It was time to hit up the mountains one last time before our trip to Europe. Why not make it a saddle hike?

Route 63

Thanks to Aileen’s friend, Kenny and Tessa for dropping us off on the side of the highway named after King David Kalakaua’s sister.

Kalihi Valley

Making our way up the short and steep trail used by HECO workers to service the powerline poles at the top.

Kalihi Saddle

Trade winds greeted us at the top which was a welcome relief from the oppressive humidity that existed in the land of the wallabies.

Camp Centipede

Glad no predatory arthropods came out to greet us.

Camp Centipede

Duct tape can fix anything.

Kalihi Saddle

We contoured around the knob as we set foot on the trail.

Kalihi Saddle

Threading our way on the narrow ridge line bordered by thick overgrowth on the Leeward side and sheer drops on the Windward side.

Witch’s Hat

The group climbing up using a mixture of grass, branches and old suspect webbing.

Witch’s Hat

Val watching Aileen scramble her way up the conical shaped peak.

Witch’s Hat

The group climbing down from the other side.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling and scooting on the space deficient ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Andy was probably muttering “Den Gipfel erreichen.”

Kalihi Saddle

Val scrambling up the fractured rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Akira sprinting across one of many narrow stretches. No fear.

The Hump

Are we humping the mountain or is the mountain humping us? I think it’s the latter.

Kalihi Saddle

The group traversing over the rolling and restricted ridge line.

Tabletop

Andy trying to secure reservations or just a good handhold.

Tabletop

The rest of the group clambering over the oddly placed rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Hanging on by a very thin sliver of crumbly rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Val wasted no time on this narrow of narrow sections, not a good place to dawdle.

Rock Triangle #1

Climbing up on the Windward side of this rockface where I dislodged a good sized rock that plummeted down to the valley floor that gave somebody a panic attack.

Rock Triangle #1

Somebody was determined not to duplicate and pass on my anxiety inducing attacks.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Aileen making her way around the overhanging ledge.

Rock Triangle #2

The rest of the group waiting for their turn to go up the second rockface. Which begs the question, is it better to go first, middle or last?

Rock Triangle #2

Jeremy using his USMC background to climb this very surmountable obstacle.

Kalihi Saddle

Passing over the area where a broken webbing was one of two witnesses to a hiker that fell two years ago from this same spot. A story best told after everybody has left the area.

Broken Wave

Scrambling my way up the trail of raining rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

The group preparing to leave the ridge line and plunge into heavy overgrowth.

Dirty Slide

Can you see the hikers for the overgrowth? The passing rain shower didn’t help as well.

Kalihi Saddle

Everybody had to eat their Wheaties in order to make the exhausting climb up the flank to regain the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Roger contouring his way around the slippery slope.

Kalihi Saddle

No rest for the weary.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way up the dirt ribbon of a ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody said this was the hardest part of the saddle. Could it be a former member of the military branch that was established in 1775?

Kalihi Saddle

We left behind the “technical” and “sketchy” sections of the saddle to continue our hike on typical KST ridge lines filled with multiple false peaks.

Bowman Summit

Group photo at the cleared 2,740′ summit. Views all around. Lunchtime.

Ko’olau Summit RIdge Line (KSRT)

We left the saddle behind us as we resumed our hike on the dormant fragmented shield volcano. Yes dormant.

Tripler Summit

Our last summit photo with wrap around views of the Windward coastline.

Tripler Ridge

The group exiting the KST.

Tripler Ridge

Aileen “Jackson Chameleon Whisperer” Agustin discovered a rather plump looking invasive lizard which were originally imported from Africa in 1972 as stocks for a pet shop. Then they were intentionally set loose and the rest is history.

Tripler Ridge

The group preparing to descend down a spur ridge into the valley.

End of the Road Trail

The three horned male version of the invasive lizard that eats native insects, spiders, and snails.

All pau

We soon dropped off the ridge and plunged into head high ginger plants and California grass. The overgrown trail eventually became a rather cleared road where we met Kenny and the collective group walked out of the valley and back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our introductory saddle hike for some covered 6.43 miles, mileage may vary depending on whom you ask. Solid day with a great group that helped each other out on what many hikers consider as the “hardest” section of the KST to complete. Post hike meal venue was supposed to have been at Alley Restaurant, as somebody was pushing for their chocolate desserts. Excessive wait time forced us to consider Mexican. Closed. Chicken. No. We all then drove to Pearlridge Center to eat at Big City Diner where Aida, Kenny and Tessa joined us.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Andreas Wiegand, Jeremy Cannone, Roger Schiffman, Val Wang and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

Weather forecasts had predicted windy conditions this weekend to possibly paraphrase the saying “fools rush in where wise men fear to tread.” We all met up relatively on time, except for the “new CB.”

Moanalua Valley

The group crossing one of the seven storied bridges and cobblestone paths that at one time gave passage to the Damon family’s horse drawn carriages. Samuel Mills Damon was bequeathed over 6,000 acres of land (Moanalua Ahupua’a) in 1884 from Ke Ali’i Bernice Bishop, who was the last living member of the House of Kamehameha. The ahupua’a of Moanalua at one time encompassed the valleys of Moanalua and Halawa down to the edge of Pu’uloa (Pearl Harbor). Over time it has shrunk due to the US government’s condemnation of huge tracts of land for military bases, and the selling off of land for commercial and residential development. Moanalua Valley was also the original route for the H3 highway until court battles forced the State to construct in its present home, Halawa Valley.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Is this the way to Stairway to Heaven?

Kulana’ahane Trail

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of the hau trees, I will fear no evil, for high winds await me on the mountains.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Haig crossing one of over 28 stream crossings on the trail. Nobody was counting. Mathematically challenged.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Some of the guys clearing the trail. There is no scientific evidence that a certain complex plant made of major compounds makes people stronger, rather it has a reputation for decreasing athletic performance. Hence, the rock did not budge even one inch. Not even a centimeter.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Chico passing his stone. Pretty painful.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Have rock, will fix spike.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Leaving the valley floor as we climbed up the steep and short spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo at the windswept summit, left to right: Chris, Robin, Aileen, Haig, myself, Akira, Aida and Chico.

Moanalua Saddle

We left the summit to practice our balancing skills on a narrow ridge line with wind gusts pushing us around for good measure.

Moanalua Saddle

The group transitioning from bipedal to quadrupedal locomotion. Whatever will get us there.

Moanalua Saddle

Woman down! The first rule of falling is don’t fall. The second rule is if you have to fall, go in the direction of the Leeward side. The last rule is do not fall on the Windward side. Luckily, Robin followed the second rule. Haig came up from the rear and safely guided her back to the ridge, where she belonged.

Moanalua Saddle

Some of us went up the direct route.

Moanalua Saddle

Others chose the longer route and contoured around the rock face.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring and climbing our way up the Windward side. What was that about Rule #3?

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way to the most famous obstacle, the Dirt Triangle.

Dirt Triangle

Contouring around the grassy and slippery slope.

Dirt Triangle

Aida pulling herself up on the Leeward side. What was that about Rule #2?

Dirt Triangle

Robin’s turn to go up.

Dirt Triangle

That expression on your face when you know you’ve made it to the top. Priceless.

Moanalua Saddle

We don’t need no stinkin’ webbing!

Moanalua Saddle

Going up the exposed crumbly climb as we noticed rain showers in the valley. Wind + rain. What could go wrong?

Moanalua Saddle

Haig climbing to the top of the last “technical” section of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

It’s not well known is that Akira was the original Karate Kid until Hollywood decided Ralph Macchio looked more the part. Much like how David Carradine got the lead role in the TV show Kung Fu because Bruce Lee was too “asian.” A little known fact is that the iconic martial artist was not 100% Chinese, he was of Chinese and European ancestry.

Moanalua Saddle

We ran into an imported goat from the province of Pangasinan. This particular one was sure footed and fleet of foot.

Moanalua Saddle

Aileen climbing up one of the last eroded sections as the rain showers marched their way towards us.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Approaching one of the platforms that was used to suspend six antennas across Halawa Valley during WW2. Each antenna spanned 6,955′ and was suspended 1,968′ above the valley floor. Quite an engineering feat back in the day.

KSRT

Wondering if the grass is greener on the other side of the stairs.

KSRT

Hazing ritual.

KSRT

The rusted stairs soon ended and the rain showers finally made their appearance.

CCL Building

Haig on top of the building that will still be here after the stairs are long gone.

CCL Building

What every girl wants on her birthday. Chocolate? Flowers? Jewelry? Nope. A stick of butter. Happy Birthday Aida! While we took shelter from the cold and driving rain outside, muted mutterings about bailing began to circulate. Optimism still ran high with some in the group.

Stairway to Heaven

Dear hikers, can you hear the wind blow?
And did you know
Your stairway lies on the last gasps?

KSRT

The weather soon cleared and we all agreed to push to the next saddle. We still have enough daylight. Right?

KSRT

Dropping down the ridge to the defunct radar tower.

KSRT

Sit not stand.

KSRT

Akira climbing up for some elevation change.

KSRT

I am high high!

KSRT

Passing the transmission tower lines as we made our way up the rutted trail with panoramic Windward views to our back.

Tripler Summit

Brief break at the 2,760′ grassy peak. Is that the way down to the valley in the back of us?

KSRT

We left the summit and continued our hike on the ridge as the winds that we thought we left behind us returned with renewed gusts.

KSRT

Ferlino would climb it! I guess peer pressure only works so far.

Bowman Summit

Group photo with the obstructed Leeward background at the 2,740′ peak.

KSRT

The birthday girl about to drop down into the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Butt scooting our way down the crumbly ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Robin climbing over the bulging rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Bottleneck as everybody was taking their time to traverse …

Slippery Slope

… around this soft patch of dirt.

Dirty Slide

Just missing the lasso.

Dirty Slide

Chris shadowing Aida on her way down.

Dirty Slide

Maybe should change the name to Grassy Slide.

Broken Wave

Stay in your lane. Deja vu.

Broken Wave

Haig walking it down.

Free Fall

Aida climbing her way down the constantly changing character of the saddle.

Rock Triangle #1

Clear? NOT YET!

Rock Triangle #2

Robin navigating her way through the severely eroded section on the Leeward side.

Rock Triangle #2

Akira going over the edge.

Rock Triangle #2

I had my fill of rocks being rained down in my direction.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Going down on the denuded and eroded stretch. I had wanted to make Witch’s Hat before sundown. I also wanted to play in the NBA. Dashed dreams.

Kalihi Saddle

The city lights below us started turning on. Time to get our headlamps ready.

Rock Triangle #2

Climbing down the Windward side, my headlamp started to flash which meant it was slowly losing illumination. I could barely see going down but was assisted by the bright light of CB’s lamp down below.

Rock Triangle #2

CB guiding the rest of the group down.

Tabletop

Driving rain pelted us as we went down the jumbled slabs of rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

High winds and the darkness kept us on all fours most of the time on the ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

City lights on the left and trees on the right.

Kalihi Saddle

Are those people up there in the mountains?

Hump

Scooting our way over the irregular rounded rockface.

Kalihi Saddle

We could see the conical shaped rockface. We are close to the end!

Witch’s Hat

It would have been a lot easier for some if they had a broomstick to fly up instead of climbing up.

Witch’s Hat

Going down the backside.

Powerlines Trail

Getting out of the wind and off the ridge and down to the valley floor. What a relief!

All pau

A big shout out and hearty appreciation to Agnes and Tessa who waited for us way past their bedtime and brought us drinks and food. Props to the group for helping everybody come out safely in the dark and keeping it together.

GPS Tracks

Our unforgettable saddle hike covered 7.98 miles through high winds, rain and darkness with a solid group that was there for each other. The constant peppering of our faces with wind blown volcanic dirt left our ears fertile ground and bloodshot eyes.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Haig Van Roubian, Robin Farr, 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.

The surf was up over at Waimea Bay for the Eddie and the saddles were a go for Aileen, Art, Tessa and myself over in Moanalua Valley.

Kulana’ahane Junction

We soon caught up with a group that had pushed off earlier than us from the bathrooms. They were headed to the hike du jour – Stairway to Heaven via Middle Ridge. Or so they thought.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Our paths crossed again on the valley trail. “You guys going the right way?” “We know the way. Thanks Unko.” A few minutes later. “The trail is to the left.” Looks at their phone. “We are supposed to be to the right.” Face palm.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Examining part of the wreckage that was scattered from a Thunderbolt fighter plane that crashed into the valley back in 1948. The pilot parachuted out and was picked up on Moanalua golf course.

Moanalua Valley

Leaving the maintained for the unmaintained. Always an experience.

Moanalua Valley

Going up the short puff of the steep spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo at the top with Haiku Valley and H3 behind us.

Moanalua Saddle

The group making their way up the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Approaching the first crumbly climb.

Moanalua Saddle

Anchor assistance.

Moanalua Saddle

The report of the trail death was an exaggeration.

Moanalua Saddle

Why go Leeward, when you can go Windward?

Dirt Triangle

Approaching the most famous obstacle on this side of the saddle.

Dirt Triangle

Contouring our way around the face side.

Dirt Triangle

Aileen climbing her way to the top of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Art bringing up the rear.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the pile of rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Erosion constantly changes the character and “face” of the mountains. It’s almost like having Alzheimer’s. It’s always a new day in the mountains.

Moanalua Saddle

Going straight up the eroded cliff. No detouring.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa gaining the top of the crumbly climb.

Moanalua Saddle

The biggest little climb.

Moanalua Saddle

Will the real dirt dragon please sit down?

Moanalua Saddle

All the “sketchy” parts were behind us. Just straight forward ridge hiking until we reach heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Art in between platforms.

Moanalua Saddle

There’s a lady who’s sure, all that glitters is gold, and she’s buying a stairway to heaven.

CCL Building

The inside was remarkably free of rubbish, save for somebody’s tent.

Haiku Stairs

Looking down at the stairs whose fate seems to lie in the hands of money and politics.

Stairway to Heaven

A bystander took our group photo in exchange for some sunscreen. Not off my face.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the summit of Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe.

KSRT

Look ma, no hands!

Tripler Summit

We bumped into members of the HTMC at the 2,760′ grassy knob.

KSRT

Leaving the powerline towers behind us as we traversed the ridge line.

Bowman Summit

No stopping at the 2,740′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Descending down the sliver of a crumbly ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Aileen sliding her way over the rock and clinging to the rope at the same time. Multi-tasking at its finest.

Kalihi Saddle

Tessa looking for the proper footing to cross over.

Kalihi Saddle

We set up a human double anchor so that Aileen could safely do the walk of faith.

Dirty Slide

The climb down was more a mixture of dirt and dry grass.

Dirty Slide

Contouring our way back to the ridge line.

Broken Wave

Goofy footing my way down. No crowds here. Zero points.

Broken Wave

Falling rock zone.

Broken Wave

Now somebody can chalk up a broken stake in addition to the broken wave.

Broken Wave

Tessa making short work of the down climb.

Kalihi Saddle

Art making his way down the “twister” of a climb.

Rock Triangle

Tessa going down the first rock triangle.

Rock Triangle

Hey, how about a spot? Hold on! I’m checking my FB status. Priorities.

Hot Wheel Tracks

We scooted over the narrow “bridge” while …

Hot Wheel Tracks

… Sugar Daddy in Training just skipped over with a song in his heart. I guess he’s not in training anymore.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Arresting Art’s fall at the expense of my hand.

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting our way down the saddle.

Rock Triangle

Checking out the Windward drop.

Rock Triangle

Aileen coming down the rockface whose Windward holds have eroded over time.

Kalihi Saddle

More scooting. Theme of the day.

Kalihi Saddle

One step at a time.

Kalihi Saddle

Let’s not make it three for three. Broken tree.

Tabletop

Contorting and climbing our way down.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at the group descending down the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Going up the wave crest.

Kalihi Saddle

The ridge slightly widened and then narrowed again. Just like a funnel.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the scenic point.

Witchs Hat

Making our way down to the last obstacle for the day.

Witchs Hat

The sun was setting as we made our way to the conical shaped rockface.

Witchs Hat

Golden hour.

Witchs Hat

Get busy hiking or get busy walking in the dark.

Witchs Hat

Tessa climbing her way up.

Witchs Hat

Tick tock. Daylight time was running out.

Witchs Hat

Making our way down the backside, Tessa had a bowl of snap, crackle and pop. Not talking about the cereal either.

Kalihi Saddle

All roads eventually lead to home.

Powerlines Trail

Going down the last rope climb with proper illumination.

Powerlines Trail

Approaching the lighted HECO substation as we made our way down to the service road.

All pau

You look familiar? We came out to find a cop pulling special duty on the side of the town bound highway which was closed for construction. Mahalo to El for picking us up despite the detours and taking us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle traverse covered roughly 7.6 miles over crumbly ridges, great scenery and with good company. Post hike meal at the only eatery still open. McDonald’s! All food tastes great in the mountains, that doesn’t necessarily hold true at sea level.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Art Young, 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 put together this hike to help somebody tackle this particular saddle, but they ended up staying home instead. The show must still go on; so met up with Art and Aya at Moanalua park in the early morning.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Art and Aya crossing one of seven bridges that span the trail. Chris was running fashionably late. Surprised?

Moanalua Valley

Chris catching up with us on the trail. Speedy Gonzales.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Ducking and weaving our way through the hala grove.

Moanalua Falls

Looking at the dry falls to our right as we made our way up the short and steep spur ridge.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Segregated group photo by gender. I guess the all gender movement hasn’t migrated to the photographic world.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris climbing up the first crumbly rock section. Many more to come.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Why climb, when you can contour on the Windward side.

KSRT

What’s going on here?

Moanalua Saddle

Aya and Art regaining solid ground on the ridge line.

Dirt Triangle

Traversing our way to the most famous obstacle on the saddle.

Dirt Triangle

Aya pulling herself up.

Dirt Triangle

Art making short work of the crumbly obstacle.

Moanalua Saddle

Aya at the top of the dirt triangle and enjoying the views.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going up another crumbly pile of rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back to the other side of hell. The flip side of heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris scrambling up the hot mess of rocks that passes for a crumbly ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Almost there.

Moanalua Saddle

I don’t need no string on a twig to climb this!

Moanalua Saddle

Panoramic view of the saddle overlooking H3 freeway below us in Haiku Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the stairs that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the backdrop of the Waianae Mountain Range as we made our way up the dilapidated stairs.

Moanalua Saddle

The stairs soon petered out to be replaced by a cable that lead us to the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Are we in heaven yet?

Stairway to Heaven

Danny, Quan, Roseann and Tessa had taken the stair shortcut to meet us at the top.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Wishing Art and Chris both belated happy birthday wishes in heaven. How long will it take before somebody recognizes the guy in the shades being hand fed and sitting on top of the building?

CCL Building

Come out and join the crowd!

CCL Building

Group photo left to right: Roseann (stuffing her face), Aya, Chris B, Art, Yuki, Chris F, Quan, Danny, Tessa and myself.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Some eat with forks, others use their fingers. To each their own.

KSRT

We soon took our leave of the summit as Danny and Tessa went back down the stairs and Chris F and Yuki went back down the ridge.

KSRT

Pointing to our exit destination.

KSRT

Roseann enjoying the views.

KSRT

Making our way down to the landmark defunct radio tower.

KSRT

Some preferred to get “shocked” …

KSRT

… while others chose to remain grounded.

KSRT

Chris in between poles.

KSRT

The group climbing up to the grassy knoll.

Tripler Summit

Group photo left to right at the 2,760′ summit: Art, Roseann, myself, Quan, Aya and Chris.

Tripler Summit

Wait! Let me apply my facial before we leave. Does it contain serum or semen?

KSRT

The group traversing to the last summit before the descent down into the saddle.

Bowman Summit

Taking a quick bite and naps before our “serious” hiking starts.

KSRT

Leaving the summit for harder pastures ahead.

Kalihi Saddle

The group coming down the grassy slope.

Stepping Stone

This rock was made for sitting.

Slippery Slope

Somebody needed additional traction and decided to put it on the crumbly side of an exposed cliff with a huge drop. Well, maybe not that huge.

Dirty Slide

I need a helping hand! Or was that a pair of good hands?

Dirty Slide

That was fun! Let’s do it again! Just pass the wipes.

Broken Wave

Going with the flow of the falling rocks.

Broken Wave

Aya climbing her way down one crumbly rock at a time.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing and contouring down the side of the crumbly ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Quan making her way down the tricky climb.

Rock Triangle #1

Roseann going down the hardest climb on this side of the saddle.

Rock Triangle #1

Quan climbing her way down the near vertical section of the rock face.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris watching the rest of the group making their way down.

Rock Triangle #1

Roseann watching Art with her open mouth, I mean eagle eyes.

Hot Wheels Track

Chris giving YawYaw#1 a helping hand to cross a particularly narrow section.

Kalihi Saddle

Quan keeping her center of gravity low by scooting down the narrow and uneven ridge line.

Rock Triangle #2

Climbing our way down on the exposed Windward side.

Rock Triangle #2

Don’t rain any rocks on my parade!

Tightrope

Applying downward pressure to my forward movement, as I didn’t want to experience any downward movement.

Table Top

Art and Roseann climbing their way down the jumbled rock pile.

Standing Wave

Before one can walk, one must learn to crawl first.

Kalihi Saddle

Walking and scooting our way on the narrow strip of rock and dirt bordered on one side by shrubbery and the other side by an exposed drop to the highway.

Scenic Point

Aya striking a pose.

The Hump

Is today Wednesday or Sunday?

Kalihi Saddle

Chris climbing his way down the ridge line.

Witchs Hat

Quan striking a pose before the final up climb.

Witchs Hat

Roseann making her way up the conical shaped rock face.

Witchs Hat

The last tricky down climb.

Witchs Hat

Watch out for snapped webbing!

Camp Centipede

Our last group photo before hiking down into the valley.

Powerlines

Reflecting.

Powerlines Trail

Who brought a headlamp?

All pau

Thanks to Richie and Tessa for meeting and picking us up at the gate. Good job to Aya and Quan for popping their cherry saddles on our 7.59 mile traverse through crumbly terrain, spectacular scenery and good company.

Post hike meal at Zippy’s, one of the few places that was nearby and still open for business at this time of the night. You know service standards are slipping when you send back your lukewarm oxtail soup to get it heated and it comes back at the same temperature. Somebody was too hungry to care and would have slurped down the soup even if it was ice cold. The joys and pangs of hunger.

Photos taken by Art Young, Aya Asanuma, Chris Bautista, Quan Haberstroh, Roseann Fai, 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 burned off a vacation day to take some visitors from Alaska on a hopefully memorable hike. Photo by Orion Satori.

Trailhead

Thanks to Quan for dropping Chris, Jackie, Orion and myself off at the power station. Photo by Orion Satori.

Powerlines Trail

The group coming up the recently cleared stairs.

Powerlines

Catching the breaking sun as we gained the saddle.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Making our way on the ridge line as we passed the knob and Camp Centipede. Photo by Orion Satori.

Witch’s Hat

Approaching the conical shaped rockface. Photo by Orion Satori.

Witch’s Hat

Scrambling up the backside.

Witch’s Hat

Chris waiting for his broomstick. Photo by Orion Satori.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing up and over the hump. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Orion watching the rest of the group make their way up.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing queue. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris and Jackie making their way over the dip. Photo by Orion Satori.

Tabletop

No reservations required. Photo by Orion Satori.

Tabletop

Can I see your vax card and ID please?

Rock Triangle #1

Climbing up on the Windward side of the rockface. Photo by Orion Satori.

Rock Triangle #1

Orion on his way up.

Hot Wheels Tracks

Enjoying a relatively flat spot on the saddle. Photo by Orion Satori.

Hot Wheels Tracks

Chris checking out the sunrise views while Jackie made her way around the curved and crumbly ridge. Photo by Orion Satori.

Rock Triangle #2

Jackie pulling herself up the rockface. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Rock Triangle #2

Orion reaching his way to the top.

Broken Wave

Chris coming up the crumbly slope. Photo by Orion Satori.

Dirty Slide

Contouring around the ridgeline through the overgrown and loose under footing flank. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirty Slide

We all got our upper body workout on this section.

Kalihi Saddle

Jackie caught between a rock and a hard place. Photo by Orion Satori.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing out of the saddle. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

We were making good time so we took a small break and enjoyed the views.

Bowman Summit

Group photo at the overgrown summit with wrap around views.

KSRT

Jackie traversing a couple small hills until the next summit. Photo by Orion Satori.

Tripler Summit

Group photo at the grassy summit with panoramic views of the Windward side.

KSRT

Hiking the well trodden and rutted trail with safety ropes courtesy of HECO, the local electric utility. Photo by Orion Satori.

KSRT

Approaching the second set of powerlines and the now defunct radar station. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Shadow shaka.

KSRT

Orion showing us his balancing skills. Photo by Jackie.

KSRT

Looking back at the ridgeline characterized by its dips, peaks and man-made structures. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Puu Keahi a Kahoe

Passing the slightly muddy 2,820′ peak known as the “fire of Kahoe.”

Puu Keahi a Kahoe

Jackie hiking in the trenches. Not as bad as Moanalua Middle Ridge. Yet. Photo by Orion Satori.

Stairway to Heaven

Group photo in front of the CCL building with other hikers in the background for atmosphere.

Stairway to Heaven

Looking down at part of the 3,922 steps that are slated to be removed. Who knows when is anybody’s guess. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing down the backside of the stairs. Photo by Orion Satori.

Moanalua Saddle

Hiking down the often rusted and twisted cable assisted trail.

Moanalua Saddle

The red-headed stepchild of the more famous stairs on the front side. Photo by Orion Satori.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing down to one of five anchor platforms that was used to hang 7,600′ of cable antennas to the other side of the valley.

Haiku Valley

Looking down into amphitheater shaped valley that was ideally suited for naval communications during WW2 based on the mountain topography. Photo by Orion Satori.

Moanalua Saddle

The erosion begins. The fun begins.

Moanalua Saddle

Orion climbing down a particularly steep section of the ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris making his way down. Photo by Orion Satori.

Moanalua Saddle

The group climbing down the slippery rocks.

Dirt Triangle

Jackie climbing her way down the Leeward side of the rockface. Photo by Orion Satori.

Dirt Triangle

Chris making his way down. Photo by Orion Satori.

Dirt Triangle

Contouring our way around the ridge with background views of Moanalua Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Back on the crumbly ridge line. Photo by Orion Satori.

Dirt Triangle

Orion with the background of the aptly named obstacle.

Moanalua Saddle

Dropping down the Windward side of the ridge with the bombproof transmitter building down on the valley floor known as the Omega Station. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Moanalua Saddle

Jackie contouring her way back to the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking down at the entrance tunnels for the H3 highway which runs roughly 5,000′ underneath the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Orion Satori.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing down the last “tricky” section of the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

The group coming down the narrow ridge line.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Group photo at the terminus of our ridge line hike.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going down the spur ridge to hit the valley floor.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Crossing one of 23, 25 or 28 stream crossings. Who’s counting? Photo by Orion Satori.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Making our way underneath the twisted canopy of hau tree branches.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Back on the main trail that runs through Moanalua Valley.

Moanalua Valley

Crossing over one of seven stone bridges that pass over Moanalua stream. Photo by Orion Satori.

All pau

The introductory hike was a tad shy of eight miles and served up some challenging terrain with generous servings of spectacular views. Post hike meal at Dave & Busters where Taco Tuesday is now fashionable again.

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 in the saddles this weekend. Turns out we didn’t get as much plurals as we wanted.

Moanalua Valley

Met up with Art and Tessa at the sea of beauty where the pitter patter of rain was our only company. We could have either dribbled our way up to the ridge or walked down the valley. We chose the latter option. Art wanted a reunion with the spiritual side.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Early morning hikers greeted the early morning campers.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Art testing the waters, lest we get swept away in a freak flash flood.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Just follow the glove when in doubt.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Preparing to go up the somewhat pitched slope carpeted with dead leaves and exposed roots. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

We must be in the uluhe zone.

Godek-Jaskulski Trail

Reaching the junction where the trail intersects with the Red Hill ridge trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Red Hill Ridge

We soon roused two campers from their slumber. Turned out to be Justin and Matt from Uloha. Small world.

Red Hill Summit

Going up and down the seemingly endless false summits before cloud soaked views of the Windward coastline greeted us.

First Aid 101

Tessa tending to her shin injury under the watchful eye of Art.

Moanalua Saddle

Descending the Western half of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the slightly eroded ridgeline with flanking views of Halawa Valley and beyond. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Art and Tessa making their way down the somewhat slippery rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Hikers in staggered elevation drops. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring and climbing our way down through the denuded spots on the ridge.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa following the flow of gravity down the saddle. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Art running down the dirt corridor bracketed with uluhe ferns. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Tessa taking in the windy scenery. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Ascending the Eastern half of the saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Art coming up the Windward side of the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Dirt Triangle

Climbing up the Leeward side of the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Dirt Triangle

Tessa pulling herself up while Art waits his turn at the bottom.

Moanalua Saddle

Waiting in the wind. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa climbing to the top of the assorted boulder section.

Moanalua Saddle

Scampering our way up while keeping our a low profile as the winds rocked the crumbly rocks underfoot. Photo by Art Young.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing up the crumbly rockface.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa contouring her way around the heavily eroded section.

Moanalua Saddle

Chilling at the first landing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the entire Moanalua Saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Can you hear the wind blow, and did you know your stairway lies on the whispering wind? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Art making his way to the last landing.

Stairway to Heaven

So, this is what heaven looks like? Covered with concrete, teeming with people and covered in clouds. Photo by Mike Karas.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing the short, muddy stretch between summits.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

We met up with one of several guides that were taking their paid charges up the trail. I think I need to re-evaluate my nickel business model.

KSRT

Dropping down to the defunct radar tower. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

View of the climber. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

View of the non-climbers. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Leaving the climbing gym behind us. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Approaching the two sets of powerline towers.

Tripler Summit

Relaxing and enjoying the panoramic views at the 2,760′ flat-topped peak. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Roller coasting our way to the next peak. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Bowman Summit

Leeward view from the 2,740 top.

KSRT

When the photographic proof doesn’t match the dramatic visualization. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Descending down from the clouds. I thought we left heaven behind us already?

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting and sliding our way down the narrow and crumbly ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

When climbing is preferable to contouring the obstacle.

Kalihi Saddle

Scampering along the sliding ledge. Photo by Art Young.

Dirty Slide

We found out that somebody had moved the anchor to a more solid group of trees. Mahalo! Photo by Art Young.

Dirty Slide

Tessa looking back as Art makes the climb down which offers a steeper drop than before.

Broken Wave

Was somebody having a pang of nostalgia? Photo by Art Young.

Broken Wave

Watching out for falling rocks, big and small.

Rock Triangle

Climbing down the rockface. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Rock Triangle

Watching Art making his way down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Mr. Lonely. Just missing the tree. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Tessa slowly spiking her way down the eroded section.

Rock Triangle

Going down the Windward side. Photo by Art Young.

Rock Triangle

Tessa looking for her next foothold.

Kalihi Saddle

Picking our footholds very carefully on the sliver of a ridgeline. Photo by Art Young.

Tabletop

Looking for her next scrap of a foothold.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking on the edge. Literally. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

It’s always hump day in the mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

Striking a pose. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Who’s gonna take my photo? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Witch’s Hat

Climbing up the conical shaped rockface. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back as Art makes his way down the steep and narrow ridgeline. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Witch’s Hat

Tessa giving thanks for our safe passage through the mountains.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the now not so conical shaped rockface.

Powerlines

Climbing down to the powerlines and our exit out through the valley. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

Mahalo to Lilyn for picking us up and dropping us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our saddles hike covered roughly 8.3 miles through crumbly ridges and spectacular scenic vistas. Great hike with good friends. Post hike meal at Pho Le. Somebody said they had the best spring rolls. Maybe they need to get out more. Just saying.

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.

To begin this story, I have to rewind the clock back six days as Chris asked me to chronicle his KST one shot from South to North. Bear with me as I wasn’t with him until the last day. LOL.

Makapu’u Puka

Day 1 Sunday, November 8, 2020 – Tessa dropped Chris off at Makapu’u to start his journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Nothing like a cold bottle of caffeinated cola to start ones day.

Sunrise

Catching the sun rising over the bulging eye.

Kamehame

Chris and his shadow to keep him company on the hike. It also pays to talk to oneself on the hike as well.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Safety tip: Always wear a hard hat while hiking to avoid being conked on the head by those falling pine cones.

Kamiloiki Summit

Enjoying the views of the Waimanalo coastline.

Tom-Tom Summit

Don’t worry, keep hiking.

Mariner’s Summit

Chris left the hard hat behind for other hikers that are a little bit more safety conscious.

Hahaione

Taking a picture as it will last longer.

Lost & Found

Chris found Quan’s cap that was lost on an earlier hike.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Setting up tent at the helipad. Home for the night.

Sunset

Capturing the sun as it goes down over the communications tower.

KSRT

Day 2 Monday, November 9, 2020 – Dropping in between the valley.

Sedan Rock

Contoured and met back up with the ridge line.

K2 Summit

No views at one of the testicles. Hold and cough.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Coming down the cloud soaked ridge line.

Chimney

Taking a break from selfies and taking a shoefie instead.

Chimney

Looking back at the hardest obstacle on this saddle as Chris made his way down past the notches and down to the lookout.

Camp Pali

Lilyn, Quan, Tessa and myself met up with Chris after work to give him food, drinks and company. Quan got her cap back as well. We left before the night marchers came out. Sleep tight.

Pali Puka

Day 3 Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – Looking for those views.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Going up the crumbly saddle as the clouds rolled in from the ocean.

W

Chris about to contour and climb the donkey kong obstacle.

KSRT

Climbing out of the saddle and onto more solid footing.

Lanihuli Summit

Clear views at the 2,700′ summit.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking another break from the selfies as Chris gets ready to ride the dirt dragon.

Lanihuli Wall

Testing out the new webbing.

Can Opener

Chris at the iconic photo spot, right before he got stuck going up the Doorstop. Elevator services were offline.

Doorstop

Looking back at the steepness that is Lanihuli Wall. Best appreciated in person from far away.

Bunny Ears

Coming off the pair of hills and heading towards Shark Fin. Getting hungry for Chinese food.

Powerlines

Dropping down towards the middle of the saddle as Chris pushed on. No rest for the weary.

Witch’s Hat

Looking back at the conical rock face.

Rock Triangle

Heading towards the hardest of the rock triangles. But first, Chris had to flash a shaka.

Kalihi Saddle

Heading towards the summit of Bowman after polishing off the saddle.

Tripler Summit

To camp or not to camp? Too early.

Stairway to Heaven

Only one soul in heaven today.

Food Pantry

When the rats are more thirsty than you.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris going down the stairs that time forgot.

Dirt Triangle

Somebody made use of the yellow rope that was sitting up there.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Chris pitched his tent on the summit with sweeping views of Halawa Valley and points beyond.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Day 4 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 – Catching the morning valley views.

Red Hill Summit

Still no closure after five years. Sad for the family.

Stairway to Hell

Never enter Hell without your tetanus shot.

REI Outlet

The selection was quite sparse. They need to stock up.

North Haiku Stairs

No views. Just shaka views.

KSRT

Rounding the bend around the fenced plant enclosure.

Aiea Summit

The man and his sign.

KSRT

Catching the Windward views.

KSRT

Rolling hills ahead.

Waimalu Meadows

The winds were blowing something fierce and snatched Chris’s phone out of his hands and flung it a good distance. Lucky it landed on the spongy ground and not off the cliff.

Waimano Summit

Home for the night with views overlooking Waihee Valley.

KSRT

Day 5 Thursday, November 12, 2020 – Looking back at the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Eleao Meadows

Fence by fence, they will take over the mountains.

Manana Summit

End of trail? Not for Chris.

Corner

Last chance for H20.

KSRT

Approaching Waiawa Gap.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping into the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap.

Waiahole Windward

Reminiscing about the ridge from bushwhacking hell.

Kipapa Summit

Where the KSRT becomes the KST. Tomato. Tomatoe.

Tree of Life

Windy as usual. Stay here long enough and you too will become bent over.

KST

Keep the country country.

KST

Soaking in the spectacular Northern views.

Schofield Waikane Junction

To camp or not to camp? There were still a couple hours of daylight left. Press on.

KST

The rare Ko’olau Goose is getting long in the tooth and shorn of feathers.

Pauao Junction

Chasing the sun.

KST

The notch that dynamite built.

Poamoho Cabin

Home for the night.

Poamoho Cabin

Watching the sunset.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 6 Friday, November 13, 2020 – The morning sun streaming through the windows provided the wake up call in the mountains.

Poamoho Summit

Enjoying one of the best views on the island.

Cline Memorial

How many more miles do I have left?

KST

Going my way?

KST

Lobelia in bloom.

KST

Lobelia along the fence line.

Da Boot Junction

Surprising that the boot has held up this long.

KST

Lobelia in the meadows.

KST

The fence line following the convoluted topography of the KST.

KST

Lobelia overload.

Rabbit Hole

Slogging through more mud pits.

KST

Following the fence line to Papali.

Papali Junction

Running into Charlie at the summit. Small world.

KST

They don’t call this section the muddiest for nothing.

KST

Native loulu palm trees interrupting the ridge line.

KST

Sunbather or sacrificial lamb?

KST

Let’s get in one more mud bath, shall we?

Koloa Cabin

Open for business, despite the rumors.

Koloa Cabin

What’s for dinner? Oxtail soup? Prime rib, crab legs and asparagus? Salmon and Poke? Let’s get back to reality. Filipino sardines and rice it is.

Laie Trail

Day 7 Saturday, November 14, 2020 – Tessa and I met up at the trailhead to hike the six mile trail to the summit to meet Chris and continue with him to the finish line.

Koloa Cabin

Last day to be in the mountains!

Laie Trail

Tessa told me to wait at the summit for her, as she had to fertilize the mountains.

Laie Trail

Going up the humid, overgrown and wet trail. The joys of hiking.

KST

Chris leaving the cabin for the summit.

Laie Trail

The woman of the mountains.

KST

The man of the hour.

Laie Summit

Group photo in the foxhole. Chris got his requested Coke and snacks. Much needed nourishment after seven days in the mountains.

KST

Leaving the 2,240′ summit for the most overgrown section on the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Making our way on the trail as the windmills pinwheeled in the background.

Maleakahana Junction

The glove that Chris left many years ago to replace the green sign that used to mark the spot.

KST

Winding our way through the lush landscape. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Halfway there and time for our lunch break.

KST

Tessa disappearing into the uluhell overgrowth.

KST

Tessa pulling Chris’s leg and then some.

KST

Pushing up the last hill through the strawberry guava corridor.

Puu Hina

Group photo at the summit overlooking the North Shore.

KST

Heading down to the finish line.

Black Junction

My traditional champagne dousing of the finisher. This time Chris got two for the price of one. Major congratulations to Chris Bautista for his second KST one shot (first documented both ways, North-South and South-North) and his sixth overall finish of the KST. #beastmode.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

We didn’t expect to see this individual when we popped out of the trail.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

You have cold beer in your backpack? Chris’s best buddy.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Swinging my way down the road. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Greet and scare. Aida, Lilyn and Quan were waiting in the bushes to surprise us. It worked for some.

All pau

Group photo left to right: Lilyn, Quan, Chris, myself, Tessa, Arnold and Aida. It was high time for somebody to take a shower as well.

Post hike meal

Dale also came up to congratulate Chris on his accomplishment. Thanks to the gang for bringing us cold drinks, pizza and chicken. Mahalo to Quan for making Chris a Corona lei. That beer didn’t help him catch any chickens. Also found out that chickens will eat their own kind. Fried to boot. Thanks to Lilyn for driving us to the showers and back to our cars in Laie.

Post hike meal Round 2

Chris, Tessa and myself then drove to Waianae for the WST one shot turned KST one shot party as well at Bill and Shirley’s house. One shot for the one shot team. Chris could finally dig in to oxtail soup, prime rib, crab legs, grilled asparagus, poke and mashed potatoes. Thanks to Shirley for giving me the only Coke in the house. Mahalo to Analyn for the oxtail soup to go order. Fun times with Analyn and Chris, Liezl and Micah, Mia, Matt, Mike and Amber.

GPS Tracks

Chris’s traversal from Makapu’u to Pupukea covered over 52 miles in seven days. Amazing accomplishment Chris! Props to you my friend.

GPS Tracks

Tessa and I hiked 12.8 miles in nine hours through some of the worst overgrowth this side of the KST. Fun times all around with good friends during and after the hike. Thanks to all that came out to support Chris. Mahalo!

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.

Somebody’s apiphobia with well stung reasons found us back in the saddle again.

Trailhead

Thanks to Quan for dropping Katie, Lilyn and myself off on the side of the highway.

Powerlines

The kid gloves are off. The $5 safety gloves are on for what some claim is the hardest section of the KST. The jury is still out on that.

Powerlines

Looking ahead to the saddle whose summit was sheathed in clouds. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Starting our day off right. Forget the waterfall hikes. This is where it’s at. LOL.

Witch’s Hat

When a hat doesn’t look like a hat. From the backside. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Witch’s Hat

Climbing up our first obstacle of the day. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Witch’s Hat

Katie making her way to the top.

Witch’s Hat

What goes up, must come down. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Witch’s Hat

When a hat looks like a hat. From the frontside.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view from the iconic spot. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking ahead to our climb up the saddle.

Tabletop

Climb or contour. Go big or go home. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Walking on a tightrope of a ridge.

Rock Triangle

Katie going up the Windward side of the rock face. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Rock Triangle

No time to check out the jaw dropping views behind us.

Hot Wheel Tracks

Now we have time.

Rock Triangle

Katie spotting me with her GoPro. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Rock Triangle

No elevator services required. It warmed the cockles of my heart.

Broken Wave

Katie scrambling up the hill whose small rocks and dirt constantly move underfoot. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Broken Wave

Putting one foot in front of the other and you will get to the top.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring in the grassy fields.

Dirty Slide

Going up the slippery and sliding hill that requires upper body strength in abundance. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Dirty Slide

Lilyn coming up the saddle that she described as her favorite hike. Still feel the same?

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way around the Leeward side of the heavily eroded ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing our way out of the dusty saddle.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing the several false peaks before the summit of Kahuauli. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Bowman Summit

Congrats to Katie for completing the three saddles of the KST. We were going down the backside of another as a bonus. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Going down the rutted trail also used by HECO workers as marked by their heavy duty ropes.

KSRT

We are not climbing. We are not trespassing. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Going up towards the peak that towers above the Windward neighborhoods and valleys.

Puu Keahi a Kahoe

Making our way up to the eerily deserted CCL building. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Stairway to Heaven

We were not walking down the flight of 3,922 steps. We were taking the easier way down.

Stairway to Heaven

Going down the backside.

KSRT

Checking out the views from one of several platforms that once housed antenna wires that were strung across the valley. Engineering marvels of its day. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Lilyn coming down the overgrown stairs.

Jump

Photo bomber. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

The candid face hiking.

Moanalua Saddle

Perched at the scenic overlook. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Why climb down when you can jump down.

Moanalua Saddle

Going down the most eroded section of the saddle. Which is not saying much; as the whole saddle is slowly falling apart, rock by rock, dirt by dirt. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie spotting Lilyn with her GoPro.

Moanalua Saddle

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

Moanalua Saddle

Lilyn mindful of her footing coming down the rock pile after Katie dislodged a rock. Rock by rock. Piece by piece.

Dirt Triangle

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

Dirt Triangle

Trying to take a photo and not get hit by falling rocks. Multi-tasking at its finest.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back at the biggest and most well known obstacle on this saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring down the Windward side. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Katie making her way along the narrow strip of dirt that passed for a trail.

Moanalua Saddle

What are we looking at here? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Saddle

Human anchor pressed back into service. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Moanalua Saddle

The candid face at rest.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving the saddle behind us.

Kulana’ahane Summit

All smiles. Done with the saddles. Time to head down. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going down into the valley that are home to five distinct forest types and nine miles of streams. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Nobody kept track of the stream crossings. It was hard enough to keep track of the seven bridge crossings.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Heading into one of many hau tree groves that dotted the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Moanalua Valley

End of the trail. We still had that seemingly never ending road to walk out. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

All pau

End of the road. We piled into my truck and headed to our KST party.

Post hike meal

We met up with Aida, Allison, Analyn, Anne, Ed, Janell, Laredo, Quan, Sally and Tessa at the not so secret spot to have our celebration to thank everybody for their support during our KST one shot hike. Thanks to everybody for cooking, coming out and putting up the makeshift tent.

Post hike meal

Despite the fact that it literally rained on our parade, it was good times with fun company and scarfing down the chicken and papaya, oxtail soup, pancit and cheesecake.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered 7.8 miles that had us passing through heaven and ended with good friends and ono eats. Not a bad way to spend the 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.

The current global pandemic had scuttled my plans to hike the Mount Blanc Trail in Europe, so that’s how I found myself with Anne and Tessa on the fragmented remnants of the Ko’olau Shield Volcano in Hawaii.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Day 1 Saturday – Thanks to Aida for dropping us off as we hiked up the dark and deserted road.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

All hands on the tower that has the largest lens of any lighthouse in the United States. Walking back down the paved road, we met another hiker who surprised us coming up the trail and I fell in the ditch while texting. An auspicious start to our hike.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Going up the rocky trail that was kept in navigational perspective by the shimmering coastal lights and our headlamps.

Makapu’u Puka

Pit stop at the prominent hole in the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Shaka sunrise

Anne greeting our first sunrise of the hike. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hang gliding platform

I believe I can fly. I mean, hike. No drugs allowed on this hike.

KSRT

Going through the fenced enclosures.

KSRT

Leaving the communication towers and former Nike air missile defence site behind us.

KSRT

The girls dipping into the saddle under the withering sun.

KSRT

The ironwood forest granted us temporary shade as we made our way out of the saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Breaking out onto the exposed trail.

Kamiloiki Summit

Sweeping views of the Waimanalo coastline and inviting blue-green waters greeted us at the top. No stop at Camp Awesome today.

KSRT

Making our way through the hardscrabble terrain of this section that is usually scorching hot and the least favorite section of the KST for me, but thankfully it was overcast and relatively cool today.

KSRT

Walking through the feathery ferned forest that always makes me forget that I’m hiking on the KST for some reason. We barely crossed paths with two other female hikers going the opposite way as well. I think they were avoiding us.

Mariner’s Summit

Did my cap shrink or my head get bigger? My money is on the latter.

Kaluanui Summit

Group photo at the abandoned summit with views of the Southern spine of the Ko’olau’s, Olomana and other points of interest.

Mariner’s Summit

Climbing down from the 1,361′ top.

Hahaione Pyramid

We saw three hikers milling around the 1,594′ triangular peak. We declined to join them for the sake of social distancing.

Hahaione Powerlines

Mahalo to Janell for stashing water on the trail.

Between a rock and a hard place

Tessa trying to squeeze her way through on the trail. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pictures Plus

A picture is worth a thousand words. In her case, make it 10,000 words. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Are we there yet?

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Group photo at the usually bustling 2,028′ summit. Where is everybody? Has the zombie apocalypse finally happened? Something close to it. COVID-19, the apologetic apocalypse.

KSRT

Climbing our way up the severely eroded hill. Ropes included.

KSRT

Approaching the oft photographed spot that was lacking a tent and a hiker. Any volunteers? Where is yawyaw#2 when you need her? Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

We passed Pu’u O Kona with a slight pause to take in the cloud covered views before resuming our traverse on the numerous small hills that populated the ridge line.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Taking in another cloud obfuscated view at the barren 2,520′ knob.

KSRT

Approaching the communications tower that signaled the end of our day. We passed the 1,597′ summit and dropped down a bit to reach our camp site.

Camp Wiliwilinui

We reached the heli-pad around 1530. Kudos to Aida, Ed, Sally and Somphet for hiking to our campsite to bring food and drinks that was much appreciated.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Our door dash drivers departing down the mountain.

Camp Wiliwilinui

Good night from our temporary home in the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Day 2 – Sunday. We woke up to a slightly chilly and cloud soaked morning. Cooked up breakfast, broke down camp and pushed off around 0715 on the trail.

Kainawa’aunui Summit

Brief stop at the 2,520′ terminus of the roller coasting ridge. Glad we were not going on that ride today. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Anne scooting her way down the big hill. Sometimes it’s better to go with the flow of gravity rather than resist relativity. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Preparing to transition from standing to scooting. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Catching fleeting valley views before the clouds snatched them away. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The day was turning out to be rather nice as the clouds were melting back into the sky.

KSRT

Tessa pushing her way through chest high overgrowth on the trail. It’s all a matter of perspective. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Looking ahead to the powerline towers that ring one of three tuff cones on this island.

KSRT

After bringing somebody back on the trail as she either wanted to fetch water or go home, we all made our way down the rutted trail.

Ka’au Crater

Peering into the marshy crater that is sandwiched in between civilization and the base of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ka’au Crater

Snack break at the top of the rim. In fact, this is the hike where I first met yawyaw #1. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The mountains are calling and we answered. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

The girls climbing towards the notch of Olympus.

KSRT

Anne climbing her way up the steep hill to have an audience with Zeus. Sorry, wrong mythology. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Awaawaloa Summit

Group photo by Tessa Bugay at the 2,486′ top.

Wa’ahila Ridge Trail

Walking down the severely rutted trail that would give Moanalua Middle Ridge and Ka’au Crater a run for their money.

KSRT

Making our way on the uluhe smothered trail that afforded grand views of Manoa Valley and points beyond.

KSRT

Threading our way around the stand of pine trees blockading the ridge line.

Manoa Middle Summit

Tessa on the terminus of the ridge that drops down into Manoa Valley. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

The girls passing a small meadow on their way up.

KSRT

Mesmerized by the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains that was colored in different shades of green. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Climbing false peak after false peak. The suspense just drags in the mountains.

K2 Summit

We bumped into Bill, Chris and Shirley who had just come up from the Pali and were on their way down to Manoa Middle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Butt grab

Some mountain traditions must be maintained.

KSRT

Traversing between the two large, hairy testicles.

Konahuanui Summit

Uncommonly clear day on the highest peak that soars to 3,150′ on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Piliwale Junction

Passing the spot where the Windward ridge drops down into Maunawili Valley.

Mud Wall

Going down the slippery slope. Right after this, the mountains grabbed a souvenir from my head and sent it down the side of the ridge. Not wanting to give up my sun protection, I scrambled down and recovered my cap.

Nu’uanu Saddle

No rock climbing today.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The girls climbing down the ridge that looks steeper than it actually is. Rear view hiking.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We contoured the rock face that had sent a friend falling 300′ down into the trees and survived over eight years ago.

Chimney

Tessa oscillated on her way down as the bigger pack threw her balance off.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The girls decided to contour the nipple instead of going up and over. Taking the scenic route.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We delayed our arrival at the lookout due to unwanted visitors at the bottom.

Camp Pali

Thanks to Aida, Art, Lilyn and Quan for bringing us vittles and all the fixings. It was much appreciated. Lilyn also brought a portable shower which Tessa promptly drained all the water while still lathered in shampoo, so Quan had to finish her off with a jug of water. Teamwork. Team KAT + Q.

Camp Pali

Goodnight and don’t let the night marchers bite. Photo by Anne Fai.

Trash Day

Day 3 – Monday. Mahalo to Quan for bringing us breakfast fresh out of a fast food eatery. We greeted a city and county employee on our way to the trail. Lost in translation. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Tessa coming up the pine needle carpeted trail.

Depend

Somebody was having a bad case of incontinence due to her internal or external bladder leaking. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pali Puka

Trying to capture the whole hole. Framing and perspective somehow got lost in the process. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Welcome to the jungle, we got fun and games. All day.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking ahead to our destination in the heavens. Photo by Anne Fai.

Nu’uanu Saddle

My right hand had swelled up to fatty proportions, due to a bee sting the day before, as I must have brushed against a flower in pollination. This allowed me to grab more of the rocks, albeit a little lopsided. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Anne scrambling her way up.

W

Making our way to the 23rd letter in the alphabet. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Deviled egg

Tessa literally sucked in her smashed boiled egg. Killing two birds with one inhaler. Photo by Anne Fai.

Donkey Kong

The girls dropping and contouring their way down the side of the letter shaped obstacle.

W

Anne and Tessa finally climbing down after looking for a non-existent contour.

Anvil

Preparing to drop down on the moveable rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Anvil

Anne hugging the side of the cliff as the trail was barely wide enough to hold our feet.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Huffing and puffing our way up the last steep section on this side of the saddle.

KSRT

The girls making their way to the heavenly summit that was surprisingly clear of any swirling.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the 2,700′ hill with sweeping mountain and coastal views.

KSRT

Leaving the summit after our lunch break. Somebody almost took the trail down to Alewa Heights. Thoughts of bailing must have been still swirling in her head.

Kalihi Saddle

Following the ridge line as it curved down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls carefully climbing their way down.

Dirt Dragon

Petting what’s left of the dragon. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls scooting their way down the crumbly mess.

Kalihi Saddle

The saddle’s so windy, I got to wear shades. Borrowed shades. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The girls coming down through the thicket of woody climbers.

Lanihuli Wall

Descending down the near vertical flank of the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lanihuli Wall

The other descent option, the suicidal climb down the can opener. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lanihuli Wall

Following the white rope on our way down the ridge’s flank as we contoured our way back to the ridge line under the ominous rock jutting out from the can opener. One day it’s going to pop and I hope nobody is around.

Kalihi Saddle

Less texting, more hiking. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne scooting down the unstable pile of rocks, as it literally shed rocks each time one of us crossed over.

Kalihi Saddle

Popping the pimple on my way up. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne contouring around the sliver of a rock pile.

Doorstop

Working for Allstate. You’re in good hands. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Bunny Ears

Standing on one ear.

Bunny Ears

Sitting on the other one. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving the bunny ears behind us as we didn’t find any rabbit’s foot either on the trail.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne heading out to Shark Fin. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Powerlines

We were not going to make heaven today after all.

Camp Centipede

Many thanks to Art and Ben who delivered Filipino sardines, haole cooked rice and drinks. No centipedes crawling around today. My hand had puffed out to maximum tightness, Anne gave me some Benadryl to reduce the swelling. Tessa said if my swelling didn’t go down soon, I should go see a doctor. Do doctors still make house calls? In the mountains?

Camp Centipede

Our camp site overlooking the home of the wallabies. We went to sleep as strong winds and rain tested our tents. One would fail. Somebody was praying that rain storms would lash the mountains so hard that she could go home. Thankfully her request was not answered. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

Day 4 – Tuesday. We not only woke up to the sun breaking through the clouds but daylight breaking through my tent. At least my swelling had gone down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

The clouds didn’t look too inviting as they rolled through the saddle, so we stayed put until more favorable weather conditions manifested itself. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Centipede

Shout out to Lilyn and Quan who swung by our camp site to loan me her tent. Back in business.

Kalihi Saddle

And just like that; the sun came out to play, so we pushed off around 0900.

Witch’s Hat

Anne climbing down the conical shaped rock that is perhaps closely related to the witch’s toes.

Kalihi Saddle

Slowly making our way across the crumbly ridge line.

Rock Triangle

Anne climbing her way up the Leeward side before working her way up the rock face. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Broken Wave

Looking back at the narrow and eroded ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Anne was either practicing her ninja skills or spider skills. Either way, she needs more work. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Dirty Slide

Pulling myself up the slippery slope. Some would argue this is the hardest obstacle on this side of the saddle. The jury is still out on that as well. Photo by Anne Fai.

Dirty Slide

All the hard parts were behind us now as we just had to climb up to the 2,740′ summit of Kahuauli.

KSRT

No stops at the overgrown summit of Bowman or the flat and open 2,760′ summit of Tripler before running across the defunct radar tower.

Stairway to Heaven

We topped out at Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe before traversing the short muddy trail to heaven, which was lacking the usual live souls. Photo by Anne Fai.

Stairway to Heaven

The skies soon cleared and we were treated to heavenly views at the 2,480′ summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

Thanks to Allison and Laredo for stashing water and snacks for us. The rats had helped themselves to some of the tasty vittles. More for them, less for us.

Moanalua Saddle

Coming down the dilapidated stairs that time forgot.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down what some would argue is the more eroded of the three main saddles. The jury’s still out on that one too. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Anne spotting Tessa as she climbed down the crumbly and steep section.

Moanalua Saddle

Hugging the rocks as we climbed down, some more tightly than the others.

Dirt Triangle

Anne contouring her way down the ridge line.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving all the main obstacles behind us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa coming down one crumbly rock at a time.

Moanalua Saddle

Going up and over the last hump for the day. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

We reached the summit around 1630, set up camp and watched the setting sun torch the tips of the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Catching the fiery sunset and making noodles for dinner. Just another day in the mountains.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Going to bed as the city lights in the background provided our night lights. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Kulana’ahane

Day 5 – Wednesday. We cooked our breakfast, broke down camp and pushed off around 0800 on the trail.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way up the relatively easier side of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Tessa climbing out of the saddle. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

We passed Red Hill Summit and crossed over the H3 as it sliced through Halawa Valley below us. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Going down the rusted stairs that took us to hell. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Following the broken stairs to hell as we got a slice of heavenly views on our way. It was a good contrast. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Hell

Group view at the more scenic stairway. No arguments. Hands down.

KSRT

Climbing our way out of hell.

KSRT

Dropping down and contouring our way around the fenced plant enclosure. I still have yet to see the protected plants.

KSRT

Looking into the wind blasted and cloud tinted valley views. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Getting back on the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Anne reaching the 2,805′ summit at high noon with surprisingly clear views. Despite having more than enough time on our hands, we called it a day. It would turn out to be good timing in the end.

Camp Aiea

Set up camp and picked up our supplies that Aida, Ed, Sally and Somphet had brought up earlier in the week. Much appreciation for the assistance guys.

Camp Aiea

We had a lot of time on our hands and feet due to our early arrival. Who brought the playing cards? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Day 6 – Thursday. We broke down camp and with our packs a little heavier, hit the trail at a little past 0700.

KSRT

Putting our heads down as we started the major cardio section of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Hills after hills. Our mountain workout.

Waimalu Summit

We paused to take our group photo on the flat grassy plateau that was largely devoid of trees, just a lot of wind.

Waimalu Meadows

Going down the spongy spur ridge as we dropped below the cloud cover.

Waimalu Meadows

The largest grassy meadows on the Ko’olau Range. Often called mythical and magical. Both doesn’t do it justice.

Waimalu Meadows

Looking at the windswept meadows with the palm trees tucked into its nooks and crannies.

Waimalu Meadows

Anne getting back on the ridge line.

Waimalu Meadows

One last look before the clouds swallowed her back up.

KSRT

The clouds came back to keep us cool and under cover.

KSRT

Descending down into the saddle to meet a familiar face and a frozen coke.

Waimano Summit

Group photo at the 2,160′ summit that looks into Waihe’e Valley. Art had hiked up to meet us and join our hike to the end. Unfortunately, he sprained his ankle on his way up and had to turn around. We made the best of the situation and cannabalized his supplies. Including a can of spam. Something that yawyaw #1 would regret.

KSRT

Slow scramble out of the saddle. It’s hard to get back in the groove when you’ve been sitting in one spot too long.

KSRT

We passed the landmark landslide as we continued our traverse on the ridge line.

KSRT

Looking back at the clouds streaming over the mountains from Windward to Leeward.

KSRT

Tessa walking on the fence for a change.

KSRT

Following the sometimes confusing spur ridge to the meadows. Photo by Anne Fai.

Eleao Meadows

Anne passing the red haired stepchild of Waimalu Meadows at the 2,654′ top.

Camp Manana

Having dinner at the typical socked in summit. We just had to look at each other for the views.

Camp Manana

It was a tight fit, but we shoehorned our three tents onto the 2,660′ knob. One was more sheltered than the others. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Day 7 – Friday. We woke up with no centipede surprises, ate breakfast, broke down camp and hit the now clear trail around 0745.

KSRT

Passing by the distinctive moss encrused ohia tree. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

Coming down the tricky turn. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

The Corner

Descending down into the land of creek and clouds. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

The Corner

Brushing our teeth and filtering water for our hydration needs. Water was for the most part clear and while not running, was not exactly stagnant. Good enough for our purposes.

KSRT

Anne ducking under the moss encrusted tree tunnel. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Walking into a postcard. The views on this side are just too pretty for words and not enough justice for pictures.

KSRT

Approaching the gap.

Waiawa Gap

Losing elevation, that we will soon have to gain back. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waiawa Gap

Anne found a hat to keep the glove company. Photo by Anne Fai.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping down the grassy and spongy flank of the ridge that was dotted with native palm trees.

Waiawa Gap

What? We not stopping here! Get bees flying all over the place!

Waiawa Gap

Let’s make like a bee and buzz off!

Waiawa Gap

Climbing our way out of the gap.

KSRT

Choosy moms choose Jif. Nom nom, mama make me mama saimin. Dumpster diving for “rubbish rice.”

KSRT

Sweeping panoramic valley and ridge views.

KSRT

Passing a distant cousin of Waimalu Meadows.

KSRT

We soon caught the only rain showers on our entire hike through the mountains. Thankfully Mother Nature kept it a short visit at 30 minutes.

Kipapa Summit

No flying geese were spotted at the 2,786′ socked in summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Anne coming down the hill.

KST

Walking across the ridgeline against the backdrop of Waiahole, Waikane and Kahana valleys. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Rusty

Dropping down into the former site of the Kipapa Cabin, now our campsite for the night.

Camp Rusty

Good night and don’t let the rusty metal bite. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Rusty

Day 8 – Saturday. Leaving our last camp site that we would need to use a tent. Looking forward to communal living in the cabins. I also woke up to a swollen left hand, guess the bees wanted to make it a complete pair.

Waiahole

Walking through a mixture of ferns and clidemia undergrowth that was shaded by the stand of sugi pine trees.

KST

Standing on the notch with the Waianae Mountain Range in the background. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Selfie Stick Junction

It works better with a phone. Just saying.

Tree of Life

Approaching the back of the meadows that are home to horizontal and vertical sugi pine trees.

Tree of Life

Taking photographic advantage of the uncommonly clear meadows.

KST

Pulling our way up the ridge line. And then there was the disagreement on where to get off to get back on the trail. Let’s take the hard way.

KST

Holding hands and singing kumbaya on the trail. Just don’t let go.

KST

Views of Kahana Valley.

KST

Views of a dirty hiker. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Crossing the well-trodden landslide.

KST

Traversing what is arguably the most scenic stretch of the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

The easily missed metal stake that marks the junction.

KST

Making our way on the ridge line.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Lunch break at the original terminus of the KST.

Do not feed the animals

Rare sighting of the Ko’olau goose and common sighting of the fence line.

KST

Enjoying a relatively wide section of the trail.

Pauao Junction

No views of Kahana and Punaluu valleys for us today.

Happy dance

The gate. The gate. We’re home!

KST

No dancing. Just take our picture. Photo by Anne Fai.

KST

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) used dynamite to carve these trails from the steep cliffs back in the 1930s. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Cabin

We got to the cabin around 1415 and the party of Analyn, Bill and Shirley arrived shortly after using two legged drive to come up the five mile road.

Log entry

Leaving our comments in the storied cabin books.

Poamoho Cabin

Girls just want to have fun.

Poamoho Cabin

Somebody was smacking their lips over Foodland’s salt’n’vinegar chicken wings. Served up with surprisingly tasty instant mashed potatoes with gravy. Somebody needs to learn to drink in moderation.

Camp Poamoho

Hear that? Count your lucky stars that you can’t. Somebody was snoring so loud they would have put a drunken sailor to shame. Even hearing the rats fight outside was infinitely more preferable.

Poamoho Cabin

Day 9 – Sunday. We cleaned up the cabin, harvested some taro and headed out at a little past 0800.

Poamoho Cabin

The vegetable farmer showing how she carries her heavy load. That’s using your head. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Anne following the fence to the summit.

Poamoho Summit

It’s hard to believe, but back in 1941, the US Army proposed paving the entire trail to the summit. Luckily it never materialized as the summit would have been overrun with people crowding one of the best scenic spots on the island. Too late. You should be here!

KST

We said goodbye to our friends as they went back down the Poamoho trail, as we continued on the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

KST

Coming up the trail to the fence. Go right to stay on trail. Go left to explore. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Meandering through the mountains with majestic views all around us. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

No, I don’t want to shake your hand. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Sometimes it feels like we are cattle being fenced in the pastures.

Boot Junction

Kicking it up.

KST

We crossed the spongy meadow to reconnect to the fence on the other side.

KST

Climbing down the ravine that spills out into a waterfall.

KST

Mud. Our constant cloying companion on the Northern KST.

KST Junction

Going down the rabbit hole. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

If I push this one, my f*cking feet go inside too! My knee. My ankle. Kenji, I’m really stuck! I no more energy. Wait, my shoe is right there! I need to take off my bag. The running commentary was hilarious.

Papali Junction

Taking a well deserved break after almost a half hour of sole sucking mud.

KST

Back on the trail.

KST

When the overgrowth almost swallows you on the trail.

KST

Showing off our mud dipped shoes. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Sitting on the scenic rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Life Alert

My back sore. My knees sore. How am I going to answer nature’s calls?

KST

Tessa climbing out of the hole that signaled we were close to the cabin.

KST

The fence. The fence. We’re home!

Koloa Cabin

We arrived at the open cabin around 1530 and cooked up chicken gumbo and mashed potatoes for our dinner. Somebody spilled the gravy.

Log entry

Same message, different cabin. We went too sleep early again or tried too as some of us didn’t have earplugs.

Koloa Cabin

Day 10 – Monday. Waking up to our last day in the mountains. We made a big bowl of combined saimin, cleaned the cabin and left around 0800.

KST

Tessa swinging over the fence line go get back on the muddy trail.

Koloa Cabin Mud Run

I think I was the only participant in the mud race. I guess I won. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Walking on the uluhe carpeted trail.

KST

Leaving the fence behind and something else. What could it be? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Lost & Found

Anne realized she had left her phone somewhere back on the trail, so she backtracked a bit and luckily found it.

KST

Crossing the bowl shaped depression to regain the ridge line.

KST

Following the trail as it wound its way through the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Laie Summit

Looking for views from the 2,240′ foxhole.

KST

We resumed our hike on the most overgrown section of the KST.

KST

The overgrowth was only up to our knees at the start. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Traversing the countless switchbacks through the mountains.

Malaekahana Junction

Somebody almost missed the junction. Need to slow down and smell the glove. Photo by Tessa Bugay

KST

Looking at the windmills pinwheeling in the distance.

KST

Halfway there! Time for lunch. Photo by Tessa Bugay

KST

You want some of mama’s saimin?

KST

Plunging back into the overgrowth that was a mixture of uluhe ferns, strawberry guava trees and other plants that constantly tried to keep us at bay.

KST

Breaking out into the much needed fresh air.

KST

Are we there yet?

NSFW

I needed to go potty, but since the girls surged ahead with the wipes, I had to use my potty mouth instead. Diarrhea of the mouth.

Pu’u Hina

Finally empty and relieved, it was all smiles at the 1,896′ summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

The girls coming down the summit. Almost home.

Black Junction

A big thanks to Janell and Quan for meeting us with celebratory drinks that came in different flavors.

Black Junction

Our journey across the Ko’olau Mountain Range had come to its conclusion. Thanks again to Team KAT and our friends that supported us on our hike, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Black Junction

Trying to douse ourselves and each other with champagne was harder than it looked.

Black Junction

We collected our liquid leftovers and took a final group photo before heading down. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pupukea

Taking the trail back to civilization.

Pupukea

Making our way down the graded footpath that was strewn with fallen tree branches of assorted sizes.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Somebody just couldn’t wait to get out of their hiking shoes as we also crossed paths with a lot of mountain bikers.

All pau

Thanks to Katie and Richard for picking up three ripe hikers and two hitchhikers up, if somebody could just figure out how to open the doors and also to Dale that looked out for any furry rodents so that we wouldn’t get bitten.

GPS Tracks

Our hike across the entire Ko’olau Mountain Range covered the distance of two marathons, a little over 52 miles. It was quite the mountain marathon. Priceless memories with good friends.

Post hike meal

Agnes, Aida, Art, Bill, Chris, Dale, Janell, Jenn, Katie, Lilyn, Quan, Richard and family and Shirley joined us at Haleiwa Joe’s, the one in Haleiwa and not Kaneohe, for our first civilized meal in 10 days. Thanks to Jenn for the fragrant leis that worked hard to mask our pungent odors and to Lilyn for our one shot patron for the one shot hike.

Post hike meal

Mahalo to Dale, Quan and the waitress for our hefty cut of cow dinners. Thanks again to our friends for coming out and their support! It was quite the adventure and experience.

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 KST completion hikes saw us back at the world famous Haiku Stairs. Mahalo to Quan for dropping Aida, Lilyn, Tessa and myself off at Aiea. Thank goodness we didn’t get lost from Kahalu’u. Photo by Art Young.

Haiku Stairs

Climbing up the steep stairs while attempting to recover something of important medical value that we had lost on our last unexpected trip.

Trampolining

I don’t see a bright future in mimicry for these girls. Jumping jacks is not the same as bouncing up and down.

Hoist House

Catching sight of the CCL building perched on top of the ridge line.

Hoist House

Hope that pulley doesn’t fall and give somebody a bad headache one day. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Hoist House

Lilyn capturing the sun. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Haiku Stairs

The upper landing and stairs were clogged with campers catching the sunrise.

Haiku Stairs

Yielding to the traffic on the stairs. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Stairway to Heaven

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

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Taking our leave of the popular camping spot.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Looking ahead to the noticeable man-made infrastructures topping the ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Leaving the defunct radio tower behind us.

Tripler Summit

Shadows on the summit. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Bowman Summit

Group photo at the 2,740′ summit. The last one we would step foot on today.

Kalihi Saddle

Getting ready to drop in on the saddle. Hang on tight. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Scooting our way down the narrow strip of dirt that passes for a ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring on the crumbly Leeward side. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

This was either a nail biting or butt clenching moment for Lilyn. Only her manicurist or proctologist would know. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at our steep and crumbly descent from the summit.

Dirty Slide

Enjoying the ride down. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring our way back to the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Passing the non-existent wave on our way down. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Tessa coming down one crumbly rock at a time. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Lilyn coming down the Leeward side of the hardest rock triangle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a mynah bird! It’s a drone! … Photo by Aida Gordon.

Rock Triangle

… It’s Lilyn! Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

One yawyaw and two substitutes at the bottom of the obstacle.

Kalihi Saddle

Going down the Hot Wheels Track. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way over the crumbly, uneven and narrow ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

I never get tired of these views. I suppose that’s why I’m a frequent visitor.

Rock Triangle

Lilyn climbing down on the Windward side. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Rock Triangle

Tessa looking for her next foothold. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

To scoot or to walk? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

This is not your father’s dirt dragon.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way to the place where no reservations are required. First come, first serve. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Tabletop

The girls climbing down through the rocks.

Kalihi Saddle

Riding the wave of a ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

It’s always hump day somewhere in the mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

Soaking in the views at the iconic photo spot. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Aida coming down the steep and rocky section.

Witch’s Hat

Scrambling up the pointy obstacle in under two minutes. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at the steep drop that we had just climbed down. Never fails to disappoint. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Witch’s Hat

Art had come to meet us and was expecting a continued hike to the Pali and all he got was this ghetto candle. It’s the thought that counts. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Witch’s Hat

Best wishes on your birthday with a real candle.

Witch’s Hat

Lilyn going down the backside.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way over the still surprisingly narrow ridge line. The saddle was not over yet. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Lilyn working her way towards the knob. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kalihi Saddle

Are we done? Am I finished?

Slacklining

We had time to kill so I decided to see if I could make a better go at mimicry than the girls. It’s best that I keep my day job. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Services rendered

That, and a nickel, will get me a can of Coke. Wait a minute! Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Powerlines

Group photo at the terminus of our hike. All smiles. We weren’t going to the Pali after all.

All pau

We were going to the Pali after all, but by mechanized means. Thanks to Quan and Sally for picking us up. We also found a iphone and turned it over to our AT&T contact.

Pali Lookout

Does anybody have a bottle opener? Since somebody didn’t get the twist off caps. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Pali Lookout

Pouring champagne on Lilyn to celebrate her completion of the KST. Congratulations! Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Katie, Narissa, Petra, Quan, Chris and Sally for joining the champagne celebration.

Post hike meal

We grabbed food from Pampanga Kitchen and found out that persistence pays off when you want those halo-halos. We all retired to Casa Avendano where some had shots that took them to hell without even setting foot on the hike itself, some of us picked fruit from the neighbors yard, blondie went off the inebriated deep end and wrestled quite vigorously for her phone, Art showed off his dancing skills while enjoying a real birthday cake, and Agnes swung by with free eggs in hand, while some of us practiced our city and county skills while trying to figure out how to set up a tent and all these activities were papered over with a very direct, loud and opinionated New York accent. Fun times had by all.

GPS Tracks

Our 4.15 mile hike through heaven and down a crumbly saddle marked the end of the road for Lilyn’s KST completion. Cheers and congratulations again to her.

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.