Some folks wanted to visit the peak in the areola of the mountains of Hau’ula otherwise known as Pu’u Waiahilaahila. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Hau’ula Homestead Road

Met up with Aida, Analyn, Ani, Cisco, Dale, Janell, Jennifer, Katie, Kip, Margaret, Petra, Quan, Robin and Sally at Hau’ula Beach Park and walked down the lane of barking dogs.

Ma’auka Trailhead

We are not going to Papali.

Streambed

Rock hopping our way across the bed, minus the water. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ma’uka Trail

The calm before the storm.

Java Plum

Analyn picking up some trail snacks.

Ma’uka Trail

Passing a rock climber’s wet dream or worst nightmare. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Trail finding

Somebody was cussing up a storm. And it wasn’t Mother Nature. Photo by Sally Chow.

Trail

Back on the ribboned trail.

Trail

We were deciding to go down this trail as it seemed impassable in terms of overgrowth, when another storm warning was issued. Photo by Jennifer LaRochelle.

Trail

Cisco scouted ahead and reported that the trail looked passable, so down we went.

Trail

Going down the steep hill into the gulch.

Waterfall

Dale on top of the waterfall that somebody was talking about. Perhaps not this one. Photo by Sally Chow.

Trail

Climbing out of the gulch.

Lookout

We ran across a farmer tending and protecting his solar powered patch of …

Flower of the Five Wounds

… non self-pollinating purple passion flowers. Or was it pakalolo? Photo by Sally Chow.

Trail

We retreated from the top where the impassable overgrowth prevented forward movement and found the contour trail below the ridge.

Punaiki Ridge

Climbing through the break in overgrowth to finally gain the ridge. Photo by Petra Raser.

Punaiki Ridge

Looking back at Analyn, Kip and the town of red trees. Not necessarily in that order. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Punaiki Ridge

The winds picked up on the ridge about the same time the storm warning expired. Photo by Sally Chow.

Punaiki Ridge

Somebody was elated to finally discover the difference between riding a dyke and hiking a dike.

Punaiki Ridge

Ani multi-tasking on the dike, climbing and posing. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Punaiki Ridge

Climbing and contouring on the geological sheet of rock.

Punaiki Ridge

Katie climbing up the ridge while Petra sit blocks her. Photo by Margaret Wilson.

Punaiki Ridge

What’s down there? The bottom. Photo by Margaret Wilson.

Punaiki Ridge

Dale climbing down. Photo by Margaret Wilson.

Punaiki Ridge

Aida making her way down. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Boto Rock

Squeezing it to prevent premature excitement from spilling out. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Punaiki Ridge

Quan hugging the boulder tightly as she contours around the ridge. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Punaiki Ridge

Amusement and bemusement. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Punaiki Ridge

Some minor rock scrambling was still ahead of us.

Punaiki Ridge

Looking back as the ridge took on a wider approach. Photo by Jennifer LaRochelle.

Punaiki Ridge

Coming up to the last rock scramble left on the ridge.

Punaiki Ridge

Progress halted. Photoshoot in progress. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Punaiki Ridge

Crossing an eroded section to get to another eroded section.

Punaiki Ridge

Analyn getting lei’d by Dale. Ani and Quan stayed behind to babysit my empty can of Coke while the rest of us resumed our hike.

Trail

Dale pointing out the direction that we needed to go, if some of the group had continued on their direction, another storm would have erupted.

Trail

The location of Sacred Falls was marked by the constant buzzing of tour choppers plying their trade back and forth into the valley. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pu’u Waiahilaahila

We made it to the 1,246′ summit. All 15 square feet of it. Or something close to that. Photo by Robin Farr.

Pu’u Waiahilaahila

Tweaking it and kissing Santa Claus. What happens on the nipple, stays on the nipple.

Pu’u Waiahilaahila

The Chantilly cake I had carried came out somewhat worse for wear, but it’s the thought that counts. Right? Happy Birthday Analyn! Photo by Petra Raser.

Pu’u Waiahilaahila

Bird’s eye view of the postage stamp sized summit. Anymore and we would have to start kicking people off to make room.

Trail

Dale making his way back to the eroded spot where Ani and Quan were waiting.

Junction

Not everybody was a team player in our group photo.

Junction

Two pink ribbons marked the spot to go down.

Trail

The top slope was steep and overgrown coming down. Photo by Petra Raser.

Trail

The bottom slope was slippery with assorted rocks and low hanging branches. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Trail

Connecting back to the loop trail.

Trail

Aida passing the hiker sign on her way down back to the streambed.

All pau

We survived our 4.86 mile hike through valleys, ridges and summits despite storm outbursts and windy dykes. Group photo by Ani Lagpacan, left to right: Ani, Dale, Cisco, Katie, Quan, Janell, Petra, Margaret, Analyn, Robin, myself, Sally, Aida, Jennifer and Kip. Post hike meal at Papa Ole’s where ordering first doesn’t mean you get your food first.

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 and Chris at the Ha’aula Beach parking lot, where we bumped into Dale and Quan who were with the HTMC group that were going up the same ridge we were going.

Pow Wow

The constantly evolving wall of art.

Trail

Met two other hikers coming down from the summit, where they had tried to find the Sacred Falls cabin. They couldn’t find it, so they camped at the Papali Junction on the KST.

Bench

Slathering on sun protection at the bench lookout, where abundant purple passion flowers teased us with future fruiting. Photo by Dale Yoshizu

Trail

We gradually gained elevation as we made our way up several switch backs.

Trail

Shedding the switch backs, the ridge took on a more pronounced incline as we slogged our way up.

Trail

We soon ran into the third person coming down from the summit.

Trail

Chris looking back at the coastal town of Hauula.

Trail

The trail had been cleared a week earlier by the HTMC clearing crew. Kudos for their hard work. Unfortunately, the humidity hung in the air like a smelly kitchen sponge.

Trail

Climbing our way up on one of the steeper sections of the ridge.

Trail

Watching the other club members make their way to our signed spot.

Papali

Look at her belly! While I made the gesture, I didn’t utter the directive. Group photo by Rich Bailey, left to right: Sarah, Dale, myself, Aida, Quan, Analyn and Chris. This was the turn around spot for the club, so we joined them in making our way back down.

Trail

Seeing how far I could go out on a limb. Photo by Analyn Baliscao

Trail

Heading back down the ridge.

All pau

Our short stroll through the mountains tracked 4.81 miles. Post hike meal at Papa Ole’s Kitchen where you get your meal first when you order last. Don’t question, just dig in and eat.

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 Ferlino, Mia and Shirley to salvage what we could from the originally planned camping weekend.

Poamoho Road

Ferlino opening the gate to where the cows sometimes stray from their barbed wire pastures and hunters roam the land looking for smaller sized ungulates.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Thanks to Brian for the tailgate ride to the top and the impromptu social mixer with the hunters. Always awkward to meet irate individuals with guns and dogs. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trailhead

Starting at the trail that prohibits two wheeled modes of transportation, but permits two legged means of transportation.

Poamoho Trail

Heading up the graded trail that cut a swath through the vegetation cascading down the mountain. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Poamoho Trail

The summit beckoned us with clear and inviting skies as we picked up the pace to make it there in under 90 minutes.

Poamoho Trail

Hiking in unmaintained territory, with nothing but the fence line to keep us on track.

Short people problems

Wait, don’t push me yet! Photo by Shirley.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the gully. Almost there.

Poamoho Trail

Looking at this photo, would one think: a) Mia was asking Shirley for a hand to cross the dry streambed or b) passing her iPhone to get that perfect shot? Choose wisely, grasshopper. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Poamoho Trail

Heading to the summit where it’s usually a hit or miss in regards to the views. Today was going to be a home run.

Poamoho Summit

Stunningly clear day at the 2,520′ summit with panoramic views of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys. Words can’t describe it and pictures just scratch the surface.

Poamoho Summit

Ferlino got arm blocked in our group photo.

Poamoho Summit

Some of us tried to look heroic …

Poamoho Summit

… while others could stand to lose seven pounds. Wait, did I get my captions mixed up? Photo and pose credit by Shirley.

Cline Memorial

We ended the photoshoot as we had squandered our early lead at the scenic swept summit and headed out to fenced pastures.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Leaving the fenced trail as we set foot on the historic trail carved out of the mountains back in the 1930’s. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Contouring our way around the ridge line and the small pockets of land slides.

KST

Ferlino climbing over the locked gate. We are not illegals.

KST

Working our way back to the fence line, an ubiquitous sight in the mountains.

KST

Hiking our way across the rugged Northern Ko’olau Mountains.

KST

Shirley attempting to prove that her head is not that big. The fence failed to validate her claim.

KST

Looking out towards the strikingly clear Waianae Mountain Range.

Shoefie

We are not turning simple, well most of us that is. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Boot Junction

Leaving one side of the fence for another side of the fence.

Fence meadows

Crossing the spongy ground. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Fence meadows

Synchronized fence climbing against the valley backdrop.

KST

We can see the cabin for the mountains.

KST

Following the fence line as it wrapped around the valley.

Ko’olau Clinic

When you have to let your 7,126 followers know of your sprained ankle that was compressed with medical tape and webbing. Photo by Mia Garrison.

KST

Somebody was blocking the stunning views. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Kaluanui

Paying too much attention to the sign and not the fence. The other fence.

Kaluanui

Hiking across the 376 acres of mountains and valleys that are home to 29 endemic fauna and flora found nowhere else.

LifeCall

Shirley doing her best impersonation of “Mrs. Fletcher.” I’ve fallen and I can’t get up. All that was missing was the pendant.

Waterfall

Something new on the trail. Wait, this isn’t the trail. Well, at least we got to see a waterfall on the hike, which you usually don’t see on the KST.

KST

Back on the right trail after we spent an hour exploring, which is hiking jargon for getting lost.

Sock Junction

Just wondering if the sock fits the boot?

KST Junction

We took a slight detour off the KST to experience …

Mud Trail

… knee deep mud …Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ko’olau Mountains

… and stunning views of the Waianae Mountains. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Opae’ula Cabin

Group photo of the cabin with the Waianae Mountains in the backdrop, left to right: Ferlino, Shirley, Mia and myself.

Army Cabin

What happened in the cabin got etched very deeply into our photographic memories. Indelible.

Opae’ula Cabin

Time to leave as we had squandered our few remaining daylight hours for the cabin experience. I think the group thought it was worth it.

Mud Trail

Ferlino stepping to the side to avoid taking a mud bath.

KST Junction

Going down the rabbit hole.

KST

It was a hop, skip and a jump across the short muddy section before exiting the gate. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Some of us embraced the mud more readily than the others as we passed the sun bleached pig jawbone.

Papali Junction

Our last group photo of the day as rain would keep us company the rest of the way down.

Papali Ridge

Descending down from the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

Papali Ridge

The rain blended in and drowned out the sound from nearby Castle Falls as we made our way down the fence. Besides, we already saw a waterfall today.

Papali Ridge

What goes down, must come back up. Something you learn very quickly in the mountains.

Castle Junction

Paying too much attention to the gate that drops one down into Kaluanui Stream and Punalu’u Valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ko’olau Mountains

Exploring the rain soaked fenced ridge line for a few hours before the curtain of darkness fell upon us.

Papali Ridge

Illuminating our way down the blackened ridge with a motley assortment of iPhone flashlights and headlamps. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Papali Ridge

The city lights looked so close and yet was so far away. Photo by Shirley.

All pau

Our 12.4 mile hike covered spectacular valley and rugged mountain views through sunny, cloudy and rainy weather. Our ordeal finally came to an end that was filled with graffiti and barking dogs. Great company made the all day adventure bearable and fun. A hearty shout out to Analyn and Clayton for picking us up in the dead of night bearing pizza, wings, banana lumpia and cold drinks. Post hike meal in the SUV. Much Mahaloz! Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

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 spent the Labor Day weekend backpacking in the mountains. Thanks to Daryl for dropping us off.

Hau’ula Valley

Passing the revolving wall of graffiti.

Ma’akua Ridge Trail

Leaving the road behind us.

Bench

Views of the Hau’ula coastline and Laie Point to our left.

Papali Ridge

We left the loop trail to continue the climb up the ridge.

Papali Ridge

Gaining elevation through the uluhe ferns, which were surprisingly trimmed back. We found out later that some fellow hiking friends had cleared it earlier for their upcoming backpacking hike. Lucky us.

Papali Ridge

Humping up the rollercoaster ridge.

Papali Ridge

We followed the ridge line as it curved to the left towards the mountains.

Papali Ridge

Looking ahead to the saddle crossing.

Papali Ridge

Even our boonie hats took a break in the field of flowers.

Papali Ridge

Looking back at the sweeping views of the Windward coastline.

Papali Ridge

Our first contact with the sprawling fence line.

Castle Junction

The trail down to Kaluanui Stream. Not today.

Papali Ridge

Hiking through the wide open swath made possible by the recently installed fence line.

Castle Falls

We hopped over the fence to take in a brief look at this waterfall nestled back in the valley.

Papali Ridge

Passing a moss-ified ohia tree on the trail.

Papali Ridge

Strolling to the summit.

Papali Junction

Standing on the Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST).

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

We meet again. Last time we saw this particular pua’a (pig), it had recently passed and was lying next to a tree on the other side of the fence. Somebody staked its skull to the fence post.

Trail

Going off the reservation. The KST reservation.

Mud pits

Trying my (un)successful best to avoid sinking into the mud. At least I didn’t sink waist deep, like on one of our last visits. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trail

Chris pausing to soak in the views of the Waianae Mountains.

Opae’ula Cabin

We arrived at the recently painted cabin shortly before 3pm. What time is check in?

Opae’ula Cabin

It was one of the best feelings to exchange our mud soaked shoes for slippers, that I just had to jump for joy. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Opae’ula Cabin

Watching the sun rays poking through the clouds and dancing across the land.

Opae’ula Cabin

Fiery sunset on the North Shore.

Opae’ula Cabin

Cabin life lit by a flickering candle that needs to be replaced soon.

Opae’ula Cabin

Morning bowel movement view.

Opae’ula Cabin

We checked out at 8am. Mahalo for the hospitality!

Trail

Extreme hula hooping. Forget plastic hoops, hikers do it with metal hoops.

Trail

Following the fence back to the gate.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Back on the KST. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

The rugged peaks of Manamana, Kanehoalani and Ohulehule poking out above the ridge line.

KST

Chris passing through another gate.

KST

It was a beautiful day to be in the mountains.

KST

Chris dropped down the fence line to follow the barely moist stream bed.

Trail

Standing on top of a trickling waterfall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Jaw dropping views of the valleys kept us company.

Fence Meadows

Crossing the fence to get to the other fence.

Peahinaia Trail

Talks of exploring the overgrown and presumably lost trail soon fizzled out.

Boot Junction

Seated and waiting to try on a pair of boots. Make that singular. Shoelaces not included.

KST

Heading back into the jungle of uluhell ferns and assorted shrubs and trees.

KST

The fence line soon split into two forks. Which one to take?

KST

Outside the fence line.

KST

Inside the fence line.

KST

The contour below the ridge line is now fenced off. The gate is there if you look hard enough, otherwise climb over the fence.

KST

Hikers version of the fidget spinner.

KST

Chris getting off the ridge and fence line.

Poamoho Summit

Pitching tent at the summit for strictly photographic purposes.

Poamoho Summit

Chris climbed the hill to catch a better perspective.

Poamoho Summit

Clear day at the 2,520′ summit.

Poamoho Summit

Chris standing on one of the spur ridges looking down into the stunning valley views.

Cline Memorial

Leaving the breathtaking summit. I think over two hours was enough.

Poamoho Trail

Passing the gulch on our right.

Poamoho Trail

Transitioning from the unmaintained to the maintained trail.

Poamoho Trail

The trail going down was surprisingly bone dry. No complaints here.

Trailhead

Is that our ride? Wishful thinking.

Plantation Road

I switched to auto pilot going down the mentally and physically numbing road. One foot in front of the other. Repeat until needed.

Plantation Road

Our forward progress was momentarily halted by a rather large black cow that had planted herself squarely in the middle of the road and wasn’t budging. I waited for Chris to catch up as he had shed his red shirt as some cows were following him. We soon edged around the cow to resume walking down the road and thought we had saw the last of that heifer. We were sadly mistaken. Taking a break at the second gate, we heard loud bellowing and saw the same black cow had followed us! We climbed through the barbed wire to the other road and the cow soon lost interest.

All pau

No sign of the black cow. The red ninja hiker kept us safe. Mahalo to Dale and Kamalani for picking us up on short notice.

GPS Tracks

Our two day hike through some of the most scenic trails on the island covered 16.72 miles. Not a bad way to spend the weekend with good company. Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse. Prime rib is what’s for dinner. Moooo!

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.

I met up with Gen, Glenn, Jose and Justin to do some exploring on the North Shore. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trailhead

We passed the revolving graffiti wall on our way to the Ma’akua Ridge Trail.

Sunrise

The sun breaking over the town of Hauula.

Bench

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

Papali Ridge

We left the loop trail and headed up the ridge.

Rope Log

There were no rope and no log. What the heck is this thing?

Papali Ridge

The trail started like a typical ridge hike, multiple short ups …

Papali Ridge

… and downs.

Papali Ridge

The trail was surprisingly clear. The uluhell was only ankle high. Ankle biters.

Papali Ridge

Spoke too soon. Glenn wading through waist high uluhell.

Coastal view

Looking back at the coastal communities of Hauula, Laie and Kahuku.

Papali Ridge

Group photo at the Papali junction. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail snacks

Gen munching on uki grass. A good source of dietary fiber.

Papali Ridge

Justin approaching the saddle.

Papali Ridge

Ferns and fungus growing out of a fallen tree.

Mountain of dreams

Dirty yoga. Wrong in so many ways. Photos by Justin Hirako.

Papali Ridge

The ridge became a steady chore going up.

Papali Ridge

Justin and Glenn making their way up.

Ridges and Valleys

We soon noticed a fresh looking cut trail going down into the valley.

Costco Hot Dog

Glenn sucking down the mustard like there’s no tomorrow to combat his cramps.

Trail Junction

A sign pointed to the trail we had just been checking out from the top of the ridge.

Trail

The trail looked like it had been recently cleared. Lucky us.

Bare Tree

A lonely tree shorn of its leaves.

Moss Trees

The trail switch backed through a forest of moss covered trees.

Leap of faith

One had no faith. One went blindly. One went with eyes wide open.

Trail

Gen and Jose checking out the stream below the trail.

Kaluanui Stream

White hibiscus lined the banks of the stream.

Kaluanui Stream

Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Kaluanui Stream

We dumped our packs and decided to do some exploring.

Kaluanui Stream

Glenn rock hopping down the stream.

Kaluanui Stream

What’s around the corner?

Waterfall

Waterfall! Photo by Justin Hirako.

Tours

Helicopters frequently buzzed the valley during our short stay. We waved. They waved back.

Waterfall

Noticed a couple of old rappelling anchors at the top. No ropes. No rappel.

Waterfall

We contoured our way down to the base of the waterfall. Group photo by Justin Hirako. Hey, where did the other two go?

Kaluanui Stream

If only we had more time to explore downstream.

Sunning

We made our way back upstream to find Jose sleeping soundly on a rock. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

We refilled our camelbacks from the stream and picked up the trail on the opposite side of the banks.

Construction

Stopped to check out the site of a future cabin? Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Leaving the stream behind us.

Trail

Looking out towards the ocean.

Notch

I can’t go any higher. Something might rip. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Notch

Justin squeezed through horizontally and vertically. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

Punalu’u Valley

Click here for the larger image.

Trail

The trail was completely overgrown with towering pink fringe flower vines. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Going under and around strawberry guava trees. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Heading down into Punalu’u Valley. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Trail

Some overgrown sections were so thick that we had to crawl on our hands and knees.

Trail

Justin used sheer momentum and mass to break through.

Trail

Passing underneath a tangled thicket of tree branches. Luckily we didn’t have to go through them.

Trail

Between a hard rock wall and a drop off. Walk carefully.

Detour

Looked like a section of the original trail got closed down. Possibly due to a landslide?

Detour

Gen going down the detour trail.

Trail

The detour trail soon dropped us back to the switchbacks.

Road

We followed the sign that pointed to a road further down. Talk about taking a spur ridge down instead, dissipated with the fact that darkness would soon cover us and we didn’t know the lay of the land.

Trail

Gen wading through head high uluhell.

Trail

Flower girl.

Trail

Glenn making his way under and over thickets of tree branches. That road can’t come soon enough.

All pau

We made our way down off the ridge, passed through the valley populated with farms and palatial houses until we popped out on the road. Photo by Justin Hirako.

GPS Tracks

Our hiking mileage varied, depending on whose tracking app you asked, 9.85 or 11.01 miles. Either way, it was quite an epic day hiking in the mountains with a fun crew. We even had a “valet” that was watching our truck. Glenn gave him some cash and a job referral for his “troubles.” Post hike meal at Zippy’s.

2:00am. What was I doing up so early on a Sunday morning? Boy’s Day? No, it was to join David and the crew of J, Tom, Ted, Yoshi, Randy, Troy, Chenay, Kinky and Gerwin to hike the last segment that David needed to complete the entire Koolau Mountains. We staged some cars at Laie and met at the Hauula 7-11 parking lot. Here we are, all nice and dry. That would change at the end of the day, or should I say night? Photo left to right: Tom, Yoshi, J (sitting), Troy, Ted, myself, David, Kinky, Randy and Gerwin. Photo by Chenay Borja.

Hauula sunrise

After we recovered from mis-communication issues and re-grouped, we all struck out a little after 6:00am as the sun rose through scattered clouds.

Early hunters gets the pigs

As we made our way down Hauula Homestead Road, we noticed a bunch of hunters with their dogs that were already at the gates.

Ma’akua Ridge Trail

We let the dogs and hunters pass us by as they went straight to the Hauula Loop Trail and we turned left onto the Ma’akua Ridge Trail.

Sunrise stop

After crossing a dry stream bed and going up several switchbacks, we took a short break at one of the benches that were installed on the trail. From here, we took the right junction to get on the Papali Ridge Trail.

Rainbow

Checking out a rainbow to our right in the Ma’akua Valley, as we made our way up the trail. Usually, rainbows come after the rain. So it should be dry weather ahead. Wishful thinking.

Where is the trail?

A taste of things to come, as we went through knee-high ferns and vegetation.

Tree rest

One doesn’t necessarily always have to sit down to take a rest, you can be like Yoshi and lean against a tree.

Trail clearing needed

The trail on Papali Ridge while slightly overgrown, is clearly marked and seems well-traveled.

Checking out …

So far, Mother Nature was giving us a respite from the rains that frequently visit the area.

… the view

Looking out to Laie and beyond.

Rolling hills

Crossing a saddle amongst the rolling hills of the Northern Koolaus.

Almost there!

Making our way up to a small hill with an outstanding view waiting for us.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Castle trail

We soon left the Papali Ridge and connected to the Castle Trail. Technically, access to Castle Trail from Punaluu Valley has been forbidden for quite some time. HTMC had legal access, but that was just recently revoked by the Bishop Estate due to over-exposure and liability concerns.

Castle Falls

According to Randy, Castle Falls was the highlight of the HTMC hike when it was legally sanctioned. We all had a mere 30 seconds or so to view the falls before the clouds robbed us of the view. Then somebody turned on the sprinklers.

Lunch

While waiting for the rest of the group to come back from looking at the falls, I noticed J taking his usual macro shots and tried my hand at it. Not as good.

Mud galore

 This section of the trail had shoe sucking mud. I hate mud.

KST!

We reached the Koolau Summit Trail at around noon, all cold and wet.

Lost

Even with GPS tracks, we got off the beaten path a couple of times. The Northern Koolau section is mostly broad with rolling hills and numerous spur ridges branching off. It’s very easy to get lost up here. Being socked in didn’t help either. What does help, is to have a bunch of seasoned hikers who will eventually figure out how to get back on the beaten path.

We’re on the right fence

The trail soon ran into a fenced off area, meant to keep out feral pigs and goats.

Koloa cabin

We hopped the fence to take a look at the Koloa cabin, which appears to still be under construction. It was still good enough to have a roof to keep out the rain as we took shelter inside.

It’s not the Ritz

It felt so good to lie down on something solid and dry, even if it was only for a couple minutes. Photo by David Concepion.

Last call

A simple touch of civilization in the Koolau mountains.

That’s the way!

We followed the fence as it roller coastered up and down, until somebody realized we had overshot the junction to Laie. Go back! We then went back to the junction and followed the trail until it passed a heli-pad and a small meadow which we crossed.

Laie summit

Top of Laie summit at 6:30pm. Congrats to David for finally completing the entire Koolau’s. An accomplishment I hope to repeat one of these days. We still had five more miles to go, but it was all downhill. In the rain. Always a catch. Photo by Francis Joy.

Time to turn the lights on

Five of the mountain goats – J, Ted, Tom, Yoshi and Randy ran down most of the five mile trail. The rest of us just hiked it down, using headlamps for about the last two hours. We made it back to our cars around 9:30pm. This was a long day, an understatement at best. But what a hike!

GPS tracks

The 15.6 mile hike took us 15 1/2 hours to complete. Cold, wet and tired. But glad to have completed my first hike on the Koolau Summit Trail.