Pu’u Kaua

by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2014

Hiking Pu'u Kaua

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

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

Farm trail

No signs of any plantings or crops. Just grass. A grass farm?

Breaking sunlight

Breaking sunlight

Looking back towards the Koolaus. Click here for the larger image.

Red dirt road

Red dirt road

Follow the red dirt road to the mountain.

Another road

Another road

Heard of crop circles? How about crop rocks?

Which fork to take?

Which fork to take?

We took the left fork.

Guava season

Guava season

Good trail snacks. Full of Vitamin C. The initial trail was also loaded with macadamia nuts and coffee beans.

Trailhead

Trailhead

Entering the Honouliuli Preserve. Brian plans to change his last name.

If a tree falls in a forest...

If a tree falls in a forest…

You might as well walk on it.

The fence

The fence

You can thank the good folks at the Oahu Army Natural Resource Program for installing these fences.

Leaves

Leaves

Dried leaves carpeted the trail going up, making for less than ideal traction.

Dirt

Dirt

No more leaves. For now.

Ferns

Ferns

Just lots of ferns. At least they weren’t uluhe ferns.

Trees

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

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

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

Town view

We could see all the way to Diamond Head.

Leeward view

Leeward view

The summit afforded 360 degree views of the island.

Going back down

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

Farmers market

Walking out the road with a bag of guavas. What are we going to do when they ban plastic bags?

GPS Tracks

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.

Leave a Comment

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Johnny G July 8, 2014 at 12:28 am

Great hike and praise be to guava season!

Reply

kenji SAITO July 8, 2014 at 11:38 am

Howzit John,
Great hike with a fun crew. Yup bags and bags of guava. Where’s my jam? LOL.
Mahalo

Reply

Johnny G July 8, 2014 at 10:41 pm
Gen August 30, 2014 at 12:04 pm

Where did u go after the fence?

Reply

kenji SAITO September 1, 2014 at 4:16 pm

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

Reply

Previous post:

Next post: