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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| View Large |
We decided against continuing on to K1.
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| Path along the KST to K1. |
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| Konahuanui K1 |
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| Manoa Middle Ridge Summit. |
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| Awaawaloa/Wa`ahila Ridge Summit |
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| Haiku Stairs/CCL Building |
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| Lanihuli Summit |
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| Wiliwilinui Summit |
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:
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