A bunch of us took a walk on the West side today.

Kuaokala Trail

Thanks to Edgar for driving Akira, Allison, Mari, Marilyn, Tessa, Val and myself up the winding road to the Kaena Point Space Force Tracking Station. Not to be confused with Spaceballs.

Kuaokala Trail

Foraging for trail snacks when we haven’t even been 10 minutes on the path. Priorities.

Kuaokala Trail

Yellow guavas are much sweeter than their red cousins.

Kuaokala Trail

Stepping foot on the Waianae Summit Trail (WST). It was a refreshing change to do this in broad daylight rather than under the cover of darkness.

Kuaokala Trail

Passing the Boy Scout Picnic Shelter. We are hiking today and not having a picnic. Besides, nobody brought steak today.

Kuaokala Trail

Rolling pine logs gather no moss. They just leave sap on your hands.

Kuaokala Trail

Following the well signed and marked trail. Hard to get lost.

Kuaokala Trail

Going down the exposed and eroded area of the trail.

Kuaokala Trail

Somebody had already staked out his position on the dodo or fin rock. You can call it whatever is most palatable for you.

Kuaokala Trail

How many people can fit on this spit of a rock? Apparently seven.

Kuaokala Trail

Going through the gate as we met up with the ubiquitous fence line that seems to dominate the mountains as of late.

Kuaokala Trail

Allison training for either one of her multiple half-marathons or the Inca Trail.

Kuaokala Trail

The end of the trail where we took a quick break.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Just a tad overgrown. Luckily, it was just for a short stretch.

WST

Sharing the road with others. Especially when they weigh several thousand pounds more than you do.

WST

Detouring off the road for higher ground.

WST

Scenic view of Makua Valley, the valley that has gone to hell and back. But not back to its rightful owners. The current 65 year lease that the US Army paid for with one dollar, expires in 2029. The local families that were forcibly evicted from their homes and were told they would get it back after WW2 ended. The clock is ticking.

WST

Trail snacks from your favorite convenience store. No need for any foraging for this one.

WST

Trudging up the rutted trail that is also a tad overgrown.

WST

Shoefie at the geodic marker “Moku.”

WST

Passing the water shelter with the hanging first aid kit that needs first aid itself.

WST

The group going over one of many fence crossings meant to keep out the invasive species that snack on the endemic fauna and flora.

WST

Welcome to Pahole, the 658 acres of natural area reserve established in 1981 to help protect the native fauna and flora from going extinct and to help build up their numbers in the wild.

WST

The group going down on another exposed and eroded section of the trail.

WST

Switch backing our way up through the plot of blue flagged native plantings.

WST

Passing the enclosed native snail habitat enclosure.

WST

The backdrop of the highest peak on the island that was strikingly clear, greeted us as we made our way out of the forest.

WST

Group shot on the ridge that borders Makua Valley.

WST

We followed the fenced ridge line as we started our descent down into the valley.

WST

Can you see the shelter for the forest?

WST

Turning off the WST as we dropped down the side trail towards the shelter.

Mokuleia Shelter

We had curry and noodles for lunch. Avocados for snacks. Future snacks. No fruiting oranges today.

Mokuleia Shelter

Everybody was looking forward to the long walk down as we collected ourselves from the shelter and made ready to leave.

Mokuleia Trail

It was a hop, skip and jump before we found ourselves at the end of the trail. Well, more closer to 15 minutes.

Peacock Flats

Walking down the jeep road that was dominated by the towering pine trees.

Peacock Flats

Passing through the camp grounds that was host to several families enjoying the weekend.

Peacock Flats

Leaving the 4×4 road for the 2×2 road.

Service Road

Walking down the paved road that is only open to two foot traffic.

Service Road

Halfway there! These roads get old pretty fast.

All pau

Shout out to Edgar who not only dropped us off but also picked us up on the other side of the island.

GPS Tracks

Our hike across the Waianae Mountains and valleys covered roughly 11 miles and change. Fun hike with a good group of friends. Post hike meal at Mililani BBQ due to Jerry’s Pizza not having enough room and more importantly no AC. Hot hikers want a cool environment to eat in. Spoiled, but that’s the truth.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our West side hike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzasyCnorA4

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Edgar Gamiao, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Tessa Bugay, Val Wang and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

It was time to spend another anniversary on this particular mountain. Aida dropped off Katie and Lilyn at the trailhead, who had her knife at the ready in case any trouble appeared. Thanks to Janell for driving Aida, Quan, Tessa and myself to the trail head.

Our Lady of Kea’au

Luckily the gate was open early in the morning, so we didn’t have to separate the group.

The Shack

How many people can you fit in a cacti covered shack? Apparently just one.

Ohikilolo Valley

Going up the jeep road with our 2×2 legs.

Ohikilolo Valley

Plunging into the forest and following the fence line for the most part, where we attracted the unwanted sticky burrs to our clothes.

Tree Stand

The only game seen today were two legged hikers.

Ohikilolo Valley

Climbing over the fence to connect to the spur ridge that would lead us out of the valley floor.

Ohikilolo Valley

Leaving the relatively flat ground for steeper and rockier pastures. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Valley

Are we having fun yet? Perhaps, I should ask that question later. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ohikilolo Valley

Climbing up the ridge. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Valley

Lilyn and Tessa cresting over one of the humps on the ridge. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Ohikilolo Valley

Strike a pose. Yoga pose. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Ohikilolo Valley

The girls checking out each other’s gluteus maximus muscles.

Ohikilolo Valley

I think I need to work on mines. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Valley

Janell scrambling her way up the dry grassy ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Valley

Enjoying their personal space this time around. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Ohikilolo Valley

The group climbing up one of the exposed dikes on the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Valley

Katie climbing her way up.

Ohikilolo Valley

To climb or not to climb? Rhetorical question. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Valley

Contouring and climbing our way up.

Ohikilolo Valley

The group climbing their way up the ridge that was populated with exposed rocks. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Valley

Bird’s eye view. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Valley

Tessa didn’t want to wait in the climbing queue and went up her own way. The hard way.

Ohikilolo Valley

Quan still having fun. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Katie gaining the fenced ridge line. No stuck goats to be seen or heard.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Aida looking ahead to the fenced ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Tessa climbing the fence for a better view or a better shot? Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The sun came out to play that was accompanied by brisk winds. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Fence Hammock

Surprisingly comfortable. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Lilyn leaning over into Makua Valley. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Approaching the helipad. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Helipad

Group photo left to right: Tessa, Janell, Quan, Lilyn, Katie, myself and Aida.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Traversing the exposed and eroded ridge line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Not everybody wanted to use the webbing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Our arms were getting quite the workout today.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Approaching the forested area that was interrupted by a washed out and weathered section of the ridge before the cabin. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Cabin

Katie stumping for views.

Ohikilolo Cabin

Snack break. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Cabin

You can knock, but you can’t come in.

Ohikilolo Outhouse

Call the Governor, the TP shortage is over. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Outhouse

When you got to go, you got to go.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Tessa on the edge looking towards the distinctive triangle peak of Ohikilolo. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Leaving the cabin and outhouse behind us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ohikilolo Summit

Climbing to the top of the pyramid peak. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Summit

Group photo at the 3,052′ top with sweeping views of the Waianae Mountains, Ridges and Valleys. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ohikilolo Summit

Scooting our way down the backside of the peak. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Summit

The rest of the girls headed back down to the valley floor, where they enjoyed some extra time exploring the forest and covered with more sticky burrs.

Ohikilolo Summit

Most of us came down with our backpacks while somebody just rolled hers down the hill, including her hair pin.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Fences for daze. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hello from the other side. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Following the fence line. The theme for the day.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Straddling a very crumbly dragon. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Martians

I don’t think potatoes can be planted here. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

We could still see the cabin in the distance. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The girls getting some air time.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Trying my best not to get a groin injury. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Lilyn stepping on the dragon. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Climbing my way down. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The colorful girls descending the steep stretch of the ridge equidistantly.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Scenic views all around. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Katie contouring her way down the ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

When the fence becomes a ladder. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hanging onto the fence line as we followed the ridge line that gained and dropped elevation on the way.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Making our way down to the section where a giant boulder interrupts the fence line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Katie sliding her way around the protruding boulder.

Ropes and Ladder

Climbing up the last steep section. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Lilyn overlooking the valley views. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The woodland rodent meant that we were within sweating distance of the summit, which was heavily overgrown on the way up.

Three Corners

When your tendons are simply exhausted from grabbing the fence all day.

Three Corners

1, 2, 3. Makaha, Makua, and Mokuleia. All corners accounted for.

Three Corners

Hot lunch in the making. Complete with Vienna sausage. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Leaving the clear summit as we followed the fence down.

WST

Taking in the somewhat obstructed view of Makua Valley.

Mokuleia Overlook

Our last group photo of the day before we came down from the mountains.

Tangelo Tree

The citrus tree was loaded with ripe fruits that were just begging to be picked. Tasty and refreshing trail snacks. The nearby avocado trees were flowering but not fruiting yet.

Mokuleia Trail

Leaving the short and sweet trail.

Peacock Flats

Feminine charm and positive thinking failed to secure us a ride down the road.

Mokuleia Access Road

My last climb of the day. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mokuleia Access Road

Pounding the pavement on our way down.

Mokuleia Access Road

The end of the road and a long day for us.

All pau

We used our phone lights to flag Quan down, who was nice enough to pick us up and drive us back to our cars. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

GPS Tracks

Our 11.1 mile coast to coast hike covered stunning and sweeping scenic views that were filled with fun times and good friends. Post hike meal at Restaurant Kunio where I just missed the last ribeye steak served for the night. Such is my luck.

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.

Permit in hand and with a 4×4 ride secured; Jasmin dropped Ferlino, Yoly and myself off at the Kaena Point Tracking Station Road. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Jeep convoy

Waiting for the rest of the jeeps to roll in. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Guard shack

We checked in and made sure that we got the right ID’s back. Mistaken identity averted. We then took off from the main jeep convoy as we had places to go and people to drop off. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Jeep road

Our two truck convoy had to stop and regroup as a low hanging branch had cleaned off Brian’s water tank on his roof. Some took this as an opportunity to pick low hanging guava fruits. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Jeep road

On the bumpy drive to our destination, we were treated to scenic ocean and mountain views.

Sun beams

I chose to sit in the back of the truck to immerse myself in the dust clouds being kicked up on our drive.

Peacock Flats

Turning into the Earl Prawn Campground.

Trailhead

We got off our rides and prepared ourselves for the grueling 15 minute hike to the shelter. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

Mokuleia Trail

Brian opening the gate to Pahole Reserve. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

Mokuleia Trail

Hiking the trail that was first constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

Mokuleia Trail

Strawberry guava trees are solid and sturdy trees. Perfect to sit on and take a family photo. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mokuleia Lookout

We left the barely standing shelter and made the short and steep climb to the bluff overlooking Makua Valley. Group photo, left to right: Yoly, Elle, Ivy, Bradley, Ferlino, myself, Brian and Nora.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We parted ways with Brian and his group and followed the fence for ridges.

WST

Looking ahead to our intended destination, Mount Ka’ala with her white radar dome perched on top.

WST

Skirting the fenced ridge that borders Makua Valley. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

WST

The ultimate selfie stick. It fit like a gloved hand. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Three Corners

Group photo with two of the three corners, Makaha and Makua Valleys.

Three Corners

Looking out to the third valley, Mokuleia, where dark clouds were gathering. A harbinger of wet tidings to come.

WST

Why pack your food can out, when you can simply leave it on the fence post?

WST

The uluhe ferns and thorny thimbleberry bushes formed a dense and suffocating corridor that we had to push through. Not high on my fun list. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

WST

We were in over our heads. Literally. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

#38

I was so glad to be on solid ground and not being pulverized by plants, that I did not feel the usual misery going up the slow slog of the 2.5 mile road. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Hairy balls

Hangs low and to the right. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ka’ala Road

On road. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Ka’ala Road

Off road. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ka’ala Road

We were warned. Rain showers began dumping on us and soon made it slippery when wet. Photo by Yoly Bedford

Ka’ala Road

The little known but equally challenging ladder to Ka’ala. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

#78

Forty stops later and we were at the highest point on the island. All wet. Photo by Yoly Bedford

Flag Day

We sought temporary refuge from the rain underneath the shelter where we ran across some volunteers from the OANRP, that were nice enough to take our group photo.

Mount Ka’ala

Bench with a view. Sometimes. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Mount Ka’ala

Ferlino going over the boardwalk that protects the fragile bog.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Panoramic view of the valley that opened up as we left the forested summit.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Yoly climbing down the bolted ladder. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Making our way over the last boulder section.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Sweeping views of Bolohead Ridge, Waianae Valley, Kamaileunu Ridge, Kawiwi and No Name Peak. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Following the fenced trail down to the Three Poles Junction.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

A vertical Ferlino standing on a horizontal tree. I’m surprised he wasn’t hanging upside down. Not enough clearance. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Yoly crossing the trickling stream bed on our way out.

All pau

Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up in the remote valley where barking dogs kept us company.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 19.82 miles through jeep roads, ridges, mountains and valleys. Post hike meal at Coquito’s; where if the pork chops are not fried to your liking, you can take it home and fry it yourself.

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.

Rainy weather in Wahiawa diverted Chris, Ferlino and myself to the end of the island. Plan B.

Kaena Point Tracking Station

Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off in front of the guard shack, where we waited for our 4×4 rides to show up while we watched a couple of cannibal chickens peck at a roadkill.

Deja vu

I had a strange feeling that I’ve been down this road before.

Road

Entering the facility that has been tracking satellites since statehood.

Road

Leaving our escort behind us as we left the 153 acres of military controlled land.

Kuaokala Trail

Catching some fresh air before I was shaken, rattled and rolled to the truck bed and splattered with mud. The joys of off-roading. Somebody’s kid was amused at my misfortune.

Kuaokala Trail

What happens when you under-inflate your tire, you lose your bead. Luckily, somebody had a lot of toys on their jeep.

Trail runners

Are you guys with AAA?

Kuaokala Trail

I decided to sit out the rest of the ride safely ensconced in the truck cab.

Peacock Flats

We soon passed the Earl Pawn Campground and barreled our way up the road. Mahalo to Brian and Zack for driving us all the way to the trailhead. Saved our feet from pounding out many miles.

Mokuleia Trail

Stepping foot in the Pahole Natural Area Reserve.

Mokuleia Trail

Taking a well deserved break from the punishing 15 minute trail. It was brutal, stay hydrated my friends. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mokuleia Trail

I guess somebody told these two about the birds and the bees.

Mokuleia Trail

Passing the shed with no signs of hanging avocados or ripe tangelos.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Climbing out of the ravine to the WST.

Mokuleia Lookout

Group photo left to right: myself, Chris and Ferlino.

WST

Hiking underneath the ominous blanket of udderly striking clouds.

WST

Experiencing three different types of cloud formations in the mountains. It was quite the visual treat.

WST

Picking our way through the assorted rocks strewn on the trail.

WST

When the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing, let alone where it’s at.

WST

Making the push up the final hill. Almost there.

Three Corners

Panoramic view of Makaha and Makua Valleys.

WST

Bushwhacking our way through the dense and tangled thicket of uluhe ferns and thorny thimbleberry plants.

WST

A hop, skip, and a jump and we were back into the bushes.

King Kong Ridge (KKR)

Making our way down. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KKR

Dropping down the initial steep descent that was marked by weathered webbing. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KKR

Looking down at the stone sentinel that gives the ridge its name.

Pueo Falls

Watching the thousand-foot waterfall cascade down into the valley. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KKR

Scrambling our way to the top of the rock that resembles the iconic gorilla. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Halloween

An escapee from the local sanitarium, who after being locked up for 15 years wanted nothing but an ice cold soda. Lukewarm will do.

KKR

Contouring our way down another steep descent down the ridge.

Kahuna Cave

Going around the massive boulder that got deposited here ages ago. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KKR

Chris gathering some wild mushrooms. Magic, poisonous or edible?

KKR

If it’s true that we swallow four spiders a year while sleeping, I might as well do it awake. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Halloween II

Too soon for the sequel? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Mango Tree

No avocados or mangos on the trail for us to pick today. Farmer’s market was closed.

BWS

Passing through the head high and itchy California grass.

Makaha Icy Ponds

Some of us took a dip into the local watering hole. Splish for one and splash for the other.

Chain link fence

Chris and Ferlino coming up to the end of the road.

Temple of Lono

One of the best preserved Hawaiian temple in the islands.

got poi?

Passing by a taro patch on our way out. Just need to find a pua’a now.

All pau

We ended our 18.8 mile hike amongst the pecking peahens and the strangely deafening silence of the strutting peacocks. Another hike where the mileage was mostly done through sitting on our okoles as we bumped our way through the Waianae Mountains.

Post hike meal

Mahalo to Jasmin for picking us up and bringing us back to the Windward side of the island. Shout out to Analyn for bringing her home made oxtail soup and Shirley for her store bought dessert that made it one of the best post hike meals to date. We should do this more often.

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.

Decided to take a break from the last stormy hike and visit the nice and dry West side. Mahalo to Jasmin for dropping Chris, Ferlino, Jasmin, Lopaka, Matt and myself off at the trailhead where Janell was already waiting for us. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed

Getting friendly with the locals. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Trail

Walking the road to the uplands. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trail

Leaving the sea behind us.

Hunter’s Stand

Chris and Matt enjoying the elevated vantage point. See any goats? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Hunter’s Stand

Ferlino planking on the tree. Who needs the stand?

Spur Ridge

Heading up the dry grassy rocky ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Spur Ridge

Leaving the shaded valley as we made our way up the sun bleached ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo Valley

Coming up the ridge, we were surrounded by goat bleatings bouncing off the valley.

Spur Ridge

Lopaka playing King of the Hill. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Spur Ridge

Our final push to the top of the ridge. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

PETA

Chris’s bathroom break startled a goat who ran head first into the fence and promptly got stuck much to his dismay. His buddies scampered off when they saw us approaching, thinking it was nice knowing you. Chris and Lopaka freed the goat who immediately took off down the ridge.

Spur Ridge

Ferlino decided to keep Jasmin company on the journey to the cabin, so we split into two groups. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Morning Mushroom

Recreational fungus for recreational hiking?

Makua Valley

Looking back into the valley where landscapers fear to tread.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Tube man on the ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Chris and Lopaka detouring around a wrecked fence section due to a rock slide. It was around this section that a bunch of bees were pollinating flowers on the other side of the fence, when some of them decided to bombard me with their suicidal stinging. My flailing around was unfortunately not caught on camera.

Helipad

Cleared to land.

Helipad

Pick me up too!

Ohikilolo Ridge

The ridge started to turn from red brown to dark green, a sign that we were getting near the summit.

Balloon Flowers

I remember these from small kid time, at least that’s what we used to call them.

PETA

Not another one? This one actually pissed itself before being freed by Lopaka.

Ohikilolo

Lopaka test tenting my camping shelter. Sold!

Ohikilolo

Group photo above the cabin left to right: Chris, Janell, Lopaka, myself and Matt.

Ohikilolo

One was closed and the other open for business.

Ohikilolo

Janell decided to wait at the cabin for Ferlino and Jasmin.

Ohikilolo Summit

I guess somebody changed their mind. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ohikilolo Summit

Panoramic view of Makaha, Ohikilolo and Makua Valleys from the top.

Ohikilolo Summit

We took our leave of the 3,052′ summit and Janell. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo Summit

Matt and Lopaka coming down the crumbly backside.

Ohikilolo Summit

Name tagging on the ridge. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Ohikilolo Valley

Looking into the depression that separates Makua and Makaha Valleys. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Leaving the peak with our brains intact. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Geology 101

How big rocks are made into little rocks. Photos by Matt Vidaurri.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Peering over the crumbly wall of Ohikilolo. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Riding the rock dragon with the sweeping vista of Ka’ala in the background.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Lopaka climbing the fence or the ridge down?

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hindrance … Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo Ridge

… or help? Jury is still out in my book. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Standing on a sliver of a ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ohikilolo

Meanwhile, Ferlino and Jasmin caught up to Janell at the hill above the cabin.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Contouring around the boulder. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Ohikilolo Ridge

What does that look like? Two ears? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Can you see the ape for the rocks?

Ohikilolo Ridge

Climbing up the steepest rock section. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking back. Fences for daze.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Heading to greener ridges. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Rodent country.

Three Corners

Matt climbing over the fence to the spot that provides triple valley views.

Spur Ridge

Meanwhile, Janell and Jasmin were making their way down the ridge into the valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

H20

Filling up our water bottles for the last leg home.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

The fence turned from a necessary handhold to more of a navigational and invasive barrier on this trail section.

WST

Lopaka making his way around the many assorted boulders that littered the fenced side of the ridge.

Mokuleia Lookout

I guess somebody wanted their own selfie.

Mokuleia Trail

Getting off the WST.

Whole Foods

Oranges. Tangerines. Tangelos. Whatever it was, this tree was brimming with the coldest, juiciest and sweetest citrus fruits I’ve tasted in awhile. Hiking all day may have had something to do with my taste buds interpretation.

Mokuleia Trail

Our packs, some more than others, weighed down with our fruit bounty as we made our way down the trail.

Pahole Natural Area Reserve

Leaving the sprawling 658 acres that are home to endemic fauna and flora.

Peacock Flats

Nobody around to give us a ride down.

Farrington Hwy

The long walk down the 3.5 mile road.

All pau

Banana, Coconut and Papaya trees lined the road as we exited to Chris’s staged van. Free range chickens also roamed the road. We had all the fixings of a hearty meal.

GPS Tracks

Our coast to coast hike covered a little over 11 miles complete with undomesticated ungulates, organic fruits and the company of good friends. Post hike meal at Restaurant Kunio. The wait was too long, but too tired to go elsewhere.

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.

Bills were due and rules were made to be broken, and that’s how we ended up with today’s hike. Right muthafucka?

Trailhead

Thanks to Dale for dropping Frank, Shirley and myself off in the middle of nowhere. Winter is for the Waianaes. It’s also the time to bring headlamps. I guess some lists just aren’t meant to be read.

Access Road

We did a short cardio puff up the road. Reminds me of the road to Ka’ala. Not my favorite.

Peacock Flats

Let’s not wake up the campers. Who you calling white?

Trailhead

Starting our farewell hike.

Mokuleia Trail

Mexi-Kaida and Fili-Kaida. Unmasked.

Mokuleia Trail

Somebody was not fast enough to catch the nene.

WST

We turn left, right? Or right, left?

WST

Makua Valley. You’ll have to take my word for it.

WST

Rat country ahead. Rain country too.

WST

Jumping the fence.

WST

Going down the fence line.

WST

Picking our way amongst the scattered rocks and trees.

WST

Pulling ourselves up. One fence at a time.

WST

Three Corners is out there. You’ll have to take my word for it.

Mokuleia

There’s a view. Where?

WST

Frank making his way up, while sandwiched between a rock and a fence.

Lubricant optional

Shirley high fiving the self-pleasuring glove. Please wash your hands.

WST

We are here …

Three Corners

… to witness more stunning views of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia. You’ll have to take my word for it.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Going down the rabbit hole.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hiking in the clouds. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

I didn’t know I would be hiking with The Flying Wallendas. Or at least one of them.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The clouds and rain showers started to clear as we made our way on the ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

We could see the ridge for the fences or was that the fences for the ridge?

Ohikilolo Ridge

Please keep your hands and feet on the fenced ridge at all times. Someone wasn’t paying attention. A theme that was to be repeated at the cabin.

Ohikilolo Ridge

A rollercoaster of a ridge. Multiple short ups and downs.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hanging into Makaha Valley. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Ohikilolo Ridge

One hand for the fence and one for the shaka. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Somebody was kung-fu hiking.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Frank and I scrambling up the ridge. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The “Buttercup” look. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Frank getting out of the way, before a darky fell on him.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Shirley looking back as the clouds seemed to be chasing us down from the mountains. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

How do you sit on this? Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Rainbow in Makua Valley. I heard it leads to pots of UMX ( unexploded ordnance ).

Ohikilolo Ridge

Open for camping.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Climbing up from the boulder.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Now you see the clouds …

Ohikilolo Ridge

The fence took up valuable real estate on the ridge while affording us handholds and keeping out the unwanted ungulates. Give and take.

Ohikilolo Ridge

… and now you don’t see the clouds.

Ohikilolo Ridge

This grasshopper had the right idea on how to hike this ridge.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Climbing up from the notch.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Shirley climbing around and up the interrupted fence line.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Fences for days.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Fill in the blank and use your vivid imagination. Shirley wishes she had a ____ right now.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The Great Fence of Ohikilolo.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hiking into the wind. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Ohikilolo Ridge

How to train your rock dragon. No caption credit given this time.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Almost there. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Always amazed to find these hardy plants living in such a parched and seemingly inhospitable terrain.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Mars slip and slide recreational area.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Pausing and posing. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Time to climb up to the triangular peak of Ohikilolo, but first … Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

… let’s have another IG photo shoot.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Overlooking Makua Valley. You don’t have to take my word for it. Photo by Shirley Hamamura.

Ohikilolo Backside

Let’s take the easy way up.

Ohikilolo Summit

Random group photos at the 3,052′ peak.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking out towards Pu’u Keaau on our way to the cabin.

Ohikilolo Outhouse

Throne with a view. BYOTP.

Cabin life

What’s for lunch? Cold burritos with rice and potatoes, courtesy of Frank. Homemade? Mexican.

Let’s pretend

And … ?

Ohikilolo Cabin

Saying goodbye to the cabin and the mountains.

Ohikilolo Ridge

All downhill. Rocky. Fenced.

Ohikilolo Ridge

The sun started to turn the ridge and valley into a sauna. Time to shed the sweater. Dry cleaned and pressed please.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Hanging ten on the fence hammocks.

Ohikilolo Ridge

What’s going on? Another IG photo shoot. I guess every dog has to have his day as well.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking out towards Kaena Point.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Shirley and I traversing the skinnier section of the fenced ridge. Photo by Frank Martinez.

Ohikilolo Ridge

I was pleasantly surprised that we did not run across any goats that thought the grass was greener on the other side.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Looking back at the ridge as the afternoon shade slowly creeped across the valley floor.

Ohikilolo Ridge

Frank and Shirley stepping over the fence to get to the other side.

Ohikilolo Ridge

How many IG photo shoots does this one make?

Ohikilolo Ridge

It was just a short, steep scramble down the rocky trail and out to the highway. Please leave the little ones at home.

All pau

My fingers are tired. Thanks to Frank’s buddy, Kyle, who picked us up and shuttled us back to our cars. Photo by Frank Martinez.

GPS Tracks

Our last hike of the year started off with clouds and rain showers, that soon turned into a cloudy and sunny beast of a ridge hike with fences and views for miles. 10.43 miles to be exact. Fun times with great company. Good memories. Happy New Year’s 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.

We made the hour drive to the North Shore to meet up with the HTMC ( Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club ) to do their annual hike to Three Corners. We parked right outside the Mokuleia Forest Reserve Access Road, which is very popular with walkers, runners and bicyclists. After the obligatory briefing and checking in with the hike leader, we shoved off a little past 9am.

Gulch

We walked about two miles on the paved road until we came to a bend in the road and then hopped over the guardrail into the gulch. Parts of the gulch floor were covered with kukui nut shells which felt like ball bearings under our feet as we walked over them. We soon climbed over a fence meant to keep out pigs and other animals that can harm the native plants and birds. Then we followed the fenceline all the way to the top.

Mokuleia Trail

We eventually connected to the Mokuleia Trail where we ran into a couple Boy Scouts who were shoveling and compacting the trail. Be prepared. A little later, we walked into the HTMC camping site. After a brief water stop, we took the path going up Makua rim to continue the hike to Three Corners.

Ohikilolo ridge

We got to the top of Makua rim and took a left towards the trail to Three Corners. If you take a right you will hit the Kuaokala Trail that will take you to the northern end of the Waianae mountain range.

Follow the fenceline

We continued to follow the sign and fenceline as the ridge rollercoastered going up and down, mainly down. While the fence is a blight on the landscape, it sure does come in handy as a handhold.

Makaha valley

We got to to the top of Three Corners around 12:30pm. Just in time to eat lunch. Some of our hiking group had got separated and took a longer route to get to the top, but they didn’t seem the worse for wear.

Makua valley

Three Corners is aptly named because at this point you can see the valleys of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia.

Mokuleia

We spent about half an hour up at the top eating lunch and taking pictures. Weather conditions cooperated in giving us a great hike and the the views that go along with it.

Peacock Flats

After our group came back down from the ridge and assembled at the HTMC camping site, two exit options were offered. Most of the hiking group decided to return the way we had come from. Our smaller group elected to continue down Mokuleia Trail, pass Peacock Flats and descend down the nearly four mile paved road back to the trailhead. While our route did prove faster coming down, it was harder on the feet as my blisters soon proved. And I had the Great Aloha Run the next day.

Glider

We got back to our cars after six hours of hiking and covering over ten miles. I wish I knew somebody who had the keys to these DLNR gates. That would sure save a lot of time pounding the pavement.