Manoa Valley and Honolulu from Wa`ahila Ridge
Periodically, in the three years that I have been writing this column, folks email me to ask if I know of an easy hike, near town, that still affords a forest experience and scenic views. This usually occurs after I have featured something strenuous, like climbing Mount Ka`ala (October 2005), or scary, like climbing Olomana (February 2004).
A hike that is easy on the legs and the lungs, which also meets the above criteria, begins at Wa`ahila Ridge State Recreation Area, at the end of St Louis Drive. The trip described here follows the Wa`ahila Ridge Trail for about 2.4 miles, to a grassy lookout area, and then returns via the same route. (The trail actually continues to Mount Olympus, on the Koolau summit, but that is the subject of another column).
The main reason this hike is an easy one is that your car will do almost 1,000 feet of climbing for you. Just before the end of St Louis Drive, turn right on Peter Street, then left on Ruth Place, enter the recreation area and drive to the parking lot at the end of the road. Proceed along the paved walkway, which soon turns to a wide dirt pathway. The path proceeds upward through a stand of large Cook pine, then drops steeply downhill through ironwoods, before finally reaching the open part of the ridge line.
Descending through the ironwoods
Trail follows open ridge, with upper Manoa Valley on the left.
Good views back toward town appear quickly
Some parts of the trail are open and narrow
Some parts are wide and grassy
Other parts are rocky and shaded
One of the neat things about this hike is that the trail keeps winding in and out of the forest, creating a nice balance of sun and shade.
Young koa trees at the forest entrance
Another feature is the constantly changing view.
Manoa Valley and Honolulu
Diamond Head comes into view
In two hours or so (less for good hikers), you will reach a flat, grassy area, affording fine views in all directions. It is the turnaround point, and a good place for lunch.
Lunch spot - looking toward town
Lunch spot - looking toward Mount Olympus
The trail back leads across the ridge in the upper right
NEXT MONTH: KAHANA VALLEY DOUBLE LOOP
