Hiking Trails on Oahu

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 waypoi...

Waiahole Uka-Manana – March 16, 2013 Last time I was here, two words described the hike: unfinished & lost. The unfinished part was because the crew crossed over and went all the way to Manana, while I did an in and out. The lost part was that we were lost for 3 hours trying to find damn Waiahole Uka ridge. In addition, the crew was socked in all the way to Manana creating disorientation. That was a while back. A few weeks ago, I received a msg from Ted inviting me to Waiahole Uka-Manana again. I jumped at the opportunity. However, the list of hikers that will be attending was very intimidating. The list was Ted, Ly Zel, Steve, Robin, Heather, Laredo, & Marvin. Not only can these people hike fast, they can sustain the pace for a long period of time, which got me worried. I didn’t want to hold up the group. I knew I could do this hike, but question is, would my body hold up at a blistering pace throughout? The plan today was to start off on Kuolani-Waianu counter loop, then find...

Waiau to Manana – May 26, 2012 This hike has been in the planning stages for about a month now, ever since Marvin and I's overnight stay on the Waimalu summit. For this hike, Marvin and I invited the entire 7D group and other hikers. Making the hike was Ted, Steve, Ikaika, Marvin, & I. We were only missing Aida and Christian from 7D. What was great was that the entire crew for today's hike was entirely made up of 7D members. I knew we would have a great time and we did. Marvin initially wanted to do Waimano to Manana, which is a classic route experienced hiker’s take. However, I proposed Waiau to Manana for 3 reasons. 1) Last time, we weren’t sure where the Waiau summit was, and it would be a good idea to find it. 2) The HTMC just cleared the trail a few weeks back which makes finding the trail and summiting easier. 3) Waiau hasn’t been cleared to the top ever, well until a few members of the HTMC clearing crew did it a few weeks back. Historically, Waiau had been unfinishe...