Unknown Trail (in Waianae Valley)

We were supposed to do Waianae Kai, a 6-mile trail which starts at the same trailhead as Waianae Kaala, but unfortunately, we took a wrong turn somewhere in the middle and ended up in an unknown trail.  Laarni and I brought our Stuart Ball book but left it in the car due to some misunderstanding.  Our visitor friend agreed to carry the book and play navigator but told me after a mile into the hike that he left it in the car.  I hoped to rely on my faint memories of the Waianae Kaala hike done about 4 years ago but my familiarity of the trail did not cut it.  We actually got lost twice.  Our first deviation from the intended path led us to a trail known as Waianae Ramble.  We were heading downwards and memories of the Kaala trail brought me to a halt for I remembered the trail being at a constant incline.  We lost about 30 minutes as we decided to turn around.  As we arrived at the fork, we took the trail leading to a gradual climb along a ridgeline.  It was well marked and it would soon lead us to an overgrown section of thorny shrubs which was the most irritating part of the trail.  I did not remember this; I thought the trail was just overgrown with new weeds.  It left scratch marks all of over our arms and legs.  As we came closer to the top, I saw a familiar rock face and was reassured that we were on the right path.  But moments later, the trail would come to a dead end.  Luckily, the trail ended at a clearing with nice views of the Waianae Valley; we decided to eat our lunch here.  Some of us were disappointed that we got lost, I don’t blame them.  We want to do this trail again and conquer this bad boy.  Next time, we’ll add Kaala and the unknown peak to seek our vengeance.

Puu Piei (revisited)

Mount Olympus (revisited)

by welikehike

Cold, windy, and wet!

This hike is in my top 5 for the worst weather adventure.  Mountain biking at Kuaokala still holds its place at #1 for hurricane-like winds and slippery muddy terrain.  But for this hike, I never complained so much about being cold despite having my jacket on.  Luckily, we had a brief window of view of the windward side at the end, a view worth all the danger.

Moanalua (Kamananui) Valley

by welikehike

Mariner's Ridge (revisited)

Mariner's Ridge

Puu Ma'eli'eli (revisited)

Puu Ma'eli'eli

Ka'au Crater (revisted)

Second waterfall at Ka'au Crater

Pali Notches (revisited)

Pali Notches

Koko Crater (revisted)

Atop Koko Crater Rim at twilight

Lulumahu Falls (revisited)

Lulumahu Falls

Hawaii Loa (revisited)

Puu Manamana (revisited)

Mariner's Ridge (revisited)

Waimano Pools (revisited)

Lanipo

by welikehike

Makiki-Tantalus (revisited)

Manana

The original plan was to do a 3-day hike at Haleakala Crater, but we waited and waited until the airfare was ridiculously high. Luckily it didn't happen because I was schooled at our home turf with this two-day hike at Manana Trail. I've done this 12-mile trail last year as a day hike and it kicked my butt the first time. Now with a heavier load on my back, what gave me the idea that I was gonna conquer this trail with ease? What was I thinking? I guess the last 2-day hike at Waimano Ridge gave me some confidence as we blazed through the trail at a decent pace. Manana has some merciless roller coaster hills which requires careful footing most of the way. I found it physically difficult to counteract the weight of my backpack as I try to keep balance on a scarcely leveled trail. What killed me were those inclines that tested my quads at every vertical step. And, what made matters worse was the fact that it was pouring rain at the most critical sections of the trail.

Our goal was Puu Eleao and we intended on camping on the grassy meadow at its summit. But darkness beat us to it. We settled at a nearby clearing at the end of Manana trail. The existing clearing was about half the size of a parking stall. We made it three times bigger as we stomped on the neighboring weeds. We nestled in our tents after dinner as it poured hard three times during that night. Yes, three times it rained. I know because I could not sleep. My tent failed as water seeped from the top and bottom. My blanket was soaked and I laid there all damp and cold. I waited to fall asleep, but the day beat me to it. After creeping out of my tent, the surroundings were dominated with complete whiteness. This wasn't good because we knew we wouldn't catch the sunrise as we hoped for. There was a small window of clearing for about 5 minutes, then the clouds came rolling in again. We decided to wait a bit longer before heading back to civilization. We, the five of us, decided to play scrabble in a 2-person junior size tent. Boy, it was uncomfortable! I was worried about two things: cramping and farting. At mid-morning, we packed up our things, and with a dreadful sigh, I slipped into my damped socks and muddy shoes for our return trip.

View looking back towards leeward side of Oahu at sunset

A more dramatic view of the Koolau mountains at sunet

North view of windward side of Oahu

Koolau mountain summit

Makiki-Tantalus

This trail combines Kanealole, Makiki Valley, Nahuina, Kalawahine, Pauoa Flats, Manoa Cliff, Moleka, and finally, Maunalaha trail for a total of 8.5 miles.  It was my first time hiking alone, but I wasn't worried for I had my garminfone and I knew I was going to run into several hikers along the way.  I met a couple from Switzerland at the Nuuanu Lookout, a dad and daughter along Manoa Cliffs, and a young couple at the end of the trail.  The last couple carried their backpacks in training for an upcoming 3-day hike at Haleakala.  I may run into them since we were planning on hiking it on the same 3-day weekend.

I love this trail for several reasons.  One, the trailhead is one of the best in the islands with clean toilet rooms, informative maps, and a water catchment system for cleaning your muddy shoes.  Second, there are always friendly people on the trail to be there "just in case", mostly elderly Koreans.  And lastly, it's just 15 minutes from work or home.

Kanealole-Maunalaha (revisited)

I hate toads!  Remind me to never hike late in the afternoon.

Puu Piei (revisited)