tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16628704417781916972024-02-19T04:46:33.981-08:00Tu bu Pa'ina2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-76419165928206396022011-11-07T02:21:00.000-08:002011-11-07T20:56:01.518-08:00No one can resist my Schweddy BallsFrom Hawaiian BU<div><br /></div><div>Aloha to all! Hope you are doing well wherever you may be hiking these days. The Bu Brothers are still out there, hitting the trails and trying to find paths to our favorite waterways. The title for this piece comes from an old Saturday Night Live skit featuring Alec Baldwin. We wanted to try and come up with a different name instead of the place we visited, and Chinese Bu comes up with "Sweaty Balls." Now he may make me change this title later, but I had to get in a plug for one of the funniest skits from SNL during that timeframe.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, some hints before we tell you the place (if you haven't already guessed where this is)- It's a waterfall that falls between two high mountain peaks. The water is very cold at this place, probably because it's higher up than your basic waterfall. Lastly, it's not marked with any ribbons at the most crucial junction. As usual, we went on instincts and stories we had heard from other well-informed hikers. Wait one more thing-this was the first time either of us had visited this place, meaning this is our first write-up about the place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Originally, I was supposed to do Wa'ahila Ridge with my college students, but only a few of them showed up, and the ones that came wanted to see a waterfall, so we initially decide to go to Kalihi and check out what's happening over there. I get a call from Chinese Bu, saying he's going to hit this hike, completely not expecting me to join him. I make a quick decision with the students, and we decide to join Chinese Bu on this adventure. And I was excited, as well as unprepared, for what we were about to encounter</div><div><br /></div><div>We parked our cars and pushed off from the Kalawahine trailhead. It was a pretty overcast day, and the recent rain had me hoping for some raging falls. Guavas were in full bloom, littering the ground and making the path more slippery. We pretty much just zoomed through that trail on our way to Pauoa Flats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, before we continue, several things I would suggest you bring before you attempt this trail-</div><div>1. Microspikes- They saved my okole out there. We'll get to that later.</div><div>2. Cutting tool of some type, like a machete- We really could have used the one in my van!</div><div>3. Rope-climbing rope would have been very helpful on this hike.</div><div>4. Gloves- My hands got all tore up from getting out the gulch.</div><div>5. Aspirin or pain-killer- Wait, you don't really need that for this, but I sure wanted some.</div><div>Now that you're wondering what's up with this list, let's continue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pauoa Flats to the Nuuanu overlook was calm. Only one other person was seen during this time, which I think is strange for a Sunday. We briefed the students on the next part of the trail, then headed up towards Konahuanui. Konahuanui, or Large Fat innards, according to the Place Names of Hawaii book, are the twin peaks to the right of the Pali Lookout. As the story goes, a giant threw his testicles at a lady who had escaped him, thus creating these peaks. Konahuanui also happens to be the highest place on the Koolaus, with a commanding view of the Windward side on a clear day. As you probably have guessed, that wasn't today's target.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we continued to contour the left side of the mountain, I started getting nervous, like I usually do when exploring unfamiliar terriotory. I hate going the wrong way on hikes, and I'm always double checking my surroundings 3 to 4 times when we do new hikes. We finally hit the ridgeline and started looking for the way down to the left to get to the waterfall. Mahalo to Jeremy Kreis, who I asked for clarification a couple months previously about where this junction was exactly. With those directions and instincts, we decided to rush the only path that sort of looked like the way down.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now if you plan to do this, this is where things get down to business. The incline on this hill can be steep in several sections, and good luck trying to maintain balance when it's muddy (like it was today) All of us basically butt-slide down most of the way. Ropes would have been very helpful, but anchor points were very few. There are 2 points along this mountain wall that had ropes, but more would be good. Another thing was the ferns-lots of them. Needless to say, the going was slow. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we finally got to Upper Lulumahu Falls, I was awestruck. This is such a beautiful place, located in this tiny gulch, I didn't want to leave. The water is clean, and yes, some of the coldest water you will feel at an Oahu waterfall. I know that people go to this place, but it doesn't feel like there are that many that do. It feels so natural, so untouched by human hands. The pool is pretty too, but you can't really bomb from the ledge located there, it's too shallow. But I don't think you should do that at this place. Yes, we made fun of it in this piece, but I think I paid the price for that trying to get out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's just say I got injured, making the climb out very difficult. I'm alright now, but some pain killer would have been nice. Thank God for the Microspikes! They got me out, without a doubt, and I'm not really the most nimble horse in the stable. I need to thank my students that came along with me and made sure I didn't fall off the ridge on the way back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Upper Lulumahu Falls is worth the effort to get there. I'm now thinking that maybe it shouldn't be easier to get there. Everyone should be willing to pay the price to visit this place. It's beautiful and serene, and I hope if and when you decide to venture there, you come ready to open your heart to this small slice of heaven. Aloha and see you folks soon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuQvy_AKWZEzdEji6Uqv3he7pIk4wwsBQ62WTxEIRV80U89o9ua4O7nctv3PcBSrDuctvTIRRB-p25CvJ8AUvLFJuZZK_lk4YsLCPprrpRP7GiAyrYl4zmWaFMxVEbyeozegIzu-24zQ/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuQvy_AKWZEzdEji6Uqv3he7pIk4wwsBQ62WTxEIRV80U89o9ua4O7nctv3PcBSrDuctvTIRRB-p25CvJ8AUvLFJuZZK_lk4YsLCPprrpRP7GiAyrYl4zmWaFMxVEbyeozegIzu-24zQ/s320/026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672483386578305522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-54970541324042660032011-09-09T20:05:00.000-07:002011-09-09T21:35:45.044-07:00Seven Bridges: my thoughts behind the mythFrom Hawaiian Bu<div><br /></div><div>If you were a local kid growing up here on Oahu, you were exposed to many different tales or urban legends about places that were haunted and gave you chicken skin. Places like Morgan's Corner, the Faceless Lady at Old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Waialae</span> Drive-In, and Seven Bridges of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Manoa</span>. When you hear the stories the first time, you're usually with some other kids who are also hearing it for the first time, and you're all like "Nah, I not scared! We go!". </div><div><br /></div><div>But as time goes on, and the story is allowed to fester in your brain, you start wondering if what they said was true. In the future, you run into someone who went to the place, said it was scary, and now you really not sure if it's true or not. And every time someone brings it up again, the cycle renews and the place starts getting a heavy rep in your mind, even though you may have never been there yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div>When you finally go, you're so worked up, that the slightest noise, or a croak from a frog, or a rustling of a tree branch, scares the crap out of you and your friends, and now, in your mind, the story must be true. You may not even do what the legend says you gotta do, but you and your crew had enough, and that's all there is to it. I guess this is how it goes for all urban legends you hear from other people.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever wondered- why was the story started in the first place? Did someone really hear a banshee when they went into the back of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Manoa</span> Valley? Does one of the bridges really disappear when you walk back out? Could it be that the story of the Seven Bridges of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Manoa</span> was made up so that you don't go up the road, and you never discover what's truly back there? And do you really know the correct path for the road?</div><div><br /></div><div>I will confirm one thing for all of you: Seven Bridges of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Manoa</span> IS a hike, but it is not as long as some of the various websites have made it sound like. In fact, it is an old road that is overgrown with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hau</span> and Bamboo, making it challenging to really discern the proper path. On my way up there, I went off the road many times, listening to the stream flowing and trying to see what I could find. I crossed the stream several times, trying to find old ribbons on either side. I finally realized that the easiest way up was to keep to the road, and fight through the overgrowth.</div><div><br /></div><div>As usual, I finally found some old ribbons marking the way. However, there were stretches of the path where these ribbons had fallen down with the bamboo or trees they were connected to. I had to rely on instincts during that time, especially since I didn't see any new footprints on the trail I was on. This path hasn't been used in a long time.</div><div><br /></div><div>The path finally led me back to the stream, and I kept pushing up towards the valley. After about 50 yards of climbing on terraces formed by ancient hands, the stream ended. I kept on walking up the valley for about 100 to 200 yards more, but I couldn't find the stream anymore. Strange. So I decided to go back to where the stream ended, and figure out what was going on. If you have been following our blog regularly, you might know what I discovered.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Waaloa</span> Spring is amazing! The water is fresh, and it comes right out of the mountain. As I sat next to it, I began to envision my Hawaiian Ancestors, sitting at that very spot, filling their gourds, thanking their '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Aumakua</span> for protecting them and this valuable resource. I'm guessing that there might not be many people interested in this, especially since there is no waterfall connected to it, but I find this place to be serene, calm, and full of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">mana</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now take a step back with me for just a moment, and remember how I started this post. In fact, think about all the scary stories you may have heard about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Manoa</span> Valley. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">nightmarcher</span> tree at the beginning of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Manoa</span> Falls trail. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Manoa</span> Chinese <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Cemetary</span>. Seven Bridges of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Manoa</span>. Take all of those and find a street map, and place a pin where you would logically pin the beginning point for each, or the actual spot. Now look towards the mountains from each pin. Figure out what I'm trying to get at? I remember being told as a child that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Menehune</span> at one time controlled upper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Manoa</span> Valley, and that they should be respected. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ghost stories and urban legends are awesome, and I love hearing about them. But I have a feeling that there just may be an alternative purpose to why I heard it as a kid. And I do love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Manoa</span> Valley and the beautiful secrets it has locked within. This particular secret I will keep with me for now, until I figure out how to link it with the other waterways located in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Manoa</span>. If you are trying to find it, good luck, and take some cutting shears with you, as well as some hiking instincts.</div><div><br /></div><div>I guess I'll end this one with this- Yep, Seven Bridges of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Manoa</span> is Haunted! BEWARE!!!!!!</div>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-29161179695500458822011-09-05T20:33:00.000-07:002011-09-05T21:13:31.876-07:00Wahiawa HillsFrom Hawaiian BU<div><br /></div><div>I went nuts at Sports Authority last night. Bought me a brand new pair of shoes, new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Camalback</span> bag, and the most important of necessities, thick hiking socks! All my stuff was breaking down, and I needed to be ready for the next hike with the college students, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wahiawa</span> Hills. Several students had previously mentioned that they wanted to see a river, so the closest thing in my head on Oahu was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaukonahua</span> Stream. I figured 5 miles, up and down some hills, and a cool swim spot, that would be perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now usually we don't hike far from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Koolaus</span>, but the capability to see the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Waianae</span> Mountain Range from the trail really got me thinking that I should get my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">okole</span> up earlier than usual and get out to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Westside</span>. It was right around 9 AM that myself, Chinese BU, and the college gang pushed off from the end of California Ave, and adventured into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kaleo</span> Lancaster's backyard.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was very thrilled to have Chinese BU along for this one, because he had done this about a year ago with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kaleo</span>. I'm thinking that he would be able to handle all the complicated junctions one encounters as they progress throughout the hike. On the safe side, I had my copy of the Ball book with me, and a printout of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kaleo's</span> directions from his site. The crazy thing about this was that the book and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kaleo's</span> directions didn't match, and Chinese wasn't exactly reassuring when we came to questionable junctions. I guess I'll have to forgive him, since it has been a year plus since he last did it. </div><div><br /></div><div>With those challenges in front of us, let me share this with you- this is a testing 5 mile hike. Going the route described in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kaleo's</span> directions leads you to this punishing climb up a ridge that is choke-filled with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Uluhe</span>. Each of us got scratched up all over our arms and legs as we ascended this portion of the hike. Footing was tough because you couldn't see the ground, and it was wet from the light drizzle coming down on us. Getting to the top of that ridge led us to another junction, which turned out to be the alternative way to come up to that point. We figured that out because two ladies and their dog, which we had passed previously before the first stream crossing, had beaten us up the ridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>We kept on walking through the trees until we got to this epic view of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Koolaus</span> and took a break there. We turned right and down the ridge, eventually hitting the swim spot at the bottom. That water was as cold as some waterfalls I've encountered! After spending nearly an hour playing around in the stream, we geared up and returned to the trail. We were instantly greeted by another heart-pounding climb up a ridge with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Uluhe</span> on both sides. At least this portion was more clear than the last one.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the knowledge that we were going to grind some Dot's sizzling Hamburger Steak afterwards, we pushed through and methodically made our way back to the critical junction of the whole trail. If you decide to do this hike, please take someone with you that knows the way. It's so much easier. I know I gave Chinese BU a hard time here, but once we got past the first climb, he knew where he was going, and everyone felt better (except for his occasional jokes about going the wrong way!).</div><div><br /></div><div>One more thing I should tell you before I sign off on this one- That long hill you had to descend in the very beginning that reminds you of the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Heartattack</span> Hill" from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Waimano</span> Pool? You gotta climb that thing to get out! And I will say, its my opinion that that hill is just as challenging, if not harder than the one you face at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Waimano</span> Pool.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know it's not a waterfall (besides the hidden one you find at the bottom of the first hill), but I like the swim spot at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Wahiawa</span> Hills. I'm very thankful for the new equipment I got, especially the socks. All of us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">kanacked</span> out at Dot's, and there were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">alot</span> of happy faces at the end of this one. Hopefully you get a chance to go visit this workout sometime soon. But make sure to bring a guide!</div><div><br /></div><div>Catch you all on the trails. Aloha! </div>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-19126322412127190472011-08-30T20:33:00.000-07:002011-08-30T22:10:19.924-07:00Love for ManoaFrom Hawaiian BU<div>
<br /></div><div>Taken from the book "Place Names of Hawaii"<div>
<br /></div><div><b>Manoa. </b><i>Lit.</i> vast.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Manoa has been a part of my life since I was a young boy. I learned baseball on it's fields. I got in trouble with neighborhood kids, doing stupid things like marking off "our turf", and acting like we ran the place. I made out for the first time with a girl there. My family shopped all the time at Longs. And, my family would take me into Manoa and show me it's natural beauty through the various hikes located within. At the time, I didn't really care about those details. But now, well, things have changed, as have I.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I really believe that it is part of my process that I had to go through, to get to the point I'm at now. The secrets that escape us do so for very specific purposes, and when the time comes for you to uncover them, it feels like you have earned the right to discover these treasures. It's with these thoughts that I present this writing for those willing to read it.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>If you have read our blog before, you know that both Chinese BU and myself are enamored with finding waterfalls on this island, and we spend large amounts of time trying to find them and enjoy them. We started out as most hikers do, travelling the most common trails that can be found in tourists magazines and websites. We then graduated to Stuart Ball's incredible hiking book, and the various online resources from people that had come before. It was during this phase that I began asking my family for help, and a whole new avenue for information became available.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>My family is FILLED with hikers. Grandma has countless photos of herself in front of all types of Hawaiian historical places, some I have come to discover were VERY difficult to get to. My Aunty was the main trailblazer, continuously finding places all around Oahu and sharing her adventures with us. My Mom and Stepfather had all the Robert Smith hiking books from each island, and you can still see some of the notations they used in the books. Our Family home has literary resources, including maps, stories, personal collections, many of them not in publication anymore. When I finally decided to really make hiking a big priority in my life, and my ohana knew it, that was when I began getting access, and past memories began to become more visible and clear.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Over the past couple of years, we have been taking this knowledge, and finding our own place, and creating our own resource to point back to, this blog. We've had a lot of fun along the way, made many new friends, and found more trails than we ever anticipated. We've even hiked on other islands, and discovered that we have barely scratched the surface of what is possible for us. Just like Manoa, the world of hiking is vast!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>One more thing before I finish this off- We have always talked about how the people you hike with is the most important part of the whole experience. Why only have this experience by yourself? That's why we take the kids, teenagers, and college students we work with on these hikes. We debate all the time about which hikes certain age levels can handle, in fact, its probably the most recurrent topic for us when we hike. Not only do we want to show the next generation these places, but hopefully instill in them the passion to care for these places as much as we do.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I've been spending a lot of time in Manoa Valley the past couple of months, finding trails that have never been written about, but have somehow been there for previous hikers. The goal is to connect all the major waterways that exist in the back of the valley. So far, I've been able to get to Aihualama, Wahi, Lua'alaea, Naniu'apo, and Waiakeakua. I think I'm very close to finding Waaloa Spring, which I think is off a side trail from Naniu'apo. I have been able to connect Wahi, Lua'alaea, and Naniu'apo without trespassing on private lands. With some help of the greater hiking community, we hope to make all of them interconnected a complete reality in short order. When that time comes, I promise to share that with all of you, that way, we all can care for these treasures that were once hidden, but deserve to be seen.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I'm excited about this! I'll be back with more soon.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div></div>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-68471146772887436582011-08-09T20:09:00.000-07:002011-11-12T21:21:31.789-08:00Kaliuwa'aFrom Hawaiian Bu<div><br /></div><div>What's up everyone, hope summer has been kind and allowed you to hike the trails of Oahu. As usual, both of us at 2-BU are busy with the YMCA, but we always seem to make sure we plan hiking into the programs we run. But we were finally able to find a day that both of us could hike and we chose to attempt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaliuwa'a</span> (again!)</div><div><br /></div><div>We have both tried on many occasions to get to the falls, but each time we have been met with either a guard or some maintenance guys, and have been forced to find alternatives. I have discovered that others have been able to get there without interference, but that wasn't our luck previously. If you have never been to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaliuwa'a</span> before, it's probably been for a good reason. Located behind a closed state park on the road to the North Shore, you are not supposed to go and hike to this place, due to a very big tragedy that occurred there on Mother's Day in 1999. I leave you to find out more on your own if you must know the details. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since that time, I guess they have a guard that watches over the place that gives out trespassing tickets if you are found there. It must be cheaper paying this guy's salary than what it costs for, other expenses. So each previous time we have gone, we have encountered this person, blocking our way. We figured that you had to go early in the morning, on a weekday, when no other person would hike the trail. We also ensured that we didn't park right in front of the park (big tip!) so that the guard did not think that someone was there. We decided to park at the stretch of beach, right before the Greater Mt Zion Church, and walk towards the park entrance.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaliuwa'a</span> is not a long hike, but you do spend a good 15 to 20 minutes on the dirt road past the yellow gate until you reach the first dry stream crossing, and discover the actual trail. Several things you should keep in mind if you decide to do this hike- </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1. You will be trespassing on private property, and if you encounter the guard, you most likely will have to take the hit, so hike this at your own risk. Not only were we concerned going into the trail about meeting the guard, but coming out of the valley as well. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaliuwa'a</span> is a gulch hike, and there are really no alternative paths you can take safely to escape the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">guard's</span> notice as you exit. We encountered the guard twice right at the beginning of the actual trail, smart <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">buggah</span>!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2. Because it is a closed hike, it hasn't been maintained in years, and there is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">alot</span> of overgrowth in some areas. The problem is compounded by the fact that there are no ribbons to mark the path, since they probably don't want you going deep into the gulch. But if you got good instincts, use some common sense, and keep communication good with your hiking crew, you should be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ok</span>. For the most part, you can see which way you should go, just remember to keep following the stream up the valley. When you see the signs saying "Park Closed" along the way, you know you must be getting closer.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3. Beware of Falling Rocks! This is a gulch hike you are doing, very similar to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ma'akua</span> (read our blog about that adventure). Even a rock the size of a quarter falling from that height can do major damage to you. We were very fortunate on this day that nothing fell on us, and I pray for you if you decide to try this hike. Take this warning under serious consideration.</div><div><br /></div><div>The valley is very fertile! I was amazed at the amount of Mountain Apples bursting from every tree we passed. We also found <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kukui</span> Nut, Guava, Torch Ginger, and Avocado in abundance as we progressed towards the falls. I also have a feeling that there is a healthy pig population back there, just because there are probably no control mechanisms in place. I'm fairly certain you could survive there for a long time if the situation warranted it. </div><div><br /></div><div>One other thing- you could feel the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mana</span>" in this place. It is very strong, and rightfully so. I really don't want to elaborate about it, but if you are familiar with the Hawaiian history of the place, as well as the recent catastrophe that happened there, you probably understand what I'm referring to. We both decided not to swim at the falls, which is a big thing for us, since we swim at every falls we go to. It just didn't feel right, for either of us. Maybe next time.</div><div><br /></div><div>The falls is beautiful, and exactly as I remember it from the last time I went there (around 1996). Personally, it was an experience I was ready for, and I look forward to completing it again sometime in the future. Gotta thank Chinese Bu for taking videos of the trek, and I hope he attaches his completed version here in the near future. Hope everyone out there stays safe, and we'll see you out on the trails. Aloha!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwWWrzsKzR8">Sacred Fall video</a><br /></div>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-48043927114201151332011-06-14T01:08:00.000-07:002011-06-14T01:10:11.404-07:00Chinese Bu<br />I'll speak instead of write... check out my latest with Kaleo and his crew!<br /><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/25068144">http://vimeo.com/25068144</a>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-55661472388052270622011-06-12T18:07:00.000-07:002011-06-12T18:54:22.959-07:00NaniuapoFrom Hawaiian BU<div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I wonder if there are things in this world you are deliberately not told about. I'm not talking about the secret of Santa Claus or things you learn after time. I mean, are things that exist in this world that someone has discovered, yet will not share with the rest of world. I'm thinking it may be to protect it, either from what you may do to it, or what other s you tell may do to it. I sincerely hope its not to hoard it for yourself. That leads us to today's waterfall, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Naniuapo</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Naniuapo</span>, you may be asking? Well, during my many excursions into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Manoa</span> forests, I would run into other hikers, and me being the welcoming type, I usually ask how they're doing. It was during one of those conversations that another hike mentioned to me had been to the other waterfall to the left of the one I was going to. Assuming that he was referring to another waterfall, I told him yes. That somehow stayed in my mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next thing I also noticed during these hikes was a tour company that always brought tourists into the same hiking area I was going into. However, they never went to the waterfalls I was going to. I remember once seeing their group, and some of the tourists were wet, like they had gone swimming. Now, I know you can't swim at the waterfall I thought they were going to, so it piqued my interest.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was bumming around the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">internet</span>, and I found their website. It lead me to a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">youtube</span> video that gave me many clues. After that, it was on like Donkey Kong, I had to find out what this was. I read <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">geocaching</span> websites. I looked over terrain maps. I scoured my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hawaiiana</span> books. The only mention I found was in my place name book. It mentioned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Naniuapo</span> as a stream in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Manoa</span>. In fact, it is only mentioned as a stream in all those references, never as a waterfall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I found it. It's not that hard of a hike, but there are absolutely no ribbons to speak of leading up to it. You have to trust your instincts when you do this hike-follow the stream, and never let it out of your site. There are several stream crossings that you must do, but there are ropes at each one, a big sign that the trail is maintained, and they don't want you to get lost.</div><div><br /></div><div>About 150 yards down from the waterfall, there is this super beautiful pool that you can access via a side trail leading down into the stream. The pool is surrounded by bamboo. It's a shallow pool, but big enough to dunk your body in. And the water is VERY clean. From the pool, you can see the waterfall in the distance.</div><div><br /></div><div>This waterfall is absolutely spectacular. I would estimate that it's about 200 feet tall, starting with one beautiful ribbon of water falling over the top ledge. It then hits another short ledge, which it then breaks up into two streams of falling water. After this, it hits another, bigger ledge, and breaks up into four streams. It is inspiring!</div><div><br /></div><div>There is no pool at the bottom of the waterfall, so get your swim in at the lower pool. I spent my time up there being thankful that I had found it, and wondering why I had never ever read anything about something so naturally beautiful. I'm positive that the Hawaiians must have surely known about the falls, yet I can't find any narrative about it. If you have one, can you please share it with me?</div><div><br /></div><div>I know that the lands that front the waterfall are private property, or they used to be. According to the tour group website, they have permission to be up there. I will agree with this- There are reasons why you never learn about such things.</div><div><br /></div><div>From what I know, here are the waterfalls one can find in the back of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Manoa</span>, from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ewa</span> to Diamond Head: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Aihualama</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Waihi</span> or better known as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Manoa</span> Falls, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lua'alea</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Naniuapo</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Waiakeakua</span>. Does anyone know of any others?</div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to know how to get to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Naniuapo</span>, I better trust you with my life, or a supremely hot local lady may work on me as well. Know that you have to deal with going on private property, and timing is an issue as well, since you don't want to run into the tour group. Other than that, another waterfall in the bag!</div><div><br /></div><div>BTW, Chinese BU ended up going to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Kalauao</span> today with a whole bunch of people. He claims to have some pretty cool videos of the waterfall. I'm very excited that he reports that the waterfall is raging right now. I'll be going there later this week with the teens!</div><div><br /></div><div>Aloha and have a blessed week! </div>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-71241462714659993202011-06-11T21:40:00.000-07:002011-06-11T22:12:41.536-07:00Mauanwili Demo to Maunawili FallsFrom Hawaiian BU<div><br /></div><div>I have always been the type of person that wants to try to find new paths to the same solution. I love games that allow for various paths that can be taken in order to win. I also like to come up with variations of hikes, just to keep things fresh and exciting. Another reason for this is because we hike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alot</span> at the YMCA, and you need to come up with something new when you have teenagers that stay with you for four + years.</div><div><br /></div><div>With this in mind, I decided to take my college students out on this exploration. I like to test out hike ideas on the college group, because they can handle variations better, and they give real good feedback into what's possible, and what should be avoided. Teens usually will just go full blast into something, without thinking of the consequences.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have never done the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maunawili</span> Demo trail to full completion. I'm trying to save that one for a day right after a major rain, just to see all the falls coming down the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Koolaus</span>. But I figured we could check out the connector trail from the Demo trail to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Maunawili</span> Falls below. I also wanted to investigate the way up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Piliwale</span> (I just want to know where it is, I don't want to go up it!)</div><div><br /></div><div>I really like this way to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Maunawili</span> Falls better than the normal trail that everyone else does. The Demo trail is basically a flat trail with so many awesome view points, and no hikers on it whatsoever. The only people we encountered were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">trailrunners</span>, and we went on a Saturday. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a pretty short distance to the connector trail, just around 2 miles. It is marked with a sign right on a bend in the trail. The connector trail is overgrown, with choke ferns overtaking the plastic steps that were previously placed for footing. After the fern portion, you come to an ironwood forest, and the sounds of people at the falls start coming into play. After about a 15 minute ramble, you reach the plastic bench and the way down to the falls on your right.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I said earlier, not a single person besides our group went to the falls on this path. When we got there, there must have been at least 60+ people there, lounging, swimming, talking, bombing, doing illegal stuff, all kinds of things. Obviously, people go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Maunawili</span> Falls on the weekends. It was so crowded, I decided not to go in, and let my students go investigate the second waterfalls. They reported that it was fun jumping into the pool. Haven't been to that one in a long time.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you really want to go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Maunawili</span> Falls, I highly recommend you use this route instead of the other way. It is much prettier, has less usage, and the view of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Olomana</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Waimanalo</span> are unobstructed and really unmatched. And it in a month, I'm guessing all those Strawberry guava trees we passed should be filled with fruit.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ok</span> done for now. Need to go meet my family for dinner. Word is Chinese BU is hitting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Poamoho</span> Trail tomorrow. Be safe out there <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">homie</span>!</div><div><br /></div><div>Me? I'm hunting down a waterfall in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Manoa</span> Valley. I hope I find it. If I do, expect another writeup soon. Happy Hiking!</div>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-64921486265979637482011-06-11T20:53:00.001-07:002011-06-11T21:34:44.410-07:00Waimoku FallsFrom Hawaiian BU<div><br /></div><div>I freely admit it- We don't upkeep this thing. A lot of times, both of us go on hikes with many different people, and have done so many the past six months, that I have forgotten which ones we have done, even as a tandem. Chinese BU is way more extreme than I am, but he does have his limits. I've almost given up on him writing about his different exploits, but they are so damn cool and amazing, that I still want to hear about them and read what happened. Even a couple of videos, please Chinese Bu?</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I decided to write about our visit to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Waimoku</span> Falls in Haleakala National Park in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kipahulu</span>. Chinese BU works with 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> graders at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaimuki</span> YMCA, and he put a lot of effort into planning a trip to Maui for his kids. The things we did on the trip were amazing and fun, and after having talked with the kids about their experiences, I know that Chinese <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BU's</span> hard work really made an impression upon them.</div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed at Camp <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Keanae</span>, and I must tell you, that place is serene, and perfect for the weekend we had planned. If you are a waterfall junkie as much as we are, you must drive the Hana Highway. There are so many waterfalls along the way, it almost feels like a completely different world. For me, it was just an absolute dream, and I certainly will spend a weekend there just doing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">wateralls</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Getting to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Waimoku</span> is fairly simple: just drive the super long Hana Highway, past Hana town, all the way to the Haleakala National Park, and park your vehicle in the main parking area. The park usually charges a fee to park there, but trust me, it's worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>To get to the falls, follow the signs up the valley. Because of it's location in the National park, it's fairly easy to get to the falls. I remember hearing stories about people wandering in the bamboo forest and not being able to find it. Don't worry, this trail is just like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Manoa</span> Falls, there is no way you can get lost going to the falls. The park has even created a boardwalk inside the bamboo forest for you to easily make your way through.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also along the way, you can hear the water roaring down the stream to your right. It got me excited, and the 2 mile plus it took making our way up the valley really flew by without strain.</div><div>We also were taking many breaks to accommodate our 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> graders, allowing them to absorb the scenery.</div><div><br /></div><div>You also cross 2 bridges, both with significant drops to the deep water below. I have seen several <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">youtube</span> videos of people jumping to the bottom, but since we had the kids in tow, I wasn't willing to have them jump from the same spot. Gotta be fair when you work with teenagers! </div><div><br /></div><div>When you arrive at the falls, it is a sight to behold- over 400 feet tall, with multiple streams falling down into a rock-laden pool. There is a hill located to the right of the falls, which you can climb to the top and get a real nice vantage point of the falls and the pool. There were several families that were taking advantage of the pool, and you could tell that some of the really young kids there had made it up on their own power. We even saw a small boy make it up the trail barefoot!</div><div><br /></div><div>I really found a good sense of peace at this falls. I know I have complained about "tourist" waterfalls before, but I must say that this waterfall really has something special about it that draws you to visit. Maybe if I had easier access to it, I might get tired of it. But I have always wanted to see this waterfall since small-kid time, and I think that has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">stayed</span> with me throughout the years.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the visit to the Falls, you must go to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Oheo</span> Pools, better known as 7 Sacred Pools (even though there are more than 7!) There is a nice easy path that leads in the opposite direction from the same parking lot towards the ocean and the pools. These pools are very awesome, and there are many places you can find to jump from and bomb tourists. In fact, they really think you are some type nut, because when I jumped from this one point, all the tourists busted out their cameras and started taking pictures of me. Just be sure you check the pool for it's depth before you decide to jump from one of the high points.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've got to share with all of you, the Hana coast hands down got the best stretch of waterfalls in the Hawaiian Islands. If waterfalls is your thing, you've got to visit there. And you should really start from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Waimoku</span> and make your way back towards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kahului</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've got to thank Chinese BU for the opportunity to volunteer with his group, and letting me join in on the fun. I think I'm going to write about one more adventure, and then call it a night. Hope you guys stay safe out there in hiking land, and see you on the trails!</div>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-48562751949535440742011-01-25T01:27:00.000-08:002011-01-25T15:40:42.171-08:00Manoa Middle RidgeFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />I would say this entry is more of a thank you than a description of the hike. For a long time, I have wanted to hike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Manoa</span> Middle Ridge, but was told by many people "in the know", that it was severely unkempt and impassable. My family has taken me hiking throughout <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Manoa</span> Valley and Tantalus since I could crawl, but it was probably the one trail that I had overheard talked about, but never really shown the way. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Manoa</span> was like a backyard to me- I could probably take you on all the hikes that you read about online and in old hiking books by the age of 10. The only one I couldn't show you at that time was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Waiakeakua</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Manoa</span> Middle. And I guess it makes sense to me now why I was not capable.<br /><br />In a previous blog about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Waiakeakua</span>, I documented the struggles we had in making sure we found the correct path. Needless to say, Chinese BU and I have gone there countless times since we began hiking together, and know that portion of the valley very well. I have taken several side trails marked with double ribbons off the main path, not sure if they led to the falls, but curious about the destination nonetheless. I knew instinctively as well as by searching the maps that one of these paths must be the way up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Manoa</span> Middle.<br /><br />I had left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Manoa</span> Middle on the back of the radar, eventually figuring that someone in the hiking community would know the correct path, and that it would be cleared. And guess how it came to happen? Chinese Bu calls me and tells me he wants to do <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Manoa</span> Middle, and that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kaleo</span> is planning the trip.<br /><br />Let's not get too gushy, but if you get the opportunity to hike with Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kaleo</span> Lancaster, you are in good hands. He does his research before he hikes, and his knowledge base is excellent. And yes, I do read his blogs regularly. Other than that, he's just a normal local boy that has a passion for hiking and sharing it with others. And he was going to help me finally find <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Manoa</span> Middle!<br /><br />We met up at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kolowalu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">trailhead</span> to park cars for the exit point, and then headed to the beginning point for the trek. From sharing pertinent info that we all had, the four us (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kaleo</span>, Brian, Chinese BU and myself) pushed off from the beginning of the path towards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Waiakeakua</span>. If you don't know how to get to this waterfall, it can be very confusing, and you can easily get lost. Using the shared notes we had, I knew that we at least had to make it past the first set of steps. From there, the trial and error would begin.<br /><br />As I said earlier, there are multiple side trails that you could conceivably take. I stopped at the first one I knew and we made the choice to try it out. As we gained elevation, we could tell that this wasn't going to be the right path. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Kaleo</span> made a call to his source, and found out that we needed to journey past the second set of stairs to find the path. It also helped that we had gained some elevation so the call could be placed.<br /><br />When we regained the main trail, we headed for the small pond and the second staircase. After reaching the top, we finally found the correct path and began the real work of climbing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Manoa</span> Middle. And it's time to for the second round of Thank Yous.<br /><br />Whoever took the time to clear this path deserves some absolute praise. The work they did was absolutely tremendous! Over an 11 day span, they cut and pruned and sawed and chopped and widened this trail. And this is no easy feat, let me tell you. Some of the sections, while not on the class of some of the intense hikes we've been reading about recently, is still very steep and I was amazed at the effort that was put into this. The path <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">clearers</span> had marked their progress from day to day. In some sections, it looked as if they had only made 50 to 60 yards of progress in a day, yet they were some of the steepest portions of the way up. One day, I plan on thanking those people personally.<br /><br />The trail overall is tough, rugged, and a great barometer for those considering some of the harder treks on the islands. Remember that this hike has not really been used in some time, nor is it like most of the trails that lead to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Koolau</span> Summit from the leeward side. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Kaleo</span> has already posted this up on his blog, so you can find out more details there. I'm just happy that I can finally go back to the family and tell them I found the path up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Manoa</span> Middle. And someone tell Chinese BU to start posting some blogs from stuff he's done. Can't wait to hear about his adventure to True <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Manamana</span>. Mostly likely will read it from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Kaleo's</span> blog first! Happy Hiking everyone!2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-76580119797248465162011-01-11T01:22:00.000-08:002011-01-11T18:00:23.906-08:00Pali NotchesFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />Aloha to all of you out there! 2-Bu <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Paina</span> wishes all of you a happy and safe 2011. It's been a crazy couple of months for both of us, but it seems that Chinese Bu has really taken the hiking thing to the next level. He has done some pretty amazing trails over the past couple of months, with what I consider to be some very unreal hiking people. Although I have yet to meet most of them, I am a fan of the love they have put into hitting the trails of Oahu and documenting their adventures for the rest of us to enjoy. These people he's hiked with have taken the torch from legends like Stuart Ball, Dayle Turner, Waianae Steve, Wing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ng</span>, Pat Rorie, and Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Feldman</span>, and bring new knowledge about these precious trails for the rest of us to learn from. I may have missed a few on my roll call here, but those are the people who's work I've read either in books or online, and I know I'm thankful that they took the time to make that available to the hike-loving public. Hopefully one day, this new generation of "blogging" hikers will be given their proper love and respect.<br /><br />We decided to start off the year with a relatively short, but very inspiring hike, up to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pali</span> Notches. There are several literary sources that talk about these unusual holes in the mountain, but we do know that it was used by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kalanikupule</span>, the Oahu Moi, to mount ship cannons in defense of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nuuanu</span> Valley from Kamehameha's forces. Both the Notches and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pali</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Puka</span> (on the opposite side of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pali</span> Lookout) provide <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">unparalleled</span> views of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nuuanu</span> Valley and the Windward coast from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Chinaman's</span> Hat to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Waimanalo</span>. We were blessed with an absolute clear Sunday, as we prepared in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Pali</span> Lookout Parking Lot for the hike.<br /><br />If you decide to do this hike, bring $3, because they charge now to park there. It seemed that the Filipino uncle that was working there had his "A" game, marking down each car's license as they came and went . We both paid without argument, took our receipts, and headed for the beginning of the trail. As you walk toward the Lookout, look to your right, and you will see an obvious path that leads up.<br /><br />Although the distance to the notches is relatively short, be prepared to climb up some challenging Rock faces on the way there. In fact I have a recommendation- If you can get to the notches, maybe then you can consider doing one of the very difficult rock climb hikes like Bear Claw, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Piliwale</span>, or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Kawiwi</span> like Chinese Bu and some other steel-faced hikers just did. (Go check out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Kaleo's</span> blog for info on that one. I think it's kinda nuts!)<br /><br />One of things we talked about going up this trail was how in the world did <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kalanikupule</span> get those blasted cannons up there! We figured that there must have been a whole army of guys at the top that somehow pulled it up there, but it's an amazing accomplishment, no matter how they did it. After dealing with the climb and the serious drop to your left, we got to the top of the first Notch, and the view was majestic! From that point, you can see the whole valley, making it an ideal choice for the cannons.<br /><br />We decided not to venture any further, but we looked ahead at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ridgeline</span> leading up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Konahuanui</span>. Chinese Bu busted out his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Binos</span>, and what we saw, well lets just say if you told me I had to get to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Konahuanui</span>, and the way from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Pauoa</span> Flats and the way from Olympus was blown to bits, I would choose <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Piliwale</span>. And I seen all your guys <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Piliwale</span> videos (that's crazy what you guys have done!) But this way to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Konahuanui</span>? INSANE!!!!!!!<br /><br />I've heard the story that Mr. Pete <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Clines</span> has done it. (Some of the stuff that I've read and heard he's accomplished should not even be published!) I read that blog from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Martyna</span> and Allegra and how high they got on their second try. But peeps, I pray for anyone trying to attempt that thing without ropes or some type of support. There are safer ways than that to get to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Koolau's</span> highest peak. But I guess some people want the challenge. And I'll be here to support and root for your success.<br /><br />For all of you that want a challenge that can be accomplished in a short amount of time with a great reward at the end, hiking to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Pali</span> Notches is a great choice. Hey, I just reread an old article online from Wing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Ng</span>- in it he claims that he may have discovered a 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">th</span> path up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Konahuanui</span>. Need to do more research on that!!<br /><br />oh BTW, Chinese Bu is talking about hiking a place I've always wanted to explore, but I was told by several people I trust that the path was overgrown and hard to discern. Looking forward to exploring it!2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-32694583030928627682010-11-08T12:50:00.000-08:002010-11-08T13:47:10.190-08:00Kuli'ou'ou West RidgeFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />Hiking is still the passion that drives both members of 2-Bu <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Paina</span>, but when it comes to writing about our adventures, we get lazy. We both get out there at least 3 to 4 times each month, but now we have expanded the groups of people we hike with. As I predicted awhile ago, Chinese BU has made trips with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaleo</span> and his gang on several outings. Most of those I was unable to join due to work, or some of them are absolutely too NUTS for me. Someone do me a favor and convince Chinese BU to write about these hikes, especially <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaupo</span> Cliffs (I love the view of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Waimanalo</span> from the top), Mariner's to Hawaii <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Loa</span> Ridge, and Olympus to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Konahuanui</span>.<br /><br />I'm happy Chinese BU has gotten out and met the bigger hiking community. He brings back info and stories that help us out with the hikes we do, for work and for fun. He also has his own Go Pro camera, and I REALLY want him to post more videos of the stuff he's shot. But I think he's searching for a good editing program before putting them up, so if you have suggestions, shoot us a message.<br /><br />This adventure we decided to do after a camp we had both attended on the weekend. I had gotten a lot of sleep the previous night, and was super energized to do some hiking on a Monday. Chinese BU wanted to find the terminus point for the Bear Claw hike, and I wanted to get to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pu'u</span> O <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kona</span>, so it made sense to hit up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kuli'ou'ou</span>. However, I wanted to find an old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">HTMC</span> route that Dayle Turner had written about, and had gotten there early to try and find some old ribbons. Luckily, I found some old ribbons, but it looked like the path hadn't been traveled in some time.<br />When I showed the path to Chinese BU, we agreed that it probably was the right one, but that we'd save it for another time. He wanted to go up the reverse way to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pu'u</span> O <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kona</span>, which I didn't object to.<br /><br />When you get to the point where the path leads to the state <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">trailhead</span>, and the road leads to the left, take the road. In short order, you get to this fenced off building and an obvious trail up on the right side. Take this path up the mountain. And get ready to start huffing and puffing up this mountain. In my opinion, you will work your tail off gaining the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ridgeline</span>, but it is way faster than taking the state trail and it's relentless amounts of switchbacks. <br /><br />You gain the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ridgeline</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Kuli'ou'ou</span> West in an ironwood grove, a great place to take a break before moving on to the right. This begins a steady diet of climbing up hills and going through brush, occasionally coming upon some roped up climbs that requires some focus due to the exposed terrain and the lack of footing in some spots due to the mud. There is no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">rollercoaster</span> action like there is on other hikes to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Koolau</span> summit, just a good dose of steady climb to reach the summit.<br /><br />I have to admit that even though I was gassing, I was enjoying this hike more than I had any other hike in good long while. We even came up with the next idea for Mid year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Raggers</span> (We'll see if this one happens). After relaxing for a bit at the top, we set about looking for the Bear Claw Ridge. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Kaleo</span> was looking forward to reaching the top (which already has happened) and Chinese Bu wanted some scoops from the top (unfortunately, Chinese BU didn't join <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Kaleo</span> on this one). We both looked at the possibilities, and no matter which on you look at from the top, it is one sketchy hike to complete. I'm not sure which on is tougher, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Piliwale</span> or Bear Claw, but you should not take either on unless you know what you are doing.<br /><br />We ended up going right on the summit trail and heading down the state trail. I remember doing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Kuli'ou'ou</span> as a kid and thinking it was the coolest trail to climb up. It's been fixed up tremendously since those days, a far cry from the trail we ascended on the opposite wall. I guess it would be cool to do the the state trail again, but there are so many different options out there just waiting to be explored. Then I remembered that I was in the business of introducing people to the joys of hiking, and I felt relieved that people maintain this hike. My recommendation for all you people that consider yourself a novice hiker, do the state trail to the top. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Kuli'ou'ou</span> West is for all of you hikers looking for a new challenge to find that same reward. I really like that hike!2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-67207960377503889032010-09-20T00:48:00.000-07:002010-09-20T01:30:33.579-07:00Mariner's Ridge to Tom-TomFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />I guess I feel like updating this blog, with the second entry of the day. We're going with one of my new favorite combos to do, climb up Mariner's (Kaluanui) Ridge in Hawaii Kai, hike along the the Koolau summit, then descend down the Tom-Tom Trail. I first came up with this idea trying to plan some hikes this past summer for the Teens in our STRIVE program at the YMCA. I was looking for something epic, something challenging for their age level, and then some place to swim after the hike, all within a 6 hour time range. My normal thing to plan would be a waterfall hike, but I wanted something that takes the breath away. When I realized that I could go to a beach close by, it opened many possibilities. And when I figured out that we could get dropped off in one place, and picked up in another, well that made all types of things possible. And this was the first thing that came to mind: A good ascent to a picturesque viewpoint overlooking Waimanalo and the whole windward expanse, then a cool crawl along the Koolau ridge, with the final descent down into Waimanalo town for some Keneke's and the beach!<br /><br />Mariner's Ridge is probably one of the easiest ways to get to the Koolau summit, and a very well-used trail by locals. It's a great test for high school students to get to the top, yet allows for more challenges after a short break at the top. The one thing I was initially sketchy about was the path from the top of Mariner's to Tom-Tom. When Mitch and I initially did the hike to "check", it seemed that the path, although not heavily used, was clear enough to take the STRIVErs. We just needed to ensure that they remained focused.<br /><br />When we took the Teens on the hike, there was some great excitement, mostly because they knew they were going to a beach afterwards. Mitch and I did a great job breaking up the hike into fun portions that allowed the Teens to rest as well as reflect on the things we shared with them. We also have the Teens write in a journal during their hikes, and it allows for some profound thoughts that they sometime share with us. Plus the scenery they encountered up on top the mountain really brings them to a great state of mind.<br /><br />I guess I need to write more about the hikes we did with the Teens. Chinese BU works with Middle school kids, and he has some adventures as well this past summer. I've always said that the big thing I like about hiking is the people that go with you to the places that you discover. Their experiences provide for a more enriching journey. I have now done this route three times since that first time with those Teens. And each time I've done it, everyone that has traveled with me talks about how positive the experience is, even though there are some pretty challenging parts along the way (especially going down Tom-Tom).<br /><br />For those of you that hike all the time, I know that it may be old hat to hike these trails. But for me, taking people that have never gone to these places is really exciting. And for those of you considering doing this, make sure you got a ride at both sides of the mountain. It would suck having to climb back up Tom-Tom, that's for sure! Unless you're hard core and want to go up Kaupo Cliffs (Chinese BU went up there today with some internet hiking legends and came back down Tom-Tom. Talk about some knowledge, that group he hiked with keeps their blogs up way more than we do, so hopefully we can all read about that adventure.)<br /><br />Ok, enough for tonight. See all of you on the next hike!2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-69910893484790824092010-09-19T17:24:00.000-07:002010-09-19T18:14:33.389-07:00Lua'alaea FallsFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />So a couple of weekends ago, I decided to explore on my own the back of Manoa Valley and find a falls I have always heard about, but have never had the opportunity to find: Lua'alaea Falls, one of the creators of the four streams of Manoa. Not as well traveled as the tourist-laden Manoa Falls, this isolated beauty runs parallel to it's sister, and ends up in an extremely shallow pool followed by another shorter falls 80 to 90 yards downstream.<br /><br />Now, enough online resources have been written about finding this trail. However, it's not exactly clear where you need to go once you begin. The common thread I found was that you start at the same trailhead as Manoa Falls, cross the foot bridge, then go across the stream and find the trail. I also found the Dorkatron write-up saying that you could also find the falls by going up Haukulu Road. I'm very familiar with that road, having explored that area during my time trying to find Waiakeakua. Figuring that was enough info to get me through, as well as my instincts, I parked the car down in the neighborhood you go to park for Waiakeakua, then went up the road to the Manoa Falls trailhead.<br /><br />Manoa Falls was packed! Tons of cars packed in the parking lot just below the entrance to the trailhead, and tourists were flowing to and from the Manoa Falls gate. If you take the time to look to your right and look at the stream, you can already see potential trails that might be the one you need to take, and this is before the foot bridge. With that confusion in my head, I went past the foot bridge and walked directly towards the stream and the clearing right before it. It was at this point I ran into the only local guy I saw, pants partially muddy, and I decided to ask him if he knew the way to Lua'alaea.<br /><br />Luck was on my side, because that was where he came from. Unfortunately for me, he pointed up Manoa Falls trail and said that I needed to bypass another foot bridge, then look for the stream crossing! Great, I thought. I was already confused, but undeterred, as I passed that small bridge and started my hunt looking across the stream for a path. There really was no evident path. I went up a few more yards, said the hell with it, and decided to cross the stream at the next open area. I figured that if I went straight across in a straight line, I would cross the path eventually that would lead to my destination.<br /><br />So away I went, through a path that hadn't been walked in a long time from the looks off it. It took me up a short distance until I spotted a a faint blue ribbon (Blue?) up towards my left. I tracked my eyes higher and far more left, until a path became more clear, leading up this side ridge. Thinking that I had finally found the path, I continued upward.<br /><br />I should have paid attention sooner, but I eventually found my self looking at the expanse of Manoa Valley, climbing up this side ridge that wasn't in any of the descriptions I had read about Lua'alaea Falls. So I did the one thing my family always said to do when lost on a trail: stop and listen. I closed my eyes, and then realized that the sound of water rushing not only came from the left side of me, Manoa Falls, but on the right side of me, Lua'alaea, as well. I realized that I had spent almost 45 minutes going above the falls!<br /><br />I quickly made my way back down this side ridge, following the ribbons I had mistakenly used to find my way up. Eventually, I discovered newer, orange ribbons, that were very defined, and cut across the ridge I was currently descending. I know I should have gone right to see the exact crossing, but I was so enamored with finding the proper way up, that I decided to just go left and find the right way. And this of course led me to the trail to Lua'alaea Falls!<br /><br />After that, the hike was a breeze. Not a tourist in sight, I enjoyed my walk to the Falls, with the stream flowing nicely beside me on the way up. Lua'alaea is a tall Falls, just like Manoa Falls, it just has no pool to swim in. And there are a ton of mosquitos everywhere, so bring some repellent if you don't want to be a buffet. The best thing about this hike is that it has no publicity amongst the tourist population, and the hike is not "landscaped" like the hike to Manoa Falls. Some of the tourists thought I was lost when I left the Manoa Falls trail, but little do they know what I was trying to find.<br /><br />I returned back towards Haukulu Road, which actually is private land, a flower orchard maintained beautifully behind Paradise Park. I lucked out because no one was there at the time, but I'm pretty sure that someone is up there on a consistent basis, tending to the plants. I returned to my car, happy to have found this jewel, yet still just as confused about where the exact starting point for this hike is. Anyone want to help me out?<br /><br />PS Chinese BU has done some pretty cool hikes out with Kaleo, and he said he and Nate Yuen are doing Kaupo Cliffs today (crazy!). Here's hoping he writes about one or two of them.2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-31173255408057349872010-08-16T23:26:00.000-07:002010-08-17T00:33:34.029-07:00Ko'loa GulchFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />Back again with a another adventure in the Oahu forests and mountains. After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Konahuanui</span>, sister Dawn, a frequent hiking partner with the BU brothers, asked to go to a waterfall hike. We have done a whole bunch of them around the island, so it didn't take long for me to figure out one that would satisfy Dawn as well one that we had not been to. An earlier adventure in from our blog had us attempting to do <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ko'loa</span> Gulch previously, but not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">completing</span> the journey due to it's close proximity to a certain gulch very nearby that we both have very vivid memories of enduring. However, after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Konahuanui</span>, we both seem to be in this mood to try and complete hikes we haven't yet mastered. So <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ko'loa</span> it was going to be.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">trailhead</span> is somewhat difficult to locate. It's on a dirt road between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">PCC</span> (Polynesian Cultural Center) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kokolio</span> Beach park, opposite of this White Mansion. You know you are on the right track when you see the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ko'loa</span> Gulch Hike sign. Just follow the the path with ribbons and you'll start making your way up the ridge. It's very much like going up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Laie</span> Falls or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Malaekahana</span> Falls. Strawberry guavas, Ironwood Trees, windswept views of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Laie</span>, and eroded hills decorate the trail as you make your way upward. Eventually, you make your way to a fork on the path. The left one goes up the ridge, the right one leads to the stream and the waterfalls.<br /><br />Once you have gained the stream, the trail now resembles <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ma'akua</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Kaipapau</span>, with multiple stream crossings that lead past ginger, guava, mountain apple trees, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">lauhala</span> trees. It's a pretty pleasant hike in a nice gulch that is very undisturbed. Of course, you have to remain vigilant for changes in the weather, especially rain, which can fill the gulch quickly, thus chasing you to high ground.<br /><br />For the hike, we had four people with us: Dawn, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Cassidy</span>, Lynette, and Robyn. Chinese BU lead the way, and I brought up the back. I especially like when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Cassidy</span> and Dawn hike with us because they take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">alot</span> of photos. Hopefully, we're able to scavenge some from them to post up here on the site. They had some good stuff. This was Lynette and Robyn's first time with us.<br /><br />After crossing streams over 30 times, you come to this portion where the gulch splits. Take the right, although I've heard that there is another waterfall to the left with a possible <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Kalo</span> patch back there?!? (If anyone knows for sure, can you let us know.) After some rock hopping, you end up at this great pool with about an 8 foot cascade that falls through some large <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">pohaku</span>. On the left is some ropes that you can use to climb to the top and see a fantastic waterfall to the right. If you plan to jump, make sure that you investigate the pool to find where rocks are located in the pool before taking the plunge.<br /><br />I had some fun on this hike! Its fairly long (about 8 miles round trip), but there is a lot to see, and a great reward at the end. I would suggest doing this hike at the end of summer like we did to avoid potential rain hazards. And have people that you like talking story with, so the miles just seem to fly right by. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Mahalo</span> to the crew that joined us for this one.<br /><br />Already looking forward to doing another hike that's been on the list for awhile now. Come back soon to see if we have made it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Pu'u</span> O <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Kona</span>. (If you don't know what that is, I guess you'll just have to come back and read about it!) Aloha!2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-50503021648221125802010-08-10T22:33:00.000-07:002010-08-11T01:29:04.266-07:00KonahuanuiFrom Chinese Bu<br /><br />Just a little insight from Chinese Bu...<br />I've been wanting to do this hike for a really really long time. I didn't really care on how the view was... it would've been a plus if it was clear but from Hawaiian Bu's blog you all know it was clouded over. I guess clouded over is an understatement... anyways... from the beginning of the day I knew it was going to be clouded over but I said I wanted to do this hike and finish it. My comrades might have changed my mind to do a different hike if they said something from the beginning because we were getting rained on walking up to Kalawahine trail.<br /><br />Kalawahine to the flats was easy then to Nuuanu overlook. Contour trail was a breeze and still I was trying not to get my boots dirty. As we made our way up the contour trail I was just hoping the skys would clear up. We made it up half way and Hawaiian Bu was looking a way down to the upper Lulumahu falls. (Maybe for another adventure)<br /><br />We got just below a rope section where Hawaiian Bu said he would stay put because he didn't want to not see where he was going. Daniel, Katsu and I continued on. The push up seemed like any gain to a summit except a little bit longer. Near the top I noticed the weirdest thing, a palm tree! Soon after the palm tree we reached K1 the first peak on top Konahuanui. We found a cache and wrote in it. We chilled there for a good ten minutes and decided to push on. After about five minutes Katsu asked, " how long will it take to K2?" I told him about an hour. He decided to turn around and I told him to wait for us on K1.<br /><br />Daniel and I pushed on. I was a bit worried because I didn't want to my party to wait for me long but I also had my safety in mind. We actually trekked in the clouds all the way to K2. Also Daniel had me worried because he didn't have good balance. I pushed on and kept the goal in mind though. I wanted to complete this hike! After about and hour in the clouds I reached a peak. It was K2! Daniel was about ten minutes behind me and I always kept him in ear shout. I tried to look over the edge but all I could see was clouds... EVERYWHERE! I called back to Daniel because he was taking a while and I was worried a little... also a little about the time. I knew we had to get back to the second peak by 2 o'clock and it was already 1:15 by the time Daniel reached the second peak. We blitzed it back to K1 in the mud and clouds. Right before K1 summit on the way back the clouds receded a little just to give us a glimpse of Maunawili valley.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_zrhygWwT-msXrdGquc3eZsXNidNuDIGMvhGCSExcm2UXu1o6bpdWkiwOctJVzGhiz4q8v4QL3YJYU2xNvXTRyuD2B1hOv4Mi4mZUgMf-NYUAU8UfAk4Q-CATFDa8SNfNazDhbV2hkc/s1600/IMG_4079.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_zrhygWwT-msXrdGquc3eZsXNidNuDIGMvhGCSExcm2UXu1o6bpdWkiwOctJVzGhiz4q8v4QL3YJYU2xNvXTRyuD2B1hOv4Mi4mZUgMf-NYUAU8UfAk4Q-CATFDa8SNfNazDhbV2hkc/s320/IMG_4079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504064580916246866" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />We all made it out safely at about 5:30... I will be back to see the view from the top!<br /><br />If you would like to view more photos or videos hit me up on Facebook!<br /><br />Aloha2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-88658685313842949682010-08-09T22:11:00.000-07:002010-08-09T23:28:21.721-07:00KonahuanuiFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />We've promised ourselves time and again that we would eventually tackle this hike, and Chinese BU felt like Sunday was the day. I want to do this hike as much as he does, but I'm pretty wary about the possible pitfalls and dangers that accompany trekking up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Konahuanui</span>, or as I have read "large giant balls". The tallest point of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Koolaus</span>, I have always wanted to look down from the top at the windward panorama, look being the keyword.<br /><br />As most of you intrepid hikers may be aware of, there are a couple ways to get to this point. You can take the classic route from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nuuanu</span> overlook, which in itself has many different trails that lead up to it. You can go up Olympus. I think there is a path from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pali</span> Notches which I heard is nuts. Or you can go up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Piliwale</span> ridge...which to me was NOT an option. After what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kaleo</span> had gone through with his bees, and David with his overnight adventure, I may never want to travel up that ridge. I know that there have been people successful making it up that way, but I don't think I may be one of them.<br /><br />I'm guessing that Chinese BU has been really anxious to make the summit, because there was no stopping him, even though the weather sucked. To say that there was clouds would be an understatement. It was so bad at one point that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pali</span> notches were covered, and there were points where Upper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lulumahu</span> was shielded in mists. Another problem we faced was the mud..lots of it, and some puddles were shin high.<br /><br />With this in mind, Chinese Bu, Daniel, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Katsu</span>, and myself started out at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kalawahine</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Trailhead</span>. By far the easiest route to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Nuuanu</span> Overlook,we were greeted by the sounds of pig hunting dogs trying to capture some wild ones in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Pauoa</span> woods. We joked about the Native Snail sign and how the state needs to move it every 5 years to keep pace with the snails. We bypassed the different trail junctions (which we should have shown each person in our group-more on that later) and stopped at the overlook before pressing forward.<br /><br />We were in decent spirits and I was alright at that point. We were making good progress uphill, and Chinese BU was trying to find David's sleeping spot from his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Piliwale</span> adventure. (If you have no clue who I'm referring to, check out his stuff. Just Google <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Piliwale</span> Ridge and I'm sure you'll find him. He's always got cool pics!) We found the spot, chilled there for a bit then started the rest of the trek up.<br /><br />It was at this point that I looked up and changed my mind. I was down to travel with the crew, but the cloud cover was thick- you couldn't see a damn thing! I wasn't scared of going up the ridge, I've done a good share of ridge climbing. I'm just not cool with being blind and having sheer drops to either side of you. I told the boys how I felt about it, and they were cool with it. I told them I would wait for them, and that if they needed help, I would be there. And then they went.<br /><br />Within less than 5 minutes, I lost sight of them- permanently! We were yelling at each other, but we couldn't see each other. With nothing left to do, I headed back to the overlook. I ran into 3 other hikers that were going to try and gain the summit. Let's just say that they didn't go all the way because they couldn't see it either. I will give credit to the boys though. They called me 45 minutes after we had parted, saying they had reached the first summit. DAMN!!!! Of course they couldn't see a thing, and it was pretty sketchy, but Chinese BU and Daniel were going for the next peak. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Katsu</span> was done and heading back.<br /><br />It was right at that moment that I was like, either they are some crazy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">nutheads</span>, or the peak was more attainable than I had ever imagined. I felt like I should have went, but I was also stuck with being safe and wanting to "see" the view from the top. As I write this, I'm still stuck on this. I'm proud of the boys BIG time for what they accomplished, yet I was nervous as hell the whole time waiting for them. The good thing was that they called me periodically to update me.<br /><br />One of these calls was not good. As I told you earlier, we should have made the signs clear for each of them to follow. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Katsu</span> didn't continue with Chinese BU and Daniel, and came down on his own. He basically told me that he was looking down at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Manoa</span> Valley, and made a wrong turn at the Flats. Well, with reception terrible so I couldn't contact the other two, I told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Katsu</span> what to look for, and I made my way back to the Flats from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Kalawahine</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">trailhead</span>. I ran into Chinese BU and Daniel, who looked like he ran into a big piece of walking mud. They were not thrilled that we had to look for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Katsu</span>, but they were down and followed me in.<br /><br />Thankfully, about 15 minutes later, he came bounding up the trail!!! He apologized that he didn't pay attention, and thanked us for coming back after him. We all hiked back to the car, and that ended our day at about 5:30, after starting at approximately 8:30 AM. I was left with a lot of thoughts, but I was extremely thankful that the boys were there in one place.<br /><br />Don't worry, I'll get up to the top of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Konahuanui</span> one day. By the way, did you see how clear it was on the mountain today? I'm telling you, it happens every time!2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-37564768611950286222010-06-15T19:43:00.000-07:002010-06-15T20:47:00.605-07:00Ma'akua Gulch<span style="font-weight: bold;">From Hawaiian BU<br /><br />I know I said we'd do more updates, but we've both been extremely busy with Summer Programming at the YMCA. However, Chinese Bu was desperate to get out again, and truthfully, so was I. He came up with the plan this time: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ma'akua</span> Gulch.<br />And yes, I was hesitant. But the day looked great, and I was itching to get out as well.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ma'akua</span> Gulch could be one of the scariest hikes to do, because of how narrow the gulch becomes. A simple rock the size of a baseball coming from the top of the mountain could spell the end of even the most aware hiker. <br /><br />The second thing you must consider when doing this hike is the weather. A light rain may seem harmless in most hiking situations, but it translates into mortal danger for hikers stuck in the deep recesses of the gulch. A little rain can turn into a torrential river in the gulch.<br /><br />So it is with these considerations in mind that I agreed to join a very determined Chinese Bu and several of his friends for this expedition, only one valley removed from maybe the single worst experience of our hiking career. And of course, Chinese Bu invites someone who never hiked before with us, who turned out to be very awesome and on the same wavelength <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">thought wise</span> with me about the hiking conditions we were entering.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ma'akua</span> Gulch is the one hike that is not labeled at the end of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hau'ula</span> Homestead road. You can choose from a variety of different hikes in this valley, all safer options than the one we were doing. After you sign in at the mailbox, all you need to do is follow the road all the way towards the end, which leads to a well-worn path into the gulch.<br /><br />It was at this point in the hike where the first ominous sign came out: a rain squall that lasted a few minutes. It was slightly overcast, and I was not happy about this. I knew that the rest of the group wanted to continue, so I suggested that we go until we reached the portion of the gulch where we needed to exclusively rock hop. <br /><br />With everyone on board with this plan, I figured it was only a matter of time before the rain continued and everyone else agreed to head back. Well, it stopped raining! And we just continued on, navigating our way over an unkempt trail, and many dry stream crossings.<br /><br />As usual, Captain Trailblazer (Chinese Bu) was leading the way, and going out ahead. Sally and Keri were keeping up with him. I stayed behind with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cydnee</span>, the one who just joined us, but had the same mindset as me. I never leave anyone behind on a hike (also because I like to look at things and landmarks when I hike, which would play an important part of us getting out), and she was very cool to talk to. We ended up stopping at this small water hole that had several crayfish, and decided after a short break to head back.<br /><br />After leaving Chinese Bu a message about our whereabouts, we leisurely made our way back. According to Chinese Bu, we were only 10 minutes away from the falls. And I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ok</span> with that. With all the potential for danger over our heads from the rocks to the rain, I was more than relieved to return back to the main road. As expected, Chinese Bu and the girls caught up with us.<br /><br />Another note in case you decide to tackle this hike: there are not many ribbons marking the path into the Gulch. Because of it's closed status, there is not much upkeep conducted. I ended up having to lead the group out of the gulch several times, because I remembered the proper path. But just remember to keep the dry stream bed close by, and you should really not have too many problems.<br /><br />If you come to hike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ma'akua</span> Gulch, and you see water at the first stream bed, DON'T GO!<br /><br />Chinese BU said he'll post pics soon. Aloha and happy hiking!<br /></span>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-63250657443783171252010-04-13T17:41:00.000-07:002010-04-13T18:32:50.140-07:00Wailele FallsFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />Sorry for the long hiatus, we haven't been keeping up with the blog. It doesn't mean that we haven't been hiking though. We've actually done a good number of hikes since the last write-up, some of them repeats, and some of them new stuff. Many times, we have done them with groups of people through our YMCA contacts. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alot</span> of times, we have done them without the other brother BU present, which is all good. We are planning to get back on this thing when the schedule allows it, but for now, I'll relate a hike to you all that I just did with my college students the past weekend.<br /><br />I've always <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wondered</span> about the stuff that people don't tell you about. Things that are kept out of the public eye on purpose. Stuff not written about in hike books, magazines, maps, etc., yet are whispered about in passing conversations. Its given weird names because, many times, the person relating the story may not have the true info that you need to get better answers. They were taken there by a "family friend", "my neighbors cousin", that sort of thing. It's like a big Jigsaw puzzle where you have to first acquire all the pieces and then try to put the puzzle together, but there is no set way the puzzle fits together. The only way you can know for sure is if you go there yourself, be willing to make mistakes, and try your best to find the true answer.<br /><br />When we began this hiking Blog, Chinese BU and I had heard about this thing called the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">PCC</span> Falls. When we did the initial research, no one had written anything in the normal books about this falls. When you looked it up on websites, there was no clear path that anyone would describe to you. There was things like, "Went hiking to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">PCC</span> Falls, it was super cool!" or, "Turtle Falls was kinda dead today, but the day was beautiful.". No good descriptors whatsoever. One website even called it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Waikalele</span> Falls.<br /><br />After looking at some maps of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Laie</span>, I figured out that these people must be referring to a falls on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wailele</span> stream. But that whole property is private land owned by the Mormon church. It seems they lease the lands to farmers, who then farm the very fertile <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">aina</span> with a wide array of crops. If you think logically about this land, there are multiple falls and streams (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Laie</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Malaekahana</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koloa</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wailele</span>) that feed these lands with water for a bountiful harvest. It began to make sense that if you were not Mormon (I'm not, neither is Chinese BU), you would have no chance of even knowing that this place exists. I wouldn't be surprised if even some hardcore church goers are not aware of this Falls.<br /><br />The best description I got about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wailele</span> was from a farmer when I took the college kids to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Malaekahana</span> Falls. He told me that you had to take the quarry road and look for a wooded driveway towards the falls. Chinese BU and I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accidentally</span> did this during our trials of trying to find <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koloa</span>. We went up this path, but decided not to go the rest of the way without knowing for certain where it led. The sign on the fences said that you needed permission from Hawaii Reserves, the company representing the Mormon Church, to gain access. I figured they could give me more directions towards the falls when the time came.<br /><br />Let me tell you something- the people at Hawaii Reserves are great, but they really want to protect the lands that they are charged with preserving. The nice lady there was very polite, but she didn't want to divulge too much information to me. I asked for a map-they didn't have one. She asked what hike I wanted to do. I told her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wailele</span>, and she gave me a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">kolohe</span> smile. When I looked at the permit paper, I could see why: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wailele</span> was not one of the options of places that one could hike to. Let me explain this to you so you get what is going on. Hawaii Reserves WILL let you hike to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wailele</span>, but they will not tell you how to get there or that it even exists. You have to know it for yourself. She told me to write in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wailele</span> in the section marked OTHER. I got to talk to her later on the phone. She recognized my last name, so I told her who I was related to. Seems she knows my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aunty</span> and danced with her for several years. She also knew my father and the rest of his siblings. I took that as a blessing to move forward with my expedition.<br /><br />I'm going to end my description of how to get to this Falls here. My students and I were able to find it, and I understand why they want to protect it so much. It is beautiful! A priceless gem, making me think of how special <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Waiakeakua</span> is to me. I have several pictures that the students took of the place, but I think that I'll wait to post them up. If you want to find it, either <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I'm</span> going with you, or you need to do the work to find it yourself. Let me tell you, it's well worth the effort. And if you do find this place, make sure you respect it as much as you would any other natural resource that is scarce on this island paradise. Happy hunting!<br /><br />PS I'll start writing up the other hikes we've done soon. Stay tuned!2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-29997939208228048342010-01-18T11:42:00.000-08:002010-01-19T17:14:26.810-08:00The epic Kulepeamoa- Hawaii Loa Ridge ComboFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />So, as most of our readers know, Chinese BU and myself work for the YMCA of Honolulu. During our free time, we like to work with Teens from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kaimuki</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">YMCA's</span> No Limit Program and Club MID. (As well as hike) There is a signature program that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">YMCAs</span> nationally run called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Raggers</span>, a goal-oriented program that each willing participant reflects on the progress of their life and looks to create new objectives that challenge them to grow personally, with the guidance of like-minded individuals. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kaimuki</span> YMCA decided to run a mid-year <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Raggers</span> as a way to keep teenagers mentally stimulated and focused on the goals they had established during the Summer session. Each <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Raggers</span> event requires much planning and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">preparation</span> to bring participants into the right frame of mind.<br /><br />I have always been a person that wanted to try different things to help people reach potential that they may not have known themselves capable of. This also includes the adults that were responsible to run the event. I proposed something big that I wasn't sure was possible at the time for various reasons, but I knew would be life-altering for anyone that took on the task. I said lets challenge No Limit with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kulepeamoa</span>, and Club MID with Hawaii <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Loa</span> Ridge. The ultimate goal was for both groups to meet at the top on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koolau</span> Summit Trail, and do an amazing closing from there.<br /><br />A little background on each trail so you can gain some perspective- 1) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kulepeamoa</span> starts from the bottom of Pia Valley (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Niu</span> Valley), inclines very sharply until you gain the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">ridgeline</span>, then steadily climbs up (with the aid of ropes in one section) to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koolau</span> Summit Trail, overlooking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Waimanalo</span> and the Windward side. There is a MASSIVE amount of elevation gain that is required. The return trip starts down Hawaii <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Loa</span> ridge, takes a pretty undefined left down the valley, then goes through a solid strawberry guava tree slope until you reacquire the valley floor.<br />Most people I talked to say it's an intermediate to advanced hike, because of the elevation gain that you have to do, but if you are in decent condition, and take many breaks, that it is attainable with the right mental capacity.<br /><br />2) Hawaii <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Loa</span> Ridge is a Na Ala <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hele</span> hike (listed on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">DLNR</span> website, thus maintained by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">DLNR</span>) that does not have the elevation gain that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kulepeamoa</span> does, but is still challenging for a younger teenager like a middle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">schooler</span>. It has steps placed into the trail for the final ascent up to the top, with short rope sections along the way that can be managed by adult supervisors to aid the younger hikers. What I also like about this hike for middle school is that you can see the end point early on in the hike and point it out to them, so they know what they are trying to get to.<br /><br />With this bold suggestion, I guess Chinese BU ran with it and got everyone else on board. I wasn't even involved in the planning for this event, but the adult volunteer group latched on to the idea and made it the signature event for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Raggers</span>. Chinese BU made sure to take Brother Mitch on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kulepeamoa</span> so he was familiar with the hike. (Hey, just so that we ALL know, I will get up to go hiking, even if it is at 6 AM, Chinese BU!) The two of them would lead the High School group on that trail. I got sent with the Middle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schoolers</span>, since none of the other adults had done Hawaii <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Loa</span> Ridge.<br /><br />The pace for each hike was slow and deliberate. Both groups had designated talk times during the hike, which allowed for reflection as well as a breather. There were many breaks taken, but I was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">OK</span> with that. I also had the genius idea to take <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">walkie</span>-talkies <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">on the</span> hikes to allow communication with both groups. That allowed for this great dynamic, where the High <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schoolers</span> were giving motivational talks to the Middle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schoolers</span>, followed by random things being said by the youngsters (by far one of the highlights of the whole event!) Hats go off to Chinese BU, Mitch, and No Limit, as they reached the Summit before us, then started cheering for our Club Middies to make the top. (very special moment!)<br /><br />The top was filled with hugs, high fives, cheers, oranges, water, pictures, and a great closing story from Jay. Yes, everyone had to get back to the buses, but right at that moment, with the view as our friend, we were able to make some positive differences in the youth we work with. As I type this now for you, I have this overwhelming sense of achievement, that I helped get these teenagers along their individual paths towards a better future. I've written before on these pages about the true victory in hiking- that it's not about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">getting</span> to the end, it's about who you brought with you to get there to share that victory. For this Sunday, these wonderful volunteers lived up to that very premise. I feel so blessed to have shared this experience with them and the kids.<br /><br />By far, the COOLEST thing we've done hiking since we started this blog. Talk to all of you soon.2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-10358856026709726222010-01-08T19:06:00.000-08:002010-01-08T20:49:47.891-08:00Wa'ahila Ridge (Mt Olympus)From Hawaiian BU<br /><br />Aloha and welcome to 2010! After a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">looooong</span> break, the Bu brothers got back into the swing of Hiking with a nice little jaunt along the ridge behind <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Manoa</span> Valley. It has been quite a while since our last adventure, and our conditioning (meaning my conditioning) was not in the best of shape. So this relatively short hike actually became a good test of will for me and Dawn, who decided to join us for our first hike of the year. Chinese BU was bugging out, ready to hike, but he was not 100 % either: something was wrong with his thumb, and he really couldn't hold any ropes that well. I did this hike many eons ago with my family, so it took long time to remember that there really wasn't that many ropes that I could remember.<br /><br />To get there, travel all the way up St Louis Hts until you get to the park filled with Pine Trees. On this Sunday, the parking lot was PACKED! There must have been at least 50 to 60 people on the hike, which proved to be true. After <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hesitating</span> for a few minutes, we decided to pursue the trail. I'll be honest when I tell you that the first hill almost made me want to turn back and try something else. But Chinese BU was already too far along up the trail, so Dawn and I trudged along behind him.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wa'ahila</span> Ridge crawls its way between <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Manoa</span> on the left, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Palolo</span> on the right. There are many places along the trail where you can easily view either valley. Although it was slightly cloudy, you still had fabulous views of the major parks in both areas, and the various activities held therein. For the townie children out there, this is a nice slice of nature located within arms reach without feeling like you're in the "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">boonines</span>".<br /><br />The ridge is also a very fun roller-coaster, with lots of ups and downs. It's not as drastic as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Makapu'u</span> Tom-Tom, but it can be testy trying to get a view of the final destination. And yes, there were a lot of people on the trail. In fact, there was this Korean Alpine Hiking Group along the trail, dressed in red shirts and tugging young kids along. Their group alone must have numbered near 40. Most of the ladies were picking every strawberry guava in site and storing them in plastic bags. Many of the hikers demonstrated aloha for each other, and it was good to encounter people that were passionate about hiking.<br /><br />If you follow the directions of the Ball book, you end up at a glorious overlook of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Manoa</span> Valley. Mount Olympus sits in a straight line with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Manoa</span> Chinese <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Cemetery</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Punahou</span> School, evenly dividing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Manoa</span> into two parts. History tells us that the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ewa</span> side of the valley belonged to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alii</span>, while the Diamond Head side belonged to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maka'ainana</span>, or Common people. Looking from the top, you can tell why the land was so coveted and many stories in Hawaiian Mythology exist about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Manoa</span> Valley.<br /><br />You can follow the rest of the trail to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koolau</span> Mountain Range and head up to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Konahuanui</span> on a clear day. It was obvious that we weren't going to make that attempt, but it's still on the radar. I felt good that we went on this relatively short hike, and one short piece of advice I learned: don't take too long of a break before going on your next hike! have fun and catch you soon!2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-65230989615110671372009-12-08T19:58:00.000-08:002009-12-08T21:34:44.552-08:00The EddieI know that this site is dedicated to hiking adventures, but this is something that I felt we needed to write about so that people that truly love Hawaii (which I assume is you since you're reading this page) would understand the importance and significance of the Eddie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aikau</span> Invitational in regards to spreading a positive message about our islands and the type of people that reside here and the type of people that cherish the natural wonders that we have in abundance.<br /><br />Modern technology has come to the point where we can forsake many goals and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">objectives</span>, especially those that took effort and desire to accomplish and achieve. We can now look at pictures that other people took of places, and "imagine" ourselves in that spot. We can listen to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">podcasts</span>, streaming audio, and MP3s for a musical fix. We manipulate artwork and pictures from online resources to "place" ourselves in a situation that, truth be told, we were not really a part of in the first place. In fact, you probably came here to read up on one of the hikes you're interested in, and, you may not even be interested in seeing some of the things we've seen. But we can transport you there in our tales.<br /><br />The "Eddie" is a worldwide phenomenon. People from all over the world come to this event, and they get to taste a slice of something that really came from Hawaii, surfing. And this contest is no ordinary contest: it's a BIG wave contest that only a select few surfers are invited to, and it doesn't happen every year. The rules are so stringent, that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Waimea</span> Bay needs to have precise wave measurements and solid clear weather for it to be conducted. Over a 25 year span, the contest has only run 7 or 8 times!<br /><br />The prestige gained by winning this event I would imagine takes a surfer to new heights of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">notoriety</span>. In fact, I had four different people alone today ask me to identify Bruce Irons, the last winner of the Eddie. I'm pretty sure Bruce really hasn't won as many titles as say his brother Andy or Kelly Slater, but because he won it last time, many people were pulling for him and had great expectations of him. (I must say that he did pretty well in my opinion, he rushed some pretty big monsters when he was out there.)<br /><br />But to be honest, the thing that impressed me the most about this whole Eddie experience was the whole thing in general. The gestures I witnessed and the "aloha" that was shown made me so proud to be HAWAIIAN! Chinese BU and myself spent two nights out at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Waimea</span>, hoping to catch a glimpse of this once in a lifetime event. Everything I saw proved to me how positive Hawaii can be and the impact we can have on people around the world. I met people from Brazil, Connecticut, Tahiti, Japan, New York, Arizona, and probably some other places as well. Each was in a different situation throughout the two day experience, and each was in a very normal human interaction. The guy from Brazil wanted water, so I gave him some. He later ended up helping a local kid get his lost slipper from over the rocks. The couple from Connecticut asked to use the tent I was under for shade for their infant, and of course I said yes. They were happy and talked story with me for a bit about the contest. The guy from Tahiti (he was wearing a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Teahupoo</span> shirt, so he may or may not be from Tahiti. He kinda looked Tahitian) needed help carrying his bike over some rocks on the path. He gave me a big <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">shaka</span> and "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mahalo</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cuz</span>!" The Japanese Couple wanted to go to the toilet, and one of the neighbors let them use the one in their house. The New York guy needed help with parking, introduced himself to Chinese BU, then invited us to his art show in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Haleiwa</span> later this week. And the two local guys and the guy from Arizona helped me break down my tent when I had to go.<br /><br />News reports claim that there were possibly 30,000 people that went to the Eddie over the entirety of the day, and this doesn't include the previous days. The majority were Hawaii residents, but there was absolute representation from all parts of the globe. I have complete faith that Aloha was demonstrated time and time again. I'm not silly to think that it was all <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pono</span>, but I know good will was in force, from many locals, myself and Chinese BU included. And in my humble opinion, that is what truly makes the Eddie special.<br /><br />You can't really appreciate the massive power of 40 foot waves from your TV or Computer screen. You need to see it, feel the sea spray, and gaze at the panorama for yourself. You can cheer for your favorite surfer from work or the comfort of your sofa, but it was a whole other thing to see the whole Bay (and I mean, EVERYONE watching the contest, at the beach, from the lookout, from the road) stand in unison to cheer for Slater when he caught that Monster wave all the way in (one of my actual favorite surfing moments today: the most decorated surfer of my generation getting huge love for his efforts. The roar from the crowd almost, ALMOST, drowned out the the roar of the surf.) And I know this: you can't experience the Aloha from everyone there unless you get involved for yourself.<br /><br />I'm not condemning anyone who could not go. There are always priorities in our lives that we need get done at certain times that are non-negotiable, the most notable being work and schooling. I will never argue against those vital <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">precepts</span> of life. What I am advocating is that if there is even the slightest chance to get to see this event in your life, make the necessary plans that you have to to get there for yourself, if possible. Trust me, having to trade with someone at work is something I don't regret in the least. Completely worth it. Hey, we met this teacher who called in sick today!<br /><br />And here comes the tie-in to our page: you have to get out there for yourself if you really want to find out what something is like. The Eddie, just like hiking, is not meant to be watched from a computer or TV. Get out and do it for yourself. Find out the true meaning of Aloha. Remember, Eddie Would Go!2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-12649408561299664682009-12-01T15:30:00.000-08:002009-12-01T16:00:46.492-08:00Koloa-RetryFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />So forgive us for not keeping up, it's been a pretty busy time, and other things have gotten in the way of us getting out into the wilderness. But we were finally able to get ourselves going with another waterfall hike, one that we tried before but really couldn't find. Unfortunately, the weather and our previous experiences led us not to get to the end of this hike as well. Let me fill you in:<br /><br />We seriously wanted to get to a waterfall we hadn't done before. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koloa</span> fit the bill, and everything we had read led us to make that call on Sunday. However, it had rained the previous night, and we were well aware of the overcast skies and the potential for another <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kaipapau</span> experience, being that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koloa</span> was a gulch, and a stream that you needed to cross over 20 times before getting to the waterfall. But knowing our need for the adventure, we trekked forward anyway.<br /><br />Directions? Park at the beach park just past the mall in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hau'ula</span> on your right. Walk towards <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">PCC</span> until you see the white mansion. Across the street, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mauka</span> side, you should see a dirt road that leads towards the mountains. Follow it until you get to the chain link fence. Go over it and head on up. There are two signs: the first one on your left describes the trail and the different plants you can find. It also tells you to get a permit from Hawaii Reserves (something we didn't have, but will fix for next time). The next sign on your right is actually a plaque. It a tribute to Jonathan Taylor, a Scout that lost his life on the trail, because of a flash flood. He would have been 26 if he were alive today.<br /><br />That gave us all the info we needed about the dangers that are possible. Not that we needed reminding, given our own previous experience. But it led us to be very cautious, so much so that we had two "sleepers" ready in case something bad happened. We use "sleepers" as people who phone for help if we don't contact them by a certain time. Good policy for all of you to follow.<br /><br />In the beginning, the hike is very similar to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Laie</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Malaekahana</span>. You have to gain the ridge line, making your way past dirt, Ironwoods, Strawberry guavas, and knee high grass. However, the cutoff point down to the gulch is significantly shorter to get to than the other two. The left goes up the ridge, the right goes down to the gulch. After making your way down to the valley floor, it's time to start crossing streams.<br /><br />This is where we stopped and looked at the water. I must admit that it was very beautiful and tempting, but I was in no mood to have to fight another rushing wave of water, just because I wanted to get to the end and see the falls. The first river crossing was at least shin high from the previous night's downpour, and that was good enough for both of us. We both reread the Ball book, as well as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kaleo's</span> write-up on my Blackberry, and we determined that it was better if we just enjoyed the view, and made our way back. If we were lucky, we could catch the surf meet at Sunset.<br /><br />I know Chinese BU would like to do the hike again to the finish, most likely during a drier month <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">than</span> November. I most certainly want to see it, but I think I've grown a little more wiser in my old age. I got too much Hiking to do before I die, too many things I want to see. I know I'll get another chance.<br /><br />BTW, Rock Climbing was cool. Maybe Chinese BU will post some pics from that. Peace!2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-79481980179739147432009-10-26T10:41:00.000-07:002009-10-28T03:19:29.141-07:00Kulana'ahane (Kamananui)From Hawaiian BU<br /><br />Tu Bu <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pa'ina</span> is making the move to join Oahu's oldest and most established hiking club, the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club, better known as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">HTMC</span>. Their membership include the most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">knowledgeable</span> people you'll find in regards to those secret, unheard of trails that exist on Oahu, as well as the Neighbor Islands. It really becomes a no-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">brainer</span> to join their organization if you are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">enthusiastic</span> about hiking as we are here at Tu Bu.<br /><br />In order to join their club, you need to do three (3) hikes as a guest with them during a twelve (12) month span before you can apply for membership. So, I made the call to Mr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wil</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kawano</span>, the hike coordinator for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kulana'ahane</span>, a ten (10) mile hike in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Moanalua</span> Valley to a nice overlook of Haiku. Titled <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kamana</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nui</span> on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">HTMC</span> website, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wil</span> gave us the lowdown on the hike and what we needed to do, and looked forward to meeting us.<br /><br />The first thing I noticed was the amount of people coming on this hike: LOTS of them. And the amazing thing about this was the majority of the hikers were members of the club. In fact, I noticed only two other names next to mine and Chinese <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bu's</span> name on the Guest List. What a positive sign about the club: active membership! The other thing I immediately liked was the amount of names I recognized at the briefing before the hike. There were many names mentioned that I had read about online from various sites, as well <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">HTMC</span> hike coordinators besides <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wil</span>.<br /><br />Now, I'm the first to admit that I'm still trying to get myself back into reasonable shape so I can attack many of these trails. I must share with all of you, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">HTMC</span> members consider hiking their religion. They are some of the best in-shape people I've met, they know historical facts about the hike, and they're extremely helpful. They are also <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> older than me and Chinese BU, and I was quickly corrected when I kept using last names to address them. Always first names I was told with a laugh!<br /><br />The hike itself starts out on a dirt road through the old Damon Estate in the back of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Moanalua</span> Valley. The best thing about this is the various historical sites you encounter along the road. I think the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">HTMC</span> gang realized pretty quick that I was into that type of stuff and engaged me in conversation about stories of the valley and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pu'u</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keahi</span> a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kahoe</span>. And one of the gentlemen (I forgot his name) was well versed in Sites of Oahu, and I had a great long talk with him about the valley.<br /><br />After a two (2) mile walk along the road, you come upon a Na Ala <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hele</span> sign that marks the beginning of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kulana'ahane</span>. You start crossing the left fork of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kamana</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nui</span> Stream multiple times, walking through an excessive amount of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hau</span> tangle along the way. Of course we noticed the stream and got excited to find a good water hole to dip in. There were no good jumping spots, but there were decent dunking spots along the way. After all the stream crossings, the final challenge awaits.<br /><br />It's not really that far in terms of distance, and I've done steeper hikes, but the final push up the mountain was tough. The main reason for that was because it was a muddy mess with not many solid footholds in several sections. I realized that I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">should've</span> been ahead of everyone else, because you could tell that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">everyone</span> had slipped as well and trampled the trail into mush. It just took a little longer than I thought, but it was still great to get to the top and enjoy the view. Everyone on top was happily enjoying their lunch, and gave me some smiles and thumbs up. Yes, I felt very special.<br /><br />The return trip was honestly kinda boring. I did the whole butt slide thing down the muddy ridge. We took a dip at a nice little swimming hole at one of the stream crossings, cleaning all the excessive mud off the legs and body. We trudged back slowly, taking pictures of the various cool things we encountered, and talking story with more of the members. We ran into a pig hunter in a Nissan truck trying to find his hunting dogs. We got some great pics of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Petroglyph</span> rock. And then we finally arrived back at the park, ready to wash off and head home.<br /><br />Well, one hike down, with two more to go. We haven't decided yet which one to do next with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">HTMC</span>. We'll look at their schedule and find another suitable one to jump on with them. Both of us appreciate the help we got from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">HTMC</span>, and we can't wait to gain membership into this venerable club. See ya later and catch you on the next hike.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalzrBLkmEKRTGC3PNhhxUcU-LISHfxRPzRsTzx1zPPoXV3puWzGMcvA59gVaD892rxiODg1xZdBvGwBQJceFsqdNKEYNDNek1ciAuhpO76dwUmzWHfSU2JHz3WKGyLpKq4_rFgTeTk0k/s1600-h/Kamananui+sign.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396982873875196386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalzrBLkmEKRTGC3PNhhxUcU-LISHfxRPzRsTzx1zPPoXV3puWzGMcvA59gVaD892rxiODg1xZdBvGwBQJceFsqdNKEYNDNek1ciAuhpO76dwUmzWHfSU2JHz3WKGyLpKq4_rFgTeTk0k/s320/Kamananui+sign.jpg" /></a>The Main Gate </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WtqdJgMtlz1I5UuuCkq6HeWE2EgTIAIq8sClUd08cLY8FmvJRbFR2iRJlqmFiC4fAJRSKfvzh6L44c-encw8KnxxUE7NfZSk33PKRPIBCO7A4XDZRCZApSIAHZnnwAAYFKBntbEw930/s1600-h/puu.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396983741068471634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WtqdJgMtlz1I5UuuCkq6HeWE2EgTIAIq8sClUd08cLY8FmvJRbFR2iRJlqmFiC4fAJRSKfvzh6L44c-encw8KnxxUE7NfZSk33PKRPIBCO7A4XDZRCZApSIAHZnnwAAYFKBntbEw930/s320/puu.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">A Great View Of Pu'u Keahi a Kahoe<br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSrgr7CWDNwUTNNPmt4Nt8Aq8xbB2M9Vj7q44tAQptBforfU3MHMJGHsvs0t0Tcz-157VG0vfr2jc_0MFo09ZgzWuhO4vIJPDDRW-JWudMVcPsHvbEHUTkKyUAYXB6tCiy0grCiyAiyA/s1600-h/Kulana.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396983375987727954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSrgr7CWDNwUTNNPmt4Nt8Aq8xbB2M9Vj7q44tAQptBforfU3MHMJGHsvs0t0Tcz-157VG0vfr2jc_0MFo09ZgzWuhO4vIJPDDRW-JWudMVcPsHvbEHUTkKyUAYXB6tCiy0grCiyAiyA/s320/Kulana.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Kulana'ahane Sign</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGzKW8dI3E_ppyTRbVGcDiAeEEsolfnKsPbAdR_exjFb73fIM3axk7m_Uv7fDFu0ykyJLe6Mal23nukopvo1YgPReuHIK4OjEwi_JonRkjgYIE07VokQ4Dc_3s_kC5PAoVabh42WnGmI/s1600-h/Kulana+stream.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396983972957770994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGzKW8dI3E_ppyTRbVGcDiAeEEsolfnKsPbAdR_exjFb73fIM3axk7m_Uv7fDFu0ykyJLe6Mal23nukopvo1YgPReuHIK4OjEwi_JonRkjgYIE07VokQ4Dc_3s_kC5PAoVabh42WnGmI/s320/Kulana+stream.jpg" /></a> The Stream along the Trail</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMMZ42DAg8tgUV6EtCpjr0_cVLvWG83hemjgdITIpPpZhf_UD2gK1zppKg7Edvp8F6gKNHIzuyLoYJxcRXAkRdntovKYvKHA7B3Ym9K7YEvuCvRV0HrPOL8npcpgz6l9Tias8c8PziTA/s1600-h/Dawn's+waterfall.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396984214544990706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMMZ42DAg8tgUV6EtCpjr0_cVLvWG83hemjgdITIpPpZhf_UD2gK1zppKg7Edvp8F6gKNHIzuyLoYJxcRXAkRdntovKYvKHA7B3Ym9K7YEvuCvRV0HrPOL8npcpgz6l9Tias8c8PziTA/s320/Dawn's+waterfall.jpg" /></a> Dawn's Waterfall from the ridge</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAMYAX1IpCZN80NDyarkny9TTZex9GgqqBIPJSUcNVIcnD0Anv0h-HRwthcJIJ94wJr5mH_ngN4k1jzdI7XDrqUd11dbLyksIpmq2TGTxzIlFhqyj3W5jVC120lw4DqsnslzAoB0mN4g/s1600-h/Chinese+at+the+top.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396984396184459058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAMYAX1IpCZN80NDyarkny9TTZex9GgqqBIPJSUcNVIcnD0Anv0h-HRwthcJIJ94wJr5mH_ngN4k1jzdI7XDrqUd11dbLyksIpmq2TGTxzIlFhqyj3W5jVC120lw4DqsnslzAoB0mN4g/s320/Chinese+at+the+top.jpg" /></a> Chinese BU at the top</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQDyMJtRgegGvjqN-s32eLXBnx7OYWDZDzP-rTPCdTAxvj9w9R1QaDuBbaHC0T_RXxC7SbFjuY-TxqFbGmRBONGSVZQpuXc6y2MbCha-UBKd63W28-VoovG5I9p82TE-xawLNVFzS3Sg/s1600-h/HTMC+members.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396984534241516178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQDyMJtRgegGvjqN-s32eLXBnx7OYWDZDzP-rTPCdTAxvj9w9R1QaDuBbaHC0T_RXxC7SbFjuY-TxqFbGmRBONGSVZQpuXc6y2MbCha-UBKd63W28-VoovG5I9p82TE-xawLNVFzS3Sg/s320/HTMC+members.jpg" /></a> The HTMC members enjoying lunch</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmahyFxjks7lvaqaxpm7J2Mtas2gpsbca26wXWEf_cK-l0QJxbkn6HX0h_gtbykajabTntrF4Audr3cDO9KOs_SbfxuOo3hi7ZweJZwixRoWci6hzjf31vLOUpDRCe1ngEcB2RlFh6Ro0/s1600-h/Hawaiian+at+the+top.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396984675723288114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmahyFxjks7lvaqaxpm7J2Mtas2gpsbca26wXWEf_cK-l0QJxbkn6HX0h_gtbykajabTntrF4Audr3cDO9KOs_SbfxuOo3hi7ZweJZwixRoWci6hzjf31vLOUpDRCe1ngEcB2RlFh6Ro0/s320/Hawaiian+at+the+top.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Hawaiian BU all tuckered out at the top with Haiku in the back </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfdefdkUSQjjj54zAS1NUDoSu9ZJjb-4xLO40MJ2NKFFNQ8FMATbRi5yCJQlIa8zKtvLWTeM8IRXDDfr3PD8n6o_aiMBQ6N2nJJMD2R8yMkNlFihiB6MHAJzOgHxTJuFCD15qU2tcT3I/s1600-h/shoe+shot.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396986388920184434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfdefdkUSQjjj54zAS1NUDoSu9ZJjb-4xLO40MJ2NKFFNQ8FMATbRi5yCJQlIa8zKtvLWTeM8IRXDDfr3PD8n6o_aiMBQ6N2nJJMD2R8yMkNlFihiB6MHAJzOgHxTJuFCD15qU2tcT3I/s320/shoe+shot.jpg" /></a><br />Shoe Shot!</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2aHQL7aUxlBXYdjyWJZzJ2WpcAlKmuLMS_OF1ouNZF-_ai3lxZL44QjeQxkU9k9fTgQjuhJ0f3wHWV8-9pcKyafX2U4NYqQk5uSafJO5fLL3fwwr6a1vdvgXnsMZS0XQTWjFiPYZOvg/s1600-h/Petro.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396985090056687218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2aHQL7aUxlBXYdjyWJZzJ2WpcAlKmuLMS_OF1ouNZF-_ai3lxZL44QjeQxkU9k9fTgQjuhJ0f3wHWV8-9pcKyafX2U4NYqQk5uSafJO5fLL3fwwr6a1vdvgXnsMZS0XQTWjFiPYZOvg/s320/Petro.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a></p>Petroglyphs on the rock. <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PpB4W1Ika8lxcYZmzP-gFiD0mGJU13u24pD5O_NLYWrlK5RkX_JHRUblCH5Bl0VMcG0xh-W21x5EsB2Tvb-O2MX4W4lpYLr1A2t2pyKyUtBUndBMBXFPm62b5BWEjWmcdhailGKizzc/s1600-h/bu+at+the+rock.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396985250363394530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PpB4W1Ika8lxcYZmzP-gFiD0mGJU13u24pD5O_NLYWrlK5RkX_JHRUblCH5Bl0VMcG0xh-W21x5EsB2Tvb-O2MX4W4lpYLr1A2t2pyKyUtBUndBMBXFPm62b5BWEjWmcdhailGKizzc/s320/bu+at+the+rock.jpg" /></a> Chinese BU next to the rock. Look how big the Pohaku is!<br /></p>2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662870441778191697.post-38009486828998061012009-10-18T21:25:00.001-07:002009-10-18T22:08:53.902-07:00Waiakeakua-ReduxFrom Hawaiian BU<br /><br />This is possibly my most favorite waterfall on this island, by far. There are many waterfalls that you can go to, discover how wonderful it is, and then share it with others. The only thing about that is that pretty much all of those waterfalls can be found in several different literary publications and online resources. Waiakeakua is written about, but you really got to search for it and be able to decipher the route on your own with your own skills. The first time I ever did the route, I had just graduated high school, and I was told through my family about this secret waterfall that I needed to find. Mind you, this was before the advent of this wonderful technology called the Internet, so all I had to go on was the basic instructions given to me. Let's just say that the first time I did it with my friends, we went the wrong way for over an hour and a half, and I hate going the wrong way. The most confusing thing about the hike was the fact that there were really no ribbons that marked the path to the falls. There are ribbons you could've followed, but they just marked trails that lead upward, or to another area. When we finally got there, the only way I was sure was to take this old picture that I had from the family archive and match it up. I must tell you, Waiakeakua has some of the most refreshing water that Oahu generates, and its COLD!<br /><br />Basically, I didn't really give you any directions to the place, nor do you know where on the island it is from this description. I honestly hope that you are willing to earn it like I did. Do the research for this hike. Find someone that knows about it and can help you. I do this because I believe that it is worth the effort to get to this place. Read the legend about Kane and Kanaloa like I did. Look at BWS maps like I did. You will see for yourself how special this place really is when you visit. Hopefully, this will translate into you having a healthy respect for Waiakeakua, and having the feeling of true stewardship for the land.<br /><br />Chinese BU and I led the Atherton students on this hike today. This group has demonstrated time and again that they respect the land, and understand the importance of the places we visit. I'm thrilled to report that they absolutely fulfilled what I expected from them. They enjoyed the experience and most of them agree that this could be one of the best adventures we've gone on this semester. Chinese BU had taken Dawn with him a few months ago and wrote about it here. (Ooooh, he may have left some details in that write-up) He didn't go as far as he wanted last time, but today, he took some of the squad up the falls and then some.<br /><br />The trail had an abundance of mountain apples, and they were ripe and juicy. The ginger was also in full bloom, as were the mosquitoes. The students also had a good time taking pictures of the junked cars on the path as well find multiple excuses to dip in the water at the nearby stream. If you are into walking into a native Hawaiian Rainforest, this is the hike for you. The plants you discover along the path is numerous and exquisite.<br /><br />I'm always thrilled to visit Waiakeakua. The place will always hold an esteemed place in my hiking heart. I wish you well if you decide to take on the quest of finding it. If we trust you and like you enough, maybe we'll take you too one day. Take care everyone and hopefully Chinese BU puts up the new pics from the top of the falls.2-BU Pa'inahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371430984143472625noreply@blogger.com0