I had planned to do a solo slog from Laie to Pupukea. Two things did not happen. The solo and the cross-over parts. But, misery loves company. Thanks to Scott for tagging along.

Laie Trail

Hiking along the trail that was created back in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was originally called the Wailele Trail.

Laie Trail

Walking high above the rutted and eroded dirt trail that only a dirt biker could love.

Laie Trail

Passing through the section of Cook Pines, these trees were introduced to Hawaii in the late 1800s and were part of the reforestation program due to overgrazing by introduced livestock, notable cattle. These trees are in no danger of dying out, as we saw the floor below the towering Araucaria columnaris were covered with young trees that can grow up to three feet per year and reach heights of up to 200′.

Laie Trail

Walking on the landslide that are found on all trails due to rainfall, erosion and gravity.

Laie Falls

No need to get wet, that will come in due time.

Laie Trail

Contouring our way next to the steep cliff and even steeper drop off to our left.

Laie Trail

Scott standing in one of three trenches that were dug during WW2, in the event of a Japanese land invasion, the Army had planned to blow up the trail, rendering it impassable to the invading army.

Laie Trail

We got within spitting distance of the foxhole that marks the summit when the weather turned from a pitter patter to pouring rain. Decided to give up the cross-over in torrential rain for a sunnier trip back down the trail.

Laie Trail

Never fails.

All pau

We ended our nearly 11 mile hike in sunny weather. Post hike meal at Papa Ole’s, a local favorite in the Hau’ula area. Scott had to wait for them to kill the cow before he got his plate lunch.

Photos taken by Scott Peterson and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

We decided to get wet in the mountains today. All wet. All day. Met up with Allison, Art, Cisco and Quan in the historical sanctuary for fugitives. Sort of fitting. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Making our way up the rutted trail that only a dirt biker can love. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Laie Trail

Light showers moisturized our bodies and the trail. Somebody asked about flash floods. Plan B? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Laie Trail

Entering the introduced pine tree forest that was planted to retard the erosion brought on by the introduced cows and pigs.

Trail

We soon left the trail and dropped down the steep flank of the ridge where our progress was thankfully slowed by the invasive strawberry guava trees.

Trail

Art descending down to the stream …

Kahawainui Stream

… that was covered in a tangled thicket of mangrove trees.

Kahawainui Stream

We had to contort our bodies to fit over, through and under the twisted and often rotting branches that were floored by slippery rocks. Did everybody stretch before the hike? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kahawainui Stream

Snap, Crackle and Pop. We’re not talking about breakfast cereal here. Treading on the often rotten branches could be more harmful to your health than a sugary bowl of morning goodness. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

Cisco going through a relatively “open” area of the “trail.” Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

Low clearance. Glad none of us were basketball players. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

Out of the woods. Not quite yet. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kahawainui Stream

It wasn’t pretty. But whatever works. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

Fighting against the current, just like migratory salmon. Except we’re not spawning, just hiking.

Kahawainui Stream

Quan going against the flow. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

Cisco preparing to climb up through some boulders.

Kahawainui Stream

Out of the stream and back into the water. Ice cold water. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

Human anchor pressed into service. My nickel rate must not be keeping up with inflation. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

All this running water. Bathroom break? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kahawainui Stream

Allison working her way up to the next waterfall.

Kahawainui Stream

What waterfall is this? Who’s counting? Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

Quan climbing her way to the top.

Kahawainui Stream

Can we climb that waterfall?

Kahawainui Stream

Perhaps not.

Kahawainui Stream

Rock hopping our way up the stream. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

The group deciding on which direction to wade through the pool of brown water.

Kahawainui Stream

Using the trees to pull ourselves up to go around the twin waterfalls. Photo by Art Young.

Forever 21

Happy belated Birthday Cisco!

Kahawainui Stream

Climbing up the side of the waterfall … Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kahawainui Stream

… that was a two-tiered fall.

Kahawainui Stream

Somebody wanted to take a bath in the ice cold water. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kahawainui Stream

It was wet, cold and exhausting trying to pull myself up this particular waterfall. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

So we decided to detour up and around the hill to bypass the fall. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

Going up another two-tiered waterfall. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kahawainui Stream

The group trying to stay dry as long as possible by avoiding the water on a waterfall hike.

Kahawainui Stream

Climbing up the moss slicked rocks. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

Watching the rest of the group climb their way up. Photo by Art Young.

Kahawainui Stream

Somebody really liked playing in the water. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kahawainui Stream

The waterfall that stopped us dead in our tracks. The flow was too strong to climb up and no place to be seen to detour.

Ridge

We decided to make like a tree and leave. Straight up bushwhacking on a uluhe infested spur ridge. Whose idea was this?

Ridge

Sucking pollen and dust in as we plowed our way through the interlocking and clawing ferns.

Ridge

We soon reached the top of the ridge line and after some crude wayfinding, we determined that the trail was below us somewhere. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Art dropped down to the trail and yelled out that the descent wasn’t that bad. Somebody was extremely glad to be back on a “real trail.”

All pau

Going back to our cars after our waterlogged hike. Fun day with good friends. Need to go back and finish the hike one day. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. Hot soup does a body good.

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.

It was time to help another friend complete the Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST). Photo by Art Young.

Trailhead

Thanks to Jasmin and for the gate being open which resulted in us being dropped off directly at the beginning of the trail. Tessa was answering the call of nature which resulted in her missing the call of Uber, so Ferlino double backed to pick her up to complete the group.

Laie Trail

Katie coming up the heavily eroded and rutted hills.

Laie Trail

Ferlino at the technical start of the trail.

Laie Trail

Going through one of multiple blowdowns that are peppered throughout the trail.

Laie Trail

Taking a break in the shade from the sweltering sun as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Laie Falls Junction

When the scare doesn’t go as planned. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Laie Trail

Ferlino showing his flexibility while holding a sharp blade. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Approaching the steep cliff on the trail. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Laie Trail

Katie making her way on the Windward side of the ridge.

Laie Summit

Art and Ferlino ascending towards the 2,240′ summit.

Summit shenanigans

Booty grab. Shake it like a salt shaker. Manipulate and articulate like a toy. Noon nap. Geocache.

Laie Summit

Group gyrations at the foxhole.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Lilyn showing us the way. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Passing underneath scattered native palm trees. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Enjoying the trail conditions while it lasted. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Bushwhackers at work on the trail. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Looking out towards the rugged Waianae Mountain Range. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

When the marker hits your olfactory senses before your visual senses. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maleakahana Junction

The wilted marker looks like it needs a dose of nature’s sildenafil.

KST

Contouring our way through the Northern mountains. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Tree huggers. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Picking our way on the trail that was littered with false holes and shin high branches.

Hawaiian Candy

Chris playing with his food. Somebody didn’t listen to their parents growing up. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Halfway there. Are we eating lunch in this mud? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Lunch time

Trying to keep most of the noodles in the cup and less on the back pack. Not very successful, I might add. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Back to our regularly scheduled program of bushwhacking. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Taking nature’s eye test.

First aid

Despite staying away from sharp objects, somebody still got cut. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Tessa testing out nature’s cushion. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Katie pushing her way through the almost constant overgrowth on the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Lilyn looking towards the heavens to ask if we are almost there. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Make way for the pinay with the machete! Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pu’u Hina

Group photo at the northernmost summit on the KST, left to right: Lilyn, Quan, myself, Ferlino, Katie, Art, Tessa and Chris.

KST

I want a picture too! All downhill from the 1,860′ summit. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Are we there yet?

We met Aida coming down the trail as Lilyn did a head count. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Black Junction

Pushing to the finish line where one cold can of Coke and a haku lei awaited. No pushing allowed. Dale, Jennifer and Narissa and two dogs, one that was somewhat over friendly were waiting for us at the sign that marked the end of the KST. I did my traditional celebratory champagne pouring after being coached into an abbreviated congratulatory speech to Katie for completing all the segments that make up the entire Ko’olau Summit Trail. Props to her for joining the KST club and finishing a major hiking accomplishment.

Black Junction

Group photo where not all eyeballs were focused on the same camera, left to right: Dale, Kamalani, Aida, Art, Lilyn, Tessa, myself, Hana, Katie, Jennifer, Petra (Facetime), Narissa, Ferlino, Quan and Chris.

Pupukea Trail

Art making his way out of the forest and back to civilization.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Where the trail meets the road. Expecting another champagne dousing? Limit one per customer.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Going down the road that never seems to end. Photo by Art Young.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Who let the dogs out? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Putting in extra cardio training with our dog trainer, Hana. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Aida shedding some light at the end of the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

All pau

#14. Congratulations again to Katie for finishing the entire Ko’olau Summit Trail which spans over 52 miles from Makapu’u to Pupukea. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

GPS Tracks

Our epic hike with good friends covered roughly 12.3 miles through the most overgrown and densely packed section of the KST, well some thought it wasn’t that bad. Post hike meal on the road sans the cannibal chickens, that included salt and vinegar chicken wings and chilled carbonated beverages. We topped it off with a side trip to McDonald’s to scarf down shakes, McFlurry’s and saimin. Hold the French fries. Thanks to Jasmin and Narissa for the rides back to our cars.

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 felt the need to be gouged, poked and scratched. A trip to the Northern Ko’olaus would take care of that.

Laie Trail

Exchanged morning pleasantries with a distant cousin of Mister Ed as I made my way to the trailhead.

Laie Trail

New sign. Same permit.

Laie Trail

Hiking through the eroded section that only dirt bikers can love.

Laie Trail

The proverbial recycling question, “Is the rubbish can half empty or half full?”

Laie Trail

Sunbeams perforating the clouds and illuminating the mountainous terrain.

Laie Trail

Passing through one of multiple gullies on the way up.

Laie Trail

Fire in the hole! I briefly flirted with the idea of climbing down into the trench, that was to have been filled with explosives to render the trail impassable to potential invading Japanese forces during WW2. The trench looked deep and it would have been embarrassing to be rescued from a hole of my own making.

Laie Trail

I can see the summit for the vog.

Laie Summit

Can you taste the difference at 2,240’? Sorry, Hawaii Volcanic Water, I could not discern any difference.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

I took my leave of the foxhole and dropped down to pick up the KST.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Rolling hills for days.

Malaekahana Junction

The glove that Chris left behind, as the original green sign is just a splinter of its former self.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Bushwhacking for days.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Panoramic view.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

All smiles. The halfway mark.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Can you see the trail for the hole?

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Back to bushwhacking.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Can you spot the geocache?

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Show me shade and I’ll show you moss.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Da slippah junction.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Colorful non-edible berries lined the fringes of the trail.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Survey says!

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

A relatively flat open area marked the start of the trail going down.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

I think more than the three little pigs have been here.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

No more bushwhacking. Can it be?

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

The Black Junction that marks the beginning of the KST. Or in my case, it was the end of the KST for me.

Pupukea Trail

The trail back down to Pupukea.

Pupukea Trail

Orchid flowers on the wide open highway going down.

Pupukea Trail

A fallen tree will gather a lot of moss.

Pupukea Trail

Where the trail meets the road. Looking for traffic both ways before I cross.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

I checked the water gage before crossing. Bone dry.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

The road that the military built to traverse from the North Shore to Wahiawa.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

A picnic shelter and here I am without any wine or cheese.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Looking at the windmills slowly pin wheeling in the distance.

All pau

The end of the trail were teeming with dog walkers. Shout out to Shirley for picking me up and even bringing my favorite carbonated beverage to slake my thirst.

GPS Tracks

The solo grinder through the most overgrown section of the KST covered a little over 15 miles and claimed my sunglasses and chapstick. Post hike meal at North Shore Tacos. One can eat a giant burrito without hiking. Will gastronomic wonders never cease.

Note: I have been made aware the 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 Chris, Derek, Ethan, Glenn, Huckett, Kristina, Stuart and Tina to take a walk where the country is still country. The rugged Northern Ko’olaus.

Trailhead

Have permits, will hike.

Laie Trail

The group making their way over the eroded trail section. A dirt biker’s paradise.

Laie Trail

The sun washing over the group coming up the dirt road. Photo by Derek Potter.

Laie Trail

Root level with the grove of Norfolk Pine Trees. The technical start of the trail. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Laie Trail

Glenn popping out of the corridor of strawberry guava trees and into the sunlight.

Laie Trail

We followed the graded ridge trail as the invasive forest slowly switched to mostly endemic forest.

Laie Trail

Crossing the Ko’olau Summit Trail to get to the top. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Laie Summit

Summit view at 2,240′ overlooking the town of Laie. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Laie Summit

Group photo at the foxhole, left to right: Ethan, Kristina, Stuart, Glenn, myself, Derek, Tina, Huckett and Chris.

KST

The summit air was chilly, so it was time to walk it off.

KST

A study in contrasts. Native loulu palm trees dotted the mountains, while invasive wind turbines populated the hills of Kahuku. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

KST

Crossing the bowl shaped depression to eventually meet up …

KST

… with the familiar fence.

KST

Looking back.

KST

Coming around the bend. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

KST

Mud up to your ankles was promised. And delivered. And then some. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Open country. Fenced country.

KST

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

Koloa Cabin

Cabin life. Boarded. Dental hygiene is the key to a happy mouth.

Koloa Cabin

Group photo at the cabin. Taking a photographic memory as the cabin log is gone, so we couldn’t leave any written memories behind.

KST

Picking up the trail from where we left off.

KST

Climbing into and out of a small notch. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Passing the rope that lead to somewhere. We were not going somewhere.

KST

The group crossing through a small meadow.

KST

The trail meandered to the Windward side …

KST

… and back to the Leeward side.

KST

Almost to the home stretch. But first, another stretch of mud. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

End to end views of the rugged Waianae Mountain Range.

KST

Almost there. See the fence?

Papali Junction

Group photo at the rubber slippah junction. Rumor has it that a certain king lost a pair in this same area.

Papali Ridge

Only two hours to the valley floor. Right Chris?

Papali Ridge

Just when Tina thought she left the mud all behind her. Think again. Knee deep mud.

Papali Ridge

Looking down the ridge. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Papali Ridge

The unabated fencing of the mountains continues.

Castle Falls

Just follow your ears.

Papali Ridge

When the fence becomes a ladder. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Castle Junction

Hold that gate.

Castle Trail

Passing clumps of mossy covered trees as we made our way down the trail.

Castle Trail

Leap of faith. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Castle Trail

The trail soon dumped us into the cold and clear waters of Kaluanui Stream.

Kaluanui Stream

Stream life. Washing. Drinking. Tenting. Eating.

Kaluanui Stream

Group photo at the stream that feeds Sacred Falls.

Kaluanui Stream

Tour helicopters buzzing overhead us. Nothing to see here. Fly along folks. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Castle Trail

Huckett passing through the notch. What notch?

Castle Trail

We all had to pause and soak in the stunning valley views. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Castle Trail

Looking back. See the notch?

Castle Trail

Making our way down the spur ridge that cut out most of the middle man switchbacks.

Castle Trail

So, that’s what they call it. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Castle Trail

Stuart making his down the mostly cleared trail.

Castle Trail

The detour stops here.

Castle Trail

Tina walking along the fern draped cliff.

Castle Trail

Avocado pickers, Chris and Derek, climbed and harvested a mountain souvenir for each of us. It was delish.

Castle Trail

Passing over a landslide area.

Castle Trail

Walking through a corridor of strawberry guava trees.

Castle Trail

What hike wouldn’t be complete without wading through a patch of uluhe ferns? Exactly.

Castle Trail

The long road out of the valley that was made short …

Castle Trail

… by a pick up truck. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

All pau

Thanks to the friendly farmer that gave us a lift out of the valley.

GPS Tracks

Our country hike covered 17.64 miles over some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain to be found in the mountains. Great grinder with a great group. Post hike meal at North Shore Tacos. Beats the run to the border any day.

Note: I have been made aware the 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.

Hurricane Lester chased us off the mountains and into some deep waterfalls this Labor Day Weekend. I had been talking to Scott earlier as the approaching mass of rotating storms had canceled both our three day weekend hikes. He agreed to show us the 18 waterfalls of Laie, as he had hiked the canyons multiple times. Three times to be exact. Met up with Ani, Chris, John, Scott, Shirley, Stuart, and Yoly at Laie.

Laie Trail

We all met at the ball field and looked up at the blue skies. What hurricane? The good news was that we wouldn’t be swept away in a flash flood in the confined canyons. The group pushed off a little behind schedule. Hawaiian time. At least somebody would be buying lunch. Right?

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Stuart, Scott, Yoly, myself, Shirley, Ani, John and Chris. Have permits, will hike.

Scrambling Hills

Hikers straight ahead. Dirt bikers to the right.

Laie Trail

The group going up the eroded section of the trail.

Laie Trail

Something new. Leave a bottle. Donate a nickel. Pretty sad when people can’t pack out what they pack in.

Laie Trail

Edible fungus? Shade for bugs. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Laie Trail

Panoramic view of the trail going up. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Strawberry guava

Trail snacks. Ripe for the picking. No spitting. No spreading. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Norfolk Pine Trees

Looking for the junction and the proverbial needle (pine tree) in the haystack (grove of pine trees).

Laie Trail

We couldn’t find the big tree amongst the other big trees, so we continued up the trail. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Laie Falls

Group photo at the junction. Now would be a good time to waterproof.

Laie Falls Trail

Headed down into Kahawainui Gulch.

Laie Falls Trail

We can hear water!

Waterfall #2

Some people just can’t sit still for long. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Waterfall #2

Shirley taking the dry way up.

Waterfall #1

Yoly already on the top. No more waterfalls ahead.

Waterfall #1

John taking the wet way up.

Waterfall #3

Time to go, as other hikers started to make their way down. Who’s in charge of counting the waterfalls? Shirley?

Waterfall #4

Too steep and slippery to climb down, time to contour.

Waterfall #4

Chris making his way down.

Waterfall #4

Looking back. Photo by John Caicedo.

Waterfall #5

Scott stepping his way down.

Waterfall #5

The water was cold. Ice cold. Well, at least refrigerator cold.

Waterfall #6

Time to break out the webbing.

Waterfall #6

Shirley making her way down.

Waterfall #6

What are you waiting for? Take the plunge. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Laie Falls Trail

Have life vest, will float.

Waterfall #7

Waterfall leads to pools. Deep pools. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Waterfall #7

Sunbeam for Stuart.

Waterfall #8

Scott making his way down.

Waterfall #8

Who’s counting? Stuart? Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Waterfall #9

Ani making her way down the slippery rocks under Scott’s watchful eye.

Waterfall #10

Going down the water slide. Nature’s waterpark. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Waterfall #10

Stuart trying to delay the inevitable. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Laie Falls Trail

The canyon walls seemed to contract and expand as we made our way downstream.

Waterfall #11

Time to contour again. Don’t trust that old rope.

Laie Falls Trail

Stuart and Yoly threading their way down through the dense pocket of strawberry guava trees.

Laie Falls Trail

Lunch time for some … Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Waterfall #13

… while John, Shirley, Stuart and Yoly climbed up to see the waterfalls that we had contoured around. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waterfall #11

Instagram photo of the day. How many likes can I get? Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Waterfall #12

Yoly and Stuart making their way down. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Laie Falls Trail

Going back to rejoin the rest of the group. Somebody was getting restless. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Laie Falls Trail

Over the rocks. Under the branches.

Laie Falls Trail

Rock hopping down the stream.

Laie Falls Trail

Walk or wade. Take your pick.

Waterfall #14

Looking back at twin waterfalls. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Laie Falls Trail

Does this count as a waterfall?

Laie Falls Trail

Low clearance ahead.

Waterfall #15

Looking back. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Waterfall #16

Stuart climbing down into the pool.

Waterfall #16

Hey guys, turn around. Group photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Waterfall #16

One climbing in, one swimming and one getting out. Rinse and repeat. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Waterfall #16

Shirley and Chris taking memories. Photographic memories.

Laie Falls Trail

Stuart rock hopping down the stream.

Waterfall #17

Chris and Shirley scrambling over the mossy rocks.

Laie Falls Trail

Chris trying not to get wet. More wet.

Waterfall #18

Who needs rope? Not John.

Waterfall #18

Ani making her way down. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waterfall #18

The last waterfall discharging into the deep pool.

Laie Falls Trail

Stuart making his way downstream. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Laie Falls Trail

The waterfalls had ended and now we had to find our way out of the canyon and back onto the ridge.

Laie Falls Trail

Yoly wading through a pool ringed with ginger scented flowers.

Laie Falls Trail

Splish, splash, the camera was taking a bath. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Laie Falls Trail

The group heading into the hau jungle gym.

Laie Falls Trail

We were hanging and walking on branches suspended over the gulch floor. Snap, crackle and pop.

Laie Falls Trail

It felt like we were trying to extricate ourselves out of a giant spider web of mossy hau branches.

Laie Falls Trail

Somebody was happy to get out of the thicket of hau trees. Skipping happy. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Laie Falls Trail

Ani threading her way up through the densely packed strawberry guava trees.

Laie Falls Trail

The trees thinned out as we neared the top of the ridge.

Laie Trail

Back on the trail again.

Laie Trail

Still looking for that junction? Just look for that big tree.

Laie Trail

Where’s the fire?

All pau

Wet. Muddy. Tired. Happy. Not necessarily in that order.

GPS Tracks

Our waterlogged hike covered 8.54 miles. We saw 18 waterfalls, give or take. Which begs the question, what defines a waterfall? Water? Falls? Amazing adventure with fun friends. Post hike meal. Seven Brothers? Mormon Sunday. North Shore Tacos it is. Cut the dessert six ways. Let me get a knife. We also unwittingly provided embarrassing and entertaining conversation for the lady sitting next to us. You are most welcome.

Note: I have been made aware the some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. It is not advisable to hike to waterfalls during heavy rain as one will be at risk to flash flood conditions and falling rocks. 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.

Rainy weather had scuttled our West side hiking plans, so we found ourselves searching for a waterfall. In Laie. Met up with Dale and Justin by the baseball field. Not a raindrop in the sky. The rest of the island was being saturated and here we were, bone dry. Go figure. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Trailhead

Dale and Justin walking over the bridge to the trail. Hey, we were just here last weekend!

Follow the sign

We passed the Laie trail junction and continued down the jeep road until we saw the sign to Malaekahana Falls. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Muddy road

Time to get our feet wet and muddy. Prepping for that waterfall. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Dry road

The rolling foothills of Laie. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Weeping flower

Morning dew on a red lehua flower. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Uluhell

What would a hike in the mountains be without those pesky and scratchy uluhe ferns? Exactly. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Muddy waters

We soon dropped off the ridge and made our way down to Malaekahana Stream. Photos by Justin Hirako.

Lower Malaekahana Falls

Group photo by Justin Hirako, left to right: Justin, myself and Dale.

Lower Malaekahana Falls

Why did the hikers climb the slippery tree?

Upper Malaekahana Falls

To get to the bigger waterfall. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Upper Malaekahana Falls

Up close and personal with the 80’+ waterfall. Maybe too close. The water was ice cold. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Search & Rescue

As I made my way down to the lower falls, my waterproof camera slipped out of my pocket and bounced down to the pool below. Not clumsy proof. Justin searched. No rescue. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Strawberry guava trees

Making our way back up to Malaekahana Ridge.

Laie

Looking out towards the ancient sanctuary for fugitives. We had our hiking permits from Hawaii Reserves, so we were good.

Fence trail

No sightings of Lani Moo.

Shoe wash

We washed the mud off our shoes and the mob of mosquitoes had a feeding frenzy.

Farm

What kind of plants are those? Justin!

All pau

Where was the rain? Every place but here.

GPS Tracks

Our short and sweet waterfall hike covered 6.98 miles. Post hike meal at Waiahole Poi Factory. No laulau? Wow laulau!

Rainy weather diverted us from one section of the Ko’olaus to another section. That’s how Gen, Jose, Justin, Thessa and myself found ourselves in Laie. Thanks to Matt who woke up early to ferry us to the other side. For naught. Back to sleep.

Morning yoga

We had some time to join together as we waited for Thessa.

Trailhead

Bodily functions taken care of. Alcohol transferred. Ready to hike. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Pine trees

Norfolk or Cook Pine – Which is it?

Strawberry guava trees

Leaving the shaded corridors of pine and strawberry guava trees and mud behind.

Laie Falls

Passing the swimming hole and twin waterfalls fed by Kahawainui Stream.

Trail

The rest of the hike to the summit was on a graded trail through native forest.

Fire in the hole

These trenches were dug back in WW2 and were to be filled with explosives to block the trail, in case of a Japanese land invasion.

Laie trail

The Wahiawa Camp of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) finished Wailele Trail in 1935. After WW2, the trail became known as the Laie Trail.

Laie Summit

Group photo by Justin Hirako, left to right: Thessa, Gen, myself, Justin and Jose.

Laie Summit

Another group photo at the windy 2,240′ top looking out towards the Waianae Mountain Range.

Big Island Boy

I don’t smoke … ( pause ) … tobacco.

Trail

Talk of past and desired relationships forced us off the summit and back on the trail.

Trail

The crew climbing out of the bowl shaped depression.

Fence line

Our first contact with the infamous KST fence. Love it or hate it.

Fence line

The fence soon lead us straight to the cabin. Just like bread crumbs.

Outhouse

I smell no sh*t. I see no sh*t. It was pretty nasty. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Koloa Cabin

Justin opening the door to his first cabin visit. His cabin cherry was broken.

Cabin life

Our original plan was to push towards the Army Cabin and overnight there. Given the distance left and the looming rain clouds, we decided to stay put. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Cabin fever

Birthday cupcake. Is that a spam musubi in your underwear or are you just glad to see me? Abused animated characters. Well at least one was abused.

Cabin idol

Somebody please take Kikaida and Mickey Mouse away from them! Just blame the alcohol laced hot chocolate.

Cabin mouse

“Twas the rainy and windy night on the Ko’olaus, when all through the cabin; rustling space blankets were stirring under snug and restless hikers; when there arose such a calamitous clatter, as our collective slumber was pierced by riotous screaming and a body falling; I struggled from my bunk to see what was the matter; a f*cking mouse pitter – pattered by my face was the colorful expletive that was offered.

Goodbye cabin

Group photo of us checking out from the best KST cabin.

Hello sunrise

It was a chilly morning to catch the cloudy sunrise. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Making our way on the Windward side of the trail.

Scenic rock

Sometimes you just have to stop and soak in the Leeward views. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Switching back to the Windward side.

Mud circle

Taking stock of our muddy footwear. The worst was yet to come.

Trail

Crossing over to the sheltered and overgrown Leeward side.

Trail

Switching back to the Windward side. Back and forth. Up and down.

Koolau Range lobelia

Glimpse of a rare native plant in bloom.

Trail

Passing through a small stand of native loulou palm trees.

Trail

Burrowing through some overgrowth.

Papali junction

Let’s take a break, shall we?

Spartan Mud Race II

When push comes to shove. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Back on the fence line again.

Mud

Knee deep. Not that bad.

Junction

Left? Right? Photo by Justin Hirako.

Mud

Waist deep. Seriously? Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Trail

We soon approached the wooden cabin, that had mountain views and a kitchen sink!

Cabin life

Hello and goodbye. Photos by Justin Hirako.

Opaeula Cabin

We left the cabin behind along with Gen and Jose who decided to stay another night in the mountains.

Mud

Justin wanted to see for himself if the mud was really that deep. It was.

Trail

Back on the KST.

Trail

Goodwill was alive and well in the mountains. Need a spare glove?

Trail

Justin and Thessa making their way along the fence line.

Trail

Looking ahead as the fence line wrapped around the ridge and disappeared into the clouds.

Trail

Justin and Thessa making their way across the open field to re-connect to the KST.

Boot Junction

Watching the clouds rolling into the mountains. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Pu’u Ohulehule rising from the floor of Kahana Valley.

KST

Looking out towards the contour trail carved below the ridgeline of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Shaka

Sharing some aloha on the trail. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Are we there yet? Not quite.

Cabin interruptus

We met Dave Fahrenwald who had hiked in from Poamoho and was headed towards the Army Cabin. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Wind gauge

Passing the wind gauge station. We picked up our pace as we knew the summit was close.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo by Justin Hirako at the 2,520′ summit. Hey, we actually got a view!

Trail

Time and weather did not look favorable for a cabin visit, so we headed down the muddy trail.

Got mail?

No mail for hikers, just hunters.

End of unmaintained trail

All smiles now. The rest of the trail was graded and downhill. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Justin trotting down the trail.

Sunset

Photo by Justin Hirako.

Poamoho trailhead

Trail meets road. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Ribbit

If I kiss you, will you turn into a 4×4?

Rainy road

What’s better than walking down a six mile jeep road? In the dark. In pouring rain. Yeah. That’s the ticket. The one way ticket.

All pau

Shout out to Chris Bautista who picked us up and drove us to Laie and Moanalua Valley to retrieve our cars. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. Justin appreciated the extra wait for his food. Made it more tasty.

GPS Tracks

The two day cabin hike covered 23.05 miles over and through the rugged and wild Northern Ko’olaus. Fantastic fun filled weekend with great friends.

Our group consisting of Alex, Chris B, Chris C, Gen, Glenn, Jasmin, Ryan and myself met up with the HTMC for this normally restricted trail in Haleiwa. The combined group numbered at least two dozen. Our plan was to separate from the HTMC group at the Kawailoa summit and go down the Laie trail. Bernice, Erik and Patrick had the same idea. Hiking minds think alike.

The less traveled road

After Ralph, the HTMC hike leader, sorted out who were traversing the Koolaus and who was coming back, we all piled into several trucks to drive to the trailhead.

Don’t follow the arrow

Our truck was the last to reach the trailhead. We all jumped out and went into the bushes.

Open field

One of the HTMC hikers, Patrick, explained to us that the club encourages these hikes as they keep trails like these alive. The Wahiawa Camp of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a public work relief program to help out the unemployed during the Great Depression, built this trail back in 1934. Walking on history.

Cleared trail

The club had cleared roughly half the trail to the summit two weeks earlier. Made the initial hike a lot easier. No bushwhacking involved.

No breaks

The hiking pace was steady without breaks. Those HTMC hikers are hardcore! Gen was trying to catch up to Peg Foster, a silver haired hiker that put many of us to shame.

Uluhe

Glad the head high uluhe fern sections were cleared. Can’t imagine swimming through those thickets of forked ferns.

Not so cleared

The trail soon became muddier in terms of overgrowth and literally. But thanks to the hard work of Gordon Junior Lau and Roger Breton, who were on point bushwhacking to the summit, it was barely a blip as we pushed forward. The mud we couldn’t help but notice, thanks to its constant presence and the numerous shrieks from Nanae.

Kawailoa Wind Farm

Providing 69 megawatts of power to the public and bumping off bats and birds since 2012. Photo by Ryan Meyers.

Lunch spot?

Patrick had designated this Australian tea grove as the turn around point for those not summiting. Dale, Nanae, Svenga and Wyatt decided to head to the summit with the rest of the group. The rest of the HTMC group, including Jasmin, turned around and went back down.

Loulou Palm Tree

Passing Hawaii’s only native palm tree. No, it’s not the coconut tree.

Ridge

We are getting close. Very close.

Waianae range

Coast to coast view. True wilderness country out there. No signs of civilization as far as the eye can see.

Final push

We found Gordon and Roger resting at the base of the summit after their exhausting bushwhacking drive to the summit. Big mahalo for their help.

Kawailoa summit

Kudos to Dale for persevering and making it to the summit with us. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Helipad

Bernice and Chris B walking past the scattered planks of the Kawailoa helipad.

Kawailoa summit

Group photo at the 2,360′ summit. Standing left to right: Chris B, Patrick, Glenn, Ryan, Nanae, Wyatt and Alex. Crouching left to right: Svenga, Dale, Chris C, Gen, Bernice and Erik.

Pre-paid tickets?

The group making their way down the bowl shaped depression to gain the KST. Somebody didn’t have her pre-paid ticket to join us. I guess we can overlook it this one time.

H20

Ryan filling up for the trip back down. Patrick showed us this handy water source in case we ever found ourselves parched in this neck of the woods. I also got to try out my spanking brand new Steripen. Ryan didn’t get sick, so I guess it worked.

KST

Patrick and Ryan making their way along the winding Koolau Summit Trail.

Laie summit

Another summit, another view. We can only hope.

Horse shoe

Group photo in the foxhole at the 2,240′ summit, right before the clouds wiped out the views.

Laie trail

Another CCC project that was finished in 1935, that was originally called the Wailele Trail.

Koolau Range lobelia

Only found on Oahu.

Mud trail

I was half expecting to hear more shrieks. Thankfully only the sounds of conversation floated through the air.

Landslide

The only notable landslide seen on the trail.

Laie

Going down, we noticed several trenches on the side of the trail that were dug by the Army in WW2 in case the Japanese invaded. They would have packed them with explosives to prevent the Japanese from using the trail. Now you know the rest of the story.

Follow the sign

The trail going down to Kahawainui Stream.

Going down

Descending down to the falls.

Swimming hole

Half of us jumped into the water and the other half cleaned their shoes and spikes.

Laie Falls

Group photo at the 15′ waterfalls. Dale and Erik elected to stay topside and waited for us to come back up.

Tree hugger

Some people just have to hug.

Cook or Norfolk?

Hiking through the towering conifers.

Dirt hiking

No dirt bikers on the trails today. We had it all to ourselves.

Casual hiking

Soggy shoes leads to slipper hiking.

All pau

The group taking a collective rest as we stepped off the official end/beginning of Laie trail. Now, it was just a short walk to our cars.

Got signs?

I think we got the message. The colorful signs and wording seemed to have been toned down from my last visit here.

GPS Tracks

The crossing of the KST from Haleiwa to Laie covered 17.68 miles but a good 5 miles of that was paved road. Many thanks to HTMC for hosting and keeping trails such as these open for hikers. Post hike meal at Teddy’s Bigger Burgers. Happy hour. Happy hikers.

Back for another grinder. I joined Ted and his crew of Steve, AJ, J, Tom, Laredo, LyZel, Sara, Heather, and Randy. We were piggybacking on Marvin’s first leg of his three day trek from Pupukea to Waiahole Uka. What a way to spend the Memorial Day weekend! We were doing the abbreviated version from Pupukea to Laie, which was far enough for me.

No hunters this time

After staging some of our cars in Laie, we all met at the end of Pupukea Road. There are actually some very nice houses nestled in this area. We set off past the Boy Scout Camp and Sunset Ranch and headed off into the hills of Pupukea.

On the beaten path in Pupukea

Eventually the dirt trail turned into a stretch of asphalt road known as Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road, which was originally built by the military.

Off the beaten path

After pounding the pavement for about 40 minutes, we finally came to the junction that would lead us into the bushes.

Which sign to follow?

A short while later, we came across these well constructed signs that pointed to a summit lookout.

Pupukea summit

A wide open area fringed with heavy vegetation marked the summit lookout. Light rain showers resulted in a number of us digging into our backpacks for some rain gear.

Back on the trail

We got back on the trail and thankfully, left the rain showers behind us.

Windmills

Looking north to Kahuku and the wind farm populated by giant pinwheels.

“True” Pupukea Summit

Group photo. Back row left to right: Marvin, Steve, Ted, LyZel, Laredo, Sara and Randy. Front row left to right: myself, Tom, J, AJ and Heather.

View of Laie

Looking out towards Laie with the native Loulu Palm trees dotting the flanks of the Koolaus. It was around this point in the hike, that my foot got stuck in a tree root and my body went the other way. Now I had a nicely sprained ankle halfway through the hike. Nothing like an injury to build character. Or something like that.

Follow the sign

The trail soon became a thicket of strawberry guava trees, ferns and heavy jungle vegetation.

Laie summit

As we neared the Laie summit, the heavy growth tapered off somewhat, but it was still a bear.

In the horseshoe

The wind was whipping up at the summit, Laredo is one tough bastid hiking sans shirt. I don’t see how he does it. Group photo. Back row standing left to right: Heather, J and Marvin. Front row sitting left to right: Ted, myself, Tom, Steve, Randy, LyZel, Laredo, Sara and AJ. Photo by Heather Mina. Marvin and our group soon parted ways as he continued on the KST and we went down the Laie trail.

Going down

As we descended down the Laie trail, we soon left behind the clouds and cold, biting wind. Nice change of pace from the last time. 

Clear views

We could actually see the coastline and the ridges coming down. The last time we were on the trail, it was under the cover of darkness and rain.

Laie falls trail

The rest of the group made their way up to Laie Falls, while I choose to continue hobbling down the trail.

Laie Falls in all her glory

The group had a nice and refreshing swim in the pool below Laie Falls, makes me wish I had gone up the trail, sprained ankle and all. Photo by Tom Engle.

Laredo in all his glory

NSFW…LOL. Photo by Tom Engle.

Pine trees

The abundance of Pine trees marked the lower elevation of the trail, reminds me of the Wa’ahila trail.

Dirt bike trail

For some reason, walking down this trail as it transistions from strawberry guava trees and uluhe ferns to pine trees and dirt bike trails, make it seem longer than it’s five miles. Maybe it’s just me.

Aloha!

Colorful signs and language greeted us as we made our way out from the trail. These made my day.

GPS tracks

The 13.3 mile hike took us under 8 hours to complete even with a side trip to Laie Falls and my bum ankle. For some of us, it was off to Papa Ole’s for some ono grinds after getting back to our cars. I’m so glad we didn’t need to use headlamps on this hike.