Hiking in Hawaii--Part III

A few weeks ago we hiked the Kuliouou Ridge Trail. It has been my favorite hike since moving here. The trail wasn't steep like Koko Head, and we didn't have to deal with mud or bugs, but it was still challenging. It seemed much longer than the other trails we've hiked, but the view at the top was breathtaking! I felt so pleased with myself for making the trek up to the top. I could literally say I was on the tip top of one of Oahu's steep mountains.

One cool section of the trail consisted of switchbacks in among a bunch of really interesting pines. Needles littered the path and created a layer of insulation; it almost looked like snow and an incredible silence enveloped us as we hiked through that section of the trail--pretty neat!

Near the top, the scenery began to grow more and more lush. As part of the trail, we came across an interesting staircase that seemed to grow out of the vegetation. The look, the lighting, the growth--everything made it so picturesque. My boys, who always have a somewhat different take on beauty of nature, nicknamed it the secret stair (think Lord of the Rings). Later, after we made it to the top, Tyson found a section he then called, Shelob's Lair, to continue the theme. They are creative afterall, but maybe we do watch too many movies.

Our Secret Stair:

Tyson caught in Shelob's Lair:

Anyway, at the top we had an amazing 360 degree view of the island. Incredible! I even took a picture of Koko Head to show how much higher up we were. That itty bitty mountain that looks so small in the picture nearly killed me a few weeks ago. What perspective!

Koko Head looks awful small now, doesn't it? Not so scary now, are you Koko Head?

As we crested, we saw a sign that said, "End of the Trail." However, we noticed a worn path leading down, off of the flattened top area, and continuing along the tip tops of the mountain. Of course we started to follow it a little further. I was even dumb enough to be in the lead! The wind was blowing like crazy and my adrenaline was pumping as we slowly made our way across tiny paths about 2 feet across with sheer drop-offs on either side. Eventually it even turned into some rock climbing, using ropes that had been left in strategic spots. Finally, I couldn't take it any more (I was pretty scared for my kids' safety) and Tyson and I opted to stay put in "Shelob's Lair" while Zac and Tim bravely continued. Watching Tim and Zac climb up and over another ridge, out of sight, was as close to going crazy with just pure worry that I think a person can get. Thankfully they made it back safely and without incident. They both remarked that this hike felt much more scary than at Angel's Landing (the hike the scouts took on their High Adventure in UT last year). I think that says something! Google images of Angel's Landing if you don't believe me. In the meantime, I'm going to feel really cool that I made it up Kuliouou Ridge.