Met up with Katie before the chickens came out to roost at the top of Kalaau Place to start our hike.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

Going up the rooted trail where I rolled my ankle ten minutes into the hike. Two left feet.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Not surprisingly, we had the 2,200′ darkened summit all to ourselves. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Making our way along the eroded ridge line where we could see the cloud soaked mountain tops ahead of us. Photo by Katie Bingham.

IG Spot

Katie on the picturesque spot framed by the backdrop of the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

Making our way down the sliver of an eroded ridge line.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Leaving the 2,200′ flat topped scenic-less mountain. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KSRT

Katie coming up the trail and hopefully leaving the clouds behind us.

Hawaii Loa Summit

We actually got Windward views from the 2,520′ knob.

Kulepeamoa Summit

The clouds came back home to roost at the flapping chicken summit.

KSRT

Heading up the roller coaster ridge line. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Somewhat cloudy conditions greeted us at the summit where a friendly visitor from Korea snapped our picture.

KSRT

Traversing the ridge line dominated by power lines that brings power to the Waimanalo side.

KSRT

Our luck was still holding as the projected thunderstorms had still not appeared, but the hard blowing winds stayed to push us around.

True Lanipo

Catching the views at the windswept summit. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Kainawa’aunui Summit

Reaching another scenic-less summit that topped at 2,520′.

KSRT

Going with the flow of gravity as we came down the big hill.

Trail meeting

Met up with Tessa who had hiked up from Manoa Middle and met us somewhere in the middle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ka’au Crater

Heading down the rutted trail that skirted the tuff cone ringed with power lines. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ka’au Crater

Can you see the marsh for the clouds?

KSRT

Heading towards Mount Olympus. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KSRT

Scrambling our way up the eroded hill. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Katie approaching the 2,486′ summit.

Awaawaloa Summit

Group photo at the wind blasted small clearing with sweeping views of the Windward and Leeward sides.

Wa’ahila Ridge Trail

Scooting down the heavily rutted trail that gives Moanalua Middle Ridge a run for its money.

Wa’ahila Ridge Trail

Running down the roped section of the slippery red packed dirt trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Contouring our way on the KSRT. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Sedan Rock

The test drive did not even get out of the showroom. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Threading our way through the isolated stand of pine trees that interrupted the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Katie and Tessa coming up the last hill of the day.

Manoa Middle Summit

This right hand. This one! Two right hands.

Manoa Middle Summit

Lunch is served. Hot ramen! Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Manoa Middle Summit

Group photo at our last summit.

Manoa Middle Trail

Heading down the trail with the city sprawl ahead of us.

Manoa Middle Trail

Panoramic view from summit to stream, although you can see neither, just the sign.

Manoa Middle Trail

Going down the steep and rocky slope. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Queen’s Bath

We interrupted some people that looked like they were practicing “hippie love.”

Manoa Middle Trail

Are we there yet?

Pu’u Pia Trail

Stepping our way down the rooted and rocky trail. At least it was relatively flat. Photo by Katie Bingham.

All pau

The girls testing the load limit on the tree branch. Thanks to Tessa for taking us back to our cars. Post hike meal at Pieology, where we made mountains out of molehills.

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.

Chris and I did an abbreviated tour of the Ko’olau Mountains this weekend. Thank you Mother Nature.

Trail

Mahalo to Ferlino for dropping us off at the bulging eye to start our hike.

Sunrise

Looking back at the sun breaking over the horizon.

Christmas

The holiday spirit has worn out its welcome in the mountains.

Hang Ten

No hang gliding today. Photo by Chris Bautista.

LTE

Brushing past the fenced communications tower, failed to notice if we had five bars.

Saddle

Dropping down into the saddle, we noticed that the rope grinches absconded with the webbing that used to drape down the hill.

Rainbow

Looking out at the optical illusion arcing over Olomana.

Kamiloiki Summit

Stopping briefly in the shade and shadows of the pine trees.

Tom-Tom

Leaving the forested ridge line as we broke out into the open trail that was thankfully still being chilled by the trade winds.

Trail

Making our way over the crumbly and rocky section of the ridge line.

Trail

Back in the forest. Little too chilly now.

Mariner’s Summit

Lunch spot at the summit that KS/BE would like the public to forget.

Misty Mountains

Watching the clouds slowly swirl and drift over the Ko’olau Mountains.

Hahaione Pyramid

Pushing onto the triangular rock that becomes more defined depending on your point of view.

Picture Frame

Worth a thousand words?

Trail

Making our way to the strangely silent eroded hill.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Patience has its virtue. We were rewarded with a couple hikers that eventually joined us at the top and were kind enough to take our picture.

Pu’u O Kona

Leaving the 2,200′ flat topped summit empty handed. No stellar Windward views today.

Trail

Making our way to the wet and windy 2,520′ knob of Hawaii Loa. Continuing the pattern of no views.

Wiliwilinui Summit

We spotted a solitary figure bearing gifts.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Four is company. Thanks to Ani and Cisco for bringing us food and water to our windy spot for the night.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Catching the breaking sunrise the next morning. Was this going to be a positive omen for our hike? Fat chance.

Trail

Making our way down the roped trail towards the power lines that straddle the valleys.

Big Hill

Dropping down the steep hill from the summit of Pu’u Kainawa’aunui.

Trail

Rutting our way on the trail. Eat your heart out MMR!

Ka’au Crater

Approaching the twin power lines that mark one of three tuff cones on the island.

Ka’au Crater

Enjoying the tasty pork jerky on the trail at one of the few views we got on the hike.

Mount Olympus

Climbing up to the denuded summit of Awaawaloa. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Thirsty?

The only question we had was it to slake the thirst of a hungry human or a machine?

Trail

Cloudy views from the contour trail before we rejoined the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manoa Middle Summit

We both prayed for the sun to come out and play. Nobody was listening.

Trail

Hitting the hills.

Trail

The last push up to K2, where we were greeted with more rain. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Konahuanui Summit

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Weather patterns and bad feelings overrode the original plan to descend down to the Pali Lookout.

Piliwale

Making our way down the relatively easier Windward ridge.

Piliwale

Hiking into the void.

Piliwale

Webbing in all the wrong places. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Notch

Dropping down to the incision in the ridge line that marked the end of the steep descent.

Notch

Chris looking back at our slippery slide down.

Maunawili Trail

We made it down the whole ridge without seeing any of those infamous bees, guess it was too wet and windy for them. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trail

Popping out of the trail before passing the power lines on our way out.

All pau

The end of the road for us as Chris changed into his dry clothes and I remained in my wet clothes, for lack of dry clothes. Mahalo to Lopaka for picking us up and giving me a ride in the bed of his truck, while Chris got to ride in the cab due to his slightly less offensive odors.

GPS Tracks

Our 13.5 mile hike in wintry (for Hawaii) conditions ended prematurely, but grateful for the good company. Post hike meal at Ferlino’s house where we enjoyed multiple servings of Anne’s ono oxtail soup. Thanks to Jasmin and Mia for rounding out the eating crew. Pile on that extra cilantro and green onions!

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 last hike of the year started off at one of three tuff cones on the island, as it was a mighty tuff hike ahead of us. Not really.

Trailhead

Mahalo to Ferlino for dropping Analyn, Eric, Matt and myself off at the end of the darkened residential street.

Ka’au Crater Trail

We dropped down to Wai’oma’o stream and picked up the pipe to continue on the trail. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

H20

It’s always important to hydrate oneself during a hike.

Waterfalls #1

Eric and Matt decided to drop in on the first waterfall while Analyn and myself waited topside. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Climbing and contouring to the left of the first waterfalls.

Waterfalls #2

Analyn sitting pretty at the base of the falls. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waterfalls #2

Matt standing pretty at the base of the falls.

Waterfalls #3

Beginning our climb as we switched from left to …

Waterfalls #3

… right as we climbed the remaining five waterfalls to the crater trail. Matt attempted to find another way up to the trail that bypassed the waterfalls, failing that, he rejoined us on the way up to the trail.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Leaving the waterfalls behind us, as we gained the trail with the marsh filled crater that feeds the aquifer and waterfalls in the background.

Ka’au Crater Trail

Eric pulling himself up the deeply rutted and eroded trail that has seen better days. We soon gained the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail with whiteout and windy conditions. Another wonderful day in the mountains.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The group charging up the big hill with the wind in their faces.

Kainawa’au Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ peak, left to right: Matt, Eric, myself and Analyn.

Lanipo Summit

We traversed two humps to make it to the 2,621′ summit.

Lanipo Windward

The trail to the steep Windward ridge that was descended by HTMC hiker Dick Davis back in 1944.

KSRT

We soon approached the power lines, which signaled that we were closing in on the summit of Wiliwilinui.

Wiliwilinui Summit

I don’t always drink Coke, but when I do, I prefer it with the bottle cap on.

KSRT

Analyn looking heroic or happy, take your pick, going down the ridge.

KSRT

Pushing our way through the dense uluhe fern foliage, a constant but necessary nuisance in the mountains.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ knob.

KSRT

Back on the roller coaster ridge.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

The views finally started to open up as we summited the 2,200′ flat topped hill.

KSRT

Panoramic view of the Windward coastline. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

One of the most photographed spots that emphasizes the fluted cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Matt making his way up the eroded section of the ridge.

KSRT

Sliding our way down the loosely packed dirt. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Eric and Matt making their way down.

KSRT

Looking down at the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

Eric and Matt approaching the eroded summit.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Time to get off the chilly 2,028′ hill and head down for warmer parts. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

Making our way down the strangely deserted trail, where a couple more photo shoots were in order before the hike was over.

All pau

Our end of the year winter hike covered 7.7 miles through waterfalls, ridges and valleys. Last post hike meal of the year at Outback Steakhouse. When a cup of their clam chowder won’t do, only a bowl will satisfy my cravings.

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 decided to give the KST thru hike another try; if I knew what the outcome was going to be, I would have stayed home in bed. Joining me were Chris and Matt; Anne and Clayton came along just for the first day.

Trailhead

Thanks to Daryl for dropping us off at the Makapu’u Lookout. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Trail

Making our way up the dry grassy rocky landscape. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Manana Island

Looking out towards the seabird sanctuary.

Trail

We soon caught up with another pair of hikers who let us pass them.

Pu’u Mai

Staring straight into the fringed female parts.

Sea Life Park

The sun shimmering across the blue-green water. It almost made up for missing the sunrise.

KSRT

Small kine climbing time. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Makapu’u Puka

Group photo left to right: Clayton, myself, Anne, Matt and Chris.

Makapu’u Puka

Hello from the other side. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Time to pack away the drone and continue hiking on the rocky ridge line.

Makapu’u Cave

Chris chilling in the cave.

KSRT

Climbing our way up on the makai side of the cliffs. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waimanalo

When you notice the geodetic marker for the first time, despite hiking over this area too many times too count.

To tee or not to tee

Not only hang gliders fly from here, but rocks as well.

Boost

Leaving behind the fenced communication tower.

KSRT

Dropping down into the saddle.

KSRT

Looking for some shady trees.

Kamiloiki Summit

It was an awesome day at the summit, no camping needed. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Walking on the pine needle matted ridge line.

KSRT

Leaving our canopy cover for a stretch of exposed ridge line. Luckily the clouds were providing cover from the sweltering sun.

Caveman proving grounds

No unnecessary climbing today.

KSRT

Brushing our way through shoulder high buffalo grass. Scratch and itch.

Tom-Tom

Watching an isolated rain cloud sweep the Waimanalo coast.

Dorito’s Tower

Clayton and Matt checking out the rock tower reportedly first climbed by a hiker named Rito.

KSRT

Back in the forested ridge line.

Mariner’s Summit

It worked for me as a kid, how come it doesn’t work now? I want my money back. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mariner’s Summit

Climbing down from the 1,361′ summit of Kaluanui. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Hahaione Pyramid

Contouring our way behind the roughly triangular shaped rock, depending on your point of perspective.

Scenic point

Talk story time.

Hahaione Junction

Club head + hiking stick = Golf club.

KSRT

Matt looking back at the stretch of mountains that we had just covered.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

We parted company with Anne, Clayton and Matt at the 2,360′ summit due to cramping and work calling.

KSRT

Chris climbing up the severely eroded section after leaving the bustling summit.

Bear Claw Ridge

No time to go left or right, just straight ahead. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Scenic spot

Chris against the backdrop of the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Leaving the 2,200′ summit for cloudy views.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Nobody else here at the 2,520′ summit.

KSRT

Back on the cloudy ridge line.

KSRT

What happened to the partly sunny day forecasted by Guy Hagi? Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. I think it’s been more than twice.

Camp Wiliwilinui

We arrived at the 2,480′ summit to find that another couple had beaten us to call it home for the night. Luckily we were able to squeeze our two tents in with theirs. Thought we were in for a night of socializing, but they zippered up their tent as I guess our odor was particularly offensive. It could have been our manners.

KSRT

Day 2 – Rolled up our tents as our neighbors were still sleeping and we continued hiking in the clouds.

Ka’inawa’au Nui Summit

I guess we are in for another day of whiteout views.

KSRT

Dropping down the big hill to valley views of milkiness.

Ka’au Crater

Rocket ship ready to take off and leave the clouds behind. Wished we could have joined.

KSRT

Chris pointing to the cloud covered summit of Awaawaloa.

KSRT

Climbing my way up through the clouds to the 2,486′ summit. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Olympus

The water is safe to drink up here.

Manoa Valley

Valley vistas improved significantly on the contour trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Back on the cloudy again ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manoa Middle Summit

We shared the summit with the HTMC trail clearing crew that had come up from Manoa Valley.

KSRT

The grassy meadows hiding the many false summits before we hit the crown jewels of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

Are we there yet? Photo by Chris Bautista.

K2

We crashed a wine and cheese party in progress. Came too late for the cheese. Just have to use our imagination.

Konahuanui Summit

Typical socked in summit day on the highest point of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way down the mud wall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We slowly started to see the views again.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Leaving the clouds behind on the wind swept ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Following the webbing down the ridge line.

Chimney

Climbing down the chimney. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pali Notches

Leaving the chimney behind us as we made our way towards the notches. Never say never. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Pali Notches

We spotted a familiar face on the second notch. Arnold!

Pali Lookout

Trying to blend in with the tourists. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Camp Pali

Mahalo to Arnold Yago, Daryl Cacatian and Nina Arca, Matt Vidaurri, Owen and Tricia Adams and Shirley Hamamura for bringing us refreshing beverages and hot food and keeping us company.

Pali Lookout

Day 3 – We woke up to the pitter patter of rain and gloomy weather that was hanging around the mountains. I know some of our friends thought we would have to call it on account of the weather and bail from our hike. But somebody said “we chance ‘em.” So off we went. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring up the slippery rocks, we soon regained the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Rainbows are ones reward for hiking in the rain. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

No swinging around the rain slicked rocks today, just careful climbing.

Donkey Kong

Making our way to the triple diked formation.

W

Clear on the Leeward side, cloudy on the Windward side.

Anvil

Chris dropping down from the anvil rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Lost and found on the mountain – one spike and one spike only.

Lanihuli Summit

Temporary views were granted to us at the 2,700′ elevation.

Kalihi Saddle

Descending down from the swirling heavens. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris standing on a knob overlooking the cloud filtered views of the Windward side.

Dirt Dragon

Riding the dirt dragon or what’s left of it.

Lanihuli Wall

Preparing to walk down the wall of uki grass.

Lanihuli Wall

Contouring around the can opener.

Lanihuli Wall

Making my way down the last tier of the wall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Can Opener

Keeping a watchful eye on the sofa sized chunk of rock that looks ready to fall off the mountain.

Pimple

Carefully making my way around the crumbly rock, so I don’t do any popping. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Doorstop

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Hike. Hike who?

Bunny Ears

Rabbit. Rabbit. Rabbit. Oh never mind, it’s not the first day of the month.

Bunny Ears

Bunny earing myself coming down. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the power lines.

Witch’s Hat

No refreshing rest at the power lines as we continued up the backside of the hat.

Witch’s Hat

Making my way down from the hat. No trick or treat for me. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Uphill climb ahead of us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

#1 Rock Triangle

Climbing up the Windward side is the best side.

#2 Rock Triangle

Have rope, will climb.

Broken Wave

Getting my head out of the clouds. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirty Slide

Climbing back into the clouds. Can’t win. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way to the Bowman summit and our home for the night.

Camp Bowman

Day 4 – Waking up to long john feet. Always appetizing. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Camp Bowman

Getting ready for another cloudy and windy day in the mountains.

KSRT

The winds were pushing us around on the ridge line. Luckily it blew in from the Windward side. We would have been in trouble if it was blowing from the other side.

Tripler Summit

Rocket men and rocket ships in the clouds.

KSRT

Walking down the cloudy castle steps. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Relay station

Climbing past the no climbing relay station.

Stairway to Heaven

What happened to everybody? We had the place all to ourselves. I wonder why.

CCL Building

Trying to get warm in heaven. Photo by Chris Bautista

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving heaven as we went down the back stairs.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris using his kung fu grip going down the crumbly section.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way around the increasingly eroded ridge of the saddle. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirt Triangle

Going down the Leeward side of the triangle offered us a temporary reprieve from the gusting winds.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Mahalo to Matt for meeting us with cold bentos and drinks in the middle of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

We soon said our goodbyes to Matt and resumed our hiking. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

The winds and clouds were not giving us a break today.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way down the constantly eroding ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Geo marker

Checking in with social media.

Tetanus Stairs

Descending down into hell.

Stairway to Hell

It was quite cold in this spot of the mountains. Time to quickly move on.

KSRT

If there were a speed limit on the ridge, laws would have been broken today. The law of balance. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Fenced meadows

Passing the fenced endemic plant section on our way to the summit of Aiea and home sweet home for the night. No dinner for me.

Aiea Summit

Day 5 – We woke up to more bad weather and my body in severe caloric deficit. Not to mention that my tent had somehow flipped upside down with me still in it. My stomach just quit on me again and my body soon followed.

Aiea Ridge Trail

After mulling it over for the better half of the day and with the weather and my stomach not getting any better, we left the summit to head back down to civilization. Sorry Chris. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Aiea Ridge Trail

At least the weather improved on our way back down, couldn’t say the same for my stomach. Photo by Chris Bautista

Aiea Ridge Trail

I was beaten like a rented mule. Dizzy and light headed, I had to frequently stop to right myself coming down the ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista

All pau

Thanks to Lopaka for meeting us at the end and bringing food and taking us back to our cars. Mahalo to Chris for keeping me company in the mountains and everybody else that supported us on the hike.

GPS Tracks

Our gastrointestinal interruptus hike covered 24.61 miles through the sometimes clear, cloudy, rainy and windy Ko’olau Mountains. While we did not get to “penish” to the end, glad for the company from beginning to the end. Big thanks to my wife for letting me try this again, I don’t think I’ll be back. Post hike meal in the parking lot, KFC is what’s for dinner.

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.

Returned back to the mountains after a two-week hiatus filled with Christmas parties and festivities. Met up with Chris and Ferlino at Tanatalus. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off again.

Trailhead

Chris keeping the sign under wraps until we get to the summit.

Kalawahine Trail

Pushing off on the trail that is part of the Honolulu Mauka Trail System, a sprawling network of 19 connected trails in the Maikiki Heights area.

Kalawahine Trail

Chris crossing the plank into the mixed forest.

Kalawahine Trail

The trail meandered in and out of the numerous gulches.

Kalawahine Trail

Groot is alive and well in the Maikiki Forest.

Kalawahine Trail

Stepping up the trail. We must be on a Na Ala Hele Trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Taking a left at the junction on the heavily rooted trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Back on the boardwalk, dry shoes for now.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Bogging our way through the bamboo forest.

Nu’uanu Overlook

We popped out of the forest to the windswept view at the 1,600′ lookout.

Trail

Contouring on the Windward side of the ridge which afforded us views of upper Lulumahu Falls on our way up.

Twin Testicles

We got an itch to scratch up there or down there.

Trail

Looking down at the ridges flowing into Nu’uanu Valley.

Trail

Whew! That was a good cardio burn going up the hill. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

K2

Group photo at the socked in summit, left to right: Chris, myself, Ferlino and a girl from Utah that had come up from the Pali Notches. Mahalo to Chris for taking the time out to make a sign marking the summit of Konahuanui 2.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The girl from Utah decided to join our group as the clouds began drifting away.

KSRT

Wrap around ridge views of Maunawili Valley as we dropped off K2.

KSRT

One of my favorites sections of the KSRT due to the broad ridge with the grassy meadows on the side and the straight shot view to Makapu’u. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manoa Middle

Hmmm, what is the rated load limit for that tree? Photo by the girl from Utah.

KSRT

Making our way to contour around the ironwood stand and crawl over the sedan rock.

KSRT

We decided to drop off the ridge and explore the contour trail on the Leeward side.

Trail

Coming around the contour trail with Manoa Valley behind us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

On our steep climb to Olympus, we lost the girl from Utah, who had enough of being cut and scratched on her legs by the uluhell ferns and decided to go down the Waahila Trail.

KSRT

The hills have hills in these mountains as Ferlino can attest.

Awaawaloa (Olympus)

Picking out Olomana, Manana Island, Koko Head, Ka’au Crater and Diamond Head from the 2,486′ summit.

Awaawaloa (Olympus)

Looking down at the contour trail continuing beneath the Ka’au Crater Loop trail as it left a brown streak across nature’s lawn. Photo by Chris Bautista

KSRT

Dropping down from Olympus.

KSRT

Making our way to the tuff cone nestled against the Ko’olau Mountains that are marked with twin power poles marring the otherwise scenic view.

Ka’au Crater

I guess it’s always Flag Day in the mountains.

Ka’au Crater

How many hills are there in the mountains? Many. With more to come.

KSRT

The bamboo staff has been passed along. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

KSRT

Enjoying the superb valley view before climbing up the big hill.

KSRT

Ferlino and Chris making their way up the mother of all hills on this particular section.

Pu’u Kainawa‘anui

Ferlino arriving at the 2,520′ summit. No rest for the weary as we continued on the trail.

KSRT

Passing a false summit before gaining the “true” summit of Lanipo.

Lanipo

Soaking in the coastal, mountain and valley views from the top.

KSRT

Passing the Waialae Nui junction on our way down the HECO pole lined ridge.

KSRT

Coming up from the helipad through the freshly shaven trail, courtesy of HECO. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Wiliwilinui

Some hikers got carried to the 2,480′ summit. Lucky dawg!

KSRT

We left the summit that was quickly filling up with hikers coming up from the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail.

KSRT

Making our way across the undulating ridge.

Wailupe

Long gone are the green wooden sign and the colorful fluttering prayer flags.

KSRT

Passing the Waimanalo reservoir as we made our way across the slightly overgrown ridge.

KSRT

Encountering a stunted loulu palm tree on the trail.

KSRT

Almost there!

Hawaii Loa

Group photo at our final summit stop on the Ko’olau Mountains.

Hawaii Loa Trail

Leaving the 2,520′ summit.

Hawaii Loa Trail

Stepping our way down the ridge trail.

Hawaii Loa Trail

Going down the severely eroded and rutted trail.

Hawaii Loa Trail

Reflecting back on the mountain views.

All pau

Approaching the final ironwood stand before dropping back to our cars and leaving the gated community of the rich and famous.

GPS Tracks

Our pre-Christmas hike covered almost 10 miles that was filled with scenic views, cheer and good company. Post hike meal at Pieology. Loaded up the carbs for tomorrow’s hardest hike on Christmas Day.

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.