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.

We spent today roaming a different set of hills for an early easy birthday hike. A lot of trails were considered after a severe thunderstorm cell had pounded the island yesterday. I was praying that we didn’t have to visit another waterfall anytime soon, my birthday wish came true.

Kalaheo Hills

Thanks to Chico and Dave for shuttling us to our starting spot in the neighborhood. I had done this particular route over 12 years ago but from the other side, time to tackle it from the back side. Change of pace.

Kalaheo Hills

Pushing through chest high California grass as we headed towards the hills.

Kalaheo Hills

Nothing like a random stranger singing happy birthday to you. “What’s your name? Happy Birthday to you!”

Kalaheo Hills

A poor man’s version of a Schwinn bicycle.

Kalaheo Hills

Going off the beaten track.

Kalaheo Hills

Are we going the right way?

Kalaheo Hills

Following another overgrown path. The hills are honeycombed with trails that will all take you somewhere.

Kalaheo Hills

We looped back to see the painted rocks. We got time as this is not going to take all day right?

Kalaheo Hills

Headed towards the direction of Kalaheo High School, look back before we miss it.

Kalaheo Hills

We scrambled up to the paint splattered rocks with commanding views of Kailua Town, the Mokes, Olomana and the surrounding ocean views.

Kalaheo Hills

Drone view of the painted rock that is painted annually by the graduating seniors in the school’s blue and orange colors.

Kalaheo Hills

Life on the rock.

Kalaheo Hills

Painter’s point of view.

Kalaheo Hills

Time to take our leave of the pigmented soaked rocks and get back on the trail.

Kalaheo Hills

You f*cker! I got you again!

Kalaheo Hills

Leaving the oppressive humidity behind us as we left the stifling overgrowth behind us and traded it for exposed and windy ridge line conditions.

Kalaheo Hills

Chico passing the carrion flower native to South Africa down the line for a sniff test. The offensive odor is emitted to attract flies due to the absence of nearby pollinating insects.

Kalaheo Hills

Making our way to the first pillbox on exposed Mahinui Ridge.

Kalaheo Hills

The rest of the group climbing up the last steep section as we neared the summit of Pu’u Papa’a which loosely translates to scorched hill.

Kalaheo Hills

We creeped up to signs of urbanization in the hills. Stairs. Road. Communication towers.

Kalaheo Hills

Exploring the exterior of the double-decked bunker that was once used as a fire control station during WW2.

Kalaheo Hills

Drone view of the bunkers technically known as B3 S3 Base End Station and Triangulation Station Papa’a.

Kalaheo Hills

Climbing down inside the bunkers to check out the constantly changing artwork that decorates the interior walls.

Kalaheo Hills

Mahalo to everybody for our double elevated cupcakes and those that came to sing us a song. What better way to spend our early birthday than inside a phallic painted bunker complete with a decomposing rodent and ammonia infused scents. Thanks guys!

Kalaheo Hills

A UFO came and abducted Allison, Nusay and Susan for reasons known only to the aliens. They came back later to collect Dave and Ferlino as they needed gender representation.

Kalaheo Hills

Our group dropped to seven in numbers as we continued down the crumbly ridgeline.

Kalaheo Hills

Following the dropped communications cable as we made our way to the next bunker.

Kalaheo Hills

Climbing up the rickety and rusting “billboard.” Don’t try this at home kids.

Kalaheo Hills

Top of the defunct microwave relay antenna. Now how do we get down?

Kalaheo Hills

Explored the dark and dank Battery Commander’s Station (BCS) that was built in 1944 that would have directed the two 8″ guns that were located in Battery 405 further down the hillside and renamed Battery DeMerritt after the war ended. The guns were never fired in anger and were soon dismantled after the war, the battery itself consists of 210′ deep tunnels that were purchased by Gary Weller in 2000 and turned into a data center.

Kalaheo Hills

Pushing through the overgrowth to check out the water tank that was located below the BCS.

Kalaheo Hills

Climbing up the empty water tank, short legs and all.

Kalaheo Hills

We dropped into the bowels of the echo chamber to discover a graffiti message for us? Ahh, they shouldn’t have.

Kalaheo Hills

Circling the colorfully decorated cavernous tank that was supposedly cracked during test firing of the 8 inch coastal battery guns back in the day.

Kalaheo Hills

Gecko’s eye view of the group.

Kalaheo Hills

Climbing our way out of the old water tank.

Kalaheo Hills

Drone view of the tank.

Kalaheo Hills

We had to bushwhack a bit before finding the trail again.

Kalaheo Hills

Dale scooting his way down over some rocks.

Kalaheo Hills

What is that crawling all over the rocks we had just climbed down from? Centipedes?!? Glad we saw it after the fact.

Kalaheo Hills

Finding our way out of the jungle without popping in somebody’s backyard was a lot harder than expected.

All pau

We missed the actual exit trail by that much!

Nico’s

Chico suggested we walk to the second restaurant owned by French born chef Nico Chaize as it was shorter than returning to his house. Aida, Cristy, Ferlino, Lilia and Nusay joined us for our post hike meal. Many thanks to Chico and Lilia for Mari and my lunch.

GPS Tracks

Our romp in the hills covered 3.44 miles with cooperative weather, amazing scenery and explorations with fun friends. Thanks to Chico for organizing our early birthday hike and all the participants that hiked with us today. Shout out to Aida, Aileen, Akira, Allison, Andrew, Ani, Chico, Cristy, Dale, Dave, Edgar, Ferlino, Kenny, Lilia, Marilyn, Roger, Susan and Tessa for the gifts. Until the next adventure. Mahalo!

Photos/Crew taken by Aileen Agustin, Allison Banks, Chico Cantu, Dale Yoshizu, Dave and Susan Katz, Ferlino Carinio, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Nusaybah Roberson, 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.

We decided to roam the hills and walk down a jeep road this Mother’s Day.

Helemano

Thanks to Sandra, our German driver, who shuttled us to our starting point in her Japanese truck.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Where are the seatbelts? Is this OSHA approved?

California Avenue

You know Chief Logan? A reserve HPD officer approached us to make sure we were not up to any nefarious activities, like smoking weed or something.

Wahiawa Hills

Plunging into the forest laced with woody and minty undertones.

Wahiawa Hills

The group dwarfed by the towering eucalyptus trees that were introduced to the islands in the 1870s for timber. They are considered invasive as they leach toxins into the soil that prevents native trees from taking root and flourishing.

Wahiawa Hills

Aida passing patches of green moss on her way down the hill.

Wahiawa Hills

Mari climbing her way carefully down the rooted hill. One wrong step and you’re tumbling or twisting your ankle.

Wahiawa Hills

Treading over the tangled and twisted roots that carpeted the trail.

Wahiawa Hills

Slight detour to see the side waterfall.

Wahiawa Hills

Akira scampering up a fallen tree to avoid getting wet.

Wahiawa Hills

The rest of us tried our best in staying dry.

Wahiawa Hills

Going up our first hill as we passed through the taro and ti leaf patches that were obviously being cultivated.

Wahiawa Hills

Cristy nimbly going underneath the fallen tree.

Wahiawa Hills

Leaving the “trail” to descend down the hill.

Wahiawa Hills

The group descending down to their second water crossing. This time, everybody is getting wet. No matter what.

Kaukonahua Stream

Mari fording the longest stream on the island, measuring 33 miles that empties into Kai’aka Bay in Waialua.

Wahiawa Hills

Pushing our way up through the uluhe infested hill.

Wahiawa Hills

The group resting after our first “cardio climb.” More to come.

Wahiawa Hills

Alexis following the edge of the tree line.

Wahiawa Hills

Fitting nine hikers on the geo stone structure in the middle of the woods.

Wahiawa Hills

Kenny and Mari checking out a “charcoal” tree, possible remnants from the brush fire that scorched 500 acres back in 2015.

Wahiawa Hills

You guys think we can get a thousand bucks for this photo? That ship has sailed.

Wahiawa Hills

Photo shoot is over. We soon left the loop trail to stay on course to our destination.

Wahiawa Hills

Let’s follow the sign, the second time.

Wahiawa Hills

If a tree falls in a forest, and somebody records it, then it does make a sound.

Wahiawa Hills

Dropping down another hill. This place is not called Wahiawa Hills for nothing.

Poamoho Stream

Our last stream crossing of the day.

Poamoho Stream

A hop, skip, and a jump. Shouldn’t even get the soles of your shoe wet, well at least your feet.

Wahiawa Hills

Climbing up the hill populated with paperbark trees, that were introduced to the islands in 1865 for windbreak and watershed cover.

Wahiawa Hills

Taking a load off our feet while all of us recharged in our own way. Some ate. Some drank. Some smoked.

Wahiawa Hills

Not all who wander are lost. There have been two recorded instances of hikers being lost on the trail, only one had a happy outcome. In 2000, Robert Lefevre was never seen again. In 2015, Justin Clark was rescued after four days in the jungle. Never hike alone and always tell somebody where you are going. You just never know.

Wahiawa Hills

The group going in and out of the shallow saddle.

Wahiawa Hills

Climbing our way up the last forested hill.

Wahiawa Hills

One step at a time, one foot in front of each other.

Ewa Forest Reserve

Leaving the hills behind us as we walked through the grassy fields.

Ewa Forest Reserve

Following the jeep road to its continuation.

Ewa Forest Reserve

Group photo with the bullet riddled sign that has seen better days.

Ewa Forest Reserve

Following the uluhe clogged ridgeline to our destination.

Ewa Forest Reserve

Snacking on the trail.

Ewa Forest Reserve

I found a shiny object on the trail. Who needs a makeup mirror?

Ewa Forest Reserve

Jeremy going up the slight grade with the KST in the background. Oh wait, that’s the WST. Mountain identification at its finest.

Ewa Forest Reserve

Kenny trudging through the thin ribbon of water that passed for a trail.

Ewa Forest Reserve

Taking our lunch break near a container and water catchment.

Poamoho Road

Failed synchronized crossing.

Poamoho Road

Now the fun part. Going down the five mile jeep road.

Poamoho Road

The group walking up the slight incline.

Poamoho Road

Crossing paths with the only other hiker we saw all day on the trails. She was training for a hike in Canada.

Poamoho Road

The boys making a wish. It was already granted.

Poamoho Road

An excruciatingly slow drone flyby of the group.

Poamoho Road

Walking on sections of the road that saw the erosional effects of the recent Kona lows that carved huge ruts in the road.

Poamoho Road

Dirt bikers were having a field day as the road is now closed to vehicular traffic.

Poamoho Road

Skimming the mud puddle.

All pau

We made it to the gate and our cars!

GPS Tracks

Our Mother’s Day hike covered 8.65 miles through rolling hills, forest and stream crossings and a jeep road. Fun times with good friends. Post hike meal at Chicken in a Barrel, where I should’ve ordered the pizza instead and got to see Bill Gates. Sorta and 30 years ago.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Chico Cantu, Cristy CM, Jeremy Cannone, Kenny Lui, 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 wrapped up our last segment (#17) to complete the second perimeter walk around the island.

Waimanalo

Thanks to Akira and Chico for shuttling Allison, Mari, Marilyn, Scott and myself over to the starting point. Tessa also gifted Chico with a Baby Groot in a soda can. Now all we need is the real Groot.

Enchanted Lakes

Starting off in the community that sprang from what was once a large fishery sprawled over 280 acres. Developer Joseph Pao with deep political and union connections built residential homes starting in 1959 on over 700 acres around Kaelepulu Pond, which shrank the pond by a third. Further development is being stalled by locals who don’t want to see more homes since they already got their own. NIMBY.

Keolu Drive

Is there a library fine?

Kaelepulu Stream

We saw two native waterfowls with the burnt forehead, ‘alae’ula who got its red frontal shield from the demigod Maui when they stole fire to give to humans according to Hawaiian mythology. The larger black crowned herons, ‘auku’u, was waiting patiently on the shore for its chance of catching some fish. Overlooking it all was a nice looking treehouse. Nobody wanted to knock.

Kaelepulu Stream

Marilyn and Scotty taking a picture while the rest of us were looking at the native birds.

Keolu Drive

Dance like everyone is watching.

Keolu Drive

That sistah stay akamai crossing the street with the red hand.

Keolu Drive

Did we find the rightful owner(s)? We did find Patrick.

Keolu Hills Skateboard Park

Group photo within the 15,000 square feet skate park built in 2002.

Keolu Hills Skateboard Park

Akira and Chico skating like they have no skateboard and vying to be the next Tony Hawk.

Keolu Hills Skateboard Park

Enjoying the ringside seats for the spectator sport.

Keolu Hills Skateboard Park

Graffiti art that is a direct byproduct of urbanization itself.

Keolu Drive

We love Keolu, but can’t afford to live in this affluent neighborhood.

Keolu Drive

Meeting Chad Starr who has walked around the island multiple times to raise awareness of youth suicide.

Keolu Drive

Taking a load off my feet as this walk was extremely exhausting.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Stepping foot on the 36 mile coastal highway that connects Waimanalo to East Oahu.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Dale discussing his financial retirement plans with Jordan. Oh wait, he’s already retired.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Paniolo tryouts in front of the ranch that is missing a vowel.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

The pace was too slow for Allison, so she set off on her own pace. The “I have to get back to my kids” pace.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

We soon met up with Kenny who had started from Waimanalo and had come empty-handed from his morning toy show.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Can Roseann come out to play? All work and no play makes YawYaw a dull girl.

Kahawai Stream

Nothing to see. Move along. Kahawai means stream in Hawaiian. So you have the Hawaiian and English words side by side.

Shima’s Supermarket

Perfect timing as it started to briefly rain, so we ducked into the store that has fallen to another buyout by a bigger store, namely Times Supermarket. We tried some of the poke and was stuck in the line when the uncle was berated by the cashier on not knowing how to use his EBT card despite being a frequent shopper.

Waimanalo Feed Supply

The group wandered over next door to see what was so crazy about the pop up sale.

Waimanalo Feed Supply

We found expired but still edible knock offs, tart lemonade and awesome artwork on the walls.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Crossing the highway in search of ice cream.

Waimanalo Town Center

We found the ice, but not the cream.

Waimanalo Town Center

Can you see the hole for the hikers?

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Everybody took their own way to get back on the road.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Met up with CB who had hiked Lulumahu Falls earlier this morning.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Dale frolics with the dolphins in and out of the water.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Passing vehicles were honking at us for either friendly greetings or get off the road greetings.

Bellows Air Force Station

Group photo in front of the 437 acre installation used for recreation and training.

Bellows Air Force Station

Chico scored a free shirt from his food truck buddy, Dustin “Dut” Leandro. Does that come with a meal as well?

Honolulu Polo Club

Passing by the 27 acre field that is home to the player’s club that was founded in 1986. Polo itself is Persian in origin and was introduced to the islands in 1886 by the British.

Hunananiho

Leaving the highway as we made for Sherwoods Forest, named due to the dense ironwood trees that seem straight out of a Robin Hood fairy tale.

Hunananiho

Looking out at the buoyant seabird sanctuary framed by the ironwood trees that were imported to the islands in the 1870s.

Hunananiho

Some danced the day away while others ate their pork adobo.

Hunananiho

We left the powdery white coral sand to pound the pavement again.

Waimanalo

Can the hobbits come out to play?

Waimanalo

Interior photos by Sotheby’s International Realty of the 3,300 square foot slice of Middle Earth. In 2020, it was listed for sale at $3.7 million dollars. Any buyers?

Waimanalo

Exterior photo by 808 Random Hikers Sandwich Islands Realty. Price is still a nickel, even adjusted for inflation.

Waimanalo

Walking the back roads of the potable water community.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Stopping at one of 67 convenience stores in the islands; where we looked around and somebody got pantsed. Indecent exposure was thankfully avoided. We left before they had to escort us off the premises.

Kalaniana’ole Highway

Walking on yielding grass as we entered the home stretch of the walk. It was actually more like a hop, skip and a jump.

Waimanalo Beach Park

Finished before lunch time. Yay!

Waimanalo Beach Park

Congratulations to Mari for completing the island perimeter walks both clockwise and counter-clockwise.

Waimanalo Beach Park

Can you guess what Dale and Chico are doing?

Waimanalo Beach Park

I had heard so much about this lunch wagon’s frickn chicken, that I had to have it for lunch. The rest of the group with the exception of Chico decided to hold out for something more promising.

Waimanalo Beach Park

Sorry guys, the wait is almost an hour. I was half expecting somebody to jump up and say f*ck that! I can cook my own food! Everybody else had lunch at the nearby L&L Hawaiian Barbeque where the wait was more tolerable and gratifying. Edgar also joined us for lunch. Nearby Waipuna Sushi threatened to bring flashbacks.

GPS Tracks

Our final walk covered 6.38 miles with good company and fun times.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Alexis Catarina, Allison Banks, Ani Lagpacan, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Cristy CM, Dale Yoshizu, Ferlino Carinio, Jordan Baird, Kenny Lui, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, Roger Schiffman, Scott Dea, 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.

The Annoying Church Slut decided to have Sunday service in the mountains with some of her friends today.

Manoa

We parked in the shadow of the house that bore witness to a tragic crime over two years ago and stepped foot on the seven bridges or seven falls trail.

Manoa

Edgar documenting the hike as we crossed over the second bridge.

Manoa

We soon plunged into the jungle as we left the bridges behind us and didn’t get to test the theory of seven out and six back in.

Manoa

Group photo at the stairway to salvation.

Queen’s Bath

Making our way down to the stream fed pool.

Queen’s Bath

Can you see me for the trees?

Manoa

The birthday girl ready for her first ascent up the ridge which was virgin territory for her.

Manoa Middle Ridge

Making our way up the initial steep climb up the rooted and roped ridge.

Manoa Middle Ridge

Are we talking about the person or the trail?

Manoa Middle Ridge

Back to our regularly scheduled program of climbing up the unrelenting ridge line infested with uluhe ferns.

Manoa Middle Ridge

I guess we’re taking a short break here.

Manoa Middle Ridge

Somebody said she knows how I think. Group photo!

Manoa Middle Ridge

Edgar against the backdrop of the wide and vast verdant valley, which has seen the area transitioned from taro patches, to coffee and sugar plantations to the current residential development.

Manoa Middle Ridge

The birthday girl leading the charge up the short and steep hill.

Manoa Middle Ridge

Aida looking back at Manoa Valley which has been settled since the 1400s and was a favorite retreat for the ruling class back in the day due to the cool climate.

Manoa Middle Ridge

The group approaching the summit of Manoa Middle.

Manoa Middle Summit

We arrived to find out that the top was being temporarily occupied by three campers; Austin Wakinekoa, Marc Moody and Andrew Bui. They had hiked up from Manoa Middle Ridge the day earlier and were enjoying their campsite until we crashed their party. Austin even gave Allison a shot of vodka for her birthday to chase down her carrot.

Manoa Middle Summit

I think this was a first for everybody involved, celebrating a birthday with baby carrots. Happy Birthday ACS!

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Time to leave the summit as the trio were breaking down their camp and were planning on hiking back down Manoa Middle Ridge. Nice meeting the braddahs.

KSRT

We soon caught up with Stefan and Kaitano? who had come up from the Kalawahine Trail and were taking a break on the trail. Allison found out from Stefan that they had descended down Waikeakua Ridge a couple of weeks ago and was sharing his stories of slipping off the ridge almost 30 times, had wanted to cry and that the descent down the waterfall was steep and barren of trees to hang onto. As somebody in our group would say, Ririii?

KSRT

Let the congregational singing commence. In this particular case, congregation is defined as singular.

KSRT

Allison flashing the shaka or OK sign? Let the singing continue.

KSRT

Weaving our way in and out of the stand of pine trees that were smack dab in the middle of a thin ridgeline.

KSRT

Now we can literally say we are out of the woods. Marked as safe and sound.

KSRT

Allison balancing on the tightrope of rocks masked with vegetation. Perspective.

KSRT

Contouring our way around on the Old Castle Trail, which stretches from Nu’uanu Reservoir to Ka’au Crater.

KSRT

Popping out by Sedan Rock, nobody wanted to take a test drive, so we continued on the Old Castle Trail.

KSRT

Edgar checking his weather app to confirm what we already knew, it was raining in the mountains.

KSRT

Rounding the corner so to speak as parts of the trail were overgrown and almost lost back to the aina.

KSRT

Taking a break before the start of Waikeakua Ridge, as stories of slipping off almost 30 times bounced around somebody’s head(s).

Waikeakua Ridge

Does that count as the first slip?

Waikeakua Ridge

Cristy on her way down.

Waikeakua Ridge

Anticlimactic slide. Let’s try again and make it a bit more dramatic shall we. Arms flailing and screaming beyond comprehension.

Waikeakua Ridge

The group trying not to slip off the ridge on their way down.

Waikeakua Ridge

Taking the trampled trail.

Waikeakua Ridge

The ridge soon leveled off a bit and became swallowed in uluhe ferns.

Waikeakua Ridge

Spoke too soon as Allison came sliding down a steep section of the trail.

Waikeakua Ridge

The rest of the group scrambling their way off the ridge.

Waikeakua Falls

Looking at the trickling upper falls.

Waikeakua Falls

Two can play that ChatGPT game. We all made it to the bottom of the ridge way short of 30 slips. Aloha Amen.

Waikeakua Falls

Following the ribbons as we paralleled the stream.

Waikeakua Falls

Mushrooms are nature’s recyclers as they decompose dead organic matter and turn them into nutrients.

Waikeakua Falls

Following the stream down, some took it literally.

Waikeakua Falls

Looking down at the first major drop. Is this the steep part the two hikers were talking about? Must not be, as there were a lot of surrounding trees.

Waikeakua Falls

We soon met up with CB who had gotten off from his part-time job and hiked up the falls to meet us.

Waikeakua Falls

The girls scrambling their way down the crumbly cliff.

Waikeakua Falls

Drone view of our first waterfall for today.

Waikeakua Falls

Group photo at the tallest of the waterfalls being fed by Waikeakua Stream.

Waikeakua Falls

Leaving the waterfall in search of more waterfalls.

Waikeakua Falls

The group climbing between a rock(s) and hard branches. At least we weren’t stuck.

Waikeakua Falls

Collective photo at the base of the second waterfalls. They seem to be getting smaller. Is that a function of gravity?

Waikeakua Falls

The scientific explanation is that when a denser object (rock) enters water, the kinetic energy is converted to a rapid displacement of water particles. The practical explanation is that it’s fun and visceral satisfying.

Waikeakua Falls

Cristy climbing down to join Allison and the others.

Waikeakua Falls

The rest of the group making their way down to the last waterfall. No group photo. I think somebody had to go.

Waikeakua Falls

When you gotta go, you gotta go.

Waikeakua Falls

Passing by a colony of Fairy Inkcaps.

Waikeakua Falls

Crossing over one of the non-countable bridges.

Waikeakua Stream

Paying respects at the rock memorial dedicated to the 11-year old English lad who was killed by a falling rock on a Sunday School picnic in Manoa Valley.

Queen’s Bath

Exploring the two opposing irrigation tunnels consisted of squeezing my round body in a square hole. Literally.

Manoa

Some of us took the high road and others took the low road to get out of the trail.

All pau

The group’s out of tune but hilarious rendition of “One Day.” Best to leave the singing to the professionals – kids. Thanks to Susan for loaning us the ukulele and everybody else for their participation.

GPS Tracks

Our birthday hike covered 4.48 miles on ridges and waterfalls. Something for everybody. Thanks to everybody that came out to hike in Allison’s Birthday Hike.

Waipuna Sushi

Post hike meal at the place where it takes up to 40 minutes wait for Udon Tempura and somebody can do better than that by cooking his own lunch across the street and he doesn’t pay money to that kind of *bleep* guy. Missed out on the complimentary vegetable tempura and selective free drinks.

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

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Allison Banks, Ani Lagpacan, Chris Bautista, Cristy CM, Edgar Gamiao, 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.

We camped this weekend in the mountains to find out how the aina had weathered the back to back storms. Nothing like first hand experience instead of second hand reporting.

Laie Trail

Thanks to Stephanie for dropping us off directly at the trailhead and it turned out that bouncing around on the jeep road in a jeep was more appropriate than a Jetta.

Laie Trail

Passing underneath a fallen pine tree that are directly descended from the original trees planted in the 1920s to help with reforestation and water retention.

Laie Trail

Crossing over the old landslide where reinforced posts and sandbags are installed to help retard erosion or staving off the inevitable.

Laie Falls

Passing the weathered sign that leads down to Wailele Stream. No skinny dipping today.

Laie Trail

Scott crossing over another old landslide.

Laie Trail

Traversing over a relatively “fresh” mass wasting.

Laie Trail

Hiking the trail bordered by a steep cliff on the right and sharp drop offs to the left.

Laie Trail

Scott rounding the exposed ridgeline that soon gave way to uneven terrain and overgrowth.

Laie Summit

Enjoying the exceptionally clear day from the 2,240′ foxhole.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Scott trying to avoid the mud pits that dot the landscape as we crossed over the bowl shaped depression to make contact with the ubiquitous fence line. Love them or hate them. They are here to stay.

KST

Using the fence line to traverse our way across the section that was wiped out by a landslide. Love them.

KST

Scott pushing his way through a patch of uluhe ferns that had clogged the trail.

KST

Following the fence line as the trail wound its way through the mountains.

KST

Scott climbing up one of the few incline sections on the trail.

Koloa Cabin

Walking past the collapsed outhouse that was taken down by either an explosive fart, the big bad wolf or successive storms.

Koloa Cabin

Checked out the largest cabin on the KST where somebody had left a stockpile of enough butane fuel to ride out the zombie apocalypse and rats had ravaged the stock of cup of noodles left behind.

Koloa Cabin

Taking a photo with the native duck sign.

KST

Back on the muddy trail.

KST

Scott climbing in and out of the notch.

KST

The trail overgrowth was cloying, stifling and at times confusing. We also heard a snort and rustling in the bushes which soon lead us to do our best impression of Who Let the Dogs Out.

Papali Summit

Rain soon replaced sunshine which flipped the weather narrative.

KST

When the gate is rusted shut, one has to climb over.

Opaeula Cabin

Cabin sweet cabin for the night.

Opaeula Cabin

Cloudy weather denied us the normal views of the spectacular sunset. But hey, we had a roof over our head and water for the night.

Opaeula Cabin

Day 2
We woke up the next morning, swept out the cabin and took our leave to be greeted by the typical mountain weather.

Opaeula Cabin

Hiking in the morning mist. Not good for people with respiratory problems. Luckily we did not suffer from those ailments.

KST

Passing the “rabbit hole” with the new and old signs.

KST

The forecasted rain was being substituted with suspended water droplets. No complaints here.

KST

Passing through the Kaluanui Natural Area Reserve which sprawls over 378 acres that was established to protect the 29 native endangered or rare species that call this place home.

KST

Scott at the start of what I like to call the “rolling hills.”

KST

Case in point.

KST

The sun was fighting the clouds. Where is Maui when you need him?

KST

Crossing the spongy and windswept meadow as we made our way to the other fence line.

KST

Break at the iconic boot and sign, both which have seen better days.

KST

Manipulating the battered glove to show aloha instead of “flipping” off traveling hikers.

KST

We left the fence line to stay closer to the ridgeline.

KST

Back on the fence line.

KST

The overgrowth gone wild which masked parts of the trail. One has to literally put their nose on the ground to see trampled vegetation which usually marks the way.

KST

Enjoying the splendid views as we contoured below the ridgeline.

KST

Scott leaving the overgrown trail behind him, or so he thought.

Poamoho Summit

Enjoying the windy and breathtaking views from the 2,520′ grassy hump.

Poamoho Summit

Looking out towards Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys.

Poamoho Summit

Scott passing the Cline Memorial and views of the Waianae Mountains as we left the summit.

Poamoho Trail

Crossing over the still stream.

Poamoho Trail

I’m glad we are leaving the unmaintained trail for the maintained trail. We were in for a rude shock.

Poamoho Trail

Approaching our first unstable slope that was easily traversed.

Poamoho Trail

The most pressing problem seems to be is that the overgrowth has overtaken the trail.

Poamoho Trail

Not to mention the numerous blowdowns that blocked and littered the trail. The more glaring concern is that the feral pigs have run rampant on the trail, evidence of their rooting was seen spaced out on the trail at roughly 50′ intervals.

Poamoho Trail

Scott walking over the second landslide.

Poamoho Trail

Skip, hop and a jump over the third landslide littered with accompanying plant life in varying forms of decay.

Poamoho Trail

Traversing over what’s left of the trail as the bottom slope had slid down to the stream below.

Poamoho Trail

Not out of the woods yet.

Poamoho Trail

Scott crossing over the final landslide on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

It doesn’t work if you come from the other direction.

Poamoho Road

Passing another landslide on the jeep road as we walked our way down.

Poamoho Road

Active shooters?

Poamoho Road

I’m glad the cows decided to stay in their lane.

Poamoho Road

Runoffs have severely eroded and rutted the lower parts of the road.

Poamoho Road

I’m glad I’m not a cow or I wouldn’t be able to traverse over the cattle guards.

Poamoho Road

The dirt bikers were having a field day as they had the road all to themselves.

All pau

Approaching the exit as we started and ended our weekend hike under 2WD. Thanks to Edgar and Stephanie for picking up our hygienically challenged bodies.

GPS Tracks

Our camping weekend covered close to 22 miles through mud, landslides, overgrowth, rain, sunshine and jaw dropping views. Or in other words, a typical weekend on the KST. Post hike meal at Chicken in a Barrel, where the chicken is still smoked but the carbonated beverages are served from a bar.

Photos/Crew taken by 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.

Forecasted heavy rains scuttled my camping plans, so it was off to explore a “trail” that appeared after the heavy rains.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We all met up and parked outside the protected coastline that are home to sand dunes, sea arch and caves, and native plants and wildlife.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Passing several mass wastings that were triggered by the recent rainfalls. A certain inquiring mind wondered if any one of these newly minted stripped paths were stable enough to follow up to the mountain. Only one way to find out.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We picked the “easiest” looking one and started bushwhacking through the chest high overgrowth.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking back to discover that we had missed an easier path. Missed it by that much. Oh well.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Kenny climbing up a waterfall? Not again.

Ka’ena Point State Park

It’s staggering to think how much rainfall kinetic energy was released during the Kona lows to trigger the sediment movement that pushed boulders, trees and everything in its path down the side of the mountain.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Following the trickling stream as we steadily climbed up the “trail.”

Ka’ena Point State Park

Tessa standing next to a pretty poor representation of a waterfall. Where are those thunderstorms that were predicted to hit this area? Lie Hagi strikes again. No complaints from the peanut gallery.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Edgar and Aida making their way up the “trail.” Whose ideas was this?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Now would be a good time to go to the bathroom. There may be a slight color variation.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Tessa going up the “stairway” as we steadily advanced up the “trail.”

Ka’ena Point State Park

When good intentions are canceled out by the grinding pressure on ones hand as it’s pressed against unyielding rock.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Glad somebody brought webbing on today’s hike. Thanks Dale.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Well, that rock isn’t going to roll by itself.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale and Akira climbing and contouring another trickling stream.

Ka’ena Point State Park

The group inching their way up the steep hill as we passed the start of the landslide.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking towards the sprawling 153 acres that is home to the remote tracking station of the US Space Force.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Ani and Aida climbing towards the top as rolling clouds intermittently masked the area.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Kenny and Tessa taking photos of their Japanese imports, Minilla and Monchichi, monster and monkey.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Group photo on a rock perch that wasn’t meant to hold eight people.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Our view of the coastline from our roughly 980′ elevation point.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Car check to make sure the morning chronic wasn’t cruising around again.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Passing through the treeline where we came across a campfire pit in the mountains. Remember … Only YOU can prevent forest fires. Where was Smokey the Bear when you need him?

Ka’ena Point State Park

The original plan was to go down the Manini Pali trail. That was the plan. Plans change.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Approaching another waterfall in the distance.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We’ll be coming ’round the mountain. We’ll be slipping on six big rocks and then some.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking for the trail down.

Ka’ena Point State Park

This must be the trail. Manini Pali trail?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Looking at one of the spur ridges dropping away from the mountain as we scrambled our way down.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Is this the way down?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Descending down the trail of least resistance or most resistance?

Ka’ena Point State Park

Akira watching the group climbing down the cliffs.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale, Tessa and Edgar climbing down the rocks.

Ka’ena Point State Park

I don’t think this is the Manini Pali Trail.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale showing the rest of the group how it’s done.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Cave views.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Aida checking out the footing as she climbs down a hike she later characterized as harder than Witch’s Hat.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Tessa dropping down the roughly 10′ drop. Not much unless you got short legs.

Ka’ena Point State Park

This part is kind of tricky (Japanese accent).

Ka’ena Point State Park

Kenny assisting the rest of the group as we hugged the cliff.

Ka’ena Point State Park

The group soon traded unstable terrain for more unstable terrain.

Ka’ena Point State Park

We are pourin’ like an avalanche comin’ down the mountain. We don’t mind the rain sometimes. Name that paraphrased song from the late 90s.

Ka’ena Point State Park

The group soon met up with the road again.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Dale sitting pretty in a field of sunflowers on our way out and back to our cars.

GPS Tracks

Our rolling stones gathers no moss hike covered 2.34 miles through unstable terrain and cloud soaked mountains with an extra pinch of excitement to keep it just right with good friends.

Waialua

Post hike meal in the former sugar plantation town where we had pizza and some would say one of the better burgers at Jerry’s Pizza Mill. Move over Shige’s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCQR1p4rnD8

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our landslide falls hike.

Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Ani Lagpacan, Dale Yoshizu, Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, 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 walked around the Windward side of the island to collect Easter eggs but failed to meet the Easter Bunny today.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Leaving Groot and Lilia behind us as we started our day.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Chico plucking some ripe calamansi from the nearby shrub, which turned out to be real sour and became regurgitated.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Passing by the townhome community developed in the early 1970s that transformed this former agricultural area into a residential development.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

ChatGPT photo at an intersection. Where did those mangoes come from?

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Practicing for the Coconut Tree Climbing Championship. ‘E’ita!

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Gas prices are skyrocketing, so time to trade in the car for the ultimate green, zero-emission mode of transport, the shopping cart. This cultural symbol of modern consumerism was invented in 1937 by Sylvan Goldman of Humpty Dumpty Supermarkets in Oklahoma.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Yielding to vehicular traffic on the road.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Even drones fall from trees. Monkeys are safe today.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Group photo on the tree that few climbed, the rest of us stayed on terra firma.

Kaneohe Bay Drive

Just missing the bubblegum. Is that how they used to dance back in the day?

N Kalaheo Avenue

Groot was here.

N Kalaheo Avenue

Crossing over Kawainui Canal that was constructed in 1952 for flood control but has resulted in Hamakua Marsh slowly drying out. Unintended consequences.

Beach Access

The guys sticking it on the chain link fence. All beaches in Hawaii are public with the exception of military bases and there must be public access pathways. However, some financially entitled owners try to claim the beach fronting their property as their own, which leads to friction with locals and transplants.

Beach Access

Why can’t we have nice toys like these? The usual suspects.

Kailua Beach

Getting our feet sandy on part of the 2.5 mile beach that has been ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.

Private Road

Back on the road again.

N Kalaheo Avenue

Passing by the Naupaka Kahakai flowers that are only found by the ocean. They only have half the petal as there is another half of the flower called Naupaka Kuahiwi that are only found in the mountains. Legend has it that these were two lovers that were killed due to a forbidden romance and were turned into ocean and mountain flowers, forever separated in life and death.

Mo’okua Street

We were looking for a garage sale and instead found a house filled with driftwood artistic interpretations.

McDonald’s

Sitting on hamburger stools, possibly the last restaurant out of 72 stores in Hawaii that still has these nostalgic seats.

Uloha

We decided to check out the store whose acronym means “Uncle’s Local Outfitter of Hawaiian Adventures.” The original town store opened in 2017 and this second location opened in 2024 due to strong demand. Buy local, when you can afford it.

Uloha

Thanks to Tessa for pointing out that they were Easter Eggs hidden in the store and they each were worth from 10% to 50% off on store merchandise. Our group found all five and purchased stuff we wouldn’t have if it weren’t for the discounts. We also met Micah who rang up our sales and found out he was another fleet of foot KST hiker. Watch out Derek, Dylan and Conrad. He told us he hiked from Pupukea to Pali in a day and change. To be young again.

Tokyo Central

Having fun with dollar bubbles and seasonal Peeps.

Paia Fishmarket

Ending my 46 days of self-imposed ban on Coca-Cola as we had our lunch at one of the restaurants that had its origins in the plantation town of Pa’ia.

Hamakua Drive

Ok, now how do I get back up to the bridge? With a little help from my friends.

Keolu Drive

Walk with Aloha!

Keolu Drive

All pau. Perfect timing as the rain started to fall from the heavens as we made it back to our cars. We drove to Windward Mall to take a photo with the Easter Bunny only to find out he didn’t show up for work. It’s like finding out that Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy doesn’t exist. Crushed dreams.

GPS Tracks

Our Easter Egg walk and #16 of the perimeter walks covered 6.2 miles with fun friends and good times.

Ka hale o Cantu

The group continuing the tradition that started in Protestant Germany in the 16th century.

Ka hale o Cantu

Some found more than one Easter Egg. Lucky them.

Ka hale o Cantu

What do we have here? One egg was worth more than the 50% off previously discovered, actually the value was to the end consumer, the right end consumer. The others contained George Washington bills not yet autographed by the 47th President. Thanks to everybody that came out for the Easter Egg walk and only one more to go!

Photos/Crew taken by Akira Suzuki, Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Cristy CM, Mari Saito, Marilyn Bermudez, 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 flew to the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago to do some exploring this weekend.

Honoapi’ilani Highway

Matt picked us up at the airport and we decided to drive to the West side of the island to escape the rain that was showering the central part of the Valley Isle, motoring along the coastal highway that was built in 1927 to replace the 1900s dirt road that had 115 hairpin turns. Talk about getting carsick.

Honoapi’ilani Highway

We stopped at the side of the highway and talked story with Alan “Yamaz” Yamamoto, a local Molokai boy, who is a graduate and retired employee of Lahainaluna School.

Honoapi’ilani Highway

Yamaz cleared and started this rock garden after the 2020 COVID pandemic from rock and coral culled from nearby Olowalu Beach. The Hawaiian words “O Keia Ke Kukui Pio’ole I Ka Makani O Kaua’ula” roughly translate to “This torch can’t be extinguished by the winds off Kaua’ula.”

Honoapi’ilani Highway

One of many “message rocks” that border the front of the rock garden.

Honoapi’ilani Highway

If you ever find yourself driving Westside, stop by and thank this guy for all his hard work. And maybe leave a “message rock” while you’re at it.

Lahaina Memorial

We paid our respects to the 115 crosses that represents each of the lives lost in the tragic fire that swept Lahaina on August 8, 2023. On a personal anecdote, a friend had told me he got a sweet deal on a place to stay in Lahaina two weeks prior to the fires. Luckily, he was able to walk out of town but lost all his personal belongings except his car which somehow survived intact.

Lahaina

Looking at the first banyan tree planted in the Hawaiian islands on April 24, 1873 to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission.

Lahaina

This is how the tree looked after the wildfires had ravaged the old whaling town. Its recovery symbolizes the hope and strength of the surrounding community. Photo by Dominick Del Vecchio.

Lahaina

The residential heart of Lahaina are slowly being rebuilt with the commercial areas moving at a kahuli pace. The 30′ “L” has been overlooking the town since 1929, the large letter is refreshed annually by the Lahainaluna students.

Makaluapuna Point

Walking alongside the lava formation known as Dragon’s Teeth.

Makaluapuna Point

Chico circling inside the Kapalua labyrinth that was built in 2005 as a peace project.

Honolua Bay

Scenic point at the bay famous for its long right hand point surf break.

Honolua Bay

We walked down to the bay shoreline and the normally turquoise blue waters were somewhat muddied due to all the recent heavy rain and runoff.

Honolua Bay

The guys talking to Leialoha Manuwa, descended from ali’i (noble ruling class) and claimant to the Crown Lands that we were standing on. Thought bubbles not included.

Honolua Bay

Rowing and rowing our boat and not getting anywhere. Maybe water would help and no holes in the boat.

Honolua Bay

This place looks like it’s straight out of a Harry Potter book. Enchanted. Magical. Mystical. Enthralled. Captivated. Mesmerized. Bedazzled. Running out of superlative adjectives.

Chutes and Ladders

Matt angled and parked the van to ensure clean lines of sight as we stopped at our next adventure. A mother and daughter pair decided to follow us down the trail, hoping to see something enchanted. Wrong place.

Chutes and Ladders

We had to bushwhack a bit to find the cliff going down. Maintaining three points of contact as the rocks were a tad slippery due to recent rain. The female duo decided to turn around as there was nothing to see. Move along.

Chutes and Ladders

Scotty making his way down.

Chutes and Ladders

Chico climbing his down the roughly 40′ cliff face.

Chutes and Ladders

Scott approaching the tide pools that was on his bucket list. Look but don’t touch. Close enough.

Chutes and Ladders

The blue-green tide pools get regularly flushed out by the ocean.

Chutes and Ladders

Our scattered group shot against the pebbly rock face.

Chutes and Ladders

Climbing back up the cliff face and to our next spot.

Nakalele Blowhole

Despite what the sign says, are we at Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge?

Nakalele Blowhole

Will the real blowhole please stand up? Thank you.

Nakalele Blowhole

This is what the Nakalele Heart Rock used to look like.

Nakalele Blowhole

Now it looks like this. Constant ocean erosion finally split the iconic rock formation in half as of January 2020. Another victim of the COVID pandemic?

Nakalele Blowhole

Well, if I can’t get a heart rock photo, I can at least get a shaka photo.

Nakalele Blowhole

Going back up the trail, this dislodged turned runaway boulder almost split Chico in half. Luckily, he rolled and tumbled out of the boulder’s path. Nimble as a ninja or at least a Beverly Hills Ninja ala Chris Farley.

Olivine Pools

Some were convinced we were not at the right tide pools. The rest of us didn’t know any better.

Olivine Pools

Double exposure. One is more than enough.

Olivine Pools

Leave only footprints. Muddy footprints.

Kahukuloa

Driving through the isolated village that doesn’t appreciate any honking of the horns.

Kahekili Highway

Roadside recyclable graffiti.

Kahekili Highway

Driving on this stretch of the road involves multiple hairpin turns, steep ocean drop offs often with no guardrails and narrow one-lane sections.

Howzit Hostels

We had time to kill so we ended up driving to Iao Valley for naught as the road was closed and somebody could have cared less, had dinner at Kalei’s Lunchbox and checked into our place for the night.

Wailuku

Day 2
Checking out of our hostel where we missed the creative pancakes and picked up McDonald’s instead. Matt also picked up four new hiking friends in the form of Brittney (Canada), Steve (Chicago), Sophie (Germany) and Zollo (Texas). Social media influencer and hostel volunteers.

Sunny D

Passing the Car-BQ as we plunged into the jungle.

Sunny D

Climbing our way down to the stream.

Sunny D

Passing a smaller waterfall as we followed the stream down. Some of us will be back.

Sunny D

Scotty approaching the end of the waterfall and the beginning of the ocean.

Sunny D

The girls wanted to make a splash in the deep pool.

Sunny D

Group photo at the end of the waterfall that drops into the ocean.

Sunny D

Pull back drone photo of the 150′ waterfall and other coastal waterfalls spilling into the ocean.

Sunny D

Brittney assured her nervous friends that her butt was wedged into the rock and she was locked in. No worries, she wasn’t going anywhere. Famous last words?

Sunny D

POV of the 45 meter drop to the ocean for our European friend.

Sunny D

Peering over the edge with Insta360.

Sunny D

Leaving the tidefall behind us.

Sunny D

The rest of the group streamed to the smaller waterfall while Kenny, Scotty and myself climbed back up the hill.

Sunny D

Brittney swam out to the base of the waterfall as she was already wet.

Sunny D

Chico wanted to make a splash in the pool as he was already wet as well.

Sunny D

Somebody filming themselves on the trail. Who needs somebody to take their picture when you can do it yourself?

Squirts

Walking to our next waterfall.

Squirts

This is not the trail. Turn around.

Squirts

Back on the road again.

Squirts

Following the sound of rushing water to its source.

Squirts

Miles and miles, hours and hours of rock hopping. Actually it turned out to be around 40 minutes. It just seemed endless.

Squirts

How long more? Somebody threw in their shoes and turned back.

Squirts

The girls next to a side waterfall.

Squirts

Climbing and contouring our way around a fallen tree.

Squirts

The end is in sight!

Squirts

Group photo at the end of the coastal waterfall.

Squirts

Jurassic Island in the background.

Squirts

Droning the 250′ falls crashing into the ocean below us.

Squirts

Product placement. Social media influencer and all. The apple got a free ride.

Squirts

Chico peering over the edge with his Insta360.

Squirts

Forget Door Dash and Uber Eats, there is a little known service that delivers to remote areas called Sherpa.

Squirts

Much to our relief, we found the trail that bypassed the rock hopping stream and ended up taking roughly 10 minutes. Time saver.

Squirts

Back on the road.

Squirts

We walked back to our cars; airdropped photos, consumed earned calories and somebody talked smack.

Savor Maui

Stopped at a nearby food truck to have pulled pork sandwiches and watched the preening peacock and food snatching peahens. These screeching birds, native to India, were introduced to Hawaii in 1860 and have since colonized all the major islands.

Naval Air Station Puunene

We tried to see some other bunkers but access was closed off. So we drove further down the road and checked out these abandoned structures that date back from WW2.

Naval Air Station Puunene

Running across the top of the earthen-bermed structures formerly used for ammunition storage.

Naval Air Station Puunene

Practicing my collision avoidance skills in the old telephone exchange building turned chop shop.

Naval Air Station Puunene

We checked out a couple other abandoned structures, cleaned up the van, and had a late lunch at Sonic. Where are the carhops? Big shout out to Matt who rented the van and was our uber driver for the weekend and for showing us around the island. Thanks to the group for an amazing adventure filled with exploration, waterfalls and scenic spots.

Photos/Crew taken by Chico Cantu, Kenny Lui, Matt Vidaurri, Scott Dea, 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.