Pu'u Ma'eli'eli Hike

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 Pu’u Ma’eli’eli – November 25, 2011

The next step for the kids to progress in their hiking was a hike in Kahalu’u called Pu’u Ma’eli’eli. This trail is semi-steep, but is pretty safe. According to the sign on the trail – Pu’u Ma’eli’eli is translated into Digging Hill. Why? The legend tells of two gods, Kane and Kanaloa and their race to the top of the steep pu’u. Since the climb was so steep, the gods needed to use their fingers to dig into the mountain to get enough grip to climb it. Not sure who won, but both gods were featured in the Waiakeakua stories.


Pu’u Ma’eli’eli also features many World War II bunkers called pillboxes. I must say that these pill boxes are the nicest I’ve seen so far.

inside pillbox

We started the day off driving to Kahalu’u. For years when I took Kahekili off the H3, I would immediately get lost. Now, since I’ve been to Kahalu’u many times doing Hamama falls twice and Ahiumanu, getting off H3 onto Kahekili Hwy. ain’t no thing.

We parked near McDonald’s in Kahalu’u and walked on Kahekili Hwy. Across the street is Valley of the Temples. I got a little nervous because there were so many cars speeding on the highway, so we climbed over the guardrail for more protection. After we passed the last townhouse, there was a private property sign and a ribbon. Like a lot of these non-state trails, it is initially overgrown, but after a while the trail opens up.

We walked up and down a series of short hills. The hike meanders up semi-steep sections with moderate elevation gain. After about 1 hour of hiking, we reached the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli sign. I had Malia and Jared use my machete to whack all the California grass covering the sign.

Jared using machete

We continued towards the summit and the double pill boxes. No doubt, the view was world class. Very panoramic. To the west is Manamana and Ohulehule, to the northwest is the Marine Corps Base, and to the east is the massive peak of Keahi a Kahoe.

View on top Pillbox

We spent a while on the pillbox. I decided to go into the first one and I do say that it is nice. It is free of dirt, not too much trash, and spacious. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t sleep in there, but I wouldn’t mind chilling in there for a little while.

going back on Kahekili hwy

Going back was steep. There were many side trails, but we stayed on the main trail. The hike back was quick, less than 1 hour. Since we were by McDonalds that is where we went to eat. Another great day in paradise.

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