Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Mt Kaala


Over the weekend our hiking enthusiast friend, Gen lead us on the trail of the tallest peak on Oahu. It was the first time we hiked around the west side of the island and we enjoyed every step of it. The morning was cloudy, the trail was muddy, there was a steady incline, and we used ropes to climb over boulders.  We hiked underneath canopies of tress and then when we got to a clearing near the top we were in the clouds so we could not see the views that surrounded us. Once we made it to the top of the mountain it flattened out and we walked another 15-20 minutes along a boarded pathway through native Hawaiian plants (which are being preserved). Then the moment we came to an overlook the clouds parted, the sun shined and we could see the North Shore, it was an incredible view. After we spent a few minutes looking down on Haleiwa Town we walked over to another lookout and we could see the south side of the island, it was so neat to be able to see both the north and south sides of the island. After some time and taking in the awesome views from the top we made our climb back down the mountain. On the way down the sun was shining and we were in awe of the beauty that surrounded us as we were exploring the tallest peak, Mt Kaala.


Doesn't Zach look like he was made to climb mountains?

Hiking in the clouds

Contemplating how to climb this boulder

We made it to the top! 4,026 feet above sea level


Gen, the mountain goat that she is
The south shores off in the distance

Looking down on the North Shore


It's always an adventure with Gen!

It was such a different feeling being on the mountain with the sun out

We could hear this waterfall on our way up and saw it on our way down

We hiked about 7 miles in 7 hours.