Pauoa Woods – October 25, 2013

I did this hike to get back into shape, low and behold it turned out to be a very nice hike.

The HTMC route was to take us on Kalawahine to the Nuuanu Overlook, make a left onto the ridge until we hit Judd, we would then continue on the ridge, instead of making the right into Nuuanu Valley on that switchback, we continued on the ridge till the HTMC rest spot. From the rest spot, it was downhill to Pauoa Valley, crossing the stream, then going back uphill to Kalawahine.

The meet up spot was at the Kalawahine trailhead. There I met OAG – Sensei, Janice, and DJ. I also saw Calvin and Katrina. We started at a slow pace which was good because I needed to get back into the flow. I also had a chance to take nice pictures.

There was absolutely no wind. Everyone was sweating. The Nuuanu Overlook was somewhat old news as it’s the 5th or 6th time I’ve been there. Still a very impressive sight. We made the left and continued on the ridge, I assumed this was the K1 ridge. Imagine doing K1 from Judd, that’s real ridge to summit hiking.

We furthered progress going up and down many hills. With no wind, it was brutal. We hit the Judd trail and a bench talking many stories about many things. I love hiking with OAG, it is so much more of a relaxing atmosphere.

At the HTMC lunch spot, we ate and continued into Pauoa Valley. We followed a pipeline throughout the valley. After the pipe appeared to end, we encountered a water tank and an angry hunter. He claims that his land is Pauoa Valley and that we were trespassing. Instead of trying to deescalate the situation, a few of the members escalated it and made it more difficult than it had to be. The man held his composure, so did we, and we continued on.

We crossed the dried up stream and headed uphill through bamboo. The trip uphill was somewhat tiring, but beautiful going through bamboo, reminded me of Kuolani-Waianu. We ended the hike sitting on the concrete bridge on the one lane road near Kalawahine. The trip was surprisingly 8 miles and took us 7 hours.

The post meal hike was at Kam Drive Inn at the Kam Shopping Center. The food is awesome there. Very underrated!

Another hike, so much fun especially with good company.