Hiking Trails on Oahu

Ahuimanu Waterfalls - August 6, 2016 We did this hike a few months ago yielding poor results, no waterfall just the chute. Today, Erik had a feeling that the chutes would be flowing. We were hiking tomorrow, however Erik wanted to hike today. I got a last minute text and asked Michelle if she wanted to go. After a short discussion it was a go. On the way there, I had a feeling that I forgot my shoes. It was too late to go back as we were near the H3 on ramp. I said, "fuck it, I can do this hike in slippers". We met at Koolau McDonalds at 10:00 and drove to the trailhead. Hiking in slippers wasn't too bad, I had some grip. Michelle can hike with us now because she is eating healthy and exercising regularly.  We got to the wall in less than 40 minutes. To my surprise it was flowing heavy today. We took silk using Erik's ND filter. After a short break and a lot of mosquito repellent, we headed to the 2nd waterfall. Immediately, we could hear the flow, it sounded strong. ...

Ahuimanu + Waterfall Chute - June 12, 2016 I haven't done Ahuimanu in like forever, 5 years or so. David invited OAG's and I took the opportunity to not only go, but have Jared tag along with me.  We met at 8:30am on Hui Kelu Street. Joining the hike today was DJ, Daniel, Alaina, Bernice, Darren, Jana and her two friends. We haven't seen Alaina in forever, she has been taking care of her parents until her dad passed a away a little away go. But her mom still has dementia, so she has been very busy with her parents.  One interesting thing about this hike are the taro complexes. There are signs that give a ton of information, more than the internet.  Ahuimanu was a huge taro complex. It is believe that this thing was operable way before the arrival of Captain Cook. The Hawaiian were able to divert water from the stream and use it for the complex. According to the sign, the complex was a engineering feat and very intricate.  The hike is short and in no time we...

Pu'u Manamana - May 28, 2016 We did a variation of this hike 5 years ago called Kahekili-Manamana, we eventually got to the 1900' Lookout. The hike we did today is in Stuart Ball's book called Pu'u Manamana. For this hike, you don't get to Pu'u Manamana, rather you get to Turnover and have the option to get to True Manamana, but that wouldn't happen today.  It was only Erik and I, we decided to do Pu'u Kaua, but when we got there a security truck was waiting at the entry gate. Discourage and not wanting to take a risk, we left. We had to choose a hike to go on since Plan A was off. Two options we considered was Pu'u Manamana and Kaena Point to Pu'u Pueo.  We chose Pu'u Manamana. We wanted to go up Cemetery Ridge get to Turnover and go down Manamana Ridge. We thought it would take 4 hours but... We parked on Trout Farm Road and had some trouble finding the trailhead. Erik texted Baron for trailhead directions, he said the trail starts behind t...

  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...

  Ulupaina – July 12, 2012 Summer is almost over. I have a trip to Indiana next week, which means my hiking time will be cut short. It’s okay though, I get to go to Indiana. That’s not me being sarcastic either. Since I’ve been exploring the island so much, I’ve become intrigued about visiting other places outside of Oahu. Still wanting to accomplish Stuart Ball’s book, I looked for a hike I haven’t done yet – Ulupaina was one of them. Since I would most likely be hiking by myself, this hike fit the bill. Short and sweet. Danger level low. Perfect for a solo adventure. I did some research the night before, but emailed my hiking friend Daniel who has done the hike before. He gave me directions to the trailhead, which helped a lot. I dropped the kids off at summer fun and drove to the windward side of the island. I parked at McDonalds on E. Hui Iwa Street (like I always do when hiking in this area), walked on Kahekili Hwy., and then jaywalked across the street to the Valley of the Te...