2023 KST Campout
On Labor Day weekend, HTMC had our annual KST campout. Hoping to start from Pūpūkea this year, Stewart and Patrick scouted the route but, unfortunately, said that it was a bit too overgrown for our group. So after meeting up to carpool on Saturday, we drove to Lāʻie and started up the trail. Here are most of us at the beginning (from left to right): Pat, Angela, Winona, David, Vi, Des, and Mike. Patrick and Leo would start up the trail a bit later.
The strawberry guava was in full bloom and made for a nice snack on the way. The weather alternated between sunny and overcast but never got too hot- aside from the warmth that accumulated in our bodies as we panted from carrying big packs up an incline. Having been cleared recently, the path was pretty easy going, though. The landslide area was thinner than the trail clearers left it, but it was still passable for most (I chose to go around because I am a scaredy cat). Beyond the crossover, it got more muddy and overgrown, but all were rewarded at the summit. There were nice views of the surrounding mountains, passing clouds, a patch of lobelias, and some lunch.
Counter-clockwise: Invasive but delicious strawberry guava, Vi glad to see the summit (Photo by Angela Nam), Our leader Patrick enjoying the view and the breeze, Angela and Pat looking at a patch of natives.
We then ventured to the Kawailoa summit area where the ground is a bit marsh-like (but what isn’t full of water and mud on the KST) and you feel like you are in a little bowl. The weather was much more hospitable than last year when a constant misty rain and cold winds made some of us rethink the entire trip. Then we met with the fence and used it many times to get or keep us up on the trail. As we kept walking, we were in awe of the amazing views out to the ocean, the native palms and other plants, and the grit of one another. Some in the group endured bad cramps, injured feet, and other ailments and annoyances to make it to our camp for the night. We got into dry clothes, compared stoves as we prepared dinner, and either chose to talk story or play an entertaining game of cards against humanity until it was time to go to sleep.
Just some of the plants you can see along the trail. ʻOhe mauka, kanawao, ʻohe naupaka, and lehua ahiahi.
On Sunday, we took on the roughly 6 mile voyage to say goodbye to the loulu of Lāʻie and hello to the rolling hills of Poamoho. We ate breakfasts like oatmeal and pho and took turns complaining about having to exchange our comfy clothes for wet socks, muddy pants, and questionably smelling shirts. The positive thing was that our packs were a little lighter now, and our bellies were a little bit fuller. So we had some energy to start the trek.
The first bit took us through a stunning misty meadow and some ups and downs between branches of moss-covered ʻōhiʻa. On our way, we got caught up on uluhe and harassed by thimbleberry. One had to be careful not to destroy the fruit loop scented naupaka kuahiwi plants as you passed by them on the sometimes thin path. The first group only lost the trail or almost got derailed a few times, and there were only a handful (or thirty) times when we wondered why we were not at the lunch spot yet. When we did reach the lunch spot, though, we were met with the Papali junction sign and a wealth of natives in one spot. While eating, you could see lehua, hame, manono, kōpiko, and so much more. And while some of us lamented about the absence of birds on this year’s trip, an ʻapapane flew overhead.
Then it was time to take on the second part of the day, one that would be filled with more ups and downs, some twists and turns, and even thinner trail. First we found our way to back to the fence line and, at times, held onto it for dear life as we traversed ridges and descended hills. Due to a slight snafu last year that cost one group a couple extra miles and some of their sanity, Gaia was checked far too much before we reached the infamous boot- a sign to turn left (yes, left) to continue going South.
From there, we continued on our merry but careful way along the hills and on the side of a steep mountain (this time with no fence) until we reached the summit of Poamoho. It was a truly gorgeous day, and you could see Kualoa, Kahana, and other areas well despite the clouds.
David and Mike on the summit
We made our way to our cramped camp area for the night and got to meet some fellow hikers who were very hospitable…and pretty hardcore. We spent another quiet and cool night under the moon and stars with only a few passing showers.
We awoke to a dazzling sunrise just slightly shrouded in the morning mist. After enjoying it and doing our morning checklist items, we said goodbye to our camp friends (along with one of our group members who decided to go down Poamoho). At this point, our clothing was less questionable and more irrefutably rank, so it was good that it was our last day. But what a last day it was!
I will say here that, like I have found to be true for others, this part of the KST is my favorite. The stretch from Poamoho to Schofield-Waikāne is really something to behold, especially at the beginning. At one point, you just turn a corner and bam! You see the expanse of much of Koʻolauloa and Koʻolaupoko, along with part of the KST as it winds through the mountains ahead of you. Then you go through a notch, walk through a little meadow, turn another corner, and there it is again. There is beauty all around the globe, but I don’t know how you can be standing on this section of the trail on a clear day and not know that Hawaiʻi is the best place in the world. Ok, so maybe it gets less beautiful the more precarious the trail gets after the Pauao summit and the more the sun starts beating down on you, but still…that view stays with you.
Vi and Des on one section of the KST (Photo by Angela Nam)
Speaking of the sun, though, it was an issue. We were pounding water and begging for breezes most of the way. After a quick lunch on the Schofield summit, the group headed down the trail. The first half is very exposed, but some soldiered on and made it down to the shadier, recently cleared section quickly. Others took their time. I personally had a little menty b in the shade of an uluhe patch. Schofield is a gorgeous trail, especially since it has so many different lehua, but that is hard to think about when you are just wondering when it is going to end. Indeed, it did, and once on the road, everyone picked up their paces a bit to get down to the neighborhood.
Most of the group at lunch on the Schofield summit (Photo by Vianney Kang) and almost at the end of the road! (Photo by Pat Rooney)
Once there, we were met by our various rides and their very appreciated gifts of food, beverages, and encouragement. We also got to do what is the best part of any end of hike celebration- take off our shoes! People who had parked on the North Shore were driven back to their cars by the incomparable Jr Lau (who came on the trip last year). Then we went our separate ways. I am sure that showers, sustenance, and sleep were top priorities for everyone as we all took home dirty clothes, healthy appetites, and tired legs. But we also took home memories of new people, fantastic places, and a journey well worth taking.