Manini Pali to Kaena Point

by kenji SAITO on August 17, 2019

Hiking Manini Pali to Kaena Point

Gloomy weather conditions scratched another return to the saddle for Christine, Yoly and myself. Luckily Christine knew of a trail that was on my to do list. Yoly dropped out due to gas problems, not talking about the intestinal sort.

Jeep road

Jeep road

We drove to the end of the island as we started our hike in the Mokuleia section of the rugged park that hugs the coastline.

Trailhead

Trailhead

Turning off the main road as we headed towards the dry grass and shrubs that fringed the base of the mountains.

Manini Pali Trail

Manini Pali Trail

Headed up what All Trails calls the “rough cousin of Kealia Trail.” I can partially see the resemblance.

Manini Pali Trail

Manini Pali Trail

Making our way up the switch backs.

Manini Pali Trail

Manini Pali Trail

We lost the trail for a bit and decided to go up the most direct route instead.

Manini Pali Trail

Manini Pali Trail

Back on the trail again.

Manini Pali Trail

Manini Pali Trail

It was hot and humid going up the dry grassy trail. Wishing I was on the saddle instead. Photo by Christine Galiza.

Manini Pali Trail

Manini Pali Trail

The picture spot. Photo by Christine Galiza.

Manini Pali Trail

Manini Pali Trail

A little bit of rock scrambling lay in store for us.

Manini Pali Trail

Manini Pali Trail

Ocean to ocean view, one of the benefits of living on a small island in the Pacific.

Manini Pali Trail

Manini Pali Trail

All the uphill climbing was now behind us, just like the inviting blue ocean. Photo by Christine Galiza.

Cow Trail

Cow Trail

Stepping foot on a trail made by cows?

Cow Trail

Cow Trail

We spotted pink ribbons scattered throughout the dry brush.

Cow Trail

Cow Trail

No signs of any four legged domesticated ungulates.

Golf Ball

Golf Ball

Tracking space junk since Statehood.

Road

Road

The ten minutes that was most filled with anxiety.

Lookout

Lookout

Life imitating art.

Kaena Point Ridge

Kaena Point Ridge

Christine leaving the solar observatory station.

Kaena Point Ridge

Kaena Point Ridge

The start of our rocky climb down. Photo by Christine Galiza.

Kaena Point Ridge

Kaena Point Ridge

Group photo at one of the bunkers that populate the ridge line.

Kaena Point Ridge

Kaena Point Ridge

Making our way to the last bunker before dropping off the ridge.

Kaena Point State Park

Kaena Point State Park

Following the fenced trail on our way out.

Kaena Point State Park

Kaena Point State Park

Christine climbing through the vehicle barrier.

Kaena Point State Park

Kaena Point State Park

Shall we go back up again? Perhaps not. Photo by Christine Galiza.

All pau

All pau

Our cars were still intact and baking in the hot sun upon our return. Thanks to Christine for taking me on a new trail. Post hike meal at Jerry’s Pizza where you go big or go home. We went big as we were hungry.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

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