I picked up where we left off almost a month ago to burn up my last vacation day, on a solo short traverse along the KST. Heavy rain showers greeted me at the trailhead which gave me pause, but the spigot soon shut off. Did I bring my rain jacket?

Wiliwilinui Trail

Started off on the service road that was built by the US Army that eventually turned into a hiking trail that eventually lead me to the start of the step sections. Miss that swing that used to hang by the nearby tree.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Looking ahead to the communication tower framed by the power line poles.

Wiliwilinui Trail

Turning around to catch a glimpse of the lush ridges and verdant valleys of East Oahu.

Wiliwilinui Summit

Fleeting views at the 2,480′ summit.

True Lanipo Summit

Will the real summit of Lanipo please stand up?

Hawaii Loa Summit

Sweeping views of Olomana and Waimanalo and all points in between at the 2,520′ knob.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Panoramic view of the Windward coastline from what I will always call the summit, despite it being otherwise.

KSRT

One of the more photographed sections of the KST. And here I am without a tent or willing subject.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

My last summit view at the 2,028′ eroded hill.

Kuli’ou’ou Trail

Going down one of the more popular hikes on the island. Luckily, it was a weekday so it was not teeming with the weekend crowds.

All pau

Coming down the numerous switchbacks that are fenced and marked off for conservation purposes.

GPS Tracks

My almost seven mile hike was four hours and change well spent in the mountains. Thanks to Lilyn and Quan for picking me up on a delayed schedule.

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.

Unable to find any hiking buddies today, I settled on an easy hike to do by myself.

Trailhead

I parked at the end of Hao Street in Aina Haina and found a dust fence bordering the trailhead. Read that developer Jeff Stone bought a chunk of land in this area, hope access is not shut off.

Wailupe Valley

The hike started under canopy cover and oddly no mosquitoes. Not complaining.

Root trail

The trail alternated between mud, rocks and tree roots. All good to have underneath your feet.

Junction

I soon came across this junction that would drop me further down into the valley. There are many side trails that can lead one astray. Thanks to Troy Solano for providing me the GPS tracks.

Follow the pink bottle caps

The trail down was punctuated by pink bottle caps and ribbons.

Stream crossing

Crossed the stream about three times, with varying degrees of depth. Inches to be exact.

Uphill

I soon began the slog up the middle ridge that was populated by canopy cover and a semi-dense blanket of uluhe ferns.

Wailupe Middle Ridge

Walking along the exposed and relatively flat section of the ridge, trade winds would have been nice. I had the ridge all to myself, not another soul in sight.

Straight up

The canopy cover returned along with a somewhat steep climb.

Tree fungi

Doesn’t look too appetizing. No stir fry dinner for me tonight.

Final push

I can see the summit! Actually it’s behind a false peak.

Red Lehua Flowers

No picking of the flowers. Don’t want any rain on my parade today.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Wailupe summit

I was expecting high winds at the 2,403′ summit. Only a slight breeze greeted my arrival. That’s what I get for believing in the weather forecast. Gullible as charged.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Headed north

After chugging down some cold Gatorade and munching on peanut butter filled pretzels, I turned North on the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

On the KSRT

The trail was quite muddy from the storm that lashed the islands this past Friday. Slipped on my butt a couple times, as the trail rollercoasters up and down.

Wiliwilinui summit

The cross over was the shortest one I have done, took less than half an hour to make it from Wailupe to Wiliwilinui summits.

Photobomber!

Met another hiker at the summit.

Headed down

Making my way down past the relay station tower.

Stepped trail

Going down the State trail, I passed quite a few hikers making their way up to the summit.

Powerlines

Walking on the flat part of the ridge. The power lines follow the ridge for the most part.

Swinger

I need a push!

Tree lined trail

Looked like the hand of man was involved on this trail section, rather than Mother Nature.

Junction

A pink bottle cap marked the way down into Wailupe Valley.

Down into the valley

Going down was somewhat steep at times, but the ample presence of trees came in use as handy brakes.

Pollinator

More bees at work.

Follow the pink ribbons

The trail down was marked at regular intervals with pink bottle caps or ribbons. Once the trail dumps you back down into the valley floor, the ribbons become somewhat scarce and the side trails seemed to proliferate. The GPS tracks came in handy.

All pau

Making my way back to the car.

GPS Tracks

The loop hike involved two ridges and a brief cross over that covered 5.63 miles. Post hike meal at McDonald’s. Miss the super size option and the company.