The Peaks of Mount Olomana
Nathan Yuen
Went on the neatest hike to Mount Olomana yesterday with the trail-clearing
crew of the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club. A scenic landmark and unique
geological feature on the windward coast, Olomana is a remnant of the
Ko'olau caldera, the principle caldera which formed the greater part of
O'ahu. With the northern half of the Ko'olau shield volcano falling into
the sea in massive landslide several hundreds of thousands of years ago,
Mount Olomana and the spine of the Ko'olau Mountain Range are remnants of
that gigantic cataclysm.
After meeting at the trailhead in Maunawili, the crew spit into two groups,
one to clear the trail that skirts the ridge below Olomana and the other to
clear the trail that leads to the peaks of Olomana. Given all the neat
rock formations and treacherous rock-climbs I had heard about, I had no
choice but to join the group that would scale the peaks of Olomana.
Hacking our way with machetes, we slashed through christmas berry and
strawberry guava to widen the trail. After ascending through a couple of
gradual switchbacks we found ourselves in a grove of ironwood trees
carpeted with a thick bed of soft needles. Ascending ever higher, we were
confronted with the first of what would be many rock climbs up a nearly
vertical rock face. Climbing up and over the rock, we continued through a
steep rocky section of the trail until... <wow!> we reached the first peak
of Olomana! <cheer!> Perched some 1650 feet above sea level, we lingered
to admire a 360 degree view of the windward coastline despite thick clouds
which shrouded the peaks of the Koolaus and prevented the sun from shining
through.
>From this first peak, we gazed towards the second and third peaks of
Olomana which are slightly lower in elevation, but considerably more
difficult to reach than the first. Awed by the steepness of the third
peak, we speculated that the peak was constructed from a series of
interlocking dike formations. Made when magma seeped into cracks within
the mountain and solidified before reaching the surface, dike rocks are
much denser and considerably more impervious to erosion than the
surrounding basaltic rock. Over the passage of time, the surrounding
softer rock eroded away, leaving the underlying dike rocks to form the
impressive sharp peak.
Anyway... after gaining the courage to push onward, we began a short but
steep descent into the grassy saddle between the first and second peaks,
and then climbed up a short but steep distance to the top of the second
peak <cheer!> Resting for a bit to catch our breaths, we peered sheepishly
down the precipice of the second peak. <gulp> TALK ABOUT STEEP! <shudder>
Descending with aid of a long rope which must have been at least a couple
of hundred feet long, we lowered ourselves down the precipitous incline all
the time dreading the inevitable climb back up during the return.
Proceeding inch by inch, step by step, we slowly made our way to the saddle
between the second and third peaks. <phew!> As we reached the bottom we
were treated to the sight of a fantastic dike formation about two feet
thick which jutted at least thirty feet into the air for a distance of
about twenty feet with a large puka (hole) at the top of the formation.
Fortunately for us, the trail took us around rather than up and over that
rock formation. <sigh of relief>
As we began the final steep ascent up the third peak, we were confronted by
a rocky section barely a few of feet wide that plunged precipitously on
either side. <gulp> With adrenaline coursing through our veins, we climbed
on all fours at certain times and pulled ourselves up with ropes at other
times. After climbing at least several hundred feet up the steep
incline... we finally reached the top of the third peak! <cheer!> As we
hacked the encroaching vegetation to enlarge the resting spot at the top,
the clouds began to dissipate permitting us to see the magnificent peaks of
the Ko'olaus--Konahuanui, Olympus, Lanipo, Wililinui, and Puu o Kona and
the fantastic knife-edged ridges and folds in the mountains. We also
admired the many orange and black pulelehua (butterflies) on top Olomana,
many of which were pursuing each other with amorous intentions--in fact we
witnessed seven pulelehua engaged in <ahem...> certain acts with each other
simultaneously. <covers eyes with palm of hand> ;-)
After eating our lunches and resting for a bit we began the arduous travail
back to the first peak the same way we had come. <huff!> <puff!> <huff!>
<puff!> <huff!> <puff!> As we reached the first peak, we were thrilled
that the clouds had almost entirely cleared permitting the rays of the sun
to illuminate the panoramic landscape below! <cheer!> We enjoyed fantastic
views of Kaneohe, Mokapu, Kailua, Waimanalo, and Makapu'u off in the
distance, and the tiny off-shore islands of Moko o Loe in Kaneohe Bay,
Mokulua off Lanikai, Popoia off Kailua, and the rocky islets of Mokumanu
off Mokapu. It was especially spectacular to see how the deep blue waters
of the ocean blended into lighter shades of aquamarine and finally to azure
off the beautiful white sand beaches along the graceful curve of the
Waimanalo coastline.
As we began our trek down Mount Olomana we returned through a different
trail which lead through fairly dense vegetation. During this final
stretch back through the well-cleared trail, I could not help but recall
the legend of Olomana, the giant warrior who terrorized the windward coast
with his great strength and athletic prowess. So troublesome was the
warrior that the chief of O'ahu at the time, 'Ahuapau, made a bargain with
Palila, a warrior from Kaua'i, to kill the giant on his behalf. Also
endowed with supernatural powers, a terrible battle was waged with Palila
finally striking Olomana so hard that the giant was cut in two--one portion
flew towards the sea becoming Mahihui, and the other portion remaining
where Olomana stood, becoming Mount Olomana. And is it for this reason
according to legend that the peaks of Mount Olomana are so sharp. What a
neat story!
Anyway... as we reached the trailhead and returned to our cars, I was just
elated that I had experienced the peaks of Olomana, climbed up and over the
treacherous dike formations, and admired the magnificent views of the
Koolaupoko coastline. What an incredible thrill!
--
o o __ __
\ / ' `
|/ / __ \ Mai hehi ia'u (Don't Tread on Me!)
(` \ ' ' \ '
\ \| | @_/ | Nathan Yuen <ny...@lava.net>
\ \ \ /--/
` ___ ___ ___ __ '
OlomanaNY
Nathan wrote:
>Went on the neatest hike to Mount Olomana yesterday with the trail-clearing
>crew of the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club. A scenic landmark and unique
>geological feature on the windward coast, Olomana is a remnant of the
>Ko'olau caldera, the principle caldera which formed the greater part of
>O'ahu......etc.
Thank you for the wonderful description. This is something I would like to do
someday....although it sounds pretty scary near the top <g>.
Alma
"Though the singer is silent, there still is the truth of the song"
......John Denver 1943-1997
Lara Mui
Aloha, e Nathan:
: Nathan wrote:
: >Went on the neatest hike to Mount Olomana yesterday with the trail-clearing
: >crew of the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club.
Thanks for your wonderful and thorough account of your Olomana
expedition. Have only made it up to the first peak, but felt as if I'd
climbed to the top of the world once I was up there: spectacular view!
Yer a brave man: that trail's certainly not for the acrophobic or
faint of heart. Still recall clinging to the rock face for dear life
going down...
e ma~lama pono,
Lara
* @>->--- * @>->--- * @>->--- * @>->--- * @>->--- * @>->---*
i thank You God for most this amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
e.e. cummings
BETH SAURER
Oh how this talk of Mount Olomana brings back Christmas memories! :
)
In the good 'ole days, when I was growing up in Pohakupu (a
community subdivision around Mount Olomana, near Castle Medical Center,
Kaliua) about four men of the Pohakupu-Kukonono Community Association
would gather every year about a week or so before Christmas. Why would
they gather? To hike up Mount Olomana with lengthy (~12'-15') boards of
lumber, several car batteries, Christmas tree lights, and plenty of
tools (not to mention "standard hiking gear") and BUILD A LIGHTED
CHRISTMAS TREE ON THE VERY TOP of the mountain for all to see! ....and
what a sight it was! : )
I was one of the oldest of "the Association" kids (~6-~12), but I
still remember vividly gathering across the street from our house with
the many Association families. It would be nighttime and we would take
turns looking through binoculars towards the top of the mountain to try
to witness our our fathers, husbands, and friends setting up this "great
miracle" in the dark. The moment we saw the glow of this tree, that old
house would empty and everyone would stand in the front yard in awe of
this yearly tradition being successfully accomplished yet again! One of
our mothers would call several television stations to report this
phenomenon....and not too long afterwards we would see a helicopter
encircling Mount Olomana, footage of which would appear on the local
news.
One year my dad took his "Super 8 movie camera" (silent movies were
a sign-of-the-times) and as the film only lasted about five minutes, he
waited until they reaced the top of the mountain before beginning to
film their endeavor. I remember watching this movie and seeing the four
or so men drenched with sweat and dirt stuggling with all that
equipment! 'Aue! What they would go through to make this Windward
Christmas tradition happen! The movie would make Kaliua, Maunawili, and
Kane'ohe seem so small, it being filmed from so high on top of Mount
Olomana! But these courageous men accomplished this task every year!
Could you imagine lighting the tree after the sun went down....then
finding your way down that long trail IN THE DARK?!!!
I don't remember exactly how many nights (maybe a week or so) that
the Christmas tree would shine. But it was an inspiring part of my
family's, and the whole community's, Christmas!
Happy Holidays to all!
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Beth*
Judy Barrett
BETH SAURER wrote:
> Oh how this talk of Mount Olomana brings back Christmas memories! :
>
Sweet story, Beth.
> I don't remember exactly how many nights (maybe a week or so) that
> the Christmas tree would shine. But it was an inspiring part of my
> family's, and the whole community's, Christmas!
Auwe! Tell me they left 'em on until the battery burned out. I don't even
want to think someone went up every night to turn 'em on and then off again!
Judy
judy & von
BETH SAURER wrote:
>
> Oh how this talk of Mount Olomana brings back Christmas memories! :
> I don't remember exactly how many nights (maybe a week or so) that
> the Christmas tree would shine. But it was an inspiring part of my
> family's, and the whole community's, Christmas!
>
> Happy Holidays to all!
>
> Me ke aloha pumehana,
>
> Beth*
Now that would be an awesome sight today, wouldn't it! It is still my
favorite hike with as good a view as the Haiku Stairs hike.
Von
Von
BETH SAURER
Mahalo nui loa for your kind note, Judy!
About the lights, you are right! These "rugged" men would let the
batteries burn themselves out, during both day and night, before
removing the Christmas tree trophy and her stock(ings) of goodies! From
what I remember, these men were way too sore after this initial hike
than to be hiking up Mount Olomana every-morning-and-evening to turn the
Christmas tree lights on and off! (Giggle!) ....that sure is a
colorful thought, though! : ) (Sigh!) I don't think that my mom would
have survived so many days full of back, leg, and shoulder rubs!
(Giggle!)
Hauoli Makahiki Hou!!!!
Beth*
Meryl Holton
BETH SAURER wrote:
> In the good 'ole days, when I was growing up in Pohakupu (a
> Kaliua) about four men of the Pohakupu-Kukonono Community Association
> would gather every year about a week or so before Christmas. Why would
> they gather? To hike up Mount Olomana with lengthy (~12'-15') boards o
That really is a cool story. The other thing I liked, and it's still
there!, are the norfolk pines along Pali Hwy, just past the Kailua Drive
In site. Remember how it started out with ONE tree, then each year
you'de see a few more? And each year an additional one would be
decorated for Christmas? Really love that.
--
-Meryl :)
To reply, remove "camelot" from email address.
http://members.aol.com/meryl43/duct.htm
Rick Ermshar
Meryl wrote:
>> The other thing I liked, and it's still there!, are the norfolk
pines along Pali Hwy, just past the Kailua Drive In site. Remember how it
started out with ONE tree, then each year you'de see a few more? And each
year an additional one would be decorated for Christmas? Really love that.
<<
There was a story in the local paper recently about how those Norfolk
Pines happen to be there.
Someone had the first one growing at their house, but when it got too big
they transplanted it to that site beside the Pali Highway. (I believe
this was in the early to mid 1970's.) Soon thereafter, some vandals
attacked the tree and cut off almost all its branches, and the community
was *very* upset about that. Fortunately the tree survived, and the
community decorated it for Christmas. Over the years folks planted more
of the pines, and -- presto! -- you have the collection that is there now.