I had wanted to explore a different ridge descending from Poamoho Summit, but the best laid plans of mice and hikers often go awry.

Gate to Poamoho

Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Chris, Emily, Ferlino and myself off at the gate and Zack for driving us up the jeep road. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Jeep Road

We stayed under the speed limit so that none of us would get bounced from the back of the truck.

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Ferlino, Chris, myself and Emily. Bees? What bees?

Halfway sign

We made our way up the mostly graded trail that were marked with pockets of blowdowns and muddy patches, until we took a short breather at the halfway point marked by the informational sign. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trail

Heading into the gully where we soon crossed the somewhat stagnant stream. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Cline Memorial

Emily standing next to the stone monument that was hand carried piece by piece to the summit in 1978. Now that’s true friendship. Photo by Chris Bautista

Poamoho Summit

The photographer being photographed. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ scenic summit with valley views of Punalu’u and Kahana from end to end.

Poamoho Summit

Chris standing on the spur ridge with plunging views of Kahana valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

We dickered and dithered about exploring the spur ridge, but soggy weather won out as we headed on the raised boardwalk to the cabin.

Poamoho Cabin

The cabin was showing her age, having been built in 1998.

Poamoho Cabin

Pole dancing and autograph signing were on today’s cabin agenda.

Poamoho Outhouse

I hear you knocking, but you can’t come out. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

Poamoho Cabin

The reports of the water catchment being bone dry were greatly exaggerated. Ferlino found out that the main valve in the back was turned off.

Poamoho Cabin

It must be the nearby compost that makes the local thimble berries grow so big. They almost look like strawberries.

KST

It’s always a treat to hike this storied and scenic stretch of the KST.

KST

Pushing through slight overgrowth on the Windward side of the trail.

KST

One of the most photographed spots on this trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

KST

It’s hard to believe that beasts of burden once traveled on these trails. Now we carry our own burden. Longing for the good ole days.

KST

Can I cross the fence without photobombing anybody? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Winding our way through a small grassy meadow on the Leeward side. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Emily climbing over the last gate on this stretch of the trail.

KST

Rounding the corner. Photo by Chris Bautista

KST

Looking out towards Pu’u Manamana.

KST

Heading towards a clump of native loulu palm trees which always loudly announces ones presence.

Pauao Junction

Ready to descend down the ridge into Kahana Valley.

Pauao Junction

But first, one more scenic picture.

Pauao Ridge

Emily descending down the ridge with views of Kaneohalani and Puu Ohulehule to keep her occupied.

Pauao Ridge

Making our way down the initial steep descent of the ridge. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Looking over at the ridge that will be explored another day.

Pauao Ridge

Going up the roller coasting ridge. False summit after false summit.

Pauao Ridge

Taking our lunch break as we all tried to find a comfortable spot on the narrow ridge line.

Pauao Ridge

When the tree becomes the trail. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pauao Ridge

Ferlino wading his way down through down a sea of uluhe ferns. Photo by Chris Bautista

Pauao Ridge

Photo spot.

Trail

We soon spotted the water tank and eventually made our way down the side ridge.

Slippery when wet

Sliding our way down the trail of lauhala leaves.

Kahana Valley

Hitting the valley floor.

H20 Tank

Trading the rough shod trail for a solid compacted road beneath our feet.

Kahana Valley

Who needs a selfie stick? Ask and Mother Nature shall provide.

Kahana Valley

We were just missing the tarp and smoke signals.

All pau

Leaving the valley where Jasmin was waiting to pick us up. Our Leeward to Windward hike covered roughly eight miles through some of the most beautiful views and rugged terrain on the island. Post hike meal at Ruby Tuesday’s as the prime rib was all sold out at Haleiwa Joe’s.

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.

Glenn wanted me to set up a hike to this picturesque summit in the Ewa Forest Reserve for his 24 hour fitness buddies. A social mixer hike. The only problem was that his social buddies decided to work out at 24 Hour Fitness instead. At least Alexis, Brian, Chris, Dale, Daryl, Ferlino, Glenn and Josh showed up at Helemano.

Gate

Permit in hand, we swung the gate open to the six mile jeep road. Thanks to Brian and Glenn for driving up the road in their 4x4s. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Access Road

Ferlino clearing the trail of any stray branches that might scratch Glenn’s truck. Heaven forbid.

Poamoho Road

I’m sure glad the cows kept to their side of the fence today.

Poamoho Road

Off-roading through the deep ruts made by the lead 4×4. Thanks Brian.

Poamoho Road

One truck got the “shake, rattle and roll” treatment more than the other. Guess which one? Photo by Alexis Widick.

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Dale, Chris, Glenn, myself, Brian, Ferlino, Josh, Alexis and Daryl.

Poamoho Trail

Poamoho stream trickling in the valley below us.

Poamoho Trail

Speak softly so the hunting dogs will not follow.

Poamoho Trail

Learning about the history of the Ewa Forest Reserve.

Poamoho Trail

Transitioning from the maintained to the unmaintained trail. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Poamoho Trail

Following the fence line up the ridge. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Poamoho Trail

Chris crossing the landslide section of the trail.

Poamoho Trail

Ferlino and Dale crossing the stream through the gulch crossing.

Poamoho Trail

Approaching the socked in summit.

Poamoho Summit

Hanging out near the Cline Memorial.

Poamoho Summit

Taking in the fleeting valley views from the 2,520′ summit, where windy conditions brought in more clouds and lowered the temperature. Photo by Alexis Widick.

Poamoho Summit

We took a bunch of pics, hoping that the clouds would clear in due time. Expectations clouded our judgment, so we left the summit and contoured on the Leeward side to reach the cabin.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Following the boardwalk that gave us a brief stay from the cloying mud. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Stepping off the boardwalk and onto the muddy switch backing trail.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Contouring around the fenced Leeward side of the ridge.

Poamoho Cabin

Carved pumpkins and assorted characters hanging out in the cabin.

Poamoho Cabin

Where failed pole dancers go to retire, toiling in anonymity. Photo by Alexis Widick.

KST

Brian and Glenn taking their leave of us as they had to drive the trucks back down the road. Thanks again for the ride guys.

KST

Passing through the gate as we contoured on the Leeward side.

KST

Approaching the man made notch from the Windward side of the ridge.

KST

Looking down into the cauldron of churning clouds in Kahana Valley.

KST

Rustling our way through the loulu palm trees.

Pauao Junction

Leaving the KST and going down the Windward ridge from 2,680′ elevation. Hats off to the HTMC for clearing this trail recently, giving us easier passage.

Pauao Ridge

Descending down the steep pitch of the ridge.

Pauao Ridge

Looking into Kahana Valley.

Pauao Ridge

Ferlino and Dale making their way down the moss carpeted trail.

Pauao Ridge

The ridge soon leveled off to a more walkable grade.

Pauao Ridge

Leaving the clouds behind us as we quickly lost elevation on the cleared trail.

Pauao Ridge

Looking back, we saw a multi-tiered waterfall. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Pauao Ridge

Heading down into the valley floor.

Pauao Ridge

Sliding down the slippery slope of wet hala leaves.

Pauao Ridge

Making our way down the “candy corn lane.”

Kahana Valley

Somebody was happy to be off the ridge. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Kahana Valley

It was a soggy but satisfying hike up and down the ridges.

All pau

Walking out to Chris and Ferlino’s vans that we had staged earlier in the morning for our ride back to Helemano.

GPS Tracks

Our pre-Halloween hike covered 13.97 miles through the raw, rugged beauty of the Northern KST. It was a day well spent with a fun group. Post hike meal at Dot’s in Wahiawa. Somebody didn’t show up even after somebody else washed their truck.

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.

Back to the Northern Ko’olau’s for another camping hike with Ben, Chris, Ethan, Krissy and Shirley. Thanks to Glenn for dropping us off.

Pupukea

Everybody was out for a walk this morning. Why not? It was going to be a beautiful day in the mountains. Right?

Pupukea

Group photo by Shirley, left to right: myself, Ethan, Krissy, Ben, Shirley and Chris.

Pupukea

Walking up the road that time forgot. Nature seems to be slowly reclaiming what was hers in the first place.

Pupukea

Erosion at work.

Pupukea

Erosion at play.

Pupukea

Taking a detour off the road, as we had no plans to end at Wahiawa.

Pupukea

Enjoying the five foot wide open trail while it lasts.

Black Junction

Skipping the summit overlook and starting on the summit trail.

Ko’olau Summit Trail

The trail soon narrowed to roughly the width of a four man tent, as framed by the ubiquitous strawberry guava trees.

Pupukea Summit

The geodetic marker at Pu’u Hina, where a junction also exists to the seldom trafficked Kahuku Trail.

KST

Passing the Scott Slipper junction.

KST

The overgrowth on the trail fluctuated from shoulder high …

KST

… to waist high. Not as bad as expected.

KST

Halfway there. To Laie. Group photo by Chris.

KST

Going up the trail as the clouds slowly knitted together to form a grey backdrop.

KST

Taking a break underneath a blanket of clouds. Photo by Chris.

KST

The trail for the most part, hugged the Windward side of the ridge line, as the native loulu palm trees punctured the cloudy views.

Malaekahana Junction

Contouring to the Leeward side as we passed the Malaekahana glove.

KST

The pitter patter of the rain soon became voluminous enough to penetrate the dense canopy. It was here to keep us company over the weekend.

KST

The Leeward side sheltered us from the winds, but not the rain.

KST

Approaching the Laie summit, where we soon sought scant cover under the small trees from the cold rain and wind, as nobody wanted to gain the foxhole for zero views and increased exposure to the rain and wind. We sent Ben up to the summit as this was his first time. He came back down disappointed and with no pictures.

KST

Back on the rainy trail again.

KST

The group rounding the bend in the trail …

KST

… to our first contact with the ever expanding KST fence line. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Following the mud encased fence trail.

KST

Ben pulling himself up the hill.

KST

Climbing over the fence hoping to find four walls and a roof. Fingers crossed.

Koloa Cabin

The cabin was open. Ben was extremely disappointed that he didn’t have to set up his four man tent in the pouring rain.

Koloa Cabin

Ben’s only regret was not knowing what regret feels like. Oh wait, he carried his regret on his back for three days. Something to be easily washed down with honey whiskey. He also knocked his shell loose. Nothing Band-Aids and another shot of honey whiskey can’t fix.

Koloa Cabin

Somebody was extremely happy to be boiling water for the first time.

Koloa Cabin

We left the cabin the next morning, hoping for clearer skies. Wishful thinking.

KST

The group climbing over the fence line to get back on the trail.

KST

Climbing down and over a washed out section.

KST

Crossing the open field to get to the ridge line.

KST

Tastes great, less filling. Sorry, wrong product. Turn Great. More filling. Pay it forward.

KST

Shirley wallowing in the mud. The shallow end. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Ben heading up to gain the ridge line.

KST

Doesn’t this all look familiar?

KST

We got turned around and righted ourselves through Ben’s internal compass, a fallen tree and a smart water bottle. It didn’t hurt that somebody answered their phone as well.

KST

Deja vu. Back where we started.

Papali Junction

The machete came out unsheathed and still unused in our group photo. Bear Grylls was not pleased.

KST

The fence had extended its sprawl since our last visit.

KST

The fence and mud. Two constant companions on this section. Oh and let’s not forget about the rain as well.

KST

Going through the gate that lead us …

KST Junction

… out of the rabbit hole.

KST

We found the sock. Now all we have to do is find the boot that goes with it. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Waiting to go through another gate, it will have to wait for tuna time.

KST

Going down … Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

… and coming back up.

KST

Why did the hikers cross the fence? To get to the other fence. Photo by Chris.

KST Junction

Group photo at the iconic boot junction.

KST

Ben contouring on the Leeward side as we left the fence line behind us.

KST

Back on the fence line again.

KST

Leaving the fence line for the ridge line.

KST

Trying to get off the mountain.

KST

Crossing the landslide area. Luckily, the rain didn’t turn this section into a mud slide.

KST

Ben leaving the ridge line.

Poamoho Summit

Heading towards the socked in summit. We couldn’t see the Waianae Mountains for the clouds and rain. Photo by Chris.

Poamoho Summit

Congratulations to Ethan “Mr. Ultralight” Clavecillas for completing his last section of the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

Poamoho Summit

Socked in group photo with denied views of the valleys below us.

Poamoho Summit

Rainy group photo at the Cline Memorial. I think we had enough rain for today. Time to get out of the rain and head to the cabin.

KST

Making our way on the board walk to the cabin.

Poamoho Cabin

Chris combing his hair. Keeping it civilized in the mountains. We are not savages.

Poamoho Cabin

I don’t always drink alcohol. But when I do, I prefer it in a bottle cap. Toasting Ethan’s KST accomplishment. Photo by Shirley.

Poamoho Cabin

When you’re craving for ice cream and crushed reese pieces is the next best thing.

Poamoho Cabin

Hiker night lights. Sleeping under grinning glowing balloons. Nightmares for life. Photo by Shirley.

Poamoho Cabin

Chris getting rid of his blue ball the next morning.

Poamoho Cabin

View from the hill looking down to the cabin. Photo by Chris.

Poamoho Cabin

Group photo in the morning as we greeted another rainy day.

KST

Back on the rainy trail again.

KST

Looking out towards the Windward side of the rugged cliffs softened by the clouds.

KST

Where’s the view?

KST

Heading towards the man-made notch.

KST

The clouds started to clear down in the valleys.

KST

Photo shoot stalling our forward progress.

KST

All buttoned up for the rain. All smiles. Photo by Shirley.

Pauao Summit

Group photo as the rain tapered off to a drizzle.

Pauao Ridge

Leaving the KST behind us as we made our way down the Windward ridge.

Pauao Ridge

Panoramic view of Kahana and Punalu’u valleys.

Pauao Ridge

Ben making his way down the initial steep descent of the ridge.

Pauao Ridge

Look closely. The first documented use of the Bear Grylls machete in action. Blink and you’ll miss it.

Pauao Ridge

Splash of color in the sea of uluhe green.

Pauao Ridge

Photo by Shirley with Pu’u Ohulehule in the background.

Pauao Ridge

Snacks spilling out of Shirley’s brand new pack. I think she wanted to feed the pigs or Ben. Not sure which one. Photo by Ben Hinders.

Pauao Ridge

The ridge roller coastered up …

Pauao Ridge

… and down.

Pauao Ridge

Chris playing hide and seek in the dense uluhe ferns. Photo by Shirley.

Pauao Ridge

It finally stopped raining on our parade. Photo by Chris.

Pauao Ridge

Ben making his way up the last false summit.

Pauao Ridge

Looking back at the cloud capped mountains. Photo by Chris.

Pauao Ridge

No more ups and downs. Just down.

Pauao Ridge

Ben making his way down through the hala trees and their banana like slippery fallen leaves.

Pauao Ridge

Parting our way through the sea of uluhe ferns.

Kahana Valley

Ben making his way around the water tank coming down off the ridge.

Kahana Valley

Our hike fittingly began on a road and ended on a road.

All pau

Mahalo to Glenn for picking us up ahead of schedule and bringing cold carbonated cola beverages to slake our thirst.

GPS Tracks

Our three day rainy weekend hike covered nearly 23 miles across the Northern Ko’olau’s. Great friends and fun times stopped it from becoming a complete soggy mess. Post hike meal was supposed to be at Haleiwa Joe’s. Too early. Guess it’s Dean’s Drive Inn. $5 is the limit.

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.

It was time for another camping weekend. I’m glad we didn’t listen to the weather forecast of rain and gloom. Met up with Chris, Ethan and Shirley in the wee hours of the morning. Somebody needed more packing time. That’s why it pays to start early. Have to adjust for Hawaiian time.

Poamoho Road

Thanks to Ethan’s friend, Kevin, for giving us a ride. Shirley trying to shed some light on the lock. Not very successful I might add. Photo by Chris.

Poamoho Road

We ran across this fool who thought he could outrun a Tacoma. Photo by Shirley.

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Shirley, Ethan, myself and Chris.

Poamoho Trail

We shouldered our packs, some heavier than others, and began making our way on the mostly graded trail.

Poamoho Trail

Synchronized photo taking of the Waianae Mountain Range.

Helemano Stream

Looking down at the longest stream on the island and clear summits in the distance.

Poamoho Trail

Enjoying the maintained trail before it ends. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Poamoho Trail

Pausing before we start hiking on the un-maintained trail. Fraught with overgrowth, uneven terrain and …

Poamoho Trail

… fence lines.

Poamoho Trail

Chris and Shirley crossing over the landslide section of the trail.

Clines Memorial

Shirley getting the contrast, exposure, framing, and lighting just right. Otherwise Chris may come out darky.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo by Chris at the 2,520′ summit, that overlooks Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys.

Koolau Summit Trail (KST)

We took our leave of the summit and made our way to the cabin.

Koolau Summit Trail (KST)

Passing the Private (PVT) junction. No cover. No salute.

Koolau Summit Trail (KST)

Shirley weeping with joy after seeing her first cabin on the KST or maybe she was just wiping her snot. I don’t recall.

Koolau Summit Trail (KST)

The trail briefly popped back onto the Windward side, affording more Jurassic views of the valley.

Koolau Summit Trail (KST)

Morning dew drops on the ubiquitous uki grass. Photo by Shirley.

Poamoho Cabin

The fence workers had gone home for the weekend. We had the cabin all to ourselves and the other 25 hikers coming up the trail.

Poamoho Cabin

What happens at the cabin, stays at the cabin. Choosy hikers choose JIF.

KST

Following the fence on the Leeward side until we …

KST

… temporarily lost the fence and crossed over to the stunning Windward side of the trail.

KST

Looking back at the contoured trail carved into the side of the mountain. Photo by Chris.

KST

Making our way towards the man-made notch.

KST

Shirley passing through the last fenced gate on the trail. For now. Photo by Chris.

Pauao Junction

Chris looking into the valley. So many ridges and saddles to explore. Photo by Shirley.

KST

The fence workers have been busy.

KST

Panoramic view.

KST

Enjoying the cleared and relatively wide open fenced trail for now. Photo by Chris.

KST

The fence soon left the KST again and continued to follow the ridgeline above us.

IG Photo bombers

We just want our 15 minutes of social media fame too!

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Somebody needs to get with the program.

KST

We left the junction to resume our hike on the windswept ridgeline.

KST

Shirley plowing through the thick brush on the Leeward side.

KST

We contoured back to the ridgeline and saw the Waikane-Waiahole junction ahead of us.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

One leads to the valley. One leads to the mountains.

KST

Chris taking the higher road.

KST

Making our way through the convoluted topography of the Northern Ko’olaus. Photo by Chris.

KST

We were blessed with an overcast day tempered with gentle winds on our hike.

KST

Passing “HMK’s” rock. Which begs the question. Who is HMK?

Waianae Mountain Range

Looking out towards the West side. Both ranges had clear views.

KST

Panoramic view of the rotating view of the valley as we continued to traverse the KST.

KST

A serendipitous encounter with two fellow hikers on the trail, Cisco and Justin. Congratulations to Cisco for completing the Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST) today. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Back on the ridgeline, not for long, as we contoured to the Leeward side.

KST

Build the fences and they will climb over them.

KST

The “rolling hills” of the Northern Ko’olaus have a different and distinct flavor than the trails found on the Southern end of the mountain range.

KST

The fence continued to follow the ridgeline, while we followed the trail that contoured below it.

KST

We regained the fenced ridgeline and followed it down …

Meadow

… and dropped into the inviting meadow that usually funnels the air currents, inducing a wind tunnel effect on past visits. No such conditions today.

Meadow

Meadow life. Failed headstands. Photobombers. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Chilling with Kikaida.

Meadow

Tree huggers.

Meadow

Leaving the meadow to gain the contour trail. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Shirley crossing over the Selfie Stick Junction. I guess we are going to be here for awhile.

KST

Passing through a cascading carpet of uluhe ferns.

KST

Shirley making her way to the notch. IG photo shoot time.

KST

Mountain yoga. One was more successful than the other.

Campsite

We decided to camp for the night between the summits of Kipapa and Waiahole, nestled and sheltered amongst the Sugi pine tree grove.

Campsite

Camp life. Pitching our tents on the rusted remains of the army cabin. Watching sunbeams shooting through the Waianae Mountains. Eating reconstituted meals and drinking hot coffee. Glow sticking without the ecstasy. Not a bad way to end the day.

Campsite

Honey whiskey and Tylenol makes the tent go round and round and facilitates drunk ranting and texting. Farting and snoring cut through the rustling wind and pelting rain showers throughout the night. Somebody had earplugs. Somebody wished they had earplugs.

Campsite

Good morning from the Ko’olaus. Hot coffee, steaming pho and pop tarts for breakfast. Flooded tent. Somebody needed a demonstration on how to tie her shoelaces. Early morning bowel movement. Pushing and pulling Chris’s tent. Does this look wrong in any way?

KST

Making our way out of the Sugi pine tree grove.

KST

Crossing a narrow ravine to get up the ridge.

KST

Our sunrise for the morning. We couldn’t catch it from the campsite due to the early morning rain. I’m glad the rain went away for our hike.

KST

Climbing out of the campsite.

Kipapa Summit

Group photo at the windswept 2,786′ summit.

KSRT

We transitioned from the Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST) to the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT) after passing the Kipapa Summit.

KSRT

Ethan checking out the views.

KSRT

Checking out a ridge for a future hike.

KSRT

Making our way to the Waiawa Gap.

Waiawa Gap

Descending into the heavily overgrown gap.

Waiawa Gap

Group photo in the notch. Somebody had to mark their territory.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

KSRT

Grams equals Ounces. Ounces equal Pounds. Pounds equals Pain. A lesson that Shirley would take to heart and her lower back as well. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KSRT

The glove junction with the summit of Waiahole behind us. Photo by Chris.

KSRT

The weather forecast got something right. The winds were blowing hard on the ridgeline.

KSRT

Enjoying a relatively flat lull between the hilly ridge.

KSRT

Crossing over from the ridgeline. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KSRT

Stopping at the scenic spot for a pic … Photo by Shirley.

KSRT

… and assisted bowel movement.

KSRT

Are we there yet?

KSRT

We dropped down into this meadow and found a surprising flowing stream. Somewhat of a trickle, but enough to refill our water supply.

KSRT

Hot coffee and pho in the meadow. Life was good. Photo by Chris.

KST

Leaving our last meadow on the hike.

KSRT

Tree hugger. Photo by Shirley.

KSRT

Looking at the twin “sisters” of Eleao Windward and Kalahaku Teeth that borders Waihee Valley.

KSRT

Almost there.

Manana Summit

Triple views ranging from Kahana Valley to Makapu’u at the 2,660′ summit.

Manana Summit

The “face” of Manana. Photo by Shirley.

Manana Trail

We still had to hike down close to six miles of the ungraded roller coasting ridge.

Manana Trail

Looking back at the Ko’olau Mountain Range and the points we had traversed. Ethan was speeding down the trail to take a shower. Chris was flapping around like Superman. Shirley was making her story. I was just plum tired.

Manana Trail

Lady in the tree.

Manana Trail

Racing the sun down to the bottom. The sun would win.

Manana Trail

Too tired to rest on the bench.

All pau

Sunset silhouettes. We made it back to our cars under the cover of twilight.

GPS Tracks

Our two day fun filled hike covered almost 20 miles with awesome adventure buddies. It was one of my best camping hikes. Blessed with good weather and company. Post hike meal at Buzz’s Original Steakhouse. Unlimited soda and soup. Not a bad deal.

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.

Visions of carved pumpkins dancing on a certain extinct crater were soon extinguished, to be replaced by another Halloween hike deep in Kahana Valley. Dale picked me up from Helemano Military Reservation and we journeyed around the island to a place where cell phone reception does not exist.

Trailhead

These boots are made for walking. Or was that past tense?

Hunters & dogs

We saw a pack of hunters ahead of us that went down the Nakoa trail. We were headed uphill to the water tank.

Water tank

The trail for us was the opposite of the sign’s direction.

Cleared trail

HTMC had recently cleared the bottom part of the trail. Lucky us.

Sunrise

The sun was trying to pierce the clouds and the clouds were winning.

Pauao Ridge

The trail soon met up with the ridge and we turned left to continue our climb towards the Koolau Summit Trail (KST).

Uluhell

The cleared trail slowly lost ground to a tangled mess of uluhe ferns as we climbed higher.

‘ie’ie

Endemic woody climbers scattered on the trail.

Ridge

Our destination was masked by heavy cloud cover.

Mossy break

Taking a break amidst the mossy covered trees and ground.

Waterfall

Tucked away deep in the valley. Another hike for another day. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Cloudy ridge

One of many false summits that teased us on the hike.

Steep

We lost our bipedal locomotion as the ridge angle slowly increased.

Steeper

The ridge maintained the steep angle to the summit. Crawling and climbing. Huffing and puffing.

KST

Looking at the contour trail carved into the side of the mountains.

Kahana Valley

Besides being the wettest valley on the island, it also boasts one of the best views on the island.

Where is the KST?

You’re standing on it Dale!

Pauao junction

Group photo at the top. Small group. Not really a group.

Loulou palms

Dale passing through a cluster of endemic palm trees with their rustling fan shaped leaves.

Cloudy trail

We turned right on the trail towards Poamoho.

Signs

This must be a hiking trail. There is a sign. Signs of progress or not. Depending on ones point of view.

KST

Dale looking out at the historical Ko’olau Summit Trail that was originally created for hunters to control the feral pig population and not for hikers back in the 1930’s.

Magic gate

My feet never touched the gate, however not the same could be said for my posterior which kissed mother mud. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Leeward trail

The trail crossed to the Leeward side, affording us cloudy views of the Waianae Mountain Range and Central Oahu.

Notch

Dale opening one of many gates we would encounter on the trail.

Windward trail

The trail switched back to the Windward side with stunning views of Kahana Valley and the Windward side.

Gated trail

The trail switched back to the Leeward side, sheltering us from the howling winds.

Cabin trail

Dale making his way to the cabin.

Poamoho Cabin

The legend of the old man in the cabin was true! Photos by Dale Yoshizu.

Happy Halloween!

Dressing for the occasion. We both wore pumpkin orange.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

That way?

The other way.

Windward trail

Dale making his way towards the summit.

Poamoho summit

One of the greatest views on the island. That is, when the weather cooperates.

Cline memorial

The only view was that facing the Waianae Mountain Range.

Mud gate

Dale leaving the no view summit.

Stream jumper

Dale making sure his feet does not touch water. Just mud.

Checking in

Or was that checking out?

Trail

We left behind the unmaintained trail. Walk in the park from this point. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Poamoho trail

The trail meandered through the vast Ewa Forest Reserve.

Bananas

Slightly radioactive leathery berries.

Trail steps

Dale climbing up the steps on the trail.

Trailhead

The easy part was over. Now the long and boring part lay ahead of us.

Poamoho road

Six miles of jeep road. There is actually a permit you can obtain to drive a 4×4 on this road to save you some mileage. Unfortunately for us, we were going down and not up.

Moo

We decided to move along in case they became bored with just chewing grass. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

What’s the combination?

The first of three gates we would encounter on the trail.

All pau

The sun was still shining on our sweaty faces. My car was still parked where I left it. Intact. All treats and no tricks today.

GPS Tracks

Our Halloween Ko’olau traverse hike covered 13.95 miles. Mahalo to Dale for keeping me company on today’s hike. Post hike meal at Zippy’s.

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!