Met up with Aida, Akira, Chico, Roger, and Scott who kept me company in the mountains as I continued to connect the dots ad nauseam.

Trailhead

We all showed up before the crying cats to start our early morning hike. Hey, where’s Chico?

Manana Trail

Passing multiple tents camped out by the picnic shelter.

Manana Trail

Akira going underneath the Manana Arch.

Manana Trail

Caught the breaking sunrise as we crested a false peak.

Manana Trail

Going through the gate that marked 3.5 miles covered on the trail. Only two more miles left!

Manana Trail

We soon noticed a green-yellow shirted figure in the distance steadily catching up to us under a rainbow. Turned out it was none other than Chico the man! He had forgotten his shoes on the way to the trail and had to turn around to go back home to get them. He erased a one hour deficit to catch up with us. Talk about somebody that was highly motivated.

Manana Summit

Group photo at the 2,660′ cloud screened summit.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Descending off the massive knob as we made our way down the ridge line where sweeping Windward views opened up.

KSRT

The photographer being photographed who in turn was being photographed. Say that real quick three times in a row.

Eleao Meadow

Following the fence line as we traversed across one of many grassy fields that are scattered throughout the mountains.

KSRT

Adventure awaits. Just have to open the gate.

KSRT

Why walk when you can slide down? Just missing the cardboard boxes.

KSRT

Somebody take my picture.

KSRT

Aida and Roger making their way on the narrow strip of real estate masked by heavy vegetation and false holes.

KSRT

Making our way on the undulating ridge line. Up. Down. Up. Down.

KSRT

Scrambling up the last hill. Promise?

KSRT

Pointing out the landslide that is much harder to see coming from our direction.

Waimano Sumit

Group photo at the saddle summit at 2,160′ elevation with sweeping views of Waihe’e Valley bordered by Eleao Windward and Kalahaku Teeth.

Waimano Trail

Stepping foot on the best preserved trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s per Stuart Ball, noted hiking author.

Waimano Trail

Man down!

Waimano Trail

Another man down! Hope this doesn’t become a habit on this trail.

Waimano Trail

Picking our way through one of many landslides that dotted the trail.

Waimano Trail

Switch backing our way down the trail, where we soon ran across a solitary figure clearing the trail and a family training for the Kalalau Trail.

Waimano Trail

Crossing Waimano Stream where we soon ascended to the cliffs overlooking the stream. It was around this point that Nate Yuen slipped and fell to his death on August 8, 2022. He was a very accomplished and experienced hiker and photographer in the hiking community. I only hiked with him a couple times but he always struck me as friendly and informative. Gone too soon.

Waimano Trail

We were missing somebody again.

Waimano Trail

Descending through a grove of eucalyptus trees where Tessa lay in wait for us.

Waimano Trail

Climbing and contouring over one of many irrigation tunnels on the trail.

All pau

Exiting the trail which seemed to go on forever, where Tessa shuttled us back to our cars. Much mahalos!

GPS Tracks

Our blink and you’ll miss it KST traversal that was connected by my least two favorite ridges covered 12.6 miles that was made bearable by good company. Post hike meal at Little Joe’s Steakhouse. Happy Hour translated to cheaper prices offset by slow service and less food choices. Somebody needed to take a doggy bag home otherwise they might end up in the dog house.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Roger Schiffman, Scott Peterson, 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 roam the mountains by myself today.

Aiea Loop Trail

Thanks to Aileen for dropping me off to the nearly deserted loop trail where I only ran across two trail runners.

Aiea Loop Trail

The winds were howling today, the trees in the distance were bending and swaying like so many hula dancers.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking at the highway considered an engineering wonder by its admirers and a cultural blight by some native and local groups. I was just appreciative of the sunrise spilling over the Ko’olau Mountains.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Checking out my six.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Approaching the first set of power line towers that sits at the base of the summit.

Aiea Summit

Panoramic Windward and Leeward views from the 2,805′ summit. The winds were howling something fierce, so I took off my cap as I had already made my involuntary donation a couple weeks ago.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Following the flanks of the mountains seemingly spill down towards the verdant oasis’s and urbanized pockets of humanity.

KSRT

Approaching the second set of power line towers on the ridge line.

KSRT

Northern views.

KSRT

High winds kept the clouds at bay for the most part, which afforded valley views to the Leeward side.

KSRT

Enjoying a relatively flat section of the mountains which gave me a brief respite from the cardio hills. The winds however was giving no breaks.

Waimalu Meadows

Climbing to the last major peak on the hike today and looking down into the magical and mythical meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

360 view of the largest grassy spot on the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

Back on the ridge line again as the landmark landslide loomed ahead.

Waimano Summit

Saddle summit selfie at the 2,160′ spot that looks out over Waihe’e Valley.

Waimano Ridge

Going down the path that Stuart Ball calls “the best preserved of the graded Ko’olau ridge trails built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.”

Waimano Trail

I passed all the switchbacks, groves of Australian Tea trees, stream crossings, irrigation ditches and tunnels before arriving at the picnic shelter. One more hour. When will it end?

All pau

Perfect timing as Aileen’s car rolled up just as I exited the trail. Mahalo!

GPS Tracks

My time in the mountains covered over 14.3 miles that was made memorable by high winds that at times almost felt like it was trying to blow me off the ridge line. Post hike meal at Bravo’s as Anna Millers closed early. No pies for me.

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 repeat a section of the KST that we had just done three weeks ago. With one difference, as I did not have company to share the misery this time around. Thanks to Anne for dropping me off.

Jeep Road

I’m just glad we were chasing the cow and not the other way around.

Trailhead

Mahalo to Edgar for driving me up the jeep road that saved me over five miles of wear and tear.

Welcome to Poamoho

I picked up my pace as the summit looked clear. I hope that I would not be subjected to Mother Nature’s bait and switch.

Poamoho Summit

The windy lookout did not fail to disappoint or deliver.

Poamoho Cabin

I stopped briefly at the weathered cabin to add my entry to the storied logbook and filled up my two liter bladder for the weekend.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

No matter how many times I’ve set foot on this trail, these views never get old.

Hiking Trail

Just missing the hiking stick.

Schofield-Waikane Summit

Soaking in another great scenic point with more ridges and peaks that you can shake a hiking stick at. Except I didn’t have a hiking stick.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

Passing over landslides, uneven terrain and false holes before taking the higher road.

Waianae Range

Leeward views of the Waianae Mountain Range etched against the background sky. Maybe I picked the wrong range to hike this weekend.

KST

Crossing back over to the Windward side.

Sugi Cedar Grove

Making my way down into the magical valley of moss covered evergreen trees that have been twisted and shaped by Mother Nature.

Tree of Life

I am not camping here again.

Waiahole Summit

Standing in the sheltered campsite with coils of rusted wire and cabin pieces at my feet.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Back on the ridge line where the clouds had settled in for the night.

Campsite

My hopes for a scenic sunset were smothered in clouds, so I decided to call it a day and pitch my tent. Besides my eyes were already closed.

Waiawa Gap

Woke up on Veteran’s Day to find out that the clouds were still outside my tent. No sunrise views for me.

Waiawa Dip

Losing hundreds of feet in elevation resulted in me getting below the clouds and enjoying some valley and coastal views.

Waiawa Gap

I made a hurried climb up the ridge to avoid another stinging experience and escaped unscathed.

Uluhell

It’s frustrating how the overgrowth just bounces back no matter how many hikers have trampled through these trails. In some circles, it’s called character building.

Eleao Windward

Looking down at the cloud wrapped windward ridge, one of the hardest hikes I have experienced to date.

Manana Summit

White out conditions persisted upon reaching the hilltop at 1045. Early lunch.

Eleao Meadows

Passing this hardy specimen of the trematolobelia singularis on the verge of flowering.

KSRT

Working my way out of the meadows and avoiding the fenced spur ridge, where I reconnected back to the ridge line that exposed the lush green fluted flanks of the mountain.

KSRT

I soon passed the landslide and found myself descending down to the summit.

Waimano Summit

Backdrop of Waihe’e Valley bottled up by the sister ridges of Eleao and Kalahuku.

Waimano Trail

Putting my head down, I just went on auto pilot and hiked down the overgrown 7.5 mile trail. This trail has failed to grow on me. In fact, I mentally noted to bypass this trail on future cross-overs.

All pau

A big thanks to Aida for picking me up after her hike and bringing me a lemonade flavored with cucumber, apple mint and carrot. It’s the thought that counts.

GPS Tracks

My two day hike covered 20.33 miles through the wild back country of the Northern KST. Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse. I came for the food and stayed for the service.

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.

Met up with Analyn, Anne, Chris, Kip and Yoly to see Ferlino through the finish line for his Ko’olau Summit Trail completion. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Paala Uka Pupukea Road

Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off and Lopaka for driving our group up the jeep road. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Where’s the beef?

Separation of ungulates and mammals. Let’s keep it that way. We wouldn’t want any inter-fencing. Photo by Anne Fai.

Off-roading

Three in the back, four in the front. That’s how we roll. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Trailhead

Heading into the weekend.

Poamoho Trail

Everybody was doing something at the halfway point. Bench warming, shoe lace tying, bathroom break and photo taker.

Poamoho Stream

Anne and Kip crossing the trickling stream that was within ten minutes of the summit. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Poamoho Summit

Everybody enjoying what many claim are the best views on the island. No argument here.

Cline Memorial

Enjoyment time started to exceed expectation time, as we still had 4.9 miles to cover before setting up camp or so we thought.

Boardwalk

Walking on the 300′ section of elevated footpath built to prevent the invasive spread of unwanted seeds.

Lobelia

The multiple flower stalks extending from the base were not quite ready to flower. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Poamoho Trail

Getting our feet wet as we made our way up the trail filled with pockets of muddy water. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Poamoho Cabin

Our stay at the storied cabin was short and sweet. I once read that the old cabin used to have a wood burning stove, too bad the present cabin can’t say the same.

Bathroom humor

When Nutella goes bad.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Looking back at Pu’u Ohulehule in the background.

KST

Enjoying the scenic stretch of the trail with expansive and exquisite views of the Windward side.

KST

Walking on the “sidewalk” of a trail, which I understand once measured four feet wide when it was originally built in the 1930’s. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Notch

When your progress is temporarily halted and you become an unintentional photobomber. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Passing one of many windswept meadows that populate the mountains.

KST

Hugging the carved trail that followed the ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pauao Junction

Yoly sitting at the 2,680′ spur ridge terminus that drops down into Kahana Valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

KST

The trail soon became uneven and interrupted with landslides and false holes.

KST

Ferlino and Yoly passing by one of many native palm trees with their corrugated fan leaves.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Our four valley views of Kahana, Ka’a’awa, Hakipu’u and Waikane from the 2,360′ open grassy spot.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

We met Arnold at the junction who was doing an out and back hike on the rugged and overgrown 12 mile Schofield-Waikane Trail.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Leaving the original terminus of the Ko’olau Summit Project. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Rainbow

Catching the reflection and refraction of light in the water droplets below us. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

Chris approaching the trail that soon split into two paths.

Waikane-Waiahole Junction

Taking the higher trail lest we end up in the valley.

KST

Chris hiking through the cloud soaked trail.

Landslide

Crossing over the unstable slope that is still surprisingly sparse of vegetation from over two years ago. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Trail Candy

Anne harvested the immature fruits with the chewy center before the rats ate them all.

Carved Rock

Chris passing the rock that bears the initials of previous hikers.

KST

Making our way on the exposed Windward ridge before crossing over to the sheltered Leeward side.

Trail meeting

We met another group hiking from Manana, that were also helping a friend to finish the KST as well. Group photo left to right: Ferlino, Chris, myself, Yoly, Analyn, Tanya, Audrey and Stacy. Photo by Ferlino Carinio

Fence Junction

Stepping over the fence line as the trail twisted and turned in the misty mountains.

KST

Hiking through the Leeward side of the mountain that protected us from the biting wind but not the congested overgrowth and hanging clouds.

KST

Chris passing a weathered tree whose stunted and gnarled branches added texture and character to the trail.

KST

Following the fence down the slippery slope.

Tree of Life

We arrived at the Tree of Life pass where the horizontal Sugi Cedar was still alive and well, as they can live for more than 500 years.

Camp Site B

Daylight hours were dwindling and rain was in the air, so we decided to call it a day and set up camp. Photo by Anne Fai.

Camp Site B

Is that a bivvy bag or a tent? Photo by Anne Fai.

Dinner

The steady rain kept us isolated in our tents as we ate our supper and turned in for the night. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Camp Site B

Waking up to the earthy smell left by the overnight rain showers. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tree of Life

Doing our morning calisthenics to get the blood flowing.

PDA

Get a tent already.

City&County

Analyn getting pointers on how to properly pitch a tent.

KST

Leaving the dew dropped pass as we had a lot of ground to cover for today. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Selfie Stick Junction

Just missing the camera. Photo by Anne Fai.

KST

Chris crossing the trail that interrupted the cascading uluhe ferns.

KST

Anne coming around the man-made notch in the trail.

KST

Chris below the summit of Waiahole.

KST

Forest bathing in the grove of Japanese sugi cedar trees planted back in 1935. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Climbing our way above the tree line and clouds. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kipapa Summit

Chris passing the 2,786′ summit that was once home to Uncle Tom’s Cabin circa 1927.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Traversing on top of the ridge line and dealing with the knee to waist high overgrowth and that banged and scratched our lower extremities.

Mud Slide

Anne letting her butt do the sliding.

KSRT

Trying to stay on the trail becomes a bit tricky when the mountains close off your views.

DoubleShot Mocha

When you have to reverse hog-tie a person to get them to take their caffeinated drink. Photo by Anne Fai.

Land Navigation

We found a map! Who knows how to read one?

Waiawa Gap

Big ups … Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Waiawa Gap

… and downs.

Waiawa Gap

Making my way down to the middle of the gap. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waiawa Gap

Trying in vain to gather everybody for a group photo at the 2,100′ dip. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing our way out of the gap, where we must have disturbed a beehive as Analyn, Anne and myself got stung multiple times. The rest of the group escaped unscathed.

Waiawa Gap

Ferlino making his way up through the stand of palm trees. Photo by Anne Fai.

Waiawa Gap

Climbing up the mountain where our shoes left divots in the soft and spongy ground. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KSRT

Our sheltered break spot was marked with solitary sulking, pissing in the wind and hunkering down from the cold wind. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KSRT

Climbing up more hills as we passed countless false summits.

KSRT

Taking another break as dictated by the hills and weather. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KSRT

Making our way down to another meadow in the mountains. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Is it too much to ask for a view every now and then?

The Corner

Kip making his way down to dip into the isolated pockets of stagnant water for possible future hydration.

The Corner

Got pakalolo?

The Corner

Leaving the trickling creek in the corner. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Winding our way through the bog like terrain as the trail turned counter-intuitive.

KSRT

Rounding the massive ohia tree.

KSRT

Back on the ridge line.

KSRT

Are we there yet?

Manana Summit

Relationship goals at the 2,660′ knob. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KSRT

Leaving the sound of music summit.

Eleao Meadows

We discovered stacks of fences in the meadows at the 2,654′ summit. A sign of the irreversible march along the Ko’olau’s.

KSRT

Trampoline time. Photo by Anne Fai.

KSRT

The fence distracted us into continuing down the spur ridge.

KSRT

Back on the ridge trail.

KSRT

The clouds temporarily lifted to reveal the fluted mountain range ahead of us. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

KSRT

False summit after false summit constantly mocked us as we made our way on the roller coaster ridge.

KSRT

Natural illumination was soon replaced with artificial illumination. I preferred to train my night vision for the upcoming holiday hike.

Night Marchers

A couple humps later and then the semi-recognizable landslide marked our descent into the saddle. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimano Summit

Champagne congratulations to Ferlino for completing his last section he needed to finish the Ko’olau Summit Trail in its entirety. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Waimano Summit

Give me your tired, your soaked, your huddled masses yearning to go home.

Waimano Trail

Once the alcohol tinged celebration wore off, we left the 2,160′ summit as we made our way down the dark and overgrown trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimano Trail

Going down the seemingly never ending 7.5 mile trail that were populated with irrigation tunnels, minor rock obstacles, a picnic shed and overgrowth. The miles did not melt away fast enough. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

All pau

A big thanks to Jasmin for patiently waiting for our exit from the trail with boxes of cold chicken, pizza and soda. Photo by Chris Bautista.

GPS Tracks

Our two day turned three day hike covered 20.33 miles through rugged terrain and harsh weather made bearable by good company and intermittent views. Congratulations again to Ferlino for finishing the KST.

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 the mythical meadows that never fails to impress first time and repeat hikers alike. Never say never.

Trailhead

Thanks to Rocky for dropping Analyn, Chris, Cisco and myself off at the top of Aiea Loop Trail, which saved us a bit of walking. It was 0630 and Mother Nature still hadn’t turned on the lights.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Catching the sunrise on the trail, as it was going to be a beautiful day in the mountains. Famous last words. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking at the H3 snake its way through Halawa Valley and burrow itself into the base of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Landslide

Over time, I expect full railing support to be put into place on this particular section. Safety first.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Embrace the mud, as you can’t escape it for long.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

The summit looked promisingly clear from our flat topped 2,441′ hill. Empty promises. False promises.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Dropping down to the powerlines as the clouds started rolling in. Never fails. All one can do is laugh. Forced laugh.

Aiea Summit

Group photo at the now socked in 2,805′ summit, left to right: Chris, Analyn, myself and Cisco. At least the sign is still here.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Making our way down to the second set of powerlines to discover that the homeless tent has left the mountains.

KSRT

Wrap around Windward views as the winds temporarily pushed the rain clouds away.

KSRT

Looking back at Aiea summit.

KSRT

One can never get tired of these views. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Somebody didn’t have their mountain legs today, so slow and steady was the plan of the day.

KSRT

Cisco coming down the cardio inducing ridge line.

KSRT

Chris standing next to a tree that was more moss than ohia?

KSRT

Making our way down the ridge in the shadow of Kalahaku Teeth.

KSRT

Taking time to stop and smell the salmon lehua flowers. Does it smell fishy?

KSRT

We could see the summit for the meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Sliding our way down into the cloud soaked meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Somebody was not particularly impressed with the mythical meadows. Perhaps it had something to do with the passing rain showers.

Waimalu Meadows

One last look at the meadows before our departure. Still not impressed?

KSRT

Raindrops are falling on our heads. And just like the hikers whose feets are too big for the trail. Nothing seems to fit. Those raindrops are falling on our heads, they keep falling.

Waiau Summit

Passing the summit with the tortured trail that leads one down to the gated community of Wailuna.

KSRT

Spotting the scarred mountainside that marked the end of our hike.

KSRT

Analyn and Cisco making their way to the summit to join us.

Waimano Summit

Leaning over the edge to get our group photo at the 2,160′ summit.

Waimano Trail

Heading down the seven mile graded trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimano Trail

The rain that had teased us in the mountains had not trickled down enough to engorge our stream crossing. No complaints here.

Waimano Trail

Cisco making his way up the trail to the light at the end of the tunnel.

All pau

Black tongues marked the end of our KST grinder hike that covered 14.5 miles through rolling hills and passing rain cloud showers. Mahalo to Lopaka for picking us up and graciously allowing us to ride in the bed of his truck so as not to pollute his cab. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where inspirational stories were passed around over steaming bowls of oxtail soup.

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

It was another weekend and another opportunity to introduce somebody to the wonderful world of camping in the mountains.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Met up with Lopaka in Moanalua Valley as we hit the trail that is well on its way to becoming a paved road.

Kamananui Valley Trail

My fleeting and futile attempt to walk on water. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Kulana’ahane Trail

What a tangled hau thicket we weave in the forest.

Kulana’ahane Trail

I guess it’s getting serious as the trail is no longer maintained. Time to put on our big boy pants.

Moanalua Falls

Watching a trickle of a fall flow down the mountain.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Going up the short and steep hill to gain the summit.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Heaven or Hell today? Hell it is.

Moanalua Saddle

It was time to tackle the better or easier half of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

Traffic down on the highway, but none up here. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hiking the ridge line in the clouds, always a surreal experience.

KSRT

Lopaka climbing down the rusted stairs. The State can spend $875,000 to repair this side and keep it closed as well.

North Haiku Stairs

Who said hell was hot? It was sheeting freezing rain up here. Usually we would sit down, admire the view, take tons of photos, eat a bite and rest up here. But today, we couldn’t wait to get the hell out of there!

KSRT

Climbing out of hell.

KSRT

We were still stuck in cloud purgatory on the ridge line.

KSRT

Let’s not forget the sprinkling showers as well. Picture complete. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

KSRT

Hanging onto the fence for dear life for my dramatic photo. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

KSRT

Just a couple more hills to climb and it’ll be all over.

KSRT

A pink ribbon! We must be on the right trail.

Aiea Summit

Standing at the sign that Chris Bautista made.

KSRT

Dropping down from the 2,805′ summit and approaching our home for the night. We arrived with an abundance of time. Time well spent by Lopaka as he set up his tent on his first camp over.

Camp Powerlines

The wind howled and the rain poured for most of the night, which made for little sleep time. Forgot our ear plugs.

Breakfast of Champions

Nothing like hot soup to get you started on a cold and rainy morning.

KSRT

Another Groundhog Day on the ridge.

KSRT

This is not the meadows we are looking for.

KSRT

It was still a windy day …Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

KSRT

… that helped to temporarily blow the clouds away to give us partial Windward views.

KSRT

No more false summits.

Waimalu Summit

We have arrived! Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Waimalu Meadows

Was that mystical or mythical meadows?

Waimalu Meadows

Somebody liked the cold weather. Somebody liked their rain jacket even more.

Watering hole

You have to be able to see the water past the discoloration and floating bugs. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Waimalu Meadows

Leaving the meadows; the clouds lifted and the sun broke through, affording us the spectacular scenery this place is noted for.

KSRT

Back on the ridge line.

KSRT

We could see the landslide for the summit.

Waimano Summit

Panoramic view of Waihee Valley bordered by Kalahaku Teeth and Eleao Windward.

Waimano Trail

Leaving the summit as we headed down into the valley.

Waimano Trail

Our first human contact in two days.

Waimano Trail

Lopaka rock hopping one of a few stream crossings on the trail.

Waimano Trail

No picnickers spotted today.

Waimano Trail

Lopaka passing one of multiple irrigation tunnels sprinkled throughout the valley.

Waimano Trail

Climbing up the hardest part of the trail. Photo by Lopaka Hipperson.

Waimano Trail

Traffic jam on the trail.

All pau

We were so over with the long trail. Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up and taking us back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our two day camping hike covered 16.5 miles of ridges and crossing over the Ko’olau Mountains. Job well done by Lopaka on his first camping hike in the mountains. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant. Oxtail soup is what’s for dinner. What else would I order here?

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.

Forecasted thunderstorms changed our camping plans from the WST to the KST on the MLK weekend. So many acronyms, not enough time.

Poamoho Road

Permit in hand, we swung the gate open to kick off our weekend. Thanks to Ferlino and Jasmin for dropping Chris, Cisco, Stuart and myself off. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Cow Whisperer

Stuart breaking up the bovine blockade until we heard loud snorting from the tree line. A safe seat in the jeep is worth a bull in the bushes.

Muddy Road

Shout out to Brian for four wheeling our group up the road. Saved us five miles of walking and possible mad cow attack.

Trailhead

Setting foot on the mostly graded trail that takes you to one of the best scenic spots on the island.

Poamoho Trail

Making our way over a landslide area that had blocked the trail with fallen trees.

Poamoho Trail

Blurring the distinction between maintained and unmaintained.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the side gulch to cross the stream to the summit.

Poamoho Trail

Getting off the trail … Photo by Chris Bautista.

Poamoho Summit

… and heading to the place with a view or so we hoped. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Poamoho Summit

The winds were surprisingly light at the summit and the views did not disappoint today.

Cline Memorial

Passing the silent stone monument on our way to the cabin. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Boardwalk

A short spell of dry walking.

Invasive or Indigenous

The Japanese White Eye was having its feathers ruffled with a grass noose, until we released it back into the forest.

WST

Looking out towards the marsh and the Waianae Mountain Range.

Poamoho Cabin

No camping at the cabin, just enough time to read some poems and sign our names in the log book.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Hugging the Leeward side that sheltered us from the Windward winds and views.

Notch

Chris standing in the pass that dynamite carved out of the mountain.

Pauao Junction

The somewhat steep ridge that drops down into Kahana Valley that used to be heavily overgrown, but thanks to HTMC and dedicated volunteers, remains reasonably passable.

KST

Low hanging clouds in the valley that were slowly migrating to the ridge lines.

Hiking Sign

We must be on the right trail.

Schofield-Waikane Junction

Taking a break at the 2,360′ summit. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Enjoying our views of the clouds suspended above the valleys.

KST

Chris on the Leeward side of the ridge line.

Waikane Junction

Gaining the higher trail to remain in the mountains, otherwise we would have descended down into the valley of unexploded ordnances.

KST

The passage of time and hiker traffic had carved footholds into the landslide that had wiped out a section of the trail earlier last year.

KST

Enjoying the Windward views on the trail.

KST

Our eyes followed a ridge down to where a cabin or manmade structure was perched on the Leeward side. Just looking.

KST

We continued on the Leeward side through the thick overgrowth of knee high uluhe ferns.

KST

Back on the now cloudy ridge line.

KST

Stuart braking his descent down the fenced ridge line.

Tree of Life

Group photo with the horizontal sugi pine tree in the background, left to right: Cisco, myself, Stuart and Chris.

Selfie Junction

You’re supposed to take a picture of yourself.

Notch

Jumping or levitating? Photo by Chris Bautista.

Camp Waiahole

Party of four amidst the lush sugi pine trees, never mind the coiled and rusted barbed wire.

Camp Waiahole

Chris giving us a preview of the electrical show that would soon light up the heavens and a booming orchestra in the sky to boot.

Camp Waiahole

Nothing like waking up in the morning to powdered dry feet. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Leaving our sheltered camp ground, we heard the gushing stream below us, fed from last night’s heavy rainfall.

KST

We saw the clouds breaking up on our climb up, giving us false hope that the worse of the thunderstorms had passed.

Kipapa Summit

Making our transition from the Ko’olau Summit Trail to the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

KSRT

To bee or not to bee?

Lapalapa Trees

Rumor has it that Hawaiians burned the green wood of these trees when they were stuck in the cold and wet mountains. Much like us?

Waiawa Gap

Making our way up and down the beast of a rollercoaster ridge.

Notch

When Mother Nature gives you rain, just open your mouth and say “thirsty!”

Waiawa Gap

Climbing our way out of the gap, we heard another gurgling steam somewhere off to our right.

Glove Junction

Somebody must have plucked a lot of these red lehua flowers from the ohia trees.

KSRT

Our phones were ringing off the hook with flash flood alerts. Day late and a dollar short. We were in the middle of the system.

Corner

We filled up our water bottles and …

Corner

… visited a mini-waterfall. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

KST

The huggable tree on the mountain. No hugs today?

Manana Summit

We stopped briefly at the 2,660′ summit and hunkered below the highly porous trees to eat a bite before moving back on the ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Eleao Meadows

Passing the bowl shaped grassy field.

KST

Horizontal rain was sheeting and stinging us on the ridge, complete with complimentary audio. Sensory overload in the mountains.

KST

Twin waterfalls on the crossover. Only seen during heavy rainfall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KST

Passing the eroded section. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

KST

Coming down the mountain. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimano Summit

Our rainy crossover hike came to an end at the 2,160′ summit. We still had a rainy trail to hike down.

Waimano Trail

Going down the seven mile graded trail.

Waimano Trail

What? Only mile 5? The miles were not melting away fast enough on the trail back down. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimano Stream

Fording the somewhat swollen stream, luckily it was not of flash flood proportions.

Picnic Shelter

We briefly stopped at the picnic shelter and found that a group had made itself home there, complete with a roaring fire. All that was missing were the marshmallows and horror stories.

All pau

We left the trail and crossed the road to seek shelter from the rains that had turned from torrential to a constant drip. Our camping weather was split into Jekyll and Hyde, made bearably by good company. Mahalo to Ferlino and Jasmin for picking us up and bringing us hot cocoa on this stormy night. Post hike meal at Zippy’s. Hot soup does a body good.

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.

Chris asked if I had ever done this particular route before. Nope. That’s how I found myself back on the Aiea Loop Trail with Chris, Ferlino, Jason and Matt. Thanks again to Jasmin for dropping us off.

Aiea Loop Trail

Matt fiddling with his hardened shoes which would end up giving him problems on the trail.

Aiea Ridge

Hoping we would not need the (non) prescription glasses left behind.

Aiea Ridge

Ferlino and Jason crossing the landslide area. The shoes eventually called it for Matt and he soon turned around.

Pu’u Kawipo’o

Jason coming up to the 2,441′ summit of wild flowers.

Aiea Ridge

Looking out from the grassy clearing towards the power lines and the cloud blocked Windward views.

Aiea Summit

We got a view at the 2,805′ top. The Leeward side. Group photo left to right: Chris, Jason, myself and Ferlino.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Making our way down the second power lines and the unclaimed tent.

KSRT

Checking out the cloud strained views of the Windward side.

KSRT

Looking back towards the power lines. Photo by Jason Murano

KSRT

Pumping our legs to get up the first big hill on the ridge.

KSRT

The ubiquitous uki grass that is good for grabbing and eating.

KSRT

Taking a break in the meadows. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Back to hiking.

KSRT

Approaching the summit where Waimalu Middle Ridge tops out.

KSRT

Making the final push up the hill. Photo by Jason Murano.

Waimalu Summit

Group photo overlooking Windward views.

Waimalu Meadows

Going down to the mythical meadows.

Waimalu Meadows

Chris swallowed up in the mystical meadows.

KSRT

We departed the meadows and jumped back on the cloudy and undulating ridge line.

KSRT

Making our way down to the saddle.

Waimano Summit

Group photo at the socked in 2,160′ terminus.

Waimano Trail

Making our way down the seven mile graded trail.

Waimano Trail

Chris and Jason on the contour trail below the ridge line.

Waimano Trail

Ferlino ducking underneath a split tree on the trail.

Waimano Trail

Approaching the picnic shelter for a Pepsi break.

Waimano Trail

One of many short irrigation tunnels in the valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waimano Trail

Walking the long rocky trail out.

Waimano Trail

I wasn’t counting. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

All pau

The end of the insufferably long trail and back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our Sunday jaunt covered 14.63 miles of ridges, meadows and valley trails. Exhausting hike with an energizing group. Post hike meal at Pearl City Zippy’s. Not eating at the sushi bar tonight.

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 had read that HTMC legendary hiker Al Miller stated that Kalahaku Ridge could not be done. End of story. Time and other hikes passed, I then stumbled upon Cory Yap’s blog about his group summiting said ridge. My interest was renewed. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Loaded for bear

David, Jose, Ryan and Thessa rounded out the crew today. It was decided that we would do a camp over on the mountain so as not to come down at night. That is why we carried bulky and heavy overnight packs. Something we would regret later in the hike. But it seemed and sounded like a good plan. Ryan passed out MREs or military rations to us. Somebody forgot to grab one. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Gated hike

My friend, Glenn was nice enough to drop us off at the trailhead on the Windward side of the island.

On the trail

We followed a clearly used jeep trail that lead to somewhere. But somewhere was not our destination.

Red dirt

Ten minutes later, we veered off the trail and scrambled up an exposed area of red dirt that lead to the ridge. Pieces of a crashed RC plane lay strewn at the bottom. This was somebody’s playground.

Goodbye civilization

Looking back at what we were leaving behind for the weekend. Photo by David Concepcion.

Tangled branches we weave

It helps to be a contortionist on these overgrown ridges. Photo by David Concepcion.

First tooth?

We rounded this small hill that we thought was the first tooth. How wrong we were.

Gynecomostia?

Hikers that are exposed and eat too much lillikoi on trails are prone to developing passion boobs. After Ryan came to terms with his newfound swelling, we climbed up a steeply pitched hill to be confronted with a rock face. Welcome to the first tooth. Ryan had the best seat in the house. Literally. He was sitting on the only section that allowed one to sit. The rest of us had to stand and hold onto the rock face. Not comfortable with a heavy pack on your back. Jose contoured around to find another route. The rest of us contemplated climbing up, but heavy packs and shaky handholds dissuaded us from trying. Jose eventually found a way to the top and dropped webbing to haul our backpacks and ourselves up.

Burrowing ahead

Where is the trail? These teeth had a severe case of plaque called overgrowth. Photo by David Concepcion.

Rope!

We soon found traces from the last group that had done this ridge. Such ropes were handled with kid gloves if any, as most were rotted and one actually snapped while climbing up.

Windward pimple

This rock formation on the right bore a passing resemblance to the pimple on the Lanihuli side of Kalihi Saddle.

Climbing down

Ryan climbing down the fourth tooth? A nearby tree made the descent easier.

Slightly higher

Looking back to see how little ground we had covered. Overgrowth was insane.

Climbing up

Jose climbing up the fifth tooth?

Going back down

Going down the backside of the fifth tooth? Overgrowth masked the ridge to the point where we couldn’t tell if it was a steep drop off or a gradual drop. In this case, it looked like a steep drop but once we started going down, the descent wasn’t that bad.

Falling rock!

David peering down the backside of the sixth tooth? As he was coming down, we heard a huge crashing sound as Jose had dislodged a good sized rock and sent it bouncing down to the valley floor. Got our blood flowing as we thought somebody had fallen off the ridge. Lucky it was just a rock.

Bailout ridge?

We saw tattered webbing attached to a tree that could have been the bailout ridge that Cory Yap’s group went down on their first try.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Last tooth?

Looking at our last major obstacle to finishing the teeth. The seventh and final tooth!

Scrambling up

Heavy packs and crazy overgrowth had sapped our energy at this point. David and Ryan struggled to get over the first rock obstacle. Jose shed his pack and went down to help them with their packs. What a sherpa. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Almost there

After all of us made it over the exposed rock face, we dropped down and crossed a narrow dike. All that was left was a steep climb up through more overgrowth. Joy. We were pretty much spent. Daylight was rapidly fading.

Are we there yet?

Ryan making the final push to the top of the tooth. David had run out of gas at the bottom. All of us were totally exhausted. David and Thessa ended up roommates again and enjoyed the live music drifting up from the valley. Several furry friends paid them a visit. Not the cute ones. During the course of traversing over the teeth, the thick overgrowth had claimed our water bottles, Thessa’s flashlight and Ryan’s GPS Garmin. Price of admission to the teeth.

Trail clearing

Jose making his way through more overgrowth at the top.

It’s not the Ritz

Under the cover of darkness, we set up camp. Ryan cleared a suitable area for our tents. Trees provided a wind break and we munched on our MREs, that were surprisingly tasty and retired to an early night. This was my first camping experience since hanabata days! Thanks to Thomas Engle for letting me borrow his tent. We lucked out as it only rained briefly around midnight. That luck would not hold.

Good morning!

David and Thessa saw this sunrise. Ours was somewhat filtered by trees. Photo by David Concepcion.

What’s for breakfast?

We broke down our tents in the morning and ate leftover MREs. Took stock of our water supply. Almost gone.

Reunited and it feels so good

David and Thessa soon joined us on the top. Our first group photo of the hike left to right: Jose, David, Thessa, myself and Ryan.

Back to hiking

We resumed our hike by plunging back into the overgrowth. It was crazy. Jose and Ryan took the lead and cleared the path with a machete. Photo by David Concepcion.

Still a long way from the top

Several more hours of bushwhacking were still in store for us. Couldn’t get any worse. Then the rain started. Photo by David Concepcion.

Are we tired yet?

Some of us ran out of water. In the middle of pouring rain. Irony.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image. Photo by David Concepcion.

Almost there

As we neared the top of the ridge, the overgrowth became more manageable.

Waimalu Meadows

The mythical meadows were completely socked in. We were just glad to be off the ridge, we could live without the views. Sitting on spongy ground never felt so good. Photo by David Concepcion.

Watering hole

Jose went poking around and found us a water hole. He even had a LifeStraw, which is a portable water filter. However, it does not filter out against leptospirosis, which is common in most streams. We did not see signs of pigs or goats and besides we were pretty thirsty.

Suck! Suck! Suck!

This is what happens when you run out of water. You have to suck it out of a hole in the ground. Others drank from a bottle. Photo by Ryan Meyer.

Lunch break

Happiest group photo of the hike. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Time to leave

We had decided against going down the grueling and endless Waimalu Middle Ridge. Instead we opted to take the longer but easier Waimano Trail back down.

Headed down

Going down the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail. Narrow at times but the windward winds kept us steady on the ridge.

Water!

Jose noticed water running off a branch. Ryan immediately assumed the horizontal drinking position.

Waimano summit

Group photo at the end of the Waimano Trail, which was actually the beginning for us. Notice the spectacular scenery behind us.

Waimano trail

We still had seven miles to walk back down to civilization. Ripe and abundant strawberry guava, guava and lillikoi lined the trail going down. We even had some mountain apples further down the stream. Tasty trail snacks.

Can I have some privacy please?

When we came to the first major stream crossing, Ryan collected some awapuhi and took a bath in the once pristine waters. Jose soon followed. The rest of decided to wallow in our filth and grime.

Repairs needed

Here we were at the picnic bench with no picnic. Part of the roof was flapping in the wind. Must sound spooky at night.

Body shampoo?

Jose collected some awapuhi or shampoo ginger plants on the trail, to be used in the privacy of his home.

Choices

Thessa pausing besides one of the water tunnels that once made up the irrigation system. No exploring today.

Bench with a view

The scenic point afforded great views of the Waianae Mountains.

End of the tunnel

The trail soon lead us back to civilization. A chain link fence!

Follow the chain link fence

We followed the chain link fence until it dumped us on Waimano Home Road.

Utter exhaustion

Drop dead tired. We dropped our packs and plopped down on solid concrete. It felt so good to take a load off our feet. Once in Jose’s car, we stopped at the nearest McDonald’s to gulp down carbonated sugar water. Then it was off to Outback for our post hike meal. My eye was bigger than my shrunken stomach because I could not polish off my herb encrusted wood fired slab of meat. Leftovers. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

GPS Tracks

The punishing hike lasted 9.57 miles spanning over two days. The heavy packs made the hike harder than it should have been and the overgrowth didn’t help matters. The first and seventh tooth were the hardest ones and they sandwhiched a heavily overgrown ridge. The section beyond the final tooth was just as overgrown, it petered out as the ridge approached the Ko’olau range. It was quite the weekend with an amazing group!