Camping plans got shelved so it was off to hike the highest peak on Oahu today.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Thanks to Edgar and Jasmin for shuttling us to the valley of stripped cars, stray dogs and stealers.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Walking up the road that is nobody’s friend.

Waianae Kaala Trail

End of the road and start of the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Going up the steep leaf carpeted hill for our morning cardio.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Group photo at the horizontal leaning tree, which is a position some in the group wanted to assume.

Waianae Kaala Trail

We’ve only just begun to hike
Sunscreen and bug spray
A deep breath and we’re on our way
We’ve only begun

Three Poles

Taking a rest after all that elevation gain. We still got roughly 1,300′ more of climbing to do.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Tessa making short work of the jumbled rocks with short legs.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Flying the drone to get a birds eye view.

Waianae Kaala Trail

It takes a group to raise a friend.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Our group photo on top of the rocks. Shaken, not stirred.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin climbing up the trail from an approach she has never done before. First time for everything.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Mari climbing up the ladder on the second set of jumbled rocks found on the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

The group going up the long stretch of rope and rocks.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Not out of the woods yet.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Looking for those native snails. I saw one on this very same tree on one of my last visits. I guess they moved on.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Pop! Boom! Bang! That’s how Cristy hikes. Or at least that’s how her pants rolls.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin with the panoramic background the valleys and ridges behind her.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Exhaled condensation became visible due to altitude, temperature and humidity levels. Photographic evidence did not manifest itself unfortunately.

Mount Ka’ala Bog

Meandering our way through the 1/4 mile boardwalk that protects the 1,100 acres of the native ecosystem of plants and animals.

Mount Ka’ala

Congratulations to Mari for completing the climb to the highest peak on the island that sits at 4,025′ above sea level.

Mount Ka’ala

Kenny and myself went clockwise around the FAA radar station established in the 1960s and often called “Red Bluff.” We were trying to hike down to the hoist structure but took the wrong trail.

Mount Ka’ala

Meanwhile, the rest of the group soon followed and not seeing us had assumed that we had just circled the radar station. “Assumptions are made, and most assumptions are wrong” – Albert Einstein. So the group had to come back to the scenic spot to have our lunch.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo near “Red Bluff,” named because of the iron-rich soil found at the site where the radar station is situated.

Mount Ka’ala

Looking into the radar station that is jointly managed by the FAA and Hawaii Air National Guard.

Mount Ka’ala

Lunch is served, vodka not included.

Mount Ka’ala

Akira was either having a kanak attack or cramp attack or panic attack.

Mount Ka’ala

Not all of us chose the same way to exit the grassy spot overlooking the central plains.

Mount Ka’ala

Our last group photo before leaving the summit.

Mount Ka’ala Bog

Heading out through the cloud forest on the boardwalk.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Can’t beat the views going down.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Traffic Jam.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Robin leaving the ridge line as we descended back down to the valley floor.

All pau

Thanks to Edgar and Jasmin for picking us back up at the end of our hike.

GPS Tracks

Our hike to the highest mountain on the island of Oahu covered 7.48 miles with good friends and good times.

The Beach House by 604

Our post hike meal was at the dirty spoon aka flyblown as we had our dinner and sampled the not so famous clam chowder and Mr. Suzuki became the new Mr. Miyagi. We did have a nice sunset for our viewing pleasure.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Cristy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Robin Farr, 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.

Tessa came out of her self-imposed semi-retirement to see her significant other complete the Waianae Summit Trail today.

Waianae Valley

Mahalo to Lilia and Kenny for dropping us off in the remote valley that was once home to taro, cattle and sugarcane. Now it’s home to the occasional chronic, abandoned cars and stray dogs.

Waianae Kaala Road

I guess we follow the arrow for the group photo and the hiking trail.

Waianae Kaala Road

Walking this road will never grow on me.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Some use pens. Others use stickers.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Crossing the dry streambed into the valley.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Taking a standing break after the short cardio climb up the hill.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Bolohead meets bolohead.

Waianae Kaala Trail

West side is the best side. Except when chronics come calling. Kenny was getting alerts from his Tesla indicating that his car was getting some unwanted advances from a nearby chronic.

Waianae Kaala Trail

No rope. No hope. Don’t be a dope.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Kenny soaking in the realization that this was the highest he has climbed to date. Only 800′ more feet to go!

Waianae Kaala Trail

Props to the peeps that carried power tools and composite steps to attach them to this boulder. While not absolutely necessary, it does make the climb easier.

Mount Ka’ala

Kuli at the entrance to the 1,100 acres of ecosystems that harbors multiple native plants and animals.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo on part of the boardwalk that extends roughly 3/4 mile through the Ka’ala bog. We parted ways with Kenny who went on to terminate at the end of trail sign.

Mount Ka’ala

Kenny bumped into @blaquekangaroo on his way to the summit, a social media influencer on IG.

Mount Ka’ala

Picking our way through the faint and flagged trail.

Mount Ka’ala

Sole sucking mud seemingly waited for us at every turn on the path. Just ask Akira, who had to go fishing for Tessa’s shoe.

Mount Ka’ala

Man down!

Mount Ka’ala

Working our way through the moss encrusted stunted plant life.

Mount Ka’ala

Contact with the fence line that soon lead us off the highest point on the island.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Breaking out briefly on the ridge line that afforded expansive views of the Waianae Mountain Range and points beyond.

WST

You never let go of the ropes. Wise advice. Especially from somebody that just broke a tree branch as he was descending down the moss slicked boulders. This gave somebody else second thoughts but luckily it was just a fleeting one at that.

WST

Last one down.

WST

Helping hand at the leap of faith.

WST

Taking the direct route instead of the contour trail. Occam’s razor.

WST

The weight of the world was on Akira’s shoulders. Or at least a small piece of Waianae.

WST

The grass smells better on the other side of the fence line.

WST

Fence line keeping hikers away from the eroded sections.

WST

Plunging and pushing through the dense and insufferable uluhe fern overgrowth.

Hobbs Junction

Tessa is either trying to form the letter “H” or has the onset of arthritis in her hands.

WST

Following the fence line as it struggled to stay with the uneven ridge line.

WST

Crossing and climbing through a gap in the fence line.

WST

Tessa about to drop off the side of the cliff with the help of a rather faded and long in the tooth webbing.

WST

Chico picked up a traveling companion. These invasive critters that hailed from Kenya were released into the wild in 1972 and are responsible for the extinction or near extinction of many native species.

Pu’u Kalena

Taking lunch at what Hawaiian legend said was the nipple of a pregnant woman giving birth to the ocean. Mount Ka’ala was her pregnant stomach.

Pu’u Kalena

Group photo at the 3,504′ peak.

WST

Making our way down through the suffocating overgrowth as we followed the ubiquitous fence line.

WST

Climbing through the partially denuded section as we picked up elevation again on our climb back up.

Star Trek Junction

The group flashing the Vulcan salute made famous by Leonard Nimoy in the popular science fiction franchise show.

WST

Some took the hard way, while others took the easier way.

WST

Looking to our right, we were treated to views of sexxxy ridge and pu’u ka’ilio, both short and “punchy” hikes.

WST

Six o’clock views of the second highest mountain on the island.

WST

Chico descending towards the start of the narrow dike section. Not to be confused with intrusive igneous rock formations that identify with the rainbow coalition.

WST

Akira and Scott maintaining their sense of balance which was helped by the absence of stiff winds.

WST

Somebody was taking a break from crawling.

WST

Tessa bringing up the rear.

Pu’u Kumakalii

A familiar face greeted us at the 2,881′ peak.

WST

When do we get to the sketchy part? Is this it?

WST

Coming down the mountain. Yes we are.

WST

Akira scrambling his way down.

WST

The rest of the group climbing down the narrow dike.

WST

It looked like the mountains were letting off some steam today.

WST

We peeled off the ridge line and hiked down the valley towards the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range, where we also met up with Kenny again. A couple of folks in the group went off “exploring” and one had to be pulled from the edge of a cliff. Just another day at the office.

WST

Is Chico horizontally rappelling with his scuttlebutt?

WST

We walked through the valley of the shadow of UXO.

Kolekole Pass

#26 – No drinking the bubbly this time! Congratulations Akira-san on finishing the last section to complete the entire 26 miles of the Waianae Summit Trail.

All pau

Final group photo of the day, left to right: Scott, Jeremy, myself, Tessa, Chico, Akira, Kenny and CB. Thanks to CB and Kenny for shuttling us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our completion hike covered a distance of 7.06 miles that saw us summit the two highest peaks on the island before ending at the lowest point in the Waianae Mountain Range, from the highest to the lowest. Congratulations again to Akira for finishing the WST. We were joined by Cat and Edgar for our post hike meal at Zippy’s.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Jeremy Cannone, Kenny Lui, Scott Peterson, 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.

Our camping weekend on the Big Island got postponed, so we did the next best thing. Hiked the highest mountain on Oahu.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Jasmin and Lilia for dropping us off deep in the valley of barking dogs and broken glass. Somebody didn’t like the rain falling out of the sky and decided to take double secret probationary status instead. Why is it still dark at 0630? 31 more days until winter officially ends and spring rolls around.

Ka’ala Trail

Lights are on but nobody’s home.

Ka’ala Trail

Crossing the surprisingly dry streambed as we made our way on the trail.

Ka’ala Trail

Passing a perfectly good shelter against the rain. The hike must go on.

Three Poles

Sticker envy.

Ka’ala Trail

Chico and Akira scrambling up the first of two rock fragment sections that interrupts the trail.

Ka’ala Trail

Going up the second boulder section was made short work thanks to the bolted ladder.

Ka’ala Trail

Steady climb to the highest peak on the island.

Ka’ala Bog

Standing on the boardwalk that prevents us from sinking deep in the mud that is home to native fauna and flora.

Ka’ala Bog

Exiting the bog as we couldn’t see the radome for the rain clouds.

Ka’ala Summit

Group photo at the highest peak at 4,025′ elevation.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

One would think that your cell phone would have better connectivity near a cell tower. One would think.

WST

Does the pushup match the grade?

WST

No views on both sides.

WST

Mother Nature showing who’s boss in these mountains. The rock fall protection fence is a futile attempt to resist the mountain reclaiming the road that was blasted out of the mountains in the 1940s, similar to the coastal seawalls built in an attempt to retard beach erosion. It’s only a matter of time.

WST

Transitioning from asphalt to densely packed uluhe ferns.

WST

Not out of the woods yet. Still got a stretch of bushwhacking in the third degree.

WST

Hopping over the fence line more times than illegal migrants to avoid the dense overgrowth.

Three Corners

Group photo at the spot with the non-existent views of the valleys of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia.

WST

The Gloved One looking out over Makua Valley, and still losing pigmentation as well.

WST

We’re too stoned to know what time it is
I’m not swinging through the trail
My hike’s not getting harder
But you’re still my Mary Jane
And you smoke my Marijuana
*poetic license corruption of Spider Man 2 (Toby’s version)

WST

Proof that rats do live outside of Diamond Head.

WST

Following the fenced trail as we bordered Makua Valley.

WST

Group photo with the “parent” valley, whose lease to the US Army expires in 2029. How much did the military pay for the lease that was “signed” in 1964? One sawbuck. One dollar.

Mokuleia Shelter

We dropped off the ridge line and ran into a HTMC group who were having their annual President’s Day Camping Weekend. Picked out a couple of familiar faces that included Nalo Bob and Casper Rorie.

Mokuleia Trail

Leaving the Pahole Nature Reserve Area.

Peacock Flats

Walking underneath the towering pine trees that were introduced to the islands in the 1870s.

Mokuleia Access Road

Pounding the unyielding pavement as we went down the 3.5 mile road to the highway.

Mokuleia Access Road

Chico showing our fruit pickings from the shelter site. Thanks to Ferlino for climbing and plucking the oranges and avocadoes for us. Refreshing snacks.

Mokuleia Access Road

Distant relative of the “hairy balls” milkweed plant. More like “thorny balls.”

Mokuleia Access Road

The boys having their bromancing moment on the heart shaped tree.

All pau

Mahalo to Jasmin and Lilia for picking us up on the other side of the island.

GPS Tracks

Our Waianae to Waialua, rainy to sunny hike traversed 12.6 miles through the Waianae Mountain Range. Great hike with good friends. Post hike meal at Jerry’s Pizza.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio 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.

A friend got sick and was unable to complete the KST this weekend, so Eric and I did a hike on the West side instead.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Chico and Groot for dropping us off in the area that was once dominated by sugar and cattle plantations from roughly 1906-1946.

Ka’ala Trail

We passed some hunters who when they learned of our destination, suggested we take the road instead. No thanks, we’ll stick to the higher ground. There was enough pavement on this road leading up to the trail that was enough for me.

Ka’ala Trail

Old and new. Trail markers that is. The purple bottle caps was set by Waianae Steve many years ago and the pink ribbons by hikers many months ago?

Three Poles

Climbing out of the valley was a good stiff cardio exercise as we reached the top where we saw the prominent Bolo Head ridge next to us.

Ka’ala Trail

Eric climbing over the first boulder section.

Ka’ala Trail

Can you take my photo of me going up the ladder section? My phone is locked out.

Pu’u Ka’ala

Reaching the top of the highest mountain on the island, while the true summit was a short walk away, this was good enough for today. We also ran into two brothers from Texas who was unprepared for the inclement weather, as it’s always sunny in Hawaii right?

Pu’u Ka’ala

One of eight species of koli’i taken by the botanist on the hike, this particular one takes about five years to grow and then blooms its pink flowers and dies off.

Ka’ala Bog

Eric entering the 1,100 acre area that was once home to a fishpond and is now home to endemic plants and species.

Ka’ala Bog

Got mud?

Ka’ala Bog

Mud misery loves company.

Ka’ala Bog

The botanist identified this as kanawao, a species of perennial flowering plant of the Hydrangeaceae family, that is only found in Hawaii.

Ka’ala Bog

Contact with the fence line which lead us to the …

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

… overgrown and cloud soaked ridge line.

WST

Making my way down the slippery climb due to the prior rain and morning dew.

WST

Eric going across the Leap of Faith.

WST

When the weight on your shoulders is too much. Just let it roll down the valley.

WST

Two native plants – Hawaiian mint that has no smell due to no predators and the uluhe ferns that are important to the native ecosystem in terms of building soil and also impede hiking traffic on many a trail.

WST

I found the overgrowth presence on the trail was markedly less than on previous visits. No complaints here.

WST

Following the fence line on the undulating ridge line.

WST

The fence while a bane to some hikers and a boon to conservationists, it does help one to navigate more easily through the overgrowth, sometimes.

WST

Watching rain showers march across Lualualei Valley. the largest coastal valley on the Leeward side of the island.

WST

Passing by shrubs of Naupaka Kuahiwi, the mountain yin to the Naupaka Kahakai, the ocean yang. The half flowers symbolize division in Hawaiian mythology and when united, symbolize love and reunion.

WST

Eric making his way around the “split” fenced ridge line.

WST

Dropping down to a narrow shelf as we made our way on the trail.

WST

Eric climbing his way up.

WST

Contouring our way around the trail that was riddled with erosion and landslides.

Pu’u Kalena

Group photo on the second highest peak on the island that sits at 3,504′ elevation.

WST

We took a short break at the summit and then pushed our way through the overgrowth.

WST

Climbing our way through the denuded section of the trail.

Star Trek Junction

My Vulcan salute was looking pretty weak. Live long and prosper.

WST

Passing through the pine tree section.

WST

Making my way along the eroded section of the trail.

WST

Eric going over one of multiple fence crossings.

WST

Looking out towards sexxxy ridge, so named due to the razor thin ridge and sheer drops on both sides.

WST

Eric climbing down the hill towards the rock dike ahead of us.

WST

Trailing on the narrow dike.

WST

Leaving the fence line behind us as we descended down the trail which lead to another rock dike.

WST

Eric climbing his way down with Ka’ilio in the background.

WST

Making my way down the narrow dike.

WST

Passing through the “Martian” area while stopping to check out some red lichen on the rocks.

All pau

Lucky we are illiterate. Thanks to Chico for picking us up and bringing us coke floats. Big mahalos!

GPS Tracks

Our final hike of the year covered just under seven miles through a mixture of wet and dry terrain and cloud soaked and sun kissed views. Post hike meal at Chicken in a Barrel. They didn’t have any chicken left. Really? So we split a pizza at the nearby Old Town Pizzeria. Thanks Eric for picking up the pizza. Fun hike to end 2024.

Photos taken by Eric Sadoyama 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.

In search of a relatively “easy” welcome back home, we settled on what was named Waimanalo 1/2 Ramble which took us to Lualualei Lookout in the end. Thanks to Susan for the beta and suggestion. Met up at Waianae Steve’s house where he graciously allowed us to park outside his house and Jasmin was nice enough to shuttle our group consisting of Aida, Akira, Allison, Ferlino, Mari, Tessa and myself to Ka’ala trailhead.

Trailhead

We avoided the canine landmines that were left behind as we made our way around the gate.

Waianae Kaala Road

The trail was easily missed by us as we blinked our eyes and had to backtrack a couple dozen feet.

Waianae Ramble

Scrambling through the dry grassland punctuated by assorted boulders and hale koa trees.

Waianae Ramble

Breaching the rock wall through the opening.

Waianae Ramble

Following the jeep road through the towering fields of dry grass.

Waianae Ramble

Ferlino enjoying his perch at the junction that has multiple destinations. We were just interested in one.

Waianae Ramble

Descending down the trail as we followed the blue-colored bottle caps, which means the Waianae Waterworks Trail. All these colored bottle caps was pioneered by Waianae Steve.

Waianae Ramble

Crossing the Kanewai Ditch whose flowing water was restored by UH students back in 1980. A lo’i kalo (taro patch) was nearby that seemed to be thriving.

Waianae Ramble

Following the blue arrow as we started our climb up the trail after the stream crossing.

Waianae Ramble

Two monkeys in a tree. Where’s Chico as you would have three of them up there.

Waianae Ramble

Forest bathing in the valley. Does this mean I don’t need to take a bath when I get home?

Waianae Ramble

Looking back at the yellow-colored bottle caps which means the Waianae Ramble Trail as we were rolling on the trail due to the preponderance of fallen kukui nuts.

Waianae Ramble

Hugging the towering cliffs above us.

Waianae Ramble

Mindful of potential rockfalls above us. Not a good spot for that to happen.

Lualualei Lookout

Akira looking out towards Lualualei Valley, the largest coastal valley on the Leeward side of the island.

Lualualei Lookout

Trying to get a higher vantage view point.

Lualualei Lookout

Cooking ramen, flying the Hawaiian flag upside down, and heart-shaped cacti on the summit. I didn’t know Ferlino was part of the sovereignty movement.

Lualualei Lookout

Aida looking out towards parts of the Waianae Mountain Range.

Lualualei Lookout

Group photo at the spot where the trail intersects with the ridge.

Lualualei Lookout

Leaving the ridge as we followed the loop trail that would take us back into the valley.

Lualualei Lookout

Akira paying his respects to what he perceived as a tree stump that had a startling resemblance to Jizo, who is the patron saint of children, travelers, pilgrims, expectant mothers, firemen, and women in labor. I didn’t get the resemblance, then again I didn’t see it through green-colored glasses. A short distance down the trail was the junction that would have looped the trail and involve stream crossings. NVM etched into the bark of a tree at the junction was the sign for the quitters in the group to give up on that idea, so we just continued back down the trail where we had come from.

Waianae Ramble

Passing through a resting spot of hunters and their dogs. Allison got a lead to clear her backyard of feral pigs.

Waianae Ramble

I don’t think this hammock is the right size for me.

Waianae Ramble

Straddling the stream crossing.

Waianae Ramble

We finished our NVM hike that was under five miles that had a great scenic payoff at the end. Fun hike with good friends.

All pau

Somebody wanted to cram all seven of us sweaty hikers into one Corolla compact car whose name in Latin means small crown. Post hike meal at Juliez where family style was out the window and every person for themselves.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Ferlino Carinio, Mari Saito, 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.

Team no sleep gathered to help Aileen finish the WST this particular weekend.

Kaena Point

Mahalo to Edgar for dropping off us at the trailhead in the middle of the night.

Kaena Point

All bright eyed and bushy tailed. Or maybe not.

Kaena Point

Skirting the predator proof fence that protects 59 acres of land that are home to endemic fauna and flora.

Kaena Point

The westernmost views from the first bunker on the ridge.

Kaena Point

Climbing our way to the second and third WW2 bunkers.

Kaena Point

Akira climbing over a clump of boulders.

Kaena Point

Tessa scrambling her way up.

Kaena Point

Traversing the open area littered with loose rocks, barbed wire and hale koa shrubs.

Kaena Point

Skirting the visitor proof fence that protects 153 acres that are home to the US Space Force. Not be confused with Spaceballs.

Kaena Point

Wait. Inside or outside?

Kaena Point

I had to f*cking lie flat down. I had f*cking thorny seed pods on my legs. Maybe it was the lack of sleep or time of day that resulted in the outburst of profanity from somebody.

Kaena Point

Going through a gate meant to keep out the large bovid ungulates? No cow tipping.

Kaena Point

We spent an inordinate amount of time bushwhacking even with the artificial illumination being cast our way before we got back on track.

Kuaokala Trail

Taking a break at the picnic shelter. Too much excitement is not good for the heart of outbreaks of profanity.

Kuaokala Trail

Back on the trail again.

Kuaokala Trail

Starry night. A view best savored in person and more enjoyable than the Dutch post-impressionist painting of the same name.

Kuaokala Trail

Are we taking a power nap? No, then we wouldn’t be living up to our name.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Leaving the 4×4 road for a trail more suited to hiking.

WST

Catching the breaking sunrise after the exhausting cardio climb up the deeply rutted hill.

Moku

Gloves optional at the geodetic marker.

Pahole NAR

Hiking through the 685 acres set aside to protect endemic fauna and flora in the lowland mesic zone. Stay on trail.

Pahole NAR

When you fall, get up and fall down again.

Pahole NAR

Looking back at how far we had come. Optical illusion?

Pahole NAR

Skirting past the native snail habitat.

Makua Valley

We left the tree line and broke out into the open ridgeline to view the stunning vista of the verdant valley that belies its scarred history of when the US Military evicted all the valley residents after the Pearl Harbor attack. White crosses were then painted on the church and homes and were then bombed, infrastructure was razed and demolished, fishing holes bombed,
and fresh water wells were used as dumps for waste oil. Planes and ships shelled the valley for target practice which basically rendered the valley uninhabitable. In fact, the US Army in 1955 declared the valley as so contaminated that it was not practical to return the land to the previous owners. Despite promises by the US Military that after WW2 ended, the valley was promised to be cleaned and cleared and returned to the Commissioner of Public Lands after six months. To this date, the land still remains off-limits much like Waikane Valley that was rendered indefinitely contaminated by the US Marines for live fire training during the war as well.

WST

Akira grooming Tessa. Or something close to it.

WST

Following the fence line as we made our way on the ridge line.

WST

Passing the Mokuleia Shelter on our left. No stop needed for water, avocados or oranges.

Mokuleia Bench

Group photo at the bench with a different view of the valley. The Hawaiians believe this is where man was first created, hence the name makua, which means parent in Hawaiian.

WST

Hiking up hills after hills, or that’s how it seemed to us.

WST

Enjoying the relatively flat section of the trail while it lasted.

WST

Going down the steepest part of the trail.

Three Corners

Somebody can sleep anywhere anytime at the drop of a hat. Not living up to the team name.

Three Corners

Group photo with valley views of Makua, Makaha and Mokuleia.

WST

It was time to go swimming in uhule.

WST

We had to do multiple fence crossings, more than the illegal migrants down South.

WST

Now you see him. Now you don’t. The uluhe ferns was so thick and seemingly impassable at several spots.

WST

We could soon see the road for the overgrowth.

WST

Aileen down climbing a steep spot with slippery stakes masquerading as steps.

WST

Pushing through the last of the insufferable uluhe ferns as signs of civilization was just a step away.

Ka’ala Road

Transitioning from trail to road.

Ka’ala Road

There is no lack of visibility here at this spot.

Ka’ala Road

Pounding the pavement. Literally.

Ka’ala Road

Walking commentary. If you understand Japanese, aside from hai hai arigatou gozaimasu.

Ka’ala Road

Sometimes you just have to stop, turn around and enjoy the views.

Mount Ka’ala

The slow and punishing walk of a little over two miles of incline road was quite tiring to say the least.

Mount Ka’ala

#22 – Customary champagne celebration dousing of the (un)lucky recipient. Congratulations to Aileen for completing her last section of the WST. Two feathers in her cap. KST and WST.

Mount Ka’ala

Can I get a nickel for this bottle?

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo at the highest peak on the island. Glad that Chico made it up here to bear witness and garnered a personal best in his time ascending the 4,025′ mountain.

Ka’ala Bog

Traversing the roughly 3/4 mile boardwalk that cuts through the 1,100 acres of native cloud forest where we also ran into dozens of volunteers from the OANRP.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Climbing down the steep trail as we descended off the summit.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Aileen climbing down the ladder on the first set of boulders.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Tessa and Chico enjoying the mountainous views on the second set of boulders.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Akira ready to drop down into the valley from Three Poles.

Waianae Valley

Walking down the much maligned paved road.

All pau

Shout out to Chico who not only met us at the summit but picked us up and drove us back to our cars at Mililani.

GPS Tracks

Our night to day trek through the Waianae Mountains covered just shy of 17 miles with good friends. Congratulations again to Aileen for f*cking completing the Waianae Summit Trail. Dessert before dinner. Soft serve ice cream cones at McDonald’s. Craving for loco moco was satisfied and substituted by latin food at Coquito’s. We all went home to take a hot shower and get some much needed shut eye.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Edgar Gamiao, 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.

Tessa, Thomas and myself spent part of the Memorial Day Weekend camping on the West side.

Waialua

Mahalo to Edgar for driving us past the DLNR checkpoint and dropping us off at the entrance to the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve.

Kaena Point

Passing by the fenced enclosure that protects one of the last intact dune ecosystems in the islands.

Kaena Point

Hiking up to the first bunker on the ridge.

Kaena Point

Standing on the second bunker looking out towards the jumping off point for departing souls according to Hawaiian legends.

Kaena Point

Tessa looking out towards Yokohama Bay or Keawa’ula Beach.

Kaena Point

The sun aka the heat rising above the third bunker.

Kaena Point

Scrambling our way through the dry grass and basaltic rocks.

Kaena Point

Approaching the military base that first appropriated 153 acres of this area back in 1959.

Kaena Point

Tessa making the final push to the top.

Kaena Point

Skirting the fenced base that tracks satellites in orbit.

Kaena Point

Enjoying our brisk walk in the morning.

Kaena Point

Leaving the radomes behind us.

Kaena Point

Oh give me a home where the cows roam, Where the pigs and the pheasants play, Where seldom is heard a discouraging warning, And the skies are not cloudy all day.

Kaena Point

Open the gate. Close the gate.

Kaena Point

Have permit, will hike. We shall see.

Kaena Point

Looking for somebody to check our permit out. He found us.

Kaena Point

Thomas waiting for his ride.

Kaena Point

No H & H for us this weekend.

Kuaokala Trail

The group reunited and ready to hike.

Kuaokala Trail

Somebody’s illusion of the trail being relatively flat was soon to be rudely shattered.

Kuaokala Trail

Breakfast break at the picnic shelter.

Kuaokala Trail

Following the hiking stick figure. He must know the way.

Kuaokala Trail

Thomas coming down the tree lined corridor.

Kuaokala Trail

Trading in the soft ground for some hard rock.

Kuaokala Trail

Standing tall.

Kuaokala Trail

An ubiquitous sight in the mountains. Fences.

Kuaokala Trail

Brief break at the trail sign.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

Back on the road again.

WST

When 2WD is better than 4WD.

WST

Detouring off the jeep road.

WST

Makua Valley views along with a splash of rain.

WST

Going up the hill multiplied by a heavy pack. Fun all day.

WST

All feet on the side of the geodetic marker, not the top.

WST

One of many fence crossings on the trail.

WST

Switch backing our way up through the hill of reforested endemic plants.

WST

Contouring our way around the endemic enclosure.

WST

One of the best scenic spots to soak in Makua Valley.

WST

Following the fence line as it bordered the valley.

WST

Windmills in the background, shelter in the foreground.

WST

We decided to change plans and make camp down in the valley.

Camp Mokuleia

Staking out our respective tent spots for the night as the mosquitoes sought to distract us.

Camp Mokuleia

We filtered water from the leaky hose and ate our dinner. Most of us retired early to our tents since the night life around these parts was lacking, while some wandered the trails.

Camp Mokuleia

Day 2
We woke up the next day and broke down camp.

Camp Mokuleia

Our breakfast to start the day was Spanish roll dipped in coffee, reconstituted food and spam musubi fried rice.

Camp Mokuleia

Back to our regularly scheduled program of hiking.

WST

Nothing to wake you up in the morning like a good cardio workout.

WST

Looking down into the valley where ancient Hawaiians believe man was first created.

WST

Enjoying a relatively flat spell of the trail strewn with assorted boulders.

WST

Back on the undulating trail.

Three Corners

360 degree view of the valleys of Makaha, Makua and Mokuleia.

WST

A solitary scarlet lehua flower.

WST

Plunging into the overgrowth.

WST

So close, yet so far.

WST

The fence line is the hikers lifeline in the uluhell.

WST

Making our way off the hill.

Ka’ala Road

Trail meets the road.

Ka’ala Road

Somebody was stretching out for the 2.5 mile walk up the paved road littered with rockfalls.

Ka’ala Road

Using the traffic mirror for our group photo.

Ka’ala Road

Pushing off the gradual ascent up to the highest peak on the island.

Ka’ala Road

Taking in the views.

Ka’ala Road

Halfway there! Numerically speaking that is.

Ka’ala Road

Straight from the pipe. Unfiltered. Undrunk.

Ka’ala Road

End of the road for us.

Mount Ka’ala

Brief stop at the recently built three walled shelter.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo at the highest peak on the island.

Mount Ka’ala

Walking on the roughly 3/4 mile boardwalk that traveled through the endemic cloud forest.

Mount Ka’ala

Trematolobelia flowers were in bloom throughout the bog.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Dropping off the summit on our way down to the valley.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Climbing down one at a time.

Waianae Kaala Trail

On rope.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Going down the steep mountainside.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Scrambling down the second set of boulders on the trail.

Waianae Kaala Trail

On our way down, we ran into a pack of boy scouts who were planning to camp at the shelter. That was going to be a tight fit, squashed like sardines.

Waianae Kaala Trail

Things that go bump in the night. Things that rustle in the grass. They both will scare you when you least expect it.

All pau

Many thanks to Chico who had arrived earlier and hiked up to the summit, got cold and went back down and struck up a long running conversation with a honest person who would never take stuff that didn’t belong to him, for picking us up in the remote valley and driving us back to our cars in Mililani.

Popeyes Chicken

Post hike meal at Louisiana Chicken where we chowed down chicken and ice cold soda to replenish all the calories we spent on our 16.7 mile weekend hike. Good fun with great people.

Photos taken by Tessa Bugay, Thomas Barrett, 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 another long haul hike back to back from coming off my camping weekend. I don’t want to get fat and lazy. Well maybe just fat. Thanks to Tessa for dropping Chris, Jen and myself off deep into Waianae Valley where the feral dogs still roam at will.

Waianae Valley

They must refresh the painting on the road every now and then. The message is always the same, but the delivery is slightly different.

Waianae Valley

Walking up the service road, our olfactory senses were dusted with a rustic mixture of smoke and shit.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Going down the trail to cross the dry streambed and making our way through the lowland forest.

Three Poles

Jen pulling herself up to the ridge line.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Climbing over the first boulder section with Kamaileunu and Ohikilolo ridges in the background.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Jen going up the ladder on the second boulder section.

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Working for that elevation gain.

Mount Ka’ala

Walking through the native cloud forest, that was once home to a freshwater pond full of mullet and other fish.

Mount Ka’ala

The end of the roughly 3/4 mile walk through the stunted ohia forest that harbors endemic fauna and flora found nowhere else.

Mount Ka’ala

Skirting the radar tracking station that is operated by the HANG 169th ADS, to check out the mountain and coastal sights.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo at the relatively new sign proclaiming the elevation at 4,026′, the highest peak on the island. Smoke from recent brush fires gave the surrounding skies a hazy veneer.

Ka’ala Road

Walking down the road that only a truck could love.

Ka’ala Road

Road reflections.

Ka’ala Road

The saving grace to the unyielding road was the postcard views that decorated the way down.

Waianae Summit Trail (WST)

We soon left the road and followed the fence line as it sliced an uneven corridor through the clawing and cloying uluhe ferns whose pollen was aggravatingly annoying.

Three Corners

Group photo with Makaha and Makua Valleys behind us. I don’t have an Insta360 camera.

WST

Following the fence line as it went up and down the highs and the lows on the ridge line.

Mokuleia Bench

Approaching the overlook where we ran across a couple on their way to Three Corners, perhaps they had an Insta360 camera and another individual who preferred to remain benched and came back for his hydroflask of … hot coffee on this hot day?

WST

Chris at the exposed ledge with the strikingly clear flat top mountain of Ka’ala and the fluted ridges that circled Makua Valley in the background.

WST

Switch backing our way down the hill that were festooned with blue flags and tinkling metal tags that marked endemic plantings?

WST

Jen snacking on the invasive strawberry guava plants that were sprinkled throughout the area.

WST

Thanks to Chris who brought us a bag of mountain apples or what I call nature’s hydroflask.

WST

Looking into the valley where ancient Hawaiians believed man was first created. Now the same man can’t step foot into this deceptively looking valley strewn with unexploded munitions dating back to WW2. The lease runs out in 2029, let’s see if the US military will give the land back to its rightful owners.

WST

Meeting up with the jeep road where we ran into several trucks making their way to Peacock Flats. No sparkling water was handed out.

WST

Leaving the jeep road for the fence line. One of the constants when hiking in Hawaii.

Kuaokala Trail

Following the fence line for the last time on the trail as it bordered the valley on one side and pine forests on the other side.

Kuaokala Trail

I heard rumors that Johnny Depp purchased this particular rock and re-named it the Amber Turd Rock. It just could be an urban legend.

Kuaokala Trail

Making our way to the pine tree forest, where we ran across another hiker who was seemingly picking flowers.

Kuaokala Trail

Our last pit stop as we took stock of our water and food supplies. Good to go.

Kuaokala Trail

Heading off the reservation.

Kaena Point

Are we on trail or off trail? Safe or not safe?

Kaena Point

Chris couldn’t decide whether to dribble or do a chip shot.

Kaena Point

Walking on the road that gives you ten minutes of self-induced anxiety.

Kaena Point

End of the road for us. Big sigh of relief.

Kaena Point

Going down the point that is believed to be the jumping off point for souls leaving this world for the next one.

Kaena Point

Jen making her way down the rocky ridge punctuated with multiple bunkers from WW2.

Kaena Point

Silhouetted against the sunset.

Kaena Point

Approaching the bottom of the ridge with sunlight to spare. We didn’t want no random encounters with the huaka’i po or night marchers.

All pau

Chris waiting for the green flash. Mahalo to Edgar for grabbing us at the bird sanctuary gate which saved us over two extra miles of walking. The dogs were barking loud and clear for some of us.

GPS Tracks

Our grinder of a hike covered 16.3 miles through the eroded remains of the shield volcano that is over 3 million years old. Post hike meal at the nearby beach where Cathy, Marilyn, Quan and Tessa joined and fed us with chicken papaya, summer salad and cold drinks. Much appreciated guys.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, Jen Odence 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.

In search of ridges that I have yet to hike; met up with Andy, Jen, Lilyn, and John today.

Trailhead

Some of us left our doors unlocked and crossed our fingers and hoped for the best as we started up the grassy and rocky ridge.

Kamaileunu Heiau

Skirting the ancient Hawaiian temple.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Mass in the mountains.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Coming up on the Makaha side of the ridge.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Stuart Ball calls this ridge, “the most rugged hike on the island.” Do this on a stiff summer day and one will wholeheartedly agree. Luckily, we were blessed with breezy and overcast conditions on our hike.

Pu’u Kamaileunu

Leaving behind the 1,085′ summit behind us and the sprawling solar farm, one of many that are popping up all over the island.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Checking out the valley views of Waianae and Lualualei.

Kamaileunu Ridge

John charging up the rocky ridge.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Did lightning or a campfire burn this tree down to charcoal?

Kamaileunu Ridge

Less talking, more hiking.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Climbing up the steep stretch of the ridge.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Dropping into the saddle.

Pu’u Kepau’ula

Group photo at the 2,678′ summit, left to right: Lilyn, John, Andy, myself and Jen.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Why contour when you can climb?

Kamaileunu Ridge

Going through the ironwood grove.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Andy and Jen climbing one of many dikes on the ridge.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Passing through kiawe trees and cacti that dominated the ridge line.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Another puka or hole on the mountains.

Kamaileunu Ridge

John approaching the last pu’u or hill where we took our lunch.

Kamaileunu Ridge

End of the road for us. Group photo at the highest peak on the ridge at 3,206′. Somebody give it a name already. Expansive vista views of the valleys and nearby fluted cliffs and peaks of the Waianae Mountain Range were enjoyed by all.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Following the ribbons as we made our way back down the ridge.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Somebody was happy that they didn’t miss the puka this time around.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Lilyn and John climbing over the dike.

Kamaileunu Ridge

The imposing rock edifice that interrupted the fence line.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Contouring below the dike.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Back on the dike.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Jen taking the climbing option to heart.

Hunter’s Ridge

Going down the spur ridge. It later dawned on me that I have partially hiked this ridge back in 2014, when a bunch of us searched for a missing local boy by the name of Kalani Vierra. Unfortunately, he was never found.

Hunter’s Ridge

Some of us found bullet shells as we climbed our way down, hence the name of the ridge. Pickings were slim today.

Hunter’s Ridge

John checking out the brown massive cliffs in the gulch below us. Resembled a bear claw, cousin to the one in Waimanalo.

Hunter’s Ridge

Holding the pair of goat skulls that John had found on our hike down. It was later gifted to Andy.

Hunter’s Ridge

Somebody was trying to get someone’s attention.

Hunter’s Ridge

This fella? Packs of goats were seen running around the sides of the cliffs as if it was just a Sunday walk for them, which it was.

Hunter’s Ridge

This must be the steep parts that I had heard so much about. Yay!

Hunter’s Ridge

Climbing down the relentless ridge as the bottom couldn’t come soon enough.

Hunter’s Ridge

Scanning the bushes for something white, old and lost.

Hunter’s Ridge

The mountain had coughed up John’s cap from its Lost & Found collection.

Hunter’s Ridge

Passing through the field of waist high dry grass and rolling rocks underfoot.

All pau

Walking back to Andy’s truck that he had staged earlier in the nearby neighborhood. All vehicles were still present and intact. The best part of the hike.

GPS Tracks

Our hike with new and old friends covered a little over five miles over rough terrain decorated with decent views, bullet shells of assorted calibers and goat remains. Post hike meal at El Mariachi. There was no live music with our food.

Photos taken by Jen Odence, John Sage, Lilyn Avendano, Richard Anton St. Onge 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.

We paid a visit to Nature’s climbing gym on the West side today. Outdoors. Free. Can’t beat it.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Leander for dropping Marilyn, Quan and myself off in the valley of broken glass, stripped cars and running dogs.

Waianae Valley

We pounded the pavement for a thankfully short time before hitting the trail punctuated with ponds of taro and patches of the pungent bitter melon leaves.

Waianae Valley

Pushing up the short and steep firebreak trail.

Kawiwi Ridge

Standing at the foot of the spur ridge overlooking the coastal valleys. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Kawiwi Ridge

Making our way up the rock encrusted ridge smothered with dry grass and stunted trees.

Kawiwi Ridge

Climbing and contouring our way up. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kawiwi Ridge

The breezy conditions made the stepping stones an exercise of balance and keeping ones center of gravity low.

Kawiwi Ridge

Start from the bottom …

Kawiwi Ridge

… and end up at the top. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kawiwi Ridge

Which way to go? Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kawiwi Ridge

Climbing our way to the top. Almost there!

Kawiwi Ridge

Are we climbing that? Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Kawiwi Ridge

Circumventing the crack.

Kawiwi Ridge

Group photo at the overgrown summit.

Ridge

Gateway to more climbing and views.

Ridge

Did I say more climbing?

Ridge

Narrow ridge ahead. Keep your hands inside at all times during the ride. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Ridge

Looking back as Quan and Marilyn made their way over the narrow ridge with steep drop offs.

Ridge

It was just a matter of time before we hit the fence line.

Ridge

Climbing, crawling and scooting their way over the jumbled rocks.

Ridge

Where’s the flag? Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Ridge

Contouring around the narrow ledge.

Ridge

Threading our way carefully through the cacti plants. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

No Name Summit

Group photo at the unclaimed peak.

Ridge

Printer cables have many uses, especially in the mountains. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Tiki Summit

Not to be confused with Kiki and a certain rapper.

Ridge

Multiple crossing overs as we followed the fence line to the terminus.

3 Poles

Leaving the ridge as we headed down into the valley.

Waianae Kaala Trail

The girls hanging out on the trail.

All pau

Speak softly and carry a pig poker. Just in case. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

GPS Tracks

Our climbing hike covered a little over five miles with good company. Thanks to Leander for picking us up again. Post hike meal at Outback where not all steakhouse franchises are the same. No clam chowder.

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.