I decided to do a solo hike on the Southern part of the KST and keep myself company with the local dialect today.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Checked in with da guard shack and wasn’t even asked for ID. Guess I look moke enough or maybe it was the shaka I wen flash. Tink was da last one. So I wen scrub my shoes as I like make sure da coconut beetles no get on da aina. We all gotta do our part brah.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

I passed one malahini couple on the way up da trail. Going up da stairs and den da clouds wen close in and snuff out da views. Mean.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Took one selfie at da top and spocked out da summit sign nailed to da bench. Cherry brah.

Wailupe Summit

Chanting like da little buddha as I miss da kine prayer flags that used to flutter here. Neva work as started to rain soon as I left the peak. No can win brah.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Brah still no more views. No can win. At least da rain went away to go play someplace else.

Kulepeamoa Summit

Came home to roost at da flapping chicken summit.

KSRT

Ho brah! Check dis out! Get some views! Small kine.

KSRT

Bark worse than da bite. Been dis way for years.

KSRT

Ho brah, just missing da tent. IYKYK.

Pu’u o Kona

What stay behind me is what dey call Bear Claw where braddah Les Merrell went make in 2012. Stay safe out there!

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Usually dis place get choke hikers. Not complaining.

KSRT

Pushing my way through da itchy grass as I wen pass the Hahaione powerline towers. I jus trip how dey got em up here.

KSRT

Looking back at da Hahaione Pyramid. What u tink? It was here before da mummy guys ones?

Kaluanui Summit

Having kau kau at da place Kam School like you forget.

KSRT

Ho brah, check dis out! Printer cable to come down da cliff. Stay in public school and stay akamai!

Tom-Tom Summit

Looking down in Nalo, home to Chad Rowan. You may know him as Akebono, who rose to da top of the fatty wrestler world in Japan. Brah, it was frigging hot! Get me off da mountain.

Kamiloiki Summit

I wen spock out da nice colorful summit sign. Good job braddah!

KSRT

Dipping into da saddle. Brah, I wish I was dipping in da ocean. So frigging hot.

All pau

Da plan was to go all way to Makapu’u. But da heat and my ride said otherwise. So I wen walk da road down, checked to see if da goats like play at Camp Winner and then braddah Chico wen pick me up. Aloha guys and stay safe out da there!

GPS Tracks

My typical KST hike that was cloudy-rainy-sunny covered 9.37 miles over da KST. Next stop. Zippy’s!

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.

In search of more training grounds to hike, we met up on the congested street in East Oahu. Keep your voice down, lest you upset the neighbors.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

This trail has been called one of the finest hikes on the island by noted hiking author, Stuart Ball. Who am I to argue?

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Somebody forgot their phone at the trailhead. Shades of Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Switch backing our way up the mountain.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Going or coming?

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Puka in the tree stump.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Arriving at the picnic shelter that was being renovated with fresh paint and new wood planks.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Scrambling up the rooted section of the trail.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

The trail took on a more direct approach as we huffed and puffed our way up the steep sections under the canopy of pine trees.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Touchup. No pullup.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

A bench with a view.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Steps, steps and then some more steps.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Views of Koko Crater and Koko Head in the background. Often confused for each other.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Group photo at the surprisingly empty 2,028′ summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the eroded hill as we started our traverse on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

KSRT

Plunging into the forest.

KSRT

Mari using the organic hiking stick to its fullest.

KSRT

Approaching the first set of powerlines.

KSRT

Mari doing the forward low tree limbo.

KSRT

Passing through the second set of powerlines.

KSRT

The spiderweb of vines were insufferable as they pulled, strangled and tripped you if not careful.

KSRT

Making our way through the mountains on a carpet of pine needles.

KSRT

Contouring our way around the base of Hahaione Pyramid.

KSRT

That’s one small step for woman, one giant leap for hiking.

KSRT

If it looks like a pyramid, sits like a pyramid, then it’s a pyramid.

KSRT

We ran across two other hikers that were coming from the opposite direction.

Mariner’s Summit

Is that Chef Boyardee cooking his signature spaghetti in the mountains?

Kaluanui Summit

Most of us enjoyed the cooking show, while others checked in on their social media.

Kaluanui Summit

Group photo at the summit that Kamehameha Schools would like you to forget.

KSRT

Climbing our way down from the summit.

KSRT

Walking through a carpet of feathery ferns.

KSRT

Clash of vivid colors in the mountains.

KSRT

Seriously? We have to climb down this cliff on a printer cable?

KSRT

Deborah and Aida making their way down to the base of the cliff.

KSRT

Aida with Dorito’s Tower in the distance.

KSRT

Traversing our way through the exposed and rocky section of the trail.

KSRT

Where there’s a rock, there is always somebody that will climb on top.

Tom-Tom Summit

Standing on the summit whose trail was named after Tom McGuire and Tom Cadle who rediscovered the old Hawaiian trail.

KSRT

Take less pictures and more spotting.

KSRT

Climbing up rocks after rocks.

KSRT

Scrambling our way up the ever shifting ground of pine needles. One step forward, two steps back.

Kamiloiki Summit

No smile for the summit.

KSRT

Passing through another stand of pine trees.

KSRT

Descending our way down the trail as we approached the last climb of the day.

Kaiona Beach Park

Watching the fire dancers from the nosebleed section.

KSRT

The communications tower looked so deceptively close as we approached it. Appearances can be deceiving.

KSRT

Mari climbing her way out of the saddle.

KSRT

That plant is made for drinking and not for smoking.

Manana Island

The direct sun was reflecting off the uninhabited island that is now home to a protected bird sanctuary.

KSRT

Contouring our way around the abandoned radar towers that used to control the Nike Missiles Sites down at Bellows.

KSRT

The group was glad they were back on solid ground. Some more so than others.

KSRT

Where there’s a hole, there’s a way.

All pau

Walking down the road that was made easier since Camp Winner was in session. No gate to contour or hurdle.

GPS Tracks

Our “training” hike covered a little over seven miles with good company. Good job to Mari for finishing another chunk of the KST. Post hike meal at Mama Pho. Pho Time was out of business.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Deborah Tom, Mari Saito and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

We all met up to do a hike that fell short of its intended goal due to multiple distractions.

Makapu’u

Thanks to Jimell and Lilia who dropped us off after some last minute adjustments due to somebody’s alarm clock not working.

Makapu’u

Hiking by artificial illumination.

Sea Life Park

Looking down into the artificially illuminated marine mammal park.

Makapu’u

Following the path along the rocky cliffs.

Makapu’u

Looking out towards the two seabird sanctuary islands and Makai Pier.

Makapu’u

Okay, you can turn off your headlamps now.

Makapu’u Puka

Outside the puka.

Makapu’u Puka

Inside the puka.

Makapu’u Puka

Rocket revolution. We finally left the gathering place after hearing the retired chopper pilot talk about his wartime stories on and off the battlefield. I only heard six times. I leave that to ones imagination.

Makapu’u

It was another windy day in the mountains.

Makapu’u

Can you see the hiker for the puka?

Makapu’u

The girls posing by the ladybug tree.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Looking ahead to another hill that had to be climbed.

KSRT

The butterfly whisperer. Ferlino didn’t whisper enough as it was a common passion butterfly. I have yet to see a endemic Kamehameha butterfly in the wild.

KSRT

Akira and Mona checking out the cave as Ferlino flies the Hawaiian flag above them. The history of the flags origins goes back to when Britain and America both had vested interests in the islands so the flag has elements of the Union Jack and the stripes represents the eight major islands of Hawaii and Old Glory.

KSRT

Somebody stuck their head where the sun does shine.

KSRT

Cardio climb up the last big hill.

KSRT

Mona stuck herself in a hole that she could get out of.

KSRT

Somebody was tracking us. Somebody that was bright yellow and very loud.

KSRT

Can Camper and Winner come out to play?

KSRT

Somewhere in the mountains, it’s always Christmas. Just the singing is off-key. We soon met up with Tessa who had gotten off the night shift to join us.

KSRT

Group photo on what many people have now been erroneously calling Dead Man’s Catwalk. I guess it’s the new Dead Man’s Catwalk.

Kamehame Road

Walking up the road that used to be home to radar towers that once controlled the Nike missile battery known as OA-32 that was located at Bellows Air Field during 1961-1970.

Hidden Stairs

Aileen and Tessa hanging out.

Hidden Stairs

Group photo on the stairs that lead to nowhere and whose original purpose is still a mystery to some of us.

Kamehame Road

Our “social media” hike clocked in under four hours and covered only 2.15 miles at this point. We decided to drop to the road and take an impromptu meal break where fence climbing, medicinal smoking and dancing were ongoing as the hiking mojo slowly evaporated.

Dead Man’s Catwalk

Standing at the site of the original lookout that was demolished due to it being an attractive nuisance and to make way for telecommunication progress.

KSRT

Group photo at the scenic lookout.

KSRT

Picking our way on the trail as we passed one of the former radar towers.

KSRT

Group photo by an agave plant whose roots, sap and juice are used to make medicine that can be taken orally for flatulence among other things. Did somebody say flatulence?

KSRT

Dropping into the saddle.

KSRT

Going off the trail to explore a seemingly precariously balanced rock on the side of the mountain.

KSRT

Trying to find the center of gravity.

KSRT

Val making good use of her recently purchased Insta360.

KSRT

The girls making their way back on the tricky contour.

KSRT

Back to hiking. Isn’t that what we came out for today?

KSRT

Group photo at the lowest area between the two peaks.

KSRT

Climbing our way towards the stand of pine trees above us.

KSRT

Lunch spot with a view of the Waimanalo coastline.

KSRT

Some of us played in the pine needles …

KSRT

… while others played in the trees.

KSRT

Stretching our legs after another long pause as we resumed our hiking with urbanized views of Kamiloiki Valley.

KSRT

Reason #34 we are not making it to Wiliwilinui today.

Kamiloiki Summit

We were just passing through, with fleeting awesome Windward views.

KSRT

Jumping from one grove of pine trees to another small group of pine trees.

KSRT

Just missing the cardboard box.

KSRT

That’s not the way.

KSRT

This is the way.

KSRT

Climbing our way to the ridge line summit that are home to a series of power line towers that range all the way to Ka’au Crater and are part of the southern corridor.

Tom-Tom Summit

Some of us got comfortable and took a break while Aileen, Akira and Ferlino decided to go climb a rock.

Bells Tower

The trio going down the spur ridge to climb what is commonly called Dorito’s or Bells Tower.

Bells Tower

Ferlino watching Akira start his climb up the tower.

KSRT

Somebody got a little too comfortable in the mountains.

Bells Tower

Hard to tell from the angle, but Akira and Ferlino took a selfie from the top.

Bells Tower

Aileen and Ferlino making their way off the inverted cup shaped rock.

KSRT

Making our way out of the rocky and exposed area as we headed into the forest.

KSRT

Brushing against the relatively feathery soft laua’e ferns.

KSRT

Climbing our way to the last summit of the day.

Kaluanui Summit

Group photo at the 1,640′ peak more commonly known as Mariner’s Ridge Summit.

Mariner’s Ridge Trail

Making our way down the trail that Kamehameha Schools shut down years ago on December 6, 2013 due to the neighbors complaining about excessive foot traffic in the area.

Mariner’s Ridge Trail

Never argue with a man that has a knife and that hasn’t taken his medicine.

New Mariner’s Ridge Trail

Going off the established trail and onto the trail also used as a loop for Hahaione Pyramid.

Hahaione Valley

Crossing the dry streambed as we climbed out of the valley and walked down the road.

All pau

Waiting for Jasmin and Lilia to pick us up before the neighbors gave us more stink eyes.

GPS Tracks

Our relaxing day in the mountains covered 5.52 miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Liko’s Tap & Table where somebody got to celebrate their birthday again. On the house.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Kennard Capili, Monaliza Guillermo, Tessa Bugay, 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.

I decided to do a solo section of the KST today as the forecasted weather called for beautiful conditions.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Drove through the hilltop community created in the 1960s and known as the original luxury view ridge on the island. I was hoping to bag some of those luxury views myself, albeit without paying millions of dollars for those heavenly heights.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Trail meets the stairs.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Erosion has taking a toll on the steps footing on the large ridge.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Cloudy conditions greeted me at the 2,480′ summit. No surprise.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Looking back at the trade winds pushing the cloud over the mountains.

Wailupe Summit

Shoefie at the 2,403′ peak.

KSRT

Bagging the views. That’s what it’s all about.

Hawaii Loa Summit

I had the 2,520′ knob all to myself.

KSRT

Checking out the Leeward views.

Kulepeamoa Summit

360 degree view of the 2,480′ summit of the flapping chicken.

KSRT

Welcome to the jungle.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Shaking the shaka at the 2,200′ flat topped summit.

KSRT

I ran into a couple of girls who had come up from the West ridge line and were looping it back down towards the valley.

KSRT

360 degree view of one of the most photographed spots between Kuli’ou’ou and Pu’u O Kona. Different perspective.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Took a group photo with Kelly and Paul at the 2,200′ flat topped summit who I only knew from Facebook. Small world.

KSRT

Going down the well cleared trail past the first set of powerline towers.

KSRT

Breaking out into the clearing after pushing through the overgrowth.

KSRT

Looking back at Hahaione Pyramid, a natural rock formation that was not built by aliens or an advanced civilization.

Mariner’s Summit

Enjoying my frosty beverage on the 1,640′ summit that Kamehameha Schools would like the public to forget, as the trail is now shuttered and only open to certain approved hiking groups.

KSRT

Leaving the forest behind as I broke out into open ground.

KSRT

I’m glad to see that the printer cable is alive and well.

Tom-Tom Summit

Tom-Tom rolls off the tongue more smoothly than McGuire-Cadle.

KSRT

Looking out towards Kailua and Kaneohe Bays.

Kamiloiki Summit

Campfires in the mountains. Is that such a thing?

KSRT

Panoramic view of the ridge line before entering the stand of pine trees.

KSRT

In the saddle.

All pau

The gates were open as I walked down the road where Tessa was waiting to pick me up. Mahalo!

GPS Tracks

My little slice of the Southern KST covered 9.38 miles through cloudy to clear conditions to the very end.

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.

Despite predictions of gloomy weather, the naysayers were pushed aside so that today’s hike that was two weeks in the making could happen.

Hahaione Valley

Met up with the group in the valley of shifting sands that was once underwater and walked quietly into the mixed forest.

Hahaione Valley

The climb was short, steep and taxing.

Hahaione Valley

Somebody needed assistance in the form of chest compressions and artificial ventilation to jumpstart his heart, in more ways than one.

Hahaione Valley

Christmas is still alive and well in the mountains. Well, parts of it.

Hahaione Valley

A random hiker soon caught up with us. Not that kind of random hiker.

Hahaione Valley

Everybody took turns sitting and standing on the protruding rock that afforded commanding views below us.

Hahaione Pyramid

360 degree view at the top of the pyramidal rock.

Hahaione Pyramid

Are you spotting or scolding me?

Hahaione Pyramid

Climbing our way down from the summit.

Hahaione Pyramid

Traffic jam on the way down.

Hahaione Pyramid

Somebody was yelling that the trail was below us. Anybody got a roll of duct tape handy?

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the triangular basaltic structure behind us.

KSRT

Making our way on the rocky ridge to the summit of Kaluanui.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

The girls had a song to climb up the cliff with.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

I only had the silence between my ears to keep me company. It was deafening.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Group photo at the summit that Bishop Estate would like you to forget about.

KSRT

Making our way underneath the thicket of tree branches.

KSRT

Chico on the exposed wind swept ridge line.

KSRT

Back in the relatively protected tree line.

KSRT

Shuffling through the undergrowth of ferns.

KSRT

Does this electrical cord meet OSHA standards?

KSRT

Trying to keep my wits and my cap about me.

KSRT

Contouring and climbing their way down the steep cliff.

KSRT

The group equally divided.

KSRT

Chico hiking towards a dead end.

KSRT

Group photo at the top of Hershey Kiss.

KSRT

Climbing down from the somewhat tear drop shaped rock.

Tom-Tom Summit

Panoramic view of the summit. The trail was named after Tom McGuire and Tom Cadle who rediscovered the ancient Hawaiian trail that connects the summit from Waimanalo.

KSRT

Making our way down from the powerline towers.

KSRT

Looking down the steep drop towards the town of Waimanalo.

KSRT

Some would climb. Some would contour.

KSRT

Slow race to the top.

KSRT

We all took our own ways to arrive at the same spot eventually.

KSRT

Leaving the exposed trail for the ironwood forest.

KSRT

The arduous and seemingly slow climb up the pine needle covered hill.

Kamiloiki Summit

Group photo at the summit of the little milo tree.

KSRT

Jen in the tree with a stunning view of the white sandy beaches of potable water.

KSRT

Leaving the pine tree forest to crawl under thickets of tree branches.

KSRT

Dropping into the saddle.

KSRT

Climbing out of the lowest point between the two hills.

KSRT

Taking a water break in the shadow of the defunct Nike missile site OA-32 that was deactivated in 1970.

KSRT

Whereabouts is the Dead Man Cat’s Walk? Seven years too late.

KSRT

Passing the hang gliding marshal’s car on our way up to the platforms. Nothing to see here. You wasn’t here. Move along.

KSRT

I believe I can fly.

KSRT

I believe I can sleep.

KSRT

Dropping in elevation as we made our way along the rocky ridge above the coastline.

KSRT

Sitting on the edge.

KSRT

Puka in the ground.

KSRT

Hey, let’s go crawl into that cave!

KSRT

I think somebody satisfied their cave quota for the week.

KSRT

Making our way around the ladybug tree.

KSRT

Tessa on her perch with a commanding view.

Makapu’u Puka

Group photo from a different perspective.

Makapu’u Puka

Unobstructed view.

Makapu’u Puka

I don’t know if it was my cold hand that made Chico jump that high.

Makapu’u Puka

My days as an urologist was over.

Makapu’u Stonehenge

Jen climbing up the vertical rock.

Makapu’u Stonehenge

Chico standing on top of the rock.

Makapu’u Stonehenge

Traversing the linear rocks as we left the puka behind us.

Makapu’u Puka Jr

Framing a view of Manana and Kaohikaipu islands through the miniature opening.

KSRT

Climbing up the last hill. Promise?

KSRT

It was mostly all downhill from this point.

KSRT

Clumps of cacti dominated this short stretch.

KSRT

Still trying to keep my wits and cap about me.

KSRT

Following the fence line as we made our way down through the grass covered loose rock fields.

All pau

Everybody safely crossed the most dangerous part of the hike after looking both ways. Glad we got picked up by Lilia in the black truck and not the blue and white one. Post hike meal at Greek Marina. Not all of us agreed with the cuisine from the Greek diaspora.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 5.49 miles through forested and exposed ridgelines that were tempered by overcast clouds and cooling trade winds along with good company.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Jen Odence, Lilyn Avendano, Quan Haberstroh, 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.

Mahalo to Richie for dropping Art, Quan, Roseann, Tessa and myself off at Makapu’u Lookout. Somebody kept us waiting. Hawaiian time. We do live in Hawaii after all.

Makapu’u Lookout

Looking back at the rising sun that eclipsed the 115,000 candlepower lamp shining from Makapu’u Lighthouse.

Makai Pier

Making our way towards what I like to call the “Stonehenge of the Pacific.”

Makapu’u Puka

Group photo at the well-known landmark.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Hiking on the rocky and thorny edge overlooking the coastal shoreline.

Camp Winner

Can Camper and Winner come out to play?

Manana Island

Roseann hiking up the cliffs overlooking Manana and Kaohika’ipu Islands and Makai Pier.

KSRT

De parapente! De parapente!

Hang Gliding Platform

A tall stranger provided ample shade for Tessa from the morning sun.

Guard Shack

The sentry noticed that hikers were pouring through the porous fence line and decided to do nothing.

Tower

Art leaving behind the skeleton remains of the Nike-Hercules OA-32 IFC batteries that were deactivated in 1970.

KSRT

Dropping down into the saddle.

KSRT

Taking in a birds eye view of the Waimanalo coastline.

KSRT

Just spectactors. No participators.

KSRT

Looking into Kamilo Niu Valley with Koko Crater and Koko Head in the distance.

Kamiloiki Summit

Group photo from our perch overlooking Waimanalo Bay and the three peaks of Olomana, Paku’i and Ahiki.

KSRT

Just missing the cardboard boxes.

KSRT

Making our way through the rocky cliffs.

KSRT

Climbing my way down the extinct proving grounds.

Tom-Tom Summit

The group approaching the summit where the Tom-Tom trail, named after Tom McGuire and Tom Cadle who rediscovered the trail used by ancient Hawaiian trailrunners that drops down into Waimanalo.

KSRT

Standing on a finger ridge to get closer to the views.

KSRT

King Arthur of the Hill.

KSRT

Tessa contouring and climbing her way back to the ridge line.

KSRT

Walking through a stretch of feathery ferns, a nice change from the clawing uluhe ferns.

KSRT

The girls scrambling up the rocks.

KSRT

Art running into a low hanging branch. That’s why you wear caps, to hide the bumps.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Standing on the summit of Kaluanui, the trail that leads to the top has been closed since 2013 by Kamehameha Schools.

KSRT

Leaving the lonely summit behind us as some of us climbed down the cliff while others sensibly used the contour trail.

Hahaione Pyramid

We contoured behind the roughly triangular rock face to continue on the trail.

KSRT

Going through the forest of gnarled and twisted trees.

KSRT

What happens when you drink water stashed from our KST one shot two years ago?

KSRT

Overacting at its finest.

KSRT

Passing the first set of power lines on the trail.

KSRT

Climbing up the hill towards the second set of power lines.

KSRT

Art approaching the summit with his fans in tow.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Our last group photo at what is arguably one of the more popular hiking spots on the island.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

Going down what seemed like an endless number of stairs on the trail.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

Waiting for the group to catch up at the picnic shelter. Where’s the picnic? False advertising.

All pau

Yawyaws talking loudly at the trailhead resulted in the neighbor yelling at us to keep it down and somebody walking away from the group. Perhaps due to anti-social tendencies or non-confrontational tendencies? Thanks to Richie for picking up the split group. Post hike meal at Pho Time. Customer service was not as good as the food and napkin etiquette was not strictly followed by somebody. Yelling for days. To be followed up by Iphone assistance which was met by more yelling. Time to go home and call it a day.

Photos taken by Art Young, 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.

The (wo)men who hike with goats is a 2022 aburdly funny hike starring Camper, Enrique, Jason, Katricia, Marilyn, Tessa, Winner and myself with cameo appearances by Anna and Casey. Photo by Jason.

Makapuu Lookout

Mahalo to Chris for shuttling Enrique, Jason, Marilyn and myself from Kuli’ou’ou to Makapu’u to begin our early morning hike.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Once we reached the top of the ridge line, Enrique began the process of transferring alcoholic liquids from the exterior into the interior.

KSRT

The three of us standing on what I like to call Hawaii’s Stonehenge rocks. Sometimes it’s not worth it for the photo opportunity. Photo by Enrique Chavez.

Makapuu Puka

Outside Looking In Group Photo.

KSRT

Enrique passing by the ladybug tree.

Makai Pier

Marilyn pushing herself up the rocky hill. Photo by Jason.

KSRT

Tessa keeping a couple of goats named Camper and Winner company until we joined her at the hang gliding platform.

KSRT

Establishing dominance or playing around? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Our group numbers increased by three as we resumed our hike on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Jason.

KSRT

Passing through the communications tower site and the nearby former Dead Man’s Catwalk. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Hanging out with the guys. Horns not included. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

KSRT

Dropping down into the saddle. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kamiloiki Summit

Summit views with the blue-green waters of Waimanalo Bay behind us.

KSRT

We left the shaded corridor of ironwood pine trees for the exposed stretch of rocky terrain.

KSRT

The goats testing their sure-footedness on the exposed rocky trail.

KSRT

Picked up a software engineer from a little known company that over a billion people use as she joined our expanding group.

Tom-Tom Summit

We met Casey and his apprentice, Anna who had originally been seeking to ascend Kaupo #2 but somehow wound up coming up Tom-Tom instead. Somebody’s blog was of no use.

KSRT

Contouring our way around the dorsal shaped rock. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

We don’t need no stinking printer cable where we are going. Besides, our cloven hooves are not equipped with opposable thumbs.

KSRT

Nobody gets between us and daddy.

KSRT

Let’s try and keep up with us goats shall we?

Kaluanui Summit

Feeding time at the petting zoo. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Mariners Ridge Summit

Group photo at the summit that KSBE would like you to forget that it exists as the trail to it is no longer open to the public.

Kaluanui Summit

We do this for a hobby, they do it for a living.

KSRT

Resuming our hike after our lunch break at the top.

KSRT

The point of return? Not if a boy from Chicago had any say in it.

Hahaione Pyramid

Enrique pointing out the geological structure that predates the more famous Middle Eastern ones by several million years.

KSRT

Waiting for a couple hikers that apparently liked to repeat their navigational mistakes.

KSRT

The scenic spot that can lead one astray. For some, its all the time.

KSRT

Going up the hill populated with HECO powerline poles and a resting hiker. Props to Katricia for sticking with us and finishing the hike.

KSRT

I have no more nuts! My hands are empty! We know you have more up your sleeve. Having a one sided anthropomorphic conversation. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The goats following Enrique like dogs. I was amazed that they followed us on our entire journey from Makapu’u to Kuli’ou’ou.

Kuliouou Summit

Camper trying to get one last bite before heading down the trail with two strangers. So fickle. I’ll stick with dogs. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kuliouou Summit

Group photo at the 2,028′ eroded hill left to right: Enrique, Jason, Tessa, Marilyn, myself and Katricia.

Kuliouou Summit

Hello? Your goats are available to be picked up at Kuli’ou’ou. Yes, I said Kuli’ou’ou and not Makapu’u. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Kuliouou Trail

Going down the ungraded ridge where the goats put a lot of smiles on every two legged and four legged hikers they met on their way down.

Kuliouou Trail

The goats decided that the mountains was more their domain than the suburbs of East Honolulu and turned around and left us. Crocodile tears.

All pau

Anybody seen my kids?

GPS Tracks

Our wildlife hike covered roughly a little shy of eight miles with great company, human and non-human. Post hike meal criteria was that alcohol must be flowing freely. A nearby supermarket and a pizza place fit the bill.

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

It was time for another camping weekend in the mountains.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Lilyn for dropping me off to begin my brief solo hike. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pali Notches

I soon ran across a group of hikers who were climbing down the second notch. They asked me two questions. Have you done this before and where is the rock formation? I could only answer one of their questions to the best of my knowledge. I asked them what their route was through these mountains. They could not answer my question. Or more accurately, All Trails could not answer it for them.

Chimney

I then ran across another solo hiker, Joy, who climbed the “rock formation” with me and gave me a good scare coming around the contour. Luckily the other group decided to trust their gut intuition rather than All Trails and turned around.

Mud Wall

Watching Joy approach the mud wall with clear views of the Windward coastline and mountains behind her.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Crossed paths with two hikers who were planning on going down to the Pali from the Kalawahine Trail. Thanks to All Trails.

Konahuanui

Uncommonly clear views on top of the highest peak on the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Olomana

Watching paragliders soaring on the thermals as they drifted lazily through the sky.

K2

Joy descending down from the two large testicles.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Walking into a postcard painted by fluted flanks cascading from the crest of the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Photo by Joy Rodriguez.

Manoa Middle Summit

Panoramic views of Maunawili Valley and points beyond.

KSRT

Lost in a sea of green. Photo by Joy Rodriguez.

Castle Trail

Contouring our way below the ridge line where we soon met up with the Wa’ahila Ridge Trail where Joy decided to hike down to make her daughter’s ballet recital.

Awaawaloa

Summit view from the massive peak between Manoa and Palolo Valleys.

Ka’au Crater

Climbed down from the 2,486′ peak and soon approached the power lines that mark one of three tuff cones on the island.

Ka’au Crater

Looking down into the marsh filled crater. I was also asked if I was a crane repair man sent up here to fix something. Perhaps it had something to do with my work shirt, but still somewhat perplexed as to how a crane would find itself on top of these mountains.

KSRT

Looking into Palolo Valley and the other tuff cone which also happens to be the hardest hike on the island.

Kainawa’aunui

Taking a load off my feet on the 2,520′ summit after the short and stiff climb up the huge hill.

Pu’u Lanipo

My dream of hiking Lanipo Windward is slowly becoming a pipe dream.

KSRT

Descending down the ridge marked with power line towers and approaching the cell tower that marks Wiliwilinui ridge.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Many thanks to Chris, Dale and Sally that brought us chicken and water and stayed to share the sunset with us.

Camp Wili

We enjoyed a cold, clear and crisp night at the summit camp. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Camp Wili

The morning cloud formations filtered and painted the skies and scenery. It was quite the show.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Art hiked up to join us at the top, carrying a couple of sodas and two legged and four legged hikers in tow.

KSRT

Leaving the 2,520′ summit behind us as we started another day of hiking in the mountains.

Wailupe Summit

What’s going on here? What happened to the prayer flags and the green sign?

KSRT

It’s always hump day in the mountains.

KSRT

Slightly overcast conditions kept us from overheating in the mountains. Photo by Art Young.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Somebody sounded faintly familiar at the 2,520′ knob.

KSRT

Hiking up the next hill to look for that flapping chicken. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kulepeamoa Summit

Never say never? Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

The hills have hills.

Kuli’ou’ou 2?

Isn’t this Pu’u O Kona? I have the same book as well you know. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The debate was still not settled and with a lunch riding on the outcome, we left the questionable summit. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Art warned us to be careful on this eroded section and promptly reinforced it by falling down. Thanks Art!

KSRT

Tessa showing us how to safely cross the trail. Somebody needs to take notes.

KSRT

Scenic view of Waimanalo and points beyond. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Just missing the tent. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Art making his way to the sounding knee. Maybe creaking knees. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

Met up with Aida, Bill, Narissa, Quan, Shirley and Tanya at the 2,028′ eroded hill.

KSRT

It was time to take our leave of the windy and overpopulated summit. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Aida on the exposed ridge before being swallowed up by the forest. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Hey, let’s leave an arrow made of sticks so the rest of the group goes down the right junction. One problem with that, they will have to notice it.

KSRT

Are we on the right trail? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

The group making their way down the set of powerline towers that straddle the ridgeline. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Did you see the arrow? What arrow?

Scenic point

Where did the other three go? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Contouring on the Windward side of the ridge that was thickly covered with pine needles and cones. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Hahaione Pyramid

Looking ahead to the roughly triangular shaped rock that predates the more famous ones located over 9,000 miles away.

KSRT

Some of us took the high road and others took the low road. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Taking in the Windward views on top of the small, flat topped hill. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Tessa climbing up the short rockface. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Mariner’s Ridge Summit

Watching the rest of the group make their way up to the summit that Kamehameha Schools would like you to forget. Photo by Art Young

Kaluanui Summit

Lunch in the shade. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KSRT

Back on the trail that alternated between stands of trees and exposed ridge. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Everybody waiting their turn to go down the printer cable. Yes, printer cable. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Contouring around the rock that nobody wanted to climb. Photo by Art Young.

Tom-Tom Summit

Passing the powerlines that marks the trail that drops down into Waimanalo. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Scrambling our way up and over the rockfaces that dominated the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

The sun was taking a beating on us. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Headed up to the steep and shaded pine forest. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamiloiki Summit

Planking at the shaded spot overlooking the Waimanalo coastline.

KSRT

Breaking out onto the exposed trail before plunging back into another stand of pine trees.

KSRT

Leaving the brief shade before getting another does of Vitamin D. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Dropping down into the depression. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Scrambling out of the saddle. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Taking a brief break on top of the small denuded hill before another small dip. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kamehame Road

Physical dehydration, fatigue and inducements of free dinner convinced us to end the hike early. Early being relative. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kamehame Road

I guess it was past closing time. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

All pau

End of the well trafficked road for us. Thanks to Chris for picking us up and feeding us with fast food.

GPS Tracks

Our hike depending who you went with and what routes one took, covered a little over 12 miles. Post hike meal at Pho time. It took time for some of us to get our food. Guess it wasn’t pho time for everybody. Fun hike with new and old friends.

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