Koolau summit trail backpack

Koolau summit trail backpack

Posted to OHE on 28 May 2008 by Patrick Rorie.

They're all still up there. The sight and sound of lapalapa "quaking," the numerous yet endangered loulu (pritchardia) palms, the cluster of crimson ohia lehua flowers, and other native flora and birds. These are the spectacular vistas that make the Ko'olau summit rain forest so special.

Embarking on the Ko'olau Summit Trail (KST)

This past Saturday morning (May 24), Jr Lau and his team started their trek from Pupukea. I began my Oahu hiking trip from Laie Sunday morning, establishing two-way radio contact with Jr as I completed final preparations. Although I never caught up to them, the draw of the Ko'olau Summit Trail (KST) was undeniable. I hadn't hiked the section between Kawailoa and Castle in nine years!

Day 1: From Laie to the Army Environmental Cabin

I departed at 7:57 am, reaching the top of Laie in two hours before crossing to the Kawailoa marsh. After taking in the views of the Waianae Range and the North Shore from the helipad, I continued south. The KST between Kawailoa and the Kahuku cabin remains relatively easy to negotiate. The summit was dry, though some mud holes remained. Thanks to Jr’s clearing work, the congested leeward sections were much more manageable.

By 2:30 pm, I reached the Castle/KST junction just as fog and light showers moved in. Rather than push through the blustery winds for another two hours, I headed for the Army Environmental Cabin. It was a pleasant evening—the city lights from Pearl Harbor to the North Shore were visible between passing clouds, along with the Corvus and Scorpius constellations.

Day 2: Memorial Day on the Ridge

I returned to the KST at 8:57 am under beautiful, sunny skies. Much of the trek followed the fence line to avoid the thick uluhe. By 11:11 am, I reached the Cline Memorial at Poamoho, pausing to enjoy the magnificent windward vistas of undeveloped valleys and prominent peaks.

Continuing south, I enjoyed a wide, perfectly preserved windward section that felt like strolling on a sidewalk. After navigating a few significant landslides near Pu'u Pauao, I reached the Schofield-Waikane terminus at 2:30 pm to hydrate and refuel.

The Descent into Waikane Valley

The final leg took me down the Waikane Trail. While some sections are becoming overgrown with ginger, I reached the saddle and followed the Ditch Trail out. I eventually rendezvoused with my friends Fred and Micha at the gate at 5:50 pm. Mahalo nui to them for the ride back to Laie!

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Trail Notes & Gear Recommendations

• Backpacking Gear: Now is a great time for the HTMC to return to the KST for a backpacking trip.
• Safety Alert: Pick and shovel work is needed on the landslide near Pu'u Pauao to make the traverse safer for future hikers.
• Trail Conditions: The KST between Pupukea summit and Laie is currently overgrown.

For more detailed Oahu trail guides, check out Stuart Ball's update of the KST backpack.

== Patrick