Somebody was not ready to finish the KST today, but Roger was ready to take the open slot. You snooze, you lose.

Pali Lookout

Some drove, some carpooled and others got dropped off to start our hike this morning.

Pali Lookout

Quick, let’s take a group photo before the wind knocks the tripod over.

Pali Notches

Tackling the first of two man-made notches that were reputedly cut out of the mountains by Ka’iana of Kauai.

Pali Notches

The notches housed British canons that Kalanikupule, ruler of Oahu, had planned to use against the invading army of Kamehameha in 1795.

Pali Notches

Those original plans were thwarted when Kamehameha sent his scouts down from Konahuanui to take out the cannons.

Pali Notches

The last known sighting of Santa’s beard.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Checking out the Windward views and the planet’s rotation toward our heat furnace.

Sunrise

We didn’t have the erupting Kilauea vent to watch, but we had the spectacle of a fiery sunrise.

Nipple

Taking the direct route instead of the contour trail.

Nipple

Stacked and staggered.

Nipple

Akira climbing up the single rope that has replaced the previous web of ropes and webbing. Bravo to whoever did the replacement.

Chimney

Dragging my sushi belly up the slabs of rocks was especially taxing on this climb. Too much ono Japanese food from my recent vacation. Chico saw us off and turned around due to his wobbly equilibrium. We need Santa to show up on Christmas Day.

Chimney

CB testing his balance and his luck with the winds.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Scrambling up and around rocks of assorted sizes and stages of erosion.

Contour

Aileen making her way up the spot where Agnes Bryant fell roughly 300′ and lived to tell the tale on September 18, 2012 in the company of Laredo Muredo and Marvin Chandra. Something best to repeat after the section and not during the climb.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pushing ahead on the steady climb up the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group contouring around the boulder, in the not so distant past, the boulder would have been directly climbed.

Mud Wall

Going up the steep wall that time and traffic have changed the climbing profile to make it more user friendly.

Konahuanui

Approaching the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range where a trail runner soon turned around after finding out the trail conditions were less than hospitable.

Konahuanui

Group photo at the 3,150′ summit. Typical conditions. No views.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing between the cloud soaked Schweddy Balls.

K2

Nothing to see. Passing through.

KSRT

We dropped in elevation and left the two large testicles and the cloud canopy behind us.

KSRT

Hiking down the ridge line as the distinctive fluted flanks of the mountain popped into view.

Manoa Middle Summit

Group photo at the grassy clearing whose side trail leads down into Manoa Valley.

KSRT

Resuming our hike as we had places to go and people to meet.

KSRT

Climbing on the rocks, kicking tires and looking for that sedan model.

KSRT

Going up one of multiple hills to reach the summit of ‘Awa’awaloa or Mount Olympus.

Mount Olympus

Group photo at the stand-in summit that sits at an elevation of 2,486′.

Mount Olympus

The water droplets hanging in the clouds soon became heavy enough to fall on the mountains which forced our early departure from the sixth highest summit on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Ka’au Crater

We soon were looking over one of three tuff cones on the island, this particular one was tucked right against the mountain range and the crater was filled with a marsh that feeds the three waterfalls below it.

Ka’au Crater

Taking a breather after we climbed up the rutted trail and to the top of the ridge line.

KSRT

No rest for the weary. Another BFH was coming up. I’m pretty sure you can figure out what the acronym stands for.

KSRT

We definitely got our cardio workout for today. No question.

Pu’u Kainawa’aunui

Taking a well deserved break at the grassy summit.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Meanwhile, down in the gated community, the reception committee assembled while waiting for a certain individual that was working on her volcano reel. Luckily, there was an Uber hiker at work today.

True Lanipo

Giving up the pipe dream.

KSRT

Looking ahead to the last summit for today.

KSRT

Are we there yet?

Wiliwilinui Summit

Our arrival at the finish line where we waited for the rest of the group to make their way up to the top.

Wiliwilinui Summit

We spotted several mongoose at the top, descended from the original 72 invasive animals that were introduced to the islands in 1883 from Jamaica. They were introduced to control the rat problem that was plaguing the sugar industry. One small problem. Rats are active at night and mongoose are active during the day, and never the twain shall meet.

Wiliwilinui Summit

#25 – My traditional champagne dousing on the finisher. Congratulations to Roger on completing the last segment needed to finish the entire 52 miles of the Ko’olau Summit Trail that extends from Pupukea to Makapu’u.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Now they both have another thing in common, KST finishers.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Group photo at the 2,480′ summit along with the latest bag charm fad, Labubu.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Leaving the summit as we made our way down the 2.3 mile trail.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Something miraculous happened on the descent, as somebody seemed to have lost their fear of heights. Will wonders never cease. What’s next? The saddles?

All pau

We arrived at the parking lot, some changed, wiped and freshened up and then piled into the cars to take our leave.

GPS Tracks

Our memorable KST finish hike covered 7.58 miles with an awesome group and thanks to everybody that came out to help celebrate Roger’s finish. Post hike meal at Gyotaku, where the early bird specials only apply on weekdays. Congratulations again Roger on your KST finish!

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Allison Banks, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Jeremy Cannone, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Roger Schiffman, Susan Katz, Tessa Bugay, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

Met up with Aileen and Tesssa to do a quick hop and pop over the mountains.

Maunawili

Where’s the goat whisperer when you need him?

Maunawili

Somebody was running fashionably late aka Hawaiian time, so we enjoyed the breaking sunrise over Olomana.

Maunawili

We soon left the future lots of affordable homes and began our hike. But first, let’s stay hydrated as demonstrated by Tessa.

Piliwale Ridge

Stepping foot on the ridge pioneered by Silver Piliwale, a legendary hiker who hiked from Pupukea to Moanalua in five days to celebrate his 72nd birthday.

Piliwale Ridge

Climbing up towards the notch.

Notch

360 degree group photo at the natural cut in the ridge. We saw rain showers headed our way and after some deliberation, decided to press on.

Piliwale Ridge

Dropping down into the notch.

Piliwale Ridge

Hello from the other side.

Piliwale Ridge

Scrambling up some rocks.

Piliwale Ridge

Aileen climbing up the crack between a tree and a rock.

Piliwale Ridge

Scrambling up more rocks.

Piliwale Ridge

Aileen pulling herself up.

Piliwale Ridge

Somebody left a rope behind which made this climb easier. How nice of them.

Piliwale Ridge

Tessa climbing up and over the rock.

Piliwale Ridge

Going up the honest cardio climb, no switch backs on this ridge.

Piliwale Ridge

Tessa pushing to the junction.

Piliwale Junction

Group photo at the 3,050′ elevation mark.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

What goes up, must come down.

Mud Wall

Going down the slippery slope.

KSRT

Tessa silhouetted on a prominent bump on the ridge line with panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

KSRT

Dropping off the boulder and back on the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The ridge became steeper, narrower and a tad more “technical.”

Contour

Aileen coming around the rockface that always gives me pause, as this is where a fallen angel fell 300′ and lived to hike another day.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Talk to the hand or use the hand. Whichever you prefer.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making our way down to the last major climb on this ridge line.

Chimney

It was like going down a spiderweb of ropes. Best to be mindful of how you go down, otherwise one might get hung up like some hapless prey.

Chimney

The “friendly” slanted angle of the climb.

Chimney

Swinging Tessa to a safe spot. Ouch.

Chimney

The “less friendly” vertical angle of the climb.

Nipple

360 degree group photo on the bump of a rock.

Nipple

Aileen coming down from the rocky perch.

Pali Notches

Ropes? We don’t need no stinking ropes. Paraphrasing the classic line from the 1948 movie “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.”

Pali Notches

Tessa climbing up from the man-made notch that once housed cannons that were installed by King Kalanikupule to defend Oahu against the armies of King Kamehameha. However, Kamehameha found out about these cannons and sent his scouts to descend from the top, perhaps the same route we had just come down from, to disable the cannons.

Pali Notches

What is Amber doing up here at Pali Notches? I think she wanted to add more death threats on Tik Tok to her files. She’s an addict.

Pali Notches Trail

Headed down to mingle with the tourists.

Pali Notches Trail

Tessa biting her gloved fingers in mock horror. Or is that for real?

Pali Notches Trail

Making our way down to the site of the historic 1795 battle that saw the defeat of Oahu’s army, where the remaining warriors were either pushed off the cliff or jumped to their deaths.

Pali Lookout

Playing tourists.

All pau

Thanks to Amber for picking us up and trying to take us to hike Olomana. Sorry, that’s your favorite mountain and not ours. Back to our cars please.

GPS Tracks

Our short day in the mountains covered a little over two miles with a fun crew. Post hike meal at Big City Diner, not to be confused with TGIF.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Tessa Bugay, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

It was time for another camping weekend in the mountains.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Lilyn for dropping me off to begin my brief solo hike. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pali Notches

I soon ran across a group of hikers who were climbing down the second notch. They asked me two questions. Have you done this before and where is the rock formation? I could only answer one of their questions to the best of my knowledge. I asked them what their route was through these mountains. They could not answer my question. Or more accurately, All Trails could not answer it for them.

Chimney

I then ran across another solo hiker, Joy, who climbed the “rock formation” with me and gave me a good scare coming around the contour. Luckily the other group decided to trust their gut intuition rather than All Trails and turned around.

Mud Wall

Watching Joy approach the mud wall with clear views of the Windward coastline and mountains behind her.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Crossed paths with two hikers who were planning on going down to the Pali from the Kalawahine Trail. Thanks to All Trails.

Konahuanui

Uncommonly clear views on top of the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Olomana

Watching paragliders soaring on the thermals as they drifted lazily through the sky.

K2

Joy descending down from the two large testicles.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Walking into a postcard painted by fluted flanks cascading from the crest of the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Photo by Joy Rodriguez.

Manoa Middle Summit

Panoramic views of Maunawili Valley and points beyond.

KSRT

Lost in a sea of green. Photo by Joy Rodriguez.

Castle Trail

Contouring our way below the ridge line where we soon met up with the Wa’ahila Ridge Trail where Joy decided to hike down to make her daughter’s ballet recital.

Awaawaloa

Summit view from the massive peak between Manoa and Palolo Valleys.

Ka’au Crater

Climbed down from the 2,486′ peak and soon approached the power lines that mark one of three tuff cones on the island.

Ka’au Crater

Looking down into the marsh filled crater. I was also asked if I was a crane repair man sent up here to fix something. Perhaps it had something to do with my work shirt, but still somewhat perplexed as to how a crane would find itself on top of these mountains.

KSRT

Looking into Palolo Valley and the other tuff cone which also happens to be the hardest hike on the island.

Kainawa’aunui

Taking a load off my feet on the 2,520′ summit after the short and stiff climb up the huge hill.

Pu’u Lanipo

My dream of hiking Lanipo Windward is slowly becoming a pipe dream.

KSRT

Descending down the ridge marked with power line towers and approaching the cell tower that marks Wiliwilinui ridge.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Many thanks to Chris, Dale and Sally that brought us chicken and water and stayed to share the sunset with us.

Camp Wili

We enjoyed a cold, clear and crisp night at the summit camp. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Wili

The morning cloud formations filtered and painted the skies and scenery. It was quite the show.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Art hiked up to join us at the top, carrying a couple of sodas and two legged and four legged hikers in tow.

KSRT

Leaving the 2,520′ summit behind us as we started another day of hiking in the mountains.

Wailupe Summit

What’s going on here? What happened to the prayer flags and the green sign?

KSRT

It’s always hump day in the mountains.

KSRT

Slightly overcast conditions kept us from overheating in the mountains. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Somebody sounded faintly familiar at the 2,520′ knob.

KSRT

Hiking up the next hill to look for that flapping chicken. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kulepeamoa Summit

Never say never? Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

The hills have hills.

Kuli’ou’ou 2?

Isn’t this Pu’u O Kona? I have the same book as well you know. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The debate was still not settled and with a lunch riding on the outcome, we left the questionable summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Art warned us to be careful on this eroded section and promptly reinforced it by falling down. Thanks Art!

KSRT

Tessa showing us how to safely cross the trail. Somebody needs to take notes.

KSRT

Scenic view of Waimanalo and points beyond. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Just missing the tent. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Art making his way to the sounding knee. Maybe creaking knees. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Met up with Aida, Bill, Narissa, Quan, Shirley and Tanya at the 2,028′ eroded hill.

KSRT

It was time to take our leave of the windy and overpopulated summit. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Aida on the exposed ridge before being swallowed up by the forest. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Hey, let’s leave an arrow made of sticks so the rest of the group goes down the right junction. One problem with that, they will have to notice it.

KSRT

Are we on the right trail? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The group making their way down the set of powerline towers that straddle the ridgeline. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Did you see the arrow? What arrow?

Scenic point

Where did the other three go? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Contouring on the Windward side of the ridge that was thickly covered with pine needles and cones. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hahaione Pyramid

Looking ahead to the roughly triangular shaped rock that predates the more famous ones located over 9,000 miles away.

KSRT

Some of us took the high road and others took the low road. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Taking in the Windward views on top of the small, flat topped hill. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Tessa climbing up the short rockface. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Watching the rest of the group make their way up to the summit that Kamehameha Schools would like you to forget. Photo by Art Young

Kaluanui Summit

Lunch in the shade. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Back on the trail that alternated between stands of trees and exposed ridge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Everybody waiting their turn to go down the printer cable. Yes, printer cable. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Contouring around the rock that nobody wanted to climb. Photo by Art Young.

Tom-Tom Summit

Passing the powerlines that marks the trail that drops down into Waimanalo. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Scrambling our way up and over the rockfaces that dominated the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

The sun was taking a beating on us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Headed up to the steep and shaded pine forest. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamiloiki Summit

Planking at the shaded spot overlooking the Waimanalo coastline.

KSRT

Breaking out onto the exposed trail before plunging back into another stand of pine trees.

KSRT

Leaving the brief shade before getting another does of Vitamin D. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Dropping down into the depression. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Scrambling out of the saddle. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Taking a brief break on top of the small denuded hill before another small dip. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kamehame Road

Physical dehydration, fatigue and inducements of free dinner convinced us to end the hike early. Early being relative. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kamehame Road

I guess it was past closing time. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

All pau

End of the well trafficked road for us. Thanks to Chris for picking us up and feeding us with fast food.

GPS Tracks

Our hike depending who you went with and what routes one took, covered a little over 12 miles. Post hike meal at Pho time. It took time for some of us to get our food. Guess it wasn’t pho time for everybody. Fun hike with new and old friends.

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.

To begin this story, I have to rewind the clock back six days as Chris asked me to chronicle his KST one shot from South to North. Bear with me as I wasn’t with him until the last day. LOL.

Makapu’u Puka

Day 1 Sunday, November 8, 2020 – Tessa dropped Chris off at Makapu’u to start his journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Nothing like a cold bottle of caffeinated cola to start ones day.

Sunrise

Catching the sun rising over the bulging eye.

Kamehame

Chris and his shadow to keep him company on the hike. It also pays to talk to oneself on the hike as well.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Safety tip: Always wear a hard hat while hiking to avoid being conked on the head by those falling pine cones.

Kamiloiki Summit

Enjoying the views of the Waimanalo coastline.

Tom-Tom Summit

Don’t worry, keep hiking.

Mariner’s Summit

Chris left the hard hat behind for other hikers that are a little bit more safety conscious.

Hahaione

Taking a picture as it will last longer.

Lost & Found

Chris found Quan’s cap that was lost on an earlier hike.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Setting up tent at the helipad. Home for the night.

Sunset

Capturing the sun as it goes down over the communications tower.

KSRT

Day 2 Monday, November 9, 2020 – Dropping in between the valley.

Sedan Rock

Contoured and met back up with the ridge line.

K2 Summit

No views at one of the testicles. Hold and cough.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Coming down the cloud soaked ridge line.

Chimney

Taking a break from selfies and taking a shoefie instead.

Chimney

Looking back at the hardest obstacle on this saddle as Chris made his way down past the notches and down to the lookout.

Camp Pali

Lilyn, Quan, Tessa and myself met up with Chris after work to give him food, drinks and company. Quan got her cap back as well. We left before the night marchers came out. Sleep tight.

Pali Puka

Day 3 Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – Looking for those views.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Going up the crumbly saddle as the clouds rolled in from the ocean.

W

Chris about to contour and climb the donkey kong obstacle.

KSRT

Climbing out of the saddle and onto more solid footing.

Lanihuli Summit

Clear views at the 2,700′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking another break from the selfies as Chris gets ready to ride the dirt dragon.

Lanihuli Wall

Testing out the new webbing.

Can Opener

Chris at the iconic photo spot, right before he got stuck going up the Doorstop. Elevator services were offline.

Doorstop

Looking back at the steepness that is Lanihuli Wall. Best appreciated in person from far away.

Bunny Ears

Coming off the pair of hills and heading towards Shark Fin. Getting hungry for Chinese food.

Powerlines

Dropping down towards the middle of the saddle as Chris pushed on. No rest for the weary.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the conical rock face.

Rock Triangle

Heading towards the hardest of the rock triangles. But first, Chris had to flash a shaka.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading towards the summit of Bowman after polishing off the saddle.

Tripler Summit

To camp or not to camp? Too early.

Stairway to Heaven

Only one soul in heaven today.

Food Pantry

When the rats are more thirsty than you.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going down the stairs that time forgot.

Dirt Triangle

Somebody made use of the yellow rope that was sitting up there.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Chris pitched his tent on the summit with sweeping views of Halawa Valley and points beyond.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Day 4 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 – Catching the morning valley views.

Red Hill Summit

Still no closure after five years. Sad for the family.

Stairway to Hell

Never enter Hell without your tetanus shot.

REI Outlet

The selection was quite sparse. They need to stock up.

North Haiku Stairs

No views. Just shaka views.

KSRT

Rounding the bend around the fenced plant enclosure.

Aiea Summit

The man and his sign.

KSRT

Catching the Windward views.

KSRT

Rolling hills ahead.

Waimalu Meadows

The winds were blowing something fierce and snatched Chris’s phone out of his hands and flung it a good distance. Lucky it landed on the spongy ground and not off the cliff.

Waimano Summit

Home for the night with views overlooking Waihee Valley.

KSRT

Day 5 Thursday, November 12, 2020 – Looking back at the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Eleao Meadows

Fence by fence, they will take over the mountains.

Manana Summit

End of trail? Not for Chris.

Corner

Last chance for H20.

KSRT

Approaching Waiawa Gap.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping into the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

Waiahole Windward

Reminiscing about the ridge from bushwhacking hell.

Kipapa Summit

Where the KSRT becomes the KST. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Tree of Life

Windy as usual. Stay here long enough and you too will become bent over.

KST

Keep the country country.

KST

Soaking in the spectacular Northern views.

Schofield Waikane Junction

To camp or not to camp? There were still a couple hours of daylight left. Press on.

KST

The rare Ko’olau Goose is getting long in the tooth and shorn of feathers.

Pauao Junction

Chasing the sun.

KST

The notch that dynamite built.

Poamoho Cabin

Home for the night.

Poamoho Cabin

Watching the sunset.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 6 Friday, November 13, 2020 – The morning sun streaming through the windows provided the wake up call in the mountains.

Poamoho Summit

Enjoying one of the best views on the island.

Cline Memorial

How many more miles do I have left?

KST

Going my way?

KST

Lobelia in bloom.

KST

Lobelia along the fence line.

Da Boot Junction

Surprising that the boot has held up this long.

KST

Lobelia in the meadows.

KST

The fence line following the convoluted topography of the KST.

KST

Lobelia overload.

Rabbit Hole

Slogging through more mud pits.

KST

Following the fence line to Papali.

Papali Junction

Running into Charlie at the summit. Small world.

KST

They don’t call this section the muddiest for nothing.

KST

Native loulu palm trees interrupting the ridge line.

KST

Sunbather or sacrificial lamb?

KST

Let’s get in one more mud bath, shall we?

Koloa Cabin

Open for business, despite the rumors.

Koloa Cabin

What’s for dinner? Oxtail soup? Prime rib, crab legs and asparagus? Salmon and Poke? Let’s get back to reality. Filipino sardines and rice it is.

Laie Trail

Day 7 Saturday, November 14, 2020 – Tessa and I met up at the trailhead to hike the six mile trail to the summit to meet Chris and continue with him to the finish line.

Koloa Cabin

Last day to be in the mountains!

Laie Trail

Tessa told me to wait at the summit for her, as she had to fertilize the mountains.

Laie Trail

Going up the humid, overgrown and wet trail. The joys of hiking.

KST

Chris leaving the cabin for the summit.

Laie Trail

The woman of the mountains.

KST

The man of the hour.

Laie Summit

Group photo in the foxhole. Chris got his requested Coke and snacks. Much needed nourishment after seven days in the mountains.

KST

Leaving the 2,240′ summit for the most overgrown section on the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Making our way on the trail as the windmills pinwheeled in the background.

Maleakahana Junction

The glove that Chris left many years ago to replace the green sign that used to mark the spot.

KST

Winding our way through the lush landscape. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Halfway there and time for our lunch break.

KST

Tessa disappearing into the uluhell overgrowth.

KST

Tessa pulling Chris’s leg and then some.

KST

Pushing up the last hill through the strawberry guava corridor.

Puu Hina

Group photo at the summit overlooking the North Shore.

KST

Heading down to the finish line.

Black Junction

My traditional champagne dousing of the finisher. This time Chris got two for the price of one. Major congratulations to Chris Bautista for his second KST one shot (first documented both ways, North-South and South-North) and his sixth overall finish of the KST. #beastmode.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

We didn’t expect to see this individual when we popped out of the trail.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

You have cold beer in your backpack? Chris’s best buddy.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Swinging my way down the road. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Greet and scare. Aida, Lilyn and Quan were waiting in the bushes to surprise us. It worked for some.

All pau

Group photo left to right: Lilyn, Quan, Chris, myself, Tessa, Arnold and Aida. It was high time for somebody to take a shower as well.

Post hike meal

Dale also came up to congratulate Chris on his accomplishment. Thanks to the gang for bringing us cold drinks, pizza and chicken. Mahalo to Quan for making Chris a Corona lei. That beer didn’t help him catch any chickens. Also found out that chickens will eat their own kind. Fried to boot. Thanks to Lilyn for driving us to the showers and back to our cars in Laie.

Post hike meal Round 2

Chris, Tessa and myself then drove to Waianae for the WST one shot turned KST one shot party as well at Bill and Shirley’s house. One shot for the one shot team. Chris could finally dig in to oxtail soup, prime rib, crab legs, grilled asparagus, poke and mashed potatoes. Thanks to Shirley for giving me the only Coke in the house. Mahalo to Analyn for the oxtail soup to go order. Fun times with Analyn and Chris, Liezl and Micah, Mia, Matt, Mike and Amber.

GPS Tracks

Chris’s traversal from Makapu’u to Pupukea covered over 52 miles in seven days. Amazing accomplishment Chris! Props to you my friend.

GPS Tracks

Tessa and I hiked 12.8 miles in nine hours through some of the worst overgrowth this side of the KST. Fun times all around with good friends during and after the hike. Thanks to all that came out to support Chris. Mahalo!

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.

We decided to have Christmas come early for Lilyn today. Met up with Analyn, Anne, Art, Lilyn and myself at the Pali Lookout where typical windy conditions greeted us.

Trailhead

Right off the bat, it was a short and steep climb up. The best part of waking up, is hiking up. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Trail

Anne breaking out into the open grassy spot which afforded us much better views than the lookout.

Pali Trail

Working our way towards the first of the man-made notches where we ran across two other hikers. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Notches

Lilyn climbing down the first notch. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Notches

Taking a break on the other side. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Notches

Everybody waiting their turn to make their way down the second notch.

Nipple

Time to climb the chimney. Photo by Art Young.

Chimney

Lilyn trying not to get tangled up in the ropes on her way up.

Chimney

Need a hand?

Chimney

Some folks liked to savor their climb up the chimney by sitting down. Photo by Art Young.

Chimney

Others like to be on their back. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The climbing was not over yet. Photo by Art Young.

Contour

Lilyn pulling herself up to the ridge line with backdrop views of Kalihi Valley and points beyond.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making our way up the grassy ridge line that was punctuated with boulders of assorted sizes and shapes. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at our crumbly climb.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The girls enjoying a relatively flat section of the ridge line with sweeping Windward views in the background.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Rock climbing. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

What happens when you don’t take the helping hand is you land on your back. Some people are used to that already.

Mud Wall

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something purple.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pushing our way on the muddy trail to the top.

Konahuanui

Group photo at the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Socked in as usual.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing between the schweddy balls.

K2

Met up with Aida, Janell, Quan and Tessa at the shift right peak. There was also a reunion of sorts celebrated with a yawyaw dance and food regurgitation.

K2

Before we left, the girls did their traditional male-excluded butt grab group shot.

KSRT

Watching as the ridge line kept the clouds at bay on the Leeward side.

KSRT

Panoramic cloudy view.

KSRT

Coming down the trail that was partly open and partly overgrown. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Janell making her way down with the spine of the Ko’olau Mountain Range ahead of her. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Leaving the crown jewels of the Ko’olau Mountains behind us. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

One had to be quick to catch this rainbow. Not all of us saw it. Photographic proof by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Coming down the sandwiched meadow.

KSRT

Horizontal rain blurred the way to our destination summit.

Manoa Middle Summit

Our not so synchronized group photo, where some of us were more enthusiastic than the others.

Manoa Middle Trail

Heading down into Manoa Valley. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Strawberry guavas

Trail snacks to keep you constipated while hiking.

Manoa Middle Trail

Coming down the steepest part of the trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Queen’s Bath

Communal bathing to rinse off the collective mud and grime.

Manoa Valley

Climbing out of the stream fed bath.

All pau

Exiting Pu’u Pia Trail, where we got rides from Tessa, Aida and Quan. Some of us showered and freshened up to make ourselves somewhat presentable for our dinner that was a little more demanding in terms of personal hygiene than our usual hang outs. Photo by Art Young.

Post hike meal

We celebrated Ferlino’s birthday at Jade Dynasty where Cathy, Dale, Edgar, Jasmin (2), Matt, Richard and family, Sally and Somphet also joined the party. Thanks to Sally for putting the delicious menu together and setting up the private room arrangements. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

GPS Tracks

Our 4.7 mile hike that took us to the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range and down into the deep and thick valley of Manoa was another fun adventure with good company.

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.

Took some friends on a trail that was new for them and let gravity do the rest. Mahalo to Jasmin for dropping Aida, Art, Ferlino, Sally, Tessa and myself off in Maunawili. Photo by Art Young.

Maunawili

Million dollar view of Olomana and her surrounding neighborhoods. $1.3 million to be exact.

Maunawili

We checked our collective change and found out we didn’t have enough to even buy a cup of coffee, so we continued our hiking.

Junction

The beginning of the ridge that was named after the legendary hiker, Silver Piliwale.

Piliwale Ridge

Multi-tasking on the trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Notch

We took a group photo on the postage stamp sized space before beginning our ascent.

Notch

Looking ahead to the stiff climb ahead of us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Notch

The group climbing down and out of the notch. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Piliwale Ridge

Contouring up the rooted side of the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ko’olau Mountains

The sound hit us before the sight did as a chopper continuously crossed the Ko’olau Mountains ferrying supplies.

Piliwale Ridge

Sally climbing her way up the steep ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Piliwale Ridge

Climbing up and over the rock section. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Piliwale Ridge

Tessa hanging onto the uki grass for dear life as she contours her way around the ridge.

Piliwale Ridge

Sally scampering up the steep climb. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Piliwale Ridge

Aida enjoying a flat spot on the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ko’olau Mountains

We soon heard Chris hollering from the ridge line above us as he had hiked up from Manoa Middle to meet up with us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Junction

In addition to spotting a gastropod of the Hawaiian Succinea order, we also saw a distant cousin of the fruit loop bird. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Junction

Flying the flag at roughly 3,030′ elevation, couple hundred feet shy of the highest point on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Tessa making her way down as the clouds slowly drifted in from the ocean.

Mud Wall

The group taking their time going down the eroded wall which offered less handholds and footholds as compared to our last visit several months ago. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Tessa taking our pictures against the now clear coastline.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Thanks to Tessa for pointing us in the right direction.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Traffic jam at the boulder as everybody took turns contouring their way down.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris standing at the top of the roller coaster ridge. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Tessa about to climb her way down the crumbly pile of rocks that passes for a ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

A couple of ascending hikers had to retreat a bit to allow our group to pass on our way down. Sorry guys.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida contouring back to the ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Take our picture! Photo by Chris Bautista.

Contour

I had wanted to go down the front side, but got impatient waiting for the webbing. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Contour

Contouring around the rock face where a friend plummeted 300′ and survived to hike another day. Talk about having angels watching over you. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Ferlino working his way around the boulders stacked on the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Chimney

Taking in the mountain, coastline and ocean views. Great day to be in the mountains. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Chimney

Everybody has their own way of getting ready to tackle a climb they feel is pushing the boundaries. Photo by Sally Chow.

Chimney

Chris getting a bird’s eye view. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Chimney

Tessa making her way down. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Chimney

Some scampered down the rock climb, while others got caught. By the seat of their pants. Literally. Did you take the picture?

Nipple

Some of the group came down from the nipple while others took the lower contour trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Making our way towards the two notches.

Pali Notches

Tessa climbing up the biggest notch. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pali Notches

Going up the last climb of the day. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pali Lookout

Making our way down to the strangely deserted parking lot. Beaches are open. Malls are open. But not the lookout? Photo by Aida Gordon.

All pau

Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up outside the locked gates.

GPS Tracks

Our ridge to ridge hike covered a little over 3.1 miles. Post hike meal at Zippy’s as Dean’s Drive Inn heard us knocking but we couldn’t come in or get through their phone lines. Thanks to Aida and Sally for getting Chris and my meals. Post hike entertainment was watching Ferlino cut down his palm tree fruits and getting treated to fresh coconut shavings and water. Great hike with fun friends.

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 a rather large group comprised of Aida, Allison, Ani, Art, Bill, Chris, Dale, Janell, Jason, Justin, Katie, Naomi, Quan, Shirley and Tessa at the Pali Lookout with favorable conditions or so I thought. Some of us had places to go and some of us didn’t. Drone photo by Justin Wahl.

Pali Lookout

Somebody found one of Dale’s painted rocks that he plants around the island’s hiking trails. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Trail

Nothing to wake you up like a short, steep and slippery climb first thing in the morning.

Trail

Trail runners yielding to the hikers.

Kalihi Valley

Dale overlooking the valley that once housed leprosy patients before they were shipped out to Molokai. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Vista

Janell with the backdrop of the Windward Oahu unmatched by the Pali Lookout.

Trail

Climbing up the short and steep rocky section to get to the notches. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Pali Notches

Met up with Allison, Naomi and Jason at the top of the first notch.

Pali Notches

Dale spotting Janell as she made her way down, while Bill and Shirley caught up with the group. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Pali Notches

Drone photo by Justin Wahl of the group scattered throughout the notch.

Pali Notches

Catching the breaking sunrise on our way to the second notch. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Pali Notches

Art watching Bill making his way down as Janell takes her leave of us. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Trail

We lost Allison, Ani, Janell, Jason, Justin, Naomi and Quan as we pushed past the notches. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Nipple

Why contour, when you can go up and over? Photo by Art Young.

Nipple

Katie climbing up the side of the rock formation. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Nipple

The group in various stages of picture taking, posing, waiting, climbing and watching.

Chimney

Everybody waiting their turn to climb the vertical rock stack as Aida makes her way up. Photo by Art Young.

Chimney

The many faces of the chimney. Photos by Aida Gordon, Bill Yogi and Tessa Bugay.

Chimney

Most people come prepared to hike. While others just eat their breakfast and sun themselves on the rocks. The nerve of some people. Bill and Shirley turned around after getting their fill of Portuguese sausage and Vitamin D. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Chimney

Bird’s eye view aka WAP. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Trail

Katie climbing over more rocks on our way up.

Contour

Working my way towards the Leeward side of the constantly crumbly rock side. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Contour

Tessa pulling herself up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

Katie using her slightly large gloves to get a halfway good grip on the crumbly dirt.

Trail

Climbing our way up as we slowly gained elevation.

Trail

Katie grabbing on the woody climbers that populated the ridge line.

Trail

Is this webbing safe? Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

Making our way up the ridge line infested with uki grass, the hiker’s ubiquitous friend. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

It’s always hump day somewhere in the mountains.

Trail

Always happy to extend a helping hand. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Trail

The girls perched on a particularly skinny section of the ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Mud Wall

Making my way up the side of the mountain that has turned more step than wall. Photo by Art Young.

Mud Wall

Tessa pulling herself up the slippery slope. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Trail

Approaching the summit through a hole in the clouds.

Konahuanui Summit

No views on the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range with nothing but biting flies for company that seemed to have a particular affinity for the Year of the Rat blood. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing the ridge that kept the clouds at bay on the Windward side. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

K2 Summit

Chris joined us at the summit where somebody had ripped off one of the geodetic markers from its pipe stand. I guess the threat of fine or imprisonment had failed to deter the individual(s) involved. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Leaving the twin peaks on our way down to Manoa Middle, a long cry from our original exit point of Kuli’ou’ou.

KSRT

The group following the spine of the Ko’olau Range. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Schweddy Balls

Looking back at the crown jewels of the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

KSRT

Chris in one of the grassy meadows on the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Manoa Middle Summit

Staring into the sun to get our group picture.

FIrst Aid

Tessa trying to flush Katie’s eye out after too much exposure to dirt and sunshine.

Trail

The sun was out and about, so Art and Katie beat a path down the trail to escape the heat.

Trail

Passing a towering Albizia tree on our way down the trail.

Trail

To summit or to stream?

Queen’s Bath

Aida climbing her way down the steep section of the trail.

Queen’s Bath

We hit the valley floor and followed the stream for a bit. Some followed it more than the others.

Trail

Chris going up the last hill of the day.

Pu’u Pia Trail

Katie’s face said it all. The end of the hike couldn’t come fast enough.

Pu’u Pia Trail

Art coming down the heavily rooted trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

All pau

We finished our 4.39 mile hike in the back of Manoa Valley where Quan and Justin were waiting to pick us up.

Lilihia Bakery

Our post hike meal was at the eatery that doesn’t seem to run out of oxtail soup. Great hike with a fun crew.

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.

Picking up the trail from last week; met up with Ani, Analyn, Chris and Ferlino at the blustery Pali Lookout.

Trail

Ready … 1,2,3 … Push. Wait, I’m not ready! Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trail

Ferlino climbing up the short and steep hill from the lookout.

Trail

Catching a view. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Pali Notches

Ani making her way down the first notch.

Pali Notches

Chris climbing down the second man-made notch.

Nipple

Some took the high road … Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Nipple

… others took the low road. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Chimney

The winds were slamming the ridge as Ani watched Chris make his way up. Pay close attention as there will be a test later on. Climbing test. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Chimney

Try and try again was the theme for today. Good job Ani.

Chimney

Everybody wanted to warm up the Chimney. Saw a couple guys loitering around the base of the nipple looking at the rotating chimney seat. They soon turned around. Sorry guys. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trail

Photo shoots are over, let’s get back to hiking. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Contour

Contouring and climbing up on the thin ledge of loosely packed dirt. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Trail

Ani making her way up the last section of crumbly rocks.

Trail

Up, up and away on the ridge line. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Trail

Looking back at the group making their way along the ridge with stunning mountain and ocean views.

Trail

Fragrant, invasive yellow ginger flowers overlooking the mountain and valley views. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mud Wall

Analyn coming up none the worse for wear.

Trail

Passing the Piliwale Junction on the way to the summit.

Konahuanui Summit

Coca Cola. Sardines. Balut. Kankanen. The basic four food groups for hikers.

Konahuanui Summit

Alberto’s group had raced up to the summit to catch up with us. Group photo left to right: Rick, Alberto, Ani, Zach, Analyn, myself, Captain America, Chris and Ferlino.

K2

Still looking for the geodetic marker for K1. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trail

Analyn making her way down the steeply rutted trail from K2. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Trail

The ridge soon leveled off and we found ourselves strolling through fields of bamboo orchid flowers. Flower children at play. Somebody also kept losing their boonie hat.

Trail

Get out of the way. She’s gonna fall! Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trail

Ferlino showing us how it’s done. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Trail

Watching Alberto’s group going down Lulumahu Ridge to rappel Waipulani Falls.

Trail

Looking down into Manoa with her thick canopied forest and densely urbanized valley.

Trail

Instead of taking the trail that winded down the ridge, we decided to go up the higher ridge that was recently cleared by another hiking group.

Trail

Looking back at the twin testicles and wondering about Ani’s “friend.”

Trail

Strawberry guavas for the picking as we dropped off the ridge.

Trail

I always wondered where this trail went. Now I know the rest of the story.

Nu’uanu Valley Overlook

Honorary Filipino … by sweat and jacket … Salamat. No, you can’t have the jacket Ani until you eat that balut. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Nu’uanu Valley Overlook

The 1,600′ lookout was getting crowded when this guy strolled up playing his ukulele. Live music on the mountains.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Chris going through the bamboo forested trail.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Walking on the boardwalk.

Pauoa Flats Trail

Hanging. Upside down. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Junction

We got off the remaining boardwalk and turned right at the junction.

Kalawahine Trail

Tree branches growing from a cut stump in the shadow of a fallen tree.

Kalawahine Trail

Church service in the mountains. Every Sunday.

Kalawahine Trail

Just hanging out and sitting around.

Kalawahine Trail

Analyn checking out from the hunter check in station.

All pau

We popped out of the trail near the top of Tantalus. Thanks to Ferlino’s son-in-law, RJ for driving us back to the Pali Lookout.

GPS Tracks

Our windy hike covered 4.45 miles through saddles, ridges and valleys. Great hike with a fun group. Post hike meal at Chao Phya Thai. The salmon melted in our mouths. The complimentary chocolate mousse in a spoon was on spot. Thanks Ferlino for the delish meal.

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 Ben, Chris, Dale and Shirley at the Pali Lookout, to help somebody put a notch in their hiking belt.

Trailhead

Right off the bat, it was a steep little climb.

True Pali Lookout

The winds were blowing pretty hard above the lookout.

IG Photo Shoot

Which way is the wind blowing? Thanks Shirley. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Pali Notches

Dale and Shirley watching Chris climbing down the second notch.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Single file shuffling to the chimney. Like lemmings, but going up a cliff. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Leaning Chimney of Nu’uanu

Webbing retrieval in progress. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Chimney

Dale making it look easy.

Chimney

Group photo left to right: Chris, Dale, Shirley, myself and Ben. Rolling backpacks gather no moss.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Shirley had an extra bounce in her step with no pack on her back and a twinkle in her eye. Wait, that was her contacts.

Contour

Clustering around the contour rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Time for another photo shoot. Might as well sit down for a spell.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Back to our regular program of hiking on the ridge line.

Trail snacks

Thimbleberry bushes framing triple peaked Olomana.

Junction

Coke tastes better with company and in the mountains. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Carbonated and sugared up, we were ready to continue the hike. Photo by Shirley.

Mud Wall

Dale and Shirley making their way up the slippery slope.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Approaching the mud soaked summit trail.

Konahuanui

Champagne was flowing on the highest summit on the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Congratulations to Shirley for completing the entire KST. We met a couple other hikers who arrived at the summit later and kept a wary eye on our alcoholic festivities.

Lulumahu Ridge

Celebration time was over. We still had to get off the mountain. The burning question asked by Dale, of who was older went unanswered as we left the summit.

Lulumahu Ridge

The ridge soon slackened off after the somewhat steep descent from K1.

Lulumahu Ridge

Looking to the “other” side. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Lulumahu Ridge

Time for another group photo and multiple photo shoots.

Lulumahu Ridge

The skinniest section of the ridge.

Lulumahu Ridge

Everybody showing their best side to the camera.

PSA

Arrive Alive. Don’t Text & Hike.

Lulumahu Ridge

We can hear the waterfalls! Just hear but don’t see.

Lulumahu Valley

Mingling with the two-way traffic on the trail as we exited the valley.

Lulumahu Valley

A still from the Patterson-Gimlin short video of an unidentified female hiker.

Snoopy

My wife’s favorite beagle.

Long live the IG Queen

Looking for somebody’s contacts on the ground as we drew curious stares from passing hikers. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Lulumahu Valley

Striding down the hill to the hunter’s check-in station.

All pau

Great hike with an amazing crew and awesome accomplishment for Shirley. Thanks to Daryl and George for shuttling us back to our cars. Somebody was in the mood for burgers. Post hike meal at Teddy’s Bigger Burgers.

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.

This is a story of one hike that split into two hikes. Ethan picked up Chris, Daryl and myself and drove to the end of the island to begin our journey across the mountain. The Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Pupukea

Day 1 – Saturday, May 27. We got off to a late start at a little past 8am, as three of us were sober and one was slightly hung over. The mountains are calling and we are coming. Photo by Kristina Eizenhofer.

Pupukea

Chris recycling a hiking stick from the forest grounds that would stay with him until the end. The very end.

For Sale

Mother Nature is slowly taking her real estate back. Photo by Daryl Cacatian

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Ethan passing the picnic shelter.

Sign Junction

We soon left the road strewn with fallen rocks and trees for a trail strewn with overgrowth, roots, rocks and mud.

Black Junction

Preparing to plunge into the trail system carved out of the mountains by the Army and Civilian Conservation Corps back in the early 1900s. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Ko’olau Summit Trail

Walking through waist high uluhe ferns on the trail. Welcome to the jungle, probably the most overgrown section of the KST.

Pu’u Hina

Taking a short break amidst the whistling leaves of grass.

KST

We soon dropped off the ridge to contour on the Windward side.

Geocache

Hey, there’s a Tupperware party going on back here. Anybody?

KST

Enjoying a brief respite on the ridge from the claustrophobic and cloying vegetation, which snatched my water bottle and in return, gave up my sunglasses from an earlier hike.

Green Sign Junction

It was around noon when we reached the halfway point to Laie. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Breaking out into the more exposed section of the ridge and some sorely needed fresh air.

Malaekahana Junction

Covered with condensation and perspiration, we arrived at the gloved junction and dropped down to contour to the Leeward side. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Making our way up to the foxhole that marks the 2,240′ summit, only to discover that we had familiar company sitting at the top.

Laie Summit

Somebody was drinking beer at the top. Somebody didn’t need another beer. Group photo left to right: Ethan, Daryl, Arnold, myself and Chris.

KST

We left Arnold at the summit …

KST

… and soon bumped into the ubiquitous fence line and another familiar face – Rob Johnson.

KST

Daryl extricating himself from the ankle deep mud. A taste of what was to come.

KST

The cabin in the distance.

KST

Crossing our mud soaked toes that the cabin would be open.

Koloa Cabin

We got to the cabin around 4pm to find out that Rob’s group had already opened the cabin. The largest cabin on the KST was made smaller by nine hikers setting up home for the night. We took turns filling our water and rinsing the mud from our blackened shoes and feet.

Koloa Cabin

Some of us made our way up to the helipad to catch the evening entertainment that buzzed us on their way to Sacred Falls. Then we trickled back down to the cabin to cook our rice and chicken and beans and rice. Rice dominated the dinner table. Somebody was going to cut their toothbrush in half to save grams of weight, when somebody else pointed out that they still had to carry it back out. Light bulb time.

Koloa Cabin

Enjoying the golden hour as we settled in on our first night on the mountains. Earplugs muffled the noise pollution floating around the cabin while air mattresses eased our tired bodies.

Koloa Cabin

Day 2 – Sunday, May 28. Daryl enjoying the glowing sunrise from the helipad, while the rest of us made our bunks and breakfast. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Koloa Outhouse

When you got to go, you got to go. Never mind the smell. Pass the toilet paper. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Koloa Cabin

Rob’s group heading out to rappel Koloa Falls.

Koloa Cabin

We left the cabin around 8am to start slogging our way through the muddiest section of the KST. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Leaving the fence line and gates behind us as we contoured on the Leeward side of the trail.

KST

Punching through a stream of pungent mud that passed for a trail. No Spartan Mud Race this year.

KST

Crossing an open field to regain the ridge.

Smartwater Bottle Junction

Look long and hard at this bottle. Let’s not have another deja vu moment.

KST

Approaching the fenced Papali summit.

Papali Junction

Rain showers met us at the summit around 10am. No sign of the “King’s Slipper” from an earlier hike. Group photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

Rounding the fenced corner to find …

Please do not pet the dead animal

… our lechon lunch? Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

The fence line and gates served as a surrogate firebreak through the uluhell of ferns.

KST Junction

The rain went away shortly after we got to the signed junction around 11am. Time to put away our rain gear. Only to take it out later again. Life in the mountains. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

Misery aka knee deep mud loves company.

KST gate

Leaving the mud trail behind us.

KST

The views were fleeting due to the drifting clouds, but what views they were when we had them.

KST

Chris dropping into the fenced gully, whose streambed was remarkably dry given the wet weather we were experiencing.

KST

Hanging on the fence line, our constant companion in the mountains, as we contoured on the Windward side with muted valley views.

Fence meadows

Passing through stacks of fences and pallets that provided temporary shelter from the sweeping rain showers that came and went.

Boot Junction

We arrived at the iconic boot junction around noon. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

Looking out towards the Leeward side as we left the fence line for the ridge line.

KST

Walking on the Windward side of the ridge as we got treated to stunning views of the valleys. Never gets old.

Weather station

Checking the weather forecast. Sunny with splendid views. Guy Hagi was alive and well in the mountains.

KST

The group queuing around the gate to get off the ridge.

Cline Memorial

Greeting hikers since 1978. Built to honor an avid hiker who particularly loved this spot and whose life was tragically cut short by a car crash.

Poamoho Summit

Sweeping views of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys.

Poamoho Boardwalk

Panoramic view of the recently installed boardwalk and Kahana Valley.

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Switch backing our way to the cabin.

KST

Panoramic view of the West side with the cabin, marsh and the WST in the backdrop.

Poamoho Cabin

We got to the vacant cabin around 230pm with a lot of time on our hands. Ethan called first dibs on a slowly leaking air mattress that somebody had left behind. We washed off the mud from our shoes, socks and feet.

Poamoho Cabin

Cabin life. Reading the gems of Darth Vader poems that were trying to pull us to the dark side. We filled up our water and fired up our stoves to cook our dinners. Hot food does a body good.

Poamoho Outhouse

Chris trying to be one with nature or nature was calling.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 3 – Monday Memorial Day, May 29. Sunrise from the cabin.

Poamoho Summit

Chris slippered to the summit to catch a solitary sunrise washing over him, while the rest of us ate our breakfast.

KST

We put on our still wet, but clean shoes and left the last four walled shelter we would see in the mountains.

KST

Daryl enjoying the scenic views of Kahana Valley while munching on the abundant thimble berries that populated the trail.

Pauao Junction

The long and overgrown Windward ridge that goes down into Kahana Valley.

KST

Watching our steps as we made our way down through the false holes and eroded sections of the trail.

KST

One can’t but be awed and impressed hiking through the most scenic stretch of the KST.

KST

The morning sun was hitting us particularly hard as we made contact with the fence again.

Fresh cut fans

Ethan harvesting fan umbrellas for the crew. Chris’s sickle did come in handy. Ethan would never mock his gardening tool again.

KST

Leaving the fence for the trail.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

We got to the junction with the Leeward trail that leads down to Wahiawa around 9am. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

When you fall off the ridge, get right back on, with a helping hand.

KST

The heat was somewhat diffused by overcast clouds, so we disposed of our fan umbrellas.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

It passed the sniff test. Now for the taste test? It wasn’t even 10am and it was too early to be drinking suspect beverages.

KST

The mass of hikers follow lives of bustling trails, while the minority of hikers enjoy lives of quiet trails. Besides bumping into Arnold and Rob’s group back at Laie, we would not see another soul until Kulana’ahane Summit.

KST

Chris rounding the bend in the trail. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Walking across a relatively fresh landslide that had wiped out part of the constantly evolving trail system. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Contouring on the Leeward side, that for the most part protected us from the elements.

KST

Back on the exposed windswept and cloud covered ridge line.

KST Junction

One does not always follow the fence on the KST, there are certain junctions that must be navigated or one will end up lost and burning precious time getting back on the right trail.

Metrosideros Rugosa

The largest known specimen of Lehua Papa provided scant cover from the rain showers sweeping the mountains.

KST

Following the fenced ridge line, where we soon dropped down and detoured into the tree of life pass.

Tree of Life

Looking at the powerful example of wind at work in the mountains. A horizontally growing sugi pine tree. The views weren’t that bad either. Until the clouds rolled in. Story of our lives in the mountains.

Selfie Stick Junction

Leaving the sprawling fence line behind us at 1230pm. It’s just a matter of time before the necessary eyesore continues its march on the KST, which also seems to be pushing the pigs ahead of the fence.

KST

Passing through the notch in the mountains.

Cryptomeria

Contrary to popular belief, there are several groves of these Japanese Sugi Pine Trees sprinkled throughout the mountains. Besides the ones at your local nursery.

KST

We skirted the pine trees and crossed the trickling stream to make our way up the hill.

Kipapa Summit

Can we just crash and camp here? It was only 1:30pm, so we decided to change the schedule and push on. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Leaving the contours and switchbacks behind us. It was just straight up punishing hills and ridges ahead of us.

Waiahole Middle Junction

Passing the overgrown Windward ridge from hell that none of us would repeat again under any conditions.

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The scale of the mountainous terrain was more than equal to the physical exertion needed to traverse the hilly ridges.

Lost & Found

Where is my GoPro? Chris and Daryl backtracked to retrieve Daryl’s GoPro that he had left on an earlier spot on the ridge.

Waiawa Gap

Threading our way down into the heavily vegetated gap.

Waiawa Gap

Minding the buzzing bees in the notch.

Waiawa Gap

Pushing up the short but steep climb out of the notch.

Waiawa Gap

Enjoying the stunning scenery wrapped around us at a little past 4pm.

Waiawa Gap

Looking back at the rollercoaster of a ridge ride. More to come. Keep your feet on the trail and your hands in front of you.

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Enjoying the short stretch of flat and wide open ridge line. Mountain and ocean views included.

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Concentrating on wading through the waist high overgrowth on the trail as we had no views to distract us.

The Corner

Dropping down to our campsite around 6pm. Ethan had surged ahead to Manana for the night. We noticed a lot of pig rooting activity in the area and checked our water supply and decided not to replenish our water, despite having steripens in stock.

Camp Corner

Goodnight from Camp Corner. Pounding rain kept the grounds wet and air mattresses kept our bodies insulated from the damp grounds.

The Corner

Day 4 – Tuesday, May 30. It was wash day in the mountains. The smell of rain hung in the mountains.

KSRT

Leaving the soggy camp grounds in our squishy shoes a little past 8am.

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We got disoriented in the clouds and “explored” in the dew dropped tree lined ridge until we found the trail.

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Approaching the socked in summit of Manana to meet up with Ethan.

Manana Summit

We arrived at the 2,660′ summit around 9am to recover the water bottles that Chris had stashed earlier. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Pu’u Eleao

Dropping down from the rain kissed summit, we walked through the bowl shaped grassy meadows before getting back on the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

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Working our way back to the ridge line.

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The elevating mountainous views kept us grounded on the trail.

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Passing the constantly eroding and evolving ridge line.

Waimano Summit

Dropping down into the trail terminus around 1130am, experienced cloud blocked views of Waihee Valley, so we pushed on after taking a quick breather. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

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The crew silhouetted against the clouds going down the ridge line.

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Dropping off the ridge and into the mystical meadows a little past 1pm.

Waimalu Meadows

Chris fishing for water that was sprinkled with floating bugs. Double filtered. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Waimalu Meadows

Group photo at the edge of the mythical meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Ethan heading up to the summit.

Waimalu Meadows

Leaving the meadow oasis in the middle of the mountain range was harder for some than others. Who can blame them? Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Whole Foods Market

Why eat gummy worms, when you can have the real thing?

KSRT

Back to our regular programming. The rollercoaster ridge.

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The sound of huffing and puffing was alive and well in the mountains.

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The clouds came back to keep us company.

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It was amazing to hear the cacophony of civilization drifting up to the mountains.

Powerlines

The best views for us after the grueling climbs was the power lines appearing from the clouds. Another couple humps and we could call it a day.

Aiea Summit

I felt every inch of the elevation gains and losses as we made it to the 2,805′ summit around 6pm. The hardest and hilliest section of the KST were behind us.

Aiea Summit

Can you pass the butane please? I need to cook my Rice and Chicken. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Aiea Summit

Day 5 – Wednesday, May 31. Hiking stick doubling as a stretching stick for Chris.

KSRT

The gusting winds snatched my boonie hat and sunglasses from my head and sailed them into the great beyond. Daryl lent me his fitted cap to keep my big head warm in the chilly winds.

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Passing the plant protected enclosure on the way to Hell.

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It was hump day in the mountains.

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Rounding the corner to find welcoming Windward views.

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We dropped off the cloud soaked ridge and made our way towards the rusting stairs of Hell.

North Haiku Stairs

Panoramic view from Stairway to Hell.

North Haiku Stairs

Our stay in Hell was brief, as it was not as hot as we expected. Photo by Chris Bautista.

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Following the flag towards Moanalua Saddle.

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Leaving Hell behind us as we made our way up the dilapidated and rusting stairs.

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Daryl making his way down the ridge with the backdrop of H3 behind him.

Geodetic Marker

The weathered marker has seen better days.

Red Hill Summit

Taking a shoefie at the summit around 1215. No stashed water from the search years ago was left, but the webbing that Ethan had stashed was still here.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the crumbly and eroded section.

Moanalua Saddle

Stumbling down the saddle, or at least that’s what somebody told me.

Moanalua Saddle

The mountain tops trying to pierce the cloud ceiling.

Moanalua Saddle

The clouds lifted to reveal the CCL building that has been drawing hikers to her since the mid-1950s.

Kulana’ahane Summit

We hit the summit a little past 2pm. I was spent and exhausted from not enough food and water from the past two days. My stomach had shut down. A couple we met at the summit, graciously offered their egg sandwich, which I couldn’t stomach so it was time to end the hike. Parting group photo by Chris Bautista.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Looking back at the guys contouring and climbing the Dirt Triangle.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Mahalo to Ethan for accompanying me down the valley to make sure that I made it down safe and sound. End of the road for us, sorry about that prime rib dinner and cutting the hike short. Thanks to Ben Hinders for picking us up on short notice. More importantly, thanks to my wife who let me take off to the mountains for this hike. I think she was more disappointed that I didn’t finish than I was! I still enjoyed my five days in the mountains with good company and great times. The company always matters more to me than the hikes.

Moanalua Saddle

Meanwhile, back in the mountains … Daryl making his way up the last chossy section. Photo by Chris Bautista

Moanalua Saddle

Chris climbing up the overgrown back stairs to the CCL building.

Moanalua Saddle

Enjoying a brief break with the stashed water and food. Photo by Chris Bautista

Moanalua Saddle

Daryl climbing the steep hill to heaven.

CCL Building

Nobody was around the WW2 building. They had the heavenly view all to themselves.

ET Call Home

Coming down from the Moanalua Middle Ridge Junction, they made their way down to stop briefly at the defunct radar station for a better view. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Camp Tripler

Home for the night. Face time gave way to battery time.

Tripler Summit

Day 6 – Thursday, June 1. Daryl greeting the morning sun. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Bowman Summit

It was a beautiful but windy day to saddle up again.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring on the Leeward side of the crumbly ridge. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris untangling the webbing from the vegetation. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl about to do the dirty rope slide down. Photo by Chris Bautista

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting down past the broken wave. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl climbing his way down the first rock triangle. Photo by Chris Bautisa.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris standing above the second rock triangle. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Witch’s Hat

Standing on the narrow dike before the last main obstacle on the Bowman side. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Witch’s Hat

Daryl cresting the top of Witch’s Hat. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Camp Centipede

Don’t kick over any rocks, lest a creepy crawler goes up your leg. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Powerlines

Vienna Sausage break. Just missing the saimin.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl walking on the narrow ridge fringed by abundant vegetation. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking ahead to the crown jewels of Kalihi Saddle.

Bunny Ears

Daryl making his way up. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Can Opener

The classic photo spot. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Lanihuli Wall

Daryl making the steady climb up the flank of the grassy ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirt Dragon

It was blowing hard on the saddle today. Just ask Chris’s hair.

Kalihi Saddle

To paraphrase Sir Edmund Hillary, “It is not the saddles we conquer but ourselves.” Photo by Chris Bautista.

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Almost there.

Lanihuli Summit

Taking a short break. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Anvil

Daryl making good use of all his gym time pulling himself up with the new webbing. Photo by Chris Bautista.

W

Playing Donkey Kong in the mountains. Well played. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Dropping in elevation, they shed the clouds and gained the views back.

Pu’u Suicido

Daryl contouring and climbing his way around the incisor rock. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pali Puka

Arnold, Ethan and Krissy climbed up to the puka to meet the guys. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris and Daryl dropping back down to civilization and more importantly, hot food. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Pali Lookout

Chris and Daryl hitting the pavement around 5pm after a six day hiatus in the mountains. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Pali Lookout

Shout out to Agnes Bryant, Amber John, Arnold Yago, Becca Frager and Justin Brackett, Christine DC, Cynthia De Lafuente Wolarey, Dale Yoshizu, Darlina and Junanita Cacatian, Derek Potter, Ethan Clavecillas and Kristina Eizenhoefer, Harold Viloan, Kathlea Kay Evans, Lee Shreve, Mia Garrison, Nandor Szotak, Scott and Dalia Bowling, and Shirley Hamamura who turned out to show their support for Chris and Daryl and more importantly for bringing assorted foods and drinks.

Camp Pali

Talking story at the campsite that Derek Potter had found that was relatively protected from the wind and prying eyes. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Camp Pali

Day 7 – Friday, June 2. Early hikers roll up their camp early. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Pali Notches

Daryl climbing down the second notch. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Chimney

The wind was blowing hard in the morning and they had discovered the webbing had shifted to the far right. Chris shed his pack and climbed to retrieve the webbing for Daryl. After multiple attempts, the webbing was passed to Daryl and the hike continued. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

All the technical were sections behind them as they continued their climb to the highest peak on the Ko’olaus. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Awaawaloa Summit

A hippy hiker was their only company along with the cloudy views. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ka’au Crater

Chris at the top of the crater trail. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

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Enjoying a short break before the big climb up to Lanipo. Photo by Chris Bautista.

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Looking back is always easier than moving forward, but not as rewarding.

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Passing the powerlines. Almost pau for the day.

Camp Wiliwilinui

They hit the summit around 5pm and promptly gorged on dinner for four. Buffet in the mountains.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Day 8 – Saturday, June 3. Chris greeting their last and rainy day on the mountains. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KSRT

Around Wailupe, Chris fell off the ridge and was caught by a tree on the Leeward side. Don’t fall at all, but if one must, veer towards the Leeward side which is generally more forgiving in terms of trees and grade.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Enjoying the Waimanalo views at the 2,520′ top. Photo by Chris Bautista.

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Passing through a sliver of a trail.

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Sliding down the eroded section of the trail towards Kuli’ou’ou, where they met a couple of hikers at the Bear Claw summit.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

The usually crowded summit was eerily empty. Chris decided to dry his tent further down at Hahaione summit.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Daryl at the abandoned lookout. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tom-Tom Trail

Looking out towards Rabbit Island surrounded by the blue-green ocean. It was almost more tempting than the mountains.

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No photo shoots to delay their progress.

Kamiloiki Summit

Crashing Camp Awesome to enjoy the first beers of the day, courtesy of the Caveman aka Marcus Griego.

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Enjoying the view before setting off on the exposed and rocky section. Photo by Chris Bautista.

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Dropping down the rocky ridge to find …

Makapu’u Puka

… Arnold and Mark waiting for them with a couple more beers. Alcohol and hiking go hand in hand, or was that foot to mouth? Photo by Arnold Yago.

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Nearing the end of a week long journey. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Makapu’u Lookout

A big thanks to Agnes Bryant, Arnold Yago, Christine DC, Derek Potter, Ethan Clavecillas and Kristina Eizenhoefer, Kath Pablo, Lee Shreve, Mae Christine Dizon, Mark Carinoso, Mia Garrison, Rocky Serrano, and Scott Bowling for coming out to see Chris and Daryl crossing the finish line and bringing assorted foods and drinks.

All pau

Celebratory congratulations to Chris Bautista, Daryl Cacatian and the walking stick for hiking the entire Ko’olau Mountains in eight days! Others have done this trek with and without company, with and without assistance; regardless of how it was done, an awesome accomplishment to all that have done it and will do it. Great job guys!!!!

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.