Wailupe Loop – December 19, 2011

What I thought would be a simple loop, turned out to be a difficult jaunt up to the Koolau summit involving many difficult nature made elements. Wailupe Loop is not an advanced hike, but it's a hard intermediate hike. As you read on you'll know why. The day started off at 6am, I got my stuff ready and headed towards Hawaii Kai. I arrived at the trailhead at about 7:45am, meeting up with some HTMC members.

Wailupe is one of many Hawaii Kai valleys. The plan today was to walk through the valley before hitting a ridge to gain the summit. We then would cross the KST to the Wiliwilinui summit, walk down Wiliwilinui before making a left and taking a connector trail to Wailupe valley. The turnout was solid. I’d say there were at least 25 hikers that made their way out to hike today. As we were waiting for hikers to arrive, it started to rain. Everyone took out their jackets, then we started to proceed. The stroll through the valley was nice. There is probably a valley trail, but we turned at a junction to gain the ridge. To gain the ridge was simple and non strenuous. However, rolling hills started. It was also muddy as hell. It was also slippery as hell. There were narrow spots, but nothing too dangerous. Going up the false peaks was exhausting. I had to take mini breaks. I guess partying the night before didn’t help. As we hiked higher and higher, the clouds rolled in. It was so quiet. If I were by myself, I would honestly take a break and enjoy the quietness. It was like serenity. In about 1 ½ hours we hit the summit. Super cold to say the least.

After a short break, we crossed the KST. Again, I'd say that crossing the KST is an unbelievable experience. It is so amazing. It was also slippery. As usual on the KST, to the right was a 2000 foot drop into Waimanalo. As we walked along, I slipped on my ass many times and couldn’t keep my balance. In about 15 minutes we hit the Wiliwilinui summit. Last time I did Wiliwilinui, it was socked in. Well, today was more of the same. Just then, my left leg started to become sore again. There must be some build up of fluid or something. I had difficulties going downhill. The steps of Wiliwilinui, which is not too difficult, gave me some major problems. I walked at a snail’s pace. It was embarrassing. I limped for 2 miles, before we hit the left junction back to Wailupe valley.

The trek down the mountain was steep. I had major problems at this point. I swung on guava trees because I couldn’t put any pressure on my left leg. After about 45 minutes, I hit the valley. My leg couldn’t bend at all. I put all my weight on my right leg and my back started to hurt. It then started to downpour. At about the 4 ½ hour mark, I finally made it to my car. My shoes were covered in mud, so were my legs, and my pants. I changed my shirt and drove down the road to McDonalds. I ordered a Big Mac meal and ate it in less than 5 minutes.

I probably won’t do this hike ever again. It is nice, but nothing special stands out. If you want to combine a short valley hike with a short ridge hike, this hike is a hike for you.