All posts tagged Rock Climbing

Kawiwi to Three Poles: A Rock Climbing Paradise Crossover

by Marvin on February 9, 2012 in Hikes with No comments

Wai’anae and Lualualei valley from the Kawiwi trail

Kawiwi is a fairly steep trail that takes you near the center of Kamaile’unu ridge that connects Mt. Ka’ala to the Leeward coast of Oahu. Kawiwi is best known for the series of rock faces it contains, many being in the 10-15ft range towards the end. Being a great climber, this is one of Francis Jimenez’s (aka Kinky, Blue Beetle) favorite trails and he invited me to summit Kawiwi then crossover to the north side to three poles. This would entail crossing over some narrow sections and clinging to a fence for short durations while hanging over a cliff as we visit No Name Peak and Tiki along the way.

What we did and where

Kawiwi starts in the same place in Wai’anae valley as the Wai’anae Kai and Tiki loops, Water Works and many more. To get here, read what Stuart has to say:

At Punchbowl St. get on Lunalilo Fwy (H-1) heading ‘ewa (west). Near Middle St. keep left on Rte 78 west (exit 19B, Moanalua Rd.) to ‘Aiea. By Aloha Stadium bear right to rejoin H-1 to Pearl City and on toward Wai‘anae. As the freeway ends near Campbell Industrial Park, continue along the leeward coast on Farrington Hwy (Rte 93). Drive through Nānākuli and Mā‘ili to Wai‘anae town. Pass Wai‘anae Mall on the right. Turn right on Wai‘anae Valley Rd. Turn left on a one-lane paved road (still Wai‘anae Valley Rd.) by a bus turnaround marked with white curbs. Pass several houses. A locked gate blocks the road at the forest reserve boundary. Park in the dirt lot on the left across from a house.

Bus: Route 75 to the turnaround. Walk 1.1 miles along Wai‘anae Valley Rd. to the forest reserve boundary.

Go around the locked gate and continue up the one-lane paved road on foot through scrub koa haole trees. Pass a water tank on the left. Ahead, Kamaile‘unu Ridge climbs to massive Ka‘ala. Along the ridge to the left is the prominent peak of Kawiwi.

Ball, Stuart M., Jr. (2000-09-01). The Hikers Guide to the O’ahu, Rev. Ed. (Kindle Locations 4937-4953). Latitude 20. Kindle Edition.

As you continue on the paved road, you will see a wide opening on your left that yields an excellent view of Wai’anae valley. This is the area where the above picture was taken and you can enter the forest from the left side on the image to gain access to Kawiwi. As you enter the forest, continue along the path and turn right when you meet up with the fence. Follow the fence until you are at the base of Kawiwi. There will be an opening in the fence and perhaps a few ribbons. The trail initially is vague and there will be multiple ways you can gain elevation. Simply start going up in the route that looks most manageable.

Scrambling over rocks is what you’ll be doing most of the trail

Kawiwi is not constantly maintained but there are some ribbons along the way to aid you and the overgrowth is never bothersome. Although pants would be suggested to avoid scratches from dry leaves, rocks and branches.

A cow skull at the base of Kawiwi and goat skull just passed the half-way point

The trail will become more obvious once you gain some elevation and there will generally be only two paths you can go on. You can tackle the rock walls head on or contour them. Almost all of the rock walls here can be contoured. Even the final set of rock faces can be contoured, although you may end up passing the Kawiwi summit like we did and have to backtrack to the summit.

The summit of Kawiwi in front of Francis

At the summit, you will get a near 360 view of Wai’anae and Makaha valley, as well as the terminus of Kamaile’unu trail and the peaks of Ka’ala and Kalena on a clear day. From the summit, you can make a left to connect to Kamaile’unu and Knife Edge ridge. This is a very advanced route, however. As this route makes you down climb 2 long cliff faces, with the second one being around 80 feet. Do not attempt this without someone in your party with experience with this route or similar routes.

From the summit of Kawiwi (L-R): Makaha Valley, No Name Peak, and Upper Wai’anae Valley

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Mokoli’i Island (Chinaman’s Hat in Hawaii): Introduction to offshore adventures in Hawaii

by Marvin on October 9, 2011 in Beaches, Hikes with 4 Comments

The secluded cove on the back of the island. An excellent lunch spot and fairly safe swim spot

Chinaman’s hat is a common sight on the windward side of Oahu from both various summits on the Ko’olau summits (for example: the Manana summit) to simply driving along the Northern section of the island. Shaped like a Chinese peasant’s chapeau from rural China, you may be surprised to learn one can easily access the island for a small adventure. While seemingly small from afar, this off island destination becomes increasingly intimidating as your approach her shores.

Those fascinated with Hawaiian folklore may be interested to know a tale about this place [source]:

Besides its natural beauty, Chinaman’s Hat is also a mysterious place. According to local legend, Hi‘aka, the volcano goddess Pele’s sister, created the island by sleighing a frightening dragon, a no‘o, and setting his huge flukes in the water as a landmark.

Mokolii means “little lizard” in Hawaiian

On this Saturday offering excellent weather, I set out with my roommate (Andy Dewald) and a couple friends from my department (Katherine Livins and Ahnate Lim) for a short excursion on Chinaman’s Hat. Ahnate ventured on to the island with his girlfriend while the remaining 3 of us rode out to Kailua to rent a Kayak. First, we packed lunch into my insulated grocery bag and also stuffed electronics into my not so ‘waterproof’ bag (more on this later).

Kayak strapped and ready to go

Our destination after “safely” strapping on was the Kualoa Reional Beach Park, which offered the shortest access way to Chinaman’s Hat.

Our kayak at Kualoa Regional Beach Park

Where you want to go:

During low tide, it is possible to simply walk to the offshore island. However, be careful as the tide is not low for the whole day and tide tables should be carefully read to note best times to enter and leave the island. Recently, two travelers died while attempting to walk back to Oahu when the tide had risen.

Do not go where Andy is pointing, but rather a bit to the right

Continue reading if you want to know if we survived!

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Makapu’u Tom Tom: Rocky trip along the coast

by Marvin on August 23, 2011 in Hikes with 4 Comments

One of the views along the trail.

[Note: This post is inaccurately titled. The trail presented here documents a hike from Kamiloiki to Makapuu. To read about the Makapuu Tom-Tom trail please check out this post.]

This past Saturday, I did the Kamiloiki to Makapu’u hike. Kamiloiki starts in Hawaii Kai and is a good alternate to Mariner’s Ridge if you would like a trail in the same area but one that provides a better workout. You can junction to the Makapu’u Tom Tom trail and end up near the Eastern most point on the island (see the lighthouse in one of the latter images). Kamiloki is nice but Tom Tom is much more fun so I will discuss that one in this post. Although I started in Hawaii Kai and only did Tom Tom one-way, you can start Tom Tom  near the lighthouse and do a loop.

Directions -

Bus: Take the #23 from Waikiki towards Sea Life park and arrive at Sea Life Park. Walk back half a mile on the freeway until you reach the parking lot for Makapu’u lookout.

Driving: From Honolulu, head east onto Lunalilo Hwy until it changes to Kalanianaole Hwy. Continue until you see the Makapu’u lookout on your right.

From the parking lot, you can walk a short paved trail towards near the lighthouse. For the Tom Tom trail, cross the street and you will be on your way onto the Tom Tom trail as you walk up the small hill.

You'll be walking along the coast most of the time

The trail is mostly straightforward but is not always obvious. Keep going along the side of the mountain as you walk with the coast. Luckily, because the path is mostly rocks, you will not find many muddy spots even after it has rained. There have been reports of giant spiders on the trail, but I did not see any on my trip. You will be greeted with great views of the ocean along with residential areas along the coast. There will also be many sturdy rock formations should you fancy bouldering along the way.

One of the interesting finds in the ocean

Be careful around sentry plants, they easily pierce clothing and skin!

One of many steep areas

Be prepared to climb up and down many rocks. This can be physically taxing, so bring enough nutrients and pace yourself. Overall, this is an intermediate hike as there is not a high sense of danger. A loop trail would be 8 miles but you have the choice to turn around at one of the many scenic break points on the trail.

There is one section with a strap, but you most likely won't use it going up or down

Sea Life Park and Lighthouse (Eastern most point on the island)

You might even get a free dolphin show!

Along the way you will encounter an excellent top view of Sea life Park. You will be able to hear and see dolphins if they are performing. You will also find a few spots where people bodyboarding is visible.

Rabbit island seen in the center, $50 fine if they catch you trespassing

Tom Tom ends up being an excellent trail if you want a break from the many muddy trails on the islands. It provides excellent views throughout the trail and gives you a chance to boulder at various places as well. Although not very difficult, this will provide a great workout at the end of the day.

All photos by: Marvin Chandra

Explorers: Marvin Chandra and 8 members of the O’ahu Hikers and Adventurers meetup group.

Manoa Middle: An old trail refound

by Marvin on August 22, 2011 in Hikes with 6 Comments

View of Honolulu on the left and northern Oahu on the right

Manoa is home to many trails and trails on other parts of the island can easily be connected while walking on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountain Range. Manoa Middle is a short trail that was cleared possibly over a hundred years ago but had been lost for many years. Less than a year ago, a small group of hikers rediscovered this trail and spent over a week clearing it. It is currently easily accessible and well maintained. To reach Manoa Middle, one method is to start the Mt. Olympus trail and junction into Manoa Middle before reaching the summit of Mt. Olympus.

Directions:

Bus: Take the #6 headed towards Woodlawn Ave. and stop at Alani Dr. and Woodlawn Ave.

Driving: Head towards the back for Manoa by going to the end of East Manoa Road. At the end, make a left on Alani Dr. and go to the end of the street. There will be plentiful parking opportunities in the neighborhood.

Once at the end of Alani Dr., keep walking into the small section with houses. At the end of the road, you will find a sign indicating a state trail is about to begin. Soon after you are on this trail, you will see a sign for the Pu’u Pia trail, turn right into this trail. After a mile or so into the trail, you will approach a cliff that forks the trail. On the left, you will see a sign to not continue because of dangerous conditions. Continue in this direction.

 

Traveling along Mt. Olympus ridge

Traveling along the Mt. Olympus ridge

Continue along this straightforward path. Often, you will be surrounded by clouds the deeper you go. But, on a clear day, you will be provided with excellent views of Honolulu, especially Manoa. At a certain point on the Mt. Olympus trail, you will have to scramble up a steep muddy wall in order to reach the summit. Instead of climbing, find a trail that contours the scramble on the left side. A short walk through a slightly overgrown path will lead you into an open, but narrow, area that provides views of both sides of the island. Continue going along East on this ridge. You will now spend most of the hike on a narrow ridge.

Making our way along the side of the mountain

Shortly into the Manoa Middle trail, you will be confronted with a rock climbing section. This can be a quite scary if you have a fear of heights. But don’t worry, the rocks are sturdy and there are plenty of footholds and good areas to grip as you walk towards the end of this section. The last portion is made easier with a rope that is already attached.

Start of rock climbing section

 

Narrow, steep and windy!

 

A look behind us after finishing climbing section

 

Once the climb is finished, continue along the ridge until you reach a turning point.  This is a great spot for a snack break before you begin the steep decline back to Alina Drive. On your way down, hang on to the branches as you make your way down. There will be many slippery sections so take caution. Often, controlled sliding will get you to your destination quicker than climbing down traditionally. Mt. Olympus is an intermediate trail while Manoa Middle is slightly more difficult and also has a higher scare factor due to its narrow ridges. Together, this hike can takeover 6 hours and the steep climbs up and down will tax your legs. The rock climbing section does not require any climbing experience but this hike should be avoided altogether if you have a high fear of heights.

Kaleo Lancaster recently made a video of this hike (going in the opposite direction) that provides information in how the rock climbing section looks like.


All photos by: Marvin Chandra

Explorers: Marvin Chandra and 4 members of the O’ahu Hikers and Adventurers Meetup group.