would be "The Angry Locals"-
Dam dude, that sounds like a fun 38 miles. I'm going to save up so I can go do that hike. I like how you keep it pure going from sea to summit to sea.
Joe, nice going. In some ways I wish I had not read this report, because it makes me even sadder than I was before, to think that I had the chance and didn't go with you. Great adventure for you and another awe-inspiring trip for others to emulate.
Thanks for the report, Joe. I'm headed to Maui in January and am seriously considering this ascent. I'd like to save the descent for the next day, though. How would you recommend acquiring the required 3-day permit and whatnot to camp at the top? Seems like I'd have to get the permit the day before, use that first day for a small dayhike on the western side, and then complete the real ascent and descent from the eastern side over the remaining two days. Thanks again for sharing!
finally done it myself too. A variation actually. Swam @ Polo Beach at midnight & ascended the East Ridge in the cool of the night, glimpsed the peaks of Big Island over the sea of clouds at sunrise, jogged along the Skyline to the top, and then descended through the famous redwood forest (no sea coast in that direction and so "only" 7300 ft down, but the misty woods are 100% worth it). 8 hrs up and 4 down, 42 miles per my GPS.
There are probably not many people hiking this trail and it shows when you're there. In certain places the trail is not well marked nor maintained. However I still do recommend this sea to summit hike because however difficult it may be, it's awesome to do things like this and the park is beautiful. National Geographic has a Trails Illustrated topo map of the park that you can buy for $12 at the park headquarters when you register at Kipahulu. We lost the trail shortly after the start, approximately .5 mile from the trailhead. It cost us a lot of time and anguish as we had limited time to get to Paliku campsites before dark. It looks and sounds like others have made our same detour and why wouldn't people when the trial marker posts point you in the wrong direction! Here is how to avoid the detour we made (getting lost) on 2/18/15: When you get to a switchgrass area after approximately 1/4-1/2 mile there will be a marker post on the left side of the trail telling you to go straight up a hill. Don't do that: TAKE A RIGHT INTO THE SWITCHGRASS for a short bit and keep looking to your left and take a left up into a treed area to continue on the trail. I had limited resources so I did what I could to mark the trail. I put two substantial pencil arrows pointing to the right on the marker post. I also put lava rocks and limbs across the wrong paths in two places and I built three cairns to hopefully guide someone the correct way. I did beat down a trail, beat back some of the switchgrass and I broke some branches that were impeding the trail. This won't last long, as everything is growing out of control and there are cattle, pigs, wild dogs, horses and deer making all sorts of other trials. A small amount of routine maintenance would make a huge difference here but yea right, that's gonna happen! Have a nice hike!
Matthew Van Horn - Nov 9, 2009 7:35 pm - Voted 10/10
A good band namewould be "The Angry Locals"-
Dam dude, that sounds like a fun 38 miles. I'm going to save up so I can go do that hike. I like how you keep it pure going from sea to summit to sea.
Joseph Bullough - Nov 10, 2009 3:45 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: A good band nameThanks for the great vote Matt. I'll save my map and notes for you so you'll have something to go by when you get around to this one.
Moogie737 - Nov 12, 2009 5:29 pm - Voted 10/10
Just another day at the office, right?Joe, nice going. In some ways I wish I had not read this report, because it makes me even sadder than I was before, to think that I had the chance and didn't go with you. Great adventure for you and another awe-inspiring trip for others to emulate.
BrysonCJ - Dec 8, 2010 10:46 am - Voted 10/10
CampworthyThanks for the report, Joe. I'm headed to Maui in January and am seriously considering this ascent. I'd like to save the descent for the next day, though. How would you recommend acquiring the required 3-day permit and whatnot to camp at the top? Seems like I'd have to get the permit the day before, use that first day for a small dayhike on the western side, and then complete the real ascent and descent from the eastern side over the remaining two days. Thanks again for sharing!
Dmitry Pruss - May 31, 2011 4:42 pm - Voted 10/10
Thanx for the inspiration Joefinally done it myself too. A variation actually. Swam @ Polo Beach at midnight & ascended the East Ridge in the cool of the night, glimpsed the peaks of Big Island over the sea of clouds at sunrise, jogged along the Skyline to the top, and then descended through the famous redwood forest (no sea coast in that direction and so "only" 7300 ft down, but the misty woods are 100% worth it). 8 hrs up and 4 down, 42 miles per my GPS.
cakewalk - Feb 25, 2015 1:02 am - Hasn't voted
Kaupo Gap TrailThere are probably not many people hiking this trail and it shows when you're there. In certain places the trail is not well marked nor maintained. However I still do recommend this sea to summit hike because however difficult it may be, it's awesome to do things like this and the park is beautiful. National Geographic has a Trails Illustrated topo map of the park that you can buy for $12 at the park headquarters when you register at Kipahulu. We lost the trail shortly after the start, approximately .5 mile from the trailhead. It cost us a lot of time and anguish as we had limited time to get to Paliku campsites before dark. It looks and sounds like others have made our same detour and why wouldn't people when the trial marker posts point you in the wrong direction! Here is how to avoid the detour we made (getting lost) on 2/18/15: When you get to a switchgrass area after approximately 1/4-1/2 mile there will be a marker post on the left side of the trail telling you to go straight up a hill. Don't do that: TAKE A RIGHT INTO THE SWITCHGRASS for a short bit and keep looking to your left and take a left up into a treed area to continue on the trail. I had limited resources so I did what I could to mark the trail. I put two substantial pencil arrows pointing to the right on the marker post. I also put lava rocks and limbs across the wrong paths in two places and I built three cairns to hopefully guide someone the correct way. I did beat down a trail, beat back some of the switchgrass and I broke some branches that were impeding the trail. This won't last long, as everything is growing out of control and there are cattle, pigs, wild dogs, horses and deer making all sorts of other trials. A small amount of routine maintenance would make a huge difference here but yea right, that's gonna happen! Have a nice hike!