Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club Outings

The Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club, the largest and best hiking club in Hawaii, will sponsor a hike to the summit of Mount Olympus this coming Sunday, January 13, 2008. Advertised as a six-mile out-and-back trek, the trail to Olympus, also known as Waahila Ridge Trail, starts at Wa'ahila State Park above Manoa and Palolo Valleys. Meeting time on Sunday is 8 a.m. The trail to Olympus follows a ridge to the summit of the Koolau mountain range with a continuous array of ups and downs to challenge hikers who strive to achieve the terminus. This is not a super difficult hike nor is it easy. It is solidly in the intermediate range. There are nice views down into Manoa and Palolo Valleys on the ascent and descent. At the top, summit achievers can see the windward coast of the island of Oahu. If you have questions or want more information, call hike coordinator Darrell Teruya at 808-227-4572.

Also on Sunday January 13, 2008, the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club will be conducting a trail maintenance outing for Tripler Ridge. The meeting time is also at 8 a.m. and the rendezvous point is at Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park, located at the end of the road in Moanalua Valley. This is a long (over ten miles), rugged trail with plenty of work needed on it. The crew of club volunteers, which usually numbers a couple dozen folks, certainly would welcome help especially for the Tripler Ridge Trail. To do trail work, volunteers typically bring along a chopping tool of choice like a machete, loppers, or sickle, so if you plan to help out, bring a tool. If you don't have one, you likely will be able to borrow one from a crew member who show up. Post-work refreshments are provided. If you are interested in helping out, call Mike Algiers at 422-1048.