Hiking to the Dominant Peak in Kahana Valley

Pu’u Ohulehule – June 17, 2012

I’ve always wanted to get to the pyramidal peak that dominates Kahana Valley. To get there becomes a story of determination and will. Marvin invited a few Oahu Weekend Hikers (OWH) members. Joining Marvin and I were Aaron, Thessa, and Lynne. No doubt, they have done and can handle this hike.

The route today was up the Northwest ridge. There is also the Southeast ridge which Stuart Ball deems the, “the most dangerous hike on the island”. Doing the Southeast ridge today was 7D Steve. The goal was to meet up with Steve at the top of Ohulehule. Also, we were joining HTMC today as this was on their schedule.

We started on the Nakoa trail and immediately crossed the Kahana dam. From there we went off the Nakoa trail and into a bamboo forest for near a mile and a few more stream crossings along the way. We eventually hit the northwest ridge of Ohulehule. Then it was incline hiking through a clear path surrounded by uluhe ferns. HTMC cleared the trail a few weeks ago and did a great job as the path was wide. Going up Ohulehule is a bitch. It is an unrelenting climb. We took many breaks. Aaron and Thessa who are funny as hell because of their personalities made comments that were hilarious which eased the heart pounding and exhaustion.

The climb became steep as a mutha. It was a 1500 foot climb in less than ½ a mile. There were a multitude of ropes that were affix to trees; some were needed, while some others were used as a precaution. We eventually had to make a left to get up towards the summit. After about 20 minutes, we hit the top. Many HTMC members were at the summit, also there was 7D Steve. He appeared shocked. He talked about his adventure going up the southeast ridge. He said it was like, Piliwale, Olomana backside, Bear Claw, and Moanalua Saddle created a bastard baby and named it Southeast Ohulehule. I laughed at his hyperbole-explaination, though he may be serious, well I'll plan to do the SE ridge one day. 

We spent a while at the summit, cracking jokes. The view is world class, too bad it was hazy today. We waited for the sun to come out, but it didn’t. I guess we will use our computer software to enhance these pictures.

Going down was steep. I slipped a few times, but held onto the ropes. It only took us a little over two hours to get back onto Nakoa.

This hike was enjoyable; I really want to do Ohulehule again another time for a clear day. Also, on the way is a side trail (aka Kahana saddle) to Pu’u Koile. From Koile, you can go left and join the Waikane saddle to the Ko'olau Summit Junction and Pu’u Ka’aumakua or you can go right and continue the Kahana saddle to Pu’u O Kila. I definitely want to that hike one day.