Moonlit Rock Climbing at Makapuu Crag – August 12, 2011

Always attentive to potential nocturnal outdoor activities around the time of the full moon, this month the Lost Trailblazers chose to hit up Makapuu Crag to climb in the moonlight. Unlike the Mokuleia Crag, Makapuu is much shorter in height and is in a more convenient location (unless living on the north shore). However, there are far fewer routes here, most of which are less difficult than the 26 or so routes found at Mokuleia.

Seven of us; David Chatsuthipan, Reanne Solomon, Jennifer Liu, Patrick Liu, Angi Ou, and Lance Fujioka; met up at the Makapuu Lookout parking lot. Though the lookout parking lot is not supposed to close, we parked on the street as the parking area is known for high break-ins being off the main road and in almost complete darkness.

The hike from the road is about 20 minutes. In addition to our normal daytime climbing gear, we made sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight… despite how bright the moon was, the trail was almost invisible in the dark.

As it is often windy and cold here, it was critical that I wear a full, head-to-toe fleece onesy… I think it may have elevated my night-climbing experience, but hey, to each their own. hehe. However, climbing while under the influence is not encouraged… as it makes the activity less safe and more dangerous for most… but also MUCH more fun for others, lol. Some of us even pre-gamed and arrived intoxicated… *Reanne, cough*

We soon were harnessed up and on the rock faces in the moonlight. Left: Lance climbing and Angi belaying. Right: Jennifer climbing and Pat belaying.

David climbing up the chimney of the crag (left) while Jen warms up on another route (right).

Lance (left) and Angi (right) near the top of the crag, climbing side by side.

David trying to tackle one of the more difficult routes on the crag while Lance belays and others spectate (left). Reanne killing another route near the center of the crag (right).

Lance climbing up the spine on one of the more difficult problems at the crag…mostly because the holds near the bottom of the route were pumping out his forearms and were ridiculously sharp. If you haven’t done this one before, you may want to tape your fingers.

Rock climbing is a really fun and rewarding activity. For those who haven’t climbed at night before, make sure at least climbed in the day first! Also make sure experienced, trustworthy climbers are present. The experienced person(s) should provide secure anchors (often a combination of quick-draw webbing/carabiners attached to epoxied U-bolts in the rock), two harnesses (for climber and belayer), a belay device, a significant length of climbing rope (> 2x length of climb), rock climbing shoes, chalk/bag, and a whole bunch of knowledge about climbing and belaying.

To view more posts on climbing CLICK HERE, or look at the “Climbing Photo Gallery”. To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. To view other climbing adventures, either check out my write-ups for Makapuu Crag during the Day, Mokuleia Crag, or Waimea Bouldering. For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery or check out David’s site UnrealHawaii.com.