Finishing the Last Hawaii Kai Ridge

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Kamiloiki – November 9, 2012

The Kahala-Hawaii Kai area is home to many of Oahu’s best intermediate hikes. Over the last three years, I went time and time again to this area to hike. Today, I would finish every hike I knew of in the Kahala-Hawaii Kai area.

So far I have done the Na Ala Hele maintained hikes in the area which include, Hawaii Loa, Wiliwilinui, & Kuliouou. I have also done Kulepeamoa, Mariner’s Ridge, Wailupe, Kuliouou West, Mauna O Ahi, Hahaione, Kamehame Drive, also Koko head, & Koko Crater. (Only hike's I haven't done yet in the Kahala-Hawaii Kai area are Waialae Nui & Iki, access to these hikes maybe difficult.)

My last hike is Kamiloiki. This hike is to the left of Kamehame Ridge and its Windward counterpart is Kaupo 2/Tom Tom.

Initially, I wanted to do Kamehame to Tom Tom because I haven’t done that section yet. But with Michelle joining me today, that hike would have been too difficult. Kamiloiki is a short 5 mile round trip hike on a mostly exposed ridge, eventually topping out at a spot overlooking Waimanalo.

We parked at the end of the road, but seen residents eyeing us out, wasn’t malicious, but I’ve learned to be respectful of neighborhoods that harbor entry points for trails. I drove back towards the beginning of the road where we wouldn’t draw attention. There is a Heiau at roads end which appears to be maintained by a maintenance group.

Pahua

As we went up the exposed ridge, Michelle wasn’t mentally ready for it on this day. She did not like what she was seeing. Add to that, it was pouring rain and windy. I guess it was not a good situation. Being the hiker that I am, I just charged the mountain. We continued on, negotiating some rock areas, soon contouring a rocky part of the ridge. We started gradually going up hill, reaching a heavily vegetated California grass section with a camping spot. From there is was still more uphill, going up a switchback, and continuing through the ironwood forest. In about 1 hour & 45 minutes, we topped out. Michelle was exhausted and took a break, while I went right to a lookout point and  checked out Kamehame ridge. There appeared a rocky wall to be climbed, which I didn’t want Michelle to go up. We pondered going left to Tom Tom, but decided to go back the way we came. I would be satisfied either way.


campsite

view of Waimanalo and Bellows

Going back was quick, but tiring because the wind died down and the sun was in full effect. After we were done, we went to The Counter to eat burgers. That was good!!!

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