We found ourselves back at the same place we had just hiked two days ago. But, we were going through the front door this time.

Manoa

Rewind several hours earlier to our earlier scheduled hike, and we found that the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak for some, or was it the other way around? Apologies to Ferlino and Lilia that woke up early to be our shuttle drivers for naught. Time to climb trees and find a place that was open for breakfast at this early morning. Thanks to Lilia for cooking us breakfast on the fly as we waited for others to flesh out the birthday group.

Olomana Trail

We cobbled together a more sizeable group and headed off to Chico’s “parking spot” where we met up with Cinja. Let’s not be another statistic this morning.

Olomana Trail

Some of us checked out the abandoned military pumping station that was built during WW2 to manage the water resources of Maunawili Valley.

Olomana Trail

Padding our way through the pine needle carpeted grove of ironwood trees.

Olomana Trail

To paraphrase Casey Kasem, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the rocks.”

Olomana Trail

Always stretch on a hike, or was that before the hike. I was never a good student.

Olomana Trail

It was Kenny and Rogers first time on “Oahu’s Matterhorn.” The climb is worth the views at the end, provided you actually enjoy the views.

Olomana Trail

Looking down at the “traffic jam” below me. It pays to take the trail less traveled.

Olomana Trail

A peak too far.

Olomana

The winds were blowing a pretty good clip at the 1,643′ peak, so why not fly my drone? What could go wrong? The winds caught my drone and cast it involuntary upward (again) and luckily the return function worked (again). Some people never learn. Always the one raising my hand.

Olomana

Group photo at the first, tallest and for some the final peak today.

Olomana

Cinja was nice enough to keep Kenny company on the trail back down.

Olomana

The rest of the group continued our traverse on the aptly named divided hill.

Olomana

We’ll be coming ’round the mountain when we comes. We’ll be hiking in five pairs of Merrells, Salomons and La Sportivas. Oh, we’ll all go out to climb all three peaks when we comes. Oh, we’ll all have American diner food when we’re done. We’ll be yelling “Cheehoo” when we’re pau!

Paku’i

Roger scrambling his way to the summit named after the caretaker of the nearby Ka’elepulu fishponds in Kailua that was dredged and developed into the Enchanted Lakes subdivision.

Paku’i

Akira leaving the peak that sits at 1,581′ elevation.

Paku’i

Roger climbing down the steepest section of the trail. No slip. No fall.

Paku’i

Scrambling our way to the iconic dike formation.

Keyhole

Hanging out until the two Chinese influencers have had their 15 minutes of fame and then some.

Keyhole

Our 15 seconds of fame.

Ahiki

Climbing our way up towards the final peak named after Olomana’s favorite headman that oversaw the resources of the ahupua’a.

Ahiki

Roger and Cristy contouring their way towards the 1,440′ peak.

Ahiki

We skipped the sparse summit views and descended down the very unstable ladder and had lunch at the base.

Ahiki

Climbing down the backside of the lowest peak and this was Cristy’s first descent as well.

Ahiki

Take my picture before a gust of wind blows me off this spit of a rock.

Ahiki

Cristy living life on the edge. Literally.

Ahiki

Top down view.

Ahiki

Far away view.

Ahiki

Bottom up view.

Ahiki

Cristy descending with some random hiker in tow. He had popped up by the ladder and was wondering if there was a trail that went down the backside. Follow the breadcrumbs.

Ahiki

Rope point of view.

Ahiki

Roger’s point of view.

Ahiki

This rope is now available for use.

Ahiki

Climbing our way down to the base of the peak.

Aniani Nui Ridge

When you hit your head not once, but twice on the low hanging branches. Some people just are not too bright.

Aniani Nui Ridge

Take out the hamburger patty and add a pick axe, and you just get the Spanish meaning.

All pau

Akira getting his birthday cupcake in the back of a pickup truck, what every guy wants. Thanks to Kenny for picking us up. Our birthday hike covered 3.82 miles over the divided hill with fun friends.

Ruby Tuesday

Post hike meal at the casual dining chain where Aida, Dale, Edgar and Cat, Ferlino and Jasmin joined us for good company and birthday song for dessert.

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Cinja Ribeiro, Cristy Meador, Kenny Lui, Roger Schiffman, 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.

I had a weekday off thanks to the 250th birthday of America. Instead of popping fireworks, we decided to spend a day in the mountains. Different mountains than planned, but same concept.

Maunawili Trail

We picked up Ben from the historic carriage path that used to be the corridor between Nu’uanu Pali and Waimanalo and Lilia then dropped us off in the backwoods of Waimanalo to start our hike.

Maunawili Trail

Have wheels, will pack. Guess I’m walking.

Maunawili Trail

Why take the easy trail up when you can climb on the tree roots?

Aniani Nui Ridge

Spitting distance if you got great lungs of Ahiki Peak.

Aniani Nui Ridge

Snorting and belching wannabe wild boars.

Ahiki

Making our way up the backside of the third peak.

Ahiki

The climbing got progressively steeper on the second set of ropes.

Ahiki

One has to wonder how long these ropes and webbings have been weathered out here in the hot Hawaiian sun. Hikers beware.

Ahiki

You don’t need a photographer when you have an Insta360 in your pack.

Ahiki

A drone in the air also replaces a photographer as well.

Ahiki

We soon approached the ladder which serves as the gateway to the summit. However, this aluminum ladder that replaced the pipe ladder which now sits in somebody’s apartment, is unstable and poses a greater risk to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe back in 2022, a visitor from Indiana fell to his death possibly by descending on the former pipe ladder. This ladder poses the same if not greater danger to unsuspecting hikers. Besides, the top of the ladder does not extend three feet past the top per OSHA standards nor is it properly secured at the base or the top.

Ahiki

Can you please remove your hand from my face?

Ahiki

The last man climbing up the ladder with ample exposure on both sides.

Ahiki

Expressive group photo on the lowest of the three peaks at 1,440′ elevation.

Ahiki

Trying to snack on Chico’s camera, I was getting hangry. I wasn’t angry, so just hungry.

Ahiki

Approaching the Keyhole with Paku’i and Olomana in the distance.

Keyhole

Ben contemplating climbing the sheet of rock punctured with a puka (hole)? All you dawg!

Keyhole

Second guessing myself as cracks in the rocks were pointed out as I climbed to the top of the fractured dike.

Keyhole

Drone view of the “ascent.”

Keyhole

Now the hard part, I had to climb back down.

Paku’i

Climbing the steep section towards the summit.

Paku’i

View from the 1,581′ elevation peak.

Paku’i

Scrambling our way towards the highest peak.

Olomana

Drone view of the divided hill.

Olomana

Chico passing out his stickers to visiting sailors from the RIMPAC exercise on the 1,643′ elevation summit.

Olomana

We left the summit and began our descent down the trail while running across scores of other hikers.

Olomana Trail

Ben took the regular way and we took the shortcut.

Olomana Trail

Fence creep has seemingly migrated from the KST to the lowlands.

All pau

Thanks to our Uber who picked us up and took us to Kailua to have our post hike meal with the blessings of the missus.

GPS Tracks

Our pre-4th of July hike covered 3.5 miles with fun friends. Post hike meal at Lanikai Brewing Company, Ben’s favorite spot to catch a bite.

Photos/Crew taken by Ben Hinders, Chico Cantu, 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.

My original hiking plans got shelved, that seems to be happening a lot lately, so it was off to find a route to the numbers that Scotty had been wanting to check out.

Maunawili

Our destination was in sight. Now we just had to find a way to get up there.

Maunawili

Turning off the road that is reputedly haunted at night by ghostly hitchhikers and menehunes. During the daytime, it’s primarily occupied by chronics, homeless and illegal dumpers.

Maunawili

Chico trying to find his balance on an abandoned car.

Maunawili

The trail / road was just a relentless slog uphill.

Maunawili

Ferlino living up to the stereotype. Anybody need parts for their 4Runner?

Maunawili

Webbing? We don’t need no stinking webbing.

Maunawili

Anybody needs some snow fungus in their salad?

Maunawili

Passing through one of many weathered ribbons that marked the trail.

Maunawili

Edgar approaching the summit with the quarry behind him that was started up in 1949 to meet the increased rock demand due to the suburban development of Oahu.

Maunawili Cliffs

We knew the number “26” was somewhere below us, so Edgar flew his drone out to pinpoint the location.

Maunawili Cliffs

Preparing to descend and scout out the rock below us to see if we could approach the painted numbers. We also wondered if we were visible to the hikers on Olomana, somebody dubiously claimed they did see us.

Maunawili Cliffs

The numbers change annually to reflect the graduating senior class. Competition with the Kailua and Kalaheo students, who have their own numbers.

Maunawili Cliffs

We determined further descent was too precarious, so we scrambled back up the rocks.

Maunawili

Making our way onto the quarry road.

Maunawili

Can you see the smile for the rock?

Maunawili

Hiking our way to the other end of the ridge to see a bench that was last seen 10 years ago by Scotty’s friend.

Pine Tree Hill

We decided to take a break in the stand of pine trees.

Pine Tree Hill

The bench had to be partially re-assembled as it lay scattered amongst the pine needles.

Pine Tree Hill

Ferlino showcasing his impressive core and upper body strength while the rest of us struggled to keep up.

Maunawili

So much for collision avoidance.

Maunawili

Medic! I think I can save the eyeball. The eyelashes maybe not.

Maunawili

Climbing into a bench with a view.

Maunawili

Far, far, far away.

Maunawili

Going back to our cars where we ran across more discarded items of civilization, that may one day be somebody’s treasure.

All pau

We ended our roughly five mile hike none the worse for wear other than an corneal abrasion, a dropped phone that was thankfully recovered by Edgar and smothered in fun times. Post hike meal at Saigon Noodle House which used the wider noodles in its sweeter broth. Thanks to Scotty for today’s hike and everybody for the fun company.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3HHEBDB0qk

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our hiking day.

Photos taken by Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Scotty Dea, 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 that time to celebrate another friend’s birthday in the mountains.

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Chico, Jason, Deborah, myself, Merrill, Aida, Scott, Groot, Tessa, Ryan, Amber, Chris, Dale and Akira.

Olomana Trail

Aida securing the birthday balloons to Chico’s pack. Will they make it to the top?

Olomana Trail

Does anybody have a sticker to add to the pole? Scott?

Olomana Trail

We must be on the right track.

Olomana Trail

Groot leading his pack through the pine forest section of the trail.

Olomana Trail

Chico watering Groot and Amber, the self-annointed #1 Olomana FANatic on top of the big f*cking rock.

Olomana Trail

Can you spot Groot for the root?

Olomana Trail

Merrill and Deborah climbing their way up the steep part of the trail.

Olomana Trail

I believe I can fly! Well, at least for approximately two seconds.

Olomana Trail

Jason yielding to a couple of descending hikers. Pop quiz. Who is practicing the correct mountain etiquette here?

Olomana Trail

Stretching my legs as I didn’t want to use the ropes.

Olomana Trail

Elevator service in the mountains.

Olomana Trail

The peak was keeping the clouds at bay on the Windward side as Amber scrambled her way up while Akira and Chris checked on the progress of the rest of the group.

Olomana Trail

Merrill and Akira on the “runway” leading to the first summit.

Olomana Trail

Tessa and Aida approaching the final climb to the first peak.

Ahiki

Looking at the knife-edged third 1,480′ peak of Ahiki seemingly letting off some steam.

Olomana

Happy Birthday Chico! You are one of the most energetic and positive people I have had the privilege of meeting on or off the trail. May your days always be healthy and filled with adventure.

Olomana

Group photo on the 1,643′ peak where Anne-Marie and Jenny also joined us at the top. You can see the second peak of Paku’i at 1,520′ elevation and the third peak of Ahiki in the background which fails to deliver on the views but not on the adrenaline for some. Olomana means forked hill or divided hill in Hawaiian for obvious reasons.

Olomana

I am not Simba and this is not the Pride Rock!

Olomana

The drone has landed.

Olomana

The summit was slowly being flooded with other hikers, which was our cue to depart the peak and head back down the trail.

Olomana Trail

Ryan always believe in stretching and carrying a ti leaf with him on hikes. Ti leaves are considered a symbol of good luck and protection in the islands. Chico lost one of his balloons on the way down. Maybe he should have carried a ti leaf as well.

Olomana Trail

Chris decided to take a different approach on the way down or he just didn’t want to wait for everybody else in the climbing queue.

Olomana Trail

Tessa climbing her way down the rockface.

Olomana Trail

Handle with care.

Olomana Trail

When you are Groot’s size, every step is a big step, every fern is over your heard. But his big heart overcomes all obstacles. Sometimes with a little help from his friends.

Trailhead

How many Falls does that make to date?

All pau

A man, his remaining balloon and his dog walking on the bridge where turtles dwelled below. Straight to DVD coming soon to a Blockbuster near you.

Casa de Cantu

We retired to the house by the bay and were joined by James and Destiny, Raul and Janny, Stefano and Val to continue the birthday celebration. Many thanks to Lilia for cooking up the birthday feast and everybody else that participated and chipped in for Chico’s gift. Mahalos!

Casa de Cantu

Stefano made more dollar bills playing Left-Center-Right than most strippers make at Hula’s. Slight exaggeration. Game well played and a birthday well played by all.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Amber Fonte, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Dale Yoshizu, Deborah Tom, Jason Murano, Merrill Kalopodes, Ryan Meyer, Scott Peterson, 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.

In search of a short hike to replace the aborted perimeter walk, I settled on what is commonly called Anamolo or Reverse Olomana.

Trailhead

Thanks to Lilia for dropping us off deep in Bumpy Kanahele’s Pu’uhonua o Waimanalo neighborhood.

Maunawili Ditch Trail

Walking the trail that parallels the old Kailua Ditch that was built in the 1920s to carry water from Kawainui Swamp to the canefields of Waimanalo Sugar Company. No motorcycles are allowed, but horses are permitted on this trail.

Maunawili Ditch Trail

Why are we climbing up this rooted hill when there is a perfectly good trail just a stone’s throw away? Character building.

Maunawili Ditch Trail

Scrambling up the eroded hill.

Maunawili Ditch Trail

Doing my part to keep the ‘aina clean. Hold the applause.

Olomana Ridge

I think I may have been unwittingly sucked into this bizarre finger pointing cult. Where is Scientology when you need them?

Olomana Ridge

One person on the rope at a time. Hold your horses.

Ahiki

We arrived at the base of the backdoor to Three Peaks to begin our ascent.

Ahiki

Chico climbing his way up between a rock and a tree. At least, it’s not a hard place.

Ahiki

Amber threading her way through the profusion of ropes and webbing that draped this cliff section.

Ahiki

Climbing my way up with the fluted ridges of the KST in the background.

Ahiki

Aileen making her way up.

Ahiki

Mona climbing up the cracked rocks.

Ahiki

Rose used her freakishly long arms to her climbing advantage.

Ahiki

Contouring our way around the gap in the rocks.

Ahiki

Climbing queue.

Ahiki

Chico left his heart in Olomana. OMG. The cult thing.

Ahiki

Eye in the sky.

Ahiki

Amber going up the notorious pipe ladder that unfortunately claimed a life back in April 2022. We met two kids at the top who had second thoughts about going down the ladder and wisely decided to turn around.

Ahiki

Ladders? I don’t need no stinkin’ ladders! Especially when I have these freakishly long arms.

Ahiki

Group picture at the top where one needs to keep their arms close to their sides and don’t be chasing after ball caps.

Ahiki

Leaving the third peak for the other two peaks. One can see why the Hawaiians called these three peaks “divided hill.”

Ahiki

I briefly entertained the foolish notion of scrambling down the side of the cliff to check out a puka, but retreated. Otherwise, I would have probably ended up with a puka in my head.

Ahiki

Dropping down to the iconic rock formation.

Keyhole

That’s one way of going through the hole.

Keyhole

Are we taking the scenic or climbing route? Rhetorical question.

Keyhole

Hey, this rock moves!

Keyhole

This other rock moves too!

Keyhole

Let’s make like a rock and roll!

Keyhole

Drone down! We scrambled down a bit in a futile attempt to recover Chico’s Skydio drone that crashed into the woods below us. We soon gave up just as how the company gave up on their consumer production line. Update: Chico was able to find and recover his drone several weeks later.

Paku’i

Climbing our way up to the second peak.

Paku’i

The knife edge view of the third peak behind us.

Paku’i

We ran into Andre and his friend coming from the opposite direction.

Paku’i

No hammock. No problem. Webbing is like duct tape in the hiking world. Flossing the cracks.

Paku’i

The rest of the group making their way down the sheeted and stepped rocks.

Paku’i

We ran into Aida and her friends also coming from the opposite direction. Small world.

Olomana

Decided to check out a side “trail.” Fools rush in where other hikers are smart not to tread. A paraphrase of a popular saying.

Olomana

Pushing myself up.

Olomana

I bet somebody was glad that I didn’t leave my webbing hammock behind.

Olomana

Mona with the background view of the second and third peaks.

Olomana

Group photo at the top of Olomana, the peak with the all around scenic views. Not to mention, crowds of people wanting to share that view with you.

Olomana

Mingling with other hikers as we dropped off the first peak.

Olomana

Everybody chose their own path down the rocks.

Olomana

Dealing with these pesky ropes as they could be potential tripping hazards. It would help if I had freakishly long arms.

Olomana

Mona climbing her way down the last rockface and then the group either walked, ran or got lost on the trail. Depends who you talked to.

All pau

If Rose falls, does it count? Or does it have to be capitalized? Thanks to Lilia for picking us up. Fun hike up and over the erosional remnant from within the caldera of the Ko’olau Shield Volcano.

Post hike meal at Genki Sushi, where the table talk was extra loud, extra spicy and extra special.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Amber Fonte, Chico Cantu, Monaliza Guillermo, Rose Mathis 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 Art and Ryan in Waimanalo to finally tackle the spur ridge that Ryan had his eye on for quite awhile.

Waimanalo

We soon split from the bike path and started to make our climb up towards the peaks.

Waimanalo

Going through a patch of feathery ferns, much more agreeable than the clawing and scratching uluhe ferns.

Waimanalo

Fluttering ribbons marked the trail in case ones memory fails.

Waimanalo

Grabbing the profusely planted trees to pull us up the steep hill.

Waimanalo

Trying to stay clear of the ropes as we climbed up the rocks.

Waimanalo

Art climbing up with the background of Kailua behind us.

Olomana

Ryan staring off into the distance, the ridge coming off the second peak was our destination today.

Olomana

Making our way to the second peak.

Olomana

Scrambling up the “stepped” rocks.

Paku’i

Group photo on the second peak between Olomana and Ahiki.

Paku’i

Middle Earth does exist, in a 360 camera.

Paku’i

I guess I can cancel my membership in the Flat Earth Society.

Olomana

Passed the hanging hammock and hiked out the spur ridge from the second peak.

Olomana

What’s going on here? Have spikes. Will hike.

Olomana

Ryan checking out the lay of the land.

Olomana

A head scratcher.

Olomana

I climbed down a bit to check out the neighborhood. Didn’t look too friendly.

Olomana

We backtracked to the saddle to try it from a different approach.

Olomana

Ryan dropping down to the contour trail.

Olomana

Art contouring to stay on higher ground.

Olomana

Working our way around bothersome branches and small drops.

Olomana

Scrambling our way down loose rocks and slippery terrain.

Olomana

How’s it look down there?

Olomana

Not looking good.

Waimanalo

Making our way back down to the bike trail. Yield to bikers.

Waimanalo

Ryan promised to show us something that was a secret surprise. Still waiting. We did run into somebody that is part of the company that is reshaping the community of Kaka’ako, for good or bad. The jury is still out on that one.

All pau

Our scout hike covered a scant 3.19 miles and I guess Ryan’s eye will still be on this ridge until we finally hike it one day.
Post hike meal at Round Table Pizza. Despite my general aversion to edible plant matter, I actually took a liking to the Gourmet Veggie Pizza. Quite tasty for something that had no meat.

Photos taken by Art Young, Ryan Meyer 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.

Having done Olomana many times warmed over, I decided to just do the most challenging section with Katie today and skip the front part. Thanks to Lilyn for dropping us off deep in Waimanalo country. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Trailhead

Starting on the foothill hike that was carved out by Dick Davis and goes all the way to the Pali Lookout. We were doing the abbreviated version today.

Maunawili Ditch Trail

Turning a right at the junction.

Maunawili Ditch Trail

Katie poking for Groot.

Maunawili Ditch Trail

Climbing out of the trail to gain the ridge line.

Aniani Nui Ridge Trail

Katie pulling herself up on one of the steeper parts of the trail.

Aniani Nui Ridge Trail

Mother Nature wasn’t looking too inviting, but Katie wanted to crash the party. So off we went.

Aniani Nui Ridge Trail

If a hiker falls in a forest and no one is around to see it, did it happen? Photographic proof by Katie Bingham.

Aniani Nui Ridge Trail

Pulling ourselves to the base of the peak.

Ahiki

Katie bouncing on the elastic rope as she makes her way up the first climb.

Ahiki

Pulling myself up and getting temporarily stuck under the branch. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki

Katie trying her best not to get stuck as well.

Ahiki

Cliffs in the camera are steeper than they appear. Photo by Katie Bingham

Ahiki

Katie scrambling her way to the top of the rock pile.

Ahiki

Climbing up the steepest section. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki

Looking for that hand hold.

Ahiki

Taking in the cloudy views. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki

Contouring and climbing between the rocks.

Ahiki

Taking in the clear views of Waimanalo.

Ahiki

Stretching before the hike. Oh wait. A day late and a dollar short. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki Summit

Group pic on the summit that was named after Chief Olomana’s favorite headman.

Olomana

Traversing between the divided hill with the peaks of Paku’i and Olomana directly ahead of us.

Olomana

Climbing down from the third peak. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Keyhole

Somebody was blocking the hole.

Keyhole

Bottom views.

Keyhole

Top views.

Olomana

Going back to the third peak.

Ahiki

Katie coming down one wobbly step at a time.

Ahiki

Shaka for Sunday. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki

Katie stepping her way down.

Ahiki

Who’s going to retrieve the webbing?

Ahiki

Trying not to get stuck on the way down. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ahiki

Katie making her way down the last climb of the day.

Aniani Nui Ridge

Following the barbed wire fence on our way out.

Aniani Nui Ridge

We came from there.

All pau

We ended our short and sweet hike right back where we started from. Thanks to Lilyn and Quan for picking us up. Post hike meal at Pampanga, can’t get enough of their Chicken Papaya. We also saw one of Jerry’s kids and witnessed a fleeing shoplifter who left part of their stolen loot on the sidewalk.

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 some friends to hike a trail that I last did over seven years ago. Decided to eschew going up the front side as it was too pedestrian and clogged with other hikers. Back side it is. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Waimanalo

Shout out to Jasmin and Matt for shuttling our rather large group to the trailhead that was within spitting distance of Bumpy Kanahele’s, Pu‘uhonua o Waimanalo. Group photo left to right: Ferlino, Lilyn, Chris, Sally, Aida, Edgar, Analyn, myself, Tesssa, Cisco, Anne, Jasmin, Matt, Janell and Art.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Left or right? Choose wisely. Or just check the GPS tracks.

Maunawili Demo Trail

We were startled by Casper, the exotic pinay on the trail.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Walking in the foothills of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Staying on the twisted trail.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Passing through a semi-gated section of the trail.

Cheeky

One was more phat than the other.

Woody

The making of Groot. Baby shower in 12 weeks. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Yellow Heleconia

What? Take a picture. It’ll last longer. After admiring the local flora, we found out that we overshot the trail and had to double back to the gate.

Maunawili Demo Trail

Climbing our way to the ridge line. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waimanalo

Passing the barbed wire fence that possibly harked back to the days that cattle roamed the valley. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Skeleton Leaf

The group passing by the exposed leaf. Somebody once said it was like finding a four leaf clover or seeing a double rainbow. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waimanalo

Lilyn climbing up the short and steep hill. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waimanalo

We broke out of the tree line to panoramic views of the land of potable water. Photo by Sally Chow.

Waimanalo

Plunging back into the tree line where Chris and Ferlino took to the trees. I took to the trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Approaching the backside of Ahiki.

Ahiki

Janell’s climbing concentration was interrupted by a cacophony of laughter and loudness emanating from the forest. Even the birds were complaining about the “competition.”

3 yawyaw pinays

The source of the laughter and loudness. Captured in a rare moment of silence. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ahiki

Matt climbing up against the background of Aniani Nui ridge that connected to the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Cisco in the climbing queue as we put down webbing in some spots for those that desired the additional assurance. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Edgar and Lilyn thinking this is a piece of cake. With icing on top. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Janell climbing up the steepest section of the rock face as Cisco spots her from below. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

It’s always Flag Day in the mountains with Ferlino. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ahiki

Waiting my turn so I don’t get pelted by rocks from above. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Cisco making his way up. I felt sorry for the couple that was stuck behind our 14 person group, but I heard they took advantage of our webbing. So win-win for everybody involved. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Janell waiting for her turn to go up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Aida living life on the edge. Not taking up too much space. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

How high?

If it’s not a jump shot in the mountains, it’s a butt grab. Must be a girl thing.

Ahiki Anchor

Holding the ladder steady as the group climbed their way to the top. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Art wearing the latest fashion climbing accessory around his neck – yellow webbing.

Ahiki

Tessa near the top of the summit.

Ahiki

Panoramic photo of Waimanalo and Kailua by Sally Chow.

Ahiki

How many hikers can fit on the postage stamp sized summit of Ahiki? Apparently 14 with a little room to spare. Group photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ahiki

Leaving the summit after our lunch break. Photo by Art Young.

Ahiki

The group descending from the summit of Ahiki.

Ahiki

Making my way down the somewhat narrow trail. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Ahiki

Somebody was not using three points of contact. Photo by Tesssa Bugay.

Keyhole

Lilyn climbing her way down to the keyhole. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ahiki

Chris spotting Aida as she comes down.

Keyhole

The chunk of real estate that required a lot of photo shoots. Thankfully drizzling rain cut it short.

Ahiki

Climbing down from the third peak. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Paku’i

Anne and Sally climbing up the rocky hill.

Paku’i

Sally with the razor thin peak in the background.

Paku’i

Chris carefully climbing up the section that probably accounts for most of the accidents on this trail.

Paku’i

Janell coming up the most photographed tree framed approach. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Paku’i

Cisco relaxing while he waits for the rest of the group to catch up from their photo shoots.

Paku’i

Leaving the keeper of the ponds summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Olomana

The rest of the group approaching the first peak of the divided hill. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Olomana

Thanks to everybody for another rousing rendition of getting older. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Olomana

Matt droning us at the 1,643′ summit.

Olomana

Leaving the top as it was getting inundated with other hikers wishing to experience the three peaks or at least one of them. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Olomana

Ascending hikers yielding to descending hikers. Photo by Art Young.

Olomana

Cisco making his way down the last main rock face.

Maunawili

The group coming down the rooted and rutted trail under thick tree canopy.

Tarzan

Matt testing out the load capacity on the aerial roots. I guess he doesn’t need to go on a diet. Photo by Aida Gordon.

All pau

Thanks to Jasmin for picking up our large group from the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club grounds.

Post hike meal

We all had front row seats to the Hawaii audition for Dancing with the Hikers. Chris Chun and Somphet also joined us with plates of Spicy Pork and Oxtail Soup. Thanks to everybody for contributing to the potluck spread that was our post hike meal.

GPS Tracks

Our short jaunt on the erosional remnant from the Ko’olau Mountains covered roughly 3.3 miles through panoramic scenery with fun company and good times.

Video by Matt Vidaurri of our Anamolo hike.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Anamolo hike.

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.

‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the tuff cone
not a coqui frog was calling, not even an iPhone.

When out on the pillbox, there arose such a clatter,
we sprang from the summit to see what was the matter.
Away to the railing we flew like a flash,
sailing over the fence and made a mad dash.

When to our squinty eyes, still crusted with makapiapia, what should appear,
but a six foot douglas fir tree twinkling with colored lights and branches bowed with shiny spheres.

Group photo by Ted Calvero

We all flocked to the tree like so many mynah birds,
as Hawaiian Santa, a braddah of few words,
called out his naughty and nice list;
Brian, Dale, Jasmin, Kenji, Lene, Masako, Matt, Rocky, Scott, Shirley, Ted, Tina and Yoly!

Group photo by Ted Calvero

Hawaiian Santa paused as he looked us over and said oh wait,
Chris B was running late.
Missing but in spirit were Chris C, Ethan, Glenn and Lee.
Now no trail should be classified as right or wrong,
there’s no further need to sing that old song.

Sunrise by Yoly Bedford

We opened our wrapped presents that were filled with rocks,
as we shivered in the winter air, cold down to our socks.
But the real present was the sunrise and Christmas company,
we had cookies, mochi, eggnog and warm milk to pass around; but alas, no bubbly.

Hawaiian Santa by Ted Calvero

Down the pillbox, Hawaiian Santa came down with a hoot.
He was dressed in a loud Hawaiian shirt and surfer shorts to boot.
His brow was rimmed by a lauhala hat,
and he was obviously a Democrat.

Drone view by Brian Connors

And flashing a shaka, up the pillbox he rose;
He sprang to his outrigger canoe that was pulled by nine pua’a.
And away they all flew, to the next luau.

Crater rim

But I heard him shout, before he put on his spikes,
“Mele Kalikimaka to all, and to all a good hike!”

Maunawili

The weather outside was so delightful,
so Yoly and I drove to Maunawili Valley to get another sightful.

Trailhead

Yoly making her way up the corridor of trees,
hoping not to run into any bees.

Warning

We were checking the list twice,
to take in all the good advice.

Piliwale Ridge

Taking a peek past the trees,
we saw the ridge was going to be a tight squeeze.

Piliwale Ridge

A hop and a scotch,
and Yoly was out of the notch.

Piliwale Ridge

Yoly climbing up between a tree and a rock,
as it was a trail of hard knocks.

Piliwale Ridge

Scrambling up a couple more rock faces,
to get to our other places.

Piliwale Ridge

Throw me down some webbing,
so I can make it home to my bedding.

Piliwale Ridge

We paused on the ridge to take a selfie,
as we wanted to look somewhat beastly.

Piliwale Ridge

The weather outside became so frightful,
we were just glad there was no lightning.

Piliwale Ridge

The ridge wrapped in clouds to the highest peak,
was looking somewhat bleak.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We took a right,
hoping to see some daylight.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The further down we went,
the more hurried was our descent.

Mud Wall By Yoly Bedford

Stepping down the mud wall,
slowly I went otherwise I would end up in a sprawl.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The winds picked up something fierce,
which made our balance somewhat worse.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hiking in the clouds,
beats walking with the crowds.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing down backwards,
can sometimes feel awkward.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The gusts continued unabated,
which made us feel refrigerated.

Nu’uanu Saddle

When grabbing handholds of uki grass,
is all that keeps you from landing on your ass.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking down at the lookout,
I had to give out a shout.

Nu’uanu Saddle by Yoly Bedford

Staring down at the drop,
I couldn’t help but to look at all the treetops.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Yoly coming around the contour,
as she should’ve took the detour.

Chimney by Yoly Bedford

Sitting on the chimney,
where it was quite windy.
Ho Ho Ho.

Chimney

The rain started sideway sheeting,
so it’s best that our stay here be fleeting.

Chimney by Yoly Bedford

Goodbyes are always hard,
so just send a postcard.

Pali Notches by Yoly Bedford

Climbing up when it’s windy,
at least it’s no chimney.

Pali Notches

One notch was all that was left,
standing between us and some rest.

All pau

Yoly about to finish the hike,
all she wants is her missing spike.

GPS Tracks

Our merry and short stroll covered 2.46 miles. Mahalo to Chris for picking us up and taking us back to our cars. No post meal hike on this Christmas Day. Happy Holidays to all.

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

I tagged along with the Oahu Hikers Group to explore a new trail in Kailua. We met up at Aikahi Park Shopping Center and split into two groups. It was going to be another hot day.

Trailhead

Our group consisting of Jose, Khym, Ryan, Thessa and myself headed down a dead end street to start our hike. The other group consisting of Becky, Bill, Chris, Karen, Maggie, Tara and Toby went up the access road further down the street. We decided to take the scenic route.

Follow the ribbons

Ryan was guiding the group, as he and Chris had just flagged the trail yesterday.

Looking back

Our slight elevation gain gave us a peek towards the Moks or Mokulua Islands in the distance.

Water tank

We soon came upon a fence almost hidden in the tall grass, that enclosed a colorful graffitied abandoned water tank. An old gate served as a ladder to climb up to the tank.

On top

Group photo left to right: Jose, Khym, myself, Thessa and Jose. Khym and Thessa are on the other side of the structure, barely visible through the window.

Going down

Looking at the top bunkers where we would meet up with Chris’s group.

Who’s Pero?

After climbing down into the tank, we discovered the floor was covered with empty spray paint cans and water bottles. A recycler’s dream and cleanup crew nightmare. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Appreciating art

Thessa getting up close and personal with some of the graffiti.

Leaving the tank

We followed the fence out to resume the trail.

Microwave antenna

No rocks to climb. This will do. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Hello?

Khym entering the bunker below the microwave antenna.

Nothing to see here. Move along.

Two small sectioned rooms made up the bunker. No homeless. Oh wait, I forgot this is Kailua.

Panoramic View

Click here for the larger image.

Access road

The road that Chris’s group was taking to the bunkers.

Bunker bound

Our trail to the bunkers.

Girl on the roof

Checking out the views of Mokapu Peninsula, home to the Marine Corps Air Station and several fishponds, that separates Kaneohe Bay from Kailua Bay. Oh yeah, the painted girl looks nice too. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Kaneohe Bay

Khym saw what he thought was a backpack in the bushes. Jose fished it out and the backpack turned out to be a folding chair, which he used to watch the rain showers sweep through Kaneohe Bay and Moku o loe or Coconut Island.

The other group

Both groups taking pictures of each other. Classic.

The Mad Hatter

Going down the rabbit hole.

Tag team

Taggers self representation? Photo by Karen Latzka.

Reunited at the top

Group photo at the bunkers standing left to right: Karen, Bill, Jose, Ryan, Chris, Maggie, Tara, Becky and Toby. Kneeling left to right: Khym, Thessa and myself.

Hear any buzzing?

Tara and Becky making their way along the fenced communications site. No sightings of winged barbed insects.

Your pic …

The group standing next to a thicket of communication towers. Everybody got 4 bars?

… for mines

My arms are getting tired. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Geodetic marker

Pu’u Papa’a means scorched hill. Yeah it was pretty hot up here.

Long road down

Road going down. Stairs going up. Ridge going down and up. Hiking cycles.

Where? There!

Chris giving directions. Follow the ridge. Pass a stand of pine trees. Go down towards Kalaheo School. Pass the painted rock. Stay to the right of the bike ramps. Got it? Good. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Coming down the hill

Becky decided to join our group as the road was getting old. Chris’s group watched us for awhile before going back down.

Mahinui ridge

Our group walking on the ridge. Split views of Kailua and Kaneohe. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Breaking in the bench

Literally.

Rolling hills

Approaching the next hill, we saw what looked like a bench at the top. Really? Is this a state trail?

When do we get to sit?

Somebody dragged this rocking chair up here. I guess they really wanted a chair to enjoy the view. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Windward views

The town of Kailua filled the views; with Mokulua Islands, Olomana and the Ko’olau Mountains taking a backseat.

Pine trees

I remember somebody mentioning pine trees. Who was that?

Kapa’a Valley

The view looking into Kapa’a Quarry and Valley, with Nu’uanu Saddle in the background. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Olomana

Headed down towards Kalaheo High School. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Painted rock

The trail passed the blue and orange painted rock, that is annually “refreshed” by the senior class of Kalaheo High School.

Bike ramp

Where’s my Schwinn when I need it?

Headed out

Dirt meets road.

All pau

We popped out in the neighborhood and started to walk back to the shopping center. Couple blocks later, Chris’s group picked us up in their cars. Saved us two blocks of walking. Mahalo!

GPS Tracks

Short and sweet hike at a little over two miles. Got to explore a new trail and meet new faces. Can’t ask for anything more than that. Post hike meal at Aloha Salad. Trying to eat healthy. Still miss my Outback.