Chris asked if I had ever done this particular route before. Nope. That’s how I found myself back on the Aiea Loop Trail with Chris, Ferlino, Jason and Matt. Thanks again to Jasmin for dropping us off.

Aiea Loop Trail

Matt fiddling with his hardened shoes which would end up giving him problems on the trail.

Aiea Ridge

Hoping we would not need the (non) prescription glasses left behind.

Aiea Ridge

Ferlino and Jason crossing the landslide area. The shoes eventually called it for Matt and he soon turned around.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Jason coming up to the 2,441′ summit of wild flowers.

Aiea Ridge

Looking out from the grassy clearing towards the power lines and the cloud blocked Windward views.

Aiea Summit

We got a view at the 2,805′ top. The Leeward side. Group photo left to right: Chris, Jason, myself and Ferlino.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Making our way down the second power lines and the unclaimed tent.

KSRT

Checking out the cloud strained views of the Windward side.

KSRT

Looking back towards the power lines. Photo by Jason Murano

KSRT

Pumping our legs to get up the first big hill on the ridge.

KSRT

The ubiquitous uki grass that is good for grabbing and eating.

KSRT

Taking a break in the meadows. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Back to hiking.

KSRT

Approaching the summit where Waimalu Middle Ridge tops out.

KSRT

Making the final push up the hill. Photo by Jason Murano.

Waimalu Summit

Group photo overlooking Windward views.

Waimalu Meadows

Going down to the mythical meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Chris swallowed up in the mystical meadows.

KSRT

We departed the meadows and jumped back on the cloudy and undulating ridge line.

KSRT

Making our way down to the saddle.

Waimano Summit

Group photo at the socked in 2,160′ terminus.

Waimano Trail

Making our way down the seven mile graded trail.

Waimano Trail

Chris and Jason on the contour trail below the ridge line.

Waimano Trail

Ferlino ducking underneath a split tree on the trail.

Waimano Trail

Approaching the picnic shelter for a Pepsi break.

Waimano Trail

One of many short irrigation tunnels in the valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waimano Trail

Walking the long rocky trail out.

Waimano Trail

I wasn’t counting. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

All pau

The end of the insufferably long trail and back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our Sunday jaunt covered 14.63 miles of ridges, meadows and valley trails. Exhausting hike with an energizing group. Post hike meal at Pearl City Zippy’s. Not eating at the sushi bar tonight.

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.