Lacking any direction or motivation for hiking this weekend, I was invited by Daryl to join his group for a loop hike starting in Palolo. Photo by Mark Carinoso.

Trailhead

It was a full house in the back of the valley. Outside of organized club hikes, this was the biggest group I have hiked with to date.

Trailhead

We started down the trail at our own risk. Where do we sign the liability waivers?

Palolo Valley

Making our way down through fallen trees and moss slicked boulders.

Wai’oma’o Stream

Rock hopping the stream that feds the lush valley.

Palolo Valley

Following the water pipe into the forested valley.

Palolo Valley

Pushing deeper into the valley with dreams of mountain apples hanging from low hanging branches dancing in my head.

Palolo Valley

Switching from the new pipe to the old pipe, where somebody in the group had to be administered lite first aid. Hike on.

Palolo Valley

We dropped down to see the first waterfall after some deliberation at the top.

Waterfall #1

Group photo with the mosquitoes. Didn’t get their names. But they got ours.

Palolo Valley

We contoured and climbed up to the left of the first waterfall.

Waterfall #2

Sitting and standing in front of the second and slightly larger waterfall.

Palolo Valley

Climbing up the rocky trail to the right of the waterfall. Photo by Cristy CM.

Palolo Valley

Making our way on the rooted trail that leads to the top.

Waterfall #2

Looking down at some of the group still snapping pictures from the base. We didn’t get too close, as the edge has claimed a couple of victims in the past. Photo by Harold Viloan.

Palolo Valley

We followed the stream to the base of the last waterfall where preparation for the flag photo shoot was underway.

Waterfall #3

Celebrating Independence Day a little early.

Waterfall #3

Making our way up the trickling multi-tiered waterfall. Photo by Terrance Manuel.

Waterfall #3

The group staggering their climb up.

Waterfall #3

Crossing over to the dry side.

Waterfall #3

Almost to the top of the waterfall where we would connect to the crater rim. Photo by Harold Viloan.

Crater rim

Group photo with the marsh filled reservoir behind us. I cracked open my semi-frozen bottle of Coca-Cola that I had brought along, something I had been longing to do, but always forgetting. Not today. I think I will start doing this on every hike. Refreshing.

Crater rim

Cardio climb through the fern covered rim.

Crater rim

Waiting for the wind to flutter the flag.

Crater rim

Some chose to take the higher road and others the lower one.

Crater rim

Huffing and puffing our way to the top.

Close shave

Mark and Harold demonstrating the proper execution of a dry shave in the mountains.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Setting foot on the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Photo by Cristy CM.

KSRT

The group coming down the mountain.

Panoramic view

Power lines to Power lines.

Swingers

Build it and they will swing it.

KSRT

Just missing the fireworks for our group flag photo.

KSRT

Leaving the crater behind as we enjoyed Windward views on our way down the ridge.

KSRT

Wading through the overgrowth on the ridge as we approached the notch.

KSRT

Climbing up the pock marked hill.

KSRT

Following in the footsteps of others before us. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Mount Olympus

Group photo at the top of Awaawaloa Summit.

KSRT

Leaving the summit behind us.

KSRT

It was unusually clear on the ridges, especially in the vicinity of Mount Olympus.

KSRT

We saw what looked like a fresh cut trail ahead of us that contoured below the KSRT.

Waahila Ridge Trail

Looking back. Still clear. Amazing.

Waahila Ridge Trail

Making our way down the deeply rutted trail. Photo by Cristy CM.

Junction

We took a short break and then headed down the trail into Manoa Valley.

Kolowalu Trail

Kevin sitting in a tree … missing somebody … and the nursery rhyme would be complete.

Kolowalu Trail

Scenic dead tree spot overlooking Manoa Valley.

Kolowalu Trail

Passing another fallen tree in the forest.

All pau

We got everybody? Let’s see. 1, 2, 3 … 14. Missing one. Kay couldn’t wait for the rest of the group. Call off the search party.

GPS Tracks

The hike covered 5.27 miles through waterfalls, tuff cone and ridge trails. Fun hike with new and old friends. Post hike meal at Happy Days. Made it in time for the dim sum carts. Make sure you double down on those chicken feet.

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.

Rob invited Ryan L, Ryan M and myself to learn the ropes. Down a waterfall. We met deep in Palolo Valley. Early hikers get the parking.

Trailhead

Down the rabbit hole.

Familiar faces

We ran into Khym and Marvin on the trail.

Wai’oma’o Stream

Rob and Ryan crossing Wai’oma’o stream. Ryan donned his surfing helmet in case a good swell came crashing down from the marsh above us.

Trail

We passed a couple hikers enjoying the idyllic stream in the lush forest.

Trail

Following the water pipe to gain elevation.

Trail

The last of a handful of stream crossings.

Trail

Safe to take the helmet off now.

Ka’au Crater Falls #1

Looking down at the 60′ waterfall.

Rapelling

Rob tossing down the rope. Anchor. Biner block. Belay loop. ATS device. Locking biner. On rappel?

Rapelling

Rob went down first.

Rapelling

My turn. Hey, where is my helmet? Photos by Khym Ansagay.

Rapelling

Walking down next to a waterfall. Cool and refreshing at the same time.

Rapelling

Ryan M’s turn. Photos by Ryan Leano.

Ice cold pool

At least Ryan had a wetsuit on. The rest of us had to shiver and chatter our teeth.

Rapelling

Ryan L’s turn.

All pau

It was so much fun, thanks again to Rob for showing us the ropes. Talk of doing the second waterfall was dashed by the time and cold. Next stop – Climb Aloha. One day.