Bowman to Stairway to Heaven – August 2012

As another connector trail to the Haiku Stairs (aka “Stairway to Heaven”) via the Koolau Summit Trail (KST), the Bowman Trail was another ridge hike to cross off the bucket list. Although the socked-in Koolaus looked discouraging today, the clouds cleared as we summitted and we (Jason Lee, Tim Busby, Seth Eason, Katie Ersbak, Jenelyn Castillo, Megan McCormick, Justin Ugalino, Gary Kitahara and myself) successfully completed the one-way trek from Alewa Heights (Kalihi) to Kaneohe.

We started up the steep dirt trail behind the basketball courts of Kalihi Elementary School to access the ridgeline. This part of the trail was probably the most boring (and most tiring), as there were no views.

However, further up the trail there were several scenic points where the vegetation opened up and we were able to look into Kalihi Valley.

Though most of trail was wide and well kept, there were also a handful of narrow, eroded sections.

This one was actually slightly undercut and required more caution from the crew.

The upper section of the trail began to steepen significantly and was far more overgrown than the lower portions… and when this happens, it’s best to pout.. right guys? lol.

Continuing further up the ridge, we were treated to views of both Honolulu and glimpses of Kaneohe (Olomana off in the distance).

Near the summit, a prominent “knob-like” feature, which other bloggers have mentioned in their write-ups.

Contouring around the feature provided an opportune moment to get a panorama of the crew and landscape.

Just before reaching the summit, we had to go through a boggy-area, which got several of the crew’s socks wet. haha.

The clouds that were covering up the Koolau summit earlier had dissipated, so we didn’t loiter too long at the summit (Puu Kahuauli). There is a huge difference between hiking under clear conditions versus in socked-in conditions on the KST.

With the clouds just hovering above us, we were still able to see epic views of Kaneohe.

Though there were times where lower elevation clouds would form/roll-in… as you’ll see in several photos later.

Continuing our way towards the Haiku Valley, I was amazed to how open the summit trail was… at least to my standards.

Then again, the summits of Tripler and Moanalua Middle Ridge trails are also nearby, so it would not be unreasonable to assume that these sections of the KST are often frequented… especially when connecting those routes to Haiku.

One of the radar station towers along the Koolau Summit.

Justin, Seth and Katie on two of the steeper sections along the summit trail (left). Jason, Reanne and Jenelyn in the foreground, with an amazing cloud bank rolling over us (right).

Passing Moanalua middle ridge trail’s terminus with the Koolau Summit was a sign that we were almost the Haiku Stairs Summit.

Though the clouds started to roll-in again,

they parted just long enough for a excellent group shot at the top… and of course with boddingtons present. Everyone else tanked theirs before we could take the photo, haha.

While the majority of the crew casually walked down the stairs and took several pictures,

Seth, Justin, Jason and I raced down to hitch a ride back to Kalihi Valley where we parked our cars earlier. We didn’t chance staging them that morning since the weather was questionable.

Lucky, the weather turned out for the better and we were able to complete another great one-way route along the Koolau Summit. Great job guys!!!

Although some hikers may not be used to staging cars to do “one-way” hikes, this route is definitely worth while to do so… at least if the weather forecast is good. If not, wait to do it another day. When clear, the views from this stretch of the Koolaus are gorgeous, and there are no dangerous geographic obstacles along the way. If anyone intends to the route, please be courteous and remove the myriad invasive seeds that will stick to your clothing before entering the upper watershed of Bowman Trail (and any other trail). Unfortunately, each one of us was covered with 100s of them… Although they were a pain to take off at several points along the trail, it’s important not to take them higher into the watershed where native plants are highest in abundance.

More questions??? Just Ask!!!

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