Kamiloiki is a fine ridge hike in East Oahu. The trail begins at the Pahua Heiau, just off Makahuena Place in Hawaii Kai, and ascends to the Koolau summit overlooking Waimanalo at an elevation of about 1,400 feet. It follows an open ridge with little shade, although it enters an ironwood forest just before the final climb to the summit. The 5-mile round trip is okay for older children, providing they are under complete control at the summit at all times. At the end of the trail, a cliff appears suddenly, and drops precipitously more than 1,000 feet. This is no place for kids to be running around, and acrophobes will want to hang back in the wooded area behind the dropoff.
Pahua Heiau, with hiker standing at trailhead
There is little parking space on Makahuena or its side streets, usually making it necessary to park somewhere along Lunalilo Home Road and walk to the trailhead. Facing the heiau from the street, the trail begins on its left side, where the hiker is standing in the above photo. Please do not walk in or on the heiau to reach the trail, and respect neighborhood residents by proceeding quietly.
The path starts upward by negotiating along a rock face in the hillside, then makes short switchbacks up to the ridge line.
Hiking along the rock face. The slope in the background is the lower portion of Koko Crater
The trail hugs the rock face before emerging onto the ridge.
Upon reaching the ridge, the trail turns mauka, toward the Koolau summit. There are now fine views back toward Hawaii Kai.
Hikers reach the open ridge, which will go all the way to the Koolau summit
View of Hawaii Kai and upper Kuapo Pond, with Koko Crater and Maunalua Bay in the background
Depending on the time of the year, carrion cactus will be blooming in many places along this part of the ridge. If you are curious about the name, kneel down close to the flower and sniff.
Carrion cactus, also called carrion flower. If you want to know why, get close and take a whiff!
The hike now settles down to a gradual, steady climb to the summit, with many fine views, as the following photos show.
Hikers almost hidden by vegetation (lower right) along the ridge, with Koko Crater in the background
Forging ahead along the ridge
The going gets steeper as the trail nears the Koolau ridge
Approaching the Koolau summit ridge (on the skyline)
Nearing the ironwood forest, just before the final climb to the Koolau summit
The trail cuts a path through the vegetation
Upon entering the ironwood forest, the ridge flattens out temporarily, affording shade, and a brief respite from the climb. But it soon starts up again, and after one final short, steep section, the summit is reached. It is time for lunch at one of the finest viewpoints on the island.
Lunch on the edge - the cliff drops straight down 1,300 feet!
There is also time to relax and enjoy the view before returning to the starting point.
Enjoying a fabulous view of Waimanalo Bay and beach
Two of Olomana's three peaks appear in the center of the photo
NEXT MONTH: WAIMEA VALLEY
