View of Kaneohe Bay from atop bunker on Pu'u Ma'eli'eli
One of the finest views of Kaneohe Bay is from an abandoned World War II bunker on the peak of Pu'u Ma'eli'eli, near Heeia State Park on the windward side of Oahu. Built to afford a commanding field of fire over the bay and its approaches, the roof of the bunker provides an equally commanding view of the bay, its coral reefs and islands, and the surrounding area.
Telephoto view of bay from Pu'u Ma'eli'eli showing coral reefs, sandbars, and Chinaman's Hat Island
The 3-mile round trip to the bunker is not dangerous or precipitous, but there are some short, steep parts of the trail, which gains about 700 feet en route. Because it is seldom hiked, the route grows over and is difficult to follow, which can result in getting lost, and trespassing upon private property. For this reason, it is best to do this outing with a group familiar with the route. Hiking clubs usually clear the trail in advance.
The unmarked trailhead is located across the highway from Heeia State Park, just north of Kaneohe, on Kamehameha Highway. Groups usually park vehicles at the state parking lot, and enjoy a view of the Heeia Fish Pond before starting out.
Heeia Fish Pond
Crossing the highway, it is necessary to scramble up an unmarked part of the embankment in order to begin.
The trail quickly gains altitude, and Heeia Boat Harbor comes into view below.
Temporarily flattening out, the route enters a field of high grass, well over a hiker's head.
It would be impossible to make way through this grass without advance clearing.
Leaving the grass, the trail enters a mixed forest,
which offers welcome shade,
but also tangled tree branches to maneuver through.
Occasionally, a stunning view of the mountains can be seen through the trees.
Upon reaching the ridge line, and looking mauka, the Valley of the Temples subdivision and cemetery appear below.
Finally, the forest clears and the trail reaches the roof of the bunker, where all of Kaneohe Bay unfolds.
To the north, the bay is framed by Kualoa and Chinaman's Hat.
To the northeast is the bay's main coral reef, with Kapapa Island on its outer edge.
And to the southeast, lie Heeia Boat Harbor, Coconut Island, and the beginning of Mokapu Peninsula.
There is also a full view of the fish pond.
As we settled down to lunch, several folks came to examine the ladder leading down into the bunker.
No one volunteered to go down.
PLEASE NOTE: I will be away from Hawaii from September 10 until November 3, and will be unable to answer feedback or email until my return. However, new hiking columns will appear on October 1st and November 1st as scheduled.
| The best way to hike the trails on Oahu is with the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club and the Sierra Club. Both have permission to hike many routes not open to the general public. Neither one requires membership to join most hikes, although non-members pay a small fee, and they restrict certain hikes to members only. For info on membership and hiking schedules, see the following web sites. HTMC & Sierra Club. |
