Date: 9 January 2001
From: Patrick Rorie
Subject: Waimalu to Moanalua on the Ko'olau Crest
Gene Robinson and I have accomplished some pretty challenging backpacking trips together during the past few years (i.e. La'ie to Waimano in '98, Mauna Loa via the Ainapo Trail in '99). This past weekend (January 6, 7) the two of us got together to attempt another tough outing — an overnight stay on the Ko'olau summit at the terminus of the Waimalu middle ridge, followed the next day by a rollercoaster tramp along the Ko'olau crest, eventually dropping down into and exiting Moanalua Valley.
Gene is a medical doctor and had some loose ends to take care of before we could commence the trek. As a result, the two of us didn't hit the trail until 11:15 a.m. Nevertheless, we made good time to the floor of Waimalu Valley despite a hau tangle nuisance, arriving at the normal terminus of the HTM hike at 1:15 p.m.
Due to a lack of trade winds, the initial steep climb through thick uluhe took quite a physical toll. Fortunately, the ridge leveled off and the thick open uluhe section transitioned to forest, the home of a few native birds. Eventually, Gene and I commenced the final spectacular open grassy ascent to the summit. During the final climb, Gene sang a line from the movie "Sound of Music"..."The hills are alive with the sound of music!" and proclaimed the section "The Ramp to Heaven".
At 5:21 p.m. we reached the Ko'olau summit (elev. 2,570 ft) in the fog and immediately began erecting our canvas coverings. Gene pitched his four-season tent and I set up my slumberjack bivy. When darkness set in, a rare break in the mist revealed the nearly full moon high in the eastern sky and the Pearl City/Aiea city lights far below.
Sunday, January 7: The Long Haul to Moanalua Valley
A few minutes prior to 6 a.m. I emerged from my bivy to a dark, chilly morning (57 degrees). At long last, the fog had lifted revealing windward suburban lights from Kahalu'u to Waimanalo. We witnessed a gorgeous sunrise, rays reflecting beautifully off the Pacific Ocean, illuminating the impressive sheer fluted cliffs in back of Waihe'e Valley.
Regarding Ko'olau summit trekking, travel is easiest on the extreme windward edge. However, it is like walking on a tightrope; one wrong step, especially with a 45-pound pack, can send the hiker over the windward pali to catastrophic injury or death!
Breton and I accomplished the tough climb to the Aiea Ridge terminus (elev. 2,805 ft) at 12:45 p.m. We successfully negotiated the Henry Davis rope sections and used the steep eroded swath to drop down to the Moanalua Valley saddle. At 7:07 p.m. we emerged onto Ala Aolani Street where our vehicles were parked and bid each other "Aloha".
— Paka