I had a vacation day to burn off so I spent it in the mountains.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Checked into the gated neighborhood that came into its own in the 1980s, this entire ridge was once home to Wiliwili trees that are now replaced by upscale homes.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Going up the stairs that were collecting mud puddles, missing the swing that used to be at the base of the stairs, until the powers that be dictated that was not safe and too much fun.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Standing underneath the power lines buzzing at a higher audible level due to the humidity in the air.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Looking back at the valley views.

Wiliwilinui Trail

I don’t think that is the regular gate. That is why we can’t have nice things.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Gained the first summit of the day at 2,480′ elevation with sweeping views.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Threading my way up the row of power line poles that were crackling due to the corona discharge.

Kulepeamoa Summit

No flapping chickens or papaya trees around. Getting hungry.

KSRT

Climbing up to the summit of True Lanipo, where pipe dreams go to die.

Pu’u Kainawa’aunui

The clouds soon erased any views upon reaching the fourth summit, leaving me to hike in a soupy fog.

KSRT

Glad I’m going down the BFH (Big F*cking Hill) this time around.

KSRT

The clouds wrapping around the tuff cone gave it a postcard picture effect.

Ka’au Crater

Standing at the “top” of the tuff cone that was created in Hawaiian legend when Maui’s fishhook snapped and landed in Palolo Valley and created the marsh filled crater.

KSRT

Pushing up to my last big climb of the day towards Mount Olympus.

Awa’awaloa Summit

My last summit of the day before I headed back down. The true summit is actually a little further up, but for all intents and purposes, this will suffice.

Wa’ahila Ridge

Running down the rutted section of the trail that separates Palolo and Manoa Valleys.

Wa’ahila Ridge

Manoa valley views where I soon crossed paths with the only other hiker I saw the whole day.

Wa’ahila Ridge

Took the junction which was the faster way down to the valley.

Kolowalu Trail

Enjoying the forest views and going down the slippery roots and rocks.

All pau

Five hours and fifty minute later, I found myself back in civilization. Thanks to Kenny for picking me up, stopping at Paradise Park to wash off and driving me back to my car. Post hike meal was tossing down some Taco Bell on the way home.

GPS Tracks

My vacay day turned hike clocked in at 6.74 miles where the weather was surprisingly kind as winds only buffeted me on the ridge and the heavens sparingly sprinkled me with water. Not a bad day to get in some cardio and mountain views.

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.