This peak was no picnic. After two moderate peaks, this one takes it to the next level. After completing the second peak you have to rappel down a rocky path using a rope that someone (I hope they were good at tying things) tied onto a tree. The decent from Peak 2 to Peak 3 is the greatest elevation drop of all the ones you have to take. Then of course you have to climb Peak 3, which is the steepest and most difficult of them all. It’s steep, rugged, and definitely not for the beginner hiker. My only tip is to bring lots of extra water, and make sure you save some energy for the way back.  Also…  it’s one of the most fun hikes I’ve done on Oahu so go train, and go kill it!

The decent begins.

Jack going down.

After a tricky decent, the real challenge begins.

What goes down, must come up.

Sick photo op.

David Chat, deep in thought, and stuff.

A fellow hiker offered to take a shot of the Olomana Crew, we accepted.

Captain Jack.

Chat thinking twice about another risky drop.

Ropes make these drops a little less scary. A little.

A view along the way.

The Beast itself.

That’s all folks!

After some much needed rest, a bag of stinky beef jerky (stinky is a good thing), some trail mix and  ice water, we decided to press on to tackle the second peak. We were beginning to get tired and a little hot, but the thought of turning back after one peak was too unsettling. Especially for our fearless leader David Chat, who had already reached the second peak on a previous ascent and was excited at the thought of a conquest of all three. I was excited at the idea of the conquest of more jerky.

Getting tired… but still climbing.

Lush ya’ll… lush.

Monkey business on the summit of the second peak.

Second peak done. We were only standing upright for the pic.

A view of the “butt-kicker.” Stay tuned for Peak Three…