Bear Claw (Right Fork) to Kuliouou East – May 29, 2011

Most of our hiking crew has either been on vacation or working on the weekends lately, so this was the first hike back for two of our members (Jennifer Liu and Jenelyn Castillo). They were hesitant about taking on the right fork of bear claw, as it is some of an intermediate-to-advanced ridge hike. However, with their climbing abilities, I reassured them they’d have no problem. Despite my descriptions of the hike to them, the elements were not on our side… the wind constantly shifted our balance as we climbed up several rock faces, which would have not been much of a problem for any of us on a typical NE trade wind day. Some of my other weather stations on the island in Honolulu and Pahole received wind gust > 30 mph that day, which are not ideal ridge hiking conditions.

Honored to be hiking guests of Marcus Griego and Kristina Ingvarsson (Kit), we staged our cars at the Kuliouou Trailhead and at the top of Ahiki Street in Waimanalo. I will not disclose the details of how to get to the right fork trailhead for respect of land owners in the area. You may be able to find other information on other hiking blogs. If you do attempt this trail, make sure to wear long sleeved shirts and pants as it is not maintained. You should also have experience climbing and excellent balance, in addition to a intermediate/advanced hiker’s typical skill set.

The right and left fork (west and east, respectively) converge at an elevation of > 1500 feet, then summit at < 2200 ft.
One of several steep rock faces you will encounter earlier on the right fork. Please exercise safety while climbing, I’m displaying bad hiking etiquette to emphasize the steepness of the climb.

One of the panoramic views going up the right fork of bear claw. “Jen(s) on the edge” is something Jen Liu and Jen Castillo is something they’d like me to promote on this site… *cough* you’re welcome. lol.

Reanne coming up a narrow section of ridge (Note, photo was from previous month coming up left fork)

Hiking hosts Marcus Griego and Kit, with panoramic view near the summit of Bear Claw

One of the small bouldering rock faces you will encounter on the trail

Another panoramic view from Kaneohe to Makapuu, after the forks converge, featuring “The Jens” *cough*

One of the more dangerous sections of the overgrown ridge where you are hanging over a > 100 ft fall.

Typical victory dance for the Lost Trailblazers at the summit, apex of an adventure. Please exercise caution while consuming alcohol on trails. Alcohol can dehydrate you and affect your balance, as well as exhibit poor decision making.

Boddingtons representing a fashionable “Lost Trailblazers ‘kerchief.”

The short section of the KST we crossed was mostly clouded out, but here is part of the east trail in Kuliouou we came down.

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!!!