All posts tagged Kaneohe

Kamehame Ridge: The Fastest Route To The Ko’olau’s

by Coty on January 24, 2013 in Hikes with No comments

Looking for the fastest route to eastern portion of the Koolau Summit Trail? This is it. I’d have to say that the hike up Kamehame Ridge via the private access road is even easier than the hikes up to Diamond Head and the Makapuu Lighthouse. Kamehame Ridge will get you to the KST even faster than Mariner’s Ridge. If you choose to do this hike then don’t blink, you might miss half of it. For a more epic experience, choose to take this route instead.

Not too many people know of Kamehame Ridge trail. It’s sort of a little secret with locals and those that live within this posh community. To access the trail, you simply drive to the end of Kamehame Drive. At the very end of the public road, you will see a brown metal gate, and a sign indicating “Private Property.” On the day that I visited, it just so happened that the community security guard, yes, this non-gated community has its very own security personnel, pulled up to the end of the road just as I had parked my car. I thought to myself, “oh great, there goes my hike.” I debated as to whether I should call it a day and drive back home, or, just try cross the metal gate and see if the security would try to stop me. I gave it a shot.

This gate is the trailhead. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

This gate is the trailhead. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Follow the paved road and you will pass a water tank on your left. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Follow the paved road and you will pass a water tank on your left. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Enter this gate. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Enter this gate. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Blind curves ahead. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Blind curves ahead. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Spread Aloha. Not Germs. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Spread Aloha. Not Germs. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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Hipstamatic Revisted and Analog Inspired Photos of Hamama Falls

by Coty on November 9, 2012 in Hikes, Photography with 1 Comment

When Instagram was released in October 2010, I remember downloading it on my iPhone and instantly falling in love. The app looked gorgeous, was easy to use, and the photos I produced could easily be shared with friends. The dominate photo app in this space, around that time, was Hipstamatic. I had downloaded Hipstamatic when it was originally released about 8 months before Instagram. At that time, I found the app to be a bit confusing to use. Although Hipstamatic kickstarted the retro digital photography trend, the app forced you to commit to a set of settings (i.e. lens, flash, film) before taking a shot, whereas Instagram allowed you to apply different filters post shooting. And that skeumorphic design irked me. I ignored Hipstamatic stringent nature and skeumorphic user interface and became a devoted Instagram user.

Two years later, I find the cumbersome and inflexible nature of Hipstamatic to be oddly gratifying. In fact, two years later, I no longer view it as being cumbersome or inflexible. Instead, Hipstamatic is arguably much more flexible than its Instagram counterpart. The user interface is skeumorphic, yes, but it’s also minimalistic and simple. More importantly, choosing a lens type, film type, and even flash settings prior to shooting a photo forces me to think about the shot even more before actually shooting a photo. I imagine this is what it used to be like during the analog days when it was normal to think about what kind of film you would be shooting with and not how many SD cards you have in your pocket.

The ease of digital photography makes us all a bit lazy, really. There’s no longer a need to think about a shot before taking it. It’s not unusual for me to snap hundreds of photos on a given hiking trip. Twenty years ago, this would have been unusual. Twenty years ago I’d actually have to think about every shot or else I’d be wasting a shit load of money on film and processing. Twenty years ago you needed to be a bit more focused when shooting a picture.

Hipstamatic, although very digital, brings back the analog qualities of taking a photograph. Hipstamatic forces you think before shooting. I like that and can appreciate that now.

Two years later, I find the cumbersome and inflexible nature of Hipstamatic to be oddly gratifying. In fact, two years later, I no longer view it as being cumbersome or inflexible. Instead, Hipstamatic is arguably much more flexible than its Instagram counterpart. The user interface is skeumorphic, yes, but it’s also minimalistic and simple.

All photos were taken at Hamama Falls by Ahante Lim.

Coty snapping photos with his not-so-analog-camera. Hipstamatic Setting: Kaimal Mark II Lens, Ina’s 1982 Film, No Flash. Photo by Ahnate Lim.

A shot of Waihe’e Stream. Hipstamatic Settings: John S Lens, RTV Film. Photo by Ahnate Lim.

Water in the stream. Hipstamatic Settings: Jane Lens, Ina’s 1969 Film. Photo by Ahnate Lim.

The Koolau’s in the background. Hipstamatic Settings: John S Lens, Ina’s 1969 Film. Photo by Ahnate Lim.

Open field. Hipstamatic Settings: Buckhorst H1 Lens, Ina’s 1982 Film. Photo by Ahnate Lim.

Flower. Hipstamatic Settings: Jimmy Lens, Ina’s 1982 Film. Photo by Ahnate Lim.

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Hamama Falls: Follow The Gravel Road To This Restricted Waterfall

by Coty on November 5, 2012 in Hikes with 5 Comments

Note: Hamama Falls is not open to the public. It is illegal to hike this trail and to do so would be cause for citation or arrest. There is also a risk of falling boulders, landslides, and drowning. As such, all accounts here are fictional. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Adobe Photoshop is a wonderful piece of software that allows one to superimpose another into a photo making it seem as if they were somewhere when if fact they were not. Got it?

Hamama Falls is no Aiea Ridge. Of course it isn’t, you might be thinking. Hamama Falls is, well, a waterfall, and Aiea Ridge is a ridge hike. Yes, you’re right. The only reason why I bring up Aiea Ridge is because that was supposed to be the hike that this post should have been based on. This was not the case because the Exploration: Hawaii crew had a little too much fun the night before, exploring Downtown Honolulu in the dead of night. There was no time to wake up at 6am in the morning as planned to hike the twelve-mile grinder that is the Aiea Ridge Trail. Oh well. Instead, we hopped on a little used gravel road in the back of Kahaluu, and found a hidden gem of a waterall that is restricted and under the watchful eye of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.

At the trailhead you will be greeted by this Keep Out sign.

Walking down the gravel road.

Early on, you’ll reach a part of the stream in which the locals like to jump in.

Finding this trail is relatively easy. Depending where you are coming from, you’ll probably hop on either the Pali Highway or the Likelike Highway and drive toward the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Kaneohe. You’ll then pass the historic Hygienic Store (Founded in 1907) near the intersection of Kahekili and Kamehameha Highway. Just past the Hygienic Store will be Waihe’e Road, turn left here. The road ends at a metal gate. This is the trailhead. You’ll park in the neighborhood.

The trail, if you can even call it that, follows a gravel road. Be forewarned that once you pass the metal gate you are officially trespassing. The Board of Water Supply oversees this land and can cite you for trespassing. However, do keep in mind that this trail is well trodden by locals. We passed a few fellow waterfall seekers as we made our way to the falls. The gravel road twists and turns, but is relatively flat the entire way. Towards the end will be the most strenuous part of the trail, the gravel road will begin to incline. It’ll almost seem like the incline won’t end, and then it does, in a less than dramatic fashion. The hike to the falls is more of a causal walk and can be boring for thrill seekers, despite this, the falls itself is quite exciting!

Another view of the stream.

You’ll find this flash flood station near the stream early on during the walk.

Near the flash flood station will be this bridge crossing.

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You Can Call it Oneawa Hills, Kokokahi Ridge, or Kawa’ewa’e

by Coty on May 10, 2012 in Hikes with 1 Comment

President’s Day 2012 was initially reserved for an epic hike up Ohikilolo via Keaau Ridge with Marvin and a few fellow hikers from the Oahu Weekend Hikers Facebook group. I made a game time decision and opted out of the hike the night before. I decided that I wasn’t interested in either waking up at 6am or doing an 8+ hour hike. It’s a good thing that I made this decision as the Ohikilolo hike turned out, unexpectedly, to be an overnight hike. Instead, Joel and I decided to tackle a hike that’s been on our to-do list for a while, Oneawa Hills, a divider between Kaneohe and Kailua. Oneawa Hills has multiple names including Kokokahi Ridge (a name given to the trail by Dayle Turner) and Kawa’ewa’e (Kawa’ewa’e Heiau is located at the end of this trail). Oneawa Hills sounds nice so let’s stick with that name for this post.

Joel works his way up Oneawa Hills. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

A view from one of the lower hills. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Isn't the view just great? Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Peeking at Joel. Broken tree. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

There are two ways to do this trail, either starting from Kokokahi Place [1] (look for the YWCA when driving on Kaneohe Bay Drive) or Lipalu Street. We decided to start on the Kokokahi Place side, which coincidentally is the trailhead for the short Friendship Garden hike. Once on Kokokahi Place you will drive to the end of the road until you see the sign indicating the Friendship Garden. Find parking along the Kokokahi Place, however, please be cognizant of the homes and driveways in the area (the last thing you want is a towed car).

Once at the Friendship Garden, follow the concrete steps up and turn right toward the Friendship Garden bulletin board. Here you will find a large map and notable sections of the Friendship Garden. Go past the bulletin board to the right and continue on the trail leading you up to Oneawa Hills. You’ll reach a junction, turn left. Follow a set of switchbacks until you reach the “ridge lookout” as indicated on the bulletin board trail map. It should take you about 15 minutes or so to reach this lookout. Here you will have a somewhat nice view of Kaneohe Bay. I say somewhat because the elevation is low and there are trees obstructing the view.

You will work your way to those two satellite stations and then go beyond them. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The panoramic view seen from Oneawa Hills. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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Experience Solitude and Nature in Kaneohe at the Friendship Garden

by Coty on May 9, 2012 in Hikes with 1 Comment

At the start of the Oneawa Hills Trail is a short garden trail that offers a wonderful view of Kaneohe Bay. According to the now defunct Honolulu Advertiser, it’s a “a gem,” with “the best views of Kane’ohe Bay, with only birdsong and bamboo within earshot.” Granted, it’s beautiful, however, the views at the end of Puu Maelieli might offer a more grandeur view of Kaneohe Bay and the surrounding areas.

According to the Friendship Garden website, it is an ideal place for meditation and I can see why. The garden is tucked away in a very quiet Kaneohe community. I can imagine that it would be quite easy to get lost in your thoughts here.

The Friendship Garden. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

I love to photograph steps. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

More steps. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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Ulupaina Trail: A Short Loop in the Windward Koolau Foothills

by Coty on April 4, 2012 in Hikes with 4 Comments

Puu Maelieli is one of my favorite trails because it’s short and the views are nothing less than stellar. When I found out that another hiking trail could be accessed just across the street from the Puu Maelieli trailhead, I said to myself, “well, I’ve got to do that one!” And so I did. This trail is officially called Ulupaina and although the view is not as spectacular as Puu Maelieli, it does offer a nice workout.

Joel on the contour trail. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Flora. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

As far as parking and trailhead access, you can basically follow the same set of directions used to access Puu Maelieli. You’ll once again park on Hui Iwa Street near the McDonalds. After parking your car, you will walk down the hill and toward Kahekili Highway, however, instead of turning left toward the Maelieli trailhead, you will cross Kahekili Highway toward the Valley Temples. Once you’ve crossed the highway, turn left and walk toward the pet cemetery. The pet cemetery runs parallel to the side of Kahekili Highway heading east. Walk to the end of the pet cemetery (across the street, you should see the trailhead to Puu Maelieli). You will literally walk into the bushes at the end of the pet cemetery. Of course, there will be ribbons there waiting for your arrival.

Occasionally, this view pops up as you work your way up. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Jungle in Kahuluu? Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The trail is very well marked with pink ribbons. After a few minutes (~5 minutes), you will reach a junction heavily marked with ribbons. Ulupaina is a loop trail, and therefore, no matter whether you choose to go left (clockwise) or right counterclockwise), you will end back at the junction when you finish. On this day, we decided to go left (clockwise). The counterclockwise path is actually very inviting because of the many ribbons that point you in that direction.

Turning left, the path was mostly flat. Actually, I kept thinking about how great it would make as a running trail. Although the trail does narrow at some parts, it is generally very open. Most of the first hour involves contouring the mountain on a flat trail with little noticeable elevation gain.

Joel sitting at the junction that will take you home. To his right is the way back to the pet cemetary. To the left is the way to the powerline lookout. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

This is the same junction that joel is sitting at in the above photo. Go straight up here and it will lead you to the powerline. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Satellite Station near Haiku Stairs? Photo by Coty Gonzales.

After about 1 hour or 1.5 miles, you will again reach a junction. This time, we hooked a right at the junction. At this point, you will notice that the trail will gain elevation very quickly. From this point, it will be a steep climb up to the ridge line. As you work your way up this steep climb, be sure to occasionally turn around to take in the views of Kaneohe Bay. The views from the top are somewhat obstructed and so the best views might be seen as you work your way up to the top.

Once you’ve reached the ridge line, you will again reach a junction littered heavily with pink ribbons. You can either turn right en route home, or continue straight on the ridgeline toward a powerline at the base of the Koolau Mountain Range. As you walk toward the powerline, look left and hopefully you will be able to make out the satellite station at the top of the Haiku Stairs.

Nice lines. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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Cascade of Waterfalls Blanket the Koolau’s + View From Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

by Coty on March 8, 2012 in Photography, Sights with 8 Comments

Over the last few days Hawaii has been experiencing moderate to very heavy rainfall. The weather seemed to be at its worst on Tuesday with heavy rain and flash flooding throughout the state. On Wednesday, Governor Abercrombie declared a state of disaster for the islands of Oahu and Kauai. Some areas on Oahu saw more than 15 inches of rainfall, while Kauai saw 35 inches. Many schools and golf courses closed due to the severe weather. The state even shut down Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve because of the surface runoff from the heavy rain.

We pulled over on the side of the H-3 and this is what we saw. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The View of the Koolau Mountain Range from Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

With the rain falling like crazy, Joel and I decided to set off on Tuesday to see if we could catch a peak of the many natural waterfalls flowing down the Koolau Range. We decided that our best bet would be to jump on the John A. Burns Freeway or, as it is better know, Interstate H-3. The H-3 runs along a viaduct through Halawa Valley for about 6 miles. This particular stretch of the freeway was entirely socked in. It was as if we were driving through the clouds. However, things cleared up a bit and we had amazing view of the Koolau Mountain Range just after the Tetsuo Harano Tunnels. We pulled over on the side of the freeway and proceeded to admire the many waterfalls surrounding us.

This was one of the views that we had from the H-3. This was across from us adjacent to the westbound side of the H-3. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

I came prepared for this moment (sort of). I donned my surf shorts and decided to jump out of the 4Runner to snap some photos. We brought along my Sony NEX-5N, Joel’s Canon EOS 50D, my GoPro HD HERO, and of course our iPhones. Unfortunately, the only waterproof camera we had (the GoPro) was dead (including the spare battery). For a good 15-20 minutes it was just drizzles with intermittent rainfall. We took advantage of this by taking as many photos as we could, however, because of the rain we had to get creative in order to protect our cameras. I flexed and contorted my body in ways that I never knew I could.

Triple Waterfalls. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Waterfalls in the background. Taken at Hoomaluhia. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

A long waterfall. Photo by Joel Sabugo.

The clouds were also beautiful. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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Pu’u Ma’eli’eli: An Easy Hike In Kahaluu With a Panoramic View of the Windward Coast of Oahu

by Coty on February 9, 2012 in Hikes with 9 Comments

If you’re on the Windward side of Oahu and looking to do a short hike with an amazing view at the end then consider doing Puu Ma’eli’eli in Kahalu’u. Or, if you’ve got kids that enjoy hiking then this is a great option. This short 30-45 minutes shaded hike is relatively easy to do, despite a few steep sections in the beginning and toward the end of the trail. However, once you do reach the end, you’ll be greeted with not one but two World War II bunkers and a grand view of the Windward Coast.

This is the most "extreme" portion of this hike. The steep initial dirt road. It's not extreme at all. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

A very sharp and tall Agave sisalana (Sisil). Thanks to L Steve Rohrmayr for identifying this plant. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

There are two ways (possibly three) to go about doing Puu Ma’eli’eli. The first route starts off on the Kamehameha Highway side of Puu Ma’eli’eli, near Heeia State Park. We initially decided to start the trail on this end, however, we noticed a lot of “shady” people hanging out at the park. Worried that the Exploration: Hawaii 4Runner would not be safe, we opted for the alternate route of starting just off of Kahekili Highway near the Valley of the Temples. Just across the street of the Valley of the Temples you will find the Koolau Center formerly Temple Valley Shopping Center. Right next to the McDonalds is East Hui Iwa Street, this is where you will park. Try and park on East hui Ewa Street and as close to Kahekili Highway as possibly. This is a heavily trafficked area next to the shopping center and residential homes and seemed much safer than leaving our car at Heeia State Park.

Another interesting plant. If you know the name of this plant then please leave a comment. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Some funky looking Ardisia crenata (Hilo holly). Thanks to Nate Yuen for identifying this plant. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Tree friends. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Once you’ve parked your car, immediately walk back toward Kehekili Highway and make a left on Kahekili Highway. Remember to stay close to the guard rails as locals love to zip down Kahekili Highway. A few feet after you turn left, you will notice a faint trail next to a private property sign. The day we hiked a ribbon was present that indicated the trailhead. Follow the trail up through what seems like a tiny dirt road. We noticed either dirtbike or 4×4 tracks on the day we hiked. Walk up the dirt trail until you reach a junction. At the first junction you will turn left.

A Tangled Tree. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

From there just continue to follow the trail. There will be ribbons throughout the hike to guide you along. About 20 minutes into the hike you will get you first views of the Windward Coast. Enjoy the view and then keep on heading up, you’re only about 15-20 minutes away from the top of Puu Ma’eli’eli. Eventually, you will reach a second junction, keep left and follow the trail up. Shortly after the second junction, you will reach a wooden sign indicating that you have reach the top of Puu Ma’eli’eli. Take a moment to read the legend of Puu Ma’eli’eli on the sign.

Puu Maelieli Welcome Sign and History. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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