Our hike today was to reach the third highest peak on Oahu. The other two highest being Ka’ala and Kalena. All of them being in the Waianae Mountains.
Look both ways
We parked on the side of Kunia Road, past Hawaii Country Club. Others have tried parking in the farm to shorten the distance but had the unfortunate experience of finding their cars locked in.
Farm trail
No signs of any plantings or crops. Just grass. A grass farm?
Breaking sunlight
Looking back towards the Koolaus. Click here for the larger image.
Red dirt road
Follow the red dirt road to the mountain.
Another road
Heard of crop circles? How about crop rocks?
Which fork to take?
We took the left fork.
Guava season
Good trail snacks. Full of Vitamin C. The initial trail was also loaded with macadamia nuts and coffee beans.
Trailhead
Entering the Honouliuli Preserve. Brian plans to change his last name.
If a tree falls in a forest…
You might as well walk on it.
The fence
You can thank the good folks at the Oahu Army Natural Resource Program for installing these fences.
Leaves
Dried leaves carpeted the trail going up, making for less than ideal traction.
Dirt
No more leaves. For now.
Ferns
Just lots of ferns. At least they weren’t uluhe ferns.
Trees
Brian sitting in a tree. All he needed was a girl. The final push up to the summit was somewhat steep. All summit views make you work for it. Some harder than others.
Summit view
The view from 3,127′ did not disappoint. Click here for the larger image.
The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades
Looking out towards Lualualei Valley. Group photo left to right: Marvin, John, myself, Jose and Brian.
Town view
We could see all the way to Diamond Head.
Leeward view
The summit afforded 360 degree views of the island.
Going back down
After enjoying the stunning views, we headed back down the mountain. Sliding on the leaves and using the trees as brakes made our descent lickety split.
Farmers market
Walking out the road with a bag of guavas. What are we going to do when they ban plastic bags?
GPS Tracks
The hike up and down Pu’u Kaua was 6.22 miles. Post hike meal at Tacos & More in Waianae. Happy Hour is only for pretty girls and not dirty hikers. No sign of Makaha Gene.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great hike and praise be to guava season!
Howzit John,
Great hike with a fun crew. Yup bags and bags of guava. Where’s my jam? LOL.
Mahalo
Fun indeed! Jam? Well…ok.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFRbZJXjWIA
Where did u go after the fence?
Hi Gen
It’s hard to explain as there are a series of dirt roads that criss cross the area. The base of the mountain is your goal, as that is where the trailhead starts.
Hope that helps
Mahalo