31c. Hike Oahu continued (Nuuanu/Pali)

Nuuanu/Pali
[x] Pali Puka, April 2012

This trail also starts from the Pali lookout, this time somewhere to the right of the parking lot where commercial buses park. The crumbled portion of the rock wall marks the start of the trail head, which travels somewhat steeply up the ridge. I'm kind of scared of heights so this one freaked me out a bit, but I managed. The hike is relatively short (45 minutes round trip) and leads to a puka (hole) in the mountain.

 Explorer pose

The puka

 [x] Pali Notches, August 2014

One of the scariest trails I've been on because of the technicality required to negotiate the notches, sheer drops, and wind factor. I was literally sliding my body down the side of the boulders inch by inch because I wanted to hug as close to them as possible. Luckily there were ropes available to help navigate. Short hike but great workout for the arms since I was always clenching so tightly to avoid falling off the side of the mountain.

 Before reaching the notches

 Selfie at the top of notch one (see how windy it is?)

 Jack at forefront on knoll after 2nd notch, me on 2nd notch, and Stacy (blue speck on my left) on the 1st notch

Me concentrating hard on my way down

[x] Pali Lookout, long ago

This was one of the earlier trails that I did with my family when my sister and I were in our elementary school days. It's a family-friendly hike that can be done from the Pali hairpin turn to the lookout, or vice versa that is commonly known. But after doing research, I found that the lookout leads to a bunch of other trails as well. The photos below are at the lookout, but technically taken when I did the Likeke Falls trail. Just thought I'd put them here though to spread the picture viewing enjoyment.

Tracyn wanted to take jumping pictures, so here's the first one

Got a little more creative (none of these poses were coordinated beforehand)

 Our best pose (It was basically "Jump!" (snap) "Jump!" (snap) "Jump!" (snap))

 We coincidentally thought to do the same pose

[x] Likeke Falls, March 2013

It took several attempts to finally complete this trail. I am not apparently good at following directions. The trail was finally accomplished on the day we celebrated Reid's 24th birthday. There are apparently two ways to do this trail, one beginning at the Ko'olau Golf Course and the other starting from the Pali Lookout. We opted for the latter. The highlight of the trail was going under the Pali Highway and hearing Tracyn make animal sounds in the forest.

Finally found it!

[x] Lulumahu Falls, September 2011

This is considered an illegal hike since it starts on the Board of Water Supply property. Since I don't really break rules that often, but because I really wanted to hike this trail because I heard it's one of the highest waterfalls here on the island that's always flowing, my desire to hike won out and I was able to convince my sister to attempt this with me. We went on a holiday since research suggests that holidays are less likelihood of getting caught/fined. Travel through a bamboo forest and cross some streams to get to the falls. It's very easy to get lost, but thankfully I found a blog that had detailed instructions along the trail for how to get to the falls. This was one of those times I couldn't afford to get lost, and I'm surprised I succeeded!

 Beautiful to look at, but easy to get lost in

 Creepy-looking shed towards the start of the trail

Final destination; camera does not do the height of the falls justice

[x] Nu'uanu Trail, many years ago 

This is one trail that I didn't find too exciting. This was a family hike done back in the day. It consists of a billion switchbacks (okay, maybe more like 27) up the mountainside. I don't remember the view at the top so I guess it wasn't that memorable. But what I do remember is my dad having trouble traveling down since he had knee problems and that my sister also lost her cell phone on this trail.

[x] Judd Trail/Jackass Ginger Falls, February 2013

The Judd Trail is a short loop trail that can connect to the Nu'uanu Trail as well as veer off to Jackass Ginger Falls. The first time my sister and I attempted to find the falls, I think we passed by it but didn't realize we were there. Even the second time we weren't sure, but verified it against photos we found on the web of the falls. Stacy did find a tree that she had the urge to climb, bringing out the little kid in her :)

I was gonna write I-Spy Stacy, but it's not that hard to spot her

[x] Luakaha Falls, April 2014

Stacy and I first attempted this trail sometime in 2013, but were not able to find the actual falls. After this failed attempt, I went online to research more detailed directions, and found info from several different sources. After compiling the info, I tried once more to find the waterfall that eluded me. This time was a success! Jiahong and I found the smaller falls above the true Luakaha Falls. We followed the sounds to find the top of the humongous falls, but couldn't find a trail that led easily from our vantage point. We backtracked to the main trail and relooked at our directions. We followed them to a huge water pipe and onto the path to the stone steps that led to the falls. There were "No Trespassing" and "Private Property" signs with written messages of "Violators will be prosecuted." That worried me, but not enough to not find the falls and take a picture before heading back.

 Smaller falls at the top

Larger falls, though the picture does not do it justice (it's at least five stories tall)

[x] Alapena and Kapena Falls, February 2013 

Stacy and I spent a Saturday morning attempting a few trails in the Nu'uanu area. These two were the first of the series (Judd was after and then the Kamehameha III ruins/attempt to Luakaha Falls followed). This is a very short hike off the scenic spot around the bend of the Pali after you drive through the Nu'uanu residential stretch and before you hit the Pauoa Valley exit where you see a view of a cemetery and pagoda if you look to the right. I think bums live down here since we saw some tent/tarp set-ups.

[x] Pu'u Ohia-Pauoa Flats, July 2011

One of the many trails in the Makiki area that is maintained by the State. I don't remember there being anything particularly special about this trail, but there's a nice picnic spot at the end of the Pauoa Flats trail where we saw a couple having their lunch. Stacy joined me for this hike that we started in the late afternoon, so we kind of had to rush through the trail. She wasn't too happy about it because the rush took away from the enjoyment of the trail, and with all the large tree roots in the way, it wasn't exactly ideal for running to make our trip faster for fear of spraining our ankles. We managed to get home and not scolded by our parents for making a poor choice in time of day to hike.

[x] Kanealole-Makiki Valley Trail-Ualaka'a-Maunalaha, July 2011 
A loop trail of several interconnecting trails in the Makiki area. The typical start and end point is the Hawaii Nature Center. Stacy and I took a family friend's niece and her cousin on this hike since they were visiting from Taiwan. I was glad we did the hike clockwise instead of counter-clockwise because it was much steeper the other way. We also took a side trip on another shorter trail, where we found some massive trees. Doable, but required more physical exertion than I anticipated.

Looks like swamp monsters

 Interesting branch tunnel formation, not sure if natural or intentional

 

One of the interesting trees we passed

 Is that big or is that BIG? See me in the corner?

31b. Hike Oahu continued (Hawaii Kai)

Hawaii Kai
[x] Makapu'u Tom Tom Trail, May 2013

Perhaps the breeziest hike I've been on. Jiahong and I went on an overcast day, which was perfect since this trail is 98% exposed. Hiking along the top of the mountain to views of Sea Life Park and Waimanalo to one side and Hawaii Kai to the other made this a very enjoyable hike. We did get lost twice on this trail, the second time pushing us back for about an hour, but we eventually found our way (thanks to the hikers we met along the way who pointed us in the right direction). Ended with some friendly neighbors of the area we came out of in Waimanalo asking us how the hike went.

Came back on this hike again in May 2014. Unfortunately, it was not so overcast on this day so it was HOT. Did this trail with the intent to get to the famous catwalk of Kamehame Ridge since that route is now blocked due to vandalism, as well as see the hidden Kamehame Stairs. Glad to report success (see photos under "Kamehame Ridge").

 Kalanianaole Highway from the trail

View of Sea Life Park

 At the puka

 Climbing up one of the towers to get an even better overhead view

 At the top of the tower

[x] Makapu'u Lighthouse, a bunch of times

This is probably the easiest hike on Oahu because it consists of a paved road that slowly winds up the side of a mountain until you get to a lighthouse overlook. I've done this countless times, with family, friends, and once at night. It's a really family-friendly hike and still a good workout since the trail goes uphill.

With the AgDiscovery chaperones, June 2012

[x] Makapu'u Tidepools, October 2012

For Tracyn's 22nd birthday, Reid and I took her to a pumpkin patch and then to the tidepools. Heading up towards the lighthouse, a trail that veers off to the side near the whale watching sign will become visible. Follow the path down to reach the tidepools. The day we went, the water was quite strong. Tracyn's and Reid's phones got wet because of the waves crashing down, which ended our birthday celebration. Luckily their phones got fixed.

[x] Pele's Chair, sometime in 2011/2012

Yet another trail that breaks off the main trail up to the lighthouse. This time, towards the start of the trail. Meander across a flat expanse of land to a rock formation in the distance called Pele's Chair. The Allen Davis Beach is also accessible from here. Did this with my sister.

[x] Hanauma Bay, May 2014

Looking towards Hanauma Bay, the ridge surrounding the bay looks like a gecko. The "spine" of the gecko makes a distinct loop trail. To get to it, look for an access road that leads above the ridge near the turnoff to go down to Hanauma Bay. Although it looks relatively flat from afar, the trail was actually steeper than I anticipated. Still, it's not a difficult trail and has nice, sweeping views of Diamond Head, as well as to Hanauma Bay below. Go on a Tuesday when the bay is closed and the beach won't be dotted with tourists when looking below. The best time to do this trail is in the late afternoon/early evening when there's still enough light out yet the sun is going down but it's not beating, as there's no overhead coverage on this trail. Some people use the paved road part as a running route, but not as many take the trek off the paved path to complete the loop route. My fourth time on this trail is the official complete date, since the secretive rock bridge location had eluded me for a while. Thanks to GoogleMaps satellite overview, I was able to determine the exact location of the bridge.

Talking Mom and Dad on the trail for the first time

At the rock bridge!

 Courageously jumping on the rock

 Photo courtesy of Reid's shoe and Tracyn's waterbottle

 Attempted diamond formation

Not the best jumping picture

Best jumping picture of the shoot

[x] Koko Head Stairs, plenty of times, started 2010

This is my go-to hike. The trail is basically a rail track up the side of a mountain that's 1,048 steps to the top. The incline is slight at the beginning, but it only increases from there (and quite drastically towards the end when you're really tired from climbing uphill). Since it's a relatively short hike and easy to access, it's quite a versatile trail. It can be done in a group or solo, day or night, and you can push yourself as hard as you are willing by the number of times you go up and down.

Scooting method during the early days of hiking when I was scared of crossing the bridge portion

Night view from the top (if you choose to do it during this time, bring a jacket!)

[x] Koko Head East Rim, December 2012

In celebration of my 24th birthday, Reid and Tracyn took me on an outing that combined all these places I've wanted to go to for quite some time. The morning started off with this hike, which begins from somewhere near the blowhole up along the ridge to the top of Koko Head. My research has shown this classified as an intermediate hike, but it felt advanced to me. Some portions of the trail seemed almost vertical and called for technical rock-climbing skills, which I am not equipped with. Fortunately, all three of us made it to the top of the trail (Tracyn didn't fall this time!). Luckily the whipping wind was in the direction of the mountain, which was safer. Definitely a hike to remember and ended nicely with an acai bowl from Diamond Head Health Cove Bar and lunch at Greens and Vines :)

Before the trek up the steep incline (known as the "Arch")

After making it up the scary Arch

 Candid shot after a short rest

Group picture at the top; we survived!

 [x] Koko Head West Rim, February 2015

I felt so accomplished after doing this hike not only because it was the official 50th hike but also because it had eluded me for such a long time. I tried to look for directions to the trailhead, but this was not easy. I thought I had found instructions on Yelp, only to find that it was just another way to get to the start of the east rim, which I did some time ago. After watching videos and trying to figure out the trailhead from the few blog posts about this trail that I could find, the group I went with just kind of chanced it and happened to be correct. When you park at the Koko Head Botanical Garden, basically head up the slope that is right in front of you and turn left up toward the crater. There were some parts that were narrower than I was comfortable with, but it wasn't as difficult or scary as posts made it out to be. Completed the entire rim in a little over three hours. Bring lots of water since there's not much shade on this trail.

 Resting at one of the few shady areas on the trail

 Atop on the larger boulder formations

On another narrow part of the trail

[x] Kamehame Ridge, July 2013 

Very short trail along a private road to a hang glider launch pad. Intersects with the Tom-Tom trail. Technical difficulty similar to the Lighthouse trail. Wasn't sure where to turn for the hang glider pad from the main trail; first went towards a teen leadership academy. Figured out that the correct way was up some stairs carved into the mountain. Beautiful view at the top. When we were about to head out, a guy with a hang glider was making his way up, so we backtracked to watch him take off. After about 15 minutes of set up and some small talk, he finally launched. Was pretty awesome to watch. Really give props to the guy who's like his spotter. At takeoff, he had to stand on the edge of the launch pad without any type of restraint to save him if he were to be bumped into by the guy hang gliding. Must have been a really good friend or been paid really well. Guy in the hang glider swooped around the group of spectators as we "oohed" and "aahed" before heading down to the designated land area across from Sea Life Park.

Went again with Jiahong to get to the Dead Man's Catwalk since I missed it the time I came with Mary and the first time I did the Tom Tom trail with Jiahong. Successfully found the catwalk (despite it being an illegal trail to trespass, there were many visitors on this day who didn't come up the Tom Tom route). Also found some hidden stairs in the area.

Chilling on the edge of the mountainside

 Watching guy take off. See the man on the edge?

 Soaring into the sunset...a few hours in advance

Finally at the dead man's catwalk after waiting for 15 other people to take their pictures here
 
 Couple shot

 Kamehame hidden (wooden) stairs

Kamehame hidden (concrete) stairs, which you can't really see because so overgrown

  

[x] Kamiloiki Ridge, August 2011

Short trail in Hawaii Kai that is not as well traversed as other trails I've done in this region. Not that difficult to complete; and easy enough to follow the trail. I was able to do it myself and not get lost, which is saying a lot since I have such a poor sense of direction. This trail can connect to the Tom Tom trail. The view I saw at the end was very reminiscent of the one from Mariner's Ridge (I later came to learn that this trail can connect to Mariner's Ridge).

[x] Kaluanui Ridge (Mariner's Ridge), July 2011 

Relatively short hike that is usually recommended for beginners. Can pretty much go any time of the day since there's enough overhead coverage where the worry of getting sunburnt is almost nonexistent. Many people travel on this trail, from young children to the elderly. Though it is classified as a beginner's trail, there are some parts that require such cardio so it's not like a stroll in the park. Can be done in about 1.5 hours round-trip, so definitely a doable trail with a great reward at the end. Update: This trail is now closed to the public.

 Gingerbread-looking house at the trail head

View at the end

 Steep drop

[x] Hahaione Ridge, November 2015

This ridge is to the right of Kuli'ou'ou. The trail Jack and I took is longer than the typical loop between Hahaione and Kuli'ou'ou. We turned left at the first fork, and then right at the second junction. We followed a fenceline up towards the summit, which was a steep climb. We crossed one ridge before we got to Kuli'ou'ou. Thank goodness for pink and orange trail markers because we for sure would have been lost. We traveled down Kuli'ou'ou and walked the residential streets back to our car parked at this trailhead.

[x] Kuli'ou'ou Ridge, July 2011 

One of the many ridge trails in the Hawaii Kai area. The first time I did this trail was with Justin. Both of us have a poor sense of direction that led us on a different trail (see Kuli'ou'ou Valley). By the time we finished this correct trail, we were quite pooped. Also took some student ambassadors on this trail for a hiking social; they hated me on our way up because of some of the portions of steeper incline, but loved me by the end because of the views :)

Can't tell, but totally working the glutes at this part

Ambassadors like to stop and take pictures

 

Jumping pose at the end, look how happy everyone is to be at the top

Group pose in the trees

[x] Kuli'ou'ou Valley...and then some, July 2011

The first time I tried to do this trail, Stacy and I went past it and instead happened upon another trail that led straight up the mountain. There were portions of steep ascent, which we later found out was part of a trail called Pu'u o Kona. We should have caught on earlier with the discreet trail head or that we were heading up a mountain instead of into the valley. Oh well, the other trail wasn't that bad. 

  If you connect the following 8 photos together from left to right,

 you'll get the panoramic view

of what we saw at the middle point 

of the Pu'u o Kona trail

since we don't own

a fancy camera that can take

a panoramic shot in one go. 

 Lol, sorry no pictures of the actual Kuli'ou'ou Valley trail

And then the time when I intended to hike the ridge trail with Justin, we went past the fork that led up the ridge hike and instead completed the valley hike. Nothing really eventful, but we think we might have gone off the trail a little since we were somewhere off the trail when we figured out our position with Justin's iPhone's GPS. How is it I failed multiple times in finding the correct trail I wanted to go on in this area? 

[x] Pu'u O Kona, April 2015
The first time I attempted the Kuli'ou'ou Valley trail, I went past the trailhead and instead went up the mountain via this trail, but turned back when we realized we were on the wrong trail. Years later, I attempted this trail again (intentionally) with Jack and his friend, and finished! I remember the almost vertical climb in the beginning of the trail from before, but that was during a time when I was in better shape. This time, I remember huffing and puffing along and taking way longer on the trail (a total of 5 hours) than I thought it would take. The trail was a good workout. Just be prepared for lots of ferns scratching your legs, or wear long pants.

[x] Kulepeamoa Ridge, November 2015

Intended to hike up Kulepeamoa and down Hawaiiloa Ridge, but ended up doing the reverse loop connecting to Hawaiiloa Ridge and then walked over to Kulepeamoa before heading back down. Because we did this loop, we weren't sure where to turn to get back to Kulepeamoa. Luckily we found a hiker blog that mapped the route and could use it to compare to our GPS to make it back down on the correct ridge. Yelp reviews marked this as a 5.5 mile loop trail, but our GPS recorded it as 8 miles. This trail not well maintained, especially towards the top, so be ready for lots and lots of ferns. Like over a mile of them.

[x] Hawai'iloa Ridge, August 2011

Yet another ridge hike that I completed during that summer of hikes. I went on my own, figuring that I had many hikes under my belt and that the guard who I left my personal information with would have record that I was on the trail. Well, the trail wasn't too bad, except for the part where rain just poured on the way down. It was not fun hiking down in runny mud by myself. It was actually very, very lonely up there at the top of a mountain in the rain.

Very Alice-in-Wonderland-esque here

 Look how overcast, not a good sign when I was at the top

 

At least it cleared enough for me to take a quick shot of the view before pouring

[x] Wiliwilinui Ridge, July 2011 

Another hike completed with Justin. I'd say the level of difficulty and length was somewhat in between Kuli'ou'ou and Hawaii'loa. Nothing particularly special about this trail as compared to the other Hawaii Kai ridge trails. I think we were high enough that we were in the clouds on this trail though and that there's a bench at the end. Oh, and I think to check in to this trail, this can only be done at the beginning of the trail and not at the end. That was amusing to me.

Wearing long pants because of the thorny ferns Yelpers warned about, 

but wasn't really that bad so wear shorts if desired.