Waialeale via West Ridge

Approach

Follow the Mohihi-Waialae Trail southeast Koaie Stream until it bends toward the west.

Route Description

Route goes southeast across several bogs, turns southwest across Halehaha Stream to a third prominent bog. East from there, passing a hundred yards or so north of the Waialeale Trail Raingage, then goes east bending back to the southwest until reaching the abandoned Waialeale Trail. From there, approximate the Waialeale Trail to the Waialeale Raingage and Waialeale Lake beyond. Very few landmarks on trail or visible in distance -- even during clear conditions. See topo.

Essential Gear

Rain gear. Love wet conditions. One pole with basket (not two). Very compact pack. GPS's. Food for five days. Excellent route finding abilities. Familiarity with camping and hiking off route in the Alakai in dry and rain conditions -- don't make this a one-shot hike. I made four preliminary hikes and camped five days off trail in prep.
Be prepared to get lost. No machete. Good upper body strength. No beer gut.
Footgear? Unless you wear hip waders, your shoes, boots will fill with mud and water. Less footgear the better. We used Salomon drainable lowtops. Compasses. Wear rainpants even if it doesn't rain. Gloves. Rain hat. Camp shoes to allow feet to dry. If conditions are dry, know where to find water. The area can dry out. Be prepared to abandon streambeds during rain. Have topography committed to memory.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

Images

View Waialeale via West Ridge Image Gallery - 2 Images