley

Trying to get the synchronization down for photoshoot #2. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Back to our regularly scheduled program of hiking.

Fruit Pickers

We came down the ridge hoping to pick some juicy Tangelos. Our stomachs were sorely disappointed.

Da Glove

The KST has its boot and the WST has its glove. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Three Corners

Time to go from vertical to …

Three Corners

… horizontal. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Three Corners

Lunch break with views. Some of us were too tired to take in the views. One was never too tired for photoshoot #3. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ridge

Dropping down to the road that winds its way to the highest point on the island.

Fence

Swinging over the fence line. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Hairy Ball

Singular, not plural. What happens when you don’t clear the fence. Photo by Chris Bautista

Road Trip

The road was extremely punishing this time around. Frequent breaks were the order of the day.

Weeping Wall

Free water. Just bring your own bottles. Filter optional, but highly recommended. Photo by Chris Bautista

#78

The end of the very long road.

Mount Ka’ala

Setting up camp at the highest point on the island. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Ka’ala

Communal dining while Cisco and I snored the night away. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mount Ka’ala

Jumping for air at our 4,025′ camp spot. Our morning departure was slightly delayed by photoshoot #4. Photo by Chris Bautista

Ka’ala Bog

Stepping foot onto the boardwalk that winds it way through 1,100 acres of moss covered trees and native plants.

Ka’ala Bog

One can’t escape the mud in here, it’s inevitable.

Ka’ala Bog

One can’t seem to escape the fence line as well.

WST

Leaving the bog and heading down the muddy ridge.

Boulders

Slipping my way down the rocks. Photo by Chris Bautista

Boulders

Study in concentration. Hand there. Foot there.

Hammerhead Worm

“Landshark” bipalium searching for its prey. Photo by Anne Fai

Boulder

Put your backs into it and tell the photobomber to pitch in as well.

Get a shell

What? Take a picture, it’ll last longer.

WST

Back on the fence line. Photo by Anne Fai

Hobbs Junction

Melts in your mouth, not in your hands. I think its the other way around. Photo by Anne Fai

Trail hazard

The attack of the terrifying inch worm with its looping gait. Pull out the magnifying glasses for this one and use your earplugs.

WST

Climbing in and out of the gap. Photo by Chris Bautista

WST

Ferlino climbing up a short and steep rocky section.

Pu’u Kalena

Heavenly, as in the clouds, views at the second highest peak in the island. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

WST

We left the 3,504′ summit to go down the overgrown ridge that soon yielded to eroded patches of ridge line populated with pine trees.

WST

The smell of garlic shrimp seemed to be coming up from the valley or was it simply the collective stink of the group?

WST

We finally got a view. Better late than never. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Mountain views

Mount Ka’ala and Pu’u Kalena also cleared up for our viewing pleasures.

WST

We wrapped up photoshoot #5 and went down the spur ridge.

Scareface

Say hello to my little friend. Photo by Chris Bautista

WST

Going up the dike and … Photo by Analyn Baliscao

WST

… coming down from the dike. Photo by Analyn Baliscao

WST

We left the ridge and headed down towards the manmade pass that was blasted out of the mountains in the mid-1930s.

Pu’u Ka’ilio

Cisco looking at the crumbly pile of rocks that makes up the forbidden mountain.

WST

Watching the clouds lazily drift across the mountainous landscape as we made our way down.

Kolekole

Sliding our way down the raw and red terrain that lives up to its name. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

GI Joe

The lone surviving toy soldier. There could be other survivors out there.

Exit

We could smell the fried chicken and hear the carbonated soda fizzing or was I just hallucinating?

Kolekole Pass

Enjoying ice cold soda at the lowest point in the Waianae Mountains. Shout out to Matt for bringing us the refreshing beverages and Louisiana chicken.

Kolekole Pass

I guess red beans and rice can be explosive.

Kolekole Pass

Setting up camp and preparing for photoshoot #6. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri

Camp Kolekole

All the greatest American and Filipino hits were being sung tonight.

Camp Kolekole

The karaoke gang migrated to somebody’s tent to have her join in, but she was busy washing herself with the extra water.

Camp Kolekole

Our morning departure was once again slightly delayed by photoshoot #7.

WST

Heading up the densely packed tree lined trail.

Nature recycling

Going up the corridor of paperbark trees.

WST

Matt at the top of the trail before it dips back down into the notches.

WST

Taking in the views. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Looking back at the West side. The best side.

WST

Cisco climbing out of the notches.

Rorshach Test

Mother Nature has a good sense of humor or some peoples minds are in the gutter. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Cisco and Matt on their way to the summit of Hapapa.

WST

This spider web was not even catching the dew drops, let alone any appetizing bugs. Location, location, location. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Pu’u Hapapa

Group photo at the squared 2,883′ summit left to right: Ferlino, Cisco, Matt, myself, Anne, Chris and Analyn. We sat down for photoshoot #8.

WST

Leaving the fifth highest peak on the West side.

WST

Following the fence line through the ridge line.

Bon Appetit

Finger food. It goes down slowly. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Making our way down to the rock edifice that dominates and straddles the ridge line.

WST

Climb or contour? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla

WST

Protruding rocks provided temporary relief from the cloying overgrowth.

Pu’u Kanehoa

Time to fly the drone again for the last time and our final photoshoot of the hike.

WST

Headed towards the most overgrown section of the WST.

Nobody better lay a finger on my butterfinger. Oh, wrong candy bar.

It was still hard, even after three days. Somebody should go see a doctor. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

WST

Bushwhacking our way through overgrowth …

WST

… upon more overgrowth. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Climbing out of the overgrowth as the clouds started to roll in towards the mountains. Photo by Chris Bautista

Gorilla Heads

Making our way to the two obstacles known as Gorilla Heads or Kryangles. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

O Christmas Tree. 113 days left. Photo by Chris Bautista

Gorilla Heads

Chris going up the little head. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

Cisco at the top. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

Gorilla Heads

Chris dislodged a couple loose rocks climbing his way up the big head.

Gorilla Heads

The grey clouds started to dislodge rain upon us as made our way up.

Gorilla Heads

Ferlino bringing up the webbing on his way up.

Gorilla Heads

Matt climbing his way down the backside.

WST

Climbing our way up to the interrupted fence line.

Gorilla Heads

Looking back at the rain showers sweeping the Waianae Mountains.

WST

Matt muscled his way up the slick section of rocks and threw webbing down for the rest of us.

WST

Slippery when mossy.

WST

Contouring our way through the overgrowth as we avoided …

WST

… the old vertical fence trail. Photo by Matt Vidaurri

WST

Climbing up the near vertical fence as it cut a swatch through the tangled mess of uluhe ferns.

Pu’u Kaua

Time and weather were not on our side, so we made the difficult decision to descend from the 3,127′ summit.

Trail

Leaving the third highest peak on the island.

Trail

Clouds clearing over agricultural lands that are slowly being developed into farm lots, off-grid and often unregulated housing.

Trail

I should have brought my cardboard box, or at the very least my spikes. Photo by Anne Fai

Trail

Chris riding the timber log ride at Kunia’s Berry Farms.

Kunia

Dimming the lights as we walked down the road past the slowly growing trailer village filled with a chorus of barking dogs.

All pau

Our 26 mile three-day hike that was filled with laughs, great views and good company; came to an abbreviated end in the farmlands of Kunia. Thanks to Lee for picking us up and bringing chilled Coca-Cola. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. You can’t go wrong with oxtail soup, unless it’s too expensive and then you fall back to the Zip Mein.

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.

Our hike today was to reach the third highest peak on Oahu. The other two highest being Ka’ala and Kalena. All of them being in the Waianae Mountains.

Look both ways

We parked on the side of Kunia Road, past Hawaii Country Club. Others have tried parking in the farm to shorten the distance but had the unfortunate experience of finding their cars locked in.

Farm trail

No signs of any plantings or crops. Just grass. A grass farm?

Breaking sunlight

Looking back towards the Koolaus. Click here for the larger image.

Red dirt road

Follow the red dirt road to the mountain.

Another road

Heard of crop circles? How about crop rocks?

Which fork to take?

We took the left fork.

Guava season

Good trail snacks. Full of Vitamin C. The initial trail was also loaded with macadamia nuts and coffee beans.

Trailhead

Entering the Honouliuli Preserve. Brian plans to change his last name.

If a tree falls in a forest…

You might as well walk on it.

The fence

You can thank the good folks at the Oahu Army Natural Resource Program for installing these fences.

Leaves

Dried leaves carpeted the trail going up, making for less than ideal traction.

Dirt

No more leaves. For now.

Ferns

Just lots of ferns. At least they weren’t uluhe ferns.

Trees

Brian sitting in a tree. All he needed was a girl. The final push up to the summit was somewhat steep. All summit views make you work for it. Some harder than others.

Summit view

The view from 3,127′ did not disappoint. Click here for the larger image.

The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades

Looking out towards Lualualei Valley. Group photo left to right: Marvin, John, myself, Jose and Brian.

Town view

We could see all the way to Diamond Head.

Leeward view

The summit afforded 360 degree views of the island.

Going back down

After enjoying the stunning views, we headed back down the mountain. Sliding on the leaves and using the trees as brakes made our descent lickety split.

Farmers market

Walking out the road with a bag of guavas. What are we going to do when they ban plastic bags?

GPS Tracks

The hike up and down Pu’u Kaua was 6.22 miles. Post hike meal at Tacos & More in Waianae. Happy Hour is only for pretty girls and not dirty hikers. No sign of Makaha Gene.