What would it be like to be up there?, we wondered. Up above the coastline, hidden in the clouds?
Two different groups of hikers had told us about the amazing Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail , a five mile hike straight up into the mountains. We couldn't even imagine what that last leg would be like, clambering up ropes to reach the very top. But we aimed to find out.
Our hike started behind the walls of a gated community, the housed spreading up along a ridge. At the end of an otherwise normal suburban street the buildings suddenly ended. We ambled up a jeep road in search of the trail head, following the power lines overhead.
We were surprised by a rainbow over Wailalae Nui Valley. There's Waikiki in the distance:
Looking down Wailupe Valley, toward the Aina Haina community and the sea:
Stairs helped us negotiate several spots along the trail that were too steep and too wet for normal hiking:
We should have known better than to hike within a watershed and into the clouds, without rain gear. But somehow there we were with only light fleeces to ward off the wet and cold, high up in the Koolau Mountains in a light rain.
Unsure about the route and not thrilled about getting completely soaked, we thought about turning around. Fortunately, the rain stopped just as quickly as it came and we continued our upward trek.
A little sooner than we expected, the ropes began. We knew it was only a little bit further to the top:
We truly were hidden in the clouds. In fact we watched them form all around us, as the warm windward air swept up over the mountain crest:
Stunning views of the windward coast communities. Here you can see Kailua in the distance:
The repeater station at the top:
A craggy ohia lehua tree along the ridge:
Lunch!
Wet, muddy sneakers- looking back, not the smartest footwear for the hike:
Jen playing around in a koa tree:
An amazing hike. Throw in a pair of hiking boots and a light jacket, and it's a perfect way to spend a morning in Hawaii.
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