Puu Ohulehule southeast (May 22, 2011)

Definitely one of the more difficult hikes I’ve done on Oahu, Puu Ohulehule SE was one bad-ass hike. With group seven-strong; Marcus Griego, Randy Glidden, Joshua Serrano, Michael Loftin, Rhonda Navarro-Hutchinson, Laredo “The Legend” Muredo and myself; we tackled the ridge, starting from SE end of the ridge in Waikane and ending at the mouth of Kahana Valley via the NW ridge of Puu Ohulehule Trail. The hike took us a little under seven hours to complete an approximate trail distance of ~ 7(+) miles. This hike definitely requires advanced climbing skills, balance, cardio and flexibility. The trail up the SE ridge is not maintained, and is well overgrown from lantana, thistle-berry, octopus trees, christmas-berry and many other invasive plant species. A few ohia and koa trees were around near the summit, as well as some ilima plants at lower elevations. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts and gloves should be worn in addition to your typical hiking gear. Be prepared to get your feet wet if you are going to come down the NW ridge as you will encounter several stream crossings. I would not recommend this hike to the average Hawaii hiker. See trail photos below, or to see these images along with others of my adventures, Click Here.

View coming up the ridge near the start of the trail. Notice Kualoa and Chinaman’s Hat in the background.

The crew walking across the narrow part of the ridge, keeping a low center of gravity.

Laredo spec’n out the ridge, while the rest of the crew boulder up the rock face.

A cautious Michael clings to a small octopus plant while crossing an extremely narrow, eroded part of the trail.

Laredo all smiles when finally out of the bushes.

Northeast view from summit of Puu Ohulehule trail via southeast ridge.

Northwest view coming down from the Puu Ohulehule trail via the northwest ridge.

To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts or “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery. Thanks for visiting!!!