Pu’u Ma’eli’eli (Digging Hill)

My wife and I tackled the mother of all extreme hikes today – Pu’u Ma’eli’eli or Digging Hill located by Temple Valley in Kaneohe.

Trailhead

We parked in the Temple Valley neighborhood and walked back up Kahekili Highway to find the trailhead that starts in the back of Hokuloa townhomes. You can’t miss it, just follow the guardrail until it ends and the trail starts to the left of the private property fence.

Bamboo orchid trail

The lower part of the trail was teeming with bamboo orchids on both sides.

First junction

Mari staying on the left trail at the first junction.

Second junction

Continue on the left trail, your other left! The trail is clearly defined and ribboned from this point.

Christmas tree

Some type of algae gift was growing inside this water filled ornament.

Noni

This Polynesian medicinal fruit has made the jump from native applications to MLM to Costco.

Campfire

Now all we need are marshmallows and some singing!

Thicket of trees

Hardest part of the hike – ducking and weaving amongst all these tangled trees.

End of the rope

The final push to the top.

Pu’e Ma’eli’eli

The Hawaiian name translates to Digging Hill, as legend has it that companion Gods, Kane and Kanaloa raced up this hill and had to dig with their hands to get to the top. At least that’s what the sign said.

Views at the top

The winds were kicking and the views spectacular at the top.

Panoramic view from the pillbox

Click here for the larger image.

The trail continues…

From the bunker, a trail continues down to Heeia State Park. Another hike for another day.

GPS Tracks

The 2.48 mile hike was an extreme undertaking to say the least. It took us 30 minutes to get to the top and 15 minutes to get back down. I need a lomilomi massage stat!

Tagged as: digging hill, heeia state park, Hiking, koolau valley, puu maelieli, temple valley, ww2 bunkers