Konahuanui - October 10, 2011

It came to me in a dream the night before. Konahuanui are the twin peaks that dominate Nuuanu valley. I wanted to do this hike in the summer when it was clear as glass. But for some reason, there was another hike that called me. Konahuanui's first peak stands at 3,150 ft and its second peak stands at 3,105 ft. (also known as K1 and K2). The hike to its summits is physically demanding.

I started the day at 6:30 am, headed towards Tantalus and to the Kalawahine parking lot. The plan today was to hike on Kalawahine, then onto Pauoa Flats to the Nuuanu Overlook, then onto Konahuanui. I estimated the entire hike would take around 6 hours.

The hike to the Nuuanu Overlook was quick, 50 minutes. From the overlook you can see the tower where a week ago a man died from jumping off the 100 foot tower and did not resurface. The initial climb up the ridge was brutal. Being in Disneyland for a week got me out of shape. I had to take many beaks on the initial climb. After a while, I hit another steep climb up the ridge. By now, my body was warmed up and my breathing was regulated. I made the trek to the next rolling ridge. By now it was pouring, the peaks were socked in with clouds, and it was getting slippery. I pondered turning around, but decided that the only thing that would turn me around would be thunder. I hiked another half hour, and it started to pour again.

The climb kept on getting steeper and steeper. My climbing skills were amazing. Though slippery, it did not matter. I kept my technique. Nothing could stop me. It's only been 4 months since my struggle ascending Olympus and Kamanaiki. I thought to myself that I'm not the same hiker, I'm way more advanced. I got to the summit of K2 at the 2 hour and 45 minute mark. It was socked in and wet. I took a short break and started the trek towards K1.

The saddle leading towards K1 surprised me. It was extremely narrow, heavily vegetated with unbelievably steep drops on both sides. It also had sucking mud that was shin deep. It took about 45 minutes to get what I think was K1. I looked around, there were two trails leading somewhere. But both trails appeared going downhill. Though socked in, I couldn't see any more peaks in the distance. I figured this was K1, but wasn't sure. This uncertainty really bugged me, especially on the trek back to the Nuuanu Overlook. Going back, I was so hungry. I pulled out a granola bar and scarfed it down. Hill after hill I went, my body was sore. I hung in there and got to the Nuuanu Overlook. I veered onto Kalawahine and to my car.

The after meal hike was at Rainbow Drive Inn. I ate an Ahi Katsu Sandwich. It was average at best. It has been done. Konahuanui. Stuff of legends. I still want to do Konahuanui when its free of clouds. It looks like a hike in Summer 2012. There is also the Piliwale ridge variation which is extremely dangerous. I hope to work my skills up to that hike someday. A few more expert hikes should do it. Fingers Down, Kalena? Those hikes are on the radar.