Plan A was dismissed for lack of permit, Plan B was discarded due to lack of commitment, and so it was down to Plan C today.

Aiea Loop

Thanks to Tessa for dropping us off at the park as they opened the gates, perfect timing as it saved us 10 minutes of walking. We are part-time hikers.

Aiea Loop Trail

Bench with a semi-sunrise view on the trail that follows the historic railway that operated between 1898 to 1947 that supported the sugar industry.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back at the John A Burns Freeway that was mired in controversy before its opening in 1997, but the passage of time has proven its effectiveness as another transportation corridor that helps to reduce clogged traffic on the island.

Pu’u Kawaipo’o

My office view today from the 2,441′ hill.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Hiking over one of multiple humps on the ridge line.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Akira and Kenny making their way on the muddy trail.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Passing somebody’s discarded tent on the trail. Perhaps the original occupant will come back to claim it, if not, CB said he will put it to good use on his next visit.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Akira passing near the crackling powerline transmission tower that is part of the infrastructure that keeps the islands humming with electricity.

Aiea Summit

Drone view of the socked in 2,805′ summit.

Aiea Summit

Thanks to Chef Suzuki for the bacon, eggs and rice brunch at the socked in and soggy summit.

Aiea Summit

Leaving the summit as we stepped foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains that were thankfully shedding the cloud coverage.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Enjoying the expansive views of Kaneohe Bay and beyond while somebody else was focused on keeping his footing steady on the ridge line.

KSRT

Cramping with the verdant valley views that were strangely devoid of the normally present strong circulation movements aka wind. No complaints here.

KSRT

Descending towards what has been called a raft of different names: Haiku Hidden Stairs, North Haiku Stairs and the more common Stairway to Hell.

Stairway to Hell

Welcome to Stairway to Hell, the red-headed stepchild of Stairway to Heaven.

Stairway to Hell

Group shot on the dilapidated stairs that are slowly returning to Mother Nature.

Stairway to Hell

Climbing back up the stairs that were left incomplete by the US Navy due to the ridge topography that doesn’t lend itself well to man-made infrastructure.

Stairway to Hell

Exploring the bunker that was pleasantly clean and devoid of the rank smell of ammonia from past visits.

Stairway to Hell

Threading our way through the tetanus spikes that were once part of the railings and are now slowly rusting away.

Stairway to Hell

Passing through one of multiple platforms that were once home to A-Frames that hung suspended antenna cables across the valley.

Stairway to Hell

Climbing the rusted stairs out of Hell.

KSRT

Going up a small hill to be soon replaced by bigger hills.

KSRT

Kenny making his way down the trail with the presumably vacant Stairway to Heaven beckoning to us from across the valley.

KSRT

Akira hiking on the edge of the pali (cliff) overlooking the H-3 Freeway as the traffic noise wafted up to the ridge line.

Red Hill Summit

The guys approaching the summit that looked like it was recently cleared as it was almost unrecognizable from my last visit.

Moanalua Saddle

Striking out towards the Western half of what is considered the “easiest” of the three main saddles on the KST.

Moanalua Saddle

One has to crawl before one can walk.

Moanalua Saddle

Akira climbing down the rockface section while Kenny contemplates the meaning of life or thinking he could be relaxing in his new home instead of subjecting himself to today’s hike.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down the saddle against the backdrop of Halawa Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Standing and scooting our way down the grassy ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Descending down the long line as I like to call it.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving the imposing and intimidating looking mountains behind us.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Our final group photo at the summit before heading down into the valley and the 28 stream crossings and the endless road out. We left the summit at 1630 and hustled our way out in two hours as we didn’t want to test the police presence that shuts the park down at 1900 and we also wanted time to wash our muddy shoes.

GPS Tracks

Our virgin saddle hike covered 11.5 miles to hell and back. Great job on Kenny’s part as he works on overcoming his acrophobia. Post hike meal was at Plan A which was Pepper Lunch but too crowded. Plan B was Alley Restaurant which was also too crowded. We ended up at BBQ Chicken which was not crowded, where we were joined by Tessa and Marilyn.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Kenny Lui, 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.

Why do two hikes when you can do just one? Why see only one stairway when you can see both? Rhetorical questions aside, that is how we found ourselves at top of Aiea Heights this morning. Thanks to Chris for dropping us off.

Aiea

Campers and chickens were sleeping as we walked up the road that was slowly being illuminated by the breaking sun.

Aiea Loop Trail

Turning off the loop trail, we were treated to a colorful cascade as the sun torched the mountain peaks.

Aiea Ridge

Multiple downs …

Aiea Ridge

… and multiple ups.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Taking a short break at the 2,441′ grassy peak.

Aiea Ridge

Heading into the home stretch of the 5.5 mile ridge trail.

Aiea Ridge

Coming up the last hump on the ridge.

Aiea Ridge

Aida enjoying the sweeping views of the windward side from the grassy clearing.

Aiea Ridge

Milling around the base of the power-line tower.

Aiea Ridge

The group finally got enough of the eye candy views and started making their way down.

Aiea Ridge

You can take the man out of the ironworks, but you can’t take the ironworks out of the man.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the 2,805′ clear summit.

Aiea Summit

William trying to talk to the locals. Perhaps it was his Midwestern accent that was getting lost in translation.

Ko’olau Summit RIdge Trail (KSRT)

The group contouring on the leeward side of the ridge under clear skies.

KSRT

Stunning views to be had all around as we traversed the ridge.

KSRT

Views like these are icing on the hiking cake.

KSRT

Contouring around the fenced native plant enclosure. I have yet to see one, then again I don’t know what I’m looking at either.

KSRT

Descending down into the verdant windswept pastures of hell.

Stairway to Hell

Group photo at the stairs that the US Navy started but never finished. The views were uncommonly clear and striking.

Stairway to Hell

William tried talking to the locals again. A hint of pidgin thrown in for good measure. No luck. What kind of neighbors are we?

KSRT

This place is going to hell in a handbasket.

KSRT

Climbing out of hell for greener pastures.

KSRT

Overlooking the engineering marvel that was the most expensive interstate highway ever built back in 1997 at a cost of 1.3 billion. The current rail system costs pegged at over 12 billion will easily eclipse it and make H3 look like a bargain.

Red Hill Summit

Group photo at the terminus of the trail that starts down in Moanalua Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

The group traversing over the crumbly section with the tree trip hazard in the way.

Moanalua Saddle

Descending down the western half of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

It was just a walk in the park. A windy park.

Moanalua Saddle

Following the serpentine ridge to the next summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo in the “pocket” of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

The winds started to pick up as we began our ascent of the Eastern half of the saddle. I turned my cap backwards, not to emulate athletes or rappers, but to serve as a hiking windsock.

Moanalua Saddle

When hiking turns back the clock to when we used to drag our knuckles.

Moanalua Saddle

Just when I thought was out of the elevator service, they pull me back in.

Moanalua Saddle

Minding the huge windward drops on our right side.

Moanalua Saddle

Somebody was glad to be back on relatively level ground.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching the most well known obstacle this side of the saddle – The Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

Oh, I get up with a little help from my friends and some extra webbing.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up a particularly chossy section of the ridge. The gusting winds had blown the assist ropes to the far right side. Time to recover them.

Moanalua Saddle

The ropes were returned to its rightful place for the rest of the group to use.

Moanalua Saddle

Chico pulling himself up one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Passing a cascade on our right that feeds the main Moanalua Falls.

Moanalua Saddle

Chico traversing over an eroded section of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

The start of the “other” stairs to heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Knockin’ on heaven’s back door.

Moanalua Saddle

Closing the gap to the CCL building with its distinctive dual microwave antenna perched on the top.

CCL Building

Group photo at the top of the stairs that the city wants to keep. Demolish. Keep. Demolish. Bipolarism at its finest.

Stairway to Heaven

We started going down the 3,922 steps as weeks ago I was contacted by a quasi-official entity that wanted me to count and verify the number of steps for possible future wasted resources. They were also going to pay me. Check’s in the mail. Yes, I’m also the type that believes that I have a snowball’s chance of hell in winning the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. There is one born every day.

Stairway to Heaven

The windward views were indeed heavenly on this day.

Stairway to Heaven

Who’s keeping count? Chico?

Stairway to Heaven

I believe at this point, William gave up trying to communicate with the locals. Instead he made an impassioned plea to save the stairs. I think it fell on deaf ears.

Stairway to Heaven

Catching the setting sun behind the mountains.

Stairway to Heaven

It took two Navy men in 1942, 21 days to climb from the bottom to the top to install the original ladder. Thanks to their pioneering efforts, travel time is now measured in hours instead of days.

All pau

Thanks to Lilia for picking us up at the exit point. Post hike meal had to be someplace quick as most of the group didn’t want to sit and wait for their food. Fast food. McDonald’s. Drive-Thru.

GPS Tracks

Our back to back stairways hike covered 10.1 miles with almost perfect weather conditions with good company.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, William Mayo 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 spent the weekend in the mountains hiking a section that we usually do in a day. Change of pace. Literally.

Aiea Loop Trail

Day 1
Thanks to Matt for dropping me off at one of the most trafficked hikes on the island in the afternoon. Somebody was running late so I decided to push off on the straight forward trail.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Enjoying the views while I had them from the 2,441′ hill.

Aiea Ridge Trail

I soon passed descending hikers who let me know there were two other hikers ahead of me.

Aiea Summit

Talking to the pair whose original plans were to hike to Stairway to Hell, but the soupy weather dissuaded them and they went back down to the powerline towers to set up camp.

Aiea Summit

The clouds soon cleared at the 2,805′ top and revealed sweeping views of Kaneohe Bay and the Windward coastline.

Aiea Summit

Looking down at our campsite for the night.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Rose soon joined me at the summit and we began our descent down the ridge line.

KSRT

Approaching camp. Now if the rain would just cooperate and stay its hand until our tents were pitched. Thank you Mother Nature!

KSRT

We retired early in the mountains to hear the sounds of voices in the far off distance. Night marchers? Also known as huaka’i po, are spirit manifestations of Hawaiian warriors that have been recorded as marching down from the mountainsides carrying torches and blowing conch shells. Bottom line, best not to mess with them.

KSRT

Day 2
The next day we woke up and looked across the valley to find out the source of the voices, the two hikers who I had met earlier yesterday. Sometimes the physical world can be more scary than the spiritual world.

Waimano Trail

Meanwhile, down in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, Jen and Tessa started off on what has been described as one of the best preserved graded trails built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) back in the 1930s.

KSRT

We broke down camp and hit the trail with the goal of passing the invisible demarcation line of the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail and the Ko’olau Summit Trail. Tomato. Tomatoe.

KSRT

Hiking on the cloud soaked ridge line, where the views were measured in feet and not miles.

KSRT

What goes down …

KSRT

… must go back up.

Waimano Trail

Jen switch backing her way to the summit.

KSRT

Scrambling our way through the moisture rich vegetation that was getting a steady feed from the blanket of clouds around us.

Waimalu Summit

We gained the boggy summit to be greeted by parting clouds with Windward views.

Waimalu Meadows

Dropping in on the mythical and magical meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Group photo at the relatively wind and cloud free grasslands, an uncommon experience in my books.

KSRT

Back on the ridge line as we left one of the largest meadows on the KST behind us.

Waimano Summit

Where are they? Did somebody rush themselves into a lather by confusing Waimano for Waimalu?

KSRT

Approaching the low point in the mountains marked by a noticeable landslide.

Manana Trail

On another ungraded trail, Chris had hopped off the delayed plane from the mainland and jumped right into the hiking frying pan. So many moving parts on different trails that would join at the summit of Manana.

KSRT

Going down the slippery slope.

KSRT

Alternating between the rut and ridge to get to the summit.

Waimano Summit

Group photo at the 2,160′ saddle before Rose took our leave of us due to mobility concerns.

KSRT

Traversing over the landmark landslide.

KSRT

Hiking on the edge.

KSRT

Going up the cardio intensive hill(s).

KSRT

Scrambling up the last big hill towards the fenced ridge.

KSRT

A lot of elbow grease was required to open the rusted gate. Somebody couldn’t wait and climbed over the fence.

KSRT

Following the fence with sweeping views towards our right.

Eleao Meadows

Taking in the “pocket” meadows.

KSRT

Almost there!

Manana Summit

Group photo at the 2,660′ knob. Sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don’t. I was definitely the Mounds candy bar today. The original plan of reaching Camp Rusty below the summit of Waiahole was swept off the table and we decided to stay put and make camp.

Manana Summit

Due to no vacancy, Chris left to make his home at Waimano Summit.

Manana Summit

Trying to decide who got the better spot for their tent.

Manana Summit

We soon got a return visitor as Chris came back to borrow a battery charger for his phone and then hiked back under dwindling daylight hours.

Manana Summit

City lights.

Waimano Summit

Day 3
Chris got a sunrise inside and outside his tent.

Manana Summit

Our sunrise viewing was kept strictly outside. We didn’t have spare tents to burn.

Manana Trail

Going down the trail that I thought I would never step foot on again. That’s what I get for thinking.

Manana Trail

The roller coaster of peaks and valleys and seemingly endless false peaks is why I beg to differ with Stuart Ball’s characterization of this trail as the best of of the ungraded Ko’olau ridge trails. To each their own.

Manana Trail

Working our way through the rutted section of the trail.

Manana Trail

Mountain shadows.

Manana Trail

Climbing up the hill to the gate that marks 3.5 miles left to hike.

Manana Trail

Taking a break at the clearing where Jen rested her back and Tessa rested her foot.

Manana Trail

Documented slip and fall.

Manana Trail

Pushing up the last false peak of the trail.

Manana Trail

When Marco doesn’t meet Polo. Unexpected surprise that Chico came to meet us at the picnic shelter and came bearing cold beverages. What a guy!

Manana Trail

Balancing ourselves across the eroded section of the trail.

Manana Trail

Group photo at the end of the trail where we jumped into Chris’s van and Chico went back home.

Pearl City

We honked the horn for an open house but visiting hours were over, so we picked up our other car and met at Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area to wait for the last member of the group to come down from the mountains.

All pau

Picked Chris up from Aiea Loop Trail, where we drove to the nearby Alley Restaurant to have our post hike meal of oxtail soup.

GPS Tracks

Our weekend camping hike while it didn’t go as originally planned, still covered 13.7 miles with a fun group.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, Jen Odence, 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.

I spent the weekend in the mountains celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year.

Keaiwa Heiau State Recreations Area

Day 1

Walking under the moonlight with nothing but feral cats and nothing else I hope to keep me company. Thanks to Marilyn for dropping me off.

Interstate H-3

Leaving the loop trail as I caught a glimpse of the interstate highway that is not connected to other states but built to the same standards.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

This was pretty much my last view at the 2,441′ summit as I continued my climb towards the top of the ridge line.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back at the power-line tower that I contoured to get back on the ridge.

Aiea Summit

Cloudy and rainy at the 2,805′ summit. Just another day in the Ko’olau Mountains.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

I followed the HECO (local utility) ropes down the knee high overgrowth and muddy trail as I approached the second power line tower.

KSRT

The constant drizzle and moisture laden clouds kept the peaks and dips of the ridge sufficiently saturated.

Waimalu Meadows

Descending down towards the largest meadow on the Ko’olau Mountains where brisk winds and rain kept my stay short.

Waimalu Meadows

Climbing out of the meadow as I looked back at the native palm trees dotting the landscape.

KSRT

The strong winds intermittently punched through the clouds to tantalize me with Windward views.

Waimano Summit

Dropped down to the 2,160′ summit in the saddle and left my John Hancock in the bauble of a log.

KSRT

Climbing up to the fence line to find that there is now a gate that makes it easier to navigate in socked in conditions.

Eleao Meadows

Somebody must have plucked one of these dew kissed crimson flowers from an ohia tree. In Hawaiian mythology, Ohia (tree) and Lehua (flower) were two lovers who were turned into local flora by a jealous Pele (Goddess of Fire). It is said that if you pick the flower from the tree, then the skies will be filled with rain, much like today.

Manana Summit

Reaching the 2,660′ knob where my stay was cut short due to nothing to write home about.

Corner

Scooping up water in the bug and foam filled creek.

KSRT

The weather finally started to break apart as I approached the Waiawa Gap.

Camp Ko’olau

I had my fill of the rainy ridge conditions and decided to make camp at the flattest spot I could find on the ridge.

Waiawa Gap

Day 2

The next day was quite a change from yesterday. The sun was out and the clouds were high in the sky. Picture perfect.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping down through the grove of Loulu palm trees.

Waiawa Gap

Looking towards the Waianae Mountains in the middle of the field of flowers that were swarming with bees.

KSRT

Enjoying the views after I lost my brand new phone on the trail which I luckily recovered and then the wind plucked the cap off my head. Needless to say, my enthusiasm to continue the hike had been considerably dampened.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Passing the summit of Kipapa as I left behind the ridge trail.

Camp Rusty

Relaxing in the middle of the stand of Japanese Sugi pine trees.

KST

Pushing my way through the knee to shoulder high overgrowth on the trail.

Tree of Life

Approaching the backside of the horizontal leaning Japanese Sugi.

Tree of Life

Enjoying an uncommonly clear day at this spot.

KST

Pulling myself up the fence line with Windward background views.

KST

Looking back at the trail system that contours it way through the mountains.

KST

The peaks of Manana, Ohulehule and Kanehoalani in the distance.

KST

Shadow hiker.

Schofield-Waikane Summit

The unmatched 2,360′ summit view of the valleys of Kahana, Ka’a’awa, Hakipu’u and Waikane.

Pauao Junction

Looking down into the ridge that drops down into Kahana Valley.

KST

Traversing the trail that was blasted out of the side of the mountains back in the 1930s.

KST

One of multiple gates on the trail meant to keep out the foraging pigs.

Poamoho Cabin

I was expecting solitude at the oldest cabin on the KST and instead found two hikers that I knew and two others along with their dogs. Quite a pleasant surprise.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 3

Cabin companions. We soon all went our separate ways as Dana and Shari were going down Schofield-Waikane and Jon and Marissa were going down Pauao trail. I decided to not continue towards Laie and took the easy way down after Jon gave me the combination to the gate.

KST

Hiking over the cloud soaked boardwalk.

Cline Memorial

I bypassed the wind swept and socked in 2,520′ summit and hurried down the mud soaked trail.

Poamoho Trail

HTMC and other parties did a remarkable job in repairing the landslide ravaged trail.

Poamoho Road

Shout out to Andy for picking me up on the road like the dirty hitchhiker that I was.

All pau

The end of my hike did not reach the planned destination but it was time still well spent in the mountains. Photo by Andreas Wiegand.

GPS Tracks

My three day hike covered almost 28 miles through the most cardio intensive and scenic stretch of the Ko’olau Mountains. Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse, where we came too early for the prime rib.

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 embarked on a solo hike rather late in the day. Thanks to Ani for dropping me off at the top of Aiea Heights.

Aiea Loop Trail

The trail was bustling with traffic since it was almost lunchtime.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Pushing through the heat and humidity on the trail. It would not last long.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back as I enjoyed my last views in the mountains before the clouds gobbled them up.

Aiea Summit

I gained the 2,805′ summit and had a bite to eat as there was nothing else to see at the top.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Passing through the fenced plant enclosure where I noticed parts of the fence was down, perhaps to allow access to the very plants that I have never seen or perhaps unable to identify?

Stairway to Hell

The stairs that have seen better days. I guess this must be hell, no views with mud galore and bone chilling wind whipping around me.

Red Hill Summit

Taking a load off my feet as all I could hear was the traffic coming down below from the H3 highway.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the easier side of the crumbly saddle as the clouds dissipated and the views returned.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Enjoying the scenic overlook.

Moanalua Valley

Descending down the spur ridge and into the valley covered with hau trees and countless stream crossings.

All pau

I think this was the first time that I have witnessed a wet floor sign on a wet trail. It almost made my day as I ended my 13 plus mile hike in the mountains as darkness fell in the valley and I blocked out the large sounding critter sounds emanating from the forest as I hurried back to my car.

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.

Met up with Lilyn and Quan for a camping weekend in the mountains. It turned out to be a shorter stay than expected. Photo by Art Young.

Aiea Loop Trail

Stepping foot on the popular trail as it already started filling up with trail runners and casual hikers. Thanks to Allison for shuttling us to the trailhead.

Junction

Trading the wider trail for a narrower one. Why are our packs so heavy? Perhaps because we are camping?

Aiea Ridge Trail

Passing through introduced and native trees on the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Ridge Trail

We are going that way. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

The views were still holding steady as we paused at the 2,441′ peak.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Quan standing on top of the grassy clearing with commanding views of the Windward side. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Summit

Looking back at the Leeward side with its multiple ridges leading to the summits.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the 2,805′ top with uncommonly clear views of the Windward side.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Beginning our roller coaster ride on the ridgeline.

Valley of the Temples

A cramp perhaps of spiritual design directed somebody’s gaze to where her parents are buried. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

KSRT

Lilyn contouring her way past another powerline tower.

KSRT

The summit of Waimalu seemed so close, yet so far away. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Climbing our way up … Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

… to enjoy the valley views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Lilyn preparing for colder temperatures that thankfully never materialized.

KSRT

The ups and downs seemed to go on and on. Cardio city.

KSRT

The panoramic views never get old.

KSRT

Are we there yet? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimalu Summit

Our second summit of the day which turned out to be our last as we were running out of daylight.

Camp Waimalu

We pitched our tents and settled in for the sunset that never quite showed up.

Camp Manana

However, it did show up for Aida and Art who were camped on Manana Ridge. Lucky them. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Camp Manana

Camping night lights. Photo by Art Young.

Camp Waimalu

Somebody was “volunteered” to take our night lights.

Camp Waimalu

The morning moon greeted us rather than the sun peeking out from the mountains.

Waimalu Meadows

Hikers in the morning mist.

Slip’n’Fall

Pictures or it never happened. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimalu Meadows

Hiking down into the clouds. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimalu Meadows

The girls coming down the spongy ground.

Waimalu Meadows

And then just like that, Mother Nature snapped her fingers and lifted the cloud veil. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimalu Meadows

Our individual and not collective photographic memories of the meadows.

Water Cooler Talk

Somebody just had to get past the off-putting color and floating dead bugs to taste the H20.

Waimalu Meadows

One last look around at this magical and mythical place before we took our leave. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Waving from the edge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Leaving the largest meadows on the KST behind us.

KSRT

Quan enjoying a wide section of the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waimano Summit

Panoramic view of from the 2,160′ top of Waihe’e Valley bordered by the toothy ridges of Kalahaku and Eleao Windward.

Waimano Summit

Our parting group photo as the girls decided to cut short the hike and go down the seven mile graded trail.

KSRT

Crossing over the landslide section. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

KSRT

Looking down into the saddle as the girls saw me off on what turned out to be an abbreviated journey for myself as well.

Eleao Meadows

Following the fence line as it lead me through the bowl shaped grassy field.

Manana Summit

Aida enjoying another uncommon view from the 2,660′ knob, before she made her way down. Photo by Art Young.

Manana Summit

The heat had gotten the better of me, so I decided to go down Manana instead.

Manana Summit

Art being recalled from the semi-dry watering hole.

Manana Ridge Trail

Traversing our way through the multiple humps on the ridge. Where is Aida?

Manana Ridge Trail

Passing through the gate with no latch and the 3.5 mile marker. Photo by Art Young.

Manana Trail

We left behind the countless false peaks and enjoyed the relatively flat trail as we made our way out.

Yellow Bird

Just glad it wasn’t us being airlifted. Even though we might have appreciated the ride.

All pau

Who wants to be my Popeyes? Thanks to Tessa who picked us up and brought ice cold beverages. Photo by Art Young.

GPS Tracks

Our camping hike covered roughly 13.5 miles, give or take. It seems the mileage varies with what GPS unit is tracking the hike. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where Lilyn, Narissa and Quan joined us. We were then segregated based on our odorous scents. At least oxtail soup was still on the menu. Fun weekend with good friends.

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.

Picking up from three weeks ago; met up with Art and Tessa at the Manana trailhead where we got a ride to Keaiwa Heiau State Park. Mahalo to Robert for shuttling us.

Trailhead

The park gates were surprisingly open, which saved us about 10 minutes of walking up the road. Not surprising, was the rain that came down. Photo by Art Young.

Aiea Loop Trail

Somebody was hoping for no repeat of swooping owls or screeching birds. Photo by Art Young.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back at the large peak of Pu’u Kawipo’o where I could faintly pick out Art and Tessa at the 2,441′ top.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Approaching the powerline tower. Forget about the high voltage, expect high winds. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Summit

Art using his knife to open the water valve for Tessa.

Aiea Summit

Group photo by Art Young at the 2,805′ freezing summit. We are going ahead rain or shine. Does that include extremely high winds?

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the summit behind us as the winds tested our balance on the ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Descending down the hill towards the other powerline tower.

KSRT

Art rolling down the hill. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Coitus interruptus

After Art had his fun, he squashed somebody’s else fun. At least they went out with a bang.

KSRT

Catching our breath or more accurately just trying to breathe. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Art “enjoying” the windy rollercoaster of a ridge line. Whose idea was this again? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waimalu Summit

Enjoying the windy panoramic views around us. The spectacular scenery revolved around us on the whole hike, but the chilly and gusting winds minimized the picture taking.

Waimalu Meadows

Descending on the spongy ground towards the meadows. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waimalu Meadows

Art and Tessa crossing over one of the largest meadows to be found on the KST.

Waimalu Meadows

Meadow life. The watering holes were surprisingly mostly dry and what little H20 had was a dark shade of brown with an unappetizing surface skim of dead bugs. Glad we didn’t need to filter water for our hike.

Waimalu Meadows

Quick group photo at the meadows so that we could freeze on the ridge line instead of in the meadows.

KSRT

Back to battling the stiff winds on the ridge line.

KSRT

Going up and down a couple more times until our next summit stop.

Waimano Trail

Looking out towards another landslide that has seemingly interrupted the Waimano trail. Still not as bad as the ones that ravaged the Poamoho trail that we were witness to last weekend.

Waimano Summit

Summit life where we took a pause to find out that the winds were so strong that it popped one of Art’s lens from his glasses. Perhaps we should’ve took a swig from the found liquor to keep us warm on the trail.

Waimano Summit

Group photo at the 2,160′ saddle summit.

KSRT

Tessa passing the landslide as she made her way down the ridge line.

KSRT

Almost there. To the meadows that is. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Jackson Chameleon

Eye see you. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Climbing up the hill as we saw the fence line across the ridge line.

KSRT

Hanging on to the fence line for dear life as the winds whipped around us. The winds were no joke on this day. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Eleao Meadows

Passing through the bowl shaped meadow that is slowly being fenced in. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Manana Summit

Feeling wet, cold and exhausted at the 2,660′ knob.

Manana Trail

Stepping foot on what I would respectfully disagree with Stuart Ball’s characterization of this trail as “the best of the ungraded Ko’olau ridge trails.” Especially at the end of a long hike.

Manana Trail

Some of us were more tired than others. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Manana Trail

Trying to beat the sun going down. An exercise in futility.

Sunset

The sun setting behind the Waianae Mountain Range. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Manana Trail

Art and Tessa approaching the gate which marked the 3.5 mile marker. Time to switch on the headlamps.

Manana Trail

The only company we had hopping on the trail with us. Who else would be hiking in the dark on a Sunday night?

All pau

The end of the road for us.

GPS Tracks

Our grinder hike covered over 14 miles on a mud soaked trail made even more exhausting by the super windy “take our breath away” vacuum conditions that prevailed in the mountains. No post hike meal as we couldn’t find a establishment that was open to eat in. A trying and testing hike for all, made bearable by good company.

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

Back to back weekends where the hikes failed to meet the original expectations. Such is life. Photo by Tesssa Bugay.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Cinja for dropping Katie, Lilyn, Tessa and myself off at the still closed park.

Aiea Loop Trail

Contouring on the loop below the ridge line. Meanwhile, an owl had swooped close to Tessa and Lilyn looking for food but finding nothing but screams. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Gaining the ridge line where we headed towards the summit, despite the mixed feelings.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Lilyn going down a short, steep section of the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Tessa getting a free massage that didn’t come with a happy ending.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The clouds and rain soon dropped in on the ridge to keep us company. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Leaving the wind swept and rain dappled large peak behind us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The trail got muddier as we traversed a couple more small humps on the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Approaching the powerline tower. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The debate to continue raged harder than the cold winds that were whipping around the base of the tower. Slight exaggeration. Free lunch was tossed out to sweeten the pot to go back. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Summit

Group photo left to right: Tessa, myself, Lilyn and Katie at the 2,805′ top. Glimmers of views intermittently broke through the clouds to tantalize some of us, but the towel was already thrown in.

Aiea Summit

Somebody could barely contain their glee, as the group turned around. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Contouring our way back to the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Ridge Trail

I don’t know if I was chuckling or holding back tears of disappointment. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Retracing our steps on the muddy trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Lonely. I am Miss Lonely. I have nobody. Can you be quiet Kenji? I don’t think that’s part of the lyrics. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

We took a small break at the 2,441′ hill that afforded better views but not much better weather. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

I guess this is an improvement from the fetal position. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Ridge Trail

The forecasted rain showers pelted us on our way off the ridge line, but no lightning bolts were seen or thunder heard. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Loop Trail

Are you Korean? dangsin-eun hangug-eoleul haeyo? Walk away. Far away.

Aiea Loop Trail

Scenic tree at the scenic spot. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Loop Trail

Looking for the wreckage of the bomber that crashed in 1944. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Loop Trail

Going down the gully. Alone. Lonely. I am Mister Lonely. I have nobody. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Loop Trail

I didn’t know the Rockettes were in town.

Aiea Loop Trail

We had lots of company on the trail. Some were more passable than others.

Aiea Loop Trail

Katie standing by the junction that leads to Camp Smith.

Aiea Loop Trail

We spotted a human that was lurking in the tree line with intentions of scaring us. Avoid eye contact with Art.

Aiea Loop Trail

Crossing the flowing stream but not before the girls cleaned their spikes in the water. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

Exiting the trail and entering the camping grounds. Aida and Quan also met us at the upper parking lot where Molokai Bread awaited us courtesy of Art. Mahalo to Art for dropping us back to our cars at the Manana trailhead.

GPS Tracks

Our aborted hike still turned in a respectable 11.4 miles under inclement weather with good friends. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where we collected on our promised free meals. It wasn’t top grade sushi, but one should be thankful for any free food. Thanks Lilyn!

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.

Today was the first global palindrome date in 909 years and it was also the day that the San Franciscos 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs played it out in the 54th Superbowl. We were just planning to pay a visit to Hell. Thanks to Caroline and Lonnie for picking Aida, Art, Dale, Katie, Lilyn, and myself up in Moanalua Valley and dropping off us at the Keaiwa Heiau State Park to start our hike. I also found out that I was undercharging for my hikes as we bumped into a group at Moanalua Valley and the “guide” was charging $165 a pop to take people up to Stairway to Heaven. And here I am only charging a nickel. Obviously I am a product of the public school system. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Aiea Loop Trail

We stepped foot on the trail whose air was fragrantly scented from the eucalyptus trees.

Aiea Loop Trail

Trying to catch the breaking sunrise.

Smokey the Bear

We stamped out and watered down a still smoldering fire left from possible hunters, before connecting to the ridge trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Stopping at the landslide that time took its toll. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Katie and Dale climbing along the ridges ups and downs. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

It’s a little known fact that plastic dolphins can survive at 2,441′ elevation. But first, you have to spot them. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Hikers in the mist as the clouds blotted out the views. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Aida near the base of the power line. Photo by Art Young.

Aiea Summit

The sun seemed but a distant star at the 2,805′ elevation. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Sleeping Beauty

Don’t wake me up. Dreaming about sunshine drenched views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Aiea Summit

The sign that Chris made for the summit has now gone missing, the victim of scavengers or scoundrels.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Setting foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountain Range as we made our way to Hell. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Dale on the cliffs edge, just feet away from a steep drop. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

The roller coaster ride on the ridge was the gift that kept on giving. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Dreams do come true. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Evolving to bipedal locomotion on the ridge. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Lilyn by the fenced enclosure that protects a rare native bellflower plant, one which I have yet to see. Then again, I don’t know what I’m looking for. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Aida crossing the ridge; with the stunning backdrop of the Windward coast, valleys and mountains behind her. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Looking from the summit to the sea, a view that is often denied. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Art standing at the top of the windswept meadows. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Katie practicing her Captain Morgan pose.

KSRT

Checking the Superbowl score. Checked in too early. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Dale descending down the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Lilyn coming down from the mountain. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Looking down at the bunker, we saw Chris and Tessa who had hiked up from Moanalua Valley, setting up house. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Stairway to Hell

Dale standing in the windy meadows, which has claimed many a hat and utensils. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Open Tent

Location, location, location. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Hell

Lunch time in the cold dungeon of Hell. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

North Haiku Stairs

Everybody’s photo shot at the terminus of the stairs that the military failed to finish.

North Haiku Stairs

Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl. Group photo by Tessa Bugay, left to right: Chris, Katie, Art, Aida, myself, Lilyn, Dale and Tessa.

Stairway to Hell

Leaving the REI outlet bunker. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Hell

Heading out on the stairs that Mother Nature are slowly reclaiming. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Stairway to Hell

Last look back at Hell. Today was a good day in Hell. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Stairway to Hell

The stairs were soon replaced with a weathered cable as we made our way along the ridge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Stairway to Hell

Looking across the valley to the socked in summit of Heaven. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Stairway to Hell

Climbing our last set of rusty stairs. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Stairway to Hell

Leaving Hell behind us. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Tessa and Lilyn going down the undulating ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

The group taking a short break at the weather beaten marker. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

KSRT

Looking down at the H-3 snaking its way out from the mountains and into the valley. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Red Hill

The group waiting for everybody to catch up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Moanalua Saddle

While some of us were deciding whether to end the hike in Heaven, Dale decided to go down Red Hill. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie climbing down the side of the heavily eroded saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Scooting our way down the ridge line. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Watch out for falling rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking out towards Haiku Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

The girls making their way across the saddle with the scalloped mountain behind them.

Moanalua Saddle

Standing on the scenic rock for my photo opportunity. WAP. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie dropping down into the middle of the saddle.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Time was running out for heaven, so we all left the summit after our last group photo of the day. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going down the trail, where somebody took the uluhe shortcut. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Hitting the valley floor.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Tessa making her way under the tangled thicket of hau branches.

Moanalua Valley

Somebody had a private rainbow showing all to himself. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

All pau

Things that go boo and not bump in the night. Our 11.6 mile hike ended under the cover of darkness with a great crew. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where ghost stories were shared for the chicken skin experience.

Video by Dale Yoshizu of our fun hike.

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.

Met up with Chris, Dale and Lopaka for a simple hike to the summit and back today.

Trailhead

I think Lopaka was telling Chris to make sure he throws away his banana peel in the rubbish can or maybe he was just complimenting him on the cut of his jib.

Aiea Loop Trail

Mother Nature’s varicose veins on display.

Aiea Loop Trail

Pets need to stay hydrated on the trails as well.

Aiea Loop Trail

Pointing the way to the bisectual trail, not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back at the landslide area of the ridge trail. Time and trampling has carved a passable trail. Lopaka had to turn around shortly after this section due to a family situation. God speed and bless.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Bumping into another group on the trail that turned out to be …

Pu’u Kawipo’o

… Justin Brackett’s group who were out to rappel another canyon today. Photo by Dale Yoshizu

Aiea Ridge Trail

Hikers in the mist.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Power lines in the mist.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Heading to the cold and socked in summit.

Aiea Summit

Look who popped up from Kulana’ahane Summit, Ben and Nandor on their KST thru hike.

Aiea Summit

Group photo left to right: Chris, myself, Dale, Nandor and Ben. Photo by Justin Brackett.

Aiea Summit

The guys leaving for Camp Manana. Good luck!

Aiea Ridge Trail

Heading back down the ridge.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Chris sticking his head in the maws of the tree dragon, whose habitat seems to range from Kahana Valley to Aiea. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Aiea Loop Trail

Traffic jam on the trail. Another reason I prefer the less traveled trails.

All pau

Today was not just Mother’s Day, but it was also wash day. Sweet little hike that totaled 9.24 miles with good company. Post hike meal at Alley’s Restaurant. Can’t get enough of their oxtail soup.

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.