Konahuanui - K2 - May 28, 2012

On Memorial Day 2012 I hiked Konahuanui to K2 with Brinton Johnson. Six people started the hike in the pre-dawn hours, only the two of us made it to the top. Shortly after pushing off on the Kalawahine trail one member of our party decided hiking wasn't for him. He wussed out and luckily (for him) the rest of our party went back to their car and had breakfast and a lazy day instead. Brinton and I pushed on.

We made our way past Nu`uanu Lookout and onto the contour trail just as the sun peaked over the Ko`olau.

Thankfully the clouds blocked most of the sun and never really dumped much rain on us. We made our way to the ridge andthe steep climb up the three humps to the top.

At the top of the first hump, just past the really eroded section that dominates the ridge, someone had attached a small cache.

We left our names on the roll and made our way up the ridge.

Like many ridge on the Ko`olau, your steady climb is quickly rewarded...at least when the clouds play nice.

The ridge trail is badly eroded, especially at the steepest parts. Thankfully there are ropes to assist some of the more sketchy stretches.

I had forgotten how "exciting" the last bit of the trail is right before K2. There are a few sections where a slip up could spell disaster. Making your way slowly and with some thought should prevent any need to call HFD.

We finally reached the summit of K2 and soaked in the beauty of the Ko`olau and the view out towards Kailua, Maunawili and Waimanalo.

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We decided against continuing on to K1.

Path along the KST to K1.

Konahuanui K1

From K2 we could see groups popping up at the Manoa Middle Summit and Awaawaloa (Wa`ahila Ridge/Mt. Olympus).

Manoa Middle Ridge Summit.

Awaawaloa/Wa`ahila Ridge Summit

We had a great view of the peaks of the Ko`olau.

Haiku Stairs/CCL Building

Lanihuli Summit

Wiliwilinui Summit

I could even spy on some hikers on the Maunawili Ditch Trail.

On our way back we reflected on the wonder of the Ko`olau and the great blessing to live so close to such beauty!

Rest of the pictures here:

Waiakeakua Falls - May 19, 2012

Sommer and I headed out to the back of Manoa Valley and up a relatively short hike to Waiakeakua Falls. Kai and I had hiked up to Waiakeakua Falls last year and I thought Sommer would love this hike (she loves waterfall hikes...well, she tolerates them more than ridge hikes).  The waters of Waiakeakua stream were considered reserved for ali`i.  The stream consists of cool, clear spring water that flows all year round.  O`ahu ali`i would have water brought all the way from Waiakeakua for their use.

The crystal clear water of Waiakeakua stream.  These are rocks under about 3 feet of water.

At around 1.75 miles into the hike is the lower falls.

Beyond the lower falls is another waterfall about 15 feet high.

Beyond this falls is a much taller waterfall about 50-60 feet tall. Getting to that waterfall requires a climb up the waterfall. We did not go up to the next waterfall. Others have taken some beautiful pictures of the falls here (Unreal Hawaii). Waiakeakua Falls is a wonderful alternative to the more popular and crowded Manoa Falls, much more wild and a little more work.

Rest of the pictures here:

Lake Waiau, Mauna Kea - May 13, 2012

During a trip up to the summit of Mauna Kea for sunset Sommer, Robert and I stopped to hike out to Lake Waiau. Lake Waiau is a small lake at 13,020 feet, the seventh highest lake in the USA (higher than Lake Titicaca).  It's less than a mile to the lake from the trailhead, but at 13,000 feet it feels like MILES!  With 40% less oxygen at that elevation, every step is labored.  We parked just below the Keck Observatory and made our way across the barren landscape.

Nestled in the crater of Pu`u Waiau, Lake Waiau isn't very big, just 100 meters across at its fullest. The lake is sacred to Native Hawaiians. The lakes elevation makes it closer to the heavens. The lake was also a portal to the afterlife (Hawaiians considered the lake to have no bottom). It is the piko of the island.

Panorama from the east bank.

The lake was ringed by a bright red algae.

The banks of the lake were soft and made of a very fine silt.

I've wanted to make the trek to Lake Waiau for years and the hike did not disappoint.  It was a great way to top off our trip to the Big Island!

Click here for a great read about Lake Waiau and instruction on how to get there.

Rest of the pictures here: