Oneawa Hills is the name of the roughly 5-mile-long ridge which separates Kailua from Kaneohe just south of the Marine base. The ridge undulates in a series of small hills, the highest of which is 942 feet. From most places on the ridge, there are fine views of Kaneohe Bay to the west, Kawainui Marsh to the east, and the high summit of the Koolau to the south. It is a great hike for a clear day, but there is little shade, some of the hills are steep, and the going is sometimes strenuous. Also, this is not a hike for children or those uneasy with heights. A portion of the 3-mile trail edges along the rim of a steep drop straight down to the Kapaa quarry. It is best to do this hike with a group, or someone who knows the way, since the route can be confusing at the end. Because the hike is relatively short, take the opportunity to visit the Kawa`ewa`e Heiau, a few hundred yards from the trail's end.
As described here, the hike begins at Kokokahi Place and ends at Lipalu Street, requiring a drop-off and pick-up, or positioning of two vehicles. It can also be done as a round-trip hike, and those not wanting to do the entire route may go as far as they like. The trail begins at the small, neighborhood-built and maintained Friendship Garden, on the mauka side of Kokokahi Place in Kaneohe, about opposite house address number 45-219. There is virtually no parking on Kokokahi, so the best option is a drop-off. (Our group was dropped off and picked up later near Lipalu Street).
Entrance to Friendship Garden
The entrance to the garden is a small, stone pathway, easy to miss while driving, but easy to find on foot. The path goes straight uphill, then becomes a trail which switch-backs its way quickly to the ridge line. Here, the first of many fine views unfolds.
Kaneohe Bay looking north
Kaneohe Bay, toward the Marine base
From here, it's a steep scramble to the top of the first hill. The trail then follows the now relatively level ridge for a short distance before beginnig several more downs and ups.
A relatively level section of the route
The downs and ups begin again
As we progress along the ridge, the views get even better.
Kaneohe Bay with Coconut Island
About midway through the hike, we reach the highest hill, elevation 942 feet, another steep, but short climb.
Climbing the highest hill
Once on top, a copse of small trees provide some welcome shade.
Entering stand of small trees
Coming out of the trees, we get our first view of the Kapaa quarry.
Quarry, with H3 Freeway running by, and Olomana peak in the distance
Ropes assist us on the steep drop down toward the quarry.
The trail now follows along the edge of the quarry rim, the only dangerous part of the hike. Attention and sure footing are required here.
Trail following the edge of the quarry
The pool at the bottom of the quarry
Leaving the edge of the quarry requires another climb, this time toward or last hilltop.
Climbing away from the quarry edge
The last hill
Hikers are only specks as they reach the top
The last hilltop affords another shady stand of small trees, and our group stops for lunch. The descent is through a thin forest, sometimes steep, and slippery if wet.
The descent is a lot easier than going up
Just before the end of the hike, a side trail leads a short distance to the heiau
Kaw`ewa`e Heiau from the trail, with Pohai Nani senior residence in the background.
The trail then emerges at the end of Lipalu Street.
NEXT MONTH: KAMILOIKI RIDGE.
