Joined HTMC for a members only hike that advertised that “our goal is a saddle on the southeast valley rim.” Intrigued by the possibility of a “new hike”, I met up with the waiting members in the outer parking lot of Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Trailhead

The hike coordinator, Caitlin, advised us that this hike was simply a rebranded hike that lead up but not to the summit of Pu’u Ohulehule. She dangled the option of continuing to the summit on our own after the club hike to the saddle ended. After moving our cars further into the valley, we started hiking into the state’s only public ahupua’a that stretches from the top of Pu’u Pauao to Kahana Bay.

Dam

Everybody getting their feet wet at the first stream crossing.

Kahana Stream

Left the Nakoa Trail to ford the second stream teeming with who knows what.

Trail

We crossed two more narrow streams interrupted by a forest filled of lauhala aerial roots and crunchy leaves. The trail soon left the valley floor and began the long incline towards the summit, that was somewhat tempered by the recent clearing.

Trail

Janice and Don, veteran HTMC hikers, coming up the trail. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Kahana Saddle

Group photo left to right: Don, Janice, Caitlin, Lilyn, myself, James, Sonia, Yuchon, Dale and David. There were some stragglers still coming up the ridge that didn’t make the group shot. Six of us decided to continue to the summit, while the rest of the group turned back.

Trail

Lilyn leaving the flat spot on the saddle to begin our short but steep climb to the summit.

Trail

Caitlin pulling herself up the ridge.

‘ie’ie

Bug buffet. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Southeast ridge

Group photo with the ridge behind us that Stuart Ball called “the most dangerous hike on the island.” My suggestion that we hike down that direction was met with a mixture of laughter and dismissal.

Pu’u Ohulehule Summit

The typical photo shot of Pu’u Kanehoalani from the 2,265′ summit.

Trail

What goes up must come back down. Braking our gravity fueled descent with ropes and tree branches.

Northeast ridge

Looking back at the last ridge that we haven’t hiked to the summit of the pyramid peak. On the list.

Swimming hole

Caitlin plunged into the cool waters of Kawa Stream to seek a brief respite from the stifling humidity that hung in the air.

All pau

Should I or shouldn’t I? Plucking the pink ribbons off the tree branches so that the trail can remain in relative obscurity? Our fun in and out hike covered 6.75 miles through streams and steep ridges with spectacular valley views. Post hike meal at Waiahole Poi Factory where you can’t have Hawaiian food without chili pepper water.

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.

Started at the crack of dawn with Chris, Lee, Mia and Yoly to hike a loop that I have been wanting to do for quite some time in Kahana Valley.

Trailhead

We all piled into Chris’s van to drive to the dead end road and kept a low profile to avoid disturbing the neighbors.

Waikane Valley

The trail was surprisingly obvious, a marked departure from my last visit.

Waikane Valley

Approaching a homeless shelter?

Pride Rock

Bucket loads of hikers and tourists make the short hike up to this rock, to gaze upon … Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pride Rock

… the stunning scenery of lush valleys, topped by rugged peaks and shimmering glassy waters.

Pride Rock

Group photo left to right: Chris, Lee, myself, Mia and Yoly.

Southeast Ridge

Proceeding past the tourist scenic spot. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Southeast Ridge

Approaching our second dike of the day.

Southeast Ridge

Hello there! Photo by Chris Bautista.

Southeast Ridge

Climbing up the dike that keeps the encroaching overgrowth at bay.

Southeast Ridge

Dangling legs above the treetops. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Southeast Ridge

Lee coming down the dike. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Southeast Ridge

Looking out towards the three peaks of Ohulehule, Manamana and Kanehoalani.

Southeast Ridge

The exposed rock ridge served as a firebreak lane through the suffocating overgrowth.

Southeast Ridge

Churning the moss covered landscape.

Southeast Ridge

To climb or to contour the looming dike?

Southeast Ridge

How do I climb up this thing? Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Southeast Ridge

Hiker see, hiker do.

Southeast Ridge

Mia, Lee and Yoly; three monkeys on the dike. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Southeast Ridge

We contoured to the left of the dike as the pitch of the ridge became more pronounced.

Southeast Ridge

Capturing the views now in case we lost them at the top.

Southeast Ridge

Yoly following the rope through the thick overgrowth.

Southeast Ridge

Climbing on the more exposed Windward side of the ridge.

Southeast Ridge

We had to climb over, under and through the thicket of trees that populated the ridge.

Southeast Ridge

At last, free of the overgrowth!

Southeast Ridge

Spoke too soon.

Southeast Ridge

Using trees, roots, vegetation and the occasional rope to climb up.

Southeast Ridge

Barreling and brushing past through the overgrowth.

Southeast Ridge

Pushing up the last major climb to the summit.

Pu’u Ohulehule

When you’re hungry, two twigs will double as chopsticks.

Pu’u Ohulehule

Group photo at the 2,228′ summit.

Pu’u Ohulehule

Sweeping views from the top.

Northwest Ridge

Once the multiple photo shoots were done, we took our leave of the summit.

Northwest Ridge

Looking ahead to the saddle that will connect us to our final summit destination.

Northwest Ridge

Climbing down the steep descent.

Junction

Taking the trail less trampled as we detoured off the ridge.

Saddle

The overgrowth on the Southeast was tame compared to this section. It was uluhell quicksand.

Saddle

Exhausted and spent on the trail. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Saddle

Treading carefully on the insane and unchecked overgrowth that masked the many false drops on the ridge.

Saddle

This ridge was sorely in need of a trail clearing.

Saddle

Threading our way through the brittle and decaying ohia trees.

Pu’u Koile

Looking back at Pu’u Ohulehule from the 1,613′ summit. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Saddle

Chris looking out to Pu’u O Kila. Photo by Lee Shreve.

Saddle

The saddle has become demonstrably more eroded from our last visit. Dirt and rocks became dislodged with each step that we took on certain sections. It was like playing Jenga on the mountains.

Saddle

Yoly making her way down the crumbling and shifting pile of dirt and rocks. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Saddle

Looking out towards the peaks of Piei and Manamana overlooking Kahana Valley. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Saddle

The sound of music was singing in the mountains. The earth was moving below us, and it wasn’t from that kind of satisfaction. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pu’u O Kila

We scribbled today’s date and our names on the log in the jar and plopped down for a well deserved rest. Photo by Lee Shreve.

Pu’u O Kila

Group photo at the tree trimmed 1,520′ summit.

Kahana Valley

Dropping down from the studio sized summit.

Kahana Valley

Enjoying the views of Pu’u Manamana and True Manamana on our way down.

Kahana Valley

Following the river of uluhell downstream.

Kahana Valley

Double Rainbow.

Kahana Valley

The group walking out the valley.

Kahana Valley

This is not the trail exit. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Kahana Valley

That’s the dam exit.

Kahana Valley

One of many trails that crisscrosses the wettest valley on Earth. Photo by Lee Shreve.

Kahana Valley

Damming the water for our group photo. Playing in the shallow end.

All pau

Group photo at the end of our bone crushing, exhausting but soul lifting hike.

GPS Tracks

Our hardscrabble hike registered only six miles of punishing overgrowth and crumbly ridges. Is the GPS tracking working? Really, that’s all? Great hike with a fun crew. Texting instructions for Pizza Hut. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. This is becoming a habit. Local habit.

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.

Chris B and myself joined the HTMC on their hike to a sharp peak on a rugged ridge in Kahana Valley. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trailhead

We met up with the group and were briefed by Grant, the hike leader and then moved our cars to the visitor parking inside the valley to begin our hike.

Trail

Single file shuffle.

Dam crossing

The group crossing Kahawainui Stream.

Nakoa trail

Which way guys? Straight?

Uphill

The group walking through a stand of lauhala trees.

Uluhell

HTMC had cleared the lower portion of the trail earlier, but the remaining part to the top was steep and heavily overgrown.

Looking back

Looking out towards Kahana Valley, the former playground for the US Army during WW2.

Short, steep and sweet

Looking ahead to the summit of Pu’u O Kila. It took us only 90 minutes to get to the top. Huffing and puffing 90 minutes. Still only an hour and a half.

Steep

Who needs rope where we’re going?

Puu O Kila

Click here for the larger image. The 1,520′ summit was quite sparse in terms of space and views.

Bushwhacking

I had asked earlier about the possibility of breaking away from the group and doing the connector ridge from the summit to Ohulehule. Word was that it was probably not doable anymore. Key word on probably. We separated from the group and forged ahead on the connector ridge. Rain clouds looked promising.

Fiddlehead

Toss them in a pan with butter and sea salt. Drizzle with lemon juice. Serve.

Trail

The ridge started to get overgrown as we pushed forward.

Kahana Valley

Click here for the larger image.

Ridge

We had some rock climbing to break the monotony of the heavy overgrowth.

Ridge

Chris swinging around a tree to get back on the ridge.

Ridge

This rocky section reminded me of the second peak of Paku’i.

Looking back

Leaving Pu’u O Kila behind us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ridge

Typical ridge hike filled with multiple short ups and downs. Some sections were narrow and crumbly.

Pu’u Koile

Group photo at the 1,660′ summit. There was another connector ridge to the KST. Another hike for another day.

Ridge

We were within striking distance of Pu’u Ohulehule. Or was that hiking distance?

Ridge

Chris “Machete” Bautista hacking away at the overgrowth.

Uluhell

The struggle was real. Steep and heavily overgrown climb to the junction.

Junction

We took a breather after battling through all that overgrowth.

Pu’u Ohulehule

Talk about summiting Ohulehule was dispelled by the rapidly accumulating cloud cover at the top.

Ridge

We turned left and started our descent down the Northwest ridge.

True Manamana and Two Apes Talking

A possible loop hike for another day?

Stream crossing

We dropped down from the ridge and started making our way through the valley.

Looking back

The rugged ridge we had just traversed behind us.

Hidden dragon

Where was the crouching tiger?

Trail

Chris walking next to the gurgling stream.

Stream crossing

No flash flood conditions today.

Nakoa trail

We meet again.

That dam crossing

No swinging or swimming in the water for us today.

All pau

We walked back to the trailhead and the barking dogs. Leashed.

GPS Tracks

The scenic hike covered a scant 7 miles through sometimes steep, narrow and overgrown ridges. Post hike meal at Waiahole Poi Factory. Scratch that. Closed. Next stop. Zippy’s.

Stuart Ball called Ohulehule southeast ridge “the most dangerous hike on the island.” While I wouldn’t necessarily agree with that statement, I would say it’s one of the more physically taxing hikes.

Haupoa Street

Aaron, Darren, J, Marvin, Matt, Troy and myself joined Will on his hike today. Matt staged his truck in Kahana Valley and we all met up in Waiahole.

Where do we start?

Right off the bat, there was some confusion as to where the trailhead started.

Found the trail

After finding a passable trail through the forest, we started following this heavily eroded section to the ridge.

Are we on the ridge?

No views yet.

Looking back

Will and Marvin scrambling out of the forest.

Scenic point

The exposed ridge offered views of Hakipu’u Valley, Pu’u Kanehoalani, Mokoli’i and the Moli’i Fishpond (which is one of four original Hawaiian fishponds left extant on Oahu).

Rock climbing

Our first dike on the ridge. One of many to come.

Hanging out

Darren enjoying the views. Pu’u Manamana and True Manamana are visible beyond Pu’u Kanehoalani.

Southeast ridge

The dikes offered a respite from the heavy overgrowth on the ridge.

Not too steep

We just had to watch our step, as there were drops to our right. No drops to our left.

Ridge hiking

The surrounding views made it all worthwhile.

Where’s a weed whacker when you need one?

We had to plunge into heavy ridge overgrowth which plucked my GoPro from my backpack. Lucky for me, that Darren found it hanging on a tree. I still owe him a soda. Yes, I’m cheap.

Panoramic view

The views from this valley have few rivals on this island. Just an opinion. Click here for the larger image.

Rocks are preferable

J climbing down a dike. Much easier than battling the annoying and cloying overgrowth. Shortly after this section, Will and Marvin turned around, as Will was not feeling well. It’s always good to know your limits, I have cut a hike short before due to not feeling well. Better than ending up on the six o’clock news. The mountains will always be there.

Pu’u Ohulehule

The summit was still cloud free. How long would that last?

Clouds moving in

The cloud deck was capping Pu’u Manamana.

Use the tree

This particular dike was a little tricky to get up, a nearby tree served as a stepping stone. Aaron opted for the “pincer” hold.

Getting steeper

The ridge started to get steeper as we approached the summit. As we contoured on the Leeward side, the old adage about not trusting ropes, rang false. Matt was holding onto a tree when it gave way and the only thing that kept Matt from plunging down was the rope in his other hand.

Panoramic view

The valleys of Ka’a’awa and Hakipu’u split by Pu’u Kanehoalani. Click here for the larger image.

Windward view

Looking back at the ridge we had come from. This route used to be on the HTMC schedule, until legal access became an issue. Stricken from the hike list.

Boulder fun

We contoured to the right of a large boulder that was blocking the trail. Photo by Aaron Toma.

Pushing up

Now the fun part. Not really. The rest of the climb was at a steep pitch that involved pulling yourself up. Ropes helped. Considerably.

Almost there

More uphill climbing.

Summit view

J was the first to summit Pu’u Ohulehule and was rewarded with a clear view of the valleys. Click here for the larger image. Photo by Francis Joy.

Cloudy summit

This is the view that the rest of us got. Group photo left to right: Matt, Darren, Troy, Aaron, myself and J.

Going down

Going down northwest ridge, the traditional route to Pu’u Ohulehule. The initial descent was somewhat steep, but soon slackened off.

Dangerous trail

Hmm, I’m glad we’re going the other way. Maybe this was the section that the two Danish girls got stuck back in 1999. They spent an amazing eight days on this ridge before HTMC members found them.

Cloudy peak

Looking back at the 2,265′ summit wrapped in clouds.

Panoramic view

Looking left to right: Pu’u Piei, Pu’u Manamana and Pu’u Kanehoalani. Click here for the larger image.

Can you smell what the rocks are cooking?

Close up view of True Manamana and Two Apes Talking rock formation.

Kahana Valley

As we made our way down to the valley, the rain started.

Say Ahhh!

Troy ran out of water, so Mother Nature helped him out.

Fern country

Uluhe ferns seem to have colonized most of the trails.

Stream crossing

The group taking a break at the first stream crossing. Troy helped himself to free water.

Where’s the dragon?

Awhile back, this area was burnt by fire. It left behind a blackened tree that looks like a dragon. Can’t see the dragon for the trees.

Follow the ribbons

Troy about to cross the second stream. Still only ankle high.

Stroll in the forest

The thick canopy of trees filtered much of the sunlight that reached the valley floor.

Shrinkage

Water level was waist high at the third stream crossing. Ice cold.

Nakoa Trail

Left? Right? Straight!

Dam crossing

There was a rope hanging near the dam. Matt was the only swinger today.

Road out

Marvin and Will met us at the end and ferried us to our cars. What? No ice cold drinks waiting for us?

GPS Tracks

The hike was only 5.52 miles, but as Aaron put it “You earned every inch of it.” Great hike with familiar faces that I haven’t seen in awhile. Post hike meal was at El Mariachi in Kaneohe. BYOB.

Marvin put together another fun hike today, this one was Pu’u Piei out in Kahana Valley. We all met at the first parking lot and please silence your cellphones for the hike, as phone reception is zero in this area. The group consisted of Marvin, Chrissy, Hiram, Julz, Matt, Nani, Ray, Rob and myself. Photo by Julz Pruett.

Kapa ‘Ele’Ele Trail

The trail is a 1.2 mile loop that passes a fishing shrine and a lookout, today it was just going to take us to the ridge. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Follow the leader

We followed the trail into an open clearing and turned left into the forest. The trail soon led us to another junction, where we took another left to gain the higher ground.

Photo break

About halfway up the ridge, was a wide washed out clearing that served as an impromptu break area. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Rain forecast – 100%

Matt and I soon separated from the group and made our way up to the top of the ridge, where we turned left to head to the summit. We soon saw a rain shower making its way around the coastline. Yes, we did get soaked.

Pu’u Piei Summit

The summit of Pu’u Piei is postage stamp sized and overgrown. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Panoramic view from the summit

 The outstanding views of Kahana Bay and Valley. Photo by Nani Dee.

Smoking mountain

 Making our way back down to the group on the now slippery and muddy trail.

Leaving the summit

Another rain shower gave us a second good soaking. No wonder Kahana is one of the wettest valleys on the island. We soon met up with the group at the top of the junction and hiked up ahead to join Hiram as we continued on the Makai part of the ridge. No other takers wanted to join us on some fun rock scrambling. Next time.

Strike the pose

Matt took off his shoes to get better purchase on the small square footage of this thumb of a rock. I had climbed up earlier but didn’t trust my wet soled shoes to stand on the rock without slipping and falling over.

Which way?

Hiram checking out webbing left by previous hikers. We elected to simply hike up and over. Straight to the point.

Nice views!

Typical rocky ridgeline. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Rock climbing

We noticed paragliders circling over our heads as we had our fun and they had their fun. 

Fun, fun, fun!

We got another sprinkle which made the rocks somewhat slick, so we took our time.

Bugs eye view

Going down the first notch. You can either free climb and go down the front or contour to the left and use these handy ropes. Due to the rainy weather, we decided that ropes were our friends.

Birds eye view

Try not to put all your weight on the ropes, as these particular ones went over a small rock wedged between bigger rocks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

First notch

I heard a fellow hiker fell off the first notch while free climbing and plunged about 100′. While these rocks seemed more solid than on other trails, you just never know.

Second notch

We came down the second notch by contouring to the left and then working our way down towards the middle of the notch.

Downclimbing

We got our last sprinkle of the day as made our way down the last set of rocks. Once again, ropes were our friends due to the slick rocks. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Punaluu Valley

The Army in WW2 had Jungle Training Camps in Kahana and Punalu’u Valleys.

Checking out the views

The fun rock climbing is over! Time to relax and check out the scenic views of Kahana Bay and Valley.

Back to hiking

This part of the ridge was heavily overgrown with vegetation.

Leaving the rocky ridge behind

I can see why the valley and surrounding areas are so green and lush with vegetation what with all the constant watering that Mother Nature provides.

Last group photo

Our last group photo together. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Trail snacks

Snacking on the abundant, ripe and chilled guavas on the trail. Spit out the seeds.

The ridge going down

The trail ends at the last spur ridge going back down into the valley.

Paragliders

Watching the paragliders circle lazily above the ridges, made me want to try that one day. It looks like fun!

Back on the road again

Hiram popping out of the bushes as we followed Kamehameha Highway back to our cars. Lunch at Uncle Bobo’s!

GPS Tracks

The fun filled scramble was a short 3.75 mile hike, but well worth the climb!