This is a relatively short loop that packs a lot of punch. It begins at the end of Hahaione Street in Hawaii Kai, ascends steeply to the Koolau summit, turns into an exhilarating walk along the summit ridge, then descends through a native forest before returning to the starting point. It is a great hike, but it is not for children, pets, or those who are nervous about heights. The walk along the summit ridge is narrow in spots, and although the trail is relatively safe on the leeward side, for those not sure of their footing the windward side offers a non-stop trip to Waimanalo - 1600 feet straight down.

The hike is about 6 miles long and has strenuous sections, both climbing up from the valley, and on the first part of the descent. The trail starts at the end of Hahaione Street. When parking, please do not block driveways, mail boxes, or garbage cans, and proceed quietly through this residential neighborhood. Look for a narrow footpath through tall grass and brush at the very end of the street. For the first half hour or so, it contours gradually upward, passing over old rock walls that once formed terraced taro patches,

and through mixed forest. Bear left on an overgrown dirt road until just before it breaks out into the open. Look for a path on the right which heads uphill, and enters a grove of ironwood trees.

As it enters the ironwoods, the trail gets steeper.

Looking back, we have a good view of Koko Crater

The steep uphill grind continues,

until we finally get a glimpse of the ridge top through the trees.

Once on the summit ridge, we find things pretty well socked in.

A thick fog hides the view to windward,

but occasionally, the windward coast breaks through.

Some of us are grateful that the mist hides the sharp drop on the right.

But when the mist clears, the sheer cliff on the windward side of the trail is only too visible.

Parts of the trail are covered with dense vegetation,

and we find interesting tree branches.

Hikers on the trail appear as ghostly figures in the mist

Finally, we reach our lunch spot, which is at the intersection of our route and the Kuliouou Trail. We will use this trail for part of our way down.

Lunch spot

The trail now descends to leeward, with Kuliouou Valley in the distance. Stairs dug into the hillside help on the way down.

The trail levels off as it goes through a light native forest.

We take a break at the beginning of the denser lower forest.

The trail cuts right through a thick banyan tree.

Finally we reach a picnic table. Here, we leave the Kuliouou Trail turning left and for a fun [?] slide down a slippery slope of ironwood needles, ending at an overgrown dirt road which leads back to the trail that returns us to our cars. It is difficult to find the way here. There is no trail, just a downhill slope. I have done this three times and each time we came out at a different point on the road. Try to head down at a 45 degree left angle from the picnic tables, but avoid any gulches or thick brush. On reaching the road, be sure to turn left. If this sounds too tricky, do the hike with someone who knows the way or is familiar with the area.

Picnic table on the Kuliouou Trail

NOTE: The Kuliouou Trail will be featured in a future article.

NEXT MONTH: PU'U HAPAPA

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