We got our earliest start thus far at 8am on an incredibly
clear and cool day. Hitting the Kuliou'ou switchbacks at a steady pace we ascended
to the top in about an hour. I figured if I stopped to take pictures at each of the
peaks, we'd have enough of a chance to catch our breaths. The pictures to the left
are in order of our journey as we crossed the summit.The rope section on the way to
Pu'u O'Kona was a little muddy but easily negotiated without need for the rope assistance.
Beyond that the Windward side really starts to come into view, first Kanehoalani,
then Olomana, then Konahuanui! It was a really nice day but there was some haze in
the air limiting the far off views. Reaching Pu'u O'Kona rather quickly I was
worried that like the last time I was there, I wouldn't be able to find the trail
continuing on, but there it was! Thanks to whoever did the trail clearing along the
summit!
We dropped down into the saddle on the way to Kulepiamoa and shot up the steep climb on
the opposite side. By this time my pants were soaked from the moisture on the leaves
as we passed through, and my toes were already squishing through the little pools of water
in my shoes. From here we dropped down into the smaller saddle on the way to Hawaii
Loa. It was right about this time that my right knee started to get sore...exactly
like the other time when I was coming down Konahuanui. But after a few minutes I was
able to walk it off. Up to Hawaii Loa we hiked and took another quick pit stop
for pictures. The clouds had started to come in rather quickly and I even felt a
couple drops of rain now and then.
We continued on the last segment to Wiliwili Nui and back came that pain in my knee.
This time it lasted about 15 minutes and then it was gone again! I slowed the
pace a little to take it easier, but pretty soon it came back hard and I had to limp the
rest of the hike! What a drag! Anyway, we got to Wiliwili Nui, took our
snackbar lunch break and headed on down the mountain. There were two other groups of
people but other than them and another group we passed on Kuliou'ou, nobody else was on
the trails! Altogether a nice hike that I'd wanted to do for quite some time and a
nice way to start the new year!
Date: January 2, 1999
Time Duration: 5.75hours
Difficulty: Blue
Danger: Blue
Notes: I don't really like those Kuliou'ou switchbacks because they're pretty
long, boring and can be really hot if the sun is beating down. Once you obtain the
ridge though, this hike was great! From the top of Kuliou'ou 1 you can see from
Makapu'u to Kaneohe. Crossing the ridge to Pu'u O'Kona has that one eroded area but
it's pretty easy to just scramble on up. There are a couple areas with steep drops
off one side but you'd be fine as long as you're careful. Aside from the switchbacks
there are a couple steeper climbs at Kulepiamoa and between Hawaii Loa and Wiliwili Nui.
That final section around Hawaii Loa is really overgrown. I couldn't see the
trail so I just stuck to the ridgeline. The last steep climb was through a jungle!
But the clidemia make good handholds!
