One of the most rewarding views on the island of Oahu

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Pu'u Ohulehule - January 31, 2015


One of the most rewarding hikes on the island, Pu'u Ohuluhule on a clear day rivals any view on this island. Darren wanted to take Sarah and Bernice on this hike for the past two weeks, but cancelled because of bad weather. I was able to hike today, so earlier in the week I posted to see what hike we would schedule, this one came up as the #1 option. Although I wouldn't mind doing Ohulehule, I have done this hike multiple times already and really didn't want to do it again. But since none of OAG have done it, I was game to go.

Today's hike consisted of OAG ~ Darren, Sarah, and Bernice. Also joining was Katie and Ryan. We met at the Kahana parking lot at 8am. We saw Scott B. and his friend Mike. I jokingly asked Darren did you invite Scott? He laughed. Must have been a coincidence, Scott would do Ohuluhule the same time as us. As we started, everyone looked at me for guidance because I was the only one who did the hike before. I don't like to lead, so I said I'll let you know if we get off track. About 30 minutes in, I notice that I forgot my DSLR in my car. I was like shit, someone is going to steal it. That preoccupied me for a bit, but I told myself, "I can't do anything about it", and hoped the Kahana gods would protect my car. 

The walk through the valley was pleasant, not really any mud today and the stream crossings were easy today. Darren ended up leading and followed the trail for a bit before he lost it. They asked me if they were on the right track, I looked at my backcountry app and realize we were a little off. We headed back and took a junction up the mountain through overgrown uluhe. I didn't wear pants today and I paid for it badly. 

We eventually hit the base and started going up the steep ridge. Sarah was feeling it, but pushed through. The scramble up Ohulehule is relentless. It took us 4 hours to top out. Just when we got to the top the clouds started to move away and we could see into Ka'a'awa valley. I was pissed that I left my DSLR in the car and not getting the money shot which I deserve since I haven't got a great view up here before. The Makahiki Challenge was going on in the valley, the event was loud. 


After some selfie humor and some sexually inappropriate jokes, we headed back the way we came. The hike back was steep. I had problems with my footing since my shoes are all but broken already. In about 3 hours we finished the hike out and cleaned up. I went to my car to check if my camera was still there, it was. I've been so fortunate to have what I call amazing luck with parking my car for long periods of time at trailheads around the island.  

selfie shot at top (P.C. Ryan's Go Pro)

Darren, Bernice, and Sarah had to go. Katie and Ryan were going to Papa Ole's, and I wanted to see Daniel. I texted Daniel if I could come over. He was working on lessons for his class. I picked him up and we headed over to Papa Ole's to meet Katie and Ryan. I got the garlic chicken plate, it was awesome. Before I left, I bought Papa Ole's shrimp which Michelle claims the best on the island. 

I still want to go back a top Ohulehule for the money shot. I'm not sure which lens would give this view the money shot, I'll figure it out when that day comes. 

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