Hiking Trails on Oahu

Hau’ula Loa-Papali Uka – December 29, 2012 This trail is not to be confused with the Hau’ula Loop Trail. This route is for experienced hikers only. There are some dangerous spots, however until this trail gets cleared, bushwhacking is the only way to get pass this ridge. The goal today was for Marvin and I to start on Hau’ula Loop, and then veer off onto the Hau’ula Uka trail to a spot called Three Ribbons Pu’u. From there, the Hau’ula Loa trail begins. We would continue on the Hau’ula Loa ridge trail until Castle. From the Castle trail, we would go left until we hit the Castle-Papali Uka Junction. Then we would go down Papali Uka. I predicted this hike would be 8-10 hours. That would not be the case. This hike would take a total of 17 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Since my car would have been at the trailhead for some time, I messaged fellow hiking friend Daniel if I could leave my car at his house since he lives near the Hau'ula-Papali Loop trailhead. He gave the okay an...

Nanakuli Valley – December 28, 2012 Raquel has a friend who is part owners of the Nanakuli Ranch. Earlier in the week, she contacted her friend to see if we could hike the trails back there. This looked like a good opportunity for us to hike in Nanakuli Valley, a valley which not too many people explore. We met at Kapolei Rec. Center at 8 am, and then drove to the Nanakuli Ranch. There were a total of 19 people on this hike, 7 adults and 12 kids. We met the owner, she was really nice. From the parking area, was an obvious jeep road. Along the road, we saw a goat skull, the kids were scared at first, but once they realize that the skull wouldn’t attack them, they became enamored with the skull. The jeep road split and we took a wrong turn and ended up near someone’s backyard, so we backtracked and took the other fork. kids photo pointing at skull another kids photo The jeep road starts to climb up a ridge. All of a sudden, there was a herd of cows. At least 30 cows on the trail righ...

  Pu’u Ma’eli’eli – December 21, 2012 Today would be fun. Last time I joined the moms and their children of the Kapolei hiking club was when I led them on Lower Lulumahu falls hike back in March. There were 26 people on that hike, 9 adults and 17 children. Let’s say that hike was hard to lead as I was the only one who knew the route, also having 26 people stay together and not go astray wasn’t too easy. This time, we were going to do Pu’u Ma’eli’eli, a route much easier to lead, but more cardio intensive. Like always, the ladies meet at Kapolei Rec. Center at 8am. Raquel, Chavee, & Evy are the mainstays of the group, they usually coordinate the hikes. Today, I was the guest guide. There were 14 of us on this day, 6 adults and 8 children. From the rec. center, we drove off to the Kahalu’u McDonald’s. When you hike with many children, you have to be really patient. Not all children are on the same page. Why? Because hiking is like work! You have to expend a lot of energy going up...

Waikane to Wahiawa – December 17, 2012 It is possible to go from the windward side to the leeward side in one day, not only one day, but shoot, 8 hours. I’m not talking about Mariner’s to Tom Tom or Kamiloiki to Tom Tom, but a real windward to leeward hike. Today was a mini grinder. The goal was to go from Waikane Valley to Ka’aumakua, back track, then take the Ko’olau Summit trail to Schofield-Waikane, ending up in Wahiawa. We projected that this hike would take 8-9 hours and we were right! I met Erik at his house at 8am, from there; we picked up Marvin in Manoa, and then drove to Waikane Valley Road. I parked on Kamehameha Hwy, we got ready, and then we were off. Waikane Valley Road is sketchy to say the least, sketchy as in there maybe wild dogs charging you at any time. start on the road Always watch out for the Delikado We walked on Waikane Valley Road in the rain. The jeep road appeared and the rain came in and out. The walk on the jeep road was uneventful, but the scenery was lu...

Poamoho – December 15, 2012 Not many hikes on this island can compete with Poamoho. The graded trail takes you through the heart of the Ko’olaus. Just imagine a place where no one can bother you because you are at least 10 miles away from civilization. The feeling is stupendous.  There are three climaxes of this hike 1) The Cline Memorial 2) Summit is one of the best on the island 3) Poamoho Cabin is a must see. Earlier in the month, I applied for a permit with the Division Land & Natural Resources (DLNR). They sent me an approval with the combo locks for the gates. We would have to go through three gates to access the trailhead. The day started at Erik’s house. There we met the crew for the day. Joining us were Darren, Katrina, Aprille, & Denise. We got into Erik’s cousin’s truck (which he borrowed) and headed towards Paalaa Uka Pupukea Access Road. It is worth mentioning, to drive on the jeep road to Poamoho, one has to obtain a 4 wheel drive truck because the d...