We all gathered to check off a list, not necessarily on everybody’s checklist, but a list nevertheless.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Lilia and Tessa for dropping us off at the historic vista that was witness to the 1795 Battle of Nu’uanu and was strangely devoid of the usual gawkers but not the whipping winds that caressed and carved the neighboring mountains.

Nu’uanu Pali

Climbing our way up the rooted and forested landscape.

Nu’uanu Pali

Enjoying the breaking sunrise as our blue marble rotated on its axis.

Nu’uanu Pali

Akira entering the rock corridor as we slowly gained elevation.

Pali Notches

Chico was not maintaining his three points of contact. Throwing caution to the wind.

Pali Notches

Scotty descending down the first notch on his first visit to this part of the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail or Nu’uanu Saddle.

Pali Notches

Marilyn climbing down the first of the rectangular gap which folklore states that Hawaiians carved these notches out of solid basaltic rock for canon emplacements to be used against King Kamehameha when he invaded Oahu in 1795.

Pali Notches

Climbing our way out of the first notch that was more likely formed when the dikes fractured over time and erosion.

Pali Notches

Scott going down into the largest of the dike fractures.

Pali Notches

Posing and climbing down into the second canon emplacement or scout lookout used by the defenders of King Kalanikupule against the invading army of King Kamehameha who sent his scouts up the mountain to disable the sentries.

Pali Notches

Cristy demonstrating the correct way to climb down and not the exaggerated leaning back look made for dramatic IG shots and potential falls.

The Nipple

Making our way towards the stubby column of isolated basaltic rock.

The Nipple

The group climbing down the rock spire.

The Nipple

Make or break time.

The Chimney

Deep thoughts. Somebody was not ready for prime time. The mountains will always be here.

The Chimney

Somebody still wanted a small taste, so without further aplomb, heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s off we go.

The Chimney

If there ever was a personified definition of true grit, it would be this individual right here. Kudos to Chico for completing his second climb up and down the chimney, unassisted.

The Chimney

Shout out to my noisy_hawaii fans. Please visit my YouTube channel.

The Chimney

Three’s a crowd. More the merrier.

The Chimney

Seen from the front and the back. Double the viewing pleasure.

The Chimney

Demonstrating the classic rule of gravity as immortalized by Sir Isaac Newton.

The Chimney

POV that makes the grade look not half bad.

The Chimney

I got you bro. Charge is still only a nickel. Doing my part to keep inflation at bay.

The Chimney

Akira waiting to get off the sliver of a rock to more solid footing.

The Nipple

Reunited back on the windswept rock where Akira lost his cap to the mountains but got it back on the contour trail below us.

Pali Notches

Olomana framed by the notch walls.

Pali Notches

We crossed paths with two other hikers who were debating going past the first notch, for one, the World Cup showing at 0900 took precedence over setting foot on new ground.

Pali Notches

The hike is not complete with dancing in some form or fashion. Participation is welcome.

Nu’uanu Pali

Hanging out at the KST campsite until Lilia and Scott came to collect us. Mahalos!

All pau

Chico being blown away by Akira channeling his inner Dragon Ball energy. Not to be confused with kimatteiru. Our morning hike didn’t even crack a mile let alone beads of sweat. It was still a safe and fun hike with good company. Post hike meal at Koa Pancake House as the wait at Koko Head Cafe exceeded our parking time.

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Cristy Meador, Marilyn Bermudez, 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.

We all gathered to help somebody reintegrate into the hiking world due to a tweaked back and did a sandy stroll at the end of the world, or island in this case.

Kaena Point State Park

Shadows in the heat, time to slather on that sun protection.

Kaena Point State Park

It was nice to see Tessa back on the trails after a month long absence.

Kaena Point State Park

Trying to find the right weight, balance and equilibrium so we can play see-saw on the beach.

Kaena Point State Park

Standing on the remnants of the Oahu Railway and Land Company train line that used to transport sugarcane and passengers from Honolulu to the North Shore from 1899 until 1946, when the Aleutian tsunami damaged the tracks beyond financial point of repair.

Kaena Point State Park

Exploring the razor sharp rocks along the coastline.

Kaena Point State Park

Bushwhacking? Are we on the KST?

Kaena Point State Park

Skirting our way around several sea turtle nesting sites. Over 96% of turtles nest amongst the French Frigates Shoals and the rest are scattered through the Hawaiian islands.

Kaena Point State Park

Filtering our way through the gate meant to keep out motorized vehicles.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Entering through the predator proof fenced area that encompasses 59 acres of land that provides a safe haven for endangered species.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Passing the Leina a Ka’uhane rock or leaping place of the souls, where the recently deceased would journey into the afterlife.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Spotting a wedge-tailed shearwater (‘ua’u kani) fledgling in their coastal burrow.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

A Layson albatross juvenile spreading its wings.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

The engineer has determined that the ladder is structurally unsound and would not be prudent to climb any further.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Taking our group photo in the lighthouse that was erected in 1920 and fell to beach erosion in 1990.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

While we were taking our picture, Tessa was wandering the beach and found a Hawaiian monk seal popping out of the surf. This vulnerable species is one of only two mammals endemic to the islands.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Looking across one of the last intact coastal sand dunes in the Hawaiian islands.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

A fisherman about to throw net and try catch something. The individual throw net was introduced to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants in the 1890s and was quickly adopted by locals.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

He might catch a merman swimming around, probably throw him back and wait for one mermaid.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Saw crabs, helmet urchins and opihi on the rocky coastline.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Looking back at the rest of the group.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Jeremy training for the Chimney.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Following the latest beach photography fad.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Squatters.

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

Jeremy following the roped corridor out of the sanctuary that was established in 1983.

Kaena Point State Park

If you want to know what it means, just read the shirt.

Kaena Point State Park

Chico descending into a tunnel that was bored out by the US military to emplace turret guns for coastal defense.

Kaena Point State Park

I always thought this was part of the OR&L railroad tracks until further research proved me wrong. There is a shrine in the dark tunnel dedicated to Les Merrell who tragically fell off Bear Claw Ridge back in 2012.

Kaena Point State Park

Checking out a possible carrier that was meant to haul the shells on the tracks now covered with rubble from the ceiling of the cave.

Kaena Point State Park

Looking back at the junction where the tunnel connects together to form a loop.

Kaena Point State Park

Shadow vs. silhouette. It’s all about the lighting conditions and the surface or lack of one.

Kaena Point State Park

I was so glad to leave the sauna like conditions behind us.

Kaena Point State Park

Walking outside of the 2,133′ long fence that encloses the recovering sand dune ecosystem that was degraded over the years from off-road vehicles.

All pau

Our last group photo of the day as we concluded the six mile hike to the westernmost tip of the island with new and old friends. Post hike meal at Jerry’s Pizza where ahi katsu was introduced by the 100% disabled veteran.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Cristy Meador, Derek Ferguson, Jeremy Cannone, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, 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.

We found ourselves back at the same place we had just hiked two days ago. But, we were going through the front door this time.

Manoa

Rewind several hours earlier to our earlier scheduled hike, and we found that the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak for some, or was it the other way around? Apologies to Ferlino and Lilia that woke up early to be our shuttle drivers for naught. Time to climb trees and find a place that was open for breakfast at this early morning. Thanks to Lilia for cooking us breakfast on the fly as we waited for others to flesh out the birthday group.

Olomana Trail

We cobbled together a more sizeable group and headed off to Chico’s “parking spot” where we met up with Cinja. Let’s not be another statistic this morning.

Olomana Trail

Some of us checked out the abandoned military pumping station that was built during WW2 to manage the water resources of Maunawili Valley.

Olomana Trail

Padding our way through the pine needle carpeted grove of ironwood trees.

Olomana Trail

To paraphrase Casey Kasem, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the rocks.”

Olomana Trail

Always stretch on a hike, or was that before the hike. I was never a good student.

Olomana Trail

It was Kenny and Rogers first time on “Oahu’s Matterhorn.” The climb is worth the views at the end, provided you actually enjoy the views.

Olomana Trail

Looking down at the “traffic jam” below me. It pays to take the trail less traveled.

Olomana Trail

A peak too far.

Olomana

The winds were blowing a pretty good clip at the 1,643′ peak, so why not fly my drone? What could go wrong? The winds caught my drone and cast it involuntary upward (again) and luckily the return function worked (again). Some people never learn. Always the one raising my hand.

Olomana

Group photo at the first, tallest and for some the final peak today.

Olomana

Cinja was nice enough to keep Kenny company on the trail back down.

Olomana

The rest of the group continued our traverse on the aptly named divided hill.

Olomana

We’ll be coming ’round the mountain when we comes. We’ll be hiking in five pairs of Merrells, Salomons and La Sportivas. Oh, we’ll all go out to climb all three peaks when we comes. Oh, we’ll all have American diner food when we’re done. We’ll be yelling “Cheehoo” when we’re pau!

Paku’i

Roger scrambling his way to the summit named after the caretaker of the nearby Ka’elepulu fishponds in Kailua that was dredged and developed into the Enchanted Lakes subdivision.

Paku’i

Akira leaving the peak that sits at 1,581′ elevation.

Paku’i

Roger climbing down the steepest section of the trail. No slip. No fall.

Paku’i

Scrambling our way to the iconic dike formation.

Keyhole

Hanging out until the two Chinese influencers have had their 15 minutes of fame and then some.

Keyhole

Our 15 seconds of fame.

Ahiki

Climbing our way up towards the final peak named after Olomana’s favorite headman that oversaw the resources of the ahupua’a.

Ahiki

Roger and Cristy contouring their way towards the 1,440′ peak.

Ahiki

We skipped the sparse summit views and descended down the very unstable ladder and had lunch at the base.

Ahiki

Climbing down the backside of the lowest peak and this was Cristy’s first descent as well.

Ahiki

Take my picture before a gust of wind blows me off this spit of a rock.

Ahiki

Cristy living life on the edge. Literally.

Ahiki

Top down view.

Ahiki

Far away view.

Ahiki

Bottom up view.

Ahiki

Cristy descending with some random hiker in tow. He had popped up by the ladder and was wondering if there was a trail that went down the backside. Follow the breadcrumbs.

Ahiki

Rope point of view.

Ahiki

Roger’s point of view.

Ahiki

This rope is now available for use.

Ahiki

Climbing our way down to the base of the peak.

Aniani Nui Ridge

When you hit your head not once, but twice on the low hanging branches. Some people just are not too bright.

Aniani Nui Ridge

Take out the hamburger patty and add a pick axe, and you just get the Spanish meaning.

All pau

Akira getting his birthday cupcake in the back of a pickup truck, what every guy wants. Thanks to Kenny for picking us up. Our birthday hike covered 3.82 miles over the divided hill with fun friends.

Ruby Tuesday

Post hike meal at the casual dining chain where Aida, Dale, Edgar and Cat, Ferlino and Jasmin joined us for good company and birthday song for dessert.

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Cinja Ribeiro, Cristy Meador, Kenny Lui, Roger Schiffman, 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 had a weekday off thanks to the 250th birthday of America. Instead of popping fireworks, we decided to spend a day in the mountains. Different mountains than planned, but same concept.

Maunawili Trail

We picked up Ben from the historic carriage path that used to be the corridor between Nu’uanu Pali and Waimanalo and Lilia then dropped us off in the backwoods of Waimanalo to start our hike.

Maunawili Trail

Have wheels, will pack. Guess I’m walking.

Maunawili Trail

Why take the easy trail up when you can climb on the tree roots?

Aniani Nui Ridge

Spitting distance if you got great lungs of Ahiki Peak.

Aniani Nui Ridge

Snorting and belching wannabe wild boars.

Ahiki

Making our way up the backside of the third peak.

Ahiki

The climbing got progressively steeper on the second set of ropes.

Ahiki

One has to wonder how long these ropes and webbings have been weathered out here in the hot Hawaiian sun. Hikers beware.

Ahiki

You don’t need a photographer when you have an Insta360 in your pack.

Ahiki

A drone in the air also replaces a photographer as well.

Ahiki

We soon approached the ladder which serves as the gateway to the summit. However, this aluminum ladder that replaced the pipe ladder which now sits in somebody’s apartment, is unstable and poses a greater risk to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe back in 2022, a visitor from Indiana fell to his death possibly by descending on the former pipe ladder. This ladder poses the same if not greater danger to unsuspecting hikers. Besides, the top of the ladder does not extend three feet past the top per OSHA standards nor is it properly secured at the base or the top.

Ahiki

Can you please remove your hand from my face?

Ahiki

The last man climbing up the ladder with ample exposure on both sides.

Ahiki

Expressive group photo on the lowest of the three peaks at 1,440′ elevation.

Ahiki

Trying to snack on Chico’s camera, I was getting hangry. I wasn’t angry, so just hungry.

Ahiki

Approaching the Keyhole with Paku’i and Olomana in the distance.

Keyhole

Ben contemplating climbing the sheet of rock punctured with a puka (hole)? All you dawg!

Keyhole

Second guessing myself as cracks in the rocks were pointed out as I climbed to the top of the fractured dike.

Keyhole

Drone view of the “ascent.”

Keyhole

Now the hard part, I had to climb back down.

Paku’i

Climbing the steep section towards the summit.

Paku’i

View from the 1,581′ elevation peak.

Paku’i

Scrambling our way towards the highest peak.

Olomana

Drone view of the divided hill.

Olomana

Chico passing out his stickers to visiting sailors from the RIMPAC exercise on the 1,643′ elevation summit.

Olomana

We left the summit and began our descent down the trail while running across scores of other hikers.

Olomana Trail

Ben took the regular way and we took the shortcut.

Olomana Trail

Fence creep has seemingly migrated from the KST to the lowlands.

All pau

Thanks to our Uber who picked us up and took us to Kailua to have our post hike meal with the blessings of the missus.

GPS Tracks

Our pre-4th of July hike covered 3.5 miles with fun friends. Post hike meal at Lanikai Brewing Company, Ben’s favorite spot to catch a bite.

Photos/Crew taken by Ben Hinders, Chico Cantu, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

We were supposed to celebrate Leon Day, but one of the participants wasn’t feeling up to snuff, so Plan B it was for today.

Makapu’u

Thanks to Akira for shuttling Alexis, Kenny and myself from our end point to our starting point. The neighborhood watch was out in full force, coning the street and asking questions. Good job.

Makapu’u

Staking out our spot for the 0550 sunrise viewing event.

Makapu’u

Witnessing the cloud muted plasma orb thanks to Earth’s rotation around the sun.

Makapu’u

Kuya, let me take the group selfie. I have a YouTube channel.

Makapu’u

Back to our regularly scheduled program of climbing up the mountain.

Makapu’u

Looking down at Sea Life Park that opened in 1964 and the islands of Manana (Rabbit) and Kaohika’ipu (Black Rock) in the background.

Makapu’u

Playing and posing in what I call Hawaii’s Stonehenge, a collection of rocks that are roughly aligned with the ridgeline.

Makapu’u

Overlooking Makai Research Pier, built in the 1960s by the State of Hawaii to support marine research and is also a popular spot with fishermen and divers.

Makapu’u

Three’s a crowd.

Makapu’u Puka

Up, …

Makapu’u Puka

… Up …

Makapu’u Puka

… and Away. My drone got caught in a thermal updraft as it kept gaining elevation while ignoring my commands to descend, as it kept soaring higher and commingling with the birds circling overhead.

Makapu’u Puka

It turned out to be a waiting game as the battery would soon run out of juice and the drone would drop like a rock from the sky, luckily the return home function worked and thanks to Akira for catching my drone when it landed.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hugging the coastline as we resumed our hike. The 15 minutes of drama was over.

KSRT

Kenny climbing his way up towards the “Three Crosses of Salvation.”

KSRT

Are we there yet? 15 more minutes! If you believe that, I have an affordable home I wish to sell.

KSRT

Sunshine and shadows on the hang gliding platform.

KSRT

Group photo on the second platform that many erroneously call Dead Man’s Catwalk. The real concrete slab was jack hammered out of existence back in 2016.

Kamehame Road

Walking up the road that could use some landscaping services.

KSRT

Skirting our way around the abandoned communication towers that used to make up the Nike Missile Integrated Fire Control site that used to track targets for the missiles that used to be garrisoned below at Bellows in the 1960s.

KSRT

Descending down into the saddle.

KSRT

Climbing our way towards shade and relief from the sun that was baking the landscape and any travelers.

Kamiloiki Summit

KSRT

Sliding our way down the pine needle covered hill. Just missing the cardboard boxes.

KSRT

Climbing our way down while the rest of the group contoured their way around.

KSRT

Somebody is always camera ready for that postcard picture.

KSRT

You ask for mustard and you get hot sauce. Same color. Same results.

KSRT

Climbing our way up through the hardscrabble terrain while the sun was just roasting us from the inside out. Slight exaggeration but another reason why this is my least favorite section of the KST.

Tom-Tom Summit

Traversing through the summit marked by HECO powerlines and named after Tom McGuire and Tom Cadle that scouted and popularized the ancient Hawaiian trail.

KSRT

Poor man’s version of Bell Tower. Less effort. Less risk. Less reward.

Hahaione Ridge

Meanwhile, a couple ridges over, Edgar and the girls were climbing towards the pyramid to meet us.

KSRT

Climbing our way up a cliff with the help of a printer/electrical cable that has been around for over at least a decade.

KSRT

Are we there yet? Not quite.

KSRT

We left the shaded canopy and soft feathery ferns and made our way up the exposed rocky ridgeline.

Kaluanui (Mariner’s Ridge) Summit

Enjoying our lunch under the shade. The sun was brutal today.

Kaluanui (Mariner’s Ridge) Summit

Group photo at the summit that the Bishop Estate shut down the trail that leads to it back in 2013.

KSRT

Some climbed down the cliff while the others contoured down the trail. To each their own.

KSRT

Double cramping, Doublemint twins. Double your pain, double your misery. We soon saw stick figures on our destination.

KSRT

View from the pyramid.

KSRT

Alexis trying to clear a fallen tree from the trail. Futility at its finest.

Hahaione Pyramid

Cristy climbing towards the summit while Edgar stands ready with his Insta360 to record for posterity’s sake.

Hahione Pyramid

Is this the easy way or the hard way? Take a wild guess.

Hahaione Pyramid

Group photo at the top of the triangular shaped peak where we met up with Aida, Allison, Edgar and Marilyn.

Hahaione Trail

Descending down towards the valley of shifting sands which evolved from Hawaiian farms to cattle ranches and to the current suburban community sprawled out below us.

All pau

Our last group photo of the day, just missing Edgar as he took a different trail out.

GPS Tracks

Our hot as heck hike that was unevenly tempered with trade winds covered 5.54 miles with fun company. Post hike meal at Gyotaku where we had to wait half an hour before they opened for early dinner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIho23J3CoA

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Allison Banks, Cristy Meador, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, Roger Schiffman, 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 salvage what was left of the camping weekend by introducing somebody to the “easiest” of the three main saddles on the KST.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Standing on the first of seven storied bridges that runs deep into Moanalua Valley that used to belong to Samuel Mills Damon, most known among other things, for convincing Queen Liliuokalani to give up her throne and propelled Hawaii into becoming a republic, then territory of the US and eventually the 50th State.

Kulana’ahane Trail

We soon split off the main road and plunged deep into the tangled thicket of low-hanging hau tree branches.

Kulana’ahane Trail

One of multiple stream crossings, 28 if you want to count.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Fence creep has reached down into the valley floor.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Scrambling up the short and steep unmaintained spur ridge trail.

Kulana’ahane Summit

We left the oppressive humidity in the valley behind us and enjoyed the trade winds cooling us down at the lowest depression between the peaks of Red Hill and Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Akira stretching before our climb up the Eastern half of Moanalua Saddle that is part of the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

Moanalua Saddle

Stepping foot on the crumbly ridgeline that are bordered by vegetation on the Leeward side and steep drops on the Windward side.

Moanalua Saddle

The group traversing on one of the few “sidewalk” sections of the trail.

Moanalua Saddle

Aida climbing up with the help of questionable webbing that has been installed for quite some time. Use at your own risk or peril.

Moanalua Saddle

Chandra scrambling her way up a pile of rocks that are in a constant state of erosion.

Moanalua Saddle

Aida climbing against the backdrop of the Ko’olau Range with the Tetsuo Harano Tunnels that burrows over 5,000′ into the mountains to allow commuters to pass through on the H-3 highway.

Moanalua Saddle

Webbing? We don’t need no stinkin’ webbing!

Moanalua Saddle

The group making their way down. Easy peasy.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way to the most famous obstacle this side of the saddle, the Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

Contouring …

Moanalua Saddle

… and climbing the Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

Safe and sound at the top.

Moanalua Saddle

Aida with Akira shadowing her on the climb up.

Moanalua Saddle

Our group reduced to quadrupedal locomotion as the pitch increased and the terrain became less sure-footed.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing and contouring our way around some good sized rocks on the ridgeline.

Moanalua Saddle

Aida and Chandra taking selfies and pictures while holding down their precarious perch. Multi-tasking at its finest.

Moanalua Saddle

Waiting in the queue, as we all made our way up the chossy cliff one by one.

Moanalua Saddle

Insta360 view looking down. Look up.

Moanalua Saddle

The line between scary and happy is the sweet spot for those with a propensity towards acknowledged inhalation.

Moanalua Saddle

Whew! All the “technical” parts of the hike were now behind us.

Moanalua Saddle

The thorny bush that gives back. Sweet and tart.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing instead of contouring. Pick your poison.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking back towards the dry stream that feeds the current dry Moanalua Falls that we had passed earlier on our climb to Kulana’ahane Summit. Come back on a storming day to see the falls flowing.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way to heaven.

Moanalua Saddle

Heaven can wait. It’s lunchtime. Udon with tamago(egg) and tuna creations. Thank you Chef Suzuki and StarKist.

Moanalua Saddle

Group photo at one of five platforms that used to anchor aerial cables spanning 7,600′ across Haiku Valley that were used to communicate with the ships and submarines of the Pacific Fleet during WW2.

Moanalua Saddle

One took the ladder and the other took the grassy hill. Which one got up first?

Moanalua Saddle

The ridgeline has been stripped of the stairs or as somebody eloquently once said “given a Brazilian wax job.” Vegetation has yet to reclaim the narrow strip of land that still bears the footprint of its former occupant.

Moanalua Saddle

Climbing our way down to the last platform on this side of the valley and the termination of where the stairs used to end.

Moanalua Saddle

Threading our way along the grassy ridgeline punctuated by rusty stakes and sharp shards of twisted wire that invited you for a tetanus shot if handled improperly.

Moanalua Saddle

Pushing our way to the 2,820′ summit marked by the Communications Control Link (CCL) building that is perched on the top.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Talking to other hikers who had reached the summit that means “Kahoe’s fire” through other avenues.

Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe

Our pic for your pic. The fate of these storied stairs are currently in legal limbo as FHS filed a legal injunction against the City to stop the proposed dismantlement of “Stairway to Heaven.” Let’s examine the main arguments that the stairs are unsafe; that they are a blight to the aina (land) and it encourages rampant trespassing into people’s yards and property. What other hike has stairs and steps from top to bottom? Exactly. None. Albeit, some of the stairs and rails are damaged due to landslides and neglect, but none to the point of where it’s actually dangerous as evidenced by the fact that nobody has died on this hike, despite the thousands of people that have done it. Olomana has claimed at least six lives and Diamond Head ranks at the top of the list for rescues. Where are the calls to shut these trails down? Some has claimed that the stairs are a defacement to the aina and needs to be removed so it can be restored back to its natural state. If that’s the case, then we need to remove all man-made buildings including homes as they are a “blight” to the aina are they not? What about all the other WW2 structures that “litter” the islands? Pink Pillbox. Lanikai Pillbox. Diamond Head. To name a few. The last argument regarding trespassing is the only one that rings true due to there being no easy means of access. The City acquired ownership in 1997 and spent $875,000 to fix the stairs in 2002 with the intentions of opening it to the public. Lack of leadership, competing agendas and no consensus among all involved parties failed to come to a solution of managed access to the public that would have eliminated the trespassing problem and generated revenue for the City’s coffers.

Haiku Stairs

The original plan was to loop it back down to Moanalua Valley but a medical emergency forced us to depart the summit and use the stairs as the fastest way down short of a rescue helicopter.

Haiku Stairs

Looking back at the rest of the group descending down what used to be 3,922 steps, but scavengers and souvenir hunters have reduced the numbers somewhat.

Haiku Stairs

Approaching the roofless Hoist House that was used to winch a cable car up the ridge to move men and materials.

Haiku Stairs

Now it seems that some hikers have turned the abandoned structure into an impromptu gym.

Haiku Stairs

Two-hand pull-ups? Hold my beer.

Haiku Stairs

If we only had a trampoline.

Haiku Stairs

Chandra against the sprawling vista of lush mountains, verdant valleys, urban blight and ocean views.

Haiku Stairs

Brendan and Kaylee carefully climbing their way past the section of twisted stairs that was damaged in the Valentine’s Day storm of 2015. The death of the stairs has been greatly exaggerated.

Haiku Stairs

Descending down to the valley floor as we soon passed motorists on the H-3 Highway.

All pau

Medical emergency aborted and addressed as we completed our hike safe and sound. Thanks to Allison and Ferlino for their assistance in this matter. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant to consume their oxtail soup as the places to find them have decreased by one with the closure of Kam Bowl Restaurant. Our Father’s Day hike covered 6.63 miles with a fun group + 2. +2 even got to ride in the back of a truck, something they can’t do back home. Welcome to Hawaii! Congratulations to Chandra for completing her first saddle on the KST.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chandra Robison, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

We joined the roughly 100,000 + visitors that are on this island at any given time and decided to pursue activities that were more of the cultural exploration genre.

Ulopu Heiau

Our ghost tour got off to a late start due to a multiple car crash that shut down H1 eastbound from 1720 to 1905, speeding was the most likely culprit. Met at Wendy’s and when everybody showed up, we drove to one of the oldest and largest Hawaiian temple that was reputedly built by Menehune’s and whose tiny footprints can still be seen in the mud from time to time.

Ulopu Heiau

The original heiau measured 140’x180’x30′ whose purpose evolved from agricultural to human sacrifices until finally being abandoned after Kamehameha conquered the island.

Ulopu Heiau

Robert told us stories of a mainland woman who disrespected the temple and kicked a couple rocks and the next day her legs were swollen as the angry spirits were clenching onto her legs until she apologized the next day and her legs began circulating normally. One other story was that a couple kids were playing in the area and came home with unexplained scratches on their legs. Bottom line like in life, you have to show respect to get respect.

Morgan’s Corner

We then parked along Nu’uanu Pali Drive where we heard stories of the murdered Wilder widow who was killed by two escaped convicts, who were sentenced to hang but later pardoned and subsequently the death penalty was abolished in 1957, two years before statehood. There was also the 1986 suspicious hanging at Judd bridge of a local man whose killer was never found. The most spooky story was that of a young girl skipping rope down the road whose lower jaw is missing, based on a body that was found with matching missing jawbone.

Morgan’s Corner

Going back to our cars and passing a homeless person with a blue orb hanging above him, reflection or spiritual energy?

Manoa Falls

We drove to a popular waterfall hike that is reputedly home to the night marchers or hukai po are usually preceded by blowing conch shells and beating drums and fiery torches whose shadows that are best not crossed paths with others on the trail. Fallen hikers that have died on the trail are also known to haunt the area of their untimely deaths.

Manoa Falls

The valley was also witness to one of the last civil conflicts when the royalist, Robert Wilcox, tried to restore Queen Lili’uokalani back to the throne. The rebellion was squashed by the Republic of Hawaii militia and three out of 100 rebels were killed and the rest captured. The leader hid out in the Ko’olau Mountains and surrendered a week later.

Manoa Chinese Cemetery

Our last stop was the final resting spot for Chinese immigrants and their offspring. The 10-acre plot of land was purchased by the Lin Yee Chung Association in 1852.

Manoa Chinese Cemetery

The association’s key leader, Lum Ching, used feng shui to determine that the area captured the “pulse of the watchful dragon of the valley.” Stories of fireballs and orbs shooting into the sky filled the air along with a story of a young girl that was found by a local man who attempted to take her home only to have her disappear from the back of his car.

Manoa Chinese Cemetery

Positive energy is the hallmark emanating from the oldest and largest Chinese cemetery on the island, rather than dark demonic forces at play. Which is a good thing for people like us hanging around here late at night, which is home to over 10,000 burial plots. Aida tested out the vortex supposedly contained within the banyan tree, only to have part of her leg disappear. Just in the photo.

Manoa Chinese Cemetery

Joss money that is not meant to be burned but rather to be used by our tour guide. Thanks to Robert and his skillful storytelling and everybody else for participating in the ghost tour. Post tour meal at Zippy’s, where the next stop is just an inordinate wait period to get our pre-cooked food.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=264KQPzZSqo

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our ghost tour.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Dwayne Pagente, Edgar Gamiao, Ferlino and Jasmin Carinio, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, Robert Sepulveda, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Iolani Palace

Sunday June 14, 2026

The next day for those that could rouse themselves from their sleepy slumber, we met in downtown for Kama’aina Sundays, where the only royal residence in the USA, opens up to the local public free of charge.

Iolani Palace

We all converged on Iolani Barracks, that was built in 1870 and was originally located where the State Capitol is currently located, it was moved coral block by coral block in 1965 to its present location.

Iolani Palace

The group waiting for Dale as we held onto the last ticket for the 0930 tour.

Iolani Palace

Bird’s eye view of the barracks whose architectural design was influenced by European medieval castles.

Iolani Palace

The sign doesn’t say you can’t climb the tree.

Iolani Palace

Group photo outside the palace built in 1882 at a cost of over $340,000, a princely sum back in the day.

Iolani Palace

The group getting briefed on how to use the audio players and issued shoe covers.

Iolani Palace

Shuffling into the palace as we tried to synchronize our movements with the audio narration.

Iolani Palace

Paintings of the Hawaiian monarchs and their consorts. Can you guess which one Akira favors?

Iolani Palace

Looking up at one of multiple chandeliers that provided electric lighting to the palace in 1887, five years before the White House was electrified.

Iolani Palace

The State Dining Room where many a royal banquet was served to visiting and local dignitaries.

Iolani Palace

Sitting on the royal throne. Literally the royal throne.

Iolani Palace

Ascending the koa wood staircase to the second floor.

Iolani Palace

The Throne Room is the largest room in the palace and is where diplomacy and state entertainment was practiced. This is also where Queen Lili’uokalani was tried and imprisoned in 1895 after royalist forces tried and failed to put her back on the throne after she was overthrown by Americans and Europeans in 1893. The appalling disrespect shown to the Queen to put her on trial in her former throne room and sentence her to five years of hard labor and lock her up in a room upstairs is indicative of the mindset of the colonizers.

Iolani Palace

Mirror selfie for those that were paying attention.

Iolani Palace

The spotted big cat rug is not original to the King’s bedroom as many of the original items were stolen, scattered or lost after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893.

Iolani Palace

King Kalakaua was reported to have spent most of his time in the library as he interested in modern technology and would read up about it as he was fluent in English and Hawaiian.

Iolani Palace

Those are real elephant tusks in the Gold Room that was gifted to King Kalakaua in 1886 for his 50th birthday jubilee.

Iolani Palace

Not only was the palace wired for electricity, but they also had elevators. Talk about being ahead of the curve.

Iolani Palace

Separate sleeping quarters for royalty was the norm back in the day as evidenced by the Queen’s Bedroom.

Iolani Palace

Looking at the 95″ x 97″ Imprisonment Quilt that Queen Lili’uokalani made in the very same room she was imprisoned after her farce of a trial.

Iolani Palace

Walking back down the staircase, no photos while walking or chewing gum.

Iolani Palace

Thanks to the cab driver that volunteered to take our group photo. Mahalo!

Ali’iolani Hale

We walked across the street and took our picture with the second statue of King Kamehameha draped with leis from the previous King Kamehameha Holiday on Thursday.

State Capitol

Looking up at the bronze replica of the seal of the State of Hawaii that weighs 7,500 lbs and is 15′ in diameter.

State Capitol

Standing inside the seat of corruption, I mean government that opened for business in 1969.

State Capitol

Looking up into the open central rotunda that symbolizes a volcano.

State Capitol

Are we signing DEI?

CU

Checking out South Korea’s largest convenience store that opened its first location back in 2025.

CU

Why pay when you can take your own?

South Hotel Street

One of two marble guardian lions at the entrance to Chinatown meant to repel negative energy and bring good fortune, but apparently not homeless people.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park

F*ck that guy. Oh wait, he’s one of the good ones.

Hawaii Theater

Passing a Japanese couple having their wedding photos in front of “The Pride of the Pacific” that opened in 1922. Omedetou Gozaimasu.

MP Lei Shop

Any gardenias? Out of season. That’s okay, I’ll just buy them from the shop the next block over.

Pho 97

We had lunch where the Vietnamese go to eat. Some of us got our food quicker than others.

Maunakea Marketplace

Checking out the open-air shop that had trinkets, food, seafood and produce. In the end, some of us bought bags of lychee at reasonable prices.

Wo Fat Chop Sui

The oldest operating restaurant in Hawaii before it shuttered in 2009, now all we got left is the sign.

Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery

Squeezing our way into this popular Chinese bakery to buy some rice cake, jung and moon cake with egg yolk. Gotta have the egg yolk.

Lee’s Bakery & Kitchen

It’s not Thanksgiving yet. Come back in 165 days.

Oahu Market

Wandering around the open-air market that was opened in 1904.

North King Street

Group photo at the traditional Chinese gateway that marks the Northwestern boundary of Chinatown.

North Hotel Street

The fox guarding the hen house.

Chinatown Cultural Plaza

We ended our day on stage and decided to unwind by practicing tai chi movements for public consumption. The plaza was built in 1974 and is owned by the government of Taiwan and is slated to be demolished and redeveloped in 2027.

Chinatown Cultural Plaza

How many people does it take to pay a parking ticket? Is this a C&C job? It was a day well spent with good friends and fun times.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Cristy Meador, Dale Yoshizu, Ferlino Carinio, Jordan Baird, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, 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.

Welcome to another edition of another hike being aborted by bad weather.

Manoa Valley

The group met up in the parking lot only to be met by rain showers and forecast called for persistent rain throughout the day. Falling back to seven waterfalls. Oh joy!

Manoa Valley

Are we going the scenic or direct way? We are not here to dawdle.

Manoa Valley

Ferlino was in the market to trade in his Tacoma.

Manoa Valley

Kenny reaching out to a clump of golden or painted bamboo grass.

Queen’s Bath

No dipping in the plunge pool today.

Queen’s Bath

Cristy making her way through the banyan trees and overhead water pipe.

Wa’aloa Falls

Why contour, when you can climb?

Wa’aloa Falls

Ferlino and Akira had the same idea.

Manoa Valley

We climbed and contoured to the top of the first falls and passed an abandoned shack that doubled as a phone booth.

Manoa Valley

Ferlino taking one of many selfies, more than you can shake a waterfall at.

Manoa Valley

The group spawning up the stream.

Waikeakua Falls

Approaching the lower tier of the falls.

Waikeakua Falls

Somebody wanted to get all wet on the climb.

Waikeakua Falls

Nobody wanted to get wet on the second tier of the falls, so we made the climb to the upper tier of the falls.

Waikeakua Falls

The falls name means water of the gods. Hawaiian legend has it that two gods struck the rocks with their staff and created the spring that feeds the waterfalls. Hawaiian chiefs of the past used to send their men to gather water at night for their sacred properties. Now we have Hawaii Volcanic Water bottled at the stores to slake our thirst.

Waikeakua Falls

Group photo at the base.

Waikeakua Falls

Making our way back down the falls. Nobody wanted to take the water slide down. Why do it for free, when you can pay $34.99 at Wet’n’Wild?

Manoa Valley

No time to eat pork adobo, we got places to go, waterfalls to see.

Manoa Valley

Is this 1/7 or 7/7 of bridges? Who’s counting.

Manoa Valley

The left is for bathroom breaks and the right is for hiking.

Manoa Valley

Making our way through the bamboo forest, the fast growing woody grass was introduced to the islands in the early 18th century by European and Asian explorers and immigrants.

Manoa Valley

Cristy and Ferlino performing the national dance of the Philippines.

Naniuapo Falls

Approaching our third waterfall of the day.

Naniuapo Falls

Some of us climbed the sturdy dead tree propped against the cliff, while others chose to remain in the spectator seats.

Naniuapo Falls

The Hawaiian name translates to “that beautiful night,” and the area was once home to Japanese plantation homes and its former occupants supposedly haunt the area.

Naniuapo Falls

Waterfall point of view.

Manoa Valley

Crawling our way through the twisted and low hanging branches after we forded Naniuapo Stream.

Luaalaea Falls

Arriving at our fourth and it turns out, the final waterfall for the day as somebody was showing their age playing in the stream.

Luaalaea Falls

Group photo at the falls whose name means “red earth pit.”

Luaalaea Falls

Chandra, Ferlino and the tweaker went to explore a smaller waterfall adjacent to the main falls.

Manoa Valley

Time to make like a stream and split.

Manoa Valley

Just follow the finger.

Manoa Valley

Stuck in the mud or stick in the mud?

Manoa Valley

Ferlino the Flyin’ Filipino, not to be confused with Shane Victorino, the Flyin’ Hawaiian.

Manoa Valley

Contrasting color.

Paradise Park

We soon stumbled upon abandoned structures straight out of Lost. Turns out these dilapidated and decaying buildings, cages and walkways were part of a 76 acre site that opened in 1968 and closed down in 1994. Probably the most famous person that lived in one of the structures from 1997- 1999, was Peter Hernandez otherwise known as Bruno Mars. The original owners, the Wong family, still hopes to re-open the park in some form or fashion but are being stifled by community opposition and conservation restrictions.

Paradise Park

Crimson lobster claw or heliconia plant native to Central and South America.

Paradise Park

Wandering in the former Kamehameha Amphitheater where trained birds used to entertain audiences. We only had each other for entertainment.

Paradise Park

Entering the former Aloha Aviary, hoping to see some exotic birds still flying around.

Paradise Park

What we found instead were flightless hoomans crawling inside the cage. Time to fly the coop.

GPS Tracks

Our rainy day hike covered a little over six miles with fun company and revisited scenery. Post hike meal at Red Pepper Korean BBQ, the preferred choice of people with bad backs.

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Chandra Robison, Cristy Meador, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Susan and David Katz, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

The birthday boy wanted a short hike due to time constraints, so the venue picked was the extinct tuff cone also known by is original Hawaiian name of Kohelepelepe.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden

We met up in the 60 acre botanical garden founded in 1958 to celebrate the early birthday of Ferlino, since he won’t be on island to celebrate his actual date of birth. Just like a birthday wish, his birthday balloon went up in the air right before the start of the hike. Face palm.

Koko Crater Rim

Approaching the steepest climb of the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

The group followed the signs to the start of the trail where a pseudo and genuine Filipino were spotted on the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

Alexis angling the approach to make it look hazardous when in fact it was quite pedestrian. All about perspective.

Koko Crater Rim

Some took the high road.

Koko Crater Rim

Others took the low road. We all got to the same place.

Koko Crater Rim

The rim soon flattened out as our lungs got a breather.

Koko Crater Rim

Picking our way through a cluster of climbing cactus that are native to Central America and we missed the fruiting season for dragon fruits.

Koko Crater Rim

Can you see Akira for the rocks?

Koko Crater Rim

Can you see Ferlino for the flags?

Koko Crater Rim

Making our way up and over the rocks.

Koko Crater Rim

Climbing and contouring our way on the rim.

Koko Crater Rim

Some chose left. Some chose right. We all got to the same place.

Koko Crater Rim

Say hello to the birdie in the sky.

Koko Crater Rim

Following the rim while some contoured the rim. We all got to the same place.

Koko Crater Rim

Somebody couldn’t see the ground for their feet.

Koko Crater Rim

Drone view of the backside of Koko Crater Puka.

Koko Crater Rim

Why bridge the gap when you can jump the gap?

Koko Crater Stairs

Meanwhile, Allison and Mari started their climb on the 1,048 refurbished railroad ties to meet us at the summit.

Koko Crater Stairs

Scampering our way over the slanted section of the rim.

Koko Crater Stairs

Looking back against the backdrop of Kamiloiki Valley and Kamehame Ridge.

Koko Crater Stairs

Group photo with Kuapa Pond in the distance.

Koko Crater Stairs

Our final climb to the summit.

Pu’u Mai

The group collectively met at the tallest tuff cone on the island to wish Ferlino an early happy birthday.

Pu’u Mai

Watching other hikers stream their way to the top in various stages of physical conditioning with Koko Head and Hanauma Bay in the background.

Pu’u Mai

Drone views of the summit including a dog that wanted to take my drone down.

Koko Crater Steps

What goes up must come down. You can’t escape gravity.

Koko Crater Steps

Space for sticking.

Koko Crater Stairs

Hats off to the Kokonut Koalition, a volunteer group formed in 2018 that fixed decades of neglect that led to the deterioration of the steps. It’s really amazing to see, especially if you hiked the steps before all the hard work that fixed it. Night and Day.

Koko Crater Stairs

Bee’s point of view.

Koko Crater Stairs

All smiles. All pau.

Post hike meal

We had our lunch at Tex808 Hawaii where Aida joined the group. Our breeze of a hike covered less than two miles that was filled with good times and fun friends. Happy Birthday Ferlino! Next time, hold onto that balloon!

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Allison Banks, Chandra Robison, Ferlino Carinio, Mari Saito, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

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

We flew to the island where a 6.0 magnitude earthquake had shook the Hawaiian archipelago the night before. What a way to start our Memorial Day weekend.

Ken’s House of Pancakes

Matt and Roger picked us up at the airport and drove straight to the old school diner with a massive menu. Some of us had omelets. Some of us had eggs-n-things. Some of us had pancakes. Some of us snorted Diamox with a rolled up Benjamin. Ballin’.

Two Ladies Kitchen

We stopped at the go-to-mochi shop but long lines exacerbated by graduation and holiday weekend appetites and Hilo rain showers resulted in no-go-to-mochi. KTA became the backup. Just as good, but not as fresh?

Ainapo Road

Thanks to Roger for getting the combination to the gate that allowed us to pass through.

Ainapo Road

Some of us stopped to use the last flushing toilet on the trail.

Ainapo Road

Thumbing a ride.

Ainapo Road

Closing the gates behind us and civilization.

Ainapo Road

A gaggle of Hawaiian geese roaming the grounds.

Ainapo Road

Passing through a herd of cows grazing on Kapapala Ranch that sprawls over 34,000 acres and was founded back in 1860.

Ainapo Road

It was slow going up the road that was in rough shape from the storm that battered the area in March 2026.

Ainapo Trail

We arrived at the trailhead after a little over two hours of 4×4 driving through the Kapapala Forest Reserve on the slopes of Mauna Loa.

Ainapo Trail

Matt explaining his meal schedule with the group.

Ainapo Trail

Stepping foot on the historic trail that originally began at the village of Kapapala at 2,000′ elevation. Thanks to our motorized vehicles, we were starting at 5,650′ elevation.

Ainapo Trail

Somebody said that tree looks familiar.

Ainapo Trail

That’s one big buggah that begat so much bowel movement.

Ainapo Trail

Somebody said that stack of rocks looks familiar.

Ainapo Trail

That somebody standing in the middle of a tree that was rent asunder by lightning or termites.

Ainapo Trail

Why carry your own water bottle when you can have somebody else carry it for you?

Ainapo Trail

Are we there yet?

Ainapo Trail

Somebody said we were getting close as he recognized the clouds.

Ainapo Trail

The trail marker that signaled the end of our hike for today at 7,750′ elevation. Official distance stated 2.7 miles, but mostly everybody else recorded a little north of three miles.

Halewai Cabin

Making ourselves comfortable in the cabin that was constructed in 1994 as we filtered water, shared our dinner meals, read amusing log commentary, played a couple of card games where Matt was crowned the OnlyFans Shithead and raced to discard all our cards in Speed.

Halewai Cabin

Group photo in the solid cabin that sleeps six, well it sleeps seven tonight. Thanks to Roger for taking the floor.

Halewai Cabin

Less light pollution results in clearer, darker and sharper night skies.

Halewai Cabin

When you have to empty your bladder late at night and catch the Milky Way. Is that the Milky Way?

Halewai Cabin

Day 2

Early birds caught the breaking sunrise.

Halewai Cabin

Leaving the cabin for our long hike on the long mountain. Turns out it would be a short hike on the long mountain.

Ainapo Trail

Passing patches of ice on the trail.

Ainapo Trail

We left the tree line behind us as we stepped foot on the “darkened land” with the Halema’uma’u pit crater and her steady sulfur dioxide plume in the background.

Ainapo Trail

One of many ohi’a trees with its scarlet lehua blossoms, they are one of the first plants to grow on lava flows.

Ainapo Trail

Privatization of the lower lands for ranching and hunting and the creation of the Mauna Loa trail in 1915, resulted in this trail falling out of favor.

Ainapo Trail

Matt taking care of business and building his own MAHU.

Ainapo Trail

Trail maintenance or old age.

Ainapo Trail

Slowly gaining elevation and we weren’t even near the altitude where the air gets progressively thinner.

Ainapo Trail

Nobody caught the bag depressurization. Too fast. Too slow.

Ainapo Trail

Leaving the oasis of pahoehoe lava rock for the crunchy lava fields of a’a rocks.

Ainapo Trail

Mari next to a “baked potato” or “burrito” stacked on an ahu, which are rocks wrapped in reflective aluminum foil to help hikers navigate the trail.

Ainapo Trail

Passing one of many lava tubes.

Ainapo Trail

Group photo at 9,939′ as we contemplated the realistic chances of reaching the cabin before nightfall at the current pace and the even more grim chances of making our flight back home tomorrow. The unfortunate decision was made to turn around given the situation. Some were disappointed. Some were pleased as punch.

Ainapo Trail

Drone views of the vast volcanic landscape. They don’t call this place long mountain for nothing.

Ainapo Trail

Dragging dead weight off the mountain.

Ainapo Trail

Heading back down the same way we had come from, give or take.

Ainapo Trail

A lone hiker with no time for small talk and wearing fashionable crocs passed us on her way down to the bottom of the jeep road. It seems that she had hiked up a day earlier from the highway to the Mauna Loa cabin and now was going back down. Talk about racking up some mileage in two days.

Ainapo Trail

Passing through a lava trench.

Ainapo Trail

Exploring a lava tube.

Ainapo Trail

It was a very short exploration.

Ainapo Trail

Leaving the ankle twisting a’a fields behind us as we descended towards the cabin.

Halewai Cabin

Matt squeezing the last of his peanut butter shot as we retrieved our rubbish and belongings and cleaned up the cabin.

Ainapo Trail

Passing by the articulated arthritic tree.

Ainapo Trail

Thigh bone connected to the hip bone.

Ainapo Trail

Back to our cars as the trail finally ended.

Ainapo Road

Traffic jam on the way down the road.

Ainapo Road

Aileen closing the gate for us as we approached the highway.

All pau

Looking back at Mauna Loa as the sun set over her long mountain. We ended up having our dinner at Kurtistown Cafe and retired for the night at Marilyn’s friends house. No staying at an unfinished restaurant this time.

GPS Tracks

Our weekend hike of 10.68 miles didn’t quite materialize as planned as we fell short 3,311 feet of elevation, but it was still a good experience for the group and fun times.

Steam Vents

Day 3
Thanks again to Toni for allowing us to stay overnight at her guest house, we had breakfast at Countryside Cafe, where the steak and lobster was out. Our last day on the Big Island was spent at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where we warmed ourselves in the chilly morning air by standing next to the heated steam escaping from the natural openings.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This is how Ohio people reserve parking stalls.

Crater Rim Trail

Our plan was to hike to Bryon Ledge Trail and hopefully catch Episode #48.

Crater Rim Trail

Looking out at the Kilauea Caldera that has been the most active of the five volcanoes that make up the islands.

Crater Rim Trail

Passing through Wahinekapu (steaming bluffs) and Ha’akulamanu (sulfur banks), both areas represent the divine manifestation of Ku and Pele.

Crater Rim Trail

Pseudo trail running.

Crater Rim Trail

Some people need to respect other people’s personal space.

Halema’uma’u Trail

Keeping to the right.

Halema’uma’u Trail

Sharing personal space.

Halema’uma’u Trail

Walking through a corridor of moss encrusted lava rock.

Halema’uma’u Trail

Descending down the steps to Kilauea Caldera.

Kilauea Caldera

Group photo with the expansive Kaluapele behind us.

Kilauea Caldera

Walking across the volcanic depression that was created circa 1790, populated mainly by ohi’a trees.

Kilauea Caldera

Straddling a linear crack that could track underlying magma pathways.

Kilauea Caldera

Looking across to the degassing plumes coming from the Halema’uma’u pit.

Byron Ledge Trail

Climbing our way out of the caldera floor.

Byron Ledge Trail

Scenic view of Halema’umau’u degassing in the distance. There is a better spot to view the pending eruption?

Byron Ledge Trail

Lead the way.

Byron Ledge Trail

One of the larger examples of tephra scattered on the ground from prior eruptions. This particular one was called reticulite, a highly porous sponge like rock that weighed almost nothing as it was made up of interconnected gas bubbles.

Byron Ledge Trail

Matt found out the hard way that when you crush tephra with your bare hands, that it breaks easily into sharp slivers that behave exactly like fiberglass. Got tweezers?

Byron Ledge Trail

A certain amateur volcanologist assured us that the eruption would occur at 1300hrs. We waited with bated breath. Should have listened to the other amateur volcanologist.

Bryon Ledge Trail

We all settled in as the plumes shimmered with red and brown hues, or it probably was just our eyes playing tricks on us.

Bryon Ledge Trail

The ascending blue line indicated inflation while the descending green line indicated deflation, all positive signs that should have meant an eruption. Should’ve. Could’ve. Would’ve.

Bryon Ledge Trail

Maybe some cheering will help? V-O-L-C-A-N-O! L-A-V-A! P-E-L-E! E-R-U-P-T! F-A-I-L.

Bryon Ledge Trail

Our last group photo as we decided to throw in the towel after waiting over two hours for the anticipated episode #48. It was a bust. You can’t control Madam Pele.

Bryon Ledge Trail

Looking back to see if she would blow. Nope. Happy birthday to me.

Devastation Trail

We left the viewing area devastated.

Devastation Trail

The trail living up to its name.

Devastation Trail

Somebody used the bathroom, took the wrong turn and had to jog her way back down.

All pau

We left the park that was filling up with visitors hoping to catch a view of the pending eruption. Better luck than we had. Dinner at Van Vietnamese Cuisine in Hilo. Broke da mouth. Matt decided to stay another night in hopes of witnessing what we failed to witness.

GPS Tracks

Our promised hike of six miles delivered a little more than half. No complaints. While we didn’t summit or see fountaining lava, I guess we have to come back with Crocs and better cheering, it was still an amazing weekend with fun friends. Thanks to Roger to getting ranch access, cabin permits and driving the jeep around this weekend. Mahalo to Marilyn for borrowing her friends truck and securing overnight accommodations.

Photos/Crew taken by Aileen Agustin, Allison Banks, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Matt Vidaurri, Roger Schiffman, 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.