Maunawili Demonstration Trail from the Pali to Waimanalo
I always put off doing this trail because it is dauntingly long to do it round trip and it is a hassle to have to take two cars and leave one at the finish point. Finally, I had a chance to carpool with others and loved the trail. It is well-groomed and relatively flat. We followed the hike with a great potluck in Waimanalo and a performance by amazing roller pigeons.
Kahana Valley hike with HTMC
It was perfect weather for this 6 mile figure-8 hike in Kahana Valley, just a little overcast and so not too hot. The lower half of the “8″ is the Nakoa Trail. I don’t know what the other half is called, but it joins up at the middle of the loop of the Nakoa trail right by some old bunkers.
It was very muddy and slippery and there were many stream crossings, including one over a dam. There were more mountain apples along the trail than I’ve ever seen before. They were tiny, but perfectly ripe and juicy, and reminded me of the first time I ever tasted mountain apples on the Hanakapiai Falls trail on Kauai.
Our cutest Hike Club member on Koko Head
Having been awakened at the crack of dawn on Saturday by several annoying wrong-number phone calls, we got a very early start up the Koko Head stairs. Not early enough, apparently, as it was already quite crowded. A very nice extended multi-generational family of about 10 was making the climb, all wearing identical bright purple zinc oxide on their lips.
Likeke Trail from Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
This was a pleasant loop hike, leaving from Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe, following the Likeke Trail to the falls just below the Pali Highway and returning along the edge of the golf course to the back gate of the botanical garden. The trail was literally covered with mango, guava, and mountain apple, fermenting and sickly sweet. Flowers were in equal abundance, especially haleconia and shampoo ginger. Mosquitos were fairly plentiful too.
In case you thought the era of the WPA and great public works was over, Hoomaluhia is a fine example of our tax dollars at work. It was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1982 to provide flood protection to Kaneohe. Not only is it gorgeous, but you can camp there for free and there are toilets and showers.
Lanimoo Revisited by the HCHC
Dragged Alex, Jennifer and Amanda up Lanipo on a very hot and sunny day.
Rather voggy…
Pupukea Summit and the Giant Cash Register
The trail to Pupukea Summit is 9 miles round trip from the Boy Scout camp, but it feels like less. The first part follows a wide dirt road. After a few miles the trail takes off to the right. It had been recently groomed, which was great, and there’s very little elevation gain, so before we knew it we were at the summit clearing. A nice hike, but not a great hike. It was good to get up to the North Shore. The curry at Haleiwa Eats was as yummy as I remember it. The curry and blood orange witbier were the highlights of the day. And, oh, the ancient Polynesian cash register, too.
Wherever you go, there you are
Theme song – Hawaii Five Oh
“Where am I?” I thought, as we drove through the quaint cottages of an old Kunia plantation blasting the theme from Hawaii FIve Oh. Earlier that day, Chris, Jennifer and I convened at the old Volcano Joe’s near UH with the intention of heading for Laie Falls. As clouds rolled in, we decided we would be better off heading west, so with Jennifer navigating and only a very vague idea of where we were going, we hit the road.
We eventually found our chosen route blocked by huge dirt piles. Long story short, we stealthily parked the car at the slightly shabby golf course down the street and set off to see what we could find. Just when we had concluded that we were hopelessly lost, we encountered the Honouliuli Preserve. The moss-covered huge rocks and trees felt like Oregon. Some time later, and with some adventures, we reached the crest of a ridge with a spectacular view. I don’t think we were anywhere near where we intended to be and we probably weren’t supposed to be there, so I’ll leave it at that. But it was an excellent hike. We congratulated ourselves on our accomplishment with burritos from Taco del Mar.
What to do on a rainy day on Oahu
We planned to conquer “Hawaii’s Matterhorn,” Olomana, today, but woke to pouring rain. Acknowledging that discretion is the better part of valor, we convened at the Manoa Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf over Stuart Ball’s Hiker’s Guide to Oahu. We dismissed all Windward options because of the weather, considered the North Shore and Waianae, and wound up at good old Koko Head stairs.
Alex and Jennifer admire Conrad’s new camera atop a bunker covered with interesting graffiti.
Heading to Kona Brewing Company. Which, BTW, must have gotten a new chef or something. They have new menu items and the old ones are way better. Try the “Puna Pie,” a pizza with two kinds of mozzarella, gorgonzola and chevre and whole cloves of garlic.
A spooky hike up Wiliwili Nui Ridge
Theme song for hike – “You Better Hope You’re Not Alone”
Wiliwili Nui is a Koolau ridge hike that parallels the other ridge trails, including Waahila Ridge (Mt. Olympus), Lanipo, Hawaii Loa, and Kuliouou. From the top of the trail you could hang a left to Lanipo or a right to Hawaii Loa. Overall, this is the easiest of the ridge hikes, but the last small portion to the summit is eroded and kind of scrambly. There are some old ropes for assistance. It’s a good hike for the novice with a little challenge at the end to make them feel proud of themselves.
Just before the peak is a large antennae installation. Just when you start thinking you are out in nature… The great thing about it (that I discovered over the days after the hike) is that the tallest antenna visually marks where you stood from far away – like from a kayak off Kahala. Everytime I look up now I see that antenna.
We met a solitary old man on the lower dirt road portion with a really big back pack. He said he only went as far as the steps. So why did he need that big bag?? We were glad we weren’t alone… The wind howled in the trees and the bamboo creaked…. And then we rounded a corner and suddenly there was a dark mysterious figure in a billowing black and blue track suit with dark hair covering his/her face, doing something in the trees at the edge of the path. Better hope you’re not alone…
We made it back safely and chowed down at California Pizza Kitchen.
Righteous waterfall hike up Ka’au Crater
Theme for hike – “Right on righteous.”
The drive up Palolo Valley to the Ka’au Crater trailhead feels like a trip off of Oahu. You could easily be on Kauai or Big Island. Probably a good idea to park a block or two below the trailhead. We left my little red car, Bindi, to meditate at the Zen Center while we hiked.
There are two ways to get up to the rim of the crater and two ways to traverse the crater rim to the highest point overlooking the windward side. As with many things in life, each has an easy way and a hard way. We took the more difficult way up to the crater rim, the waterfall climb. (Follow the excellent directions at backyardoahu.com.) The first and second waterfalls are beautiful, as promised, but what they don’t tell you is that the entire rest of the climb is along waterfall! It just keeps going and going! As cool as that is, it isn’t even the best part of the hike – the best part is that for long portions of the climb you can see almost no signs of civilization, no houses, no cars. It was absolutely quiet except for the water and the birds.
At the top of the crater rim, you can follow the ridge to either the right or left. We took the shorter and steeper right path. The trail is mostly very narrow here, but there’s a great place to stop and rest in a shady clearing under a random tuft of ironwood trees. Near the peak, the trail is significantly eroded and a bit treacherous. We returned to the crater rim the same way, but took the easier path down the valley to avoid repeating the waterfall climb in reverse on slippery ropes (of questionable age and strength). To reach the easier path, do not descend at all along the water. As soon as you return to the water, cross straight over and ascend steeply again on the opposite bank. As soon as you start thinking you must have missed the path, you’ll see a trail on your left that descends the valley at a gentle slope.
I have no idea how long this hike is, but we were out there for almost 6 hours… earning our later carbo-loading at Romano’s Macaroni Grill.
It’s an Easter double header – Hawaii Loa and Pu’u Pia
Started the morning with the Hawaii Loa trail. Conditions were perfect – it threatened to rain but held off the whole time, keeping it grey and little cool. The trail was damp, but not slippery. Parts of Hawaii Loa (mainly the last steep quarter of the hike) really need the attached ropes when it is raining or very dry and dusty. We got a little bit of the Windward view from the top before the mist rolled in.
If you are hiking HL, be sure to remember that you need a Hawaii driver’s license to sign in at the guard shack. And they are very particular about not using any of the “community” facilities at the top, like the picnic shelter and the bathroom. I’ve used that bathroom plenty of times, but you have to be kind of low key about it. If I lived there, I would prefer that hikers use the bathroom rather than the alternative, but they don’t seem to think like that.
Hawaii Loa usually takes around 3 hours at a leisurely but continuous pace, but to make it down for yet another hike in the afternoon, I left my friends at the top and made it back in a little less than 2 1/2 hours.
In the afternoon, Conrad, Moksha and I joined Chris and the Hawaii Hikers for a picnic on Pu’u Pia. It was drizzly and at times frankly raining, so I didn’t get any pics, but I hear there will be a video at hawaiihikers.com. We ate (and drank) ridiculously well, including stilton, cheezewiz, pecans, fruit, olives, easter eggs, and a chilled bottle of chardonnay, and sipped mimosas on the way back down.
Hike Club on the West Siiiiiiiiiiiiide
As you drive past Nanakuli toward Waianae, there’s a big rocky hump on the right side of the road, topped with some old concrete bunkers. This is Pu’u o Hulu. When I used to drive past this to work in Waianae, it never occurred to me that I would be on top of it looking down.
To get up to the bunkers, one takes a steep rocky scramble starting on the right side of Kaukama Road. This part isn’t particularly difficult, but there are a few spots where you have to rock climb. The bunkers command an unobstructed view from Barber’s Point to Kaena Point. And they are surprisingly clean and don’t stink. Either someone maintains them or the climb keeps away the casual beer drinker.
You can return the way you came or follow the ridge onward. The ridge trail has a few narrow hairy spots and a little rock climbing. The trail ribbons are ancient (pink faded to white) and far between. At the water tower, stay to the right along the fence and start to switchback downward. You should see some more recent green ribbons placed by the Hawaii Trail and Mountain Club.
At the bottom, follow the fence to the right to get out. You emerge into a strange cookie-cutter new neighborhood called Sea Country. Seems to be largely occupied by military types. From here, head back to Kaukama and your car. Be warned that at least one hiker has had his car spray painted here. And be sure to bring plenty of water – enough to last hours on an exposed ridge in Waianae. Nuff said. Overall, a very cool hike. Supposedly the loop is about 4 miles. Not the most difficult, but certainly challenging enough to be interesting, especially on the ridge.
Finished the day by welcoming a new Hike Club member and roommate, Jennifer, at the always fabulous Green Door. We tried the oyster mushroom sea bass for the first time and it was a revelation. My mouth waters just thinking about it.
Moksha does Koko Head stairs
No major hike for us this weekend, but Moksha earned his stripes on Koko Head stairs. He did about 3/4 of the stairs on his own. And was still running circles around us.
Checked out the new Nordstrom’s wing at Ala Moana later and hit the opening party for the slick new Blue Hawaii Lifestyles store.
Movie Magic on Mo’o Kapu o Haloa Loop
The scenic green ridge above Kualoa Ranch is Mo’o Kapu o Haloa, one of the most sacred sites on Oahu. The Ranch owns this piece of legend, and the absurdly beautiful valley behind it, Ka’a'awa, which has been the scene of Jurrasic Park, Godzilla, Pearl Harbor and Lost.
We hiked an 8-mile loop up to the ridge and back down through the Ka’a'awa valley. Most was on rutted dirt 4WD roads, with interconnecting portions of narrow trail. This was basically an easy hike, although I could see how it could have been more challenging if conditions had been wet.
The view from halfway up the ridge:
Coming back down Ka’a'awa Valley.
I have no idea what movie this was in. There was also a weird pyramid thing.
An old bunker (a real one, not a set) used in Pearl Harbor (the movie).
Cows.
Here we are after pigging out on yummy Vietnamese food at Green Papaya in Kaimuki. Get the Tom Ka soup.
All the way around the rim of Koko Crater!
Koko Crater in Hawaii Kai is a striking landmark, holding the Koko Crater Botanical Garden in its basin. Circling the rim of Koko Crater is like doing two very different hikes. The ocean side ridge of the crater is somewhat challenging in spots but features superlative views along the entire ridge and overall is a great hike. (Some people approach the ridge from Halona Blowhole, but this brings you out a good way along the crater rim toward the top. If you approach from the Botanical Garden in the center of the crater, you can climb the entire ridge from the beginning.)
At the highest edge of the crater rim the trail meets up with the top of the “Koko Head Stairs.” The inland side of the crater rim from the stairs back down to the Botanical Garden isn’t really a trail at all – just a scramble along a narrow and treacherous ridge with a precipitous drop-off on both sides. While it is satisfying to have met the challenge of circling the entire crater and surviving, I can’t really recommend the inland crater rim experience. Not only is it death-defying, but the view is relatively uninteresting. And you are likely to get yelled at by the botanical garden’s guard for your trouble! Do it if you must, but I reserve the right to say, ” I told you so.” I must admit that Hike Club feels a little proud for having done it…
Waimano Pools with HTMC
This is a great hike and a great place to swim under a waterfall. Can’t believe we haven’t done it sooner! The trailhead is in Pearl City, way up at the end of Komomai Road. This is an old residential neighborhood, full of modest 1950′s houses. As I went further and further up the road I started thinking, “Why would anyone live here? It isn’t close to ANYTHING.” Well, it is at least close to one of the prettiest waterfalls on Oahu.
The trail follows an old road for a bit and then takes off down a big hill criss-crossed by tangled tree roots. From there it is pretty much just down, down, down for a few miles. A little mud. Some nice orchids. A really huge mango tree at a recently-used campsite. And the big payoff at the end is a series of three pools with two waterfalls, a larger one at the top and a smaller one below.
The uphill climb on the way back (after a dip in freezing cold water) makes you feel like you really earned your beer.
Hike Club #14: Mount Olympus
“They don’t call it Mt. Olympus for nothing.”
We have officially decided that this is our most difficult hike so far! This record was previously held by Lanipo. The Wa’ahila Ridge Trail (or as Kate seems to prefer to call it, the Wa’ahila Widge Twail) is a mile shorter and has 500 ft less elevation gain than Lanipo, but the narrow trail, muddy footing, and slippery scrambling gave it the first place edge. The rain didn’t help. The upper ridge trail could sure use some ropes. We descended from the summit using the highly technical booty belay.
Fortunately, we were fueled by a delicious breakfast and gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches prepared by Amanda. We also gorged on strawberry guava, which grows so thickly that the trail was carpeted by guava paste is parts. We were frightened by a squealing boar and a smoke monster. And we barely made it back to the car before they closed the park gates for the evening.
The view is truly killer. From the summit you can see Kaneohe, Kailua, Olomana, Ka’au Crater, Koko Head, Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the airport, all by just turning in a circle!
Hike Club #13 Take Two – Koko Head
Not to be denied our hike for this week, we squeezed in a sunset stroll up the Koko Head stairs. With a little faux-yoga (fo-yo?) at the top. Obviously, we’ve been cooped up too long.
Hike Club Lucky #13 Rained Out!
It has been pouring rain here for days. It was looking promising to clear up for an afternoon hike, but not for long. We skipped the hike and went straight to the eating and drinking part at the fabulous Olive Tree in Kahala. And we got a free bottle of wine for being nice humans and moving to another table so a big party could sit together.
Hike Club LIVES – Mwahahahahaha…..
Read the above in a creepy Halloween voice. The point is that Hike Club has been resurrected. I guess we’ll call this Hike Club #12.
Today’s hike was good old Kuliouou Ridge. We had planned to join the Hawaii Trail and Mountain Club to hike Kealia Ridge up on the North Shore, but the hike was cancelled due to a wildfire warning. Apparently, this is the first hike that they’ve had to cancel in something like 10 years. Bummer. But we got an early start on Kuliouou and it was beautiful – just cloudy enough to stay cool, but not so cloudy as to obscure the view. The orchids are still doing well near the end of the trail and the strawberry guava are just blowing up. We were back in time for lunch – massive burritos at BC Burrito in Kaimuki, washed down with Orange Blossom beer – with time left over for the beach.
Hike Club #11: Kamiloiki
Also known as Makahuena, the Kamiloiki Ridge trail starts in Hawaii Kai at the Pahua Heiau. I’ve driven almost right past this heiau before without knowing it was there – it sits on a cul de sac in a residential neighborhood. The trail is about 2.5 miles and ends with a great view over Waimanalo and Kailua. For most of the way, the trail follows the crest of a ridge with a dropoff on each side. Great view but brutal sun. We probably didn’t pick the best day for this trail. We were very grateful for the shade of the ironwoods near the end, despite some scratchy underbrush. I would definitely recommend this hike, but bring an extra bottle of water!
Hike Club #10: Maunawili Falls
Maunawili is a classic and popular Oahu hike and was very crowded indeed on this Sunday. It isn’t long, but was a little more of a workout than I remembered it as being, and was very wet for August (usually the driest part of the year). There are multiple stream crossings and plenty of ankle-deep mud, but the little waterfall at the end is pretty and the trail is lined with abundant sweet-smelling ginger.
Hike Club #9: Puu Pia
It was an easy one for this week – everyone had places to go and things to do.
Puu Pia’s trailhead in up East Manoa Road, well into the valley. This is a short (only about a mile one way) and lush hike with a gentle climb to a view down the valley to the ocean and Waikiki.
Hike Club #6 Kaena Point Recap
We met up around 9am. Drove to the North Shore after stopping for supplies at 7-11. Dropped Lara’s mom in Haleiwa. Hiked the long dusty road to Kaena point in the blistering heat. Saw a monk seal. Tried to fly a kite (too much wind). Hiked back to the car. We had yummy Thai food at Haleiwa Eats. Parted ways. Some of us went to Crouching Lion for drinks after plans to snorkel at Three Tables fell through due to weather. Nice day, nice hike, nice drunk guy with a personal pitcher of beer that wanted to play the winner of our pool game but didn’t get to.
