There are only two other hikes on O`ahu where you will have more elevation gain. Climbing to Mt. Ka`ala from the forestry gate in Wai`anae Valley takes you from approx 600' above sea level to 4025'. And number one is the Dupont Trail which starts about 200' above sea level and also goes to the top of Mt. Ka`ala at 4025.
The last time I did this hike was about 42 years ago. It was hot and very hard as I was a bit out of shape and a smoker. What made me try again after so many years is the fact that I'm in much better shape since I retired 2 1/2 years ago. I now hike twice a week and I haven't had a cigarette in about 38 years. This year the HTMC planned this hike a few days after the full moon. This got me thinking about an early start. I woke up at 4 a.m. ate breakfast, played w/the dog for 10 minutes, made my lunch and got dressed. I was at the trail head at 6 a.m. The moon was bright about 3/4 full and my trusty flashlight had 2 new batteries.
I began to climb and enjoyed the cool morning air. When the sun finally rose over the Wai`anae Mountains it ran into some clouds which produced the following picture.
It was to dark to take pictures for quite some time. The first I took was at the 1100 level. There I hid a Geocache. For more information on what a Geocache is go to: www.geocaching.com The next picture is looking into Makaha Valley and the hiding spot for the Geocache is in the picture.
