Olomana again... july 16th

July 16th, I looked out window and saw it was a cloudy day with good chance of rain so only 2 choices, Koko Crater or Olomana (I hate muddy trails). Since i just did Koko Crater few days ago, Olomana won!
Parked at the bridge, crossed my fingers car wouldnt get broken into and off I went. Met a group of military guys going up so I showed them the "shortcut" to the trail (right past the guards shack). My legs/lungs/body was still tired from my hike up Koko crater 2 days ago so I let the group pass me and i took my time. Great day with lotsa clouds to keep it cool. The hike up the first peak always kicks my butt! But half way up i passed the military group and didnt see them for the rest of the day.

This is where I reach my fav parts of Olomana! Climbing the rocks! Today I did all the rocks w/out using the ropes.. well i usually never use the ropes but hold onto them for a just in case.

Next section of rocks. For a Saturday, there werent that many people on the hike. Guess the cloudy/rainy weather scared them away!!

The last "big" rocks to climb up!! Usually this is the spot a lot of hikers turn around. The climb up here isnt hard at all. Sometimes on busy days, there is a line of hikers waiting to get up this part.

Finally reached the top (almost). There were about 8 people up there sitting down and relaxing.  I talked to a few of them and met 2 guys that were thinking of going on towards the second peak (Paku'i or Ahiki, I always get them mixed up). I told them how easy it was so off they went with me behind them.

View towards the third peak. You can tell how cloudy it was but not cold at all.

Took a bit longer getting to the top of 2nd peak cuz those guys were slow!! j/k. I love when slower groups in front so I can take my time and not rush. Sat down and decided to eat my lunch. It was raining off and on and looking at the third peak, I didnt want to get up there and have it start pouring on me. Ive done peak 3 on rainy days but this day it looked like it might pour!

Nice over cast day too so I finally didnt have to worry about getting sunburnt like always.

Got something to watch eating my lunch, a group of people coming down the third peak.  Some parts of them going down making me want to scream at them lol. I have no clue why people who climb Olomana trust those ropes 100%... I see them only using the ropes and not holding onto the rocks at all. they nuts!! I dont trust poly ropes that have been sitting in the hot sun for god knows how long.

oh yeah, forgot to mention, someone took my rope!! About a week or so ago, I was going down to the third peak and noticed that my rope that I left last time I came here was gone (black nylon rope). I had another in my bag so I replaced it again and tried to tie a super secure knot... Wish i read or carried that rope making e-book i got so I tried my best. Well, I came here today and my new rope.. is gone!! Guess someone liked my shiny new black nylon rope so much they took it home with them!! I have another one in my bag but decided to not replace it.

I always end up taking way to many pictures of the third peak, trying to get the perfect shot!!

Oops again, forgot to put in my picture of my gps at the top of the first peak. I swear the last part going up is about as tuff as Koko Crater lol. Seems about the same steepness. Going down today I had a lot more energy since this is first time I didnt go all the way up to the third peak. But, going down was taking a while, had about  7 people in front of me and they were rookies and were taking long. Finally at one of the rock sections, I got to pass them and then I just ran down the trail swinging from trees!! lol Dumb idea because the ground was slippery from the rain!! Almost fell 2x but with my cat like reflexes, saved myself!!!
overall, a fun day on Olomana!! Kinda felt guilty not doing the third but the rain threat won!!

oo another tidbit. I read online about when that poor guy fell off Olomana and died. At the bottom of the big rocks I saw the spot where other guy who almost fell when he was trying to get his phone. Down below I saw a white para chord next to a tree. I decided that that rope just might give people idea that its another trail so I went down to get it. and darn, that ledge is slippery!! No traction at all!! I grabbed the rope and was going to head up when I saw a walking stick a few feet away... Well, I just had to get get that too lol.. took bit of a stretch but i finally got it w/out falling to my death. Now, time to get back up and duh, i had one hand holding the rope and the other hand holding a walking stick.. How to get up!!?? lol..  well, just tossed the stick up and struggled my way up. That ledge is not a good place to get stuck on!!

so, anyone lose a hiking stick and needs it back, lmk!!!