Hiking Trails on Oahu

Maui Sites - October 11-14 2018 My goal was to come to Maui and complete the Maui Marathon. This was the first time my family came along with me on an outer island marathon. We decided to do some site seeing on Maui. These aren't really difficult hikes, but some fun places to check out. The highlight of the trip was the Waihe'e Coastal Dunes.  Red Sand Beach in Hana - October 11, 2018 Last time I was in Maui, we finished the Hana Relay which finishes near the trailhead at the Red Sand Beach, however nobody really wanted to go, I guess they were tired from all that running. I vowed to go back once I returned, that I did. We landed in Maui at 9:30am and picked up the rental car. It was a long 2 hour drive on the Hana Highway. At mile 34, yes mile 34 is where the Red Sand Beach trailhead is located. I don't know who found this place, but its quite secluded. The wave current is rough but it is cut off by these huge rocks, so swimming isn't too bad. The hike to the beach is ...

  Ka’a’awa 5k - April 12, 2014 I believe Daniel does this fun run to support his friend who works at Ka’a’awa Elementary. I like any event that involves family. It’s a match made in heaven. Add Papa Ole’s to that and you’ve got a winna. Rains came down, but didn’t seem to bother the crowd. The valley is so beautiful, it’s hard to believe that a place like this exist. No wonder why it’s featured in many movies. We walked past the Jurassic Park sign and the big dinosaur foot print again. We appeared to walk further on the dirt road this time. I had a chance to see 2 Apes Taking and True Manamana. Always cool to see that for some reason. banner this year beautiful rainbow in the valley As my kids harassed Daniel, we approached the Aztec Monument. The monument was about 50 yards up a hill. When we got there, the steps were solid. Daniel did his human sacrifice on a small platform. I decided to climb these prop stairs. But when I pulled down on it, it ripped off. I was like shit as my k...

  Nuuanu Reservoir #4 Nuuanu Valley - April 5, 2014 I had a chance to do a family hike today. We joined Janice and her sister’s family to do Lulumahu. They also wanted to do Kaniakapupu, the summer palace of King Kamehameha III. For me, I really wanted to visit Nuuanu Reservoir #4. We had a late start 11:30am, but took our time. The hike to Lulumahu was surprisingly short ~ 45 minutes. We had the falls to ourselves for a bit, which is really rare since this hike is so popular nowadays. After the falls, we hiked straight to Nuuanu Reservoir #4. Not sure how many reservoirs are in this area, but this one is the biggest. I got a cool picture with my 14mm. Our final stop was Kaniakapupu (summer palace). I’ve been here 5x already. For me, it is all about respect when you come here. There should be no trash or even loud talking. It is a place to respect the king and queen. A fun day with the family, and free too! Hiking is a good way to save money. If you can problem solve the PHM and ge...

  Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Sunrise – July 13, 2013 I’ve always wanted to do a sunrise hike again. Last time I caught a sunrise was when I did the Lanikai Pillboxes years ago. Though I’m an early riser, doing a sunrise hike is still a hike that needs some type of commitment. Since I live in Kapolei, it means that I have to drive to the windward side. In addition, I also know that I will be taking a chance on the weather, since Hawaii weather is so unpredictable. With the forecast appearing good, it was off to Kahalu’u to do Pu’u Ma’eli’eli. I would join OAG- Erik and Aprille, along with David and my son Jared. I thought this would be a good hike for Jared because he too is an early riser and needs to break the monotony of summer. All he’s been doing is playing video games, withering his brain away. I got a super early start. I woke up at 1:30am, and just packed my stuff and watched TV. At 3:45am, I picked up Jared from his bed, got him into the car, and drove to the windward side. ...

  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...

Naohia Falls – October 3, 2012 The name of this hike is the “Kalihi Ice Ponds”, but the Hawaiian name is Naohia falls. This falls has been popular with local residents, most likely Kalihi residents. Recent post on the internet has made this secluded spot the new “hidden place to be”. I guess why not? It’s a beautiful swimming hole with cascading waterfalls, and that, is what we imagine Oahu to be right? The big problem is the trash. The trail is littered with trash, which is sad. Many hikers in the community try to pick up as much trash as they can, but since the hike is so popular, trash is inevitable. Getting to the trail is simple as pie. Kalihi Street, park legally (don’t block mailboxes, driveways, etc), past the fence, and take the paved road till the junction. From the junction, go down the hill to the beautiful swimming hole. On this day, I met Daniel, Erik, & Jay at Kam. Shopping Center, which in hindsight was a great meeting place. Erik drove us in his truck and parked be...

Kuaokala – September 22, 2012 I’ve never fully understood the Northern part of the Waianae Summit trail. There are a number of trails that connect which makes it confusing. At the northern end, there is a military tracking station and trails. Access becomes a problem. But don’t get me wrong, I have some experience on these trails. Last year, I’ve done the Kealia trail to the Makua Overlook. Today, I was going to take Michelle and the kids on the Kuaokala trail which accesses the crest of the Waianae summit from the Waianae side. tracking station trailhead Earlier in the week, I applied for the permit for access to the Kaena Point Tracking Station. We had a late start, 12:00 pm. After checking into the tracking station, we drove up the steep road to the top of the Waianae Summit passing a few more manned stations. We parked in a lot and started the trail. The trail stays on top of the crest initially, but contours the left side for a bit, before opening up. The first major benchmark is ...

Ehukai Pillboxes – July 8, 2012 There are so many pillboxes on this island. Anywhere there is a hill near the coast line, there is a pillbox. The military wasn’t taking any chances during the war. They set pillboxes everywhere and anywhere on the island, on all the sides of the island. Today’s hike was up to the Ehukai Pillboxes. This trail was opened about a year ago after the state bought the land. The trail starts at Sunset Elementary and goes up a ridge to a lookout. At the lookout is the pillbox. It is said that there are three pillboxes on the trail, but today we only seen one. We had a super late start 11a because the kids woke up so late. It was hot today. The trail is shaded most of the way, but it was so hot that the sun must have penetrated through the trees. The kids were exhausted making their way up the hill. In addition, there are multiple trails leading in different directions. It led us astray, but my hiking instincts kicked in. On the first wrong turn we were heading ...

  Kaena Point (South Access) – April 1, 2012   Les Merrell Memorial Hike   If you haven’t been to Kaena Point before (before this day I haven’t), you are missing out my friend. The hike is hot, but short – 2.5 miles one way. There are two ways to get to the western most point of the island. The first way is from the Waianae Side. The second way is from the Mokuleia Side. The Mokuleia way is a bit longer (but not by that much).   At Kaena Point, there are marine wildlife like no other on Oahu. I saw monk seals, albatross, and whales, not to mention the fish and other sea life.  The monk seals were cruising on the rocks near the shore. The albatross were flying all over, so close in fact; you have to duck your head to avoid them colliding into you. The whales are just 100-500 yards off shore spouting water into the air. shearwater albatross monk seal With all the wildlife beauty, the hike today was to honor Les Merrell. I don’t know the back story of Les...