Back in the mountains after weekends of pounding the pavement. Met up with Aida under flashing lights in trees which probably kept the chickens up.

Laie Trail

Going up the heavily eroded and rutted section of the trail.

Laie Trail

Walking underneath the towering Norfolk pine trees.

Laie Trail

Traversing over the cleaned up landslide. Hats off to HTMC for all their hard work and trail clearing.

Laie Falls

It’s not only the sounds of running water, it’s also the sign that results in the urge to urinate. Fresh water was wasted in the making of this photo.

Laie Trail

Passing the steep cliff on the right and huge drops on the left.

Laie Trail

Reaching the replacement sign as we soon crossed paths with the KST.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Stepping foot on the most overgrown section of the KST.

KST

Where’s the other shadow?

KST

Fluttering and weathered flags marked the trail’s path through the dense overgrowth.

KST

Trudging through a somewhat exposed section of the trail.

Malaekahana Junction

Reaching the junction with the ridge that goes back down the namesake ridge that also has another waterfall.

KST

Following the faint trail with the pinwheeling windmills in the background.

KST

Forced smiles at one of our small breaks on the trail.

KST

Halfway there!

KST

Going under, contouring and convoluting our way through the trail was the common denominator of the day.

KST

Pushing through a seemingly impenetrable barrier of uluhe ferns, clidemia, strawberry guava trees, strangling vines and other plant life that seemed determined to poke, pull and generally make life miserable for hikers passing through their land.

KST

Face in the forest.

KST

Passing a pruner in the branches.

KST

Are we there yet?

Pu’u Hina

Group photo at the Pupukea Summit, which is also the junction for the “lost” Kahuku Trail.

KST

Dropping off the summit as we raced the sun sinking below the horizon.

Black Junction

The official end or start of the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

Pupukea Trail

When you don’t get the scare that you expected. Picked the wrong person. Thanks to Tessa for meeting us up on the trail and picking us up.

Pupukea Trail

Where the trail meets the road. Don’t miss the junction Auntie!

All pau

Walking in the darkness back to our cars where not paying attention gets you a bloody nose at the gate.

GPS Tracks

Our overgrown KST hike covered 13.2 miles through a punishing trail that abused you six ways to Sunday. Post hike meal at Kenko-ya, where the location needs to be updated on Google so everybody can meet up at the correct spot.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, 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.

Met up with Art, Chris and Tessa to finish off my last section of the KST in the dry town of Laie.

Laie

Art and Chris were running fashionably late due to traffic and plumbing problems, so Tessa and I pushed off on the trail to wait for them. We saw the signs that Uncle Pele will be missed, so will the coconut signs that only a lawyer could love.

Laie Trail

Hiking up the section that only a dirt biker can love.

Laie Trail

Passing through the pine tree section.

Laie Trail

Heading up through the corridor of strawberry guava trees. Art wasn’t feeling himself, so he turned around to grab a snicker bar at the bottom and went back home.

Laie Trail

Tessa making her way to the summit.

Laie Summit

Group photo at the top with Lobelia Hill behind us.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Hi Ho Hi Ho, it’s off to bushwhacking we go! We push, pull, chop and get poked and whacked. Its what we do on a hike.

KST

The first stretch wasn’t actually that bad. It was mostly exposed ridge hiking with waist high shrubbery and false holes liberally sprinkled on the trail.

Malaekahana Junction

Chris planted his spare glove to mark the junction that has seen the green sign and other gloves come and go.

KST

Enjoying the fresh air and scenery while we can before plunging into head high overgrowth.

Kahuku Junction

Wallowing in the trails that the feral pigs have expanded and muddied.

KST

Making ourselves at home in the patch of uluhe ferns while we took our lunch break.

KST

Eye see the face for the trees.

KST

Tessa enjoying a break in the head high overgrowth …

KST

… before plunging back into the forest on steroids which at times forced us to crawl like our primate ancestors.

KST

Standing around the overgrown gully that we thought we had missed. The trail has gone back to Mother Nature and all her children.

Pu’u Hina

Tessa waving the machete that didn’t meet a single branch or fern, not at her hands at least.

KST

Going down another endless corridor of strawberry guava trees.

Black Junction

Celebrating my 15th finish of the KST with two of my oldest hiking friends. Salamat for the company!

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Walking on the road that is being rebuilt and resurfaced. Return of the Stryker Brigade?

All pau

Mahalo to Lilyn and Quan for meeting us at the end of our 13.12 mile traverse across the muddy and overgrown KST and taking us back to our cars. Post hike meal at Ted’s Bakery. Lots of mustard packets were there for the taking to be used for future hikes.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, 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.

We decided to celebrate Independence Day in the mountains and help a friend connect the dots. Met up with Agnes, Aida, Analyn, Anne, Bill, Cisco, Ferlino, Lilyn, Matt, Quan and Shirley at the Poamoho gate where Edgar, James and Richard shuttled us up the jeep road. Much mahalos to Jasmin and Lee for dropping some of us as well to the gate. Agnes also gave us three containers of home cooked oxtail soup goodness that Cisco, Matt and myself stuffed into our packs. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Poamoho Gate

The caravan rolling towards our destination, somewhere up in the mountains.

Poamoho Road

No cattle blocked our way up today. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Trailhead

Group photo left to right: Agnes, Lilyn, Shirley, Bill, Analyn, Anne, Cisco, myself, Matt, Nikki, Aida, James, Quan and Ferlino. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Poamoho Trail

Our rather large group of 14 people soon pushed off on one of the easiest trails to access the KST.

Poamoho Trail

Taking another group photo at the halfway mark. Everybody here? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Poamoho Trail

Resuming our hike with intermittent photo shoots. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Cline Memorial

Let the orgy of picture taking commence, despite the socked in summit.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo at the socked in summit where the whipping winds failed to move the clouds away, leaving us with just views of ourselves. For some, that was more than enough. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Smoking at the Summit

Contactless tobacco inhalation. We took our leave of James and Nikki at the summit as our group dwindled to 12 and set foot on the KST.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Passing the snail habitat as we entered the gated community of the Ko’olaus. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

KST

Contouring below the fence line. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Size does not matter

Ukininam! Some people never get over their fears and others never grow up. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

KST

Back on the fence line.

KST

The weather patterns up in the North are usually cloudy, rainy and windy. Today was no different. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

KST

Everybody wanted a piece of the glove. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KST

Excuse me? More hiking, less talking, it’s raining.

The shoe fairy

Matt putting Aida’s shoes back together with the help of spikes and duct tape.

Boot Junction

Group photo with the slowly disintegrating boot before we hopped over the fence and crossed the meadows. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Crossing down into the fenced ravine. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kaluanui Natural Area Reserve

Some were excited to see the endemic lobelia which can only be found on Oahu. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Kaluanui Natural Area Reserve

Others were more interested to see the inside of their eyelids. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

KST

Bill experiencing the stench and sucking of the mud pits. He was having the time of his life and can’t wait to repeat this section.

KST

Following the fence for daze. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KST Junction

Waiting for everybody to catch up before plunging into the rabbit hole. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Power gloves

Press this and the glove moves up and down, speed adjustable. Best for hikers of the male persuasion. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

KST

Out of the muddy trail and into the mud pit. The hike just keeps getting better.

KST

Following the fence line. Common theme of the day.

Papali Junction

The princess getting another adjustment. Must be nice to be royalty. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Papali Junction

Lunch break. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

KST

Heading back out into the country.

Face Plant

Take a picture. It’ll last longer!

KST

Watching out for the numerous false holes that dotted the trail.

KST

The Waianae Mountain Range in the distance.

KST

Getting closer to our destination.

KST

Every now and then, you have to stop and smell the slime trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Passing the scenic rock. No scenic views. Let’s move on.

KST

Switch backing our way through the cloudy mountains. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

KST

Rounding the corner. Photo by Aida Gordon.

City & County

Need a hand? Photo by Aida Gordon.

KST

Back on the fence line. Are we there yet?

KST

The end to a muddy and wet day was drawing near. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Koloa Cabin

We got to the cabin right before another group of five hikers showed up as well. You guys got tents?

Koloa Cabin

Time to sample the fruits of our burden. Thanks to Agnes for making the delicious oxtail soup that was our hot dinner for the day.

Koloa Cabin

12 + 5 hikers = a full cabin and then some.

Koloa Cabin

Leaving our cozy cabin.

KST

Climbing over the fence to get back on the muddy trail.

Koloa Mud Race

Cue the song, Chariots of Fire. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Koloa Mud Race

Playing on the trails, gonna be a big girl someday. You got mud on your face, you big disgrace. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

KST

Matt sloshing his way through the mud. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

KST

Passing through the uluhe carpeted trail.

Smoke Break

Agnes practicing safe smoking.

KST

Quan and Aida emerging from the uluhe tunnel. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Take our picture!

KST

Group photo at the end of the fence line. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

KST

Princess getting her early morning snacks hand fed to her.

KST

Descending down into the bowl shaped depression. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

KST

Looking back at the rest of the group on their way to the summit. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Laie Summit

Chris and the KST Bushwhackers met up with us at the foxhole. Everybody wanted to be like Pringle Lips.

KST

I guess we had a breakdown in communication as we left the KST Bushwhackers at the summit and started ahead of them on the trail.

KST

Matt going through a corridor of highly invasive strawberry guava trees.

KST

Somebody was swinging away at the air or the overgrowth. Hard to tell.

KST

Taking a short break as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Malaekahana Junction

The tattered glove has seen better days.

KST

Meandering our way through the mountains. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Trying to fit everybody in the group photo at the halfway mark. We were not entirely successful. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

KST

Pushing our way through the remaining overgrowth. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KST

Matt coming through another corridor of trees. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KST

Quan and Ferlino emerging from the worst of the overgrown sections. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Puu Hina

Mister Flag himself on the summit. Redundancy. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Taking another break with Janell who had hiked up to meet with us.

Black Junction

Pouring champagne on Matt as he celebrates his KST completion. After waiting for over 38 years.

Black Junction

Group photo by Agnes Bryant at the finish line.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

One last adjustment before we hit the road. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Synchronized running. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Walking down the road, at least it was paved with good intentions. Photo by Agnes Bryant.

Road Potty

When you got to go, you got to go.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Reflections. In more ways than one. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Exiting the trail. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Post hike meal

Only one item in this picture is not edible. Shout out to Janell for the fruits and cold drinks and Somphet for the fried chicken and pizzas. Much appreciated after a two day hike. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

All pau

Final group photo with the KST Bushwhackers, Janell and the Uber Eats driver. Thanks to Jasmin, Matt and Richard for the rides home. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

GPS Tracks

Our two day hike through the muddiest and most overgrown section of the KST covered 18.5 miles with good company and friends. Congratulations again to Matt for finishing his last section of the KST.

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.

It was time to help another friend connect the dots and complete the Ko’olau Summit Trail. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Paala Uka Pupukea Road

Mahalo to Quan for dropping Analyn, Cisco, Kip and myself off on the military road where our rides were waiting.

Jeep Road

We were shaken, not stirred in Brian’s Jeep. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Trailhead

One jeep was muddy, the other was not. Thanks to Brian and Jason for off-roading us up to the trail.

Poamoho Trail

Passing through the barricades designed to filter only humans and dogs onto the trail. It’s hard to believe that the Army once thought of paving the entire trail to the summit to allow vehicle access.

Poamoho Trail

No tree shall stand in the way of Analyn getting her bananas. I would hate to be standing between her and the dessert buffet.

Poamoho Trail

How long more do I have to carry this?

Boy Scouts of America

We ran into Troop 197 who were aborting their hike down to Laie due to the troop leader not feeling well.

Unmaintained Trail

It was time to distribute the bunch of botanical berries between the group. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the gulch that was once home to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cabin that was built back in the 1930’s.

Lobelia

Is somebody excited or what?

Poamoho Summit

We took our group photo on the hill above the summit where the winds were something fierce.

Poamoho Summit

Double knot shoe tying lesson. Please pay attention as I’ll only demonstrate it one time and one time only. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Poamoho Summit

Leaving the windswept summit as we started on the Leeward side of the trail that would shelter us from the biting wind.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Scrambling our way over the Windward contour. The landslide has been pretty much reclaimed by Mother Nature.

Salmon Ohi’a Lehua

Look but don’t touch. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

KST

Making our way on the Leeward side of the trail, where the overgrowth are slowly poised to take over the trail if traffic remains light.

Lobelia

Back on the Windward side of the trail, where the windy conditions keep the overgrowth at bay.

KST

The fence line is like the washing machine of the mountains. It is where gloves, socks and boots end up.

Boot Junction

Booty call. One of them needs to be replaced soon. Not saying which one. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

Fence Meadows

Crossing the spongy meadow to get to the other side of the fence.

KST

Climbing down into the fenced ravine.

Kaluanui

Take a left to go to the cabin or take a right to see waterfalls. Choose wisely. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KST

Sloshing in the mud pits. If it’s good for your face, must be good for the feet as well.

Windsock

Winds were coming from the North-East and blowing at 7 MPH. That’s what the dirty sock said.

KST

Analyn came into contact with a protruding part of the fence and suffered a poke to her leg.

KST

After being patched up by the RN on duty, we went back to our regularly scheduled program of hiking.

KST

The Pig and The Lady and The Guys.

Papali Junction

Analyn approaching the sign-less summit, where we took a short break.

KST

Cisco navigating one of the many twists and turns on the KST.

KST

Analyn suckling from Kip’s teat. I thought it was supposed to be the other way around?

Deja vu

If you see this water bottle twice, you are hopelessly lost. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

KST

Smiling and swimming in the overgrowth. Two contradictory actions.

KST

Sitting on the scenic rock looking out towards the Waianae Range and surrounded by rat traps. Mountain life. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KST

Breaking out onto the exposed ridgeline.

KST

Analyn rounding the corner and approaching the biggest hole on the trail.

KST

Joining back up with the fence line, which meant we were very close to the cabin.

KST

Following the fence down and crossing over to our home for the night. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Koloa Cabin

Making our way down to the cabin. The open cabin.

Koloa Cabin

Blood with tomatoes. Sardines in tomatoes. Kim Chee noodles with Vienna sausage. Wine but no Coke. Blue orbs floating below the floorboards. Only one wasn’t edible.

Koloa Cabin

It was time to leave the cozy cabin and slip back into our still wet shoes. Wet clothing remains wet in the mountain air.

KST

Going over the fence to get back onto the trail.

KST

The muddy fenced path. Made more muddy with all the rain we got last night. Somebody refused to embrace the mud.

KST

Cisco on the exposed and graded trail carpeted with lush, green uluhe ferns.

KST

Leaving the fence line behind us.

KST

Crossing down into the bowl shaped depression between Kawailoa and Laie.

Lobelia

… where we saw patches of Koolau Range Lobelia, yes I put my face down into the bouquet of tubular flowers like the IG girls … Paraphrased from James Joyce. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

KST

Making our way to the cloudy summit. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Laie Summit

We hunkered down in the foxhole to escape from the cold, biting winds since we had zero views. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KST

The clouds, rains and winds persisted throughout the day. Typical weather found on the Northern Ko’olau Range.

KST

Cisco plunging into the tangled thicket of uluhe ferns and clidemia shrubs.

KST

Enjoying a brief respite from the overgrowth. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Maleakahana Junction

The glove needs to be replaced soon. Barely hanging on.

KST

Following the convoluted trail as we meandered through the mountains.

KST

Pushing our way through the bruising corridor of hardwood trees.

Green Marker

Halfway there!

Hitchhiker

When you are in constant contact with the surrounding overgrowth, you are bound to pick up the odd gastropod on your hiking gear. Photo by Kip Mizushima.

KST

Taking a break from the jungle and catching a glimpse of the Kahuku Wind Farm.

KST

Face in the woods. Plural.

KST

Kip having the time of his life pushing through the clawing and scratching uluhe ferns. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

V is for Victory

Or is it? This girl has talent.

KST

Neck deep in the uluhe ferns and strawberry guava trees.

KST

When the overgrowth drives you straight to the funny farm. These guys should know. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KST

The light green ferns that keep invasive foreign weeds and hikers at bay. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KST

Breaking out of the overgrowth and onto the semi-exposed trail.

To bee or not to bee

The rain and winds looked like they tuckered this bee out who refused to fly away when nudged off my pack.

Pu’u Hina

Group photo at the summit that we almost missed.

KST

Walking down the grassy trail. A much needed relief from the punishing section that we had just come from.

Black Junction

When a Burger King paper crown will not do. Why do it once when you can do it twice. Good until the last drop. Congratulations to Analyn for completing the last section she needed to finish the Ko’olau Summit Trail in its entirety.

Black Junction

Group photo left to right: Cisco, Analyn, Kip and myself.

Trail

Following the sign down to the white shell city.

Trail

The trail going down was littered with fallen logs colonized by fungus that helps to accelerate their decay. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Paala Uka Pupukea Road

Walking down the military road that had several eroded sections and rock runoffs from the cliffs above. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

All pau

Our hike was over and it was time for the crown to come off. A big thanks to Quan for picking us up by the Boy Scout Camp.

GPS Tracks

Our weekend camping hike through the muddiest and most overgrown section of the KST covered 17.33 miles. Post hike meal at Ted’s Bakery. No sign of the domesticated swine looking for handouts. Congratulations again to Analyn for finishing the KST.

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.

We spent the weekend in the mountains where the country is still country.

Poamoho Road

Thanks to Lopaka for taking Charlie, Chris, Ferlino and myself up the dark and bumpy road.

Poamoho Trail

Halfway to the summit, we kept moving as the clear summit was slowly turning cloudy.

Poamoho Trail

Looking at the line of clouds across the skyline.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the misty gulch. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Poamoho Stream

Jumping the stream, which signaled that the summit was a mere 10 minutes away. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Cline Memorial

Only 12.7 miles more to go! Photo by Chris Bautista.

Poamoho Summit

We had to use our imagination to visualize the jaw dropping scenery behind us.

Poamoho Summit

No views at the 2,520′ summit, so we had to keep ourselves easily amused. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Leaving the fun and games behind us. We had more fun and games ahead of us, otherwise known as mud. Deep mud.

KST

Charlie and Ferlino making their way down the outer fence that soon joined up with the inner fence.

Boot Junction

Arriving at the iconic boot and sign, which begs the question. Who left it here?

Fence Meadow

Crossing the cloud soaked meadows where somebody’s house was not in order.

KST

Hugging the edge of the fenced cliff.

Kaluanui

Paying close attention to the fence and not so much the sign.

Mud trail

Did I mention fun and games were involved?

Junction

Chris took Charlie and followed the fence line to the cabin, while Ferlino and myself took leave of the fence and went down the rabbit hole.

Opae’ula Cabin

The cabin with the best views on this side of the range. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Ferlino coming out of the rabbit hole and crossing over to another fence line.

Rabbit Hole

Follow the arrow. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

Piggy Smalls

What big teeth you have.

Papali Junction

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

KST

We left the fence line for a spell as we headed out into the open country. Keep the country country.

Deja vu

Let’s not see this again shall we?

KST

Hanging out with the suspended roots.

KST

Standing on the rock that normally offers expansive views of the WST. It was closed today. Instead we checked out the stack of rat traps. No fresh catches. Thankfully we weren’t hungry at the time. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

KST

Charlie and Ferlino climbing in and out of the deep hole on the trail.

KST

Back on the fence line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Koloa Cabin

We discovered with baited breath that the cabin was back open for business.

Koloa Cabin

Luckily Plan B was just for show and not for real.

Koloa Cabin

The cabin log was back. Free facials by Ferlino. Pedicure by fire and sharp edges. Playing Pepito. Eating hot food. Cabin life doesn’t get much better than this.

Koloa Cabin

Trying to catch the sunrise before turning in for the night. No such luck. Photo by Chris Bautista

Koloa Cabin

Thank you for the hospitality. May you remain open for many more years to come.

Koloa Outhouse

Some of us had our morning constitutionals before our departure. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Fence line

It’s always good to see a familiar face in the morning.

KST

Dashing through the mud in a clean pair of shoes, o’er the trails we go, laughing all the way. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

The fence soon gave way to chest high overgrowth, while the mud decided to stick around.

KST

Making our way across the bowl shaped depression. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Laie Summit

360 degree views at the 2,240′ foxhole summit.

KST

We were initially elated as it appeared that the trail was freshly cut from the summit.

KST

The elation soon evaporated as we realized it was too good to last.

KST

Can you spot the hiker for the forest?

KST

Passing through a stand of trees that were densely packed with moss. It was quite inviting to sit on. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

It would seem that this busy bee took a shine to my glove, perhaps mistaking it for a source of pollen.

Malaekahana Junction

Maybe in time, Chris’s glove will prove to be just as enduring as the boot.

KST

Seemingly making our way towards the churning windmills in Kahuku. Optical illusion. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Looking back at the coastal town of Laie. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Winding our way through the mountains.

KST

Popping in and out of the overgrowth. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Pushing our way through the overgrowth.

KST

Halfway there. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Hey, wait a minute! Didn’t you say that was bad for your teeth? Photo by Charlie Antonio.

KST

Chris getting lost in the bushes.

KST

Getting constantly whacked by the bony branches was not high on the fun list. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Much to our surprise, the last push to the summit was surprisingly cleared.

Pu’u Hina

Taking a well deserved break after the bruising battle with all the overgrowth.

KST

Leaving the summit with a last view of the Waianae Mountain Range. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Charlie and Ferlino making their way down the highway of a trail.

Black Junction

Group photo at the end of the most overgrown and muddiest section of the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

KST

This must be the way home. It can’t come soon enough.

KST

Going down the graded and downhill trail. What a treat.

KST

I’m guessing circumcised. Fresh cut. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Leaving the trail for the road; that was strewn with rubble, trees and suffering severe erosion.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Where was this curbing during the muddy sections of the trail? Photo by Chris Bautista.

All pau

Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up at the end of Pupukea and bringing us cold cans of Pepsi. Post hike meal at Haleiwa Joe’s where the wait was so long that the turf ran out and I ended up eating the surf. Great weekend spent with a bunch of good guys. Photo by Charlie Antonio.

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.

I decided to spend another camping weekend in the mountains, but on the KST this time around. Thanks to Lonnie for dropping Ani and myself off at the start of our hike.

Trailhead

No other hikers on the trail this morning, except …

Trail

… a friendly dog walker and her domesticated charges.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Enjoying the mountain shade until we curved around the road and greeted the morning sun.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Practicing my flood evacuation procedures. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Trail

Going off the beaten road and onto the beaten path.

Black Junction

Pushing off to start the official beginning of the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Making our way down the tree lined trail.

KST

Ani passing the separated and solitary ohia trees on our way to the small clearing at the top.

Pu’u Hina

Taking a short break at Pupukea Summit.

KST

Watching the windmills slowly pin wheeling at the Kahuku Wind Farm.

KST

Welcome to the jungle. Please keep your hands, arms and legs on the trail at all times. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Geocache

Is there a machete or sickle inside that leaky Tupperware container? Nope, back to pushing our way through the dense overgrowth which pulled, scratched and poked us six ways to Sunday.

KST

Shouldering our way through the Windward side of the trail. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

KST

Halfway there and my arms were already on fire. I should’ve worn long sleeves as this was not my first rodeo on this trail. Slow learner.

KST

Fighting gravity and the overgrowth as we pushed our way up the hill.

KST

Ani enjoying every minute on the overgrown trail. Lovin’ it. Maybe I was thinking of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese Value Meal instead.

Tree Cross

Service in the mountains. Does your body and soul good.

Malaekahana Junction

Watching the waves wrap around Laie Point before dropping down to contour on the Leeward side of the ridge.

KST

Ani pushing her way through the dense thicket of uluhell ferns and trees.

Laie Summit

Can we just camp here? Absolutely, positively not.

KST

Pushing on the Windward side of the ridge in a futile attempt to make the cabin before nightfall.

KST

Ani making her way out of the bowl shaped depression.

KST

We made contact with the beginning of the fence line and the rain just started dumping on us. Then the sun went away as well. Good times.

KST

Climbing over the fence only to find that the cabin was locked tighter than a drum. We ended up pitching our tent on the porch in the driving rain.

Koloa Cabin

Early morning bowel movements. Air freshener not included nor needed.

Koloa Cabin

Mahalo for the porch hospitality.

KST

Ani climbing over the fence to get back on the muddier trail. The mud pits that she heard so much about, she was about to experience it first hand.

KST

Contouring the carved trail on the Windward side as the sun and rain took turns bathing us.

KST

Hawaiian rainbow arcing from the mountain to the sea.

KST

Passing through a section of moss blanketed trees.

KST

Ani sloshing through the mud trail.

KST

Back on the exposed Windward side of the ridge line.

Papali Junction

What happened to the 10 minute break? It’s only been two minutes! Sorry, I went to public school.

The Pig and The Lady

Opening soon at a mountain near you. Fresh off the bone.

KST

Ani going through the gated fence that would take us to the other side of the fence.

KST Sign #3

One of four wooden KST signs on the trail.

KST

Following the fence to the smelly sock post.

KST

The ridge soon began opening up with wrap around never-fails-to-disappoint views of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys.

KST

Looking back at Pu’u Piei through the constricted views afforded by the narrow ravine.

KST

We can see the boot for the fence.

Bus Shelter

Let’s not miss the bus at Poamoho. Leaving at 1500.

Boot Junction

Ani finally got her whole 10 minute break at the boot junction.

KST

Background views of Manamana and Kanehoalani. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

KST

Are we on the right trail?

KST

Did we lose the fence?

KST

Are we on the right trail?

KST

We followed the outer fence line that shadowed the ridge.

KST

Hanging on the outside of the fence until we had to switch to the inside of the fence.

KST

The fence line soon ran into a blockade of trees and overgrowth which shunted us to the original trail.

KST

Yes, we are on the right trail. Please play another record. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

KST

This section of the KST affords the most bucolic views to be had from the mountains.

KST

Time to get off the fence line and join the crowd waiting for us at the summit.

Cline Memorial

We arrived at the summit around 1415, which gave us ample time to guzzle down the carbonated beverage and manapua that Chris so graciously brought us.

Poamoho Summit

Postcard perfect view of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys. Thanks to Brian and Chris who met us at the summit; along with Andrew and Josh, two mainland welders from our work place. There were also two other hikers who happened to be visiting the summit as well, Jacey and Miles. Photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ summit; left to right: myself, Andrew, Brian, Miles, Jacey, Josh, Ani and Chris.

Poamoho Trail

People had places to go and Japanese food to eat, so we took our leave of the summit. Chris the Sherpa, lightened Ani’s burden by shouldering her backpack on our way down.

Poamoho Trail

Andrew and Josh fared suprisingly well in their sneakers on the muddy trail.

Poamoho Trail

Jacey and Miles making their way back on the graded trail.

Poamoho Trail

Ani at the trailhead. But wait, we’re not finished yet.

All pau

We still had to contend with and endure the bone jarring, head bashing 4×4 ride back down the five mile jeep road. Thanks Brian.

GPS Tracks

Our two day camping hike through the muddiest and overgrown sections of the KST covered just shy of 24 miles. Amazing adventure with an awesome buddy, who also doubles as a broken record player. Post hike meal at Alley’s Restaurant. Dinner on Ani. Mahalo! Thanks to Brian for picking us up at the trailhead and Chris for taking us back to our cars. A slice of pecan pie from Lonnie’s party ended our day.

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.

This is a story of one hike that split into two hikes. Ethan picked up Chris, Daryl and myself and drove to the end of the island to begin our journey across the mountain. The Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Pupukea

Day 1 – Saturday, May 27. We got off to a late start at a little past 8am, as three of us were sober and one was slightly hung over. The mountains are calling and we are coming. Photo by Kristina Eizenhofer.

Pupukea

Chris recycling a hiking stick from the forest grounds that would stay with him until the end. The very end.

For Sale

Mother Nature is slowly taking her real estate back. Photo by Daryl Cacatian

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Ethan passing the picnic shelter.

Sign Junction

We soon left the road strewn with fallen rocks and trees for a trail strewn with overgrowth, roots, rocks and mud.

Black Junction

Preparing to plunge into the trail system carved out of the mountains by the Army and Civilian Conservation Corps back in the early 1900s. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Ko’olau Summit Trail

Walking through waist high uluhe ferns on the trail. Welcome to the jungle, probably the most overgrown section of the KST.

Pu’u Hina

Taking a short break amidst the whistling leaves of grass.

KST

We soon dropped off the ridge to contour on the Windward side.

Geocache

Hey, there’s a Tupperware party going on back here. Anybody?

KST

Enjoying a brief respite on the ridge from the claustrophobic and cloying vegetation, which snatched my water bottle and in return, gave up my sunglasses from an earlier hike.

Green Sign Junction

It was around noon when we reached the halfway point to Laie. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Breaking out into the more exposed section of the ridge and some sorely needed fresh air.

Malaekahana Junction

Covered with condensation and perspiration, we arrived at the gloved junction and dropped down to contour to the Leeward side. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Making our way up to the foxhole that marks the 2,240′ summit, only to discover that we had familiar company sitting at the top.

Laie Summit

Somebody was drinking beer at the top. Somebody didn’t need another beer. Group photo left to right: Ethan, Daryl, Arnold, myself and Chris.

KST

We left Arnold at the summit …

KST

… and soon bumped into the ubiquitous fence line and another familiar face – Rob Johnson.

KST

Daryl extricating himself from the ankle deep mud. A taste of what was to come.

KST

The cabin in the distance.

KST

Crossing our mud soaked toes that the cabin would be open.

Koloa Cabin

We got to the cabin around 4pm to find out that Rob’s group had already opened the cabin. The largest cabin on the KST was made smaller by nine hikers setting up home for the night. We took turns filling our water and rinsing the mud from our blackened shoes and feet.

Koloa Cabin

Some of us made our way up to the helipad to catch the evening entertainment that buzzed us on their way to Sacred Falls. Then we trickled back down to the cabin to cook our rice and chicken and beans and rice. Rice dominated the dinner table. Somebody was going to cut their toothbrush in half to save grams of weight, when somebody else pointed out that they still had to carry it back out. Light bulb time.

Koloa Cabin

Enjoying the golden hour as we settled in on our first night on the mountains. Earplugs muffled the noise pollution floating around the cabin while air mattresses eased our tired bodies.

Koloa Cabin

Day 2 – Sunday, May 28. Daryl enjoying the glowing sunrise from the helipad, while the rest of us made our bunks and breakfast. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Koloa Outhouse

When you got to go, you got to go. Never mind the smell. Pass the toilet paper. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Koloa Cabin

Rob’s group heading out to rappel Koloa Falls.

Koloa Cabin

We left the cabin around 8am to start slogging our way through the muddiest section of the KST. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Leaving the fence line and gates behind us as we contoured on the Leeward side of the trail.

KST

Punching through a stream of pungent mud that passed for a trail. No Spartan Mud Race this year.

KST

Crossing an open field to regain the ridge.

Smartwater Bottle Junction

Look long and hard at this bottle. Let’s not have another deja vu moment.

KST

Approaching the fenced Papali summit.

Papali Junction

Rain showers met us at the summit around 10am. No sign of the “King’s Slipper” from an earlier hike. Group photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

Rounding the fenced corner to find …

Please do not pet the dead animal

… our lechon lunch? Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

The fence line and gates served as a surrogate firebreak through the uluhell of ferns.

KST Junction

The rain went away shortly after we got to the signed junction around 11am. Time to put away our rain gear. Only to take it out later again. Life in the mountains. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

Misery aka knee deep mud loves company.

KST gate

Leaving the mud trail behind us.

KST

The views were fleeting due to the drifting clouds, but what views they were when we had them.

KST

Chris dropping into the fenced gully, whose streambed was remarkably dry given the wet weather we were experiencing.

KST

Hanging on the fence line, our constant companion in the mountains, as we contoured on the Windward side with muted valley views.

Fence meadows

Passing through stacks of fences and pallets that provided temporary shelter from the sweeping rain showers that came and went.

Boot Junction

We arrived at the iconic boot junction around noon. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

Looking out towards the Leeward side as we left the fence line for the ridge line.

KST

Walking on the Windward side of the ridge as we got treated to stunning views of the valleys. Never gets old.

Weather station

Checking the weather forecast. Sunny with splendid views. Guy Hagi was alive and well in the mountains.

KST

The group queuing around the gate to get off the ridge.

Cline Memorial

Greeting hikers since 1978. Built to honor an avid hiker who particularly loved this spot and whose life was tragically cut short by a car crash.

Poamoho Summit

Sweeping views of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys.

Poamoho Boardwalk

Panoramic view of the recently installed boardwalk and Kahana Valley.

KST

Switch backing our way to the cabin.

KST

Panoramic view of the West side with the cabin, marsh and the WST in the backdrop.

Poamoho Cabin

We got to the vacant cabin around 230pm with a lot of time on our hands. Ethan called first dibs on a slowly leaking air mattress that somebody had left behind. We washed off the mud from our shoes, socks and feet.

Poamoho Cabin

Cabin life. Reading the gems of Darth Vader poems that were trying to pull us to the dark side. We filled up our water and fired up our stoves to cook our dinners. Hot food does a body good.

Poamoho Outhouse

Chris trying to be one with nature or nature was calling.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 3 – Monday Memorial Day, May 29. Sunrise from the cabin.

Poamoho Summit

Chris slippered to the summit to catch a solitary sunrise washing over him, while the rest of us ate our breakfast.

KST

We put on our still wet, but clean shoes and left the last four walled shelter we would see in the mountains.

KST

Daryl enjoying the scenic views of Kahana Valley while munching on the abundant thimble berries that populated the trail.

Pauao Junction

The long and overgrown Windward ridge that goes down into Kahana Valley.

KST

Watching our steps as we made our way down through the false holes and eroded sections of the trail.

KST

One can’t but be awed and impressed hiking through the most scenic stretch of the KST.

KST

The morning sun was hitting us particularly hard as we made contact with the fence again.

Fresh cut fans

Ethan harvesting fan umbrellas for the crew. Chris’s sickle did come in handy. Ethan would never mock his gardening tool again.

KST

Leaving the fence for the trail.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

We got to the junction with the Leeward trail that leads down to Wahiawa around 9am. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KST

When you fall off the ridge, get right back on, with a helping hand.

KST

The heat was somewhat diffused by overcast clouds, so we disposed of our fan umbrellas.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

It passed the sniff test. Now for the taste test? It wasn’t even 10am and it was too early to be drinking suspect beverages.

KST

The mass of hikers follow lives of bustling trails, while the minority of hikers enjoy lives of quiet trails. Besides bumping into Arnold and Rob’s group back at Laie, we would not see another soul until Kulana’ahane Summit.

KST

Chris rounding the bend in the trail. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KST

Walking across a relatively fresh landslide that had wiped out part of the constantly evolving trail system. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Contouring on the Leeward side, that for the most part protected us from the elements.

KST

Back on the exposed windswept and cloud covered ridge line.

KST Junction

One does not always follow the fence on the KST, there are certain junctions that must be navigated or one will end up lost and burning precious time getting back on the right trail.

Metrosideros Rugosa

The largest known specimen of Lehua Papa provided scant cover from the rain showers sweeping the mountains.

KST

Following the fenced ridge line, where we soon dropped down and detoured into the tree of life pass.

Tree of Life

Looking at the powerful example of wind at work in the mountains. A horizontally growing sugi pine tree. The views weren’t that bad either. Until the clouds rolled in. Story of our lives in the mountains.

Selfie Stick Junction

Leaving the sprawling fence line behind us at 1230pm. It’s just a matter of time before the necessary eyesore continues its march on the KST, which also seems to be pushing the pigs ahead of the fence.

KST

Passing through the notch in the mountains.

Cryptomeria

Contrary to popular belief, there are several groves of these Japanese Sugi Pine Trees sprinkled throughout the mountains. Besides the ones at your local nursery.

KST

We skirted the pine trees and crossed the trickling stream to make our way up the hill.

Kipapa Summit

Can we just crash and camp here? It was only 1:30pm, so we decided to change the schedule and push on. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Leaving the contours and switchbacks behind us. It was just straight up punishing hills and ridges ahead of us.

Waiahole Middle Junction

Passing the overgrown Windward ridge from hell that none of us would repeat again under any conditions.

KSRT

The scale of the mountainous terrain was more than equal to the physical exertion needed to traverse the hilly ridges.

Lost & Found

Where is my GoPro? Chris and Daryl backtracked to retrieve Daryl’s GoPro that he had left on an earlier spot on the ridge.

Waiawa Gap

Threading our way down into the heavily vegetated gap.

Waiawa Gap

Minding the buzzing bees in the notch.

Waiawa Gap

Pushing up the short but steep climb out of the notch.

Waiawa Gap

Enjoying the stunning scenery wrapped around us at a little past 4pm.

Waiawa Gap

Looking back at the rollercoaster of a ridge ride. More to come. Keep your feet on the trail and your hands in front of you.

KSRT

Enjoying the short stretch of flat and wide open ridge line. Mountain and ocean views included.

KSRT

Concentrating on wading through the waist high overgrowth on the trail as we had no views to distract us.

The Corner

Dropping down to our campsite around 6pm. Ethan had surged ahead to Manana for the night. We noticed a lot of pig rooting activity in the area and checked our water supply and decided not to replenish our water, despite having steripens in stock.

Camp Corner

Goodnight from Camp Corner. Pounding rain kept the grounds wet and air mattresses kept our bodies insulated from the damp grounds.

The Corner

Day 4 – Tuesday, May 30. It was wash day in the mountains. The smell of rain hung in the mountains.

KSRT

Leaving the soggy camp grounds in our squishy shoes a little past 8am.

KSRT

We got disoriented in the clouds and “explored” in the dew dropped tree lined ridge until we found the trail.

KSRT

Approaching the socked in summit of Manana to meet up with Ethan.

Manana Summit

We arrived at the 2,660′ summit around 9am to recover the water bottles that Chris had stashed earlier. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Pu’u Eleao

Dropping down from the rain kissed summit, we walked through the bowl shaped grassy meadows before getting back on the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Working our way back to the ridge line.

KSRT

The elevating mountainous views kept us grounded on the trail.

KSRT

Passing the constantly eroding and evolving ridge line.

Waimano Summit

Dropping down into the trail terminus around 1130am, experienced cloud blocked views of Waihee Valley, so we pushed on after taking a quick breather. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

KSRT

The crew silhouetted against the clouds going down the ridge line.

KSRT

Dropping off the ridge and into the mystical meadows a little past 1pm.

Waimalu Meadows

Chris fishing for water that was sprinkled with floating bugs. Double filtered. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Waimalu Meadows

Group photo at the edge of the mythical meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Ethan heading up to the summit.

Waimalu Meadows

Leaving the meadow oasis in the middle of the mountain range was harder for some than others. Who can blame them? Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Whole Foods Market

Why eat gummy worms, when you can have the real thing?

KSRT

Back to our regular programming. The rollercoaster ridge.

KSRT

The sound of huffing and puffing was alive and well in the mountains.

KSRT

The clouds came back to keep us company.

KSRT

It was amazing to hear the cacophony of civilization drifting up to the mountains.

Powerlines

The best views for us after the grueling climbs was the power lines appearing from the clouds. Another couple humps and we could call it a day.

Aiea Summit

I felt every inch of the elevation gains and losses as we made it to the 2,805′ summit around 6pm. The hardest and hilliest section of the KST were behind us.

Aiea Summit

Can you pass the butane please? I need to cook my Rice and Chicken. Photo by Ethan Clavecillas.

Aiea Summit

Day 5 – Wednesday, May 31. Hiking stick doubling as a stretching stick for Chris.

KSRT

The gusting winds snatched my boonie hat and sunglasses from my head and sailed them into the great beyond. Daryl lent me his fitted cap to keep my big head warm in the chilly winds.

KSRT

Passing the plant protected enclosure on the way to Hell.

KSRT

It was hump day in the mountains.

KSRT

Rounding the corner to find welcoming Windward views.

KSRT

We dropped off the cloud soaked ridge and made our way towards the rusting stairs of Hell.

North Haiku Stairs

Panoramic view from Stairway to Hell.

North Haiku Stairs

Our stay in Hell was brief, as it was not as hot as we expected. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Following the flag towards Moanalua Saddle.

KSRT

Leaving Hell behind us as we made our way up the dilapidated and rusting stairs.

KSRT

Daryl making his way down the ridge with the backdrop of H3 behind him.

Geodetic Marker

The weathered marker has seen better days.

Red Hill Summit

Taking a shoefie at the summit around 1215. No stashed water from the search years ago was left, but the webbing that Ethan had stashed was still here.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the crumbly and eroded section.

Moanalua Saddle

Stumbling down the saddle, or at least that’s what somebody told me.

Moanalua Saddle

The mountain tops trying to pierce the cloud ceiling.

Moanalua Saddle

The clouds lifted to reveal the CCL building that has been drawing hikers to her since the mid-1950s.

Kulana’ahane Summit

We hit the summit a little past 2pm. I was spent and exhausted from not enough food and water from the past two days. My stomach had shut down. A couple we met at the summit, graciously offered their egg sandwich, which I couldn’t stomach so it was time to end the hike. Parting group photo by Chris Bautista.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Looking back at the guys contouring and climbing the Dirt Triangle.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Mahalo to Ethan for accompanying me down the valley to make sure that I made it down safe and sound. End of the road for us, sorry about that prime rib dinner and cutting the hike short. Thanks to Ben Hinders for picking us up on short notice. More importantly, thanks to my wife who let me take off to the mountains for this hike. I think she was more disappointed that I didn’t finish than I was! I still enjoyed my five days in the mountains with good company and great times. The company always matters more to me than the hikes.

Moanalua Saddle

Meanwhile, back in the mountains … Daryl making his way up the last chossy section. Photo by Chris Bautista

Moanalua Saddle

Chris climbing up the overgrown back stairs to the CCL building.

Moanalua Saddle

Enjoying a brief break with the stashed water and food. Photo by Chris Bautista

Moanalua Saddle

Daryl climbing the steep hill to heaven.

CCL Building

Nobody was around the WW2 building. They had the heavenly view all to themselves.

ET Call Home

Coming down from the Moanalua Middle Ridge Junction, they made their way down to stop briefly at the defunct radar station for a better view. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Camp Tripler

Home for the night. Face time gave way to battery time.

Tripler Summit

Day 6 – Thursday, June 1. Daryl greeting the morning sun. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Bowman Summit

It was a beautiful but windy day to saddle up again.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring on the Leeward side of the crumbly ridge. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris untangling the webbing from the vegetation. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl about to do the dirty rope slide down. Photo by Chris Bautista

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting down past the broken wave. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl climbing his way down the first rock triangle. Photo by Chris Bautisa.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris standing above the second rock triangle. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Witch’s Hat

Standing on the narrow dike before the last main obstacle on the Bowman side. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Witch’s Hat

Daryl cresting the top of Witch’s Hat. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Camp Centipede

Don’t kick over any rocks, lest a creepy crawler goes up your leg. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Powerlines

Vienna Sausage break. Just missing the saimin.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl walking on the narrow ridge fringed by abundant vegetation. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking ahead to the crown jewels of Kalihi Saddle.

Bunny Ears

Daryl making his way up. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Can Opener

The classic photo spot. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Lanihuli Wall

Daryl making the steady climb up the flank of the grassy ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirt Dragon

It was blowing hard on the saddle today. Just ask Chris’s hair.

Kalihi Saddle

To paraphrase Sir Edmund Hillary, “It is not the saddles we conquer but ourselves.” Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Almost there.

Lanihuli Summit

Taking a short break. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Anvil

Daryl making good use of all his gym time pulling himself up with the new webbing. Photo by Chris Bautista.

W

Playing Donkey Kong in the mountains. Well played. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Dropping in elevation, they shed the clouds and gained the views back.

Pu’u Suicido

Daryl contouring and climbing his way around the incisor rock. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pali Puka

Arnold, Ethan and Krissy climbed up to the puka to meet the guys. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris and Daryl dropping back down to civilization and more importantly, hot food. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Pali Lookout

Chris and Daryl hitting the pavement around 5pm after a six day hiatus in the mountains. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Pali Lookout

Shout out to Agnes Bryant, Amber John, Arnold Yago, Becca Frager and Justin Brackett, Christine DC, Cynthia De Lafuente Wolarey, Dale Yoshizu, Darlina and Junanita Cacatian, Derek Potter, Ethan Clavecillas and Kristina Eizenhoefer, Harold Viloan, Kathlea Kay Evans, Lee Shreve, Mia Garrison, Nandor Szotak, Scott and Dalia Bowling, and Shirley Hamamura who turned out to show their support for Chris and Daryl and more importantly for bringing assorted foods and drinks.

Camp Pali

Talking story at the campsite that Derek Potter had found that was relatively protected from the wind and prying eyes. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Camp Pali

Day 7 – Friday, June 2. Early hikers roll up their camp early. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Pali Notches

Daryl climbing down the second notch. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Chimney

The wind was blowing hard in the morning and they had discovered the webbing had shifted to the far right. Chris shed his pack and climbed to retrieve the webbing for Daryl. After multiple attempts, the webbing was passed to Daryl and the hike continued. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

All the technical were sections behind them as they continued their climb to the highest peak on the Ko’olaus. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Awaawaloa Summit

A hippy hiker was their only company along with the cloudy views. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ka’au Crater

Chris at the top of the crater trail. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KSRT

Enjoying a short break before the big climb up to Lanipo. Photo by Chris Bautista.

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Looking back is always easier than moving forward, but not as rewarding.

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Passing the powerlines. Almost pau for the day.

Camp Wiliwilinui

They hit the summit around 5pm and promptly gorged on dinner for four. Buffet in the mountains.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Day 8 – Saturday, June 3. Chris greeting their last and rainy day on the mountains. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

KSRT

Around Wailupe, Chris fell off the ridge and was caught by a tree on the Leeward side. Don’t fall at all, but if one must, veer towards the Leeward side which is generally more forgiving in terms of trees and grade.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Enjoying the Waimanalo views at the 2,520′ top. Photo by Chris Bautista.

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Passing through a sliver of a trail.

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Sliding down the eroded section of the trail towards Kuli’ou’ou, where they met a couple of hikers at the Bear Claw summit.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

The usually crowded summit was eerily empty. Chris decided to dry his tent further down at Hahaione summit.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Daryl at the abandoned lookout. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tom-Tom Trail

Looking out towards Rabbit Island surrounded by the blue-green ocean. It was almost more tempting than the mountains.

KSRT

No photo shoots to delay their progress.

Kamiloiki Summit

Crashing Camp Awesome to enjoy the first beers of the day, courtesy of the Caveman aka Marcus Griego.

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Enjoying the view before setting off on the exposed and rocky section. Photo by Chris Bautista.

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Dropping down the rocky ridge to find …

Makapu’u Puka

… Arnold and Mark waiting for them with a couple more beers. Alcohol and hiking go hand in hand, or was that foot to mouth? Photo by Arnold Yago.

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Nearing the end of a week long journey. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Makapu’u Lookout

A big thanks to Agnes Bryant, Arnold Yago, Christine DC, Derek Potter, Ethan Clavecillas and Kristina Eizenhoefer, Kath Pablo, Lee Shreve, Mae Christine Dizon, Mark Carinoso, Mia Garrison, Rocky Serrano, and Scott Bowling for coming out to see Chris and Daryl crossing the finish line and bringing assorted foods and drinks.

All pau

Celebratory congratulations to Chris Bautista, Daryl Cacatian and the walking stick for hiking the entire Ko’olau Mountains in eight days! Others have done this trek with and without company, with and without assistance; regardless of how it was done, an awesome accomplishment to all that have done it and will do it. Great job guys!!!!

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.