“Reverse” Olomana (Anamolo) – June 16, 2012

Olomana is a popular advanced hike in Maunawili, Oahu… Some people hike to the first peak, while others get more adventurous and travel to the summit of the third peak (called Ahiki). However, not many people do it’s reverse (coined “Anamolo“), which can be accomplished in a few different ways.

Keep in mind, Reverse Olomana is more difficult and dangerous than the conventional forward version of the 3 peaks of Olomana.

For this particular route, we (Jason, Eri, Jeremy, Troy, Reanne and I) started our hike at the Maunawili Demonstration/Ditch Trailhead and hiked along the ditch trail for a short time…

and then junctioned with a faint trail on a perpendicular ridge to Aolani nui…

or the ridge that leads to the base of the back side of the Ahiki.

The trail opened up to several scenic points, of which the 3 peaks of Olomana and Waimanalo/Kahawai Watersheds can be seen.

After descending from the scenic point, we passed through an grove of (what I thought were) Rose Apple trees. Note the pink ribbon tied to one of them.

Climbing slightly in elevation shortly after,

We reached the base of the Ahiki backside. I told troy to go up first for a great photo-op, since he had a brightly colored shirt.

I have never been on the backside before, and it was all that I imagined…

A bunch of steep climbs and scrambles on chossy or less-than-stable rock.

There are several ropes present on several of the steeper, more dangerous rock faces…

But several of them, along with their anchors were quite weathered from being in the sun 24/7. I would advise extreme caution for hikers who decide to use them.

Once at the summit, the rest of the landscape towards the first peak looked familiar…

and after signing the “guest log-book” at the summit, we descended the 3rd peak towards the 2nd.

Although steep and somewhat narrow, the trail on the front side (conventional side) of the 3rd peak is much more established and safer when compared to what we had just ascended on the back side.

We approached the Olomana puka, which is near the trough or saddle between the 2nd and 3rd peaks.

Most people contour around it, but being one of those groups that sometimes take “unnecessary risks,” we were tempted to climb through it.

Another crux for hikers can be the ascent/descent of “the backside of Peak #2.” The loose footing and steep grade can make it difficult for new hikers who haven’t done Olomana before. We had to lecture several “newbs” for ignorantly dislodging rocks on each other and for over-stacking while descending the roped section. We were well off to the side so that we wouldn’t be affected by the tumbling rocks. Also note Eri’s muscular calves (right). O.o lol.

*cough* anyhoo… the view of the 3rd peak from the top of the 2nd was outstanding, and the narrowness of it could be easily appreciated from a distance.

While the short descent from the 2nd was also somewhat loose/steep, the ascent to the 1st peak was much safer… but still a lung buster if the pace is pushed… Dammit Reanne/Troy… always making it difficult for me to take pictures, haha.

As all of us had been to the 1st peak before, we were well aware that it offered the best panoramic views of the three. Thus, we had to enjoy a Boddingtons victory dance here. Please use exercise caution if consuming alcohol while doing physical activities. Alcohol may dehydrate you and affect your balance, as well as exhibit poor decision making. We are all aware of our abilities while doing so.

Shortly after, we started our descent.

Though we stopped for a few pictures on the more interesting sections, some jack-ass (Jason Lee) decided to motivate everyone to trail-run DOWN… which I don’t enjoy on a typical day, nor with boots and a moderate sized pack, and especially because it makes it extremely difficult to take pictures with all the quick-downhill scrambling.

Ahh, that section is boring anyway… We ended up slowing down by the red dirt hill and characteristic ironwood trees, near the bottom of the trail… and is where photography re-commenced.

So we ended up completing the reverse route in a respectable 4.5 hours and were welcomed by a trailhead sign that mentioned “No Zombies Allowed.” Likely a humorous reference to all the zombie attacks in news media recently.

Reverse Olomana (Anamolo) is definitely not a trail for everyone. Knowledgeable hikers who have done the conventional version of the 3 peaks, and in search of a short, advanced hike should look into putting this one on their bucket lists. And if attempting, please do your research and plan accordingly.

For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery. Thanks for visiting and come back again soon!

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