We did a fun and short exploratory hike the day after Christmas. Met up with Aida, Edgar, Kathleen, Lilyn, Marilyn and Quan deep in Waiahole Valley.

Waiahole Valley

Leaving Eden as we crossed the small arched bridge to begin our hike.

Waiahole Valley

A bunch of vines does not make a bunch of roots. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Valley

Reviving the past or just passing a rather large kidney stone.

Waianu Stream

Some of us plunged feet first into the stream.

Waianu Stream

Others struggled, unnecessarily I might add, to stay dry by either rock hopping or clinging to the fern covered stream banks.

Waianu Stream

My elevator service has apparently branched off into the horizontal world as well. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Valley

Scrambling up the steep hill with loose rocks underfoot. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Valley

Golf balls littered the hill as there used to be a three hole golf course around here back in the day.

Waiahole Valley

Pulling ourselves up the tree lined hill.

Waiahole Valley

Kathleen looking refreshed after her upper body workout.

Pu’u Maikikiki

All feet on the survey marker.

Pu’u Maikikiki

Looking for a view. Any view at all.

Pu’u Maikikiki

Our tree framed view of Pu’u Ohulehule, the triangular peak that rises from the floor of Kahana Valley.

Pu’u Maikikiki

Group photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Waiahole Valley

We followed the faint trail through the ridge line on our way down.

Waiahole Valley

Stuck in the sea of uluhe ferns. What’s going on here? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Valley

Weaving our way through the bamboo forest. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Waiahole Valley

Threading our way through the primitive grasses.

Waiahole Valley

Following the sound of water to its source. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Waianu Stream

Back in the tributary waters of Waiahole Stream. The Waiahole Ditch that was constructed in 1917 siphoned off the valley waters to the Leeward side for the sugar plantations and the water was finally restored back in 2000 after the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled in favor of Waiahole Valley.

Waianu Stream

Some people still trying to stay dry and working on their balancing skills.

Waianu Stream

Others accepted the inevitable and got their feet wet along with their farm to table pickings.

All pau

Reflections and serenity at the koi fish pond. Thanks to Edgar for allowing us to roam around his daughter’s house backyard and Marilyn for organizing the day.

GPS Tracks

Our loop hike covered roughly 1.2 miles through the lush forest and clear flowing stream. Post hike meal at Waiahole Poi Factory where the poi was pounded fresh and the chili pepper water flowed from the table to the beef luau stew. Broke da mouth.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Pu’u Makahiki Exploration Hike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCS0Yj49wlU

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 for more waterfalls. Of a sort. There was water flowing. Does that count? Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Waiahole Valley

Aida, Analyn, Art, Dale, Ed, Edgar, Janell, Jennifer, Katie, Quan, Sally and myself carpooled into Lilyn and Matt’s vehicles and drove to the trailhead before the chickens woke up to start our tubing exploration and hike with Janell one last time before she moves to the mainland.

Waiahole Valley

We had a brief discussion as Matt was going to take us on the longer approach that would involve more tubing time, but we all decided on the shorter route. Besides, nobody brought their wet suits except Matt and nobody was dying to catch a case of hypothermia. Photo by Art Young.

Waiahole Valley

Our first stream crossing of the day. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waiahole Valley

We soon connected to the main trail in the valley. Photo by Art Young.

Waiahole Valley

Shake on top. Shaka on bottom. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Waiahole Valley

Single filing on the trail. No passing. Photo by Jennifer LaRochelle.

Waiahole Valley

There’s only room for one guy on this tree. And a woman apparently. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Valley

How many hikers can this tree support? Apparently 13. Lucky 13. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Waiahole Valley

Paparazzi swarming the haku lei’d Janell. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waiahole Valley

My selfie stick gets bigger! Learn something new every day! Group photo by Sally Chow.

Waiahole Valley

Look who arrived fashionably late. Somebody was not a morning person. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Waiahole Valley

Everybody was here for the party. Group photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Waiahole Valley

Some kept dry and some got wet for another stream crossing. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Waiahole Valley

Laredo showed us this off the beaten trail gem of a tree. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waiahole Valley

Silky waterfall shot. Smooth as segregation. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ahu

Rock stackers repping a group from the Paleolithic era.

Waiahole Valley

Preparing to cross over another stream crossing. Photo by Art Young.

Waiahole Valley

Art was thinking of taking the easy way out of the valley. Photo by Janell Tuttle.

Waiahole Valley

Everybody wanted to practice their silky shots, once the settings became known. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Waiahole Valley

Analyn climbing her way through one of the major blowdowns in the valley. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Waiahole Valley

Building a junction marker that we never came back to use. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Waiahole Valley

Listening to the back and forth discussion if we are coming back or not coming back here. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Waiahole Valley

The closest we would come to seeing the waterfall. Photo by Allison Banks.

Waiahole Tunnels

We finally decided that we were not coming back here, so we all gathered our stuff and headed into the tunnel. Photo by Art Young.

Waiahole Tunnels

Looking back as the rest of the group streamed into the tunnel. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Waiahole Tunnels

Exploring one of 27 known tunnels on this side of the island. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Waiahole Tunnels

Making our way up the “step” as the water churned underneath our feet. Photo by Art Young.

Waiahole Tunnels

Some of us climbed out of the freezing water and explored another tunnel above us. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Waiahole Tunnels

I thought Halloween was yesterday? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Tunnels

Laredo going through the semi-gated tunnel. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Waiahole Tunnels

Matt on the other side of the gate. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Waiahole Tunnels

Hello from the other side. Photo by Ed Valdez.

Waiahole Tunnels

Ed taking the direct route to get back to us. Pays to be on the slender side. Photo by Sally Chow

Waiahole Tunnels

Wading through just part of the network of irrigation tunnels that is the sugar industry’s legacy to Hawaii as it channels water trapped in the basaltic dikes to the arid central plain.

Blow

It was time to release everybody’s hot air. Some had to master the technique of pinch and blow. Some never could. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waiahole Tunnels

Testing out the water slide. Katie lost her floatie and Sally got stuck. But everybody had fun. Manmade water park.

Waiahole Tunnels

There was another debate as to how far we should go upstream. Eventually Jennifer, Quan and myself followed Allison further up the pitch black tunnel while everybody else went with the flow.

Waiahole Tunnels

Follow me guys, we don’t need another extra 20 minutes. Photo by Art Young.

Waiahole Tunnels

Passing a side tunnel as Dale, Ed and Edgar headed back topside.

Waiahole Valley

Look what Ed found floating out of the tunnel. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Waiahole Valley

Dale put the found floatie to immediate use. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Waiahole Tunnels

We didn’t find the promised waterfalls, so we hopped in our floaties and enjoyed the ride down the tunnel.

Waiahole Tunnels

The rest of the group daisy chained together as they floated downstream. The group that floats together, stays together. Literally. Photo by Art Young.

Waiahole Tunnels

Floating down at different speeds based on body weight and position.

Waiahole Tunnels

End of the ride for us, as the drainage grate impeded further progress.

Waiahole Tunnels

We could literally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Waiahole Tunnels

Janell getting ready to submerge and slide out. Photo by Art Young.

Waiahole Tunnels

Matt helping with the assist and recovery on the other side. Somebody didn’t need the help.

Waiahole Tunnels

Top side view of the water flowing out of the tunnel.

Waiahole Valley

The group in various stages of shivering. Photo by Art Young.

Waiahole Valley

Matt and Sally coming down the steps after checking out a memorial perhaps dedicated to the Chinese workers that helped build these irrigation tunnels?

Waiahole Valley

I guess Janell will have to find other booty to squeeze on the mainland.

Waiahole Valley

Walking out the verdant valley.

Waiahole Valley

Somebody was not amused at Matt crying wolf repeatedly, or was that crying scooba? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waiahole Valley

Trying to play Tarzan on the vines, very unsuccessfully I might add.

Waiahole Valley

Coming down the road back to our cars.

Waiahole Valley

Some forgetful hiker left her wallet on the road and luckily discovered it coming back. Naturally, suspicion fell on me for some reason. When sorry doesn’t mean sorry. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

All pau

This picture begs the question; which is faster, a hiker or a tortoise? We also found out that posed mannequins can easily fool some people more than others. Allison, Analyn and Laredo had to leave as they had hot dates waiting for them. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Post hike meal

The rest of us grabbed Hawaiian food from where else, Waiahole Poi Factory and headed across the street to Kualoa Beach, where Narissa also joined us to eat our lunch in social distancing peace.

Kualoa Beach

Fun on the beach with a borrowed children’s toy, couples snuggling and posing.

Kualoa Beach

Halloween was still alive on the beach. Who did the wicked witch of the Windward best?

Secret Island

Fun at the docks. One last booty squeeze, shoulder squeezing, kung fu fighting and cartwheeling.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our Waiahole Tunnels Exploration Hike.

Video by Matt Vidaurri of our Waiahole Tunnels Exploration Hike.

It was a fun filled day with good friends and company. Saying goodbye is always bittersweet. Everybody will miss your infectious laugh and smile Janell. A hui hou.

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.

We spent Father’s Day in the mountains from sunrise to sunset and then some. Anything for a good time, right?

Trailhead

Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood to begin our early morning hike. Group photo left to right: Ferlino, Aida, Lilyn, myself, Art and Somphet. Photo by Jasmin Carinio.

Manana Trail

Pounding the pavement for a short time. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Manana Trail

Breaking out into the open flat section with the twinkling city lights behind us.

Manana Trail

No benchwarmers on this hike. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Do Not Disturb

Passing through the second set of camping tents that started by the picnic shelter.

Gentlemen first?

Aida opening the recently installed gate which roughly marks the halfway point on the trail. Photo by Art Young.

Manana Trail

Looking ahead as the ridge line undulated and narrowed to the top.

Manana Trail

Rear views. Currently better than the front views.

Manana Summit

Fleeting views at the 2,660′ knob. Time to move on.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Descending from the summit as we struck out towards the Northern parts of the island. The winds and clouds forced our attention on the ridge as we had no views to distract us.

KSRT

Navigating the tricky turn in the mountains.

The Corner

No stop at the creek for H20. We had enough liquid nourishment to last us for the day. Photo by Aida Gordon.

What would Art say?

What is going on here? Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Keeping our hands and feet on the hilly ridge line as we approached Waiawa Gap. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Aida overlooking the Windward ridges, valleys and coastline. Photo by Somphet Chanhpheng.

Casper

Putting on my best white face in the mountains. There is no political correctness in the mountains. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiawa Gap

Dropping down to the gloved one that still lives in the mountains. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waiawa Gap

Enjoying the “country” views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiawa Gap

Sliding down the soggy hill.

Waiawa Gap

Hamming it up. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing out of the gap. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiawa Gap

One shouldn’t play with sharp objects in the mountains. A lesson that would soon be unfortunately learned.

Waiawa Gap

Enjoying the views of the ridges holding the clouds at bay.

KSRT

What happens when you shop for your poncho at the dollar store. You need nature’s fan for an additional windbreak. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KSRT

Ferlino pushing up another hill. Hills after hills.

KSRT

Somphet savoring the rugged views. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KSRT

Aida and Somphet coming up the ridge line with sweeping Windward views behind them. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

Ferlino and Lilyn pushing up one of the last hills. Photo by Art Young.

Kipapa Summit

The point where the hike transitioned from the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail to the Ko’olau Summit Trail. Tomato. Tomatoe. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Contouring to connect back to the ridge line. Photo by Somphet Chanhpheng.

Waiahole

Aida in the thick of the stand of Japanese Sugi Pine Trees. Photo by Art Young.

Waiahole

The group climbing up to the windswept and soggy summit after a brief stop at Camp Rusty.

Waiahole Summit

Somebody was eager to start bushwhacking. Go to town young man. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waiahole Uka

Taking a hike down memory lane. It wasn’t that long ago and it wasn’t particular happy ones. Some of us are gluttons for punishment I guess. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Uka

Enjoying the cloud soaked ridge before we hit the overgrowth.

Waiahole Uka

Back in the jungle. Time to start swinging. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Man down

When you swing inside instead of outside, you will need the medical attention of a retired nurse.

Waiahole Uka

All patched up and ready to resume hiking. Happy out patient.

Waiahole Uka

The views to the left of the ridge as the clouds cleared up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waiahole Uka

Working our way through the overgrowth clogged ridge line also made it painfully clear why I don’t use a hiking stick, they are more of a hindrance than a help. Sorry about losing your GoPro Ferlino! Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Uka

The views to the right of the ridge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waiahole Uka

Aida coming down the tangled thicket of vines and uluhe ferns. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Uka

Art climbing down the first rope. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Uka

Lilyn coming down the second rope section. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waiahole Uka

Aida’s turn at climbing down the severely eroded section. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Uka

Pushing our way through the thick carpet of uluhe ferns. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Uka

Ferlino in over his head. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Valley

We slid off the uluhe clogged ridge and set foot in the valley of the lost or soon to be.

Waiahole Valley

Following the trail as we made good use of the dwindling daylight.

Waiahole Valley

We crossed the dam and then it was dam time to turn on our head lamps.

Waiahole Valley

Climbing over, under and through patches of large blow downs. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Valley

Finding our way out after wandering through the valley on an extended tour. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

All pau

Walking out the road after we were subjected to an earful and then some by a certain valley inhabitant. Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up on the darkened road. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

GPS Tracks

Our “never learn from the first time” hike covered 11.6 miles through hostile terrain in more ways than one with a great crew. Post hike meal at Casa Carinio where we were treated to the neighbor’s laulau. Yum. Not enough to induce a kanak attack, but good enough to whet the whistle.

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

I found myself in the company of Aida and Lilyn and back in the wild country of the Northern KST on Kamehameha Day. Not a bad way to spend the holiday. Maybe I spoke too soon.

Cattle crossing

Who needs a cattle dog when you have a Toyota 4Runner.

Trailhead

Thanks to Edgar for driving us up the jeep road and whose parting words were that he would check on our cars the next day. Little did we know how true his words would turn out to be. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Poamoho Trail

The summit looked clear and promising as we set foot on the graded and cleared trail.

Poamoho Trail

Stepping over a small blow down. Little did we know it was going to be a primer for bigger things down in the valley.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the pea soup gulch. So much for the views at the top.

Cline Memorial

The winds were blowing something fierce at the summit and visibility was near zero. So we settled for our group shot at the somewhat sheltered spot. I should’ve wiped the condensation off the lens.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Aida and Lilyn making their way on the board walk.

Poamoho Cabin

No stop at the cabin today. Speed was of the essence today and not shelter. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KST

Seeking temporary refuge on the Leeward side from the battering winds. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KST

We got treated to magnificent vistas as we stepped foot on the “runway.” Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

The girls leaving the last gate on the trail behind us.

Pauao Junction

Panoramic view of Kahana Valley and points beyond.

KST

Following the trail as it contoured and dropped below the ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KST

Misty mountains. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Lilyn crossing over one of many land slides on the trail. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Group photo with Kahana Valley and all her peaks. I should’ve wiped the condensation off the lens. Slow learner.

KST

Lilyn coming around the sheltered side.

KST

Looking ahead to the junction. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

When the wind hits you in the face like a Chicago pizza pie.

KST

Crossing over one of the bigger land slides on the well trodden path. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KST

Hiking on the Leeward side offered a reprieve from the whipping winds but in exchange we had to deal with overgrowth and many false holes. Photo by Aida Gordon.

LifeCall

Spoke to soon? Somebody was saying something about false holes? Lilyn helping Aida get back on the trail.

KST

The bipolar weather followed us on the ridge line. Clear. Cloudy. Clear. But the gusting winds kept us company throughout the hike.

KST

Switching back to the Windward side. Photo by Aida Gordon.

KST

Psst. Over here. Navigating the twists and turns of the trail.

KST

Aida making her way on the Leeward side. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Why can’t the whole trail be like this? Then it wouldn’t be fun otherwise known in some circles as character building.

KST

Following the fence line down to the cloud soaked meadow. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Tree of Life

Capturing a rare moment when the backdrop views against the horizontal tree presented themselves. The condensation cleared up.

Tree of Life

The winds seemed to blow us every which way but up. The struggle was real.

KST

Passing through another grove of sugi pine trees.

KST

The girls passing through the notch which meant that we were close to the base of the summit. The cross over was finished, now we had no idea what lay in store for our descent. Surprises can be a good thing. Not on this hike.

KST

Climbing up to the summit I last visited over four years ago. I was in for a big surprise.

Waiahole Summit

The winds seemed to have picked up in intensity at the boggy summit. The condensation came back.

Waiahole Uka

The socked in summit, gale force winds and heavy overgrowth had me second guessing if we were on the right ridge. We eventually came across faded ribbons which gave us assurance. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Uka

The clouds soon cleared revealing the lush and green Waiahole Valley. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Uka

The overgrowth seemed to increase in density as we dropped in elevation. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Uka

Lacking clearing tools, we had to use our body weight and appendages to force our way through the uluhe ferns and vines that masked the ridge and drop offs. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Waiahole Uka

Lilyn going down the second rope section.

Waiahole Uka

Vines served to impede further progress on the ridge. Just ask Aida.

Waiahole Uka

Last picture of the day before we got swallowed up by the head high uluhe ferns. We slid off the insanely overgrown ridge as darkness hit the valley floor. Lights on. It was a perfect storm of washed out trails, massive blow downs, and overgrowth as far as our headlamps could illuminate. We knew East was the way out, but our GPS kept returning mixed signals. Props to Lilyn for her dogged determination to find our way out as she had teeth to pull the next day. But the dragging time and the fact we were tired to the bone, took its toll so we eventually just took a nap on the trail itself until sunrise to shed some light on our way out.

Bright eyed and bushy tailed

We were awakened from our short slumber by the rising sun around 0530 and discovered that the trail was directly across us. Daylight can bring such clarity to the subject at hand.

Waiahole Valley

Passing underneath the tree that was both horizontal and vertical.

Waiahole Valley

Getting our feet wet.

Waiahole Valley

Now we can enjoy and appreciate the valley trail. Look at all these trees! And they’re not blocking the trail!

All pau

A big shout out to Quan who came and picked us up bearing gifts of KFC, hot and cold beverages and drove us back to Mililani to recover our cars where we met Edgar “self-fulfilling prophecy” Gamiao washing his car.

GPS Tracks

Our exhilarating and exhausting hike all rolled up into two days covered 13.7 miles through spectacular scenery (when it presented itself) and a descent down an insanely overgrown ridge and valley with an amazing bunch that never gave up. Now it was time for us to go to work on one hour of sleep.

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 on the mountains again. The Ko’olau Mountains. The weather seemed to be cooperating this time around; so I met Chris, Jose and Ryan at the Manana trailhead tucked deep in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

On the trail again

We had company at the gate. Hunters with dogs. We passed after exchanging pleasantries and assurances that the dogs were friendly.

Stairs to the Ko’olaus

Slats doubling as steps which help to retard erosion.

Follow the sign

We followed the trail to the left which leads to the Ko’olau Summit. Keeping to the right will descend down into “Cardiac Hill” and Waimano Falls.

Wide open trail

Wide open dirt trail, enjoy it while it lasts.

Bench with a view

Hmmm, it would be a tight fit for four.

Too early for a picnic

Leaving the last signs of civilization behind us.

Sunrise

Sunrise breaking over the Ko’olau mountains.

The rollercoaster ride begins

Manana trail is known for its seemingly endless assorted sizes of hills that goes up and down.

Not too bad

The trail starts off through thickets of invasive Eucalyptus and guava trees.

Hmm, I show 2.9

Ryan’s GPS Garmin and the sign marker had to agree to disagree. We figured the extra .4 miles was because he started tracking from the road and the mileage actually started further into the trail.

Getting steeper

Chris and Ryan climbing up a somewhat steep section. Those uluhe ferns are everywhere!

Where’s the helicopter?

Taking a quick break at one of the few flat clearings on the trail.

Halfway there

Manana trail is roughly six miles long to the summit.

Rollercoasting

Pushing deeper into the native forest as we left most of the invasive flora behind. For the life of me, I still can’t identify most of them. Need to work on that.

Waianae Mountain Range

Looking towards the Waianae Mountain Range, which includes the highest mountain on the island – Mount Ka’ala – normally capped or swathed in clouds. Today was no exception.

Almost there

Enjoying another break on the last flat clearing before the summit. These guys were setting a good pace. Left to my own devices, I would still be down at the picnic shed chugging down my Gatorade.

The final stretch

Time to finish off this trail.

Need water?

Looking down to our left, we spotted Waiawa stream barely trickling down from the mountains.

Manana summit

Beautiful blue skies frosted with clouds greeted us at the summit.

Elevation 2,750′

Group photo at the summit overlooking Kaalaea Valley left to right: Jose, Ryan, myself and Chris. Panoramic views from Kualoa to Makapuu were laid out before us.

Hiking on the KST

After digesting the views and snacks, we turned left on the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Passing the meadows

The Ko’olau spine soon veered to the left, passing a grassy meadow with great views of Waiahole Valley, and then resumed a northerly direction with Leeward views of the island.

Rollercoaster ride resumes

The up and down Manana trail was a primer for this section of the Ko’olaus.

Headed towards the Waiawa Gap

We lost hundreds of feet in elevation as we made our way towards the lowest point in this section of the Ko’olaus.

Come down this way

We slid and scooted our way down from a higher ridge to a lower ridge to stay on trail.

Waiawa Gap

Lunchtime at the 2,150′ dip in the Ko’olaus.

One leg at a time

Chris stepping over a tree on the trail. Watch the drop on your right!

Time to go back up

What goes down the Ko’olaus, must come back up the Ko’oalus.

Getting that elevation back

Shaking off the “Hawaiian Paralysis” by climbing up some steep hills. Also gets the heart racing, lungs busting and calories burning.

Clouds rolling in

The sunshine couldn’t last all day, especially on top of the Ko’olaus.

Waiahole Uka sighted

We spotted the flat hill and ridge descending down into Waiahole Valley. The end was in sight!

Not too steep

Typical KST trail – narrow, overgrown and with steep drop offs plunging thousands of feet down. Just another day at the office.

Kipapa summit

The sign that we missed on one of our last hikes that took us on an unexpected detour down the Kipapa trail.

That’s the ridge we need to be on

Clouds blanketed the mountains, making navigation somewhat of a chore. Hiking tip: When traveling north, stay to the right or the windward side. That usually works.

Sugi pine tree grove

Ryan and Chris checking out the Sugi Pine Trees, native to Japan, while standing on the remnants of the old Kipapa Army Cabin.

Waiahole Uka summit

What would a windward ridge be without rain? Exactly.

All downhill

Going down Waiahole ridge is going with gravity. There is no up and down. Just down. Straight down in some places. Ropes and rain made it manageable.

Uluhe country

What’s even better than wading through thick patches of Uluhe ferns? Doing it in the rain!

Waterfalls!

Looking to our right, waterfalls were flowing. Waterfalls are like rainbows after a heavy rain.

Kuolani-Waianu Trail

Leaving behind the tangled mess of uluhe ferns. And then the rain stopped.

Waiahole Ditch Tunnel

Ryan discovered a shaft that ran perpendicular to the tunnel. One word – tubing.

Timber!

We came across a huge landslide that had dumped massive trees and rocks onto the trail. And it started to rain again. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Fresh water

Ryan sampling for lepto.

Stream crossing

The last stream crossing. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki.

Road out

Jose and Chris found their second wind and jogged down this jeep road. Ryan and I just walked it back.

All pau!

We finished the hike with enough daylight to spare. Thanks to Jasmin for picking up four muddy, smelly and soaking wet hikers.

GPS Tracks

The 10.25 mile hike, 13 miles if you go with Ryan’s Garmin, started off sunny and ended up raining on our parade. Still a great grinder with a great crew. We ended the day with dinner at Koolau Drive Inn.

I decided to hike Mariner’s Ridge Trail today. Scratch that. The trail is off-limits, do not hike that trail. I can rest easy now, as I have done my part. To see what I’m rambling about, click here. Instead, I met up with Donald, Marvin, Randy and Ryan at the end of Waimano Home Road at 5am. The plan was to hike from Waiahole Uka to Waimano Trail. Key word : plan. Events would dictate otherwise. Matt picked us up and deposited us at the start of the Waiahole Trail. Thanks Matt!

Sunrise

Walking in the dark valley, we got off track a bit until Randy regained the trail for us.

We meet again

Instead of going with the flow like we did last time, we went against gravity and made our way up the ridge which was thickly tangled with uluhe ferns. Not fun. Hiking tip: tall hikers out in front helps a bit to clear the path. Also wearing long sleeves and long pants helps to blunt the uluhe ferns clawing at you.

I should’ve had a V8

It was a relentless and steady climb up. There are ropes on the steeper sections of the ridge for assistance if needed, but to paraphrase the saying ” You never know where that rope’s been.”

We need the secondary photographer

During the climb up, Marvin didn’t feel well and decided to turn around and catch the bus back home. Now we were left without our KST guide. We decided to forge ahead anyway, as who wanted to go back through that uluhe fern mess again? Photo by Donald Truesdell.

Scenic shot

Click here for the larger image. Photo by Ryan Meyer.

Lunch spot

We topped out at Waiahole Uka on a clear day to soak in the views and take a load off our feet. Photo by Donald Truesdell.

On the KST…for now…

Stretching our legs out before they got too cold, we resumed our hike and made our way around the grove of Sugi pine trees as Randy scouted the hill ahead. Our feet soon trampled the remnants of the old Kipapa cabin as we made our way on what we thought was the KST trail.

Waiahole Uka

Looking back at Waiahole Uka sandwhiched in between Pu’u Ohulehule and Pu’u Manamana.

And we start going down…the wrong way…

We soon shredded any hope that we were on the KST trail as we started dropping elevation and the Koolau mountains became more distant in the background.

It comes out somewhere…

The die was cast already and we had made our choice, not the right one, but we figured the ridge had to come out somewhere. And we still had plenty of daylight left. But no clue as to what ridge we were hiking on.

Sleeps 8

Shortly after passing this un-named cabin that apparently was the property of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the trail soon looked like Mother Nature had reclaimed it lock, stock and barrel. The heavily overgrown trail lasted for several hours and significantly stalled our forward progress, until we got a break in the form of a trail clearing crew, that was clearing the last three miles until the trailhead. Thank you! The crew also told us that we were on the Kipapa or Koa Ridge. Mystery solved. Photo by Ryan Meyer.

Kipapa trailhead

We arrived at the Kipapa trailhead, somewhat scratched and poked at, but none the worse for wear.

Thanks for the beers!

The jeep road took us straight to a couple of friendly ranch hands that offered us ice cold Corona’s. Talk about Aloha! We needed that liquid nourishment to help us finish the last five miles of roads we needed to get back to civilization.

The long road out

On the way out, we passed horses put out to pasture, grazing cows and an assortment of farm vegetables.

H-2

After crossing over the H-2 freeway, we passed by the Waiahole Ditch System which was created in the early 1900’s to irrigate the Leeward side with water from the Windward side. We soon crossed Ka Uka Blvd and plopped down on the grass in front of Waipio Starbucks, until Ryan and Donald’s friend came and picked us up. Thanks C-Pot!

GPS Tracks

The hike was 13.7 miles or 16-17 miles, depending on whose GPS was reading correctly that day. All in all, it was still a grinder hike by any definition.

Today over 30,000 people were lining up at Kapiolani Park to start The Honolulu Marathon. Marvin, Jose and myself got dropped off by Chris on Waikane Valley Road to start our own Hiking Marathon of sorts. We walked past the barking dogs and followed the explosive danger signs plastered fence into the dark valley, only to be stopped in our tracks as we came across a huge muddy landslide that had wiped out part of the trail. Jose checked it out and deemed it safe enough to walk over without sliding down into the gurgling stream below us.

Sunrise

After crossing the stream, we missed the sharp left turn to gain the Waikane trail in the dark until Jose called out and we backtracked our way. Breaking free of the valley cover, the sun was able to reach us unfiltered as we took in the sunrise from the lookout on the Waikane trail.

Contouring

Contouring our way on the Waikane trail.

Waikane terminus

Stopping at the Waikane terminus that is marked by a rusty metal stake with a pink ribbon on it.

Staring into the sun

Looking into Kahana Valley with squinty eyes. After a short break, we made another sharp left turn as we set foot on the KST in the general direction of Waiahole.

Trail clearing time!

The trail was heavily overgrown with all types of vegetation and there were many false steps on the trail for hikers not paying attention. Like me.

Waianae Mountains

It was clear enough to see the entire Waianae Mountain Range from Kaena to Mokuleia.

Kahana Valley

The prominent peak of Ohulehule rising out of the Kahana Valley floor.

Nice day on the KST

Taking a break and soaking in the views on the KST. Shortly after, the clouds rolled in and we resumed our hiking.

Big buggah

A rather large example of Lehua papa or Metrosideros rugosa, endemic to Oahu and particularly fond of making themselves home on the wet and windy ridges of the Koolaus.

Wind(less) meadow

We descended down into this meadow, expecting to battle the fierce winds that I’ve heard so much about. I guess Mother Nature was on hiatus today. Not even a puff.

Clouds rolling in

Climbing out of the meadow, we looked over the ridge to check out the cloudy views of the Windward side.

Sugi not sugoi!

We soon came to the notch and the grove of Sugi Pine Trees that signaled we were near the Waiahole Uka terminus.

The last hill

Going up the grassy hill to the Waiahole Uka terminus. The original hike was planned to end at Manana, but my stomach was having none of that and so we ended up using Waiahole as the bailout.

Waiahole Uka

Taking a break amongst all the clouds.

Climbing into the clouds

Going down Waiahole Uka is all descending. No rolling hills here. Other hikers have likened this ridge to Piliwale, with the main difference of heavy overgrowth and more taxing.

Ropes are our friends

There are a couple of steep and crumbly sections to go down, but for the most part, they are roped for assistance

.

Uluhe fern country

Marvin and Jose wading through the last half of the ridge which is covered in uluhe ferns. Not fun at all.

Until we meet again

I’m not looking forward to wading through those obnoxious ferns again. In hindsight, should have stuck it out to Manana. Oh well.

GPS Tracks

After popping out of that tangled mess of ferns, we made our way down onto the Kuolani-Waianu trail which passed through several gullies and the man-made waterfall. Jasmin was nice enough to pick us up at the trailhead which saved us a mile of walking and running into Scuba, the “guardian” of the valley. The entire hike was just shy of 11 miles, which still made it a grinder in my books.