Oahu Hike Tales

Twenty years ago, on 6/20/1998, Patrick Rorie and I led an outing dubbed a "Super Hike," the first of its kind for the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club. Completing the by-invitation, members-only hike were Hiroshi Sakae, Ken Suzuki, Carole K. Moon, Lita Komura, Mike Algiers, Rob Geer, Wing Ng, Steve Poor, and Carl Crimbring. Dr. Torrey Goodman, a non-member (she plans to join soon) hiking on an unofficial status, was an energetic and welcome addition to our group. Ken, Carole, Lita and Wing wanted to begin a little earlier than the rest so they met me at the Waimano trailhead at 6:30 a.m. and I transported them to the head of the Manana trail where they began hiking at 6:45. It was raining in the mountains when they departed but skies were blue over Pearl City and further makai so we had hopes the weather bureau's prediction of brief morning showers followed by mostly sunny conditions would be correct. After seeing them off, I headed down Palisades and back to the en...

Of the craters on the island of Oahu, the most familiar to residents and visitors are Diamond Head and Koko Head. Fewer know about Ka'au, a small crater tucked against the spine of the Koolaus. Early on this late-October morning, I had the good fortune to join 42 energetic nature trekkers on a Sierra Club-sponsored hike to this beautiful geological landmark in the upper reaches of Palolo Valley. According to Hawaiian legend, Ka'au was formed as a result of an unsuccessful island-unification effort by the demigod Maui. While attempting to consolidate Oahu and Kauai into a single land mass, Maui saw his efforts end when the magic fishing line he had been using suddenly snapped. The huge hook affixed to his line sailed skyward, landing in upper Palolo and forming Ka'au Crater. Geologists tell a different story. In the scientific version of the genesis of Ka'au, the crater was formed from an explosive upswelling of volcanic material from deep within the earth's c...

Well, today was another postcard day on Oahu--clear skies, not a cloud touching the Koolaus, a wisp of a breeze, a pleasant nip in the air. And here I am, semi-laid up with a bothersome pain in my lower back. I give Pat Rorie a call at 7 a.m. to see what he's up to. According to Paka-lolo, he and Laredo "Rainbowman" Murray are bound for Aiea Heights to do the Aiea Ridge to Waimalu middle ridge hike. To say I was green with envy would be understating the truth. But Pat is kindly sympathetic, withholding his trademark laugh when I say I won't be joining them. A few years ago, before the hiking bug bit, I'd think nothing of spending an entire Saturday kicking back watching the tube, nibbling on munchies, and taking long naps. That's out of the question now, especially when confronted with days like today. I attempt to pass time by watching a basketball game on the tube and taking a nap, telling myself the rest will benefit my back. Ten o'clock rolls...