2014 Hike of the Year

Manana-Waimano - December 26, 2014

This hike was the original HTMC super hike. About 14 years ago, HTMC, created a super hike which connected two of the longest state trails. Now days strong hikers seem to make the super hike a regularity. Although the crossover is short, the length of both Manana and Waimano can be grueling and time consuming. In any case, we wanted to see Pu'u Eleao in all its glory. 

Because Thursday was a super clear day and most likely the same weather today, it became a no brainer and we had to do it. Joining the hike was OAG's Bernice, Darren, Erik, & Aprille. Our goal today was to see Eleao in what I claimed the 'best view on the island'. It would not disappoint. 

Staging of the cars was simple ~ meet at end of Waimano Road before the guard shack, stage Erik's car there, and then Bernice would shuttle us over to the end of Komo Mai Drive near the Manana trailhead. I remember starting my backcountry app at 6:49am. Every time I do a waypoint it has the time as a default label which is brilliant so I can keep track of time. 

As we started Manana, we were greeted with light showers, but you could tell that the weather was going to be great today. Clouds were in the sky, but you could just tell that they weren't going to remain there for long. Manana is the hardest state trail. To be brutally honest, the trail is bitch to do. There are so many ups and downs, it becomes ridiculous. Darren led the hike and went at a constant pace. I wanted to summit in 4 hours. Though Erik, Aprille, and I were out of hiking shape, we tried to keep up. I felt well rested. Erik looked pretty tired, he's been putting a lot of hours in a at work. 

ups and downs of Manana (p.c. Erik)

more ups and downs (p.c. Erik)

With Darren & Bernice leading the charge, we were able to summit Manana in about 4 1/2 hours. The view was world class. It was the best view Manana could offer. The entire Ko'olaupoko area could be seen from the summit, Ka'a'awa to Makapu'u. No lie. We soaked in the moment, but the main goal of today was to get to Pu'u Eleao. 

group photo, I'm not paying attention

world class view

Darren led the charge. Pu'u Eleao is only 30 minutes from the Manana summit. Darren was the first to get to the Eleao Meadow. We all followed suit being treated to one of the best experiences the Ko'olaus has to offer. The Meadow, although small is a wonderful place. With no wind today, the experience was top notch. We all sat down and had a picnic at the meadow. After about 20 minutes, we packed up at went to the summit. I wanted to show Erik the money view of Eleao. About 2 minutes down Eleao Windward near a lapalapa tree is the money view of Eleao. You could see into Kahana Valley to the left and the Makapu'u Lookout to the right. It's a grand view ~ MONEY! 

Bernice laying in the meadow (p.c. Erik)

Darren continued the charged towards Waimano. I predicted 1 1/2 hours. It seemed way longer than that. The trail was vastly overgrown, but it did take us 1 1/2 hours to get to Waimano. On the way there is the unbelievable view of the Waihe'e Wall, a sheer wall in the back of Waihe'e Valley similar to the massive walls of Waimanalo and the Kaupo Cliffs. The picture there is money...just money. We got to Waimano at 3pm. Everyone seemed a little tired, except Darren. 

Erik's most favorite view on the KST

The epic down trot towards Waimano (p.c. Erik)

We took a short break at Waimano before our final 7 mile hike back to the trailhead. It was a little pass 3 pm and we knew it would take us 3 1/2 hours to get to Erik's car. The predicted finishing time was 6:30pm. Sunset was going to be 6pm, so most likely was going to finish up in the dark. The walk on Waimano is long. I vowed to only do this trail with OAG's and never again, until Jared got older. It is a long trail. But with little ups and downs, it was what we all needed especially after the difficulties of Manana and the crossover. 

Near the end it got dark. I lagged in the back like I always do near the end. I like to think about things on the way out. Today I was just thinking about my plans for the following week. We got out about 6:40pm. It took us a while to get cleaned up, but we drove over to the Manana trailhead and dropped Bernice and Darren off. They were to meet us at Shiro's. What was cool at Shiro's was the great discussion we all had about our group. The OAG's is a great hiking group. Too bad were all too busy to enjoy these kind of experiences together. It is really worth it. Other than having fun with my wife and kids, OAG fun ranks up there.