Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 12:59:24 -1000 From: Dave Webb (dwebb@hekili.k12.hi.us> Subject: Kamaileunu w/HTMC
Did Kamaileunu with the HTMC on Sunday. I had heard the rumors about this hike (and Ohikilolo) being super hot and difficult, so I went to check to check it out. The weather for the hike was good - sunny with a nice breeze that blew for most of the day. A few clouds would have been nice, but the breeze helped to make things bearable. It was still HOT! This hike is truly quite difficult. I ended up hiking with ohe-l member Nathan for the better part of the day, and I think we reached the top of the ridge in about 3hr 20 min. The views were incredible from the lunch spot with not a cloud in sight. We could see down to Kawiwi and a possible way to connect that to Kaala (?) that went past the 3 poles that I heard someone mention once. I don't know if that's possible or not - I would imagine that you would need some rope to climb Kawiwi and it looked awfully steep past the poles approaching Kaala. Anyway, I was plenty worn out just reaching the top of Kamaileunu, so all that other stuff was just a pipedream.
We enjoyed a nice lunch in the shade of some rocks and trees and headed out about 1:00pm. Coming out I could really feel it on my feet, which are still quite sore today! Make sure to wear good boots on this one, and maybe take an extra pair of socks! The dike sections on the lower part of the ridge are really cool (and photogenic) and there is a neat little cave on the right of the first rock dike (on your way up). We also saw the big cave on the right of the beginning ridge section from the road. I wonder what (or who) is up there?
Overall, and outstanding hike. Take plenty of water!! I drank 5 liters and probably should have drank more, since I never went to the bathroom all day! If you want a challenge - mighty Kamaileunu awaits!
Dave
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 22:06:09 -1000 From: Nathan Yuen (nyuen@LAVA.NET> Subject: Kamaile'unu Ridge
(a version of this has been posted to the newsgroup "soc.culture.hawaii")
Went on an incredibly neat hike with the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club yesterday to Kamaile'unu, the ridge in the Waianae Mountains that descends from Mount Ka'ala and separates the valleys of Makaha and Waianae. Descending to sea level at a point close to the leeward coastline, Kamaile'unu is so hot and dry that its loose dark volcanic rocks are almost entirely exposed. Except for a few notable exceptions, the ridge is only sparse planted with low-lying tuffs of dry grass, haole koa, cacti, and other drought-tolerant scrub. As a result, the full brunt of the sun beats down unmercifully for almost the entire length of the trail.
Shortly after we began the steep initial climb, we reached the ruins of Kamaile Heiau which is strategically located on a promontory overlooking Makaha and Waianae. As we approached the heiau, I could not help but recall that a cave, by the name of Kuka'au'au, is reported to exist nearby. Given its close proximity, it is speculated that this cave is inextricably linked to the rites that took place at this heiau. Despite my efforts to find the cave on our way up, I was alas... unable to find the entrance.
As we continued the initial steep climb over the dark barren rocks,
Anyway, after the first difficult initial climb, we found ourselves on a
level section some 1,300 feet high. Reveling in glee from climbing the
initial incline, we picked up the pace and pushed forward until we came to
a series of incredible dike formations which projected themselves high into
the air. Climbing on top some of the more the unusual formations, we
snapped a series of really neat pictures.
After our pause at the dikes, we soon found ourselves confronted by an even
steeper incline than the first. Climbing up the dark rocks
Pushing ourselves forward under the hot sun, the trail contoured-off around
a steep section of the ridge. As we followed the trail, we were pleased to
reach a section with significantly more vegetation. Shaded by ironwood and
christmasberry trees, we noted that the temperature was considerably cooler
under the trees--about 5 degrees cooler.
After resting a bit in the shade and drinking lots of water, we left the
comfort of the shade and found ourselves on the hot barren rocks again.
Continuing down a bit further beyond the summit of Kamaile'unu, we dangled
ourselves over the huge precipitous saddle that separates Kamaile'unu from
Kawiwi. Finding a shady spot behind the rocks, we ate our lunches while
working out a plan of attack to conquer Kawiwi. After resting for a bit we
began the long and arduous trek back down the spine of Kamaile'unu.
Stopping every so often along the descent to take pictures, we could not
wait to reach the bottom to rest our weary feet for good.
When we finally reached the bottom and headed back to our cars I finally
glimpsed off in the distance the entrance to Kuka'au'au Cave! Located
close to Kamaile Heiau, the cave is not difficult to reach. Although I
wanted to explore the cave, my toes were too sore from being shoved against
the insides of my shoes on the return trek. Postphoning my explorations
for another day, I made up my mind to return to explore this mysterious
cave which is reported to be ten feet high and twenty feet wide at the
entrance and forty feet deep.
Anyway... as we returned to our cars, I was just elated that I had
experienced the punishing climb to the top of Kamaile'unu, took some great
pictures of the incredible dike formations, and found the entrance to
Kuka'au'au Cave. What an incredible thrill!
P.S. And... one of the neatest things about yesterday's hike was that I
got to meet ohe-lers Dave Webb and Dick Beaton for the very first time!
Was great to finally to meet these great guys after only reading their
posts on-line. Their snapshots,
along with pics of Wing's catastrophic
shoe failure, are forthcoming. ;-)
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